TW202013320A - Security event detection with smart windows - Google Patents

Abstract

Optically controllable windows and an associated window control system provide a building security platform. A window controller or other processing device can monitor for window breakage, cameras associated with windows can monitor for intruders, and transparent displays can provide alerts regarding detected activity within a building. A window control system can detect deviations from expected I/V characteristics of an optically controllable window during normal operation of the window (tint transitions, steady state conditions, etc.) and/or during application of a security-related perturbing event, and provide alerts upon their occurrence.

Description

Use smart windows for security incident detection

The embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to the detection of security events in or near buildings. The buildings include colorable "smart windows". More specifically, the present invention relates to the detection of security events and In some cases, a smart window to respond to security incidents.

Optically switchable windows, sometimes referred to as "smart windows," exhibit controllable and reversible changes in optical properties when properly stimulated by, for example, voltage changes. The optical properties are usually color, transmittance, absorption, and/or reflectance. Electrochromic devices are sometimes used in optically switchable windows. For example, a well-known electrochromic material is tungsten oxide (WO ₃ ). Tungsten oxide is a cathodic electrochromic material in which a blue-to-blue transparent dyeing transition occurs through electrochemical reduction.

Electrically switchable windows, sometimes called "smart windows" (whether electrochromic or otherwise), can be used in buildings to control the transmission of solar energy. The switchable windows can be tinted and cleared manually or automatically by heating, air conditioning and/or lighting systems to reduce energy consumption while maintaining occupant comfort.

The window is located on the outer layer of the building and is a common target for potential intruders, because the window is usually the weakest part of the outer layer of the building. When preventing theft and other undesirable forms of intrusion, windows are usually the main concern because they are easily broken. It is expected that the improved technology for detecting and responding to such security incidents, especially the technology that utilizes the network connection of smart windows.

According to some embodiments, a method of detecting a safety-related event in an optically switchable window includes: (a) measuring the current or voltage of an optically switchable device of the optically switchable window without disturbing the transition between driving optical states and /Or a procedure to maintain the end optical state of the optically switchable window; (b) evaluate the current or voltage measured in (a) to determine whether the current or voltage measured in (a) indicates the optically switchable window Broken or damaged; and (c) Responding to the response detected in (b), performing a safety action.

In some examples, measuring the current or voltage of the optically switchable device may be performed while the optically switchable window is undergoing a transition from the first tonal state to the second tonal state.

In some examples, measuring the current or voltage of the optically switchable device may include measuring the open circuit voltage of the optically switchable device. In some examples, measuring the open circuit voltage of the optically switchable device may be performed while the optically switchable window is undergoing a transition from the first tonal state to the second tonal state.

In some examples, evaluating the current or voltage measured in (a) may include comparing the current or voltage measured in (a) with a transition between driving optical states and/or maintaining optically switchable The expected current or voltage of the window at the end of the optical state process.

In some examples, evaluating the current or voltage measured in (a) may include comparing the current or voltage measured in (a) with a transition between driving optical states and/or maintaining optically switchable The current or voltage previously measured at the end of the window's optical state procedure.

In some examples, measuring the current or voltage of the optically switchable device may be performed when the optically switchable window is in the end optical state.

In some examples, measuring the current or voltage of the optically switchable device may include measuring the leakage current of the optically switchable device.

In some examples, evaluating the current or voltage measured in (a) may include comparing the leakage current to the expected leakage current of the optically switchable device.

According to some embodiments, a method of detecting a safety-related event in an optically switchable window includes: (a) applying a disturbance to the optically switchable device of the optically switchable window; (b) detecting a response to the disturbance, which indicates The optical switchable window is broken or damaged; and (c) In response to detecting the response in (b), perform a safety action.

In some examples, applying the disturbance may include applying a disturbance voltage or a disturbance current to the optically switchable window during a tone transition of the optically switchable window, wherein the disturbance voltage or the disturbance current is not used for the tone transition drive cycle of the optically switchable window section.

In some examples, the disturbance may include applying a voltage ramp, a current ramp, or a constant voltage to the optically switchable device, and detecting the response to the disturbance may include detecting the current generated by the optically switchable device in response to the disturbance. In some examples, the disturbance may include applying a voltage ramp, a current ramp, or a constant voltage to the optically switchable device, and wherein detecting the response to the disturbance includes measuring the open circuit voltage of the optically switchable device after the disturbance is applied. In some examples, the slope of at least one of the voltage ramp and the current ramp may be a parameter set by one or more of a window controller, a network controller, and a main controller. In some examples, at least one of the window controller, the network controller, and the main controller may set the slope based on one or both of the window size and the external temperature.

In some examples, applying the disturbance in (a) may include repeatedly applying the disturbance when the optically switchable device is in the end tone state.

In some examples, applying the disturbance in (a) may include applying a square wave or a sawtooth wave to the optically switchable device.

In some examples, the disturbance may include applying an oscillating current or voltage to the optically switchable device, and detecting a response to the disturbance may include detecting a frequency response generated by the optically switchable device in response to the oscillating current or voltage. In some examples, detecting the frequency response generated by the optically switchable device in response to the oscillating current or voltage may include determining that the frequency absorption of the optically switchable device deviates from the expected frequency absorption.

In some examples, performing a security action may include displaying an alert on the local or remote device.

In some examples, performing a security action may include sending an alert message to a security officer or employee.

In some examples, performing the safety action may include adjusting the lighting in the room close to the optically switchable window.

In some examples, performing the security action may include locking the door in the room near the optically switchable window.

In some examples, performing the safety action may include adjusting the tonal state of the tintable window close to the optically switchable window.

In some examples, performing the security action may include illuminating the display registered with the optically switchable window. In some examples, illuminating the display may include a flash pattern on the display.

In some examples, the optically switchable device may be an electrochromic device.

In some examples, the safety-related event may be damage or breakage of the optically switchable window.

In some examples, detecting the response to the disturbance may include one or both of: evaluating the absolute value of the measured current; and evaluating the change in the value of the measured current over a period of time. In some examples, evaluating the absolute value of the measured current may include comparing the absolute value of the measured current with a specified value.

According to some embodiments, a security system includes: one or more interfaces for receiving sensed values of an optically switchable device of an optically switchable window; and one or more processors and memory configured to Perform the operation of the method as described in any one of the foregoing technical solutions.

According to some embodiments, a method of detecting a safety-related event, the method comprising: (a) measuring one or more of current, voltage, and charge count (Q) of an optically switchable window; (b) used in (a) one or more of the measured current, voltage, and charge count determine whether the optically switchable window is broken or damaged; and (c) in response to determining that the optically switchable window is broken or damaged, perform safety actions and/or Or warning action.

In some examples, (a) may be performed while the optically switchable window is undergoing a transition from the first tone state to the second tone state.

In some examples, the measured voltage may be the open circuit voltage of the optically switchable window.

In some examples, one or more of measuring current, voltage, and Q can be performed without significantly disturbing the apparent switchable state of the optically switchable window.

In some examples, measuring one or more of current, voltage, and Q may be performed within a period of one minute or less.

In some examples, the measurement may be performed by sampling at a first regular interval. In some examples, if it is determined that the window is broken or damaged, the measurement may be performed at a second regular interval shorter than the first regular interval.

In some examples, a procedure may be performed that measures one or more of current, voltage, and Q without disturbing the transition of the optically switchable window between optical states.

In some examples, determining whether the optically switchable window is broken or damaged may include one or both of: evaluating the absolute value of the measured current; and evaluating the value of the measured current over a period of time change. In some examples, evaluating the absolute value of the measured current may include comparing the absolute value of the measured current with a specified value.

In some examples, measuring the current may include measuring the leakage current of the optically switchable window. In some examples, determining whether the optically switchable window is broken or damaged may include comparing the leakage current to the expected leakage current of the optically switchable window. In some examples, the expected leakage current may be a parameter set by one or more of the window controller, the network controller, and the main controller. In some examples, at least one of the window controller, the network controller, and the main controller may be configured to adjust the parameters. In some examples, determining whether the optically switchable window is broken or damaged may include comparing the leakage current with The previously measured leakage current of the optically switchable window.

In some examples, determining whether the optically switchable window is broken or damaged may include measuring current and determining that the optically switchable window is not broken or damaged when the measured current exceeds a specified value.

In some examples, the method may include always applying a non-zero hold and/or drive voltage to the optically switchable window.

In some examples, determining whether the optically switchable window is broken or damaged may include measuring current and measuring one or both of voltage and Q when the measured current is less than a specified value. In some examples, determining whether the optically switchable window is broken or damaged may include determining that the optically switchable window is not broken or damaged when at least one of the measured voltage and Q exceeds respective thresholds. In some examples, each threshold may be selected by one or more of a window controller, a network controller, and a main controller. In some examples, at least one of the window controller, the network controller, and the main controller may select the threshold value as V _{OC Target} during some operations and may select the threshold value as 1 during some other operations /n*V _{OC Target} ; and n is at least 2 during some other operations.

In some instances, service actions can be selected from the group consisting of: ordering replacements for optical switchable windows; notifying window suppliers to ship replacement optical switchable windows; notifying optical switchable windows maintenance technicians to repair windows; notifying installation Managers of buildings with optically switchable windows have window-related issues; notify monitoring personnel to open service cases/records; and generate return merchandise authorization (RMA) orders.

In some instances, the alert action can be performed automatically.

In some instances, alert actions can be performed without human interaction.

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

100‧‧‧Electrochromic device

102‧‧‧ substrate

104‧‧‧The first transparent conductive layer (TCL)/component

106‧‧‧Electrochromic layer (EC)/electrochromic material/component

108‧‧‧Ion conductive layer or area (IC)/component/ion conductor area

110‧‧‧Counter electrode layer (CE)/counter electrode/component

114‧‧‧Second TCL/component

116‧‧‧Voltage source

120‧‧‧Electrochromic stacking

200‧‧‧Insulating glass unit (“IGU”)

204‧‧‧First pane/substrate

206‧‧‧Second pane/substrate

208‧‧‧ Internal volume

210‧‧‧EC device/layer

212‧‧‧ storey

214‧‧‧ storey

218‧‧‧ spacer

220‧‧‧Sealant/first main seal

222‧‧‧sealant/second main seal

224‧‧‧Sealant/Secondary seal

226‧‧‧Bus bar

228‧‧‧Bus bar

301‧‧‧ peak current

303‧‧‧

305‧‧‧Voltage curve

307‧‧‧Negative ramp/voltage ramp

309‧‧‧Negative hold/voltage hold

311‧‧‧Positive ramp/voltage ramp

313‧‧‧Positive hold/voltage hold

401‧‧‧ Current component

403‧‧‧Ramp to drive component

405‧‧‧

407‧‧‧ Current section

409‧‧‧ Stable leakage current

413‧‧‧V _drive component

415‧‧‧Slope to hold weight

417‧‧‧V _hold weight

541‧‧‧Flowchart/Method

543‧‧‧Operation

545‧‧‧Operation

547‧‧‧Operation

549‧‧‧Operation

551‧‧‧Operation

553‧‧‧Operation

555‧‧‧Operation

600‧‧‧Window control system

601‧‧‧Window control network

602‧‧‧Main network controller

604‧‧‧Intermediate Network Controller (NC)

606‧‧‧Window Controller (WC)

608‧‧‧Optical switchable window

609‧‧‧Outbound network/remote network

700‧‧‧IGU

710‧‧‧Electrochromic window

720‧‧‧Transparent display panel/transparent display

730‧‧‧Seal spacer

800‧‧‧Electrochromic window

801‧‧‧Electrochromic window

802‧‧‧Electrochromic device

803‧‧‧Second window

804‧‧‧IGU spacer

805‧‧‧Display window/display

806‧‧‧Controller

807‧‧‧Frame

900‧‧‧Descriptive frequency absorption spectrum

902‧‧‧The first curve

904‧‧‧Second superimposed curve

906‧‧‧shift

1000‧‧‧Window controller can be used to provide a continuous (or substantially continuous) safety monitoring method for tinted windows

1002‧‧‧ block

1004‧‧‧ block

1006‧‧‧ block

1008‧‧‧ block

1010‧‧‧block/operation

1012‧‧‧ block

1014‧‧‧ block

1100‧‧‧IGU

1102‧‧‧Inner window

1104‧‧‧External window

1106‧‧‧Airtight seal spacer

1108‧‧‧Differential gas sensor

1110‧‧‧Capillary

1112‧‧‧Capillary

1114‧‧‧ Internal volume

1116‧‧‧External environment

S1‧‧‧First surface

S2‧‧‧Second surface

S3‧‧‧First surface

S4‧‧‧Second surface

E‧‧‧Distance

I‧‧‧Total current density

L‧‧‧Length

W‧‧‧Width

T‧‧‧thickness

C‧‧‧Height/Interval

D‧‧‧Width

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an electrochromic device that can be used in a tintable window.

2 shows a cross-sectional side view of an example colorable window constructed as an integrated glass unit (IGU) according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating voltage and current amount variation curves associated with driving an electrochromic device from a clear state to a colored state and from a colored state to a clear state.

FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating an embodiment of a voltage and current variation curve associated with driving an electrochromic device from a clear state to a colored state.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting a procedure for detecting the progress of an optical transition and determining when the transition is completed.

Figure 6 depicts a window control network provided by a window control system with one or more tintable windows.

Figure 7 depicts an electrochromic (EC) window or IGU or laminate with a transparent display.

Figure 8 depicts an IGU with a transparent display.

FIG. 9 illustrates how the frequency stop spectrum measurement of the coating of the EC device can be used to detect window damage.

10 is a flowchart depicting a method that can be used to provide continuous or substantially continuous safety monitoring of colorable windows.

FIG. 11 depicts an IGU with a differential pressure sensor that can be used to detect broken windows.

For the purpose of describing the disclosed aspects, the following embodiments are related 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 the disclosed embodiments can be used Make changes without departing 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, including For example, 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, "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".

Colorable windows:

A tintable window (sometimes referred to as an optically switchable window or smart window) is a window that exhibits a controllable and reversible change in optical properties when a stimulus 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 therefore, the heat load imposed on the inside of the building). The control can be manual or automatic, and the control can be used to maintain occupant comfort while reducing the energy consumption of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and/or lighting systems. In some situations, the tintable window can respond to environmental sensors and user controls. In this application, tintable 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. The colorable window can be operated using a liquid crystal device, a suspended particle device, a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device (such as a micro-shutter), or any technique that is now known or later developed and configured to control the transmission of light through the window. The window with the MEMS device for coloring is further described on May 15, 2015 and is entitled "Multi-pane window including electrochromic device and electromechanical system device (MULTI-PANE WINDOWS INCLUDING ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES AND ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS DEVICES) "US Patent Application No. 14/443,353, said patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some cases, the tintable windows can be located inside the building, for example between the conference room and the corridor. In some situations, tintable windows can be used in cars, trains, airplanes, and other vehicles.

~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。 An electrochromic (EC) device coating (sometimes referred to as an EC device (ECD)) is a coating with at least one layer of electrochromic material that exhibits from one optical state to another when a potential is applied to the EC device A change in optical state. 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 visible 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.

In some cases, the window controller paired with the EC device coating is configured to transition the EC device coating between a plurality of defined optical tone states. For example, EC device coatings can be in five optical tonal states (clear or TS 0, TS 1, TS 2, TS 3, and TS) ranging from clear (TS 0) to fully colored (TS 4) 4) Transition between. In this disclosure, TS 0, TS 1, TS 2, TS 3, and TS 4 refer to the optical state of a tintable window configured with five optical tone states. In one embodiment, the five optical tone states TS 0, TS 1, TS 2, TS 3, and TS 4 have associated visible light transmittance values of approximately 82%, 58%, 40%, 7%, and 1%, respectively . In some situations, the hue state can be selected by the user according to his preference. Under some conditions, the associated window controller can automatically fine-tune the optical state of the EC device coating. For example, the controller can adjust the coloration of the EC device coating between ten or more tone states to maintain better internal lighting conditions.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrochromic device 100 according to some embodiments. The electrochromic device 100 includes a substrate 102, a first transparent conductive layer (TCL) 104, an electrochromic layer (EC) 106 (sometimes referred to as a cathode coloring layer or a cathode coloring layer)), an ion conductive layer or region ( IC) 108, counter electrode layer (CE) 110 (sometimes referred to as anode dyeing layer or anode coloring layer), and second TCL 114. The elements 104, 106, 108, 110, and 114 collectively constitute the electrochromic stack 120. A voltage source 116 operable to apply a potential on the electrochromic stack 120 achieves the transition of the electrochromic coating from, for example, a clear state to a colored state. In other embodiments, the order of layers relative to the substrate may be reversed. That is, the layers are in the following order: substrate, TCL, counter electrode layer, ion conductive layer, electrochromic material layer, TCL.

In various embodiments, the ion conductor region 108 may form part of the EC layer 106 and/or form part of the CE layer 110. In such embodiments, the electrochromic stack 120 may be deposited to include a cathode dyed electrochromic material (EC layer) in direct physical contact with the anode dyed counter electrode material (CE layer). Ion conductor regions 108 (sometimes referred to as interface regions or ionically conductive substantially electrically insulating layers or regions) may then be formed at the junction of EC layer 106 and CE layer 110, for example, via heating and/or other processing steps. Electrochromic devices manufactured without depositing dissimilar ion conductor materials further discuss U.S. Patent Application No. 13/462,725, entitled "Electrochromic Devices (ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES)", filed on May 2, 2012 In this, the patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the EC device coating may also include one or more additional layers, such as one or more passive layers. For example, the passive layer can be used to improve certain optical properties to provide moisture resistance or scratch resistance. These or other passive layers can also be used to hermetically seal the EC stack 120. In addition, various layers including transparent conductive layers (such as 104 and 114) can be treated with anti-reflective or protective oxide or nitride layers.

In some embodiments, the electrochromic device reversibly cycles between a clear state and a colored state. In the clear state, a potential can be applied to the electrochromic stack 120, so that the available ions in the stack that can make the electrochromic material 106 in a colored state mainly reside in the opposing electrode 110. When the potential applied to the electrochromic stack is reversed, ions are transported across the ion conductive layer 108 to the electrochromic material 106 and put the material into a colored state.

It should be understood that the reference to the transition between the clear state and the colored state is non-limiting and only indicates one of many examples of electrochromic transitions that can be implemented. Unless otherwise specified herein, whenever reference is made to the transition between the clear state and the colored 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" generally refer to optically neutral states, such as uncolored, transparent, or translucent. In addition, it should be understood that the selection of appropriate electrochromic materials and counter electrode materials governs the related optical transitions, and unless otherwise specified in this article, the "color" or "hue" of the electrochromic transition is not limited to any particular wavelength Or wavelength range.

In some embodiments, all materials that make up the electrochromic stack 120 are inorganic, solid (ie, in a solid state), or both inorganic and solid. Because organic materials tend to degrade over time, especially when exposed to external environmental temperatures and radiation conditions such as building windows that can be expected to withstand, inorganic materials provide the advantage of a reliable electrochromic stack that can function for extended periods of time. Materials that are solid also provide the advantage of not containing and leaking problems that materials that are liquid generally have. It should be understood that any one or more of the layers in the stack may contain some amount of organic material, but in many embodiments, one or more of the layers contain little or no organic material. The same can be said for liquid systems that can be present in small amounts in one or more layers. It should also be understood that solid materials may be deposited or otherwise formed by processes using liquid components (such as certain processes using sol-gel or chemical vapor deposition).

2 shows a cross-sectional view of an example tintable window constructed as an insulating glass unit ("IGU") 200 according to some embodiments. In general, unless stated otherwise, the terms "IGU", "colorable window" and "optically switchable window" are used interchangeably. The convention described here is generally used, for example because it is common and because it may be desirable for the IGU to be used to provide electrochromic panes (also known as "windows") for installation in buildings The basic structure of the electrochromic pane is fixed. The IGU window or pane can be a single substrate or a multi-substrate configuration, such as a laminate of two substrates. IGU, especially IGU with dual-pane or triple-pane configuration can provide several advantages over single-pane configuration; for example, multi-pane configuration can provide enhanced heat compared to single-pane configuration Insulation, noise insulation, environmental protection and/or durability. The multi-pane configuration can also provide enhanced protection for ECD, for example because the electrochromic film and associated layers and conductive interconnects can be formed on the inner surface of the multi-pane IGU and be within the internal volume 208 of the IGU Protected by inert gas filling. The inert gas filler provides at least some (thermal) insulation function of the IGU. Electrochromic IGUs have added thermal insulation capabilities by means of colorable coatings that absorb (or reflect) heat and light.

In the illustrated example, the IGU 200 includes a first pane 204 having a first surface S1 and a second surface S2. In some embodiments, the first surface S1 of the first pane 204 faces an external environment, such as an outdoor or external environment. The IGU 200 also includes a second pane 206 having a first surface S3 and a second surface S4. In some embodiments, the second surface S4 of the second pane 206 faces an internal environment, such as the internal environment of a house, building, or vehicle, or a room or compartment within a house, building, or vehicle.

In some implementations, each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 is transparent or translucent—at least for light in the visible spectrum. For example, each of the panes 204 and 206 may be formed of glass materials such as architectural glass or other shatter-resistant glass materials such as silicon oxide (SO _x ) based glass materials. As a more specific example, each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 may be a soda lime glass substrate or a floating glass substrate. Such a glass substrate may be composed of, for example, approximately 75% silicon dioxide (SiO ₂ ) as well as Na ₂ O, CaO, and several trace additives. However, each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 may be formed of any material having suitable optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. For example, other suitable substrates that can be used as one or both of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 include other glass materials as well as plastic, semi-plastic, and thermoplastic materials (eg, poly(methacrylic acid (Ester), polystyrene, polycarbonate, allyl diethylene glycol carbonate, styrene acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), poly(4-methyl-1-pentene), polyester, polyamidoamine) Or mirror material. In some implementations, each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 can be strengthened, for example, by tempering, heating, or chemical strengthening.

Generally, each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 and the entire IGU 200 may be configured as a rectangular solid. However, in some embodiments, other shapes (eg, circular, elliptical, triangular, curvilinear, convex, or concave shapes) may be covered. In some particular rectangular implementations, the length "L" of each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 may be from about 20 inches (inch/in.) to about 10 feet (feet/ft.) Within the range, the width "W" of each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 may be in the range of about 20 inches to about 10 feet, and the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 The thickness "T" of each can be in the range of about 0.3 millimeters (mm) to about 10 mm (but other lengths, widths or thicknesses (both smaller and larger) are possible and may be expected to be based on specific usage The needs of the owner, manager, administrator, builder, architect or owner). In the example where the thickness T of the substrate 204 is less than 3 mm, the substrate is usually laminated to an extra substrate that is thicker and thus protects the thin substrate 204. Additionally, although the IGU 200 includes two panes (204 and 206), in some other implementations, the IGU may include three or more than three panes. Furthermore, in some embodiments, one or more of the panes may itself be a laminated structure of two, three, or more than three layers or sub-panes.

In the illustrated example, the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 are spaced apart from each other by a spacer 218 to form an internal volume 208, which is usually a frame structure. In some embodiments, the internal volume 208 is filled with argon (Ar), but in some other embodiments, the internal volume 208 may be filled with another gas, such as another inert gas (eg, krypton (Kr) or xenon) (Xn)), another (non-inert) gas or gas mixture (eg, air). Filling the internal volume 208 with gases such as Ar, Kr, or Xn can reduce conductive heat transfer through the IGU 200 due to the low thermal conductivity of these gases, and improve acoustic insulation due to the high atomic weight of the gas. In some other embodiments, the internal volume 208 may be evacuated of air or other gases. The spacer 218 generally determines the height "C" of the internal volume 208; that is, the interval between the first pane 204 and the second pane 206. In FIG. 2, the thicknesses of the ECD 210, the sealant 220/222, and the bus bars 226/228 are not to scale; these components are usually extremely thin, but they are only exaggerated here for ease of explanation. In some embodiments, the interval "C" between the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 is in the range of about 6 mm to about 30 mm. The width "D" of the spacer 218 may be in the range of about 5 mm to about 25 mm (although other widths are possible and may be desired).

Although not shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, the spacer 218 may be generally configured as a frame structure formed around all sides of the IGU 200 (eg, top side, bottom side, left side, and right side of the IGU 200). In some embodiments, the spacer 218 may be formed of a foam or plastic material. However, in some other embodiments, the spacer 218 may be formed of a metal or other conductive material, such as a metal pipe or channel structure, having a first side configured for sealing to the substrate 204, and configured to seal to The second side of the substrate 206 and the third side configured to support and separate the windows and serve as the surface on which the sealant 224 is coated. The first main seal 220 adheres and hermetically seals the spacer 218 and the second surface S2 of the first pane or substrate 204. The second main seal 222 adheres and hermetically seals the spacer 218 and the first surface S3 of the second pane or substrate 206. In some embodiments, each of the primary seals 220 and 222 may be formed from an adhesive sealant such as polyisobutylene (PIB). In some embodiments, the IGU 200 further includes a secondary seal 224 that hermetically seals outside the spacer 218 around the boundary of the entire IGU 200. For this purpose, the spacer 218 may be embedded a distance “E” from the edges of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206. The distance "E" may be in the range of about 4 mm to about 8 mm (although other distances are possible and may be desired). In some embodiments, the secondary seal 224 may be formed from an adhesive sealant, such as a polymeric material, that is waterproof and adds structural support to the assembly, such as polysiloxane, polyurethane, and similar structural seals that form watertight seals Agent.

In the implementation shown in FIG. 2, the ECD 210 is formed on the second surface S2 of the first pane 204. In some other implementations, the ECD 210 may be formed on another suitable surface, such as the first surface S1 of the first pane 204, the first surface S3 of the second pane 206, or the second surface of the second pane 206 S4. The ECD 210 includes an electrochromic ("EC") stack, which may itself include one or more layers as described with reference to FIG. In the illustrated example, the EC stack includes layers 210, 212, and 214.

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 stimulation to the window, for example, 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. Typically, the controller directly responsible for causing the tone change will be attached to the window of the IGU or laminate, but it can also be in the 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). Also, individual panes of the electrochromic window may have electrochromic coatings, which 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.

If not directly attached to the tintable window, IGU or frame, the window controller is usually located near the tintable window. For example, the window controller may be adjacent to the window, on the surface of one of the window panes, within the wall close to the window or within the frame of the free-standing window assembly. In some embodiments, the window controller is an "in-situ" 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 on site, For example, the controller and the window travel from the factory 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, for example, installed on the pane of the IGU or the pane of the laminate or installed on the pane of the IGU or Between the panes of the laminate. 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 "on-glass" controllers are provided in US Patent Application No. 14/951,410, entitled "Self-contained EC IGU (SELF CONTAINED EC IGU)", filed on November 14, 2015. It is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the local controller may be provided as more than one component, wherein at least one component (e.g., a memory component containing information storing information about the associated electrochromic window) is provided as part of the window assembly, and At least one other component is separate and configured to mate with at least one component that is part of the 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, such as in a single housing or in a combination of two or more components (e.g., connectors and housing assembly), which is close to the glass and not in the visible area or Installed on the glass in the visible area.

In one embodiment, before installing the tintable window, the window controller is incorporated into or on the IGU and/or window frame, or at least into the same building as the 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.

In the case of having the controller as part of the IGU and/or window assembly, the IGU may have the logic and features of the controller traveling 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 of the controller can be used to calibrate the control parameters to match the intended installation, and if installed, the control parameters can be recalibrated to match the electrical The performance characteristics of the color change pane.

In other embodiments, the controller is not pre-associated with the window, but instead, for example, an articulation component with a portion 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 connecting component to complete the electrochromic window controller assembly. The connector assembly may include a chip that is attached at the factory by a connector to a specific window (eg, a surface that will face the interior of the building after installation, sometimes referred to as surface 4 or "S4") The physical characteristics and parameters are programmed. The second component (sometimes called "carrier", "housing", "housing" or "controller") is mated with the connector, and when powered, the second component can read the chip and store it on the chip according to Specific characteristics and parameters to configure itself to power the window. In this way, the shipped window only needs to have its associated parameters stored on the wafer integrated with the window, and more complex circuitry and components can be combined later (eg, shipped separately and by the window manufacturer in the glasswork Installed after the window has been installed, and then commissioned by the window manufacturer). Various embodiments will be described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the chip is included in a wire or wire connector attached to the window controller. Such wires with connectors are sometimes referred to as pigtail fibers.

As indicated above, the IGU includes two (or more than two) substantially transparent substrates, such as two glass panes, where at least one substrate includes an electrochromic device disposed thereon, and the pane has a The divider (spacer) in between. The IGU is usually hermetically sealed and has an internal area isolated from the surrounding environment. The "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, a switch, and the like , And may include a frame supporting IGU or laminate. The window assembly may include a window controller and/or components of the window controller (eg, connectors) as described herein.

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 inner-facing surface of the inner 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, this same convention is used (ie, 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) may be placed on S3.

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 OPTICALIY-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 for "METHOD OF COMMISSIONING ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS", each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Control algorithm for electrochromic window

The window controller is configured to control the optical state of the window by applying voltage or current to the EC device coating. A general non-limiting example of a control algorithm for controlling the optical state of an EC device coating is now provided.

"Optical transformation" refers to the change of any one or more optical properties of an optically switchable device. The changed optical properties may be, for example, hue, reflectivity, refractive index, color, etc. In some embodiments, the optical transition will have a defined starting optical state and a defined ending optical state. For example, the start optical state may be 80% transmittance and the end optical state may be 50% transmittance. The optical transition is usually driven by applying appropriate potentials to the two conductive sheets of the optically switchable device.

The "start optical state" is the optical state of the optically switchable device immediately before the start of the optical transition. The initial optical state is generally defined as the magnitude of the optical state that can be hue, reflectivity, refractive index, color, etc. The starting optical state may be the maximum or minimum optical state of the optically switchable device; for example, 90% or 4% transmittance. Alternatively, the starting optical state may be an intermediate optical state having a value somewhere between the maximum optical state and the minimum optical state of the optically switchable device; for example, 50% transmittance.

The "end optical state" is the optical state of the optically switchable device immediately after the complete optical transition from the start optical state. A complete transition occurs when the optical state changes in a way that is understood to be complete for a particular application. For example, complete coloring can be viewed as a transition from 75% optical transmittance to 10% transmittance. The end optical state may be the maximum or minimum optical state of the optically switchable device; for example, 90% or 4% transmittance. Alternatively, the ending optical state may be an intermediate optical state having a value somewhere between the maximum optical state and the minimum optical state of the optically switchable device; for example, 50% transmittance.

"Busbar" means a conductive strip attached to a conductive layer such as a transparent conductive electrode, which spans the area of the optically switchable device. The bus bar delivers potential and current from the external lead to the conductive layer. The optically switchable device may include two or more bus bars, each of which is connected to a single conductive layer of the device. In various embodiments, the bus bar forms a long thin line that spans most of the length or width of the device. The bus bar is usually located near the edge of the device.

"Applied voltage" or _Vapp refers to the difference in potential applied to two bus bars of opposite polarity on an electrochromic device. Each bus bar is electronically connected to a separate transparent conductive layer. The applied voltage may contain different magnitudes or functions, such as driving optical transitions or maintaining optical states. Optical switchable device materials such as electrochromic materials are sandwiched between transparent conductive layers. Each of the transparent conductive layers experiences a potential drop between the location where the bus bar is connected to it and the location away from the bus bar. Generally speaking, the greater the distance from the bus bar, the greater the potential drop in the transparent conductive layer. The local potential of the transparent conductive layer is generally referred to herein as V _TCL . Bus bars with opposite polarities can be laterally separated from each other across the face of the optically switchable device.

"Effective voltage" or V _eff refers to the potential between the positive transparent conductive layer and the negative transparent conductive layer at any specific location on the optically switchable device. In Cartesian space, the effective voltage is defined for specific x,y coordinates on the device. At the point where V _eff is measured, the two transparent conductive layers are separated in the z direction (by device material), but share the same x,y coordinates.

"Hold voltage" means the applied voltage necessary to maintain the device indefinitely in the end optical state. In some cases, without applying a holding voltage, the electrochromic window returns to its natural tone state. In other words, maintaining the desired tone state may require the application of a holding voltage.

"Drive voltage" refers to the applied voltage provided during at least a portion of the optical transition. The driving voltage can be regarded as "driving" at least part of the optical transition. The magnitude is different from the magnitude of the applied voltage immediately before starting the optical transition. In some embodiments, the magnitude of the driving voltage is greater than the magnitude of the holding voltage.

"Open circuit voltage" (V _OC ) refers to the voltage on the EC device (or the terminal or bus bar connected to the EC device) when little or no current passes. In some embodiments, V _OC is measured after a defined period of time has passed since the application of the condition of interest (eg, AC signal or pulse). For example, the open circuit voltage may be acquired a few milliseconds after applying the condition or in some cases, may be acquired immediately after applying the condition of interest or approximately 1 to several seconds after applying the condition of interest.

To increase the speed of the optical transition, an applied voltage may initially be provided in an amount greater than that required to maintain the device in a particular optical state in equilibrium. This method is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a graph depicting voltage and current amount variation curves associated with driving an electrochromic device from a clear state to a colored state and from a colored state to a clear state. FIG. 4 is a graph depicting certain voltage and current amount variation curves associated with driving an electrochromic device from a colored state to a clear state. In addition, as used herein, when referring to the optical state of the electrochromic device of the IGU, the terms clear and bleach are used interchangeably, as are the terms coloring and dyeing. In some embodiments, the driving voltage and/or the holding voltage includes a non-zero value sufficient to maintain a non-zero open circuit voltage. In one embodiment, the non-zero drive and/or hold voltage is always maintained at a non-zero value, so that the drop in open circuit voltage can always be detected. In one embodiment, the drive and/or hold voltage is never allowed to fall below the range between about 100 mV and 500 mV.

Figure 3 shows the complete current and voltage curve for the electrochromic device. The electrochromic device uses a simple voltage control algorithm to cause the optical state transition cycle of the electrochromic device (dyeing, followed by bleaching) . In the graph, the total current density (I) is expressed as a function of time. As mentioned, the total current density is a combination of the ionic current density associated with the electrochromic transition and the electron leakage current between the electrochemically active electrodes. Many different types of electrochromic devices may have current flow curves similar to those illustrated in FIG. 3. In one example, a cathode electrochromic material such as tungsten oxide is used in combination with an anode electrochromic material such as nickel tungsten oxide in the counter electrode. In such devices, the negative current indicates the dyeing of the device. In one example, lithium ions flow from the nickel-tungsten oxide anode-dyed electrochromic electrode to the tungsten oxide cathode-dyed electrochromic electrode. Correspondingly, electrons flow into the tungsten oxide electrode to compensate for positively charged lithium ions. Therefore, the voltage and current appear to have negative values.

The depicted quantitative curve is generated by ramping the voltage to a set level and then maintaining the voltage to maintain the optical state. The current peak 301 is associated with changes in optical state (ie, dyeing and bleaching). Specifically, the current peak value represents the delivery of the ionic charge required to dye or bleach the device. Mathematically, the shaded area below the peak represents the total charge required to dye or bleach the device. The portion of the curve after the initial current spike (section 303) represents the electron leakage current when the device is in a new optical state.

In the figure, the voltage quantity curve 305 is superimposed on the current curve. The voltage variation curve follows the following sequence: negative ramp 307, negative hold 309, positive ramp 311, and positive hold 313. It should be noted that the voltage remains constant after reaching its maximum magnitude and during the length of time the device remains in its defined optical state. The voltage ramp 307 drives the device to the new dyeing state, and the voltage hold 309 maintains the device in the dyeing state until the voltage ramp 311 in the opposite direction drives the transition from the dyeing state to the bleaching state. In some implementations, the voltage holding 309 and 313 may also be referred to as V _drive . In some switching algorithms, the current limit is imposed. That is, the current is not allowed to exceed the defined level in order to prevent damage to the device (for example, driving the ions through the material layer too fast can physically damage the material layer). The dyeing speed is not only a function of the applied voltage but also the temperature and voltage ramp rate.

FIG. 4 illustrates a voltage control quantity curve according to some embodiments. In the depicted embodiment, the voltage controlled quantity curve is used to drive the transition from the bleached state to the dyed state (or to the intermediate state). In order to drive the electrochromic device from the dyed state to the bleached state (or from the more dyed state to the less dyed state) in the reverse direction, a similar but reversed quantitative curve is used. In some embodiments, the voltage-controlled quantitative curve used from dyeing to bleaching is a mirror image of the quantitative curve depicted in FIG. 4.

The voltage value depicted in FIG. 4 represents the applied voltage (V _app ) value. The curve of the applied voltage is shown by the dotted line. In contrast, the current density in the device is shown by the solid line. In the depicted quantitative curve, V _app contains four components: ramp-to-drive component 403, its initial transition; V _drive component 413, which continues the drive transition; ramp-to-hold component 415; and V _hold component 417. The ramp component is implemented as a change in _Vapp and the _Vdrive and _Vhold components provide a constant or substantially constant magnitude of _Vapp .

The ramp-to-drive component 403 is characterized by the ramp rate (incremental value) and magnitude of V _drive . When the magnitude of the applied voltage reaches V _drive , the ramp to drive component 403 is completed. 413 V _drive component characterized in that the duration value V _drive and V _drive it. The magnitude of V _drive can be selected to maintain a safe but effective range of V _{eff over} the entire surface of the electrochromic device as described above.

Wherein the ramp component 415 to the holding voltage V _hold in that the ramp rate (decreasing values) and values (or optionally a difference between the _drive and the V _hold V). V _app decreases according to the ramp rate until it reaches the value of V _hold . 417 V _hold component characterized in that the duration and magnitude of V _hold the V _hold. The duration of V _hold is usually controlled by the length of time the device is held in the dyed state (or conversely, in the bleached state). Unlike the ramp-to-drive, V _drive, and ramp-to-hold components (403, 413, 415), the V _hold component 417 can have any length, which can be independent of the physical characteristics of the optical transition of the device.

Each type of electrochromic device will have its own characteristic component of the voltage-volume curve for driving optical transitions. For example, a relatively larger device and/or a device with a conductive layer with a larger resistance will require a higher V _drive value and possibly a higher ramp rate to the driving component. Larger devices may also require higher V _hold values. U.S. Patent Application No. 13/449,251, entitled "CONTROLLER FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE WINDOWS", filed on April 17, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference Controllers and related algorithms for driving optical transitions under a wide range of conditions. As explained therein, each of the components of the applied voltage quantity curve (in this context, ramp to drive, V _drive , ramp to hold, and V _hold ) can be independently controlled to adapt to immediate conditions, such as current temperature, transmission The current level of the rate. In some embodiments, the value of each component of the applied voltage quantity curve is set for a particular electrochromic device (with its own bus bar separation, resistivity, etc.) and varies based on current conditions. In other words, in such an embodiment, the voltage quantity curve does not consider feedback such as temperature, current density, and the like.

As indicated, all voltage values shown in the voltage-to-variation curve of FIG. 4 correspond to the V _app values described above. It does not correspond to the V _eff value described above. In other words, the voltage value depicted in FIG. 4 represents the voltage difference between bus bars with opposite polarities on the electrochromic device.

In some embodiments, the slope of the voltage quantity curve is selected to drive the component to safely but quickly induce the flow of ion current between the electrochromic electrode and the counter electrode. As shown in FIG. 4, the current in the device follows the ramp curve from the ramp to the driving voltage component until the ramp of the ramp curve ends at the drive portion and the V _drive portion begins. See current component 401 in FIG. 4. The safety level of current and voltage can be determined based on experience or based on other feedback. U.S. Patent No. 8,254,013, entitled ``CONTROLLING TRANSITIONS IN OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE DEVICES'', filed on March 16, 2011, is incorporated herein by reference and is presented for use in electroluminescence An example of an algorithm for maintaining a safe current level during the transition of a color changing device.

In some embodiments, the value of V _drive is selected based on the considerations described above. In particular, the value is selected so that the value of V _eff on the entire surface of the electrochromic device is kept within a range that allows a large electrochromic device to transition efficiently and safely. The duration of the V _drive can be selected based on various considerations. One of these ensures that the drive potential is maintained for a period of time sufficient to cause significant staining of the device. For this purpose, the duration of the V _drive can be determined empirically by monitoring the optical density of the device as a function of the length of time the V _drive remains in place. In some embodiments, the duration of V _drive is set to a specified time period. In another embodiment, the duration of V _drive is set to correspond to the desired amount of ion charge transferred. As shown, the current ramps down during V _drive . See current section 407.

Another consideration is that the current density in the device decreases due to ionic current attenuation, which is because lithium ions can be used to complete their journey from the anode dye electrode to the cathode dye electrode (or counter electrode) during the optical transition. When the conversion is completed, the only current flowing through the device is the leakage current through the ion conductive material. Therefore, the ohmic voltage drop of the potential on the surface of the device decreases and the local value of V _eff increases. If the applied voltage does not decrease, these increases in V _eff can damage or degrade the device. Therefore, another consideration in determining the duration of V _drive is the goal of reducing the level of V _eff associated with the leakage current. By lowering the applied voltage from V _drive to V _hold , not only the V _eff on the surface of the device is reduced, but the leakage current is also reduced. As shown in FIG. 4, the device current transitions in the section 405 during the ramp-to-hold component. The current stabilizes to a stable leakage current 409 during V _hold .

Some embodiments utilize electrical detection and monitoring to determine when the optical transition between the first optical state and the second optical state of the optically switchable device has proceeded to a sufficient extent that the application of the driving voltage can be terminated. In some embodiments, electrical detection allows for at least on average a shorter drive voltage application than is possible without detection. In addition, this detection can help ensure that the optical transition progresses to the desired state. Embodiments using this detection or monitoring can be fully utilized to determine whether a safety-related event has occurred. Before explaining how to make this determination, an example program for detecting optical transitions will be presented.

In some embodiments, the detection technique involves pulsed delivery of the current or voltage applied to drive the transition and then monitoring the current or voltage response to detect "overdrive" conditions near the bus bar. An overdrive condition occurs when the effective local voltage is greater than the voltage required to cause a local optical transition. For example, if the optical transition to the clear state is considered complete when V _eff reaches 2V and the local value of V _eff close to the bus bar is 2.2V, the position close to the bus bar can be characterized as under overdrive conditions .

An example of a detection technique involves pulse-feeding the applied voltage by lowering the applied drive voltage to the level of the holding voltage (or the holding voltage modified by an appropriate offset), and monitoring the current response to determine the direction of the current response . In this example, when the current response reaches the defined threshold, the device control system determines that it is now the time to transition from the driving voltage to the holding voltage. There are many possible variations of the detection agreement. Such changes may include certain pulse agreements defined according to the length of time from the start of the transition to the first pulse, the duration of the pulse, the size of the pulse, and the frequency of the pulse.

In some situations, the detection technique may be implemented using a drop in applied current (eg, measuring open circuit voltage). The current or voltage response indicates that the optical transition is near completion. In some cases, the response is compared to the threshold current or voltage at a specific time (eg, the time that has passed since the initial optical transition). In some embodiments, sequential pulses or checks are used to compare the progress of the current or voltage response. The steepness of progress may indicate when the end state may be reached. The linear extension of this threshold current can be used to predict when the transition will be completed, or more precisely, when it will be fully completed, making it suitable for lowering the drive voltage to the holding voltage.

Regarding the algorithm used to ensure that the optical transition from the first state to the second state occurs within a defined time range, the controller can be configured or designed to interpret the impulse response to indicate that the progress of the transition is not fast enough When the desired transition speed is satisfied, the driving voltage suitable for accelerating the transition is increased. In some embodiments, when it is determined that the progress of the transition is not fast enough, the transition switches to its mode driven by the applied current. The current is large enough to increase the speed of transition, but not so large that it degrades or damages the electrochromic device. In some embodiments, the largest suitable safe current may be referred to as I _safe . Examples of I _safe can range between about 5 and 250 μA/cm ² . In the current control drive mode, the applied voltage is allowed to float during the optical transition. Then, during this current-controlled driving step, the controller can periodically detect by, for example, dropping to the holding voltage and checking the degree of completion of the transition in the same manner as when using a constant driving voltage.

In general, detection techniques can determine whether the optical transition is progressing as expected. If the technology determines that the optical transition is too slow, it can take steps to accelerate the transition. For example, it can increase the driving voltage. Similarly, the technology can determine that the optical transition is progressing too fast and there is a risk of damaging the device. When this determination is made, the detection technique can take steps to slow down the transition. As an example, the controller may reduce the driving voltage.

In some cases, the detection technique is used to modify the operation of optical transition to different end states. In some situations, it will be necessary to change the end state after the transition begins. Examples of reasons for this modification include (1) the user manually changing the previously specified end tone state and (2) extensive power shortage or interruption. In these cases, the initially set end state may be transmittance=40% and the modified end state may be transmittance=5%.

In the case where the modification of the end state occurs during the optical transition, the detection technique disclosed herein can be adapted and moved directly to the new end state instead of completing the transition to the initial end state first.

It should be understood that the detection techniques presented herein need not be limited to measuring the magnitude of device current in response to a voltage drop (pulse). There are various alternatives for measuring the magnitude of the current response to a voltage pulse as an indicator of how far the optical transition has progressed. In one example, the quantitative curve of the current transient provides useful information. In another example, the open circuit voltage of the measuring device provides the necessary information. In such embodiments, the pulse involves simply not applying a voltage to the device, and then measuring the voltage applied by the open circuit device. In addition, it should be understood that algorithms based on current and voltage are equivalent. In the current-based algorithm, detection is performed by decreasing the applied current and responding to the monitoring device. The response can be the measured change in voltage. For example, the device can be kept in an open circuit condition to measure the voltage between the bus bars.

FIG. 5 presents a flowchart 541 of a process for monitoring and controlling optical transitions according to some disclosed embodiments. In this situation, the detected procedural condition is the open circuit voltage, as described in the previous paragraph. As depicted, the program begins with the operation represented by reference numeral 543, where a controller or other control logic receives instructions to direct the optical transition. As explained, the optical transition may be an optical transition between the colored state and the clearer state of the electrochromic device. The instructions used to guide the optical transition can be provided to the controller based on pre-programmed schedules, algorithms that respond to external conditions, manual input from the user, etc. Regardless of how the command is generated, the controller can act on the optical switchable device by applying a driving voltage to the bus bar at the operation indicated by reference numeral 545. After allowing the optical transition to proceed gradually, the controller applies an open circuit condition to the electrochromic device at operation 547. Next, at operation 549, the controller measures the open circuit voltage response.

In some embodiments, the open circuit voltage is measured/recorded after a time range that depends on the characteristics of the open circuit voltage. In other words, the open circuit voltage can be measured over time after the open circuit condition is applied, and the voltage selected for analysis can be selected based on the voltage versus time characteristics. As described above, after applying the open circuit condition, the voltage undergoes an initial drop, followed by a first relaxation, a first plateau, and a second relaxation. Each of these periods can be identified on the voltage versus time graph based on the slope of the curve. For example, the first plateau will be a portion of the graph where the magnitude of dV _OC /dt is relatively low. This may correspond to the condition where the ion current has stopped (or nearly stopped) decay. Thus, in some embodiments, the open circuit voltage used in feedback/analysis is the voltage measured when the magnitude of dV _OC /dt drops below a certain threshold.

Still referring to FIG. 5, after measuring the open circuit voltage response, it can be compared with the target open circuit voltage at operation 551. The target open circuit voltage may correspond to the holding voltage. Under certain conditions, the target open circuit voltage corresponds to the holding voltage as modified by the offset. In the case where the open circuit voltage response indicates that the optical transition is not nearly complete (ie, in the case where the open circuit voltage has not reached the target open circuit voltage), the method continues at operation 553, where the applied voltage is increased to the drive voltage for an additional period of time . After the additional period of time has elapsed, the method may repeat from operation 547, where the open circuit condition is applied to the device again. At some point in method 541, it will be determined in operation 551 that the open circuit voltage response indicates that the optical transition is near completion (ie, where the open circuit voltage response has reached the target open circuit voltage). When this is the case, the method continues at operation 555, where the applied voltage is maintained at the holding voltage for the duration of ending the optical state. The detection method is described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 9,885,935 issued on February 6, 2018 and entitled "CONTROLLING TRANSITIONS IN OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE DEVICES", which is incorporated by reference in its entirety The way is incorporated into this article.

Window control system:

When the 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. The network and various devices (eg, controllers and sensors) connected via the network (eg, wired or wireless power transmission and/or communication) are referred to herein as window control systems. The window control network can provide tone commands to the window controller, 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 . In some cases, the information transmitted via the window communication network does not have to affect the window control. For example, the information received at the first window configured to receive WiFi or LiFi signals may be transmitted via the communication network to the 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 may also be able to communicate communication information for other devices that interface with the communication network, such as HVAC systems, lighting systems, security systems, individuals Computing devices and the like.

FIG. 6 provides an example of the control network 601 of the window control system 600. The network can distribute both control commands and feedback and act as a power distribution network. The main network controller 602 communicates and functions in conjunction with a plurality of intermediate network controllers (NC) 604, each of which can address or apply voltage or current to control the tone state of one or more optically switchable windows 608 A plurality of window controllers (WC) 606 (sometimes referred to herein as leaf controllers). Communication between NC 604, WC 606, and window 608 may occur via a wired (eg, Ethernet) or via a wireless (eg, WiFi or LiFi) connection. In some embodiments, the main network controller 602 issues high-level commands (such as the final tonal state of the electrochromic window) to the NC 604, and the NC 604 then communicates the commands to the corresponding WC 608. Generally, the main network controller 602 may be configured to communicate with one or more outbound networks 609. The control network 601 may include any suitable number of distributed controllers that have various capabilities or functions and need not be configured in the hierarchical structure depicted in FIG. 6. As discussed elsewhere herein, the control network 601 can also be used as a communication network between distributed controllers (eg, 602, 604, 606) that serve as communication nodes to other devices or systems (eg, 609).

In some embodiments, the external network 609 is part of or connected to the building management system (BMS). BMS is a computer-based control system that can be installed in a building to monitor and control the mechanical and electrical equipment of the building. The BMS can be configured to control the operation of HVAC systems, lighting systems, power systems, elevators, fire protection systems, security systems, and other safety systems. BMS is often used in large buildings, where BMS functions to control the environment within the building. For example, BMS can monitor and control light, temperature, carbon dioxide content, and humidity in buildings. In this case, BMS can control the operation of furnaces, air conditioners, blowers, vents, gas lines, water pipes, and the like. In order to control the environment of the building, the BMS can switch on and off these various devices according to rules established by, for example, building managers. One function of BMS is to maintain a comfortable environment for the occupants of the building. In some implementations, the BMS can be configured to not only monitor and control building conditions, but also optimize the synergy between various systems, for example, to save energy and reduce building operating costs. In some embodiments, the BMS may be configured with disaster response. For example, the BMS can start using a backup generator and shut down water pipes and gas lines. In some situations, BMS has more centralized applications, such as simply controlling HVAC systems, while parallel systems such as lighting systems, tintable windows, and/or security systems are standalone or interact with BMS.

In some embodiments, the control network 601 itself can provide services to buildings that are typically provided by BMS. In some cases, some or all of the controllers 602, 604, and 606 may provide computing resources that can be used in other building systems. For example, the controllers on the window control network may individually or collectively run software for one or more BMS applications as previously described. In some situations, the window control network 601 may provide communication with other building systems and/or provide power to other building systems. An example of how a window control network can provide for monitoring and/or controlling other systems in a building is further described on May 25, 2018 and is entitled "TINTABLE WINDOW SYSTEM for Building Services (TINTABLE WINDOW SYSTEM FOR BUILDING SERVICES)'s International Patent Application No. PCT/US18/29460, said patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the network 609 is a remote network. For example, the network 609 can be operated in the cloud or on a device remote from a building with optically switchable windows. In some embodiments, the network 609 is a network that provides information via a remote wireless device or allows control of an optically switchable window. In some cases, the network 609 includes seismic event detection logic. Other examples of window control systems and their features are presented in US Patent Application No. 15/334,832, entitled "CONTROLLERS FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE DEVICES", filed on October 26, 2016 And International Patent Application No. PCT/US17/62634, which was applied on November 20, 2017 and is entitled "AUTOMATED COMMISSIONING OF CONTROLLERS IN A WINDOW NETWORK" Two patent applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

User's automatic part determination and perception:

In some embodiments, the window control system implements services for locating and/or tracking devices or users carrying such devices. Windows, window controllers, and other devices on the window control network can be configured with antennas that are configured to communicate via various forms of wireless electromagnetic signals. Common wireless protocols used for electromagnetic communication include, but are not limited to Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, RF, and Ultra Wide Band (UWB). The relative position between two or more devices can be determined from information related to the received transmission at one or more antennas. Information that can be used to determine the location includes, for example, received signal strength, time of arrival, signal frequency, and angle of arrival. When determining the location of the device from these measurements, a triangulation measurement algorithm that considers the physical layout of the building in some cases can be implemented. Ultimately, such techniques can be used to obtain the exact location of individual window network components. For example, the location of the window controller with the UWB micropositioning wafer can be easily determined to be within 10 cm of its actual location. Geolocation methods involving window antennas are further described in PCT Patent Application Nos. PCT/US17/62634 and PCT/US17/31106, each of which has been incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As used herein, geolocation and geolocation may refer to any method of determining the position or relative position of a window or device by analyzing electromagnetic signals in part.

In some situations, the window antenna may be used to provide a positioning service to the user based on the determined location associated electronic device. For example, on-site system engineers can be provided with the information needed for nearby tintable windows. In some cases, theorem placement can be used for safety applications. For example, when an unauthorized device is located in a building, the door can be locked, and the door can be unlocked for security personnel. In some situations, unidentified devices (eg, cellular phones) can be tracked by monitoring signals transmitted by the device. For example, the electronic device may transmit a cellular communication signal or may send a signal in an attempt to join a regional wireless network or request information about the regional wireless network.

Transparent display

In some embodiments, the window may be equipped with transparent display technology, where the display is located in the viewing area of the window, under certain conditions (eg, when the display is in the "off" state) or when viewing the window from a certain angle of view Time is basically transparent. One embodiment (depicted in FIG. 7) includes an electrochromic (EC) window or IGU or laminate and a transparent display. The transparent display area can be coextensive with the EC window viewable area. The electrochromic window 710 and the transparent display panel 720 are combined in series. The electrochromic window includes a transparent pane coated with an electrochromic device coating and a bus bar for applying a driving voltage for coloring and bleaching. In this example, the electrochromic window 710 and the display panel 720 are combined using the sealing spacer 730 to form the IGU 700. The display panel 720 may be a separate window for the IGU, or a flexible panel such as laminated or otherwise attached to the glass window, and the combination of them may be another window of the IGU. In a typical embodiment, the display panel 720 is an inner window of the IGU or on the inner window for use by a building occupant. In other embodiments, the electrochromic device coating and transparent display mechanism are combined on a single substrate. In other embodiments, the laminate, rather than the IGU, is formed of 710 and 720 without a sealed spacer. When both the EC pane and the transparent display are in their clear state, the IGU 700 appears and acts as a learning window. The transparent display 720 may have some visually distinguishable conductive grid patterns, but the other areas are transparent, and may be unidirectional or bidirectional in display function.

Transparent displays can be used for many purposes. For example, the display can be used for conventional display or projection screen purposes, such as displaying video, presentations, digital media, teleconferencing, web-based conferences including video, to occupants and/or people outside the building ( For example, emergency response personnel) safety warnings, and the like. The transparent display can be configured to provide various types of information about windows or buildings via, for example, a graphical user interface. In some embodiments, the transparent display (and associated controller) is configured to display specific information about the window in use (window displaying information), information about the partition where the window resides, and/or about the building Information about other specific windows in the article. Depending on the user's permission, this information can include information in all windows of a building or even multiple buildings. The transparent display (and associated controller) can be configured to allow monitoring and/or control of optically switchable windows on the window network. Transparent displays can also be used to display control of displays, electrochromic windows, electrochromic window control systems, inventory management systems, security systems, building management systems, and the like. As discussed elsewhere herein, in certain embodiments, the transparent display can be used as a physical alarm element, for example to detect broken windows or provide alarm instructions to building occupants and security personnel.

The display can be permanently or reversibly attached to the electrochromic window. The electrochromic window may include an electrochromic window, an electrochromic IGU, and/or a laminate including, for example, an electrochromic window. In some situations, it may be advantageous to include a reversible and/or accessible connection between the display and the window, so that the display can be upgraded or replaced as needed. The display window can be inside or outside the electrochromic device. It should be noted that any of the embodiments herein can be modified to switch the relative position of the display window and the electrochromic EC device. Furthermore, although some figures show electrochromic windows that include a specific number of windows, any of these embodiments may be modified so that the electrochromic windows include any number of windows (eg, EC windows may be used) Or EC laminate replaces EC IGU, and vice versa).

8 shows an example of an electrochromic window 800. The electrochromic window includes: an electrochromic IGU (including an electrochromic window 801 on which an electrochromic device 802 is disposed, a second window 803, and a separate electrochromic window The IGU spacer 804 of the sheet 801 and the second window 803), and the display window 805. The controller 806 is accommodated in a frame 807 surrounding and/or supporting the electrochromic window 800. The controller 806 includes an electrochromic window control function and a display control function. These functions can be independent or coordinated, depending on the needs. For example, if the displayed information requires a higher contrast, the displayed information requires a private mode, the displayed information needs to be seen by people outside the building, etc., the display can be activated to change the color setting of the electrochromic window.

In some embodiments, transparent displays, alone or in combination with electrochromic devices, can be used for private applications. For example, the electrochromic device can be adjusted to a dark tone state to reduce light transmittance, and a transparent display (eg, an electrowetting display) can be changed to an opaque tone state so that outsiders cannot see the building or room and observe Resident activities. In some situations, a transparent display such as an OLED display that emits light can be used to distract outsiders or otherwise make it harder for outsiders to see the building or room. In some cases, the transparent display (for privacy, signage, and other applications) may be located on a separate film or separate window spaced apart from the IGU's defined internal and external windows.

In this example, the display window 805 is reversibly mounted to the electrochromic IGU via the frame 807. If and when the display window 805 is to be removed and replaced, the frame 807 may be unloaded, allowing the display window 805 and the electrochromic IGU to separate from each other and the frame 807. This may involve unplugging the connection between the display window 807 and the controller 806 (or under other conditions, between the display window 807 and another part of the window such as the EC window 801 or the EC device 802). The new display window can then be placed in the frame 807 along with the electrochromic IGU, and the unit can be reinstalled in the building. In some cases, a second spacer (sometimes referred to as a display spacer, not shown) may be disposed between the second window 803 and the display window 805. The second spacer may be used to ensure a uniform distance between the second window 803 and the display window 805, and in some embodiments, the air between the display window 805 and the second window 803 of the electrochromic IGU Sealed volume. In other embodiments, the frame 807 supports and provides the proper spacing between the EC window and the display. A sealing element (not shown) may be present in the frame 807 to prevent dust from entering the volume between the display 805 and the EC IGU.

In some situations, the display and the EC window can be controlled in series to enhance the user experience. For example, the display can be controlled by considering the optical state of the EC window. Similarly, the optical state of the EC window can be controlled in a manner that takes into account the state of the display. In one example, the EC window and the display can be controlled together to optimize the appearance of the display (eg, to make the display easy to see, bright, readable, etc.). In some situations, when the EC window is in a dark tone state, it is easiest to see the display. Thus, under some conditions, the EC window and the display can be controlled together so that the EC window transitions to a relatively dark tone state when the display is used or when the display is used and certain conditions are met (eg, regarding timing, weather, light conditions, etc.) .

In some embodiments, the first controller can be used to control the optical state of the EC window, and the second controller can be used to control the display. In another embodiment, a single controller can be used to control both the optical state of the EC window and the display. The logic/hardware used for this control can be provided in a single controller or multiple controllers as required by a particular application.

In some cases, the transparent display is an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. In addition to providing dynamic graphics content, OLED displays or similar (TFT, etc.) components of EC IGU can also have other applications. For example, OLED displays can provide general lighting. Dark windows in winter nights simply look black or reflect internal light, but by using an OLED display, the surface can match the color of the internal walls. In some embodiments, the transparent display assembly of the IGU is used to augment or replace the conventional lighting in the internal space (or the external space if the display is bidirectional). For example, OLED displays can be quite bright, and therefore can be used to illuminate a room (at least to some extent) when a occupant walks into the space at night (by occupancy sensing). In another embodiment, the transparent display assembly is used to provide color control light to the art gallery of the museum, such as a section of EC glass on one side of the wall to illuminate the artwork on the opposite wall.

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 can oscillate between a substantially transparent optical state and a substantially opaque optical state. 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 the hydrophilic solution in the cell). The color pixels may have cyan, magenta, and yellow cells in a stacked configuration, for example. The perceived color can be generated by oscillating the cells of the pixel (each cell having a different color) at a specific frequency. Such displays can have thousands or millions of individually addressable cells, which can produce high-resolution images. In some embodiments, the electrowetting display can be configured to turn the transparent window into a partially or substantially reflective screen on which images can be projected. For example, the cell may be white and reflective in its opaque state. In embodiments where the pixels of an electrowetting display are configured to simultaneously transition between optical states (eg, to provide a projection screen or a private screen), the single electrode may span the size of the IGU and voltage may be applied to the electrode such that Cells change optical state at the same time. In some situations, a projector located in the mullion or elsewhere in the room can be used to project the image onto the display. In some embodiments, the electrowetting display may be configured to display black pixels. In some embodiments, by contrasting black or color pixels with a brighter background of the external environment to create a viewing experience similar to that of a head-up display, images can be seen on the IGU. This can be useful if the user does not want to blur the view provided by the IGU. In some situations, the color tone of the electrochromic window can be adjusted manually (eg, considering glare) to produce a high-contrast image that also looks comfortable.

In some cases, the window may have a pixelated or monolithic passive coating that is substantially transparent to the viewer but configured to reflect images from projectors located in, for example, mullions, beams, or elsewhere in the room. In some cases, a passive coating or layer includes a light guide that guides light from the projector to the location where it is reflected along the surface of the glass. Transparent display technology is further described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US18/29476, entitled "DISPLAYS FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS", which was filed on May 25, 2018. It is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Sensor

Colorable windows as described herein are generally equipped with various sensors that can be used, for example, to monitor environmental conditions, monitor occupancy, and receive user input. Sensor inputs can be used to provide automatic control of windows or to provide information for controlling other building systems. The sensor may be located on the surface of the tintable window, attached to the frame structure of the window, attached to the controller on the window network, or otherwise communicated with one or more controllers on the window control network (eg, Via wired or wireless connection). In some cases, the window may have sensors on only one side of the window, and in some cases, the window may have sensors on both sides of the window (eg, to monitor internal and external temperatures).

In some situations, the window may be equipped with motion sensors located on or in the mullions and/or beams to monitor occupancy and/or receive user input. For example, the motion sensor may receive user input related to the graphical user interface on the transparent display. The motion sensor may include one or more cameras to detect user motion (eg, user hand motion), and the image analysis logic may determine user interaction based on the detected motion. For example, the image analysis logic can determine whether the user's motion corresponds to the gesture used to provide a specific input. In some cases, one or more cameras may be infrared cameras. In some cases, motion sensors may include ultrasound transducers and ultrasound sensors to determine user movement. In some situations, the window may be equipped with a capacitive touch sensor (eg, on S1 or S4) that at least partially covers the visible portion of the window and receives user input when the user touches the surface of the window. For example, the capacitive touch sensor may be similar to the sensors found in touch screens of personal electronic devices such as tablets, smartphones, and the like. In addition to motion sensors, optically switchable windows can also be equipped with microphones located in mullions or beams for receiving user input from audio signals. In some situations, the microphone may be located on the remote device, and voice recognition logic may be used to determine user input from the received audio. In some situations, audio can be recorded on the remote device and wirelessly transmitted to the window controller. An example of a system providing a voice control interface for controlling an optically switchable window is provided in PCT patent application PCT/US17/29476 filed on April 25, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety in. When the window can be configured to receive audio user input, the window can also be configured with one or more speakers for providing information to the user. For example, speakers can be used to respond to user queries or provide various features that can be controlled by the user. In some situations, a projector such as Xperia Touch ^™ manufactured by Sony Corporation may be attached to or near the IGU, for example, in a mullion or on a wall or near a ceiling, so as to project onto the IGU, thereby presenting to the user Display information and provide control functions on the glass. Other examples of using sensors for receiving user input are described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US18/29476, which has been incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the IGU may be equipped with environmental sensors for air quality monitoring. For example, under some conditions, sensors can monitor particulate matter in the air. In some situations, IGU may be able to sense one or more of the six regulated pollutants (carbon monoxide, lead, ground ozone, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide) monitored by the National Environmental Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) . In some situations, if there are specific safety issues at the installation site, the IGU may be equipped with sensors for detecting less common pollutants. For example, in semiconductor processing facilities, sensors can be used to monitor fluorocarbons or detect chlorine. In some situations, as a form of occupancy sensor, the sensor can detect carbon dioxide content, for example, with auxiliary window control logic to determine the heating and cooling needs of the internal environment. Additional examples of sensors for monitoring air quality are described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US18/29476, which has been incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In some situations, the window may have a light sensor, a temperature sensor, and/or a humidity sensor. These sensors can provide feedback to the smart logic used to control the tintable windows in order to maintain better environmental conditions. In some cases, windows may utilize roof sensors, such as described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US16/55709 filed on October 6, 2016, which has been incorporated by reference in its entirety In this article, it provides an additional description of the sensors on the window network.

In some cases, the sensor is located on or associated with the glass controller. The glass controller is described as "Independent EC IGU (SELF-CONTAINED EC IGU)" and was applied on November 24, 2015 In US Patent Application No. 14/951,410, the patent application was previously incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some cases, the sensor is located on the frame, mullion, or adjacent wall surface. In some embodiments, the sensor in the mobile smart device can be used to assist window control, for example, when the sensor is available in a smart device that is also equipped with window control software, it can be used as an input to the window control algorithm .

Detection of damaged tinted windows

The tintable windows on the window control network can be used to provide a building security platform. For example, as discussed in more detail herein, a window controller or other processing device can monitor window breakage, a camera associated with the window can monitor an intruder, and a transparent display can provide information about detected activity within the building Warning. The window is located on the outer layer of the building and is a common target for potential intruders, because the window is usually the weakest part of the outer layer of the building. When preventing theft and other undesirable forms of intrusion, windows are usually the main concern because they are easily broken. When the window controller is configured to detect when damage has occurred and/or when the tintable window is equipped with a deterrent mechanism, then the window may be a security asset rather than a vulnerability. In some situations, windows can be fully utilized to reduce the security risks caused by other entrances in the building. For example, cameras used to detect user movement can also detect and capture intruder intrusion. In some cases, window control systems can reduce or eliminate the need for conventional safety systems and save costs when new buildings are constructed or when buildings are renovated. In some situations, the window control system can double as a safety network that can detect security threats, communicate security-related information, and respond to detected security threats.

Safety monitoring during normal window operation

The electrical properties of the EC device coating can be monitored during normal operation by monitoring the window device (eg, monitoring current or voltage) and the electrical properties are determined to be outside the acceptable range and/or are changing at an unacceptable or unexpected rate over time To monitor the damage of electrochromic windows. If the current required to provide the voltage drive signal is different from the expected current or if the voltage is different from the expected value when a known current is applied, this may indicate that damage has occurred. If the window is damaged, the increased resistance on the coating of the EC device can be detected, and under some conditions, such as if the tempering window breaks, the circuit through the window can be completely disconnected (ie, similar to an open circuit) .

During normal operation of the tintable window, various electrical parameters can be monitored, including (i) current during tone transition, (ii) voltage during tone transition, (iii) open circuit voltage (V _OC ), and/or (iv) Measure the current at V _OC . Such electrical parameters may depend on the window type or window size. In some cases, these values may be determined based on window tests performed before the window leaves the factory. In some situations, the expected electrical parameters may depend on the number of tone cycles that the window has undergone. In some cases, the window controller is programmed with thresholds for one or more monitored electrical characteristics, which specify acceptable upper and/or lower limits for the electrical characteristics of the window. In some cases, the acceptable limits for electrical parameters are based on the monitored history of electrical parameters. For example, if the performance of the window changes slowly over the lifetime of the window, then (the acceptable limits for electrical parameters can be adjusted accordingly. In some cases, the acceptable limits for electrical properties are based on previous measurements or Measure the set deviation. Under some conditions, the window controller may update the acceptable limit over the window life cycle based on, for example, the number of tone cycles that the window has experienced and the monitored electrical data collected during normal operation of the window. Under some conditions, the window control system can monitor the health of the window based on the monitored electrical parameters. If the window control system determines that the window is nearing the end of its life cycle, has a defect, or is exhibiting electrical anomalies, the window control system can generate a treatment Inspection window service request. Under some conditions, the field system engineer (FSE) may be able to extract reports on the mobile device to view the conditions of the window at the time of shipment, view the window maintenance and report problem records, and view based on the measured power The history of parameter window performance. Software applications and methods for monitoring window health information of defects in the diagnostic window control system are further described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US17/62634, which has been incorporated by reference in.

An example of a method of making safety-related decisions during normal operation of the optically switchable window will now be described. Depending on, for example, the preferences of the building administrator, the window controller can be configured to make these safety-related decisions every second, every few seconds, or at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2, 5, or 10 minutes to ensure that The windows of the building are still intact and have not been damaged by intruders. The following are in the context of the content used to make such judgments: (1) the normal tone transition of the window; (2) monitoring the progress of the tone transition, such as described in the previous article incorporated in this article by reference in 2018 2 U.S. Patent No. 9,885,935 issued on June 6; (3) a fixed-tone state that does not change during the period; and (4) a startup mode in which the window controller can operate in " _Voc only" mode.

For example, during a normal tone transition of a window, I/V characteristics can be measured. For example, in the case where the current required to provide the voltage driving signal is different from the expected current or if the voltage difference exceeds the expected when a known current is applied, a safety-related determination can be made. For example, it can be determined that the broken window has caused an increase in resistance or an open circuit. The expected I/V characteristics may be based on the window characteristics at the time of delivery or based on the updated window characteristics (eg, comparison of current I/V characteristics with past I/V characteristics; update expected I/V characteristics to current I/V characteristics). To compensate for window changes or degradation, security event detection can be based on deviations from current I/V characteristics (relative to deviations from earlier I/V characteristics, such as when manufacturing or installing windows). As a result, information on the current health status of one or more windows can be provided. The window I/V characteristics can be measured, analyzed, and updated, for example, locally or remotely by a site monitoring system. It can cover the use of machine learning and data collection to improve detection algorithms.

Monitoring the progress of the tone transition may include an open circuit voltage (Voc) measurement made when a new tone command is received while the window is still in transition. Voc may indicate the charge stored between the EC layer and the CE layer in the IGU. If the window is expected to be in a dark tone state (e.g., tone state 2, 3, or 4) and Voc is less than the expected value for this tone state, then an indication that the window is broken or malfunctioning is provided. When solely relying on Voc measurement alone, the Voc standard may need to be higher than the threshold due to noise in the measurement circuitry. In some embodiments, the current measurement can be performed simultaneously with the Voc measurement. Current measurement can be particularly useful when the window is in a clear or almost clear state.

During the fixed tone state (ie, when no transition occurs), steady-state leakage current and/or Voc can be measured. Sudden changes in the measured current while remaining in a specific tone state can indicate that the window is partially or completely broken. For example, a slight break in the annealed glass may be sufficient to short-circuit the EC layer, resulting in a current spike. If part of the glass breaks, the current will decrease. In the case of tempered glass, in the case of glass breakage, the leakage current may drop to zero. In some situations, the expected leakage current should be higher than the threshold voltage to measure the noise in the circuit system, that is, it is not suitable for a completely transparent state.

2)以供在初始化EC窗之前或之後的時間使用。 Finally, during the startup mode, the open circuit voltage can be used to measure the charge stored between the EC layer and the CE layer in the IGU. At initialization or start-up, Voc may generally be smaller and the appropriate threshold may be smaller than the threshold when the EC window is in an operating tone state or tone transition. For example, when V _{OC Target} has been selected for the operation tone state or tone transition, the threshold 1/n*V _{OC Target} (where, for example, n

2) For use before or after initializing the EC window.

The electrical characteristics of the window (eg, measured current and voltage data) can be measured and analyzed by the window controller responsible for applying the tone transition. In some cases, the electrical data measured by the window controller is transmitted to the upstream controller in the window network for analysis. For example, referring to FIG. 6, electrical data can be transmitted to the intermediate network controller 604 or the main network controller 602 for analysis. If the upstream controller then determines that the threshold value needs to be adjusted, it can push the updated value that defines the expected electrical parameter to the respective downstream window controller. In some cases, the measured electrical data is analyzed by a remote network 609 such as a cloud-based computing platform. In some situations, the data is analyzed by a monitoring system that can also monitor the electrical performance of windows in other buildings. Such monitoring systems may use machine learning techniques from many windows spanning multiple site locations (eg, by taking advantage of infrequent events reported by users) to improve detection algorithms. The site monitoring system for monitoring the performance window control system is further described on August 30, 2017 and is entitled "Monitoring Sites with Switchable Optical Devices and Controllers (MONITORING SITES CONTAINING SWITCHABLE OPTICAL DEVICES AND CONTROLLERS)" In US Patent Application No. 15/691,468, the patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some cases, in addition to or instead of measuring leakage current, the detection of broken or damaged windows is also based at least in part on the open circuit voltage (V _OC ) and/or charge count (Q) performed during normal window operation Measure. The charge count Q refers to the amount of charge accumulated on the electrochromic layer of the EC device, and can be obtained by, for example, integrating the drive current over time. V _OC refers to the voltage on the EC device coating after a defined period of time has passed since the application of the open circuit condition. The V _OC measurement represents the charge stored between the electrochromic layer and the opposing electrode layer in the EC device coating. As previously described, by temporarily removing the drive voltage during the tone transition to simulate an open circuit condition, the V _OC measurement can be used to determine how far the window is going in the tone transition process. In some situations, V _OC may help to determine what driving voltage or current should be applied when the window controller is interrupted during the transition by the command to adjust the tintable window to a different tone state. If the window is in transition and is expected to be in a dark tone state (eg, TS 2, TS 3, or TS 4), a V _OC measurement that is less than the expected value may be an indication of window damage or breakage. The expected V _OC value may depend on the type of tone transition that occurs (eg, the transition is from TS 1 to TS 2 or from TS 2 to TS 4) or the time from the start of the transition. Under some conditions, the current measurement performed simultaneously with the V _OC measurement can be used to confirm whether the monitored electrical behavior indicates that the window is damaged or broken. In some situations, the current measurement during the tone transition can be used alone to determine whether the window is damaged. Current measurement may be helpful, for example, in a substantially clear state between little or no charge stored in the electrochromic layer of the EC device coating and the opposing electrode layer.

Under some conditions, the steady-state leakage current through the coating of the EC device can be used to determine whether damage has occurred. For example, a sudden change in the measured leakage current may indicate that the window has been partially or completely broken. If there is a spike in the monitored leakage current (during steady state conditions), this may indicate a short circuit in the EC device coating caused by, for example, a slight fracture of the annealed glass substrate. If a part of the glass breaks, the current will decrease, and if the tempered glass substrate breaks, the leakage current can drop to zero. The leakage current is monitored to determine that damage to the EC device requires that the holding voltage applied to the window is at least higher than the threshold voltage (usually for colored optical states) that depends on, for example, the size of the window and the sensitivity of the measurement circuitry. Advantageously, the above technique for detecting window breakage or damage can be performed without disturbing the apparent tourism state of the optically switchable window (i.e., without causing a change in the optical properties of the window that are visually obvious to the casual observer ) And/or a procedure that does not disturb the transition of the optical switchable window between optical states.

In some cases, the absolute value of the measured current may be compared with a specified value such as the expected current response (eg, 10 mA). The expected current response can be adjusted by, for example, a window controller, a network controller, a main controller, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the current response can be monitored or sampled at periodic intervals. Then, when a change in the measured current is observed over a period of time (eg, within several samples), a determination can be made that damage has occurred. For example, the currently measured leakage current can be compared with the previously measured leakage current, and a determination can be made based on the difference between the measured values.

In a low tone state or a substantially clear tone state, the leakage current is expected to be extremely small, and in some cases, it is lower than the noise level of the measurement circuit system, making leakage current monitoring a problem for detecting damage. In such situations, regardless of when it occurs during the window's operating volume curve, the present disclosure may cover, for example, measuring windows V _OC and/or Q. For example, determining whether the optically switchable window is broken or damaged may include: first, comparing the measured leakage current with the expected leakage current of the optically switchable window. The expected leakage current may be an adjustable parameter that can be set or adjusted from time to time by one or more of a window controller, a network controller, and a main controller. The expected leakage current may be or may be based on the previously measured leakage current of the optically switchable window. If the measured current exceeds the expected value, a judgment can be made that the optically switchable window is not broken or damaged. If the measured current does not exceed the expected value, determining whether the optically switchable window is broken or damaged may include: secondly, another step of measuring one or both of V _OC and/or Q. If one or both of the measured values (absolute values) of V _OC and Q exceed the respective thresholds, the window may be considered undamaged despite the extremely small leakage current. Each threshold can be selected by one or more of the window controller, network controller and main controller.

2)以供在初始化EC窗之前或之後或在期間EC窗閒置且處於基本上清透狀態中之延長時段之後的時間使用。 In some situations, different thresholds can be selected at different stages of window operation. For example, before or after initializing the EC window or after an extended period during which the EC window is idle and in a substantially clear state, the threshold of V _OC may be selected, which is significantly less than the threshold selected at other times . For example, when V _{OC Target} has been selected for some operation modes, the threshold 1/n*V _{OC Target} (where, for example, n

2) For time before or after initializing the EC window or during an extended period during which the EC window is idle and in a substantially clear state.

Continuous safety monitoring

The previously discussed methods that rely on normal window operation to generate detectable current/voltage signals may not be suitable for continuous 24-7 safety monitoring. For example, when the EC device is idle and in a substantially clear state, both the current and voltage on the EC device may not be sufficient to determine whether damage has occurred. Generally, the window can be kept in a clear state at night and during at least some parts of the day, which means that there may be a security breach during these times. To alleviate this problem, electrical transients (which can be referred to as "safe disturbances") can be applied to the EC device coating independently of any electrical transients used for normal tone control. The safety disturbance can be configured to generate sufficient current and/or voltage data for safety monitoring applications. Monitoring via security disturbances can be performed separately or in combination with the described techniques that depend on the use of the window.

In some cases, the safety disturbance involves applying voltage and/or current to the window in a manner similar to that at the beginning of the hue transition, but the voltage and/or current is only applied for a short period of time, such as about one minute or less , And does not change or significantly disturb the apparent tourism state of the window (that is, does not cause a change in the optical properties of the window that are visually obvious to the casual observer). In some cases, the disturbance causes the optical density (OD) in the window to change, which is less than, for example, 0.3, 0.2, or 0.15. In some cases, during the test and calibration procedures that occur before the window leaves the manufacturing site, the voltage and/or current amount curve for the disturbance is determined for the specific window to verify that any coloration caused by the applied disturbance is sufficiently subtle and not Will be noticed. A method based on OD measurement of the calibration window tone level that can be used in the calibration voltage and/or current measurement curve for safety disturbances was described on April 19, 2017 and is entitled "Electrical Parameters in Optically Switchable Windows" Calibration (CALIBRATION OF ELECTRICAL PARAMETERS IN OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE WINDOWS) International Patent Application No. PCT/US17/28443, said patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. When a safety disturbance (eg, voltage/current ramp or pulse) is applied, one or more of the following electrical characteristics can be monitored: leakage current during the safety disturbance, voltage during the safety disturbance, V _OC after the safety disturbance is applied, The voltage before the safety disturbance, and the leakage current before and/or after the safety disturbance.

Under some conditions, a voltage magnitude curve is applied to the EC device coating (eg, voltage ramp or constant voltage). The current response can be monitored to see if it deviates from the expected current response and/or the corresponding V _OC measurement can be used to determine whether damage has occurred. For example, the absolute value of the measured current can be compared with a specified value such as the expected current response (eg, 10 mA). The expected current response can be adjusted by, for example, a window controller, a network controller, a main controller, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the current response can be monitored or sampled at periodic intervals. Then, when a change in the measured current is observed over a period of time (eg, within several samples), a determination can be made that damage has occurred. For example, the currently measured leakage current can be compared with the previously measured leakage current, and a determination can be made based on the difference between the measured values. Under some conditions, a current curve is applied to the EC device coating, and the voltage response to the applied current curve is monitored. In some cases, the slope of the slope can be selected by one or more of the window controller, the network controller, and the main controller. For example, for relatively small windows (eg, less than 1 square meter in area) or relatively cold outside temperatures (eg, less than 0°C), it may be necessary to provide steeper windows to obtain larger windows and/or faster Current response.

In some situations, the safety disturbance may be a modified version of the voltage curve used to change the window tone state under normal window operation (see, eg, FIGS. 3 and 4) or used by a portable IGU test device. The portable IGU test device is described in the international patent application No. PCT/ filed on December 14, 2017 and entitled "TESTER AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS FOR INSULATED GLASS UNITS" In US17/66486, the patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some cases, the safety disturbance may include various characteristics of the driving quantity curve for tone transition, including voltage ramp, voltage hold, current ramp, and current hold. In some cases, the magnitude of the characteristic of a typical driving quantity curve used for safety disturbances can be compressed, truncated, or scaled. For example, the holding voltage can be shortened or removed, because a significant change in hue is caused by undesirable safety disturbances. When the tintable window is stationary and in a substantially clear optical state, safety disturbances may be periodically applied to the EC device coating to verify that no damage has occurred. Depending on, for example, the preference of the building administrator, the window controller can be configured to apply a safety disturbance every second, every few seconds, or at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2, 5, or 10 minutes to ensure the building’s The window is still intact and has not been damaged by the intruder. In some situations, the building administrator may specify a custom interval for disturbances. In some cases, if, for example, the infrared camera detects movement outside the window or the first indication of window breakage is recognized, the frequency of the safety disturbance may be increased. In some cases, the safety disturbance may be applied for about 10 to 30 seconds, 5 to 10 seconds, or in some cases, less than 5 seconds. Under some conditions, such as when a safety disturbance is applied at frequent intervals, a reverse signal can be followed after the disturbance to balance the charge on the coating of the EC device. Alternatively or additionally, when there is a first indication of abnormality such as window breakage, the time interval between inspections may be reduced. As an example, in the case where the normal pulse interval is 30s, if an abnormality is detected, subsequent inspections can be initiated within a short interval (eg, 10 seconds). When no abnormality is detected, the normal pulse interval (30 seconds in this example) can be maintained.

In some situations, the safety disturbance may be applied to the electrochromic device as a square waveform, a sawtooth waveform, or a sinusoidal waveform. The driving voltage used for the tone change is usually between about 2 and 4V, but usually sufficient current data can be collected at a much lower voltage. For example, the safety disturbance may involve the application of a 600mV switching voltage to the electrochromic device. With improvements in monitoring circuitry to reduce noise, safety disturbances may involve even lower voltages, such as less than 300mV or less than 100mV. In some cases, the oscillating charge quantity curve with an offset is applied, so that a safe disturbance can be continuously applied without causing charge imbalance and causing coloration of the EC device.

In some embodiments, applying the safety disturbance involves applying a high frequency signal to the transparent conductive layer of the EC device. The size, material, and other properties of the tintable window produce a unique frequency stop spectrum. The frequency absorption spectrum of the EC device coating can be measured as the impedance on the EC device as a function of the frequency of the applied signal. If the window is broken or otherwise damaged, the frequency absorption spectrum will change due to structural changes. When a high frequency signal is applied, it can be applied as a frequency sweep across a large frequency range. For example, a high-frequency signal may scan frequencies between about 1 Hz and 1 kHz, and between about 1 kHz and 1 MHz, and in some cases, a frequency range greater than 1 MHz. For each frequency sweep, collecting impedance measurements for multiple frequencies makes it possible to determine the characteristic frequency absorption spectrum.

FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative frequency absorption spectrum 900 of colorable windows. The first curve 902 shows the frequency absorption spectrum of an intact and fully functional window. The second overlay curve 904 shows the frequency absorption spectrum of the window after it has been damaged. In this illustrative example, after damage is received, an increased impedance on the EC device coating is seen on the device across all frequencies. This may indicate that a part of the window has been broken. In some cases, if, for example, the EC device is shorted, the impedance may be reduced across all frequencies. When the colorable window is broken or damaged, a shift 906 of one or more peaks and/or valleys (ie, local maxima or local minima) in the frequency absorption spectrum can be observed. The safety logic used to determine whether the window has been damaged may consider whether the local peak or /valley value has reached the threshold value, whether the local peak or /valley value has been shifted to the threshold frequency and/or whether there is an impedance shift across most of the spectrum Bit.

Under some conditions, high frequency safety disturbance components may be applied to the drive or hold signals used in normal window operation. In some situations, the high frequency safety disturbance signal may be periodically applied between the drive signal or the hold signal. In general, the amplitude of the high-frequency safety disturbance signal is a fixed voltage, however, this need not be the case. The magnitude of the high frequency disturbance signal can vary depending on the window type; the magnitude only needs to be large enough to distinguish it from the noise in the monitoring circuitry. As long as the high-frequency signal does not add charge to the EC device over time, the high-frequency signal may be continuously applied; however, in some cases, the high-frequency signal may be periodically applied.

Continuous monitoring via the application of safety disturbances can be controlled by, for example, a window controller, a network controller, a main controller, or a combination thereof. Generally speaking, the local window controller is responsible for applying a safety disturbance and detecting whether damage has occurred by monitoring the electrical response resulting from the safety disturbance and/or the electrical response resulting from normal window operation. When the local window controller is configured to detect window damage based on the electrical response of the window, it can reduce the network traffic imposed on the window control network; the original electrical data can be processed at the local end instead of having to The data is transferred to another controller for analysis. In some cases, the window controller may be responsible for applying safety disturbances and measuring electrical responses, but the decision to issue safety disturbances and/or analysis of electrical responses may be performed by an upstream controller (eg, network controller or main controller) or The remote site monitoring system is implemented.

10 is a flowchart depicting a method 1000 that a window controller can use to provide continuous (or substantially continuous) safety monitoring of tintable windows. After starting the procedure (1002), the window controller first determines whether the tintable window is undergoing a tone transition (block 1004). If the window is undergoing a hue transition, it can be measured by, for example, measuring (i) the current during the hue transition, (ii) the voltage during the hue transition, (iii) the open circuit voltage (V _OC ), and/or (iv) The current at V _OC is used to monitor the electrical response of the window (block 1010). If it is determined at block 1004 that the window is not undergoing a tone transition (that is, the window remains in a specific tone state), the window controller may then determine at block 1006 whether there is sufficient voltage on the EC device coating to monitor the power Respond. This may depend on, for example, the tone state in which the window is being maintained. For example, TS 2, TS 3, and TS 4 may provide sufficient voltage to the EC device for safety monitoring, while TS 0 and TS 1 may not be sufficient. If it is determined that there is sufficient voltage applied to the EC device, at block 1010, the leakage current may be measured. If there is not enough voltage on the coating of the EC device, the window controller may periodically and/or continuously apply a safety disturbance to the EC device at block 1008 to better measure the electrical response (block 1010).

After measuring the electrical response in operation 1010 (eg, due to hue transitions, steady state conditions, or safety disturbances), at block 1012, the response is analyzed to determine whether the response is within the expected response range. If the response is within the expected range, the procedure can be restarted at 1002. If it is determined that the electrical response is outside the expected range, the window may be deemed damaged and a warning may be issued (as described in block 1014 elsewhere herein).

In some situations, building security can be enhanced by using additional sensors that communicate with the window control system. The data provided by the sensors can be used, for example, to augment or verify methods for detecting window damage as described herein or to determine other security threats.

In some cases, the sensor may be located on the tintable window or the frame structure of the tintable window. In some situations, sensors can utilize the 1-wire bus system conventionally used in many EC windows to receive power and transmit information to the window controller. The 1-wire bus may provide about 3.3 volts and about 10 mA to the window sensor, for example. In some cases, the 1-wire bus may have five wires, and at least one of the wires is used to communicate with the sensor. Such a 1-wire bus system is further described in US Patent Application No. 13/449,251 and US Patent Application No. 15/334,835, both of which have previously been incorporated by reference. In other embodiments, the sensor may wirelessly communicate with the window controller and/or receive power wirelessly.

In some embodiments, the window sensor includes conductive features that span at least a portion of the viewable area of the tintable window. The conductive feature may be, for example, an antenna structure on the surface of glass, a transparent display, or a capacitive touch sensor. When conductive features are located on the glass surface, damage can be detected when there is a change in the resonance frequency of their features. This can be done, for example, in the previously described manner for monitoring the spectral absorption spectrum of the EC device coating. If the conductive features form a circuit, the damage to the window can be detected by determining that the circuit is open.

In some cases, the IGU includes a gas sensor that measures the gas pressure of the internal volume (see, for example, 208 in FIG. 2). The internal volume of the IGU is usually maintained at a positive pressure, and if it is observed that the gas pressure in the internal zone has decreased below the threshold or has decreased beyond the threshold rate, this can be used as an indicator of IGU damage. In some situations, absolute pressure sensors can be used to monitor the gas pressure. In some situations, a differential pressure sensor such as a MEMS diaphragm-based sensor may be used to measure the gas pressure. In some situations, the differential sensor can monitor the gas pressure difference between the internal volume of the IGU and the indoor air pressure. In some cases, the differential sensor can monitor the gas pressure difference between the internal volume of the IGU and the outdoor air pressure. In some cases, the IGU contains more than one differential pressure sensor, so that the gas pressure between the internal volume of the IGU and the environment on both sides of the IGU can be correlated.

FIG. 11 depicts one embodiment of a differential gas sensor 1110 in IGU 1100. The IGU 1100 has inner and outer windows (1102 and 1104), with an airtight seal spacer 1106 between the two windows, which connects the internal volume 1114 and the external environment 1116 (ie, indoor or outdoor environment) separate. The spacer 1108 has a differential gas sensor 1108 that measures the pressure difference between the internal volume 1114 and the external environment 1116 via capillaries 1110 and 1112 leaving the spacer. Depending on how to install the window, the capillary 1110 can measure the indoor gas pressure or the outdoor gas pressure.

In some cases, for air quality monitoring purposes, the tintable IGU may utilize one or more gas sensors as described elsewhere herein. In some cases, the IGU includes one or more gas sensors configured to monitor the concentration of argon gas or another inert gas placed within the internal volume of the IGU at the time of manufacture. If the window breaks, the breakage can be detected by a decrease in the concentration of argon (or another gas) in the inner zone and/or an increase in the concentration of other gases such as nitrogen in the inner zone. To monitor the concentration of one or more gas species within the internal volume, a gas sensor (eg, metal oxide or electrochemical gas sensor) may be located on the interior window surface (eg, S2 or S3). In another situation, the gas sensor may be located on or in the spacer (see, for example, spacer 1106 in FIG. 11). If located within the spacer, the gas sensor may have, for example, a pipe connecting the sensor to the internal volume of the IGU.

As described above, the tintable window may also have a microphone or other acoustic sensors. In some situations, the sensor can be used to receive user input. Microphones or acoustic sensors can also be used to find the acoustic signature of broken glass. In some cases, the microphone is located within the window controller. In some cases, the tintable window has, for example, a piezoelectric sensor attached or bonded to the surface of the window sheet to measure impact.

In some situations, the window may include an optical sensor to determine whether the window has been broken or destroyed by an intruder. For example, the IGU can have a laser located inside the spacer, which directs the focused beam into a photoreceptor that is also located in the spacer but on the other side of the viewing zone. If, for example, an intruder attempts to break and climb over the window, the optical circuit is triggered and a warning can be issued.

In some situations, as previously described, the window or window controller includes a camera as an occupancy sensor. In some cases, the controller paired with the camera on the window network is configured to detect user movement or movement. In some situations, the detection of movement may result in more frequent and/or continuous provision of safety disturbances to the EC device over a period of time.

In some situations, thermal information can be used to help determine whether the window has broken. Under some conditions, tintable windows or window control systems may be configured to monitor internal and external temperatures. If there is a large temperature difference between the internal and external environment, a sudden decrease in the temperature difference (for example, a decrease inconsistent with an open door) can be used to confirm other information indicating that the window has broken.

In some situations, the window controller may be equipped with, for example, an accelerometer or a gyroscope to provide inertial data. Inertial data can help determine security threats, such as when the window can slide into an open position or sit on a glass door.

In some cases, the safety logic operating on the window controller or the window control network may be detected based on the measured electrical response of the window and data provided by one or more additional sensors as described herein Broken window. The use of additional sensors can provide increased reliability to safety detection methods. If one sensing method fails (for example, the IGU connector is pulled out, disconnecting the window controller from the EC device coating), other methods can still detect broken windows. Multiple sensing methods further allow data fusion techniques, which can be used to more accurately determine whether and to what extent the window is damaged, and how to classify security threats. In some situations, data from multiple sensors may be used, for example, to verify the determination of window damage, and in some situations, the use of additional sensors may be used to determine that one sensor is not functioning properly. In some situations, the use of multiple sensors can be used to track intruders within a building. For example, the intruder can be tracked using a microphone, a camera, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and determining the location of the mobile device (eg, cellular phone) carried by the intruder.

An example of a method of making safety-related decisions outside of the normal operation of the optically switchable window will now be described. In some embodiments. The perturbation can be applied to one or more tenable windows, and the perturbation appears as a first part of a tone transition, while avoiding a window tone state that does not change significantly. Combined with disturbances, I/V characteristics can be monitored, including one or more of the following: leakage current during disturbance, voltage during disturbance, Voc determined by disturbance, voltage before/after disturbance, and voltage during disturbance Leakage current before/after. For example, in one implementation, a voltage (eg, voltage ramp or constant voltage) can be applied and the resulting current response can be monitored. For example, during the curve of the amount of applied voltage, the system can measure Voc. The safety-related determination may be based on Voc measurement and/or current response to the applied voltage curve. In another embodiment, a current curve that does not significantly change the hue state can be applied, and the resulting voltage response can be monitored.

Such an embodiment may use a tester waveform such as described elsewhere herein (see, eg, International Patent Application No. PCT/US17/66486 previously incorporated by reference in its entirety herein) for a duration of, for example, 5 or 10 seconds time. Advantageously, the disturbance can have a duration that avoids the generation of detectable hue changes. For example, the disturbance can be selected so that the transition causes a change in the optical density that is undetectable or easily detectable by the human eye. In some embodiments, when the window is in a fixed tone state, a disturbance may be applied periodically, for example every 2 minutes, 5 minutes, or 10 minutes. Before reversing the drive signal, the disturbance may stop after a short period of time (eg, after about five seconds or about one minute). In some embodiments, steps can be taken to ensure charge balance.

In some embodiments, the perturbation may include applying a square or sawtooth voltage wave (in some cases, the latter waveform is easier for the current/voltage source). The amplitude of the voltage wave may be, for example, the millivolt range of the on/off voltage (or tens of millivolts or hundreds of millivolts). For example, in the case where the normal driving voltage is between about 2 to 4V, a smaller driving voltage may be used, for example, about 600mV may be sufficient to provide sufficient current data.

In some embodiments, frequency absorption and/or shift of IGU impedance to frequency can be checked. The structure (size, material, etc.) of the IGU gives the applied AC drive signal a unique frequency stop spectrum. When there is a fault or break in the window, the frequency absorption spectrum changes due to structural changes. For example, the AC signal can be applied to the drive or hold signal. The signal may be periodically applied between the driving signal or the sustain signal. The amplitude of the AC signal may be a fixed voltage sufficient to generate sufficient current to distinguish from noise. The AC signal can be applied continuously or periodically as long as the window is powered. The AC signal advantageously scans a large frequency range, for example 1 Hz to 1 kHz, 1 kHz to 1 MHz. The change in the frequency absorption curve can be detected, for example, by noting the change in threshold dB at a specific frequency and/or the shift in attenuation peak frequency.

Monitoring at times other than normal operation can be controlled by the main controller (MC), network controller (NC), window controller (WC), etc. IGU disturbances can be advantageously controlled at the local end by WC. This can reduce the communication load on the MC/window network that would otherwise require a constant flow of communication signals. The example logic can conclude that if the window is not in transition and the window voltage is below the critical threshold, the disturbance is applied and the response is monitored (ie, the normal IGU drive signal is used when sufficient, and if the IGU drive signal is insufficient, the Disturbance signal).

Response and deterrent mechanism:

If the window controller determines that the tintable window has been damaged, it may report the damage to other controllers on the window control network, such as the network controller and the main controller. In some cases, broken or damaged windows can be communicated via the BACnet interface that is conventionally used as the backbone of window control networks. In some cases, the main controller may report the broken window to the site monitoring system or network operation center.

Under some conditions, the window control system may be configured so that broken or damaged windows trigger an alert. For example, the warning can be provided to the local police or security. The warning issued may indicate, for example, that the window on the first floor on the east side of the building has been broken and there are two intruders. When security personnel are warned, geo-fencing technology can be used to determine which security personnel are closest to the broken window and is responsible for investigating the situation.

In some cases, in addition to the warning or independent of the warning, the window control system is configured to automatically generate a Returned Goods Authorization (RMA) order notification after detecting window breakage or window failure. In some cases, the window control system may be configured to install site managers to service centers or technicians, individual windows, and/or customer service/project managers assigned to the sites (one or more of which may then Coordinate the replacement of broken or broken windows more efficiently) Automatically generate service/case records. Generating RMA in this way allows window orders to be quickly entered into the window supplier's supply chain, can promote faster service and repairs, and can provide improved customer satisfaction. In some cases, before the RMA and/or service/case records are automatically generated, a user intervention step may be required. Under some conditions, the window control system may be configured to generate an alarm in the form of a warning action. The alert action can cause one or more of the following to be performed automatically and/or without human interaction: order replacement optical switchable windows; notify the window supplier to ship replacement optical switchable windows; notify optical switchable windows Maintenance technicians repair windows; notify managers of buildings equipped with optically switchable windows that there are window-related problems; notify monitoring personnel to open service cases/records; and generate RMA.

In some situations, a window with a transparent display can be used as a physical alarm element or deterrent mechanism. The transparent display can be used as a broken detection sensor alone or in combination with electrochromic windows. In some situations, the transparent display can be used as a visual alarm indicator, for example, to display information to occupants and/or external emergency personnel. For example, a map of a building can be displayed, highlighting which windows have been broken, what actions have been taken (eg, which doors are locked), and what response is appropriate for the occupants of the building (eg, if the occupants remain in the building Objects or evacuated buildings). In some situations, if a potential intruder is detected outside the building (eg, using a camera), a transparent display can be used to warn the potential intruder that it is being seen.

In some situations, an alarm can trigger a change in light. For example, if it is determined that the broken window corresponds to a burglary incident, the lights in the corresponding room can be turned on or changed to different colors to indicate where the intruder is. In some situations, the light in other rooms can be dimmed to help security personnel know where the intruder is. In some situations, the building may be equipped with one or more safety rooms for the occupants of the building, where the lighting system is switched off. In some situations, the external lighting system can be switched on, or the ring sensor lights on the roof of the building can be switched on. In some situations, the alert can trigger a lighting response provided via one or more transparent displays in the building (eg, a transparent OLED display that can be used to provide lighting). In one embodiment, the transparent display may be used to flash a warning message (eg, the entire transparent display pane may flash brightly with red light) to indicate the problem and be easy to see. For example, large windows that flash in this way will be easily noticed by occupants and/or outsiders. In another example, one or more adjacent windows may indicate damage to the window. For example, in a curtain wall where the first window has four adjacent windows, the breaking of the first window triggers one or more of the four adjacent windows to flash red or display a large arrow pointing to the first window to make the living It is easier for the person or external person to know the problem. In a large skyscraper with many windows, the first responder will easily see the four windows adjacent to the central window flash, that is, form a flashing cross to indicate where the problem is. If more than one window is broken, this method will allow immediate visual confirmation of where the problem is. In some embodiments, one or more transparent displays can be used to display a message to the first responder indicating the location and nature of the emergency. It can be the breakage of one or more windows or an indication for firefighters such as hot spots in a building. In some embodiments, the window may respond to signals from emergency personnel such as police or other first responders. For example, in recent years, public buildings such as schools, churches, and clubs where civilians have gathered have become the targets of armed attackers (active shooters), and the technology of the present invention can be applied to assist first responders against such incidents Responded. For example, in response to a signal from the first responder, the window can be changed in tone state. The first responder can use information provided by a window equipped with an acoustic sensor, IR or visual camera, and/or motion sensor to more quickly determine the location of the attacker and/or victim. In some embodiments, the first responder may, for example, cause the window to display the message "refuge in place", "evacuate", or "clear all".

In some situations, an alarm can trigger a change in the tone of one or more windows in a building. For example, the window near the damaged window (and in some cases, the damaged window itself) can be adjusted to a clear state to help security personnel locate the intruder. In some situations, other windows of the building (eg, interior windows) may be darkened to protect the occupants of the building from being seen by intruders. When the window has an electro-wetting display, the display can be set to an opaque state to protect the building occupants from being seen by intruders.

Examples of content background and procedures for security-related response and deterrence mechanisms will now be described. In some embodiments, safety-related condition alerts may be reported to the main controller. Conditional alerts can be reported via the BACnet interface, for example, and can be used to trigger alerts and/or can be forwarded to a network operations center (NOC). The warning/notification can be displayed on the glass, for example, on an adjacent window. In some embodiments, warnings/notifications of intruders, whether the glass is broken, may be generated based on, for example, capacitive sensors, IR cameras, and the like. And one or more windows of the transparent display can be configured to display intruder photos/videos. The main controller and/or NOC may be configured to take further actions, such as alerting the police, using, for example, geo-tracking to alert appropriately positioned security. Advantageously, any warning may include breaking a specific part of the IGU and/or intruder.

Additional actions may include notifying the site operations team to open service cases/records, generating RMA orders and/or alerting site customer service managers, project managers, building managers, window suppliers, and service technicians . In addition, other actions may include partial or overall adjustment of building lighting. For example, the lights in a room with a broken IGU can be turned on or the lights in another room can be dimmed to make it easier to see where the intruder is. As another example, a building may dim the lights in a safe room. As yet other examples, an external building lighting system can be turned on and/or a ring-shaped sensor light on top of the building can be turned on. In some embodiments, the IGU may include LEDs that flash when the IGU is broken. In some cases, the LED can be powered by a capacitor.

In addition, other actions may include changing the tone state of one or more windows. For example, the window surrounding the intrusion site (and, where possible, the broken window) can be cleared to improve the ability to see where the intruder is located. Alternatively, the surrounding windows (and, where possible, broken windows) can be darkened to protect the building occupants from being seen by intruders.

Finally, the main controller, NOC, and/or BMS can be configured to lock the door to the room to confine the intruder to a part of the building.

in conclusion:

Although the foregoing disclosed embodiments have been described in more detail to facilitate understanding, the described embodiments are considered to be illustrative and non-limiting, and it will be apparent that certain changes can be practiced within the scope of the appended patent applications And modifications. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the programs, systems, and devices of the embodiments of the present invention. One or more features from any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, modifications, additions, or omissions to any embodiment may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The components of any embodiment can be integrated or separated according to specific needs without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 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.

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Claims (55)

A method for detecting a safety-related event in an optically switchable window, the method comprising: (a) measuring a current or voltage of an optically switchable device of one of the optically switchable windows without disturbing the drive optics A transition between states and/or a procedure for maintaining one of the optically switchable windows to end the optical state; (b) evaluating the current or voltage measured in (a) to determine in (a) Whether the measured current or voltage indicates that the optically switchable window is broken or damaged; and (c) in response to detecting the response in (b), performing a safety action. The method according to item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the measurement of the position of the optically switchable device is performed while the optically switchable window is undergoing the transition from a first tone state to a second tone state State current or voltage. The method according to item 1 or 2 of the patent application scope, wherein measuring the current or voltage of the optically switchable device includes measuring an open circuit voltage of one of the optically switchable devices. The method of claim 3, wherein the measurement of the optically switchable device is performed while the optically switchable window is undergoing the transition from a first tone state to a second tone state State the open circuit voltage. The method as described in item 1 or 2 of the patent application scope, wherein evaluating the current or voltage measured in (a) includes comparing the current or voltage measured in (a) with that used for driving The transition between optical states and/or maintaining an expected current or voltage of the end of the optical state of the process of the optically switchable window. The method as described in item 1 or 2 of the patent application scope, wherein evaluating the current or voltage measured in (a) includes comparing the current or voltage measured in (a) with that used for driving The transition between optical states and/or a previously measured current or voltage of the program that maintains the ending optical state of the optically switchable window. The method according to item 1 or 2 of the patent application scope, wherein measuring the current or voltage of the optically switchable device is performed when the optically switchable window is in the end optical state. The method according to item 1 or 2 of the patent application scope, wherein measuring the current or voltage of the optically switchable device includes measuring a leakage current of one of the optically switchable devices. The method as described in item 8 of the patent application scope, wherein evaluating the current or voltage measured in (a) includes comparing the leakage current with an expected leakage current of one of the optically switchable devices. A method for detecting a safety-related event in an optically switchable window, the method comprising: (a) applying a disturbance to an optically switchable device of the optically switchable window; (b) detecting a location A response to the disturbance, which indicates that the optically switchable window is broken or damaged; and (c) the response to detecting the response in (b) performs a safety action. The method of claim 10, wherein the applying the disturbance includes applying a disturbance voltage or a disturbance current to the optically switchable window during a tone transition of the optically switchable window, and Wherein the perturbation voltage or the perturbation current is not part of a tone change driving cycle for the optically switchable window. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein the disturbance includes applying a voltage ramp, a current ramp, or a constant voltage to the optically switchable device, and wherein the location of the disturbance is detected The response includes detecting a current generated by the optically switchable device in response to the disturbance. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein the disturbance includes applying a voltage ramp, a current ramp, or a constant voltage to the optically switchable device, and wherein the location of the disturbance is detected The response includes measuring an open circuit voltage of one of the optically switchable devices after applying the disturbance. The method according to item 12 of the patent application range, wherein a slope of at least one of the voltage ramp and the current ramp is one of a window controller, a network controller, and a main controller Or a parameter set by more than one. The method according to item 14 of the patent application scope, wherein at least one of the window controller, the network controller, and the main controller is based on one of a size of the window and an external temperature Or both to set the slope. The method according to item 10 or 11 of the patent application scope, wherein applying the disturbance in (a) includes repeatedly applying the disturbance when the optically switchable device is in an end tone state. The method according to item 10 or 11 of the patent application scope, wherein applying the disturbance in (a) includes applying a square wave or a sawtooth wave to the optically switchable device. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein the disturbance includes applying an oscillating current or voltage to the optically switchable device, and wherein detecting a response to the disturbance includes detecting The optical switchable device generates a frequency response in response to the oscillating current or voltage. The method of claim 18, wherein detecting the frequency response generated by the optically switchable device in response to the oscillating current or voltage includes determining that the frequency absorption of the optically switchable device deviates from a Expected frequency absorption. The method as described in item 10 or 11 of the patent application scope, wherein performing the security action includes displaying a warning on a local device or a remote device. The method of item 10 or 11 of the patent application scope, wherein performing the security action includes sending a warning message to a security officer or employee. The method according to item 10 or 11 of the patent application scope, wherein performing the security action includes adjusting the lighting in a room close to one of the optically switchable windows. The method of item 10 or 11 of the patent application scope, wherein performing the security action includes locking a door in a room close to one of the optically switchable windows. The method according to item 10 or 11 of the patent application scope, wherein performing the security action includes adjusting a tone state close to one of the colorable windows of the optically switchable window. The method according to item 10 or 11 of the patent application scope, wherein performing the security action includes illuminating a display registered with the optically switchable window. The method of claim 25, wherein illuminating the display includes a flash pattern on the display. The method as described in item 10 or 11 of the patent application range, wherein the optically switchable device is an electrochromic device. The method according to item 10 or 11 of the patent application scope, wherein the safety-related event is damage or breakage of the optically switchable window. The method as described in item 10 or 11 of the patent application scope, wherein detecting the response to the disturbance includes one or both of: evaluating the absolute value of a measured current; and evaluating the A change in a value of the measured current over a period of time. The method of claim 29, wherein evaluating the absolute value of the measured current includes comparing the absolute value of the measured current with a specified value. A security system includes: one or more interfaces for receiving sensed values of an optically switchable device of an optically switchable window; and one or more processors and memory configured to execute The operation of the method as described in any of the aforementioned patent applications. A method for detecting a safety-related event, the method comprising: (a) measuring one or more of a current, a voltage, and a charge count (Q) of an optically switchable window; (b) used in (a) one or more of the current, the voltage, and the charge count measured in determine whether the optically switchable window is broken or damaged; and (c) in response to determining that the optically switchable If the window is broken or damaged, perform a safety action and/or a warning action. The method according to item 32 of the patent application scope, wherein (a) is performed when the optically switchable window is undergoing a transition from a first tone state to a second tone state. The method as described in claim 32 or 33, wherein the measured voltage is an open circuit voltage of one of the optically switchable windows. The method of claim 32 or 33, wherein the measurement of one or more of current, voltage, and Q is performed without significantly disturbing a state of tourism in the optically switchable window. The method of claim 32 or 33, wherein the one or more of measuring current, voltage, and Q are performed within a period of one minute or less. The method of claim 32 or 33, wherein the measurement is performed by sampling at a first regular interval. The method as described in item 37 of the patent application scope, wherein if it is determined that a window is broken or damaged, the measurement is performed at a second regular interval shorter than one of the first regular intervals. The method of claim 32 or 33, wherein the measurement of one or more of current, voltage, and Q is performed without disturbing a transition that drives the optically switchable window between optical states One procedure. The method of claim 32 or 33, wherein determining whether the optically switchable window is broken or damaged includes one or both of: evaluating an absolute value of the measured current; and evaluating A change in a value of the measured current over a period of time. The method of claim 40, wherein evaluating the absolute value of the measured current includes comparing the absolute value of the measured current with a specified value. The method of claim 32 or 33, wherein measuring the current includes measuring a leakage current of one of the optically switchable windows. The method of claim 42, wherein determining whether the optically switchable window is broken or damaged includes comparing the leakage current to an expected leakage current of one of the optically switchable windows. The method of claim 43, wherein the expected leakage current is a parameter set by one or more of a window controller, a network controller, and a main controller. The method of claim 44, wherein at least one of the window controller, the network controller, and the main controller is configured to adjust the parameters The method of claim 42, wherein determining whether the optically switchable window is broken or damaged includes comparing the leakage current to a previously measured leakage current of one of the optically switchable windows. The method of claim 32 or 33, wherein determining whether the optically switchable window is broken or damaged includes measuring the current and determining that the optically operable window when the measured current exceeds a specified value The switching window is not broken or damaged. The method as described in item 32 or 33 of the patent application scope, which further includes always applying a non-zero holding and/or driving voltage to the optically switchable window The method of claim 32 or 33, wherein determining whether the optically switchable window is broken or damaged includes measuring the current and measuring the voltage when the measured current is less than a specified value And one or both of the Q. The method according to item 49 of the patent application scope, wherein it is determined whether the optically switchable window is broken or damaged when at least one of the measured voltage and the Q exceeds a separate threshold The optical switchable window is not broken or damaged. The method as described in item 50 of the patent application range, wherein the respective threshold values can be selected by one or more of a window controller, a network controller, and a main controller. The method according to item 51 of the patent application scope, wherein: at least one of the window controller, the network controller, and the main controller selects the threshold value as V during some operations _{OC Target} , and the threshold value is selected as 1/n*V _{OC Target} during some other operations; and, n is at least 2 during some other operations. The method of claim 32 or 33, wherein the service action is selected from the group consisting of: ordering a replacement of the optical switchable window; notifying a window supplier to ship a replacement optical switchable window ; Notify an optical switchable window maintenance technician to repair the window; notify a manager of a building equipped with the optical switchable window that there is a problem with the window; notify the monitoring personnel to open a service case/ Records; and generate a return merchandise authorization (RMA) order. The method of claim 32 or 33, wherein the warning action is automatically performed. The method of claim 32 or 33, wherein the warning action is performed without human interaction.

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