US20210189796A1 - Building model generation and intelligent light control for smart windows - Google Patents
Building model generation and intelligent light control for smart windows Download PDFInfo
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Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
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- E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
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- E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
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- G—PHYSICS
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- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
- G02F1/15—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on an electrochromic effect
- G02F1/163—Operation of electrochromic cells, e.g. electrodeposition cells; Circuit arrangements therefor
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- E06B2009/2464—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds featuring transparency control by applying voltage, e.g. LCD, electrochromic panels
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Definitions
- one or more smart windows 102 could couple to a single intelligent window controller/driver 104 for local distributed control, or a single command and communication device 106 for both local and network distributed control.
- an intelligent window controller/driver 104 could be combined with the command and communication device 106 , in a further embodiment for small systems that use both local control and network information.
- Large systems e.g., for multiple occupant buildings, could have multiple command and communication devices 106 , e.g., one for each occupant or set of occupants, or each floor or level in the building, etc. Upgrades or expansions are readily accommodated by the addition of further components according to the situation.
- the smart window system By comparing sound levels at multiple smart windows 102 , based on input from the sensors 212 , the smart window system deduces which smart window 102 is closest to the user who is speaking, and directs that smart window 102 to decrease transmissivity as directed by the user.
- Voice control and the nearest window location function can be applied to other voice commands, such as brightening the nearest window, dimming or brightening all the windows in the room, multiple rooms or the entire building, or use of other phrases and instructions relevant to the smart windows 102 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
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Abstract
Description
- Electrochromic devices, in which optical transmissivity is electrically controlled, are in current usage in building windows and in dimmable automotive rearview mirrors. Generally, electrochromic windows for a building are controlled with a driver and a user input, e.g., a dimmer control. Electrochromic rearview mirrors in automotive usage often have a light sensor aimed to detect light from headlights of automobiles, and are user-settable to engage an auto-dim function that adjusts the tint of the mirror based on input from the light sensor. There is a need in the art for a control system for electrochromic devices which goes beyond such basic settings and functions.
- In some embodiments, a smart window system is provided. The system includes a plurality of smart windows, each having at least one electrochromic window and a plurality of sensors. The system includes a control system coupling the plurality of smart windows and the plurality of sensors. The control system is configured to couple to a network, and configured to generate a building model that includes information regarding the plurality of smart windows and is based on information from the plurality of sensors and information from the network.
- In some embodiments, a smart window system is provided. The system includes a plurality of smart windows, each smart window of the plurality of smart windows having integrated into the smart window at least one sensor and at least one electrochromic window. The system includes a control system that includes the plurality of smart windows and is configured to couple to a network. The control system is configured to produce a building model based on information from the network and based on information from sensors of the plurality of smart windows, wherein the building model includes information regarding placements of the plurality of smart windows relative to a building.
- In some embodiments, a method of operating a smart window system, performed by one or more processors of the smart window system is provided. The method includes receiving sensor information from sensors of the smart window system, wherein the smart window system includes a plurality of smart windows with electrochromic windows, and the sensors. The method includes receiving information from a network and generating, in the smart window system, a building model referencing each smart window of the plurality of smart windows with placement, location or orientation of the smart window, wherein at least a portion of the building model is based on the sensor information and the information from the network. The method includes controlling each smart window of the plurality of smart windows, based on the building model.
- Other aspects and advantages of the embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments.
- The described embodiments and the advantages thereof may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the described embodiments by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments.
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FIG. 1 is a system diagram of a smart window system that has a distributed device network control system architecture in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2 is a system diagram of a smart window that has an electrochromic window and a window frame with an embedded module. -
FIG. 3 is a system diagram of an intelligent window controller/driver, from the smart window system ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a system diagram of a command and communication device, from the smart window system ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing aspects of the distributed device network control system architecture ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6A shows aspects of a building model that can be used in embodiments of the smart window system. -
FIG. 6B shows aspects of a shade model that can be used in embodiments of the smart window system. -
FIG. 6C shows aspects of a temperature model that can be used in embodiments of the smart window system. -
FIG. 6D shows a light and comfort model that can be used in embodiments of the smart window system. -
FIG. 6E shows a comparison engine that can be used in embodiments of the smart window system. -
FIG. 6F shows the building model ofFIG. 6A in the distributed device network ofFIGS. 1 and 5 , which could also include some or all of the models ofFIGS. 6B-6D and the comparison engine ofFIG. 6E , in various embodiments. -
FIG. 7 depicts a data structure suitable for holding the building model and other models and comparison engine ofFIGS. 6A-6F in the distributed device network with smart windows. -
FIG. 8 is a system diagram of the server ofFIG. 1 , with various modules and repositories, as suitable for use with smart window systems. -
FIG. 9 is a system diagram of the distributed device network ofFIGS. 1, 5 and 6F interacting with smart windows and lights, in a cooperative system with voting and visual representation for users of a smart window system. -
FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a smart window with transmissivity gradation. -
FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a smart window with a motorized window blind and motorized opening and closing. -
FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a smart window with an auto-tint function. -
FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of a smart window system with voice control and a nearest window location function. -
FIG. 14 depicts a building with a smart windows pattern. -
FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of a method of operating a smart window system. -
FIG. 16 is an illustration showing an exemplary computing device which may implement the embodiments described herein. - A smart window system, disclosed herein, has a distributed device network control system architecture that can distribute control of optical transmissivity of smart windows across the smart windows, intelligent window controller/drivers, a command and communication device, and one or more resources on a network. The smart window system combines input from sensors integrated with the smart windows, user input, and information and direction from the network to control the smart windows in an interactive, adaptive manner. Control can shift from one component to another, be shared across multiple components, or be overridden by one component of the system, in various embodiments. The distributed nature of the architecture and the control support various system behaviors and capabilities. Some embodiments of the smart window system develop a building model, with shade modeling for the smart windows. Various embodiments of smart windows and operating scenarios for smart window systems are described herein.
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FIG. 1 is a system diagram of a smart window system that has a distributed device network control system architecture in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system is both modular and distributed, and is suitable for installation in various living, working or commercial spaces, such as an apartment, house, an office, a building, a store, a mall, etc. Modularity allows for replacement of individual components, upgrades, expansion, linking of two or more systems, and communication in the system and among multiple systems. Wireless couplings, wired couplings, and combinations thereof are supported by the smart window system. Althoughantennas 124 are shown for the wireless coupling, further embodiments could use infrared coupling. - Control is distributed across one or more
first control systems 114, with one in eachsmart window 102, one or moresecond control systems 116, with one in each intelligent window controller/driver 104, athird control system 118 in a command andcommunication device 106, and afourth control system 120 in aserver 108 coupled to anetwork 110. Eachsmart window 102 has anantenna 124 and is thereby wirelessly connected to a nearby intelligent window controller/driver 104, also with anantenna 124. In further embodiments, a wired connection could be used. Each intelligent window controller/driver 104 is wirelessly connected to the command andcommunication device 106, which has anantenna 124. In further embodiments, a wired connection could be used. The command andcommunication device 106 is coupled to anetwork 110, such as the global communication network known as the Internet. This coupling could be made via a wireless router (e.g., in a home, office, business or building), or a wired network connection. User devices 136 (e.g., smart phones, computers, various computing and/or communication devices) can couple to the command andcommunication device 106, for example by a direct wireless connection or via thenetwork 110, or can couple to theserver 108 via thenetwork 110, as canother systems 138 andbig data 112. In some embodiments, theserver 108 hosts anapplication programming interface 140. Theserver 108 could be implemented in or include, e.g., one or more physical servers, or one or more virtual servers implemented with physical computing resources, or combinations thereof. - Modularity of the system supports numerous layouts and installations. For example, each windowed room in a building could have one or more
smart windows 102 and a single intelligent window controller/driver 104 for that room. An intelligent window controller/driver 104 could controlsmart windows 102 in part of a room, an entire room, or multiple rooms. The intelligent window controller/driver(s) 104 for that floor of the building, or for a portion of or the entire building in some embodiments, could tie into a single command andcommunication device 106, which is coupled to thenetwork 110 and thereby coupled to theserver 108. In a small installation, one or moresmart windows 102 could couple to a single intelligent window controller/driver 104 for local distributed control, or a single command andcommunication device 106 for both local and network distributed control. Or, an intelligent window controller/driver 104 could be combined with the command andcommunication device 106, in a further embodiment for small systems that use both local control and network information. Large systems, e.g., for multiple occupant buildings, could have multiple command andcommunication devices 106, e.g., one for each occupant or set of occupants, or each floor or level in the building, etc. Upgrades or expansions are readily accommodated by the addition of further components according to the situation. - In one embodiment as shown in
FIG. 1 , the command andcommunication device 106 has awireless interface 128, awired interface 130, acontrol system 118, arules engine 132, anetwork interface 134, and a user I/O (input/output)module 142. Thewireless interface 128 and/or thewired interface 130 are used for coupling to the intelligent window controller/driver(s) 104. Thenetwork interface 134 is used for connecting to thenetwork 110. For example, thenetwork interface 134 could connect to a wireless router or Wi-Fi, e.g., via thewireless interface 128, or to a wired network via thewired interface 130. In some embodiments, thewireless interface 128 and/or thewired interface 130 can couple to third-party devices for sensing, input and/or output (see, e.g., description regardingFIG. 3 ). Therules engine 132 uses information from thenetwork 110, which can include direction from thefourth control system 120 in theserver 108, and can include information fromuser devices 136,other systems 138, orbig data 112, to create, populate, modify, or adapt various rules for operation of thesmart windows 102. The user I/O module 142 accepts user input, e.g., via buttons, a touchscreen, etc., and displays user output, e.g., via a display screen or with LEDs or other lamps, etc. Some embodiments may lack the user I/O module 142, or have a user input module or an output module. In keeping with the nature of this distributed control system, thethird control system 118 of the command andcommunication device 106 can direct operation of thesmart windows 102, thesecond control system 116 of the intelligent window controller/driver(s) 104 can direct operation of thesmart windows 102, thefourth control system 120 of theserver 108 can direct operation of thesmart windows 102, and/or thefirst control system 114 of eachsmart window 102 can direct operation of thatsmart window 102, in various combinations. Some embodiments have a failover mechanism, in which control and/or communication are routed around a failed device in the system. - As shown by the dashed lines, communication can proceed amongst various members of the smart window system over various paths, in various embodiments. In some embodiments, a message or other communication is passed along a chain, such as from a
smart window 102, to an intelligent window controller/driver 104, or via the intelligent window controller/driver 104 to the command andcommunication device 106, and vice versa. In some embodiments, a device can be bypassed, either by direct communication between two devices or by a device acting as a relay. For example, asmart window 102 could communicate directly with a command andcommunication device 124 wirelessly via thewireless interface 128 or via thewired interface 130. Or, an intelligent window controller/driver 104 could relay a message or other communication, as could the command andcommunication device 106. In some embodiments, messages or communications can be addressed to any component or device in the system, or broadcast to multiple devices, etc. This could be accomplished using packets for communication, and in some embodiments any of thecontrol systems network 110. -
FIG. 2 is a system diagram of asmart window 102 that has anelectrochromic window 204 and awindow frame 202 with an embeddedmodule 206. The embeddedmodule 206 could be positioned at the bottom, top, to one or both sides, or distributed around thewindow frame 202 in various embodiments. The embeddedmodule 202 has one ormore sensors 212, which could include temperature, light, audio/acoustic (i.e., sound), vibration, video or still image, motion, smoke detection, chemical, humidity or other sensors, and which could be facing inwards, i.e., into a room, or outwards, i.e., to the exterior of the room or building, in various embodiments. Thewireless interface 128 has anantenna 124, which is used for coupling to the intelligent window controller/driver(s) 104, the command andcommunication device 106, and/or one or more user devices 136 (e.g., a smart phone, a user wearable device, etc.). Awired interface 130 could also be included, or could be used in place of awireless interface 128. Thecontrol system 114, shown as thefirst control system 114 inFIG. 1 , provides local control for theelectrochromic window 204 via the voltage orcurrent driver 208. Alternatively, thecontrol system 114 participates in distributed control. Some embodiments have arules engine 132 in themodule 206. The voltage orcurrent driver 208 sends voltage or current to bus bars of theelectrochromic window 204, as directed by one or more of thecontrol systems electrochromic window 204. In some embodiments, to change transmissivity of theelectrochromic window 204, the voltage orcurrent driver 208 provides constant current until a sense voltage of theelectrochromic window 204 is reached. Then, the voltage orcurrent driver 208 provides a current that maintains the sense voltage at a constant voltage, until a total amount of charge is transferred to theelectrochromic window 204 for the new transmissivity level. The embeddedmodule 206 also includes aninput device 214, or a user I/O module 142, through which user input can be entered at thesmart window 102. In some embodiments, user input can also be entered through thewireless interface 128, e.g., from a smart phone. -
FIG. 3 is a system diagram of an intelligent window controller/driver 104, from the smart window system ofFIG. 1 . The intelligent window controller/driver 104 includes awireless interface 128 with anantenna 124, awired interface 130, a user I/O module 142, and acontrol system 116, which is shown as thesecond control system 116 inFIG. 1 . Some embodiments have arules engine 132. Thewireless interface 128 couples to one or moresmart windows 102 via thewireless interface 128, as shown inFIG. 1 , although thewired interface 130 could be used in further embodiments. Either thewireless interface 128 or thewired interface 130 can be used to couple to the command andcommunication device 106, in various embodiments. In some embodiments, thewireless interface 128 and/or thewired interface 130 can couple to further devices, such as third-party devices for input information, sensing or control output. For example, the system could control or interact with lighting controllers, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, e.g., by coupling to a thermostat), burglar and/or fire alarm systems, smart phones, or other systems or devices, or receive further input from further sensors, cameras, etc. The user I/O module 142 could include buttons, a touchpad, a touchscreen, a display screen, etc., for user input to the system and/or output from the system. Thesecond control system 116 participates in distributed control with thefirst control system 114 of thesmart window 102, or can override thefirst control system 114. In some embodiments, thesecond control system 116 relays direction from thethird control system 118 of the command and communication device, or thefourth control system 120 of theserver 108, to one or moresmart windows 102. -
FIG. 4 is a system diagram of a command andcommunication device 106, from the smart window system ofFIG. 1 . Since the command andcommunication device 106 is coupled to thenetwork 110, in some embodiments the command andcommunication device 106 has various protections against unauthorized access. Here, the command andcommunication device 106 has afirewall 104, amalware protection engine 408, anauthentication engine 402, and acertificate repository 406. Thefirewall 104 is applied in a conventional manner, to communications arriving via thewired interface 130 or the wireless interface 128 (seeFIG. 1 ). - The
authentication engine 402 can be applied to authenticate any component that is coupled to or desires to couple to the command andcommunication device 106. For example, eachsmart window 102 could be authenticated, each intelligent window controller/driver 104 could be authenticated, and theserver 108 could be authenticated, as could anyuser device 136 orother system 138 attempting to access the smart window system. The command andcommunication device 106 can authenticate itself, for example to theserver 108. To do so, the command andcommunication device 106 uses a certificate from thecertificate repository 406 for an authentication process (e.g., a “handshake”) applied by theauthentication engine 402. - The
malware protection engine 408 can look for malware in any of the communications received by the commandedcommunication device 106, and block, delete, isolate or otherwise handle suspected malware in a manner similar to how this is done on personal computers, smart phones and the like. Updates, e.g., malware signatures, improved malware detection algorithms, etc., are transferred to themalware protection engine 408 via thenetwork 110, e.g., from theserver 108 or one of theother systems 138 such as a malware protection service. -
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing aspects of the distributed device network control system architecture ofFIG. 1 . Although this architecture lends itself to hierarchical control, which is nonetheless possible and can be performed by overrides from components higher up in the chain, it should be appreciated that control is generally distributed across and movable among the first control system(s) 114, the second control system(s) 116, thethird control system 118 and thefourth control system 120, i.e., distributed across and movable among theserver 108, the command andcommunication device 106, the intelligent window controller/drivers 104, and thesmart windows 102.Smart windows 102 can be operated individually, or in various groups (e.g., facing in a particular direction, or associated with a particular room or group of rooms, or level or floor of a house or other building, subsets or groupings of windows, and so on) using this distributed control architecture. Generally, eachcontrol system smart windows 102, in cooperation with other members of the system. Eachcontrol system first control system 114 hasfirst rules 502, the second control system hassecond rules 504, thethird control system 118 hasthird rules 506, thefourth control system 120 hasfourth rules 508. Eachcontrol system driver 104 could override asmart window 102, the command andcommunication device 106 could override an intelligent window controller/driver 104 or asmart window 102, theserver 108 could override the command andcommunication device 106, an intelligent window controller/driver 104, or asmart window 102, or user input at one of the devices or from auser device 136 could override one or more of these. Information from thesensors 212 of the smart window(s) 102 enters the system through the first control system(s) 114, and can be routed or directed to any of thefurther control systems Information 510 from the network enters the system through thefourth control system 120, i.e., theserver 108, and/or thethird control system 118, i.e., the command andcommunication device 106, and can be routed or directed to any of thefurther control systems smart windows 102, e.g., through user input at thatsmart window 102 or wireless user input from auser device 136 to thesmart window 102. User input can also enter the system through the intelligent window controller/driver(s) 104, e.g., through user input at the intelligent window controller/driver 104 or wireless user input from auser device 136. User input can enter the system through thethird control system 118, e.g., through a wireless coupling from auser device 136 or via the network connection, e.g., from auser device 136. User input can enter the system through thefourth control system 120, e.g., via theserver 108. From any of these entry points, the user input can be routed to any of thecontrol systems control systems other control system respective rules control systems - In some embodiments, the smart window system operates the
smart windows 102 in a continuous manner, even if there is anetwork 110 outage (e.g., there is a network outage outside of the building, a server is down, or a wireless router for the building is turned off or fails, etc.). Thefirst control system 114, thesecond control system 116 and/or thethird control system 118 can direct thesmart windows 102 without information from the network, under such circumstances. In various combinations, each of thecontrol systems network 110 is available, thethird control system 118 obtains weather information from the network, either directly at thethird control system 118 or with assistance from theserver 108. For example, thethird control system 118 could include and apply cloud-based adaptive algorithms. With these, thethird control system 118 can then direct operation of thesmart windows 102 based on the weather information. One or a combination of thecontrol systems smart windows 102 based on sensor information, such as from light, image, sound or temperature sensors of thesmart windows 102. For example, if the weather information indicates cloud cover, orsensors 212 are picking up lowered light levels, the system could direct an increase in transmissivity of thesmart windows 102, to let more natural light in to the building. If the weather information indicates bright sun, orsensors 212 are picking up increased or high light levels, the system could direct a decrease in transmissivity of thesmart windows 102, to decrease the amount of natural light let in to the building. The system can modify such direction according to orientation of each window, so that windows pointing away from the incidence of sunlight are directed differently than windows pointing towards incidence of sunlight. If weather information indicates sunlight, and temperature sensors indicate low temperatures, the system could direct increased transmissivity of thesmart windows 102, in order to let in more natural light and increase heating of a building interior naturally. Or, if the temperatures sensors indicate high temperatures, the system could direct decreased transmissivity of thesmart windows 102, to block natural light and thereby hold down the heating of the interior of the building by sunlight. -
FIGS. 6A-6F illustrate various models and a comparison engine, some or all of which could be used in various combinations in embodiments of the smart window system. Each of these embodiments could be placed in various locations in the smart window system, as further discussed below with reference toFIG. 6F . -
FIG. 6A shows aspects of abuilding model 602 that can be used in embodiments of the smart window system. Thebuilding model 602 represents placement of each of thesmart windows 102 in a particular installation of a window system, e.g., in a house or building. Some or all of the aspects shown inFIG. 6A , or further aspects or variations thereof, could be present in aspecific building model 602.Window orientation 616 could be represented by compass bearing of eachsmart window 102, or positioning or location information for eachsmart window 102 relative to the building in which thesmart window 102 is installed. This could be automatically determined based on information from one ormore sensors 212 of the smart window, or by user entry of information such as a floor plan of the building or other information allowing the system to deduce thewindow orientation 616.Window height 604 could be deduced or user entered.County information 606 could be obtained from thenetwork 110, and indicate location and orientation information for the entire building, or building plans, etc. Internet real estate sites may provideinformation 608 from thenetwork 110, and indicate location information for the building.House orientation 610 could be mapped on site, user entered, deduced from sensor information obtained from thesmart windows 102, or obtained from a smart phone application.Microclimate information 612 could be obtained from thenetwork 110. Some embodiments of smart window systems contribute sensor information from thesmart windows 102 to the server 108 (seeFIG. 1 ), which then tracks microclimate weather and makes this information available back to smart window systems or others (e.g., subscribers or services).Census information 614 could be obtained from thenetwork 110 and give location information for the building or occupant counts for the building, which could then be used for establishing the number of user profiles applicable to an installation ofsmart windows 102. Other sources and types of information could feed into thebuilding model 602. For example, online map and photographic information could be used to establish relative locations and orientations of various smart windows 102 (or of windows prior to retrofitting with smart windows 102). -
FIG. 6B shows aspects of ashade model 640 that can be used in embodiments of the smart window system. Theshade model 640 represents aspects of shade (e.g., blocking of sunlight) affecting eachsmart window 102, groups of smart windows 102 (e.g., thesmart windows 102 on the first story of a three-story building, orsmart windows 102 facing in one direction), or thesmart windows 102 of an entire building (e.g., with other buildings, nearby mountains or hills that could shade the entire building). It is not necessary that theshade model 640 represent the source of the shade (i.e., theshade model 640 does not need to know that it is a tree, a hillside or another building that is producing shade at a particular time of day for a particular window), although some embodiments could provide entry for such information. Some embodiments deduce theshade model 640 for eachsmart window 102, or group ofsmart windows 102, based on smart windowlight sensors information 638.Weather data 618 could be included in theshade model 640, as could real-time satellite image/cloud cover information 620 and sunazimuth information 622. With these sources of information, as obtained from the network 110 (e.g., the Internet), the smart window system can deduce whether the sun ought to be shining brightly on a window, but is not, in which case at that time of day and season under that weather condition, there could be shade on thesmart window 102.Surface images 624 from an Internet map application could be used to provide information for theshade model 640. Smart phoneapplication window images 626 could be input into the system, which could then deduce which windows are shaded at the time that the image was captured. GPS (global positioning system) andcompass direction information 628 could be input to the system, for example from a smart phone with a GPS and compass function, or other instrument or device, or manually entered. This information is useful for determining orientation of awindow 102 and incidence of sunlight relative to thatsmart window 102, whereupon theshade model 640 can deduce whether shade is affecting thatsmart window 102. Irrigation controllers orrain sensors information 630 could be used to deduce whether locally there is rain and attendant cloud cover, which is causing shade on likely all of thesmart windows 102 of an installation. A smart phonelight sensor 632 could provide input to theshade model 640, operating effectively as a light meter (e.g., deduced from an image capture or live image camera), so that the system can deduce when less light is incident on or passing through awindow 102 than ought to be with direct sun shining, in which case there is shade, and so on.Thermostat information 634 could be used to deduce whether overall the room or building is receiving more or less incident sunlight than expected according to theweather data 618 or other relevant source of information about sunlight, and thereby deduce shade information.Indoor lights information 636 could be used to deduce whether overall the room or building is receiving more or less incident sunlight than expected, etc. Various single sources or combinations of the above sources of information are used in various embodiments to produce, update or modify theshade model 640. -
FIG. 6C shows aspects of atemperature model 656 that can be used in embodiments of the smart window system. Thetemperature model 656 represents the temperature, and influences on the temperature, of one or more rooms or the entire building in which a window system is installed.Thermostat information 634 could be used to determine whether the user-intended (or desired) temperature for the inside of the room, house or building is higher or lower than might be naturally obtained or otherwise expected or predicted, or higher or lower than the indoor temperature as measured by thethermostat 634. For example, regional information 658 (e.g. whether information), local information 642 (e.g., microclimate information), outdoor house information 646 (e.g., from outward facing temperature sensors ofsmart windows 102 or other sources), and indoor house information 648 (e.g., from inward facing temperature sensors ofsmart windows 102 or other sources) can all be processed and compared, so that thetemperature model 656 deduces whether the temperature is relatively low or high. The system can then make decisions as to whether transmissivity of specificsmart windows 102, or all of thesmart windows 102, should be increased or decreased to let more or less sunlight in, and to raise, lower or prevent from raising the indoor temperature as a result.Neighbor information 650 could be input to thetemperature model 656, particularly where neighbors are using a smart window system which communicates with theserver 108.Forecast information 652 can be applied to thetemperature model 656, so as to make adjustments to transmissivity settings ofsmart windows 102 in advance of changes in weather. For example, if a cooling trend is predicted, the system might decide to increase transmissivity of thesmart windows 102, to let more sunlight in and heat up the interior of the building. If a warming trend is predicted, the system might decide to decrease transmissivity of thesmart windows 102, to decrease the amount of sunlight let in and avoid heating up the interior of the building. -
FIG. 6D shows a light andcomfort model 672 that can be used in embodiments of the smart window system. The light andcomfort model 672 represents light levels in the interior of a room or building, and various influences on the light levels.User behaviors 674 are used by the light andcomfort model 672 to understand when a user manually adjusts asmart window 102, enters preference information, or otherwise influences settings or adjustments of the system. Aremote light detector 660, such as the smart phonelight sensor 632, or another user device, could be used to independently measure light levels in a room or building. Smartphone light detection 662, such as the smart phonelight sensor 632 could also be used to measure light levels in a room or building.Lighting control information 664, such as could be available when the smart window system includes a lighting controller or couples to a lighting controller, could be used by the system to observe when artificial lighting (i.e., not sunlight-based) is applied to the interior of a room or building.Shade control information 666, such as could be available when the smart window system includes or couples to a shade control device (see, e.g.,FIG. 11 ), could be used by the system to observe when shade is deliberately applied to the interior of a room or building. Adjustment to HVAC (heating, ventilation or air conditioning)information 668 could be used by the system to observe when an occupant desires warmer or cooler temperatures. Adjustment to learned modes information 670 could be used by the system to deduce when they learned mode setting produced too much or too little natural (i.e., sunlight-based) light in a room or building. The system can use the light andcomfort model 672 when determining whether to increase or decrease transmissivity ofsmart windows 102, to let more or less light in. -
FIG. 6E shows acomparison engine 682 that can be used in embodiments of the smart window system. Thecomparison engine 682 can take present building information 684 (e.g., as applied to a specific smart window system), andother buildings information 676, and compare models, operation, user preferences, system performance, and other aspects of smart window systems from one installation to another. From thepresent building information 684 and theother buildings information 676, thecomparison engine 682 can derive smart window “recipes” 678 (e.g., rules sets applicable to smart window systems). The system could also make use of smartwindow history data 680, for short, medium or long-term comparisons. -
FIG. 6F shows thebuilding model 602 ofFIG. 6A in the distributeddevice network 690 ofFIGS. 1 and 5 , which could also include some or all of themodels FIGS. 6B-6D and thecomparison engine 682 ofFIG. 6E , in various embodiments. Here, thebuilding model 602 is shown as including theshade model 640, as will be further discussed with reference toFIG. 7 . The distributeddevice network 690 resides partially local 686 to the building in which thesmart windows 102 are installed, and partially in thecloud 688, in some embodiments. Referring back toFIG. 1 , the first, second andthird control systems smart windows 102 reside, and thefourth control system 120 is cloud-based, more specifically, located in theserver 108 which is coupled to thenetwork 110. The distributeddevice network 690 holds thebuilding model 602, which can thus also be distributed acrossmultiple control systems building model 602 is generated and maintained locally, and a portion of thebuilding model 602 is cloud-based.Local portion 686 influences to thebuilding model 602 include installer anduser feedback 692, and thebuilding floor plan 654 or other information used to representsmart window 102 placement.Cloud portion 688 influences to thebuilding model 602 includeweather prediction data 694,current weather data 696, and historic weather data 698 (which could be seasonal or geographic or both). -
FIG. 7 depicts adata structure 702 suitable for holding thebuilding model 602 andother models comparison engine 682 ofFIGS. 6A-6F in the distributeddevice network 690 withsmart windows 102. Thedata structure 702 could havevarious fields building location field 706 holds latitude, longitude, GPS, ZIP Code and/or other building location information. Thebuilding model 602 has awindow information field 704. In theexample data structure 702 shown, eachsmart window 102 is numbered or otherwise identified, and the direction in which thesmart window 102 is facing, the story in which thesmart window 102 is located, a shade constraint, a glare constraint, a room designation, and general (e.g., as user entered or deduced by the system) and personal (e.g., per user, as user entered or deduced by the system) preferences are represented in thewindow information field 704. There are many formats and ways in which this or other information, or variations thereof could be represented, as readily devised by the person of skill in the art. Information could be represented for individualsmart windows 102, or groups, etc. Abuilding information field 708 has information for the front, back, and each side of the building, such as which direction each wall is facing, how many stories are on that wall (e.g., a split level house could have one story for the back of the building, two stories for the front of the building and a split one and two stories for the sides of the building). Anadjustment field 712 shows whether the day and night function is adjusted for latitude and seasons, whether weather report monitoring is on or off and whether local microclimate adjustments are on or off. For example, some users would prefer a clock-based schedule that does not vary per season, and others would prefer seasonal adjustments to the settings of the system. Some users would prefer to ignore the weather, others would rather the system compensate the settings for the weather. Further model fields 714 represent theshade model 640, thetemperature model 656, and thelighting model 710, by room, by thesmart windows 102 per room, and/or the building overall. -
FIG. 8 is a system diagram of theserver 108 ofFIG. 1 , with various modules and repositories, as suitable for use with smart window systems. This is one embodiment, and variations with fewer, more, or differing combinations of features are readily devised. Abuilding models repository 804 is wherebuilding models 602 are stored, in single or aggregate form. For example, a smart window system could store alocal building model 602 in one of, or distributed across, thefirst control system 114, thesecond control system 116 and thethird control system 118, with a duplicate copy of thelocal building model 602 stored in thebuilding models repository 804 of theserver 108 as part of the fourth control system 120 (seeFIGS. 1 and 5 ). Or, each smart window system could have thebuilding model 602 distributed across local components and theserver 108. Auser profiles repository 806 is where user profiles are stored in theserver 108. Each of these is updated, revised or modified on an ongoing basis, which could be at regular or irregular time intervals or responsive to changes, etc. - A
recommendation engine 810 generates smart window recipes 678 (seeFIG. 6E ), and stores these in a smartwindow recipes repository 812. Therecipes 678 could include personal comfort models, energy efficiency models, preference models, profiles of smart window operation, etc. Asocial networking service 808 can gathersmart window recipes 678 as shared by users of smart window systems, and store these in or access these for sharing from the smartwindow recipes repository 812. Amicroclimate tracker 814 receives sensor information fromsmart windows 102 of multiple smart window systems, and tracks microclimate based on the sensor information. Microclimate weather information could be made available by theserver 108, to other systems or subscribers (e.g., for a subscription fee). - An energy usage and smart
window usage tracker 816 communicates with utilities or building systems (e.g. HVAC) and tracks energy usage, and also tracks usage ofsmart window systems 802 that are coupled to theserver 108 via thenetwork 110. From this, the energy usage and smartwindow usage tracker 816 can generaterecommendations 818, for example ofsmart window recipes 678 from the smartwindow recipes repository 812. This could make use of the comparison engine 682 (ofFIG. 6E ). The energy usage and smartwindow usage tracker 816 can also generateenergy audits 820, which could accompanyrecommendations 818. - A thermal resistance R value/
U factor calculator 822 looks at temperature differences inside and outside of a room or building, based on sensor information fromsensors 212 of thesmart windows 102, and possibly also based on communication with HVAC systems orthermostat information 634. Then, the thermal resistance R value/U factor calculator 822 calculates (e.g., estimates) the thermal resistance (e.g., the R value) or its inverse, the thermal transmittance (e.g., the U factor). - A
report generator 824 could generate reports of various aspects of system operation, such as whichsmart windows 102 have frequent manual adjustments, or whichsmart windows 102 are allowed to self-adjust without much manual adjustment. Thereport generator 824 could report whichsmart windows 102, or how manysmart windows 102, have operation consistent with a recommendation based on theshade model 640, or report a ratio of the number ofsmart windows 102 that have such operation as compared to the number ofsmart windows 102 that have operation inconsistent with the recommendation. A report could include a recommendation, based on a finding that some of thesmart windows 102 are operated in a manner that is less energy efficient. Other types of reports are readily devised. - A building
appearance simulator engine 826 renders images of buildings withsmart windows 102, to show how a building would appear with changes to transmissivity settings of thesmart windows 102. This could be accomplished by having theserver 108 receive a captured image, or video, of a building that hassmart windows 102. For example, a user could use a camera of a smart phone orother user device 136, and send a picture of a building to theserver 108 via thenetwork 110. The server could then coordinate with the appropriate (i.e., corresponding) one of thebuilding models 602 in thebuilding models repository 804, or use pattern recognition or other computing technique, to identify windows in the captured image or video. A user communicating with theserver 108, for example via auser device 136 and thenetwork 110, could use a touchscreen or cursor manipulation to indicate a selection of one or moresmart windows 102 in the image, and then indicate a new setting or a pattern for one or moresmart windows 102. The buildingappearance simulator engine 826 would then render an image simulating the appearance of the building with the new transmissivity settings for thesmart windows 102. This simulated appearance rendered image could be termed a type of “augmented reality” depiction. In some embodiments, theuser device 136 communicates to the smart window system (e.g., a specific installation at a specific building), and directs the smart window system to set transmissivity of specificsmart windows 102 in accordance with the rendered image, thereby reproducing the simulated appearance of the building in the actual appearance of the building with thesmart windows 102. An example of this is shown and described with reference toFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 9 is a system diagram of the distributeddevice network 690 ofFIGS. 1, 5 and 6F interacting with smart windows and lights, in a cooperative system with voting and visual representation for users of a smart window system. Some or all of the aspects of this embodiment are available in further embodiments, in various combinations. The distributeddevice network 690 couple to and communicates with, or integrates one or more lighting controller(s) 104, which couple tovarious lights 906. As described above, the smart window system, e.g. the distributeddevice network 690, operates thesmart windows 102 based on input from thesensors 212, information from thenetwork 110, andvarious user inputs 902. In this embodiment, the system votes onuser inputs 902, usingvoting 908. Various voting schemes or mechanisms could be implemented using one or more of thecontrol systems device network 690. Based on results of thevoting 908, the system sets transmissivity of one or moresmart windows 102 and/or sets lighting levels of one ormore lights 906. One goal of such a system would be to achieve an overall combination of natural lighting and artificial lighting that is preferred by a majority of the users, per thevoting 908. Voting 908 could also be applied in embodiments with the buildingappearance simulator engine 826 described with reference toFIG. 8 and/or the pattern displays described below with reference toFIG. 14 . To guide the users who are directing lighting levels or building appearance using thevoting 908, the system could employ the buildingappearance simulator engine 826 to generate avisual representation 910 showing an interior or exterior simulated appearance based on either an individual requested setting for selectedsmart windows 102, or the voted setting for selectedsmart windows 102. This visual representation 910 (e.g., a rendered image in an appropriate image format) could be sent by the system to any of theuser devices 136, or, in embodiments of the smart window system with one or more displays (e.g., on an intelligent window controller/driver 104 or the command and communication device 106), a system device could display thevisual representation 910. -
FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of asmart window 102 with transmissivity gradation. Theelectrochromic window 204 in this embodiment has multiple zones, each controllable independently of others as to transmissivity. For example, zones could be bounded by bus bars, with voltage between bus bars of a zone, or current through bus bars of a zone, controlling transmissivity of that zone of electrochromic material. Or, theelectrochromic window 204 could have multiple panes, with each pane independently controllable as to transmissivity. In the example shown, the uppermost zone or pane is set to low or minimum transmissivity, and successive zones or panes are set to higher transmissivity, with the lowermost zone or pane set to still higher or maximum transmissivity, so that the lower portions of thesmart window 102 let in more light or view than the upper portions of thesmart window 102. This is useful for letting in light without dazzling or blinding a user who is seated near thesmart window 102, e.g., at a desk or table, who wishes natural lighting for the desk, table or other surroundings, but less sunlight into his or her eyes. In this example, the zones or panes are laid out horizontally, but further embodiments could have vertical or diagonal layouts for zones or panes, or curved layouts (e.g. circular, oval, half circle, half oval, and so on). -
FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of asmart window 102 with amotorized window blind 1102 and motorized opening and closing. Generally,smart windows 102 could have multiple features besides ofelectrochromic windows 204, and this embodiment shows two possibilities. Afirst motor 1106 operates thewindow blind 1102 up and down, under control of the embedded module 206 (seeFIG. 2 ) specifically, and the distributeddevice network 690 generally. Further embodiments could have a window blind operated from side to side, or at other angles, or motorized drapes, shutters, etc., as shade control. Asecond motor 1108 operates theelectrochromic window 204 to swing open and closed, or, alternatively, up and down or in and out, or with a two pane split opening outwards or inwards and closing, etc. This, too, is controlled by the embeddedmodule 206 and the distributeddevice network 690. In various scenarios, a smart window system could control opening and closing ofsmart windows 102 for natural ventilation and/or could controlwindow blinds 1102 or related features along with controlling transmissivity ofsmart windows 102, for user comfort. -
FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of asmart window 102 with an auto-tint 1204 function. As in other embodiments, thesmart window 102 has one ormore sensors 212. In this scenario, the sensor(s) 212 receive light and/or sound from anearby television 1202 in operation. The smart window system deduces that thetelevision 1202 is on (e.g., by looking for the flicker of light or the variety of sounds associated with television operation, or by processing a captured or video image from a camera as a sensor 212), and determines whichsmart window 102 is nearest the television 1202 (e.g., by comparing sound levels or light levels fromsensors 212 ofsmart windows 102, or processing images). Next, the smart window system directs that nearestsmart window 102, or a group of smart windows 102 (e.g., assigned to a specific room), to decrease transmissivity. With this action, the auto-tint 1204 function reduces sunlight glare and overall natural light levels in the vicinity of thetelevision 1202, for more pleasant viewing. The auto-tint 1204 function could be applied in further scenarios, such as with the system detecting various user activities. -
FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of a smart window system with voice control and a nearest window location function. A smart phone orother user device 136 is communicating with the smart window system, for example by wirelessly coupling to an intelligent window controller/driver 104 or the command andcommunication device 106. The smart phone orother user device 136 has speech recognition, and recognizes a user giving directions such as to dim the nearestsmart window 102. Alternatively,sensors 212 ofsmart windows 102 receive sound from a user, and an embodiment of the smart window system could have speech recognition built-in. By comparing sound levels at multiplesmart windows 102, based on input from thesensors 212, the smart window system deduces whichsmart window 102 is closest to the user who is speaking, and directs thatsmart window 102 to decrease transmissivity as directed by the user. Voice control and the nearest window location function can be applied to other voice commands, such as brightening the nearest window, dimming or brightening all the windows in the room, multiple rooms or the entire building, or use of other phrases and instructions relevant to thesmart windows 102. -
FIG. 14 depicts a building with asmart windows pattern 1402. In various embodiments, all of thesmart windows 102 of an entire building are under control of a single distributed device network 690 (seeFIGS. 1, 5 and 9 ), or multiple distributeddevice networks 690 couple together, e.g., via thenetwork 110 and communicate amongst themselves. One or more users, singly, or with voting 908 as described with reference toFIG. 9 , or with another cooperative mechanism, to display on the building exterior (or, in some embodiments, interior). For example, users communicate a pattern withuser devices 136. The distributed device network(s) 690 direct each of thesmart windows 102, e.g., of one face of the building, or all faces, etc., to change transmissivity in accordance with thepattern 1402, and the exterior of the building shows thepattern 1402 as depicted inFIG. 14 . In some embodiments, the smart window system communicates a visual representation 910 (seeFIG. 9 ) of the building with thepattern 1402, as generated by the building appearance simulator engine 826 (seeFIG. 8 ), to one ormore user devices 136.Many patterns 1402 are possible, andpatterns 1402 could be developed, shared, e.g. through a social networking service 808 (seeFIG. 8 ), and displayed for special events, holidays, different times of the day or day to day, etc. Thespecific pattern 1402 shown is by example only, and should not be seen as limiting. -
FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of a method of operating a smart window system. The method can be practiced by embodiments of the smart window system, more specifically by one or more processors of a smart window system or a distributed device network that includes smart windows. In anaction 1502, sensor information is received from sensors of the smart window system. These could be sensors embedded in the smart windows and/or sensors coupled to intelligent window controller/drivers. Various types of sensors are possible. In anaction 1504, information is received from a network. This could be the global communication network known as the Internet, and could include sample profiles, weather information, seasonal or geographic information, etc. In anaction 1506, a building model is generated. In anaction 1508, shade modeling is developed. The building model and the shade modeling are based on the sensor information and the information received from the network. Other models are possible. - In an
action 1510, smart windows are controlled based on the building model. Control of the smart windows is also based on sensor information, user input and information from the network. In anaction 1512, the building model is revised or updated. Revision or updating of the building model is based on sensor information, user input and information from the network. This can be an ongoing process, or could be event driven or scheduled, etc. Flow proceeds back to theaction 1510, to control the smart windows and revise or update the building model, in a loop. It should be appreciated that further actions could be added to the method, to add further features or refine actions with more detail, or branch to various routines, etc. - It should be appreciated that the methods described herein may be performed with a digital processing system, such as a conventional, general-purpose computer system. Special purpose computers, which are designed or programmed to perform only one function may be used in the alternative.
FIG. 16 is an illustration showing an exemplary computing device which may implement the embodiments described herein. The computing device ofFIG. 16 may be used to perform embodiments of the functionality for the smart window system in accordance with some embodiments. The computing device includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1601, which is coupled through abus 1605 to amemory 1603, andmass storage device 1607.Mass storage device 1607 represents a persistent data storage device such as a floppy disc drive or a fixed disc drive, which may be local or remote in some embodiments.Memory 1603 may include read only memory, random access memory, etc. Applications resident on the computing device may be stored on or accessed via a computer readable medium such asmemory 1603 ormass storage device 1607 in some embodiments. Applications may also be in the form of modulated electronic signals modulated accessed via a network modem or other network interface of the computing device. It should be appreciated thatCPU 1601 may be embodied in a general-purpose processor, a special purpose processor, or a specially programmed logic device in some embodiments. -
Display 1611 is in communication withCPU 1601,memory 1603, andmass storage device 1607, throughbus 1605.Display 1611 is configured to display any visualization tools or reports associated with the system described herein. Input/output device 1609 is coupled tobus 1605 in order to communicate information in command selections toCPU 1601. It should be appreciated that data to and from external devices may be communicated through the input/output device 1609.CPU 1601 can be defined to execute the functionality described herein to enable the functionality described with reference toFIGS. 1-15 . The code embodying this functionality may be stored withinmemory 1603 ormass storage device 1607 for execution by a processor such asCPU 1601 in some embodiments. The operating system on the computing device may be MS DOS™, MS-WINDOWS™, OS/2™, UNIX™, LINUX™, or other known operating systems. It should be appreciated that the embodiments described herein may also be integrated with a virtualized computing system implemented with physical computing resources. - Detailed illustrative embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing embodiments. Embodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein.
- It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various steps or calculations, these steps or calculations should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one step or calculation from another. For example, a first calculation could be termed a second calculation, and, similarly, a second step could be termed a first step, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. As used herein, the term “and/or” and the “/” symbol includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
- As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Therefore, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.
- It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
- With the above embodiments in mind, it should be understood that the embodiments might employ various computer-implemented operations involving data stored in computer systems. These operations are those requiring physical manipulation of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. Further, the manipulations performed are often referred to in terms, such as producing, identifying, determining, or comparing. Any of the operations described herein that form part of the embodiments are useful machine operations. The embodiments also relate to a device or an apparatus for performing these operations. The apparatus can be specially constructed for the required purpose, or the apparatus can be a general-purpose computer selectively activated or configured by a computer program stored in the computer. In particular, various general-purpose machines can be used with computer programs written in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may be more convenient to construct a more specialized apparatus to perform the required operations.
- A module, an application, a layer, an agent or other method-operable entity could be implemented as hardware, firmware, or a processor executing software, or combinations thereof. It should be appreciated that, where a software-based embodiment is disclosed herein, the software can be embodied in a physical machine such as a controller. For example, a controller could include a first module and a second module. A controller could be configured to perform various actions, e.g., of a method, an application, a layer or an agent.
- The embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a tangible non-transitory computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data, which can be thereafter read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include hard drives, network attached storage (NAS), read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, magnetic tapes, and other optical and non-optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over a network coupled computer system so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. Embodiments described herein may be practiced with various computer system configurations including hand-held devices, tablets, microprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers and the like. The embodiments can also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a wire-based or wireless network.
- Although the method operations were described in a specific order, it should be understood that other operations may be performed in between described operations, described operations may be adjusted so that they occur at slightly different times or the described operations may be distributed in a system which allows the occurrence of the processing operations at various intervals associated with the processing.
- In various embodiments, one or more portions of the methods and mechanisms described herein may form part of a cloud-computing environment. In such embodiments, resources may be provided over the Internet as services according to one or more various models. Such models may include Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). In IaaS, computer infrastructure is delivered as a service. In such a case, the computing equipment is generally owned and operated by the service provider. In the PaaS model, software tools and underlying equipment used by developers to develop software solutions may be provided as a service and hosted by the service provider. SaaS typically includes a service provider licensing software as a service on demand. The service provider may host the software, or may deploy the software to a customer for a given period of time. Numerous combinations of the above models are possible and are contemplated.
- Various units, circuits, or other components may be described or claimed as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, the phrase “configured to” is used to connote structure by indicating that the units/circuits/components include structure (e.g., circuitry) that performs the task or tasks during operation. As such, the unit/circuit/component can be said to be configured to perform the task even when the specified unit/circuit/component is not currently operational (e.g., is not on). The units/circuits/components used with the “configured to” language include hardware—for example, circuits, memory storing program instructions executable to implement the operation, etc. Reciting that a unit/circuit/component is “configured to” perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, for that unit/circuit/component. Additionally, “configured to” can include generic structure (e.g., generic circuitry) that is manipulated by software and/or firmware (e.g., an FPGA or a general-purpose processor executing software) to operate in manner that is capable of performing the task(s) at issue. “Configured to” may also include adapting a manufacturing process (e.g., a semiconductor fabrication facility) to fabricate devices (e.g., integrated circuits) that are adapted to implement or perform one or more tasks.
- The foregoing description, for the purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the embodiments and various modifications as may be suited to the particular use contemplated. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.
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