Abstract: Automated shade systems may comprise controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system and components thereof, for example window coverings, glass having variable characteristics, and so forth. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, information regarding one or more variable characteristics of glass, clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis.

Abstract: This disclosure provides connectors for smart windows. A smart window may incorporate an optically switchable pane. In one aspect, a window unit includes an insulated glass unit including an optically switchable pane. A wire assembly may be attached to the edge of the insulated glass unit and may include wires in electrical communication with electrodes of the optically switchable pane. A floating connector may be attached to a distal end of the wire assembly. The floating connector may include a flange and a nose, with two holes in the flange for affixing the floating connector to a first frame. The nose may include a terminal face that present two exposed contacts of opposite polarity.

Abstract: A vehicle identification system that provides means for verifying the identity and authenticity of pursuing law enforcement vehicles by means of reversed or “mirrored” character indicia being placed on a law enforcement vehicle's windshield denoting the vehicle's identification so a motorist may look in their rearview mirror, call a police station and give the law enforcement vehicle identification to an operator who gives instruction to the motorist.

Abstract: Thin-film devices, for example electrochromic devices for windows, and methods of manufacturing are described. Particular focus is given to methods of patterning optical devices. Various edge deletion and isolation scribes are performed, for example, to ensure the optical device has appropriate isolation from any edge defects. Methods described herein apply to any thin-film device having one or more material layers sandwiched between two thin film electrical conductor layers. The described methods create novel optical device configurations.

Abstract: Methods for cutting strengthened glass are disclosed. The methods can include using a laser. The strengthened glass can include chemically strengthened, heat strengthened, and heat tempered glass. Strengthened glass with edges showing indicia of a laser cutting process are also disclosed. The strengthened glass can include an electrochromic film.

Abstract: A window assembly comprises a plurality of dynamic electrochromic zones formed on a single transparent substrate in which at least two electrochromic zones are independently controllable. In one exemplary embodiment, the window assembly comprises an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU), and at least one transparent substrate comprises a lite. In another exemplary embodiment, the IGU comprises at least two lites in which at least one lite comprises a plurality of independently controllable dynamic zones.

Abstract: A method, system or computer usable program product for dynamically changing transparency of portions of a vehicle transparent material including determining a location of a bright light with respect to a vehicle; determining a driver location within the vehicle; selectively changing a transparency of a selected portion of the vehicle transparent material to obscure the bright light from the driver's eyes, while allowing a majority of the vehicle transparent material to remain normally transparent; and repeating the above steps continually to adjust a location of the selected portion of the vehicle transparent material as the vehicle changes orientation with respect to the bright light.

Abstract: A transparent display device and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The transparent display device includes: a display panel unit including: a first side configured to display an image, and a second side opposed to the first side, and a variable blocking film at the second side of the display panel unit, the variable blocking film including electrochromic core-shell nanoparticles.

Abstract: An exterior surface covering has a colored outer layer that transmits infrared radiation and an inner layer with a thermochromic pigment that absorbs heat at low temperature and reflects at high temperatures. The outer layer conceals the color change of the thermochromic pigment.

Abstract: A camouflage structure, capable of altering its appearance, comprises a camouflage graphic layer and a color-changing layer disposed on the camouflage graphic layer. Originally, the camouflage structure presents a first color state. After the color-changing layer changes the color by driving methods, the camouflage structure presents a second color state. For example, a transparent or semi-transparent color-changing layer able to reflect or emitting red light could be disposed on the woodland camouflage graphic layer, which allows for the overall appearance to change from the greenish woodland camouflage to the brownish desert camouflage. Alternatively, the camouflage structure could comprise a greenish camouflage graphic layer made of material with red-shift characteristics, which means the greenish camouflage graphic layer consists of different colors of chromic materials with reversible red-shift characteristics.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a camera module and a shielding assembly. The shielding assembly includes at least one window glass and a smart film mounted to the window glass. The shielding assembly covers the camera module by turning opaque. If the camera module is in use, the shielding assembly is provided with electricity, and changes transparent. If the shielding assembly is not being provided with electricity, the shielding module becomes opaque to blind the camera module. A shielding assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A controller or control method may be designed or configured to operate without information about the current temperature of the device and/or the device's environment. Further, in some cases, the controller or control method is designed or configured to control transition of an optical device to an intermediated state between two end states. For example, the controller may be configured to control a transition to a state of transmissivity that is intermediate between two end states of transmissivity. In such case, the device has three or more stable states of transmissivity.

Abstract: Tintable optical components such as windows are provided with a controller designed or configured to control the tinting in a manner that resists exposure to damaging thermal shock. The controller determines that a trigger condition for thermal shock is occurring or is about to occur and takes steps to avoid damaging thermal shock. In some cases, these steps include increasing the transmissivity of the optical component or holding the component in a highly transmissive state. In some cases, the steps involve heating the component.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling transitions in an optically switchable device. In one aspect, a controller for a tintable window may include a processor, an input for receiving output signals from sensors, and instructions for causing the processor to determine a level of tint of the tintable window, and an output for controlling the level of tint in the tintable window. The instructions may include a relationship between the received output signals and the level of tint, with the relationship employing output signals from an exterior photosensor, an interior photosensor, an occupancy sensor, an exterior temperature sensor, and a transmissivity sensor. In some instances, the controller may receive output signals over a network and/or be interfaced with a network, and in some instances, the controller may be a standalone controller that is not interfaced with a network.

Abstract: An electro-optic window assembly is provided that includes a first substantially transparent substrate comprising: a first surface, a second surface, and a first peripheral edge; and a second substantially transparent substrate comprising: a third surface, a fourth surface, and a second peripheral edge. The first and second substrates define a cavity. The assembly further includes an electro-optic medium at least partially filling the cavity and configured to reduce the transmission of light viewed through the electro-optic window assembly. Further, the electro-optic window assembly is configured such that the substrates each have a theoretical maximum thermal stress of less than approximately 25 MPa upon exposure of the window assembly to an application environment.

Abstract: A transmittance control method of electrochromic element, mainly comprising the following step: firstly, a total current flux input required is obtained by adding current value of each second together by the relationship between different current value and different rate of change of the electrochromic element obtained in terms of the same transmittance and different input voltages, then the total current flux for fixed transmittance is input into the electrochromic element in usage so as to achieve a transmittance of fixed value. In this manner, the electrochromic element can quickly achieve a transmittance of fixed value in precise manner, without repeated adjustment. Further, there is not such case happened as to influence the accuracy of its transmittance even after aging time lapse.

Abstract: A variable transmission electrochromic window including: first and second substantially transparent substrates having electrically conductive materials associated therewith; an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which includes at least one solvent, at least one anodic electroactive material, at least one cathodic electroactive material, and wherein at least one of the anodic and cathodic electroactive materials is electrochromic; and wherein the electrochromic window exhibits an Ev of less than approximately 20, and more preferably less than approximately 5, while in a low transmission state during normal daylight conditions.

Abstract: Multi-layer electrochromic structures comprising an anodic electrochromic layer comprising a lithium nickel oxide composition on a first substrate, the anodic electrochromic layer comprising lithium, nickel and a Group 6 metal selected from molybdenum, tungsten and a combination thereof, wherein (i) the atomic ratio of lithium to the combined amount of nickel, molybdenum, and tungsten in the anodic electrochromic layer is at least 0.4:1, respectively, (ii) the atomic ratio of the combined amount of molybdenum and tungsten to the combined amount of nickel, molybdenum and tungsten in the anodic electrochromic layer is at least about 0.025:1, respectively, and (iii) the anodic electrochromic layer exhibits an interplanar distance (d-spacing) of at least 2.5 ? as measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD), comprises at least 0.05 wt. % carbon, and/or has a coloration efficiency absolute value of at least 19 cm2/C.

Abstract: This disclosure describes insulated glass units (IGUs) that incorporate electrochromic devices. More specifically, this disclosure focuses on different configurations available for providing an electrical connection to the interior region of an IGU. In many cases, an IGU includes two panes separated by a spacer. The spacer defines an interior region of the IGU and an exterior region of the IGU. Often, the electrochromic device positioned on the pane does not extend past the spacer, and some electrical connection must be provided to supply power from the exterior of the IGU to the electrochromic device on the interior of the IGU. In some embodiments, the spacer includes one or more holes (e.g, channels, mouse holes, other holes, etc.) through which an electrical connection (e.g., wires, busbar leads, etc.) may pass to provide power to the electrochromic device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochromic device including a first non-tempered glass substrate (S1), the linear thermal expansion coefficient of which is between 35 and 60·10?7/° C., said substrate (S1) being coated with a stack including at least one transparent electrically conductive layer (2, 4), an electrochromic material layer (EC2), an ion-conductive electrolyte layer (EL), and a counter electrode (EC1).

Abstract: A see-through display device (100A) according to the present invention includes a first substrate (11) and a second substrate (12) disposed opposing to each other and a light modulation layer (17) disposed between the first substrate (11) and the second substrate (12). The light modulation layer (17) contains at least two types of materials which come into a bleached state or a colored state depending on an applied voltage and which have visible light absorption spectra different from each other.

Abstract: This disclosure provides connectors for smart windows. A smart window may incorporate an optically switchable pane. In one aspect, a window unit includes an insulated glass unit including an optically switchable pane. A wire assembly may be attached to the edge of the insulated glass unit and may include wires in electrical communication with electrodes of the optically switchable pane. A floating connector may be attached to a distal end of the wire assembly. The floating connector may include a flange and a nose, with two holes in the flange for affixing the floating connector to a first frame. The nose may include a terminal face that present two exposed contacts of opposite polarity.

Abstract: Multi-layer devices comprising a layer of an electrochromic lithium nickel oxide composition on a first substrate, the lithium nickel oxide composition comprising lithium, nickel and a Group 4 metal selected from titanium, zirconium, hafnium and a combination thereof.

Abstract: Multi-layer electrochromic structures comprising an anodic electrochromic layer comprising a lithium nickel oxide composition on a first substrate, the anodic electrochromic layer comprising lithium, nickel and a Group 4 metal selected from titanium, zirconium, hafnium and a combination thereof, wherein (i) the atomic ratio of lithium to the combined amount of nickel and such Group 4 metal(s) in the anodic electrochromic layer is at least 0.4:1, respectively, (ii) the atomic ratio of the amount of such Group 4 metal(s) to the combined amount of nickel and such Group 4 metal(s) in the anodic electrochromic layer is at least about 0.025:1, respectively, and (iii) the anodic electrochromic layer exhibits an interplanar distance (d-spacing) of at least 2.5 ? as measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD), comprises at least 0.05 wt. % carbon, and/or has a coloration efficiency absolute value of at least 19 cm2/C.

Abstract: A multi-layer device comprising a first substrate and a first electrically conductive layer on a surface thereof, the first electrically conductive layer having a sheet resistance to the flow of electrical current through the first electrically conductive layer that varies as a function of position.

Abstract: Multi-layer electrochromic structures comprising an anodic electrochromic layer comprising a lithium nickel oxide composition on a first substrate, the anodic electrochromic layer comprising lithium, nickel and a Group 5 metal selected from niobium, tantalum and a combination thereof, wherein (i) the atomic ratio of lithium to the combined amount of nickel, niobium and tantalum in the anodic electrochromic layer is at least 0.4:1, respectively, (ii) the atomic ratio of the combined amount of niobium and tantalum to the combined amount of nickel, niobium and tantalum in the anodic electrochromic layer is at least about 0.025:1, respectively, and (iii) the anodic electrochromic layer exhibits an interplanar distance (d-spacing) of at least 2.5 ? as measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD), comprises at least 0.05 wt. % carbon, and/or has a coloration efficiency absolute value of at least 19 cm2/C.

Abstract: Multi-layer devices comprising a layer of an electrochromic lithium nickel oxide composition on a first substrate, the lithium nickel oxide composition comprising lithium, nickel and a Group 5 metal selected from niobium, tantalum and a combination thereof.

Abstract: A variety of methods for integrating an organic photovoltaic-based SolarWindow™ module and electrochromic materials to create dynamic, variable transmittance, energy-saving windows and/or window films are described. Stand-alone or building integrated, independent or user-controllable, battery supported or building integrated, and insulated glass unit or aftermarket film implementations are all described, providing for a diversity of applications. Low-cost fabrication options also allow for economical production.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide electrochromic devices and materials and processes for forming such electrochromic devices and materials. In one embodiment, an electrochromic device contains a lower transparent conductor layer disposed on a substrate, wherein an upper surface of the lower transparent conductor layer has a surface roughness of greater than 50 nm and a primary electrochromic layer having planarizing properties is disposed on the lower transparent conductor layer. The upper surface of the primary electrochromic layer has a surface roughness less than the surface roughness of upper surface of the lower transparent conductor layer, such as about 50 nm or less.

Abstract: This disclosure provides spacers for smart windows. In one aspect, a window assembly includes a first substantially transparent substrate having an optically switchable device on a surface of the first substrate. The optically switchable device includes electrodes. A first electrode of the electrodes has a length about the length of a side of the optically switchable device. The window assembly further includes a second substantially transparent substrate a metal spacer between the first and the second substrates. The metal spacer has a substantially rectangular cross section, with one side of the metal spacer including a recess configured to accommodate the length of the first electrode such that there is no contact between the first electrode and the metal spacer. A primary seal material bonds the first substrate to the metal spacer and bonds the second substrate to the metal spacer.

Abstract: Thin-film devices, for example, multi-zone electrochromic windows, and methods of manufacturing are described. In certain cases, a multi-zone electrochromic window comprises a monolithic EC device on a transparent substrate and two or more tinting zones, wherein the tinting zones are configured for independent operation.

Abstract: Conventional electrochromic devices frequently suffer from poor reliability and poor performance. Improvements are made using entirely solid and inorganic materials. Electrochromic devices are fabricated by forming an ion conducting electronically insulating interfacial region that serves as an IC layer. In some methods, the interfacial region is formed after formation of an electrochromic and a counter electrode layer. The interfacial region contains an ion conducting electronically insulating material along with components of the electrochromic and/or the counter electrode layer. Materials and microstructure of the electrochromic devices provide improvements in performance and reliability over conventional devices.

Abstract: An electrochromic device (ECD) includes an electrochromic cell and, optionally, one or more additional electrochromic cells where all cells are parallel, and where at least one of the electrodes of one of the cells comprises a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) film The electrochromic cells allow the control of transmittance of two or more different portions of the electro-magnetic spectrum through the ECD. One cell can control the transmittance of visible radiation while the other cell can control the transmittance of IR radiation. The ECD can be employed as a “smart window” to control the heat and light transmission through the window. The ECD can be in the form of a laminate that can be added to an existing window.

Abstract: An electrochromic layer structure with at least one active layer and at least two electrodes is described. At least one of the electrodes has an electrically conductive network of conductor tracks and the conductor tracks contain nanoparticles. An electrochromic device, a method for production of an electrochromic layer structure and use of an electrochromic layer structure and an electrochromic device are also described.

Abstract: Provided is an electrochromic element having: a pair of electrodes; an electrochromic layer which is provided between the pair of electrodes and has an electrolyte and an electrochromic material; and a spacer which surrounds a periphery of the electrochromic layer, the element having a change mechanism that changes a thickness of the electrochromic layer.

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: A window assembly comprises a plurality of dynamic electrochromic zones formed on a single transparent substrate in which at least two electrochromic zones are independently controllable. In one exemplary embodiment, the window assembly comprises an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU), and at least one transparent substrate comprises a lite. In another exemplary embodiment, the IGU comprises at least two lites in which at least one lite comprises a plurality of independently controllable dynamic zones.

Abstract: This invention discloses corrosion resistant metal compositions that may be used to form nanoparticles or for coating of particles. Further, such particles may be used to fabricate printable transparent conductors that may be used in electronic devices. Electrochromic displays formed using such conductors are described.

Abstract: An electrochromic device is provided. The electrochromic device includes a first substrate, an electrochromic layer, an electrode, an electrolyte layer and a second substrate. The electrochromic layer is formed on the first substrate, the electrode is disposed on the electrochromic layer, and the electrolyte layer is disposed between the electrode and the second substrate.

Abstract: A transparent electrochromic system includes a cellular structure, two power supply electrodes together supported on a single wall, and at least one additional electrode. The additional electrode can be used as a reference electrode or as a polarization electrode. The additional electrode can also form a condenser with a fourth electrode that is added to the system, in order to control a migration of certain electroactive substances responsible for coloring and decoloring the system. The operation of the system can thus be improved.

Abstract: An electrochromic device that is capable of changing the transmission of either visible or infrared radiations as a function of the polarity of a voltage applied to the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to transparent electrochromic systems which each include one pair of supply electrodes and at least one pair of polarization electrodes. The polarization electrodes prevent a reaction of mutual neutralization of the electroactive substances of the systems from causing unnecessary consumption of electric current. Said electrodes also prevent a neutralization reaction from limiting a lower value of light transmission of the systems. For this purpose, the polarization electrodes produce an electric field inside the systems, which attracts the electroactive substances that have already reacted with the supply electrodes to different areas.

Abstract: A lens module includes an optical element and an infrared absorbing filter covering on the optical element. The infrared absorbing filter includes an electrochromic substrate. The electrochromic substrate changes from colorlessness to blue and absorbs the infrared constituent of incoming light when a preset voltage is applied on the electrochromic substrate.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to electrochromic (EC) devices, such as used in electrochromic windows (ECWs), and their manufacture. The EC devices may comprise a transparent substrate; a first transparent conductive layer; a doped coloration layer, wherein the coloration layer dopants provide structural stability to the arrangement of atoms in the coloration layer; an electrolyte layer; a doped anode layer over said electrolyte layer, wherein the anode layer dopant provides increased electrically conductivity in the doped anode layer; and a second transparent conductive layer. A method of fabricating an electrochromic device may comprise depositing on a substrate, in sequence, a first transparent conductive layer, a doped coloration layer, an electrolyte layer, a doped anode layer, and a second transparent conductive layer, wherein at least one of the doped coloration layer, the electrolyte layer and the doped anode layer is sputter deposited using a combinatorial plasma deposition process.

Abstract: An electro-optic system is provided that includes a front element having first and second surfaces, a rear element including third and fourth surfaces, wherein the front and rear elements are sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber, and an electro-optic medium contained in the chamber, and the electro-optic medium is adapted to be in at least a high transmittance state and a low transmittance state.

Abstract: A variable transmittance element includes two substrates, two transparent electrode layers held between the two substrates, an electrochromic layer held between the two transparent electrode layers and having transmittance that is reversibly changed by electric control, and a first dielectric layer provided between one of the two substrates and one of the two transparent electrode layers closest to the one of the two substrates and configured to reduce reflections. The first dielectric layer is a multilayer film made by alternately laminating two or more layers each having a high refractive index and two or more layers each having a low refractive index, a refractive index difference for a wavelength of 550 nm between the layer having the high refractive index and the layer having the low refractive index being 0.2 or more.

Abstract: An electrically controlled dimmable window for aircraft includes a controller and power that eliminates the need for wiring connections to on-board systems. The controller is integrated into the sidewall in which the window is mounted. Power for controlling the window is derived from an energy harvesting device that generates power by converting thermal gradients, motion/vibration or light energy present near the window. The integrated controller includes passenger controls for adjusting the opacity of the window, power conditioning circuitry, an electrical power storage device such as a battery, a processor and a radio receiver. The window can be remotely controlled by a cabin attendant from a central controller that transmits window control signals to the radio receiver.

Abstract: An electrochromic device (1) comprises a layered structure (11) having an ion conducting electrolyte layer (20). The ion conducting electrolyte layer (20) in turn comprises particles (30) absorbing electromagnetic radiation. The particles (30) are electrically conducting. The particles have a main light absorption above 700 nm.

Abstract: A multi-layer device comprising a first substrate and a first electrically conductive layer on a surface thereof, the first electrically conductive layer having a sheet resistance to the flow of electrical current through the first electrically conductive layer that varies as a function of position.

Abstract: This disclosure provides spacers for smart windows. In one aspect, a window assembly includes a first substantially transparent substrate having an optically switchable device on a surface of the first substrate. The optically switchable device includes electrodes. A first electrode of the electrodes has a length about the length of a side of the optically switchable device. The window assembly further includes a second substantially transparent substrate a metal spacer between the first and the second substrates. The metal spacer has a substantially rectangular cross section, with one side of the metal spacer including a recess configured to accommodate the length of the first electrode such that there is no contact between the first electrode and the metal spacer. A primary seal material bonds the first substrate to the metal spacer and bonds the second substrate to the metal spacer.