Abstract: Window controllers and methods for controlling tinting and other functions of tinting zones of multi-zone tintable windows and multiple tinting zones of a group of tintable windows.

Abstract: A network system in an enclosure includes one or more interactive targets such as tintable windows, HVAC components, sensors, computing devices, media display devices, and/or service devices. Diverse types of local and remote interfaces are employed for facilitating remote (e.g., indirect) manipulation of the interactive target(s), for example, using a digital twin (e.g., representative virtual model) of a facility and/or a mobile circuitry of a user. The environment and/or targets may be controlled according to preferences and/or requests of its user(s).

Abstract: “Smart” controllers for windows having controllable optical transitions are described. Controllers with multiple features can sense and adapt to local environmental conditions. Controllers described herein can be integrated with a building management system (BMS) to greatly enhance the BMS's effectiveness at managing local environments in a building. The controllers may have one, two, three or more functions such as powering a smart window, determining the percent transmittance, size, and/or temperature of a smart window, providing wireless communication between the controller and a separate communication node, etc.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling tintable windows based on cloud detection.

Abstract: Window controllers and methods for controlling tinting and other functions of tinting zones of multi-zone tintable windows and multiple tinting zones of a group of tintable windows.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus is described that includes a transparent pane having a first surface and a second surface. An electrochromic device is arranged over the second surface that includes a first conductive layer adjacent the second surface, a second conductive layer, and an electrochromic layer between the first and the second conductive layers. The apparatus further includes at least one conductive antenna structure arranged over the second surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are platforms for communicating among one or more otherwise independent systems involved in controlling functions of buildings or other sites having switchable optical devices deployed therein. Such independent systems include a window control system and one or more other independent systems such as systems that control residential home products (e.g., thermostats, smoke alarms, etc.), HVAC systems, security systems, lighting control systems, and the like. Together the systems control and/or monitor multiple features and/or products, including switchable windows and other infrastructure of a site, which may be a commercial, residential, or public site.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein relate to power distribution networks for optically switchable windows. A number of different topologies are provided. In many embodiments, a control panel may be connected with a trunk line, which is connected to a plurality of optically switchable windows. The plurality of optically switchable windows may be powered by the shared trunk line. This topology provides substantial improvements over topologies in which each optically switchable window is connected to the control panel via separate, individual lines. Further, certain embodiments herein relate to installation kits for installing power distribution networks for optically switchable windows.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein relate to networks of electrochromic windows. The networks may be configured in particular ways to minimize the likelihood that the windows on the network draw more power than can be provided. The network may include particular hardware components that provide additional power to windows as needed. The network may also be configured to adjust how the windows therein transition to prevent overloading the network. The techniques described herein can be used to design networks of electrochromic windows that are undersized when considering the amount of power that would be needed to simultaneously transition all the windows on the network using normal transition parameters, while still allowing simultaneous transitions to occur.

Abstract: A data communications network in or on a building facilitates wired and wireless connectivity. The network may include wiring that convey electrical power, and two type of communication signals. The network may facilitate control of a plurality of devices in an enclosure (e.g., facility) such as sensors, emitters, and/or tintable windows. The disclosure includes network power management.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method, system, and/or computer program product is described for generating a graphical user interface for providing information and controlling optically switchable windows connected by a network. Windows are graphically represented using interactive smart objects that are placed within views of the graphical user interface in a manner corresponding to their physical location. In another aspect, a method, system, and/or computer program product is described for associating network IDs of optically switchable windows with the locations at which the windows are installed. Window locations are determined by analyzing received wireless transmissions that are sent from transmitters associated with each of the optically switchable windows. The determined locations are then compared with a representation of the building that provides the window locations.

Abstract: A site monitoring system may analyze information from sites to determine when a device, a sensor, a controller, or other structure associated with optically switchable devices has a problem. The system may, if appropriate, act on the problem. In certain embodiments, the system learns customer/user preferences and adapts its control logic to meet the customer's goals.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to optically-switchable devices, and more particularly, to systems, apparatus, and methods for controlling optically-switchable devices. In some implementations, the apparatus includes an interface for communicating with window controllers, and the apparatus includes one or more processors. A processor can be configured to cause status information received from a window controller to be processed. The status information can indicate at least a tint status of one or more optically-switchable devices controlled by the window controller. In response to receiving the status information, one or more tint commands can be sent via the interface to the window controller.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein relate to power distribution networks for optically switchable windows. A number of different topologies are provided. In many embodiments, a control panel may be connected with a trunk line, which is connected to a plurality of optically switchable windows. The plurality of optically switchable windows may be powered by the shared trunk line. This topology provides substantial improvements over topologies in which each optically switchable window is connected to the control panel via separate, individual lines. Further, certain embodiments herein relate to installation kits for installing power distribution networks for optically switchable windows.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling tintable windows based on cloud detection.

Abstract: Window controller systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a window controller system for controlling multiple optically switchable devices comprises a printed circuit board comprising a first plurality of footprints to which a first plurality of components is mounted and a second plurality of footprints, wherein a subset of the second plurality of footprints is populated by a second plurality of components. The first plurality of components may comprise: a plurality of insulated glass unit (IGU) controllers, each configured to control an IGU of a corresponding plurality of IGUs operatively coupled to the window controller system; and a processing unit configured to control each of the plurality of IGU controllers. The second plurality of components may be selected based on a cable type and/or a protocol type used to provide power and data signals to the printed circuit board.

Abstract: Window controllers and methods for controlling tinting and other functions of tinting zones of multi-zone tintable windows and multiple tinting zones of a group of tintable windows.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein relate to networks of electrochromic windows. The networks may be configured in particular ways to minimize the likelihood that the windows on the network draw more power than can be provided. The network may include particular hardware components that provide additional power to windows as needed. The network may also be configured to adjust how the windows therein transition to prevent overloading the network. The techniques described herein can be used to design networks of electrochromic windows that are undersized when considering the amount of power that would be needed to simultaneously transition all the windows on the network using normal transition parameters, while still allowing simultaneous transitions to occur.

Abstract: Resources of a system for controlling optically switchable windows may be used for a personal computing unit. The window system resources may include (i) a display associated with an optically switchable window, (ii) one or more processors of one or more controllers on a window network connected to a plurality of optically switchable windows in a building, wherein the one or more controllers are configured to vary tint states of the plurality of optically switchable windows in the building, (iii) memory of one or more controllers on the window network connected to the plurality of optically switchable windows in the building, and/or (iv) at least a part of the window network.

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.