TW202409402A - Intelligence - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods of controlling tintable window(s) comprising determining one or more transmissivities of the one or more tintable windows, wherein the one or more transmissivities are determined to generate a target illuminance level, or approximately the target illuminance level, at one or more grid points in an internal space of a virtual representation of the building, the one or more transmissivities determined based at least in part on attenuated clear sky data that is based at least in part on a predicted clear sky illuminance and readings from a plurality of sensors, and holding, or transitioning, the one or more tintable windows to an end tint state associated with the one or more determined transmissivities.

Description

wisdom

Cross-reference to related applications

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/364,698, filed on May 13, 2022, entitled “INTELLIGENCE”; this application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 18/034,328, filed on April 27, 2023, entitled “VIRTUALLY VIEWING DEVICES IN A FACILITY”, which was a continuation-in-part application under 35 U.S.C. §371 filed on November 2, 2021, entitled “VIRTUALLY VIEWING DEVICES IN A FACILITY”. PCT/US2021/057678 claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/109,306 filed on November 3, 2020, entitled “ACCOUNTING FOR DEVICES IN A FACILITY” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/214,741 filed on June 24, 2021, entitled “VIRTUALLY VIEWING DEVICES IN A FACILITY”; PCT/US2021/057678 is a national phase application of an international PCT application No. PCT/US2021/057678, entitled “INTERACTION BETWEEN AN ENCLOSURE AND ONE OR MORE” filed on April 15, 2021, entitled “ OCCUPANTS”; PCT/US2021/057678 is also a continuation-in-part of international PCT application No. PCT/US21/33544 filed on May 21, 2021, entitled “ENVIRONMENTAL ADJUSTMENT USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE”; PCT/US2021/057678 is also a continuation-in-part of international PCT application No. PCT/US2021/33544 filed on May 21, 2021, entitled “DEVICE ENSEMBLES AND COEXISTENCE MANAGEMENT OF DEVICES; PCT/US2021/057678 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16/946,947 filed on July 13, 2020, entitled “AUTOMATED COMMISSIONING OF CONTROLLERS IN A WINDOW NETWORK,” which is an invention under 35 U.S.C. §371 filed on November 20, 2017, entitled “AUTOMATED COMMISSIONING OF CONTROLLERS IN A WINDOW NETWORK.” NETWORK” (specifies the United States); International PCT Application No. PCT/US2017/062634 claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/426,126 filed on November 23, 2016 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/551,649, both of which are entitled “AUTOMATED COMMISSIONING OF CONTROLLERS IN A WINDOW NETWORK”; PCT/US2021/057678 is also an invention filed on March 24, 2021, entitled “COMMISSIONING WINDOW NETWORKS”, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17/211,697 filed on October 6, 2017, entitled “COMMISSIONING WINDOW NETWORKS”; PCT/US2021/057678 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17/450,091 filed on October 6, 2021, entitled “MULTI-SENSOR HAVING A LIGHT DIFFUSING ELEMENT AROUND A PERIPHERY OF A RING OF PHOTOSENSORS”, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/727,258 filed on October 6, 2017, entitled “COMMISSIONING WINDOW NETWORKS”; PCT/US2021/057678 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17/450,091 filed on October 6, 2021, entitled “MULTI-SENSOR HAVING A LIGHT DIFFUSING ELEMENT AROUND A PERIPHERY OF A RING OF PHOTOSENSORS”, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17/450,091 filed on May 11, 2020, entitled “ADJUSTING WINDOW TINT BASED AT LEAST IN PART ON SENSED SUN RADIATION”, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16/871,976 filed on October 6, 2015 and entitled “MULTI-SENSOR HAVING A LIGHT DIFFUSING ELEMENT AROUND A PERIPHERY OF A RING OF PHOTOSENSORS” (now U.S. Patent No. 10,690,540 issued on June 23, 2020); PCT/US2021/057678 also filed on November 26, 2019 and entitled “SENSING SUN RADIATION”. RADIATION”, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16/696,887 filed on October 6, 2016 and entitled “MULTI-SENSOR” (now U.S. Patent Serial No. 10,533,892), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/287,646 filed on October 6, 2016 and entitled “MULTI-SENSOR”, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10,533,892 filed on October 6, 2015 and entitled “MULTI-SENSOR HAVING A LIGHT DIFFUSING ELEMENT AROUND A PERIPHERY OF A RING OF PHOTOSENSORS” (now U.S. Patent No. 10,690,540); PCT/US2021/057678 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17/380,785 filed on July 20, 2021, entitled “WINDOW ANTENNAS”, which claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16/099,424 filed on November 6, 2018, entitled “WINDOW ANTENNAS”, which is an invention entitled “WINDOW ANTENNAS” filed on May 4, 2017 under 35 U.S.C. §371. ANTENNAS”; PCT/US2021/057678 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17/385,810 filed on July 26, 2021, entitled “WINDOW ANTENNAS”, claiming priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16/099,424; PCT/US2021/057678 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16/980,305 filed on September 11, 2020, entitled “WIRELESSLY POWERED AND POWERING ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS”, which is a continuation-in-part under 35 U.S.C. §371 of PCT International Application No. PCT/US19/22129, filed on March 13, 2019, entitled “WIRELESSLY POWERED AND POWERING ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS”; This application is related to U.S. Patent Application No. 17/250,586, filed on February 5, 2021, entitled “CONTROL METHODS AND SYSTEMS USING EXTERNAL 3D MODELING AND NEURAL NETWORKS”, which is an invention under 35 U.S.C. §371 entitled “CONTROL METHODS AND SYSTEMS USING EXTERNAL 3D MODELING AND NEURAL NETWORKS”. NETWORKS” and the national phase application of PCT application No. PCT/US2019/046524 filed on August 14, 2019; PCT/US2019/046524 claims U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/764,821 filed on August 15, 2018 and entitled “CONTROL METHODS AND SYSTEMS USING EXTERNAL 3D MODELING AND NEURAL NETWORKS” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/764,821 filed on October 15, 2018 and entitled “CONTROL METHODS AND SYSTEMS USING EXTERNAL 3D MODELING AND NEURAL NETWORKS” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/745,920, filed on February 14, 2019, entitled “CONTROL METHODS AND SYSTEMS USING EXTERNAL 3D MODELING AND NEURAL NETWORKS”; International PCT Application No. PCT/US2019/046524, also filed on March 20, 2019, entitled “CONTROL METHODS AND SYSTEMS USING EXTERNAL 3D MODELING AND NEURAL NETWORKS” PCT/US2019/023268, entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING TINTABLE WINDOWS WITH CLOUD DETECTION”, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/646,260, filed on March 21, 2018, entitled “CONTROL METHODS AND SYSTEMS USING EXTERNAL 3D MODELING AND SCHEDULE-BASED”. PCT Application No. 16/013,770, filed on June 20, 2018, entitled “CONTROL METHOD FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS”, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 15/347,677, filed on November 9, 2016, entitled “CONTROL METHOD FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS”; U.S. Patent Application No. 15/347,677, filed on May 7, 2015, entitled “CONTROL METHOD FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS” WINDOWS”, which claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 61/991,375 filed on May 9, 2014 and entitled “CONTROL METHOD FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS”; U.S. Patent Application No. 15/347,677 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/772,969 filed on February 21, 2013 and entitled “CONTROL METHOD FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS”; International PCT Application No. PCT/US2019/046524 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 61/991,375 filed on May 9, 2014 and entitled “CONTROL METHOD FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS”; International PCT Application No. PCT/US2019/046524 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 61/991,375 filed on May 9, 2014 and entitled “CONTROL METHOD FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS” DEVICES” and filed on June 11, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 16/438,177, filed on June 11, 2019, entitled “APPLICATIONS FOR CONTROLLING OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE DEVICES”, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 14/391,122, filed on October 7, 2014, entitled “APPLICATIONS FOR CONTROLLING OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE DEVICES”; U.S. Patent Application No. 14/391,122 is a continuation-in-part of International PCT Application No. PCT/US2013/036456, filed on April 12, 2013, entitled “APPLICATIONS FOR CONTROLLING OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE DEVICES”, at 35 U.S.C. §371, claiming priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/624,175, filed on April 13, 2012, entitled “APPLICATIONS FOR CONTROLLING OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE DEVICES”; this application is related to U.S. Patent Application No. 16/982,535, filed on September 18, 2020, entitled “CONTROL METHODS AN SYSTEMS USING EXTERNAL 3D MODELING AND SCHEDULE-BASED COMPUTING”, which is a patent application filed on September 18, 2020, entitled “CONTROL METHODS AN SYSTEMS USING EXTERNAL 3D MODELING AND SCHEDULE-BASED COMPUTING”. PCT/US2019/023268, filed on March 20, 2019, and entitled “COMPUTING”, a national phase application under 35 U.S.C. §371; PCT/US2019/023268, claiming U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/646,260, filed on March 21, 2018, and entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING TINTABLE WINDOWS WITH CLOUD DETECTION” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/646,260, filed on May 3, 2018, and entitled “CONTROL METHODS AND SYSTEMS USING EXTERNAL 3D MODELING AND SCHEDULE-BASED PCT/US2019/023268 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 16/013,770, filed on June 20, 2018, entitled “CONTROL METHOD FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 15/347,677, filed on November 9, 2016, entitled “CONTROL METHOD FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 15/347,677, filed on November 9, 2016, entitled “CONTROL METHOD FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 15/347,677, filed on May 7, 2015, entitled “CONTROL METHOD FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS”, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/991,375 filed on May 9, 2014, entitled “CONTROL METHOD FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS”; U.S. Patent Application No. 15/347,677 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/772,969 filed on February 21, 2013, entitled “CONTROL METHOD FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS”; This application is related to the invention filed on August 12, 2021, entitled “AUTOMATED COMMISSIONING OF CONTROLLERS IN A WINDOW NETWORK”, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 16/462,916, filed on May 21, 2019, entitled “AUTOMATED COMMISSIONING OF CONTROLLERS IN A WINDOW NETWORK”; U.S. Patent Application No. 16/462,916, filed on September 6, 2018, entitled “METHOD OF COMMISSIONING ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS”, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 16/082,793, filed on September 6, 2018, entitled “METHOD OF COMMISSIONING ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS”, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 16/082,793, filed on March 3, 2017, entitled “METHOD OF COMMISSIONING ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS” under 35 U.S.C. §371. WINDOWS”, claiming the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62,370,174 filed on August 2, 2016 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/305,892 filed on March 9, 2016, both of which are titled “METHOD OF COMMISSIONING ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS”;

U.S. Patent Application No. 16/462,916 is a national phase application of International PCT Application No. PCT/US2017/062634 under 35 U.S.C. §371, claiming the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/551,649 filed on August 29, 2017 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/426,126 filed on November 23, 2016; U.S. Patent Application No. 16/462,916 is a national phase application of International PCT Application No. PCT/US2017/062634 filed on November 24, 2015 under 35 U.S.C. §371, claiming the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/551,649 filed on August 29, 2017 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/426,126 filed on November 23, 2016; U.S. Patent Application No. 16/462,916 is a national phase application of U.S. Patent Application No. 14/951,416 filed on November 24, 2015 0; U.S. Patent Application No. 14/951,410 claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/348,181 filed on October 29, 2015 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/085,179 filed on November 26, 2014; U.S. Patent Application No. 14/951,410 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 14/401,081 filed on November 13, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of 35 U.S.C. §371 of PCT International Application No. PCT/US2013/042765 filed on May 24, 2013; PCT/US2013/042765 claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/652,021 filed on May 25, 2012; U.S. Patent Application No. 14/951,410 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 14/468,778 filed on August 26, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/479,137 filed on May 23, 2012. 13/049,750, filed on March 16, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 12/971,576, filed on December 17, 2010, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/289,319, filed on December 22, 2009; U.S. Patent Application No. 14/951,410, which is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/449,248, filed on April 17, 2012; This application relates to an invention entitled "AUTOMATED 18/100,773, filed on January 24, 2023, and entitled “AUTOMATED COMMISSIONING OF CONTROLLERS IN A WINDOW NETWORK,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16/946,947, filed on July 13, 2020, and entitled “AUTOMATED COMMISSIONING OF CONTROLLERS IN A WINDOW NETWORK,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16/946,947, filed on November 20, 2017, and entitled “AUTOMATED COMMISSIONING OF CONTROLLERS IN A WINDOW NETWORK,” under 35 U.S.C. §371. NETWORK” (specifies the United States); International PCT Application No. PCT/US2017/062634 claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/426,126 filed on November 23, 2016 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/551,649, both of which are entitled “AUTOMATED COMMISSIONING OF CONTROLLERS IN A WINDOW NETWORK”; This application is related to the invention filed on September 9, 2022, entitled “METHODS OF CONTROLLING MULTI-ZONE TINTABLE WINDOWS”, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/762,077, filed on March 21, 2018, entitled “METHODS OF CONTROLLING MULTI-ZONE TINTABLE WINDOWS”; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/762,077, filed on March 21, 2018, entitled “METHODS OF CONTROLLING MULTI-ZONE TINTABLE WINDOWS”, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/762,077, filed on March 21, 2018, entitled “METHODS OF CONTROLLING MULTI-ZONE TINTABLE WINDOWS”, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/762,077, filed on September 30, 2016, entitled “METHODS OF CONTROLLING MULTI-ZONE TINTABLE WINDOWS” under 35 U.S.C. §371. PCT/US2016/055005 is a national phase application of international PCT application No. PCT/US2016/055005 filed on April 18, 2016, of U.S. Patent Application No. 15/094897 filed on April 18, 2016; PCT/US2016 /055005 claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/236,032 filed on October 1, 2015; U.S. Patent Application No. 14/137,644 is a continuation-in-part of International PCT Application No. PCT/US2013/069913 filed on November 13, 2013; International PCT Application No. PCT/US2013/069913 claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/740,651 filed on December 21, 2012 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/725,980 filed on November 13, 2012; International PCT No. 14/137,644 filed on March 13, 2013 Continuation-in-Part of Application No. PCT/US2013/031098; International PCT Application No. PCT/US2013/031098 claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/610,241 filed on March 13, 2012; each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

Electrochromism is the phenomenon whereby a material exhibits a reversible electrochemically mediated change in optical properties when placed in different electronic states, usually by being subjected to a change in voltage. The optical property is usually one or more of color, transmittance, absorptivity, and reflectivity. A well-known electrochromic material is tungsten oxide (WO ₃ ). Tungsten oxide is a cathodic electrochromic material in which the color transition to blue transparency occurs by electrochemical reduction.

Electrochromic materials can be incorporated into, for example, windows for residential, commercial, and other uses. The color, transmittance, absorptivity, and/or reflectance of such windows can be changed by changing the characteristics of the electrochromic material; that is, electrochromic windows are windows that can be electronically darkened or lightened. Applying a small voltage to an electrochromic device in a window will cause it to darken; reversing the voltage causes it to lighten. This capability allows for control of the amount of light passing through the window and presents opportunities for electrochromic windows to be used as energy-saving devices.

Despite the discovery of electrochromism in the 1960s, electrochromic devices, and electrochromic windows in particular, continue to suffer from various problems, and despite advances in electrochromic technology, equipment, software, and the manufacture and/or use of electrochromic devices Many recent advances in methods have yet to begin to realize their full commercial potential.

Embodiments relate to a method of controlling one or more tintable windows in a building. The method includes determining one or more transmittances of the one or more tintable windows. the one or more transmittances determined to produce a target illuminance level at or about the target illuminance level at one or more grid points in an interior space of a virtual representation of the building, the one or more Transmittance is determined based at least in part on attenuated clear sky data based at least in part on a predicted clear sky illumination and readings from a plurality of sensors. The method further includes maintaining or transitioning the one or more tintable windows to a final tint state associated with the one or more determined transmittances.

An embodiment relates to a method of controlling one or more tintable windows in a building. The method includes determining one or more transmittances of the one or more tintable windows in the building. The one or more transmittances are determined based on attenuated clear sky data to produce a target illumination level or approximately the target illumination level in an interior space of a virtual representation of the building. The method further includes predicting an override tint value based on a statistical evaluation of past override values. Additionally, the method includes maintaining or transitioning the one or more tintable windows to one or more final tint states associated with the determined one or more transmittances, or if an override is in place, maintaining or transitioning to the override tint value.

Embodiments relate to a method of controlling one or more tintable windows in a building. The method includes receiving a target level of an internal condition of the building using a virtual representation of the building. The target level includes one of an illuminance level in an interior space of the building, a heat gain in the interior space of the building, or a color of light in the interior space of the building Or more. The method further includes determining one or more transmittances of one or more tintable windows in the building, wherein the one or more transmittances are determined to produce the target level in the building or approximately the target Level. Additionally, the method includes maintaining or transitioning the one or more tintable windows to a final tint state associated with the determined one or more transmittances.

An embodiment relates to a device for controlling the tint of one or more tintable windows in a building, the device comprising at least one controller configured to be operatively coupled to the one or more tintable windows, the at least one controller further configured to execute any of the methods for controlling one or more tintable windows in a building or to direct the execution of any of the methods.

Embodiments relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions for controlling the tint of one or more zones of tintable windows in a building when operated by one or more When read by multiple processors, operations that cause the one or more processors to perform any one of the methods of controlling one or more tintable windows in a building.

An embodiment relates to a system for controlling the tint of one or more zones of tintable windows in a building, the system comprising a network configured to be operatively coupled to the one or more tintable windows and configured to perform any of the methods of controlling the one or more tintable windows in a building.

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

Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, in which only illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown and described. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

Different aspects are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Features depicted in the drawings may not be to scale. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments presented. The disclosed embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other cases, well-known operations are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosed embodiments. Although the disclosed embodiments will be described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the disclosed embodiments.

Numerical ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining the range. It is intended that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this specification include every lower numerical limitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this specification will include every upper numerical limitation, as if such upper numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this specification will include every narrower numerical range falling within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were expressly written herein.

The term "tintable window" refers to a window (eg, architectural window) that contains one or more optically switchable devices (eg, electrochromic devices). An example of a tintable window is an electrochromic window having one or more tintable devices. In examples involving commissioning of tinted windows, tinted windows are sometimes referred to as "insulated glass units" or "IGUs."

The headings provided herein are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

Unless otherwise defined herein, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Various scientific dictionaries including the terms included herein are well known and available to one of ordinary skill in the art. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein are found to be useful in the practice or testing of the embodiments disclosed herein, some methods and materials are still described.

The terms that are to be defined below are more fully described by reference to the entire specification. Because the specific methods, protocols, and reagents described may vary depending on the context in which one of ordinary skill in the art uses them, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific methods, protocols, and reagents described.

As used herein, the singular terms "a/an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. I. Introduction and background of tinted windows and window controllers

In order to orient the reader to embodiments of the systems, apparatus, and methods disclosed herein, a brief discussion of electrochromic devices, tintable windows, and window controllers is provided. This initial discussion is provided only as background, and the embodiments described subsequently are not limited to the specific features and manufacturing procedures of this initial discussion. Furthermore, it should be understood that a tintable window may include one or more electrochromic devices in some aspects, and additionally or alternatively include one or more other optically switchable devices in other aspects. A. Electrochromic Devices

Specific examples of electrochromic window sheets are described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1C to illustrate the embodiments described herein. FIG. 1A is a cross - sectional representation of an electrochromic window sheet 100 manufactured starting with a glass sheet 105 (see the cross-sectional tangent X'-X' of FIG. 1C ). FIG . 1B shows an end view of the electrochromic window sheet 100 (see the viewing angle Y-Y' of FIG. 1C ), and FIG . 1C shows a top view of the electrochromic window sheet 100. FIG . 1A shows the electrochromic window sheet after manufacture on a glass sheet 105 , with the edges removed to create a region 140 around the periphery of the sheet. The electrochromic window sheet has also been laser-etched and connected to a bus bar. A bus bar (also called a bus bar) is a metal strip or rod used to distribute current. The glass window 105 has a diffusion barrier 110 and a first transparent conductive oxide layer (TCO) 115 on the diffusion barrier. In this example, the edge deletion process removes both the TCO 115 and the diffusion barrier 110 , but in other embodiments, only the TCO is removed, leaving the diffusion barrier intact. The TCO layer 115 is the first of two conductive layers used to form electrodes for an electrochromic device fabricated on the glass sheet. In this example, the glass sheet includes a bottom layer of glass and a diffusion barrier layer. Thus, in this example, a diffusion barrier is formed, and then a first TCO, an electrochromic stack 125 (e.g., having an electrochromic ion conductor and an opposing electrode layer), and a second TCO 130 are formed. In one embodiment, the electrochromic device (electrochromic stack and second TCO) is fabricated in an integrated deposition system, wherein the glass sheet does not leave the integrated deposition system at any time during the stack fabrication. In one embodiment, the first TCO layer is also formed using the integrated deposition system, wherein the glass sheet does not leave the integrated deposition system during deposition of the electrochromic stack and (second) TCO layer. In one embodiment, all layers (diffusion barrier, first TCO, electrochromic stack, and second TCO) are deposited in an integrated deposition system, wherein the glass sheet does not leave the integrated deposition system during deposition. In this example, isolation trenches 120 are cut through TCO 115 and diffusion barrier 110 prior to deposition of electrochromic stack 125. Trench 120 is made to electrically isolate the region of TCO 115 that will reside below bus 1 after fabrication is complete (see FIG. 1A ). This is done to avoid charge accumulation and coloring of the electrochromic device below the bus, which may be undesirable.

After forming the electrochromic device, an edge deletion process and additional laser scribing are performed. 1A depicts an area 140 in which the device has been removed from the peripheral area around laser scribed trenches 150 , 155 , 160 , and 165 in this example. Trench 150 , 160 and 165 pass through the electrochromic stack and also through the first TCO and diffusion barrier. Trench 155 passes through the second TCO 130 and the electrochromic stack, but not through the first TCO 115 . Laser scribed trenches 150 , 155 , 160 , and 165 are formed to isolate portions 135 , 145 , 170 , and 175 of the electrochromic device that are potentially damaged during the edge deletion process from the operable electrochromic device. . In this example, laser scribed trenches 150 , 160 , and 165 pass through the first TCO to aid in isolation (laser scribed trench 155 does not pass through the first TCO, otherwise it would cut off bus 2 from the first TCO and hence electrical communication of electrochromic stacks). One or more of the lasers used in the laser scribing process are typically, but not necessarily, pulsed lasers, such as diode pumped solid-state lasers. For example, the laser scribing process can be performed using a suitable laser from IPG Photonics (Oxford, Massachusetts) or from Ekspla (Vilnius, Lithuania). Grading can also be performed mechanically, such as by diamond tip scribing. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the laser scribing process can be performed at different depths and/or in a single process, whereby the depth of laser cutting occurs during a continuous path around the perimeter of the electrochromic device To change or not to change. In one embodiment, edge deletion is performed to the depth of the first TCO.

After the laser scribing is complete, the busbars are attached. Apply non-penetrating busbar 1 to the second TCO. Non-penetrating bus bars 2 are applied to areas of the device that are not deposited (e.g., due to a mask that protects the first TCO from device deposition), in contact with the first TCO, or in this example, applied using an edge deletion process (eg, laser ablation using a device with an XY or XYZ galvanometer) Remove material down to the area of the first TCO. In this example, both Bus 1 and Bus 2 are non-penetrating busses. A feedthrough busbar is a busbar that is typically pressed into the electrochromic stack and passes through the electrochromic stack so that it contacts the TCO at the bottom of the stack. Non-penetrating busses are busses that do not penetrate into the electrochromic stack but make electrical and physical contact on the surface of the conductive layer (eg, TCO).

Non-traditional busbars, such as those fabricated using screening and photolithography patterning methods, can be used to electrically connect the TCO layer. In one embodiment, electrical communication is established with the transparent conductive layer of the device via screen printing (or using another patterning method) of conductive ink, followed by thermal curing or sintering the ink. Advantages of using the device configuration described above include, for example, simpler fabrication and less laser scribing than conventional techniques using through-type busbars.

After the buses are connected, the device is integrated into an insulating glass unit (IGU), which includes, for example, wiring for the buses and the like. In some embodiments, one or both of the buses are inside the finished IGU, however, in one embodiment, one bus is outside the seal of the IGU and one bus is inside the IGU. In the former embodiment, area 140 is used to seal with one face of a partition used to form the IGU. Thus, wires or other connections to the buses run between the partition and the glass. Because many partitions are made of conductive metals such as stainless steel, steps need to be taken to avoid short circuits due to electrical communication between the buses and connectors thereto and the metal partitions. In the embodiment described herein, the two bus bars are inside the primary seal of the finished IGU.

FIG . 2A shows a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electrochromic window integrated into an IGU 200 as described with respect to FIGS. 1A to 1C . A spacer 205 is used to separate the electrochromic window from a second window 210 . The second window 210 in the IGU 200 is a non-electrochromic window, however, the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. For example, the window 210 may have an electrochromic device and/or one or more coatings, such as a low-E coating and the like. The window 201 may also be a laminated glass, such as depicted in FIG . 2B (the window 201 is laminated to the reinforced pane 230 via a resin 235 ). A primary sealing material 215 is between the spacer 205 and the glass 201 of the electrochromic window. This primary seal is also between the spacer 205 and the second glass pane 210. A secondary seal 220 surrounds the perimeter of the spacer 205. The busbar wiring/leads run across the seal to connect to the controller. The secondary seal 220 can be much thicker than depicted. These seals help keep moisture out of the interior volume 225 of the IGU. They also serve to prevent argon or other gases from escaping from the interior of the IGU.

Figure 3A schematically depicts an electrochromic device 300 in cross-section. The electrochromic device 300 includes a substrate 302 , a first conductive layer (CL) 304 , an electrochromic layer (EC) 306 , an ion conductive layer (IC) 308 , a counter electrode layer (CE) 310 and a second conductive layer (CL) 314 . Layers 304 , 306 , 308 , 310 , and 314 are collectively referred to as electrochromic stack 320 . A voltage source 316 operable to apply a potential across the electrochromic stack 320 effects transition of the electrochromic device from, for example, a decolorized state to a colored state (depicted). The order of the layers can be reversed relative to the substrate.

Electrochromic devices with different layers as described can be made as all solid-state devices and/or all inorganic devices. Such devices and methods of making them are described in more detail in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/645,111, filed on December 22, 2009, and named Mark Kozlowski et al. as inventors, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/645,159, filed on December 22, 2009, and named Zhongchun Wang et al. as inventors, and named "Electrochromic Devices", both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. However, it should be understood that any one or more of the layers in the stack may contain some amount of organic material. The same can be said for liquids that may be present in small amounts in one or more layers. It should also be understood that solid materials may be deposited or otherwise formed by processes that use liquid components (e.g., certain processes using solution-gel or chemical vapor deposition).

Additionally, it should be understood that the reference frame to the transition between the decolored and colored states is non-limiting and represents only one example among many of the electrochromic transitions that may be implemented. Unless otherwise specified herein (including the foregoing discussion), whenever reference is made to a depigmented-to-pigmented transition (or equivalently a clear-pigmented transition), the corresponding device or procedure encompasses other optical state transitions, such as non-reflective-reflective, clear-pigmented Opaque etc. Further, the terms "bleached" or "clear" refer to an optically neutral state, such as colorless, transparent, or translucent. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified herein, the "color" or "hue" of an electrochromic transition is not limited to any specific wavelength or range of wavelengths. As understood by those skilled in the art, appropriate selection of electrochromic and counter electrode materials governs the associated optical transitions.

In the embodiments described herein, the electrochromic device reversibly cycles between a decolorized/clear state and a colored/colored state. In some cases, when the device is in the decolorized state, a potential is applied to the electrochromic stack 320 so that the available ions in the stack reside primarily in the opposing electrode 310. When the potential on the electrochromic stack is reversed, the ions are transported across the ion conductive layer 308 to the electrochromic material 306 and the material is transformed to a colored state. In a similar manner, the electrochromic device of the embodiments described herein can reversibly cycle between different hue levels (e.g., a decolorized state, a darkest state, and an intermediate level between the decolorized state and the darkest state).

Referring again to FIG. 3A , voltage source 316 can be configured to operate in conjunction with radiation and other environmental sensors. As described herein, voltage source 316 interfaces with a device controller (not shown in this figure). Additionally, voltage source 316 can interface with an energy management system that controls the electrochromic device based on various criteria such as time of year, time of day, and measured environmental conditions. This energy management system combined with large area electrochromic devices (e.g., electrochromic windows) can significantly reduce the energy consumption of a building.

Any material with suitable optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties can be used as substrate 302 . Such substrates include, for example, glass, plastic, and mirror materials. Suitable glasses include clear or tinted soda lime glass, including soda lime float glass. Glass may be tempered or untempered.

In many cases, the substrate is a glass pane sized for use in residential window applications. The size of this glass pane can vary widely depending on the specific needs of the residence. In other cases, the substrate is architectural glass. Architectural glass is typically used in commercial buildings, but can also be used in residential buildings, and typically (but not necessarily) separates an indoor environment from an outdoor environment. In some embodiments, the architectural glass is at least 20 inches by 20 inches, and can be much larger, such as up to about 80 inches by 120 inches. Architectural glass is typically at least about 2 mm thick, typically between about 3 mm and about 6 mm thick. Of course, the electrochromic device can be extended to substrates that are smaller or larger than architectural glass. In addition, the electrochromic device can be disposed on a mirror of any size and shape.

Conductive layer 304 is on top of substrate 302. In some embodiments, one or both of conductive layers 304 and 314 are inorganic and/or solid. Conductive layers 304 and 314 can be made of a number of different materials, including conductive oxides, thin metal coatings, conductive metal nitrides, and composite conductors. Typically, conductive layers 304 and 314 are transparent at least in the wavelength range in which the electrochromic layer exhibits electrochromism. Transparent conductive oxides include metal oxides and metal oxides doped with one or more metals. Examples of such metal oxides and doped metal oxides include indium oxide, indium tin oxide, doped indium oxide, tin oxide, doped tin oxide, zinc oxide, aluminum zinc oxide, doped zinc oxide, ruthenium oxide, doped ruthenium oxide, and the like. Because oxides are often used in such layers, they are sometimes referred to as "transparent conductive oxide" (TCO) layers. Substantially transparent thin metal coatings and combinations of TCOs and metal coatings may also be used.

In some embodiments, commercially available substrates such as glass substrates contain a transparent conductive layer coating. Such products can be used for both the substrate and the conductive layer. Examples of such glasses include conductive layer coated glasses sold by Pilkington of Toledo, Ohio under the TEC Glass™ trademark and by PPG Industries of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania under the SUNGATE™ 300 and SUNGATE™ 500 trademarks. TEC Glass™ is glass coated with a fluorinated tin oxide conductive layer.

In some embodiments of the invention, the same conductive layer is used for both conductive layers (ie, conductive layers). In some embodiments, different conductive materials are used for each conductive layer. For example, in some embodiments, TEC Glass™ is used for the substrate (float glass) and conductive layer (fluorinated tin oxide), and indium tin oxide (ITO) is used for the conductive layer. In some embodiments using TEC Glass™, a sodium diffusion barrier exists between the glass substrate and the TEC conductive layer. The function of the conductive layer is to spread the potential provided by voltage source 316 above the surface of electrochromic stack 320 to the interior regions of the stack with a relatively small ohmic potential drop. The potential is transferred to the conductive layer via an electrical connection to the conductive layer. In some embodiments, busbars (one in contact with conductive layer 304 and one in contact with conductive layer 314 ) provide electrical connections between voltage source 316 and conductive layers 304 and 314 . Other conventional methods may also be used to connect the conductive layers 304 and 314 to the voltage source 316 .

Electrochromic layer 306 overlies conductive layer 304 . In some embodiments, electrochromic layer 306 is inorganic and/or solid. The electrochromic layer may contain any one or more of several different electrochromic materials, including metal oxides. Such metal oxides include tungsten oxide (WO ₃ ), molybdenum oxide (MoO ₃ ), niobium oxide (Nb ₂ O ₅ ), titanium oxide (TiO ₂ ), copper oxide (CuO), and iridium oxide (Ir ₂ O ₃ ) , chromium oxide (Cr ₂ O ₃ ), manganese oxide (Mn ₂ O ₃ ), vanadium oxide (V ₂ O ₅ ), nickel oxide (Ni ₂ O ₃ ), cobalt oxide (Co ₂ O ₃ ) and the like. During operation, electrochromic layer 306 transfers ions to and receives ions from the counter electrode layer 310 to cause optical transitions.

Typically, coloration (or changes in any optical properties, such as absorbance, reflectance, and transmittance) of electrochromic materials is caused by reversible ion implantation (e.g., insertion) into the material and the corresponding injection of charge-balancing electrons . Typically, a certain fraction of the ions responsible for the optical transition are irreversibly bound in the electrochromic material. Some or all of the irreversibly bound ions serve to compensate for "blind charges" in the material. In most electrochromic materials, suitable ions include lithium ions (Li+) and hydrogen ions (H+) (ie, protons). However, in some cases other ions will be suitable. In various embodiments, lithium ions are used to create electrochromic phenomena. The insertion of lithium ions into tungsten oxide (WO _3-y (0 < y ≤ ~0.3)) causes the tungsten oxide to change from transparent (decolorized state) to blue (colored state).

Referring again to FIG. 3A , in electrochromic stack 320 , ion conductive layer 308 is sandwiched between electrochromic layer 306 and counter electrode layer 310 . In some embodiments, counter electrode layer 310 is inorganic and/or solid. The counter electrode layer may include one or more of several different materials that act as ion reservoirs when the electrochromic device is in the decolorized state. During the initiation of an electrochromic transition, for example by application of an appropriate potential, the counter electrode layer transfers some or all of its accommodated ions to the electrochromic layer, changing the electrochromic layer to a colored state. At the same time, in the case of NiWO, the counter electrode layer becomes colored with the loss of ions.

In some embodiments, suitable materials for the counter electrode that are complementary to _WO3 include nickel oxide (NiO), nickel tungsten oxide (NiWO), nickel vanadium oxide, nickel chromium oxide, nickel aluminum oxide, nickel manganese oxide, nickel oxide Magnesium, chromium oxide (Cr ₂ O ₃ ), manganese oxide (MnO ₂ ), and Prussian blue.

When the counter electrode 310 made of nickel tungsten oxide removes charges (i.e., transports ions from the counter electrode 310 to the electrochromic layer 306 ), the counter electrode layer changes from a transparent state to a colored state.

In the electrochromic device depicted, an ionically conductive layer 308 is present between the electrochromic layer 306 and the counter electrode layer 310 . Ion conductive layer 308 serves as a medium through which ions are transported (electrolytically) when the electrochromic device transitions between the dechromic and colored states. Preferably, ion conductive layer 308 is highly conductive to the relevant ions for the electrochromic and counter electrode layers, but has sufficiently low electronic conductivity that negligible electron transfer occurs during normal operation. Thin ion-conducting layers with high ion conductivity permit rapid ion conduction and therefore fast switching for high-efficiency electrochromic devices. In certain embodiments, ion conductive layer 308 is inorganic and/or solid.

Examples of suitable ionically conductive layers for use in electrochromic devices with distinct IC layers include silicates, silicon oxide, tungsten oxide, tantalum oxide, niobium oxide, and borates. These materials can be doped with various dopants, including lithium. Lithium-doped silicon oxide includes lithium silicon aluminum oxide. In some embodiments, the ionically conductive layer includes a silicate-based structure. In some embodiments, silicon aluminum oxide (SiAlO) is used for ion conductive layer 308 .

Electrochromic device 300 may include one or more additional layers (not shown), such as one or more passive layers. Passive layers for improving certain optical properties may be included in electrochromic device 300 . Passive layers for providing humidity and scratch resistance may also be included in electrochromic device 300 . For example, the conductive layer can be treated with an anti-reflective or protective oxide or nitride layer. Other passive layers may be used to hermetically seal electrochromic device 300 .

Figure 3B is a schematic cross-section of an electrochromic device in a decolorized state (or transitioning to a decolorized state). According to a particular embodiment, electrochromic device 400 includes a tungsten oxide electrochromic layer (EC) 406 and a nickel tungsten oxide counter electrode layer (CE) 410 . The electrochromic device 400 also includes a substrate 402 , a conductive layer (CL) 404 , an ion conductive layer (IC) 408 , and a conductive layer (CL) 414 .

Power source 416 is configured to apply a potential and/or current to electrochromic stack 420 via appropriate connections (e.g., buss) to conductive layers 404 and 414. In some embodiments, the voltage source is configured to apply a potential of several volts to drive the device from one optical state to another. The polarity of the potential shown in FIG. 3B causes ions (in this example, lithium ions) to reside primarily (as indicated by the dashed arrows) in the nickel tungsten oxide counter electrode layer 410.

Figure 3C is a schematic cross-section of electrochromic device 400 shown in Figure 3B but in a colored state (or transitioning to a colored state). In Figure 3C , the polarity of voltage source 416 is reversed, making the electrochromic layer more positive to accept additional lithium ions, and thus transition to a colored state. As indicated by the dashed arrow, lithium ions are transported across the ion conductive layer 408 to the tungsten oxide electrochromic layer 406 . Tungsten oxide electrochromic layer 406 is shown in a colored state. Nickel tungsten oxide counter electrode 410 is also shown in a colored state. As explained, nickel tungsten oxide gradually becomes more opaque as it gives up (deintercalates) lithium ions. In this example, there is a synergistic effect where the transition of both layers 406 and 410 to the colored state is additive in reducing the amount of light transmitted through the stack and substrate.

As described above, an electrochromic device may include an electrochromic (EC) layer and a counter electrode (CE) layer separated by an ion conductive (IC) layer that is highly conductive to ions and highly resistive to electrons. As is conventionally understood, the ionically conductive layer thus prevents short circuiting between the electrochromic layer and the counter electrode layer. The ionically conductive layer allows the electrochromic layer and counter electrode layer to retain charge and thus maintain their decolorized or colored state. In electrochromic devices with distinct layers, the assembly forms a stack including an ionically conductive layer sandwiched between an electrochromic electrode layer and a counter electrode layer. The boundaries between these three stacked components are defined by abrupt changes in composition and/or microstructure. Therefore, the device has three distinct layers with two abrupt interfaces.

According to certain embodiments, the counter electrode layer and the electrochromic layer are formed adjacent to each other, sometimes in direct contact, without the need for separate deposition of an ionically conductive layer. In some embodiments, electrochromic devices having an interface region rather than distinct IC layers are used. Such devices and methods of making the same are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,300,298 filed on April 30, 2010 and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/772,075 and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/814,277 and 12/814,279 filed on June 11, 2010, each of which is entitled "Electrochromic Devices," each of which names Zhongchun Wang et al. as the inventor, and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. B. Window Controller

Window controllers can be used to control the tinting of tintable windows. For example, a window controller in a communication can be used to adjust the tint level and associated transmittance of an electrochromic window. In some embodiments, the window controller is capable of transitioning the electrochromic window between multiple tint states (levels) including a de-tinted state and a tinted state. In one aspect, the window controller is capable of transitioning the electrochromic window to any of four tint levels, including a bleached state and a tinted state. In another aspect, the window controller can convert the electrochromic window to any of four or more tone levels.

In some embodiments, an electrochromic window may include an electrochromic device (e.g., electrochromic device 400) on one window of the IGU (e.g., IGU device 200 ) and another electrochromic device on another window of the IGU. Electrochromic device (eg, electrochromic device 400 ). If the window controller can make each electrochromic device transition between two states (decolorized state and colored state), the electrochromic window can achieve four different states (tone levels), and both electrochromic devices are colored. a colored state, a first intermediate state in which one electrochromic device is colored, a second intermediate state in which the other electrochromic device is colored, and a decolorized state in which both electrochromic devices are decolored. Embodiments of multi-pane electrochromic windows are further described in U.S. Patent No. 8,270,059, entitled "MULTI-PANE ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS," naming Robin Friedman et al. as inventors, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. .

In some embodiments, a window controller is capable of transforming an electrochromic window having an electrochromic device that is capable of transforming between two or more tint levels. For example, a window controller may be capable of transforming an electrochromic window to a detinted state, one or more intermediate levels, and a tinted state. In some other embodiments, a window controller is capable of transforming an electrochromic window having an electrochromic device between any number of tint levels between the detinted state and the tinted state. Embodiments of methods and controllers for transitioning an electrochromic window to intermediate tone levels are further described in U.S. Patent No. 8,254,013, entitled “CONTROLLING TRANSITIONS IN OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE DEVICES,” naming Disha Mehtani et al. as inventors, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, a window controller may power one or more electrochromic devices in an electrochromic window. Typically, this function of the window controller is enhanced with one or more other functions described in more detail below. The window controllers described herein are not limited to those window controllers that have the function of powering their associated electrochromic devices for control purposes. That is, the power supply for the electrochromic window may be separate from the window controller, wherein the controller has its own power supply and directs the application of power from the window power supply to the window. However, it is convenient to include the power supply within the window controller and configure the controller to directly power the window because it avoids the need for separate wiring for powering the electrochromic window.

Additionally, the window controllers described in this section are described as stand-alone controllers that can be configured to control without integrating the window controller into the building control network or building management system (BMS). The function of a single window or multiple electrochromic windows. However, the window controller can be integrated into the building control network or BMS.

FIG4 depicts a simplified block diagram of some components of the window controller 450 of the disclosed embodiment and other components of the window controller system. Further details of the components of the window controller can be found in U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 13/449,248 and 13/449,251, both naming Stephen Brown as inventor, both entitled “CONTROLLER FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE WINDOWS” and both filed on April 17, 2012, and in U.S. Patent Serial No. 13/449,235, naming Stephen Brown et al. as inventors and entitled “CONTROLLING TRANSITIONS IN OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE DEVICES”, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

4 , the illustrated components of the window controller 450 include a microprocessor 455 or other processor, a pulse width modulator 460 , one or more inputs 465 , and a computer readable medium 470 (e.g., memory) having a configuration file 475. The window controller 450 electronically communicates with one or more electrochromic devices 400 in the electrochromic window via a network 480 (wired or wireless) to send commands to the one or more electrochromic devices 400. In some embodiments, the window controller 450 may be a local window controller that communicates with a master window controller via a network (wired or wireless).

In the disclosed embodiment, the window controller 450 can instruct the PWM 460 to apply a voltage and/or current to the electrochromic window 502 to cause it to transition to any of four or more different hue levels. In the disclosed embodiment, the electrochromic window 502 can transition to at least eight different hue levels described as follows: 0 (brightest), 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 (darkest). The hue levels can linearly correspond to the visual transmittance values and solar radiation heat gain coefficient (SHGC) values of light transmitted through the electrochromic window 502 . For example, using the above eight tone levels, the brightest tone level 0 may correspond to a SHGC value of 0.80, tone level 5 may correspond to a SHGC value of 0.70, tone level 10 may correspond to a SHGC value of 0.60, tone level 15 may correspond to a SHGC value of 0.50, tone level 20 may correspond to a SHGC value of 0.40, tone level 25 may correspond to a SHGC value of 0.30, tone level 30 may correspond to a SHGC value of 0.20, and tone level 35 (darkest) may correspond to a SHGC value of 0.10.

The window controller 450 or a host controller in communication with the window controller 450 may employ any one or more control logic components to determine the desired tint level based on signals from the external sensor 510 and/or other inputs. The window controller 450 may instruct the PWM 460 to apply voltage and/or current to the electrochromic window 502 to convert it to the desired tint level.

It should be understood that control logic and other logic used to implement the techniques described above may be circuits, processors (including general-purpose microprocessors, digital signal processors, application special integrated circuits, programmable circuits such as field programmable gate arrays). logic, etc.), a computer, computer software, a device such as a sensor, or a combination thereof. Based on this disclosure and the teachings provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will know and understand other ways and/or methods of implementing the disclosed technology using hardware and/or combinations of hardware and software.

Any of the components or functions of software, firmware, or machine instructions described in this application may be implemented using any suitable computer language using, for example, conventional or object-oriented technologies (such as Java, C++, or Python) code to be executed by the processor. Program code may be stored as a sequence of instructions or commands in a computer or on a machine-readable medium such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), programmable memory (EEPROM), such as a hard drive machine or soft-magnetic magnetic media, or optical media such as CD-ROM. Any such computer or machine-readable media may reside on or within a single computing device, and may exist on or within different computing devices within a system or network. In some embodiments, the computer or machine-readable media is non-transitory media.

In some embodiments disclosed herein, one or more electrochromic devices are operatively coupled to at least one controller and/or processor. The controller may include a processing unit (e.g., a CPU or GPU). The controller may receive input (e.g., from at least one device or projection medium). The controller may include circuits, electrical wiring, optical wiring, sockets and/or receptacles. The controller may receive input and/or deliver output. The controller may include multiple (e.g., sub) controllers. Operations (e.g., as disclosed herein) may be performed by a single controller or by a plurality of controllers. At least two operations may each be performed by a different controller. At least two operations may be performed by the same controller. Devices and/or media may be controlled by a single controller or by a plurality of controllers. At least two devices and/or media may be controlled by different controllers. At least two devices and/or media may be controlled by the same controller. The controller may be part of a control system. The control system may include a master controller, a floor controller (e.g., including a network controller), or a local controller. A local controller may be a target controller. For example, a local controller may be a window controller (e.g., controlling a tintable window), an enclosure controller, or a component controller. The controller may be part of a hierarchical control system. The hierarchical control system may include a master controller that commands one or more controllers (e.g., a floor controller, a local controller (e.g., a window controller), an enclosure controller, and/or a component controller). A target may include a device or a medium. A device may include an electrochromic window, a sensor, an emitter, an antenna, a receiver, a transceiver, or an actuator.

In some examples, the controlled device is a tinted window (eg, an electrochromic window). In some embodiments, the dynamic state of the electrochromic window is controlled by changing the voltage signal to the electrochromic device (ECD) used to provide coloration or staining. Electrochromic windows may be manufactured, configured, or otherwise provided as insulated glass units (IGUs). The IGU, when provided for installation in a building, can serve as the basic structure for holding electrochromic windows (also known as "windows"). The IGU window or pane can be a single substrate or a multi-substrate construction, such as a laminate of two substrates.

The controller may be implemented in an electronic device in the form of various digital computers, such as laptops, desktop computers, workstations, personal digital assistants, servers, blade servers, mainframe computers, and other appropriate computers. The electronic device may also represent various forms of mobile devices, such as personal digital assistants, cellular phones, smartphones, wearable devices, and other similar computing devices. The components shown herein, their connections and relationships, and their functions are merely examples and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure as described and/or claimed herein.

In some embodiments, the controller is coupled to a memory, such as a non-transitory computer-readable or machine-readable medium. The memory stores instructions for the controller to operate the ECD using the methods disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the controller includes a processor. The memory, which is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store non-transitory software programs, non-transitory computer-executable programs, and modules, such as program instructions/modules corresponding to the methods used to control the ECD in the embodiments disclosed herein. The processor executes the non-transitory software programs, instructions, and modules stored in the memory to execute various functional applications and data processing.

The memory may include a program storage area and a data storage area, wherein the program storage area may store an operating system and at least one application program of a required function; and the data storage area may store data created by using an electronic device according to the disclosed method. Additionally, the memory may include a high-speed random access memory, and may also include a non-temporary memory, such as at least one disk storage device, a flash memory device, or other non-temporary solid-state storage device. In some embodiments, the memory may optionally include a memory provided remotely relative to the processor, and such remote memories may be connected to the electronic device used in the method of the controller ECD. Examples of the above-mentioned network include but are not limited to the Internet, an intranet, a local area network, a mobile communication network, and combinations thereof.

Examples of tintable windows, window controls, methods of using the same, and features thereof are provided in U.S. Patent Application No. 15/, entitled "CONTROLLERS FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE DEVICES" filed on October 26, 2016. No. 334,832 and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16/082,793 filed on September 6, 2018 titled "METHOD OF COMMISSIONING ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS", each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a control system 500 for controlling and driving a plurality of tintable windows 502 of a building 504 . It may be used to control the operation of one or more devices associated with a tintable window, such as a window antenna. System 500 may be adapted for use with facilities (eg, building 504 ) including commercial office buildings or residential buildings. In this example, system 500 is designed to operate for an entire building 504 or a campus of buildings 504 in conjunction with modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems 506 , interior lighting systems 507 , security systems 508 , and electrical systems 509 A single comprehensive and efficient energy control system. System 500 also includes a building management system (BMS) 510 . BMS 510 is a computer-based control system that can be installed in a building to monitor and control the building's mechanical and electrical equipment (such as HVAC systems, lighting systems, electrical systems, elevators, fire protection systems, and security systems). BMS 510 may include hardware and associated firmware or software for maintaining conditions in building 504 according to preferences set by occupants or by building managers or other administrators. The software may be based on Internet protocols or open standards, for example.

A BMS may be used in larger buildings where the BMS is used to control the environment within the building. For example, the BMS 510 may control lighting, temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, and/or humidity within the building 504. There may be several (e.g., numerous) mechanical and/or electrical devices controlled by the BMS 510 , including, for example, a furnace or other heater, an air conditioner, a blower, and/or a vent. To control the building environment, the BMS 510 may, for example, turn these various devices on and off according to rules and/or in response to conditions. Such rules and/or conditions may be selected and/or specified by a user (e.g., a building manager and/or administrator). One function of BMS 510 may be, for example, to maintain a comfortable environment for occupants of building 504 while minimizing heating and cooling energy losses and costs. In some embodiments, BMS 510 is configured to not only (e.g., only) monitor and control, but also optimize the synergy between various systems, e.g., to save energy and reduce building operating costs. The illustrated example also depicts cloud 503 .

Some embodiments are designed to function responsively or reactively based on feedback. The feedback control scheme may include measurements sensed by, for example, thermal sensors, optical sensors, or other sensors. The feedback control scheme may include inputs from HVAC, interior lighting systems, and/or inputs from user controls. Examples of control systems, methods of use thereof, and associated software thereof may be found in U.S. Patent No. 8,705,162, issued April 22, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Some embodiments are used in existing structures, including, for example, commercial and/or residential structures with conventional or known HVAC and/or interior lighting systems. Some embodiments are modified for use in older facilities (e.g., residential homes).

The system 500 includes a network controller (NC) 512 configured to control a plurality of window controllers 514. For example, one network controller 512 may control at least tens, hundreds, or thousands of window controllers 514. Each window controller 514 may in turn control and drive one or more electrochromic windows 502. In some embodiments, the network controller 512 may issue high-level instructions, such as a final tint state of a tintable window. The window controller may receive such commands and directly control its associated window, such as by applying electrical stimulation, to appropriately drive the tint state transition and/or maintain the tint state. The number and size of tintable (e.g., electrochromic) windows 502 that each window controller 514 can drive can generally be limited by the voltage and/or current characteristics of the load on the window controller 514 that controls the respective electrochromic window 502. In some embodiments, the maximum window size that the window controller 514 can drive is limited by the voltage, current, and/or power requirements to cause the requested optical transition in the electrochromic window 502 within the requested time frame. Such requirements are in turn a function of the surface area of the window. In some embodiments, this relationship is nonlinear. For example, the voltage, current, and/or power requirements can increase nonlinearly with the surface area of the electrochromic window 502 . Without wishing to be bound by theory, in some cases, the relationship is nonlinear, at least in part because the sheet resistance of the first and second conductive layers increases nonlinearly with distance over the length and width of the first or second conductive layer. In some embodiments, the relationship between the voltage, current, and/or power requirements required to drive multiple electrochromic windows 502 of equal size and shape is proportional to the number of electrochromic windows 502 driven.

Figure 5 shows an example of a master controller (MC) 511 . The main controller 511 communicates and operates in conjunction with multiple network controllers 512 , each of which can address a plurality of window controllers 514 . In some embodiments, the main controller 511 issues high-level instructions (such as the final tint state of a tintable window) to the network controller 512 , and the network controller 512 then communicates the instructions to the corresponding window controller 514 . Figure 5 shows an example of a hierarchical control system including a main controller, a network controller, and a window controller.

In some embodiments, various electrochromic windows 502 , antennas, and/or other target devices of a facility (e.g., including a building or other structure) are (e.g., advantageously) grouped into zones or groups of zones (e.g., , wherein each of the zones or groups of zones includes a subset of the electrochromic window 502 ). For example, each zone may correspond to a set of electrochromic windows 502 in a particular location or zone of a facility that should be tinted (or otherwise transformed) to the same or similar optical state based at least in part on their location. As another example, consider a building with four faces or sides: north, south, east, and west. Consider the building to have ten floors. In this example, each zone may correspond to the set of electrochromic windows 502 on a specific floor and on a specific one of the four sides. In some such embodiments, each network controller 512 may address one or more zones or groups of zones. For example, the master controller 511 may issue a final tone state command for a particular zone or group of zones to respective one or more of the network controllers 512 . For example, the final tone state command may include an abstract identification of each of the target regions. The designated network controller 512 receiving the final tint state command may then map the abstract identification of the zone(s) to respective control voltage or current curves to be applied to the electrochromic windows 502 in the zone(s). The specific network address of window controller 514 .

In some embodiments, a distributed network of controllers is used to control one or more tintable windows. For example, according to some embodiments, the network system can be operated to control a plurality of IGUs. One primary function of the network system can be to control the optical state of an electrochromic device (or other optically switchable device) within an IGU.

In some embodiments, another function of the network system is to obtain status information (e.g., data) from the IGU. For example, the status information of a given IGU may include identification of or information related to the current tint state of (multiple) colorable devices within the IGU. The network system may be operable to obtain data from various sensors, such as temperature sensors, photosensors (referred to herein as light sensors), humidity sensors, air flow sensors or occupancy sensors, antennas, whether integrated on or in the IGU or located in various other locations in, on, or around the building. At least one sensor may be configured (e.g., designed) to measure one or more environmental characteristics, such as temperature, humidity, ambient noise, carbon dioxide, VOCs, particulate matter, oxygen, and/or any other aspect of the environment (e.g., its atmosphere). The sensor may include an electromagnetic sensor.

The electromagnetic sensor may be configured to sense ultraviolet radiation, visible radiation, infrared radiation, and/or radio wave radiation. The infrared radiation may be passive infrared radiation (e.g., black body radiation). The electromagnetic sensor may sense radio waves. The radio waves may include wideband or ultra-wideband radio signals. The radio waves may include pulsed radio waves. The radio waves may include radio waves used in communications. The radio waves may be in a medium frequency of at least about 300 kilohertz (KHz), 500 KHz, 800 KHz, 1000 KHz, 1500 KHz, 2000 KHz, or 2500 KHz. The radio waves may be at a medium frequency of up to about 500 KHz, 800 KHz, 1000 KHz, 1500 KHz, 2000 KHz, 2500 KHz, or 3000 KHz. The radio waves may be any frequency between the frequency ranges mentioned above (e.g., from about 300 KHz to about 3000 KHz). The radio waves may be at a high frequency of at least about 3 million Hertz (MHz), 5 MHz, 8 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz, 20 MHz, or 25 MHz. The radio waves may be at a high frequency of up to about 5 MHz, 8 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz, 20 MHz, 25 MHz, or 30 MHz. The radio waves may be any frequency between the frequency ranges mentioned above (e.g., from about 3 MHz to about 30 MHz). The radio waves may be at very high frequencies of at least about 30 megahertz (MHz), 50 MHz, 80 MHz, 100 MHz, 150 MHz, 200 MHz, or 250 MHz. The radio waves may be at very high frequencies of up to about 50 MHz, 80 MHz, 100 MHz, 150 MHz, 200 MHz, 250 MHz, or 300 MHz. The radio waves may be any frequency between the frequency ranges mentioned above (e.g., from about 30 MHz to about 300 MHz). The radio waves may be at very high frequencies of at least about 300 kilohertz (MHz), 500 MHz, 800 MHz, 1000 MHz, 1500 MHz, 2000 MHz, or 2500 MHz. The radio waves may be at ultra-high frequencies of up to about 500 MHz, 800 MHz, 1000 MHz, 1500 MHz, 2000 MHz, 2500 MHz, or 3000 MHz. The radio waves may be at any frequency between the aforementioned frequency ranges (e.g., from about 300 MHz to about 3000 MHz). The radio waves may be at ultra-high frequencies of at least about 3 gigahertz (GHz), 5 GHz, 8 GHz, 10 GHz, 15 GHz, 20 GHz, or 25 GHz. The radio waves may be at ultra-high frequencies of up to about 5 GHz, 8 GHz, 10 GHz, 15 GHz, 20 GHz, 25 GHz, or 30 GHz. The radio waves may be at any frequency between the frequency ranges mentioned above (e.g., from about 3 GHz to about 30 GHz).

The network system may include any suitable number of distributed controllers with various capabilities or functions. In some embodiments, the functions and configurations of the various controllers are defined hierarchically.

Figure 6 shows an example of a network system 600 including a plurality of distributed local window controllers (WC) 604 , a plurality of network controllers (NC) 606 , and a master controller (MC) 608 . In some embodiments, MC 608 may use network controller 606 to communicate with and control at least two, ten, tens, one hundred, or hundreds of floors. A floor controller can be configured to control a floor or a portion of a floor. In various embodiments, master controller MC 608 issues high-level instructions to NC 606 via one or more wired and/or wireless communication links. Such instructions may include, for example, shading commands for causing transitions in the optical state of the IGU controlled by the respective NC 606 . Each NC 606 may in turn communicate with and control a number of window controllers 604 via one or more wired and/or wireless links. The communication link may be a bidirectional communication link. The main controller 608 also communicates with the database 620 and the building management system 624 . Database 620 and BMS 624 communicate with external sources 610 . In one embodiment, the external source 610 includes one or more sensors (eg, a plurality of light sensors) and/or a cloud network.

MC 608 may issue communications including coloring commands, status request commands, data (eg, sensor data) request commands, or other instructions. In some embodiments, MC 608 periodically, at certain predefined times of day (which may vary based on day of the week or year), or based at least in part on detection of a particular event, condition, or event or A combination of conditions (e.g., by obtaining sensor data, or based at least in part on receipt of a request initiated by a user and/or by an application, or a combination of such sensor data and such a request determined) to publish such communications. In some embodiments, when the MC 608 determines that a hue state change (eg, a modification) results in a set of one or more IGUs, the MC 608 generates or selects a hue value corresponding to the requested hue state. In some implementations, a set of IGUs is associated with a first protocol identifier (ID) (eg, Building Automation and Control (BAC) Network Identification (BACnet ID)). MC 608 may then generate and transmit communications including hue values and first protocol IDs—referred to herein as "primary shading commands"—over the link via the first communications protocol (eg, a BACnet compliant protocol). In some embodiments, MC 608 may address primary shading commands to a specific NC 606 that controls a specific WC or WCs 604 , which in turn controls the set of IGUs to be converted. NC 606 may receive a primary shading command including a hue value and a first protocol ID, and map the first protocol ID to one or more second protocol IDs. In some embodiments, each of the second protocol IDs identifies a corresponding one of the WC 604 . NC 606 may then transmit secondary shading commands including hue values to each of the identified WCs 604 over the link via the second communication protocol. In some embodiments, each WC 604 receiving the secondary shading command then selects a voltage and/or current curve from internal memory based on the hue value to drive its respectively connected IGU to a hue state consistent with the hue value. Each of the WCs 304 may then generate voltage and/or current signals and provide these signals through links to their respective connected IGUs to apply voltage or current curves.

Tintable windows may be configured in a hierarchical structure in a manner similar to how the functionality and/or configuration of a controller may be hierarchically configured. The hierarchical structure can help facilitate control of tintable windows at specific locations by allowing rules or user controls to be applied to various groupings of tintable windows or IGUs. Additionally, multiple connected windows in a room and/or other location locations may sometimes need to have their optical states mapped and/or tinted at the same rate for aesthetic reasons. Treating groups of connected windows as zones facilitates these goals.

In some embodiments, the IGUs are grouped into zones of tintable windows, each of which includes at least one window controller and its respective IGU. Each zone of IGUs can be controlled by one or more respective NCs and one or more respective WCs controlled by the NCs. For example, each zone can be controlled by a single NC and two or more WCs controlled by the single NC.

In some embodiments, at least one device operates in coordination with at least one other device, which are coupled to a network. Control of at least one device may be via Ethernet. For example, the tint level of tintable windows may be adjusted simultaneously. When the devices are in use, zones of devices may have at least one identical characteristic. For example, when a tintable window is in a zone, a zone of tintable windows may have its tint level (automatically) changed (e.g., darkened or lightened) to the same level. For example, when sound sensors are in a zone, they may sample sound at the same frequency and/or in the same time window. A zone of devices may include multiple devices (e.g., of the same type). Zones may include (i) devices (e.g., tintable windows) facing a particular direction of an enclosure (e.g., a facility), (ii) multiple devices placed on a particular face of an enclosure (e.g., a facade), (iii) devices on a particular floor of a facility, (iv) devices in a particular type of room and/or activity (e.g., an open space, office, conference room, lecture hall, corridor, reception hall, or cafeteria), (v) devices placed on the same fixture (e.g., an interior or exterior wall), and/or (vi) user-defined devices (e.g., a group of tintable windows in a room or on a facade that is a subset of a larger group of tintable windows). (Automatic) adjustment of devices may be done automatically and/or by the user. Automatic changes to the properties and/or states of devices in a zone may be overridden by a user (e.g., by manually adjusting tonal levels). A user may override automatic adjustments of devices in a zone using a mobile circuit system (e.g., a remote controller, a virtual reality controller, a cellular phone, an electronic notepad, a laptop, and/or via a similar mobile device).

In some embodiments, when instructions related to the control of a device (e.g., instructions for a window controller or a tintable window) are passed over a network system, they are accompanied by a unique network ID of the device to which they are sent. The network ID can help ensure that the instructions arrive and are performed on the intended device. For example, a window controller that controls the tint state of one or more IGUs can determine which IGU (tintable window) to control based on the network ID (such as a controller area network (CAN) ID (in the form of a network ID)) passed along with the tinting command. In a window network (such as the window network described herein), the term network ID includes (but is not limited to) CAN IDs and BACnet IDs. Such network IDs can be applied to window network nodes, such as window controllers, network controllers, and master controllers. The network ID for a device may include the network ID of each device that controls it in a hierarchical structure. For example, in addition to its own CAN ID, the network ID of an IGU may also include the window controller ID, the network controller ID, and the master controller ID.

FIG. 7 shows various tintable windows (referred to as "IGUs") 722 grouped into zones 703 of tintable windows. Each zone 703 includes at least one window controller 724 and one or more individual tintable windows 722. In some embodiments, each zone of tintable windows 722 is controlled by one or more individual NCs and one or more individual WCs 724 controlled by such NCs. Each zone 703 may be controlled by a single NC and two or more WCs 724 controlled by the single NC. Thus, the zones 703 may represent a logical grouping of tintable windows 722. For example, each zone 703 may correspond to a group of one or more tintable windows 722 that are driven together based on their position or orientation in a particular location or zone of a building. As a more specific example, consider a site 701 of a building having ten floors and four faces or sides: north, south, east, and west. In this example, each zone 703 may correspond to the set of one or more tintable windows 722 on a particular floor and on a particular one of the four faces. As another example, each zone 703 may correspond to a set of one or more tintable windows 722 that share one or more physical characteristics (e.g., device parameters such as size or age). In some embodiments, the zones 703 of tintable windows 722 are grouped at least in part based on one or more non-physical characteristics including security designations or business hierarchies (e.g., tintable windows 722 demarcating an administrator's office may be grouped in one or more zones, while tintable windows 722 demarcating non-administrators' offices may be grouped in one or more different zones).

In some such implementations, each NC may address all colorable windows 722 in each of one or more respective zones 703. For example, the MC may issue a primary coloring command to the NC that controls the target zone 703. The primary coloring command may include an abstract identification of the target zone (hereinafter referred to as the "zone ID"). In some such implementations, the zone ID may be a first protocol ID as just described in the above example. The NC may receive a primary coloring command including a hue value and a zone ID, and may map the zone ID to a protocol ID associated with the WC 724 within the zone. In some embodiments, the zone ID may be a higher level of abstraction than the first protocol ID. In such cases, the NC may first map the zone ID to one or more first protocol IDs, and then map the first protocol ID to a second protocol ID.

To enable tinting control (e.g., to allow the window control system to change the tint state of one or more specific tintable windows), the main controller, the network controller, and/or another controller responsible for tinting decisions may utilize The network address of the window controller(s) connected to this specific window or group of windows. To this end, the commissioning function may be used to provide specific windows and window controllers with the correct assignment of the window controller address and/or another identifying information, as well as the physical location of the window and/or window controller in the building. In some embodiments, the goal of commissioning is to correct errors and/or other problems caused when windows are installed in the wrong location or cables are connected to the wrong window controller. In some embodiments, the goal of commissioning is to provide semi-automatic or fully-automatic installation. In other words, installation is allowed with little or no positional guidance for the installer.

In some embodiments, debugging for a particular tintable window may involve associating the ID of a device (eg, tintable window and/or window-related component) with its corresponding local controller. The commissioning process may assign a building location, a relative location, and/or an absolute location (eg, latitude, longitude, and altitude) to a device (eg, a window or another component). Examples related to commissioning and/or configuring a network with tinted windows can be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 14/391,122 titled "APPLICATIONS FOR CONTROLLING OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE DEVICES" filed on October 7, 2014. U.S. Patent Application No. 14/951,410, filed on November 24, 2015, titled "SELF-CONTAINED EC IGU", and filed on March 9, 2016, titled "METHOD OF COMMISSIONING ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS" In the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/305,892 and the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/370,174 filed on August 2, 2016 with the invention title "METHOD OF COMMISSIONING ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS", each of them The authors are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

After physically installing a network of devices (e.g., one or more tintable windows), the network may be tuned to correct any incorrect assignment of window controllers to erroneous tintable windows (sometimes referred to as "IGUs") or building locations. In some embodiments, the tuning map pairs or links individual devices (e.g., tintable windows) and their locations with associated controllers. II. Additional Introduction

Some tintable windows may be electronically controlled. Such control may allow control over the amount of light that passes through the tintable windows and provide the opportunity for the tintable windows to control the amount of natural light in a space of a facility (e.g., a building), the heat load entering the facility, and other internal conditions of the facility by adjusting the transmittance of the tintable windows on the facility's exterior housing and/or controlling the settings of other systems (e.g., building systems, such as HVAC systems) and their associated controllers.

As used herein, "space" means the volume within a facility that serves a specific purpose. The space may be a virtual space in a virtual representation of the facility, such as a virtual model (eg, a digital twin), or a physical space of the facility. Spaces in a facility may have identifiers associated with the purpose of the space. Examples of space identifiers are "Conference Room A", "Conference Room B", or "Marketing Open Office". "Space type" refers to the space attributes that indicate the function of the space. Some examples of space types in office buildings include walkways, private offices, open offices, kitchens, conference rooms, break rooms, restaurants, fitness centers, and lobbies. Some examples of space types in airport buildings include aisles, gates, restaurants, vending machines, offices, waiting rooms, and service areas. Some examples of space types in multifamily buildings include living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, hallways, halls, lounges, fitness/fitness rooms, and offices.

Real-time or near (approximate) real-time control of one or more conditions of a facility (such as a building) may be desired by customers of the facility (e.g., tenants of the facility, other occupants, and/or customer support personnel). For example, an occupant who spends time in a particular three-dimensional space of a building may desire real-time control of light levels (e.g., levels of natural light and/or artificial light), color of light, heat load (harvest), and/or other conditions of such space. Additionally or alternatively, it may be desirable to identify a malfunctioning tinted window, sensor, or other device, controller, and/or connection of the controller to a particular device for maintenance, upgrade, and/or replacement.

Certain embodiments described herein control the amount of natural light in a space of a facility by adjusting the transmittance of the facility's tintable windows based on their attenuated clear-sky illuminance values based on measured illuminance outside the facility. To establish a desired or target level of natural light in the space of a facility, the transmittance of a facility's tintable windows can be adjusted to accommodate light levels outside the facility based on attenuated clear-sky illuminance values through such windows. window to the independent variable of the amount of light in that space. By adjusting the transmittance, the target lux level, or a close approximation of this target, can be achieved. The transmittance of a facility's tintable windows serves as an adjustable variable (or adjustable "knob") for tuning the amount of natural light from outside the facility, through the window, and into the space.

Some of these embodiments are based at least in part on predicted light conditions (eg, light sensors) that are attenuated or adjusted based on sensor data from one or more sensors (eg, light sensors) positioned outside the facility. Clear sky value) uses the illuminance level outside the facility. The determined clear sky data is attenuated using a scale factor based on the measured sensor data; in some cases this can be considered as instantaneous external light using attenuated clear sky data.

For example, clear-sky data may represent external illumination under clear-sky conditions at the facility's location, and this predicted illumination may be adjusted to account for in-facility illumination provided by sensors at the facility's location, such as on the facility's roof. Instantly measure surrounding light conditions. The measured illuminance can be used to determine the scaling factor to be applied to the determined clear-sky data, and by attenuating the predicted outside light conditions using the measured attenuation, accurate light conditions can be used to control and adjust natural light in the facility's space. In another example, predicted illuminance may indicate illuminance originating from or originating from compass south of the facility (eg, the sun is south of the facility) and no illuminance from compass north at a particular time. Measured light data, when generated by multiple sensors, such as light sensors, may indicate measured illuminance from compass north; this measured illuminance may be caused by clouds or buildings reflecting light from compass north on the facility . When these predicted light values are attenuated or scaled based on measured light data, the resulting light conditions around the facility may indicate that light is radiating onto the building from both the south and north directions. Given outside light conditions, these scaled light conditions can then be used to optimize the tintable window transmittance of the facility, resulting in the space(s) in the facility having their desired natural light levels. By using known measured light conditions outside the facility, the transmittance of the facility's tintable windows can be optimized to control the resulting natural light in the facility's space.

In some implementations, the predicted and measured illuminance outside the facility is simulated by a spot of light in a virtual sky dome above the facility. The spot represents the brightness distribution based on predicted clear sky data and measured illuminance from multiple sensors. Discretize the sky above the facility into a plurality of spots that make up the sky dome, with each spot having an associated lux level that represents the source or contribution of illumination. Each spot may be based on a predicted value attenuated by a scaling factor determined from measured lux data received from a plurality of sensors. As provided herein, to attenuate clear sky data in a sky dome model, sensor readings of measured light data from one or more sensors are used to determine the clear sky of light patches (bright spots) applied to the sky dome. A scaling factor for the brightness values of the data; this can be used to produce a real-time sky dome using attenuated clear-sky data. Some embodiments map sensor readings and associated attenuated scaling factors to spots in a sky dome. For example, as discussed in greater detail below, the measured light readings may come from 12 light sensors arranged radially around a central axis and oriented outwardly perpendicular to the central axis. Some of the embodiments provided herein map the data generated by these 12 sensors to spots in the sky dome.

In alternative or additional embodiments, given light conditions outside the facility (e.g., by predicted light adjusted by measured light data), the transmittance of the facility's tintable windows can be used to adjust heat gain in the space of the facility to Generates a target thermal acquisition in space, or an approximation close to the target thermal acquisition. III. Virtual building model (e.g., digital twin)

To address customer satisfaction regarding the controls of conditions within a building and/or other settings and states of the equipment at a facility, a digital model and associated file(s) may be associated with the facility and equipment. In some embodiments, the digital model and its associated file(s) are referred to as a "virtual building model" of the facility. An example of a virtual building model is a building information model or "BIM." Some examples of BIM files used for BIM models include Revit files, Microdesk (such as ModelStream files), IMAGINiT files, ATG USA files, or similar facility-related digital files. The virtual building model may have an associated centralized file that integrates all assets of the facility, which may assist occupiers and customer support personnel responsible for control of the facility and/or one or more devices within the facility. For example, the virtual building model that can be accessed and/or updated by occupiers and customer support personnel may be stored in a cloud network.

In one aspect, the virtual building model may include the location and identifiers of devices in the building and the current settings and status of the devices in the building. The virtual building model may also include user preferences, such as, for example, preferred settings for one or more environmental conditions (e.g., the amount of natural light in a space) and preferred settings for one or more devices (e.g., the transmittance of a tintable window). In some implementations, the virtual building model of a facility may be updated to reflect the status and settings of the devices of the facility in real time or substantially real time, which may assist in the deployment, maintenance, and control of the devices and environmental conditions of the facility. The virtual building model can also serve as an interactive tool for customers to control environmental conditions in their spaces (e.g., the amount of natural light or heat load) in real time or substantially in real time and see a visual effect of their changes to the environmental conditions on the 3D model of the building and/or see a visual effect of how their changes will result in setting adjustments for devices in the building. For example, customers can adjust the amount of light in their space and have a visual effect on the 3D model of how the transmittance of tinted windows on two adjacent facades of the space will be adjusted to accommodate their adjustment.

Virtual building models facilitate the management of plant controls at various levels. In some aspects, the virtual building model may be a BIM supplemented with device-related information, such as through an application (software application). For example, a virtual building model can be used to feed input from customers (e.g., via an app) into the facility's controls. Virtual building models can provide visual proofreading tools before commissioning or after commissioning for maintenance purposes. Virtual building models can also provide users of software applications with a virtual reality experience of a facility (including its assets, such as equipment).

In some cases, a three-dimensional (3D) architectural model may be used to initialize a virtual building model file (eg, a BIM file) to incorporate the facility's architectural elements. Ground truth verification (e.g., from a field service engineer) can be used to verify device data in the virtual building model's files. The virtual building model can be initialized before commissioning the installation of the facility. In some cases, an initialized BIM file (such as an Autodesk Revit file) incorporates the architectural elements of the facility but not the devices installed in the facility. BIM files can be updated during commissioning and/or by occupiers or customer support staff.

During commissioning of a device at a facility, the device may be installed by the installer and, for example, by viewing it with an inscribed serial number, bar code, quick response (QR) code, radio frequency identification (RF ID), and/or other printed information. external markings to distinguish them from each other. In some cases, procedures for locating and recording devices during and/or after the commissioning process may be input into the virtual building model through automated and/or manual processes. In some cases, commissioning may be performed to provide or correct the assignment of window controller addresses and/or other identifying information to specific windows and window controllers, as well as to provide or correct the assignment of windows and/or window controllers in a building. Entity location. For example, commissioning can be used to correct problems caused when tintable windows are installed in the wrong location or cables are connected to the wrong window controller. The commissioning process for a particular tinted window involves associating the window's identification (ID) or other window-related component with the network address of its corresponding window controller. The program may (eg, also) assign building positions and/or absolute positions (eg, latitude, longitude, and/or altitude) to windows or other components.

Tintable windows (e.g., containing electrochromic devices), electronic collectives (e.g., containing various sensors, actuators, and/or communication interfaces), and/or associated controllers (e.g., host controllers, network controls controllers and/or other controllers, such as those responsible for shading decisions) may be interconnected in a hierarchical network, for example, for the purpose of coordinated control (eg, monitoring). For example, one or more controllers may need to utilize the network address of the window controller connected to a specific window or set of windows. To this end, the function of commissioning may be to provide correct assignment of window controller addresses and/or other identifying information to specific windows and window controllers, as well as to provide the physical location of windows and/or window controllers in the building. Another function of commissioning can be the correction of the window installed in the fault location or the cables connected to the fault window controller. Commissioning procedures for a specific window (eg, an insulating glass unit (IGU)) may involve associating the identification (ID) of the window or other window-related component with the network address of its corresponding window controller. The program may (eg, also) assign building positions and/or absolute positions (eg, latitude, longitude, and/or altitude) to windows or other components. Some examples of digital twins are described in PCT Application No. PCT/US2021/057678, filed on November 2, 2021 and entitled "VIRTUALLY VIEWING DEVICES IN A FACILITY", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In some aspects, the control system and/or control interface includes or communicates with a "virtual building model" of a facility (e.g., a building). For example, the virtual building model may include a representative model (e.g., a two-dimensional or three-dimensional virtual depiction) containing structural elements (e.g., walls and doors), building fixtures/furnishings, and one or more interactive target devices (e.g., colorable windows, sensors, transmitters, and/or media displays). The virtual building model may reside on a server that can be accessed via a graphical user interface or can be accessed using a virtual reality (VR) user interface. The VR interface may include an augmented reality (AR) aspect. The virtual building model may be used in connection with monitoring and servicing of building infrastructure and/or in connection with controlling any interactive target devices, and in providing interactive input from a customer (e.g., preferences for one or more environmental settings) and providing feedback to the customer.

When a new device is installed in a facility (e.g., in a room or space thereof) and operatively coupled to a network, the new device may be detected (e.g., and included in the virtual building model). Detection of new devices and/or inclusion of new devices in the virtual building model may be done automatically and/or manually. For example, detection of new devices and/or inclusion of new devices in the virtual building model may not require (e.g., any) manual intervention. Whether present in the initial design plans for an enclosure or added later, complete details regarding (e.g., each) device (including any unique identifiers) may be stored in a virtual building model, network configuration files, interconnection diagrams, and/or building schematics (e.g., BIM files such as Revit files) to facilitate monitoring, servicing, and/or control functions.

In some embodiments, the virtual building model includes a virtual three-dimensional (3D) model of the facility. Facilities may include static and/or dynamic elements. For example, static elements may include representations of structural features of facilities (eg, fixtures), and dynamic elements may include representations of interactive devices with controllable features. 3D models may include visual elements. Visual elements represent facility fixtures. Fixtures may include walls, floors, walls, doors, shelves, structures (e.g., walk-in) closets, fixed lights, electrical panels, elevator shafts, or windows. Fixtures can be attached to the structure. Visual elements can represent non-fixed objects. Non-fixed objects can include people, chairs, movable lamps, tables, sofas, movable closets or media projections. Non-fixed objects may contain mobile components. Visual elements may represent facility features including floors, walls, doors, windows, furniture, appliances, people, and/or interactive devices. Virtual building models that represent the environment of a real facility may be similar to the virtual worlds used in computer games and simulations. Creation of the 3D model may include analyzing a Building Information Modeling (BIM) model (eg, Autodesk Revit file), eg, to derive representations of (eg, basic) fixed structures and movable items such as doors, windows, and elevators. In some embodiments, a virtual building model is defined at least in part through the use of one or more sensors (e.g., optical, acoustic, pressure, gas velocity, and/or distance measurement sensor(s)), to determine the layout of real facilities. The use of sensor data may (eg, exclusively) be used to model the environment of the enclosure. The use of sensor data may be used in conjunction with a 3D model of the facility (eg, a BIM model) to model and/or control the environment of the enclosure. A BIM model of a facility may be obtained before, during (eg, real-time), and/or after the facility has been constructed. The BIM model of the facility may be updated (eg, manually and/or using sensor data) during operation and/or commissioning of the facility (eg, in real time).

In some embodiments, dynamic elements in a virtual building model include device settings. Device settings may include (e.g., existing and/or predetermined): color tone values, temperature settings, and/or light switching settings. Device settings may include available actions in a media display. Available actions may include menu items or hot spots in displayed content. The virtual building model may include virtual representations of devices and/or movable objects (e.g., chairs or doors) and/or occupants (either actual images from a camera or from stored virtual users). In some embodiments, dynamic elements may be devices that are newly connected to the network and/or disappear from the network (e.g., due to failure or relocation). The virtual building model may reside in any circuit system (e.g., a processor) that is operatively coupled to the network. The circuit system in which the digital circuit system resides may be in the facility, outside the facility, and/or in the cloud. In some embodiments, a two-way (e.g., bidirectional) link is maintained between the virtual building model and the real circuit system. The real circuit system may be part of the control system. The real circuit system may be included in a master controller, a network controller, a floor controller, a local controller, or in any other node in the processing system (e.g., in the facility or outside the facility). For example, the bidirectional link may be used by the real circuit system to notify the virtual building model of changes in dynamic and/or static elements so that the 3D representation of the enclosure may be updated, for example, in real time or at a later (e.g., specified) time. The bidirectional link may be used by the virtual building model to notify the real circuit system of manipulation (e.g., control) actions input by a user on a mobile circuit system. The mobile circuit system may be a remote controller (e.g., including a handheld pointer, manual input buttons, or a touch screen).

Figure 8 depicts a visual representation of a virtual building model 800 based at least in part on a BIM (eg, Revit) archive 801 . In some embodiments, virtual building model 800 includes a 3D virtual construct that can be virtually navigated using an interface device to view and interact with a target device. The interface may be a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. In some embodiments, the virtual representation of the enclosure includes a virtual augmented reality representation of a virtual building model displayed on the mobile device, wherein the virtual augmented reality representation includes a virtual representation of at least some of the real target device. Navigation using a mobile device within a virtual building model may be independent of the actual location of the mobile device, or may be consistent with movement of the mobile device within a real enclosure represented by the virtual building model. The mobile device may be operably (eg, communicatively) coupled to the network. The mobile device may, for example, use any geolocation technology to record its current location in the real facility using respective locations in the virtual building model. For example, geolocation anchors are coupled to the network.

In some embodiments, a mobile device (eg, a smartphone, a tablet, or a handheld controller) is used to detect debugging data of each target device and transmit the debugging data to the virtual building model and/or BIM system. The mobile device may include geo-tracking capabilities (e.g., GPS, UWB, Bluetooth, and/or dead reckoning) such that the location coordinates of the mobile device may be determined using any suitable network established by the user between the mobile device and the virtual building model. Road connections are transferred to the virtual building model. For example, network connections may include, at least in part, transport links used by a hierarchical network of controllers within a facility. The network connection may be separate from the facility's controller network (eg, using a wireless network such as a cellular network). The target device can be equipped with an optically identifiable ID tag (eg, a sticker with a barcode or quick response (QR) code). Interaction of the mobile device with the target device may be used to populate a virtual representation of the target device in the virtual building model with a unique identification code and/or other information about the target device associated with the ID code (eg, contained in an ID tag).

FIG9 shows an example embodiment of a control system 900 in which an actual physical building 910 includes a controller network 920 for managing and controlling interactive network devices (e.g., one or more colorable windows). The controller network 920 includes one or more controllers, such as, for example, one or more of a master controller including a processor, a network controller, and a local controller. The structure and content of the building 910 are represented in a 3-D model virtual building model 930 as part of a modeling and/or simulation system executed to manage computing assets of the building 910 and/or control one or more environmental conditions of the building 910. The computing assets may be co-located with or remote from the building 910 and/or the controller network 920 .

In the illustrated example, a network link 940 connects the controller network 920 and an interactive target device 912 (e.g., a tintable window, such as an electrochromic window). The interactive target device 912 is represented as a virtual object 932 within the virtual building model 930. The network link 940 in the building 910 connects the controller network 920 and a plurality of network nodes including one or more network interactive target computing devices. In the illustrated example, the network link 940 connects the controller network 920 and the interactive target device 912. The interactive target device 912 is represented as a virtual object 932 within the virtual building model 930 . A network link 950 connects the controller network 920 and the virtual building model 930. In the illustrated example, a customer 914 is shown as being located in the building 900 and communicating with a mobile device (e.g., a handheld control unit) 916. The building 900 includes a physical space 918 associated with the customer 914. The physical space 918 in the building 910 is represented by a virtual space 938 in the virtual building model 930. In some embodiments, a physical colorable window in the physical space 918 is represented by a virtual colorable window in the virtual building model 930 . Mobile device 916 may include integrated scanning capabilities (e.g., a camera for capturing images of barcodes or QR codes), and/or may include or communicate with an identification capture device (e.g., a handheld barcode scanner connected to mobile device 916 via a Bluetooth link). The ID tag may include, for example, RFID, UWB, radioactive, reflective, or absorptive materials to facilitate the use of various scanning tools (e.g., identification capture devices). The code or printed items on the ID tag may include the device type, electronic and/or material properties of the target device, serial number, type, component part identifiers, manufacturer, manufacturing date, and/or any other relevant information.

In some embodiments, a virtual building model of a facility stored on a server (e.g., a server on a cloud network and/or within a facility) can be updated on or near real-time to include one or more customers Preferences, such as the conditions of the interior space of a facility. In some cases, the virtual building model is updated to display adjustments to one or more devices in the facility (eg, interaction target device 912 in FIG. 9 ) on the fly or approximately immediately. For example, a virtual building model can be updated on-the-fly or near-instantly to model the future behavior of the facility. For example, customers can interactively select an interior space in a virtual building model to adjust the optimal amount of light in that space. Customer preferences for better light amounts are communicated to the server and stored in the virtual building model real-time or approximately real-time. A visual representation of the future adjusted tint level of the virtual window that meets the better conditions and/or the future illumination level of the interior space in the updated virtual building model can be provided to the user immediately or approximately immediately. Future behavior of the facility. An example of a visual representation of future illumination levels in the virtual space of an updated virtual building model is shown in Figure 13B .

Some examples of digital twins, user interfaces, debugging, networks, smart objects, 3D representations of buildings and spaces, regions of tintable windows and other groupings of tintable windows, and controlling tintable windows are described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17,400,596, filed on August 12, 2021, entitled "AUTOMATED COMMISSIONING OF CONTROLLERS IN A WINDOW NETWORK," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. III. Introduction of Optimization Procedures

At a high level, certain tinting methods described herein include an iterative process (sometimes referred to as an "optimization process") designed to establish a target illumination level or lux level of natural light and/or other interior conditions (e.g., color or light, thermal gain, etc.) in one or more interior spaces of a building. This optimization process iteratively adjusts (e.g., through one or more iterations) the transmittance level(s) of one or more tintable windows in the virtual building model until the illumination level of natural light in the interior space reaches or approximately reaches the target level. Given external light from the sky on the building, the transmittance level(s) of the one or more tintable windows in the virtual building model that are adjusted to produce a target level of natural light, or approximately a target level of light, in the one or more spaces acts like an adjustable knob (independent variable). As part of determining the transmittance required to produce a desired target lux in the space, light transmitted from the sky outside the building through the tintable windows to the interior space(s) is calculated. This exterior light transmitted into the building is calculated based on predicted clear sky data using sensor reading attenuation. The illuminance level in the interior space is calculated based on the flux transfer of exterior light from the sky, through the tintable windows, and into the interior space within the building according to the three-phase model described below. The exterior light from the sky is simulated by a virtual sky dome above the building. The sky dome is based on predicted clear sky data and measured light from one or more sensors, such as from a plurality of photosensors in a multi-sensor device on the roof of the building. As described in more detail below, one or more aspects of the predicted clear sky data are adjusted based on the measured light data to provide an accurate real-world approximation of external light from the sky. The transmittance level(s) from the optimization procedure are then used to determine the final tint state of one or more tintable windows in the building. – Three-Phase Model

A three-phase model of light flux transfer from the sky, through tintable windows, and into the interior of a building can be used to model the transmission of light into the interior spaces of a building. The three-phase model may be included in a 3D model of the building or a virtual building model (eg, a digital twin) of the building. The three-phase model can be used to determine the illuminance or lux level at one or more grid points (with x, y, z coordinates) within a building interior. The term "grid point" or "point" usually refers to a virtual position represented by three-dimensional coordinates (x, y, z) and directional coordinates (x direction, y direction, z direction). The three-phase model decomposes the flux transfer path from the sky to the grid points into three segments associated with three independent flux transfer matrices: (i) View “V” matrix – tintable windows in buildings and Flux transfer between grid points, (ii) transport ‘T’ matrix – flux transfer through tintable windows, and (iii) daylight ‘D matrix’ – flux between sky and exterior of tintable windows transfer. An example of a three-phase model can be found in Subramaniam, Sarith, “Daylight Simulations with Radiance using Matrix-based Methods,” (October 2017), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. The total flux transfer between the vectors of the sky and grid points within the building is represented by the matrix product VTD.

Given an "S" matrix of brightness values corresponding to sky conditions at a building's geographic location, the matrix equation E = VTDS may be used to obtain an illuminance matrix "E" representing the illuminance or lux levels at each grid point. In one aspect, the coefficients of the clear sky "S" matrix may be based on data output from a virtual sky dome model simulation (annual or single point in time) of the light distribution in the sky above the building. In certain aspects, the coefficients of the "S" matrix correspond to brightness levels for clear sky conditions at a particular geographic location (e.g., the facility's geographic location) at multiple points in time (e.g., within a year). In certain aspects, an "S" vector represents a vector corresponding to brightness levels for sky conditions at a particular geographic location at a single point in time. The "S" matrix may be calculated by adding multiple "S" vectors at different points in time. The International Commission on Illumination (CIE) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) provide examples of sky modeling methods using historical weather data that can be used to determine luminance values for input into the "S" matrix under various weather conditions at various points in time. These models can provide direct and diffuse luminance values parameterized by azimuth and zenith angle. The "S" matrix coefficients are obtained by discretizing a basic sky dome model. Some examples of discrete schemes that can be used include the Tregenza scheme and the Reinhart scheme. In one aspect, the coefficients for the clear sky "S" matrix can be based on data output from a virtual sky dome model simulation (annual or point in time) of the light distribution in the sky above a building.

In one aspect, the sky "S" matrix includes coefficients based on predicted values corresponding to clear sky conditions and measured light data based on sensor readings. In one example, the measured light data is used to attenuate or adjust the determined values. In some cases, a scaling factor is applied to the determined values based on the sensor readings. For example, if the illuminance value corresponding to the reading from the sensor is higher than the illuminance value of the light spot to which the sensor maps, the illuminance value can be increased by a scaling factor of 0.10.

10 is a schematic representation of a flux transfer path from the sky 1001 to a grid point 1005 in an interior space (e.g., a room) 1020 of a building simulated by a three-phase simulation model according to one embodiment. As shown, the three-phase model segments the flux transfer path 1007 from the sky "S" 1001 to the grid point 1005 into three phases: (i) a first flux transfer from the sky 1001 to the exterior of the tintable window 1012 , denoted as the "D" daylight phase, (ii) a second flux transfer through the tintable window 1012 , denoted as the "T" transmittance phase, and (i) a third flux transfer from the tintable window 1012 to the grid point 1005 in the interior space 1020 , denoted as the "V" viewing phase.

The coefficients of the V, T, D, and S matrices may be generated using various software, such as the open source software RADIANCE. Employing RADIANCE may first require converting a virtual building model (e.g., a BIM file) into a file format expected by RADIANCE. HONEYBEE is an example of open source software designed to convert BIM files into a suitable format for input into RADIANCE. The V, T, and D matrices are developed using site geometry (e.g., the location of a building) derived from, for example, a virtual building model (BIM file). In one aspect, a three-phase model may be generated by at least three operations, including (1) tracing a light path from a point in an indoor space to the sky by computing flux transfer matrices V, T, and D, (2) evaluating the brightness of the sky by computing an "S" sky vector from, for example, a virtual sky dome simulation, and (3) relating the brightness of the sky (illuminance) to the brightness inside the space. In one aspect, the "S" sky vector may include illuminance levels at different locations in the sky above a building at a point in time simulation of the virtual sky dome. In one example, the illuminance values may include predicted brightness values (corresponding to clear sky conditions) attenuated based on measured brightness levels from a plurality of sensors. In some cases, the predicted brightness value is scaled by the attenuated contribution of the readings from each of the plurality of sensors.

In one aspect, a "V" view matrix representing a single colorable window may have a size of the number of analytical grid points times the number of incoming incident angles (as determined by discretization), a "T" transmittance matrix representing a single colorable window may have a size of the number of outgoing incident angles times the number of incoming incident angles, and a "D" daylight matrix representing a single colorable window may have a size of the number of outgoing incident angles times the number of incoming incident angles. In various aspects, the "S" sky vector typically has a size of the number of discretized sky spots in a virtual sky dome. The angle of incidence may refer to the angle at which light "enters" or "leaves" a particular flux transfer plane with which it travels. Examples of discretization schemes that may be used in three-phase method illumination modeling are the Reinhart discretization scheme and the Tregenza discretization scheme.

By multiplying out VTDS, the illuminance (lux) contribution from each tintable window and/or building facade to each grid point can be determined. For a single facade or tintable window, the "V" view matrix specifies the light flux transfer (by angle of incidence) from the facade or tintable window to each member of a set of grid points. Furthermore, for a single facade or tintable window, the "D" daylight matrix specifies the flux transfer from a discretized light spot of the sky (e.g., simulated by the corresponding light spot of a light dome) to the facade or tintable window at different angles of incidence. Additionally, for a single point in time, the "S" sky vector specifies the intensity (brightness) of each light spot of the sky in the light dome. In one example, the "D" daylight matrix can be calculated based on the aperture (e.g., size and orientation) of the tintable windows in the building and both the interior and exterior geometry as included in the digital twin.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a sky spot 1102 (ΔS _α ) providing illuminance (L _α ) to a virtual sky dome in a room 1120 and to a grid point 1105 at an x coordinate through an aperture 1113 of a tintable window according to one aspect. The sky spot 1102 (S _α ) has an angular size, illuminance (L _α ), and direction. The flux transfer E(x) _α from the sky spot 1102 (S _α ) to the grid point 1105 (coordinates X(x,y,z)) is determined based on a three-phase model of the flux transfer. The illuminance level at coordinate X is determined based on the illuminance level of the spot from the virtual sky dome using E(x) _α = VTDS. – Sky Dome

"Sky dome" refers to a model that represents the distribution of brightness from, for example, a celestial hemisphere (alternatively, other shapes) representing the sky above a facility (such as a building). The brightness distribution represents the intensity of light in different regions or spots of the sky. The brightness distribution can represent measured brightness values (e.g., from sensor readings) and/or simulated brightness values. In some aspects, the sky dome determines the illuminance distribution as a function of the geographic location of the building (e.g., longitude, latitude, meridian), time, and physically measured radiation data from one or more sensors, for example, at the location of the building. In one aspect, the sky dome simulation also takes into account historical weather data. The simulated data from the sky dome can be used to generate annual and/or single point in time illuminance distributions. These illuminance distributions can be used to generate the "S" sky vector and/or "S" matrix for a three-phase model of luminous flux.

The sky dome is discretized into a plurality of spots (e.g., curved three-dimensional segments). Each fill light covers a stereo angle in azimuth and altitude. FIG. 12A is a depiction of a sky dome 1210 having a plurality of 145 spots 1120. In the present description, the sky dome 1210 has a hemispherical shape and the spots are stereo angle segments of a hemisphere, each segment covering a stereo angle in azimuth and altitude. In this example, the spots 1220 cover azimuth/altitude stereo angles of 0 to 6 degrees, 6 to 18 degrees, 18 to 30 degrees, 30 to 42 degrees, 42 to 54 degrees, 54 to 66 degrees, 66 to 78 degrees, and 78 to 90 degrees. In other examples, other stereo angles may be covered by the spots. Additionally or alternatively, other spot shapes, numbers of spots, and/or shapes of the sky dome may be used. For example, a three-dimensional rectangular segment of a hemisphere may be used. FIG. 12B is a depiction of a 2D projection of the sky dome 1210 in FIG . 12A . The 2D projection includes the spot id number (1 to 145) of each spot and its azimuth and altitude angle at the center or centroid of each spot.

In certain aspects, the "S" sky vector and/or the "S" sky matrix may include coefficients based on data provided by the light spots of the sky dome. In some cases, the illuminance is determined for each light spot at intervals (e.g., 2 minute intervals, 3 minute intervals, 5 minute intervals, or 10 minute intervals) over a one year time period to determine the coefficients for the "S" sky matrix. In one example, the illuminance values used to determine the coefficients are determined based on (1) historical weather condition statistics, including direct and diffuse horizontal illuminance values and dew point, (2) clear sky illuminance values, and/or (3) sensor readings. In one example, the illuminance value for each light spot is calculated by sampling the illuminance values uniformly across the light spot.

The sky dome generates an illuminance distribution based on clear sky data attenuated by sensor readings to reflect dynamic changes in the sky (obstructions and reflections). Various software (such as the open source RADIANCE) can be used to generate clear sky data to initialize the illuminance values of the sky dome's light spots. The clear sky data is calculated based on the building's geographic location (e.g., longitude, latitude, meridian) and time. Sensor data from one or more sensors can then be used to attenuate the clear sky data in the sky dome model to generate a real-time sky dome model based on the attenuated clear sky data using real-time (or approximately real-time) values.

In certain aspects, to attenuate clear sky data in a sky dome model, sensor readings of measured light data from one or more sensors are used to determine an attenuation scaling factor for the illuminance value of the clear sky data applied to a light spot of the sky dome. For example, during a particular time period, the clear sky contribution of the light spot may be 500,000 lux. However, according to one or more light sensors of the multi-sensor device, rain clouds are present in the portion of the sky represented by the light spot, which causes the illuminance level to be reduced by approximately 70% from the clear sky value. Based on these real-time sensor readings, an attenuation scaling factor of 0.70 or higher may be determined and applied to the illuminance value of the light spot. In some cases, the scaling factor is bounded within a range such as, for example, [0.2, 1], [0.5, 1]. Bounds the attenuation scale factor to a range to be applied to the traditional attenuation factor. For example, if the sensor fails and reads a 0 illuminance level, if the attenuation scale factor is bounded between [0.2, 1], an attenuation scale factor of 0.20 is applied instead of 0.

In certain embodiments, a real-time sky dome with attenuated clear sky data and a three-dimensional model of a building with one or more tintable windows (e.g., a BIM file or digital twin) is used to predict the amount of light (e.g., natural light) at one or more grid points within the building. The real-time sky dome with attenuated clear sky data is used to determine the illuminance distribution of external light above the building and the individual contributions of its light spots. The three-phase model and the three-dimensional virtual model of the building are used to determine the illuminance level of one or more grid points inside the building based on the illuminance contribution of the light spots of external light simulated to the building in the real-time sky dome model.

In one aspect, a real-time sky dome using attenuated clear sky data is based on clear sky data determined for a future time. For example, the clear sky data can take into account a transition time of a tintable window for use at the future time. The clear sky data can be determined for the future time such that a voltage curve can be applied to the tintable window at least the transition time in advance of the future time to allow the tintable window to transition to a new tint state before the future time.

Figure 13A is an illustration of a 2D projection of the sky dome 1201 shown in Figure 12A depicting light spots based on illuminance values of attenuated clear sky data. In this illustration, the top is north, the bottom is south, the right is east, and the left is west. The light spot in the center points vertically upward. The sky dome includes attenuated clear sky data (eg, predicted clear sky data that is attenuated by real-time measured light data by using the measured light data as a scaling factor applied to the predicted clear sky data). The illumination value of the light spot is represented by shading. In this illustration, a set of four spots 1311 is shown with positive illuminance values and the other spots with zero illuminance values.

Figure 13B is an illustration of a 2D top view of a virtual building model used in conjunction with the sky dome 1310 shown in Figure 13A . The illustration shows the illumination levels caused in the interior of a building by attenuated external light from the sky provided by positive illumination levels in the set of four spots 1311 shown in Figure 13A . For example, illumination from the outside of a building is shown extending into the building in a 2D or xy plane. Since illumination is based on the southern part of the hemisphere, the light is seen to radiate into the building in a general north-south direction, with a north-based vector. This Figure 13B also illustrates how attenuated clear sky data can be positioned on a virtual model of a building. Using the 3D model of the building and its physical properties (e.g., window shape, size, and location, plus protrusions and exterior building features), the attenuated clear-sky data can be used to project light into the interior space of the building.

Figure 13C is a bar graph of transmittance levels for each of the tintable windows in the virtual building model. This set of transmittances combined with the sky brightness values in Figure 13A produces the horizontal plane illuminance at different points in the space as seen in Figure 13B .

The real-time sky dome can be used to generate annual and/or point-in-time daylight simulations to determine illuminance values at different locations (e.g., light spot locations) in the sky above a building. The sky dome's annual simulation can populate the sky "S" matrix with illuminance values over a one-year time period. Points in the sky dome's temporal simulation can populate the sky "S" vector with illuminance values at different locations in the sky above a building at a single time. For example, components of the "S" sky vector are generated using illuminance values from light spots. – Sensor data to attenuate clear sky data

In some aspects, the clear sky data of the sky dome model is attenuated using sensor data from readings taken by one or more sensors (eg, one or more light sensors). In one aspect, the sensor data is based on readings from a plurality of light sensors. The sensor data may be based on readings from light sensors from a multi-sensor device, such as a multi-sensor device located on the roof of a building (sometimes called a "sky sensor"). In one aspect, a multi-sensor device includes a plurality (eg, 8, 10, 12, etc.) of light sensors oriented horizontally and equally distributed azimuthally along the circumference of a circular housing. In one example, the sensors may be considered to be radially arranged and equally spaced about a central axis. In one embodiment, the multi-sensor device has twelve (12) light sensors pointing toward the horizon and equally distributed azimuthally along the circumference of the circular housing, one (1) light sensor pointing vertically upward light sensor, and two (2) infrared sensors pointing vertically upward. Some examples of multi-sensor devices can be found, for example, in PCT Application No. PCT/US2016/055709 entitled “Multi-sensor” filed on October 6, 2016, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. in this article.

Figure 14A shows an embodiment with twelve (12) photo sensors equally distributed along the circumference, one photo sensor pointing vertically upward, and two infrared sensors pointing vertically upward. Isometric view of part of a multi-sensor device. Multi-sensor device 1400 generally includes a housing 1402 , at least one light diffusing element (or "diffuser") 1404 , and a covering housing (or "lid" or "lid") 1406 . As shown, in some embodiments, housing 1402 , diffuser 1404 , and cover 1406 are rotationally symmetrical about an imaginary axis 1410 that passes through the center of multi-sensor device 1400 . The multi-sensor device 1400 also includes a plurality of light sensors 1412 . In some embodiments, the light sensor 1412 is positioned annularly along a ring (eg, the ring may have a center coincident with the axis 1410 and may define a plane orthogonal to the axis 1410 ). In such implementations, the light sensors 1412 may more specifically be positioned equidistantly along the circumference of the ring. In some embodiments, multi-sensor device 1400 further includes at least one light sensor 1414 having an orientation axis parallel to axis 1410 and, in some examples, directed along and concentrically with the axis.

14A , the multi-sensor device 1400 further includes a first infrared sensor 1415A and a second infrared sensor 1415B located on an upper portion of the multi-sensor device 1400 positioned behind the diffuser 1404. The first infrared sensor 1415A and the second infrared sensor 1415B may or may not be visible to the human eye from an exterior side of the multi-sensor device 1400. Each of the infrared sensors 1415A , 1415B has an orientation axis parallel to the axis 1410 and faces outward from a top portion of the multi-sensor device 1400 to measure temperature readings based on IR radiation captured from above the multi-sensor device 1400 . The first infrared sensor 1415A is separated from the second infrared sensor 1415B by at least about one inch. In some embodiments, the multi-sensor device 1400 is mounted on the exterior of a building or other structure so that both the first infrared sensor 1415A and the second infrared sensor 1415B are oriented toward the sky in an approximately vertical direction (e.g., the direction of the gravity vector). When oriented vertically toward the sky, the first infrared sensor 1415A and the second infrared sensor 1415B can output a sky temperature reading. In one embodiment, the readings obtained by the sensors of the multi-sensor device 1400 can be supplied to a building management system and/or other buildings that are typically nearby. According to a particular embodiment, communication can be established via cellular communication circuitry that can also be included in the multi-sensor 1400 .

In one implementation of the illustrated example shown in Figure 14A , multi-sensor device 1400 is mounted outside a building or other structure with its axis 1410 oriented vertically upward. In this case, each of the first infrared sensor 1415A and the second infrared sensor 1415B is oriented vertically upward, and the azimuth orientation of the installed multi-sensor device 1400 is zero and does not affect the input from the infrared sensor. 1415A , 1415B are temperature readings reflecting the temperature of the sky above the building/structure. The azimuthal orientation of multi-sensor device 1400 refers to the angle formed between a line pointing true north from installed multi-sensor 1400 and a line along axis 1410 .

Also shown in FIG . 14A are a plurality of arrows 1416 extending radially. Each of the arrows 1416 represents an orientation axis for a corresponding one of the photo sensors 1412. Each of the photo sensors 1412 is depicted with a dashed line indicating that the photo sensor 1412 itself may or may not be visible to the human eye from outside the multi-sensor device 1400 in all embodiments (as described in more detail below, the photo sensors 1412 are positioned behind the diffuser 1404 ). Each of the photo sensors 1412 is oriented along a respective orientation axis extending radially outward from the center of the ring (in the direction of a corresponding one of the arrows 1416 ). In some embodiments, the detection angle of each photo sensor 1412 is symmetrical about the orientation axis that defines a symmetrical "cone" for the photo sensor. In some embodiments, the detection angle of each photo sensor 1412 is approximately 180 degrees (meaning an approximately hemispherical detection angle). In some embodiments, each of the photo sensors 1412 has a viewing angle (different from the detection angle) that overlaps with the viewing angle of each of two respective immediately adjacent photo sensors 1412. The viewing angle of a photo sensor in the multi-sensor device 1400 is the angle that defines the cone within which half of the power spectrum density at the wavelength of interest is captured by the photo sensor. Generally speaking, the viewing angle is twice the angle from the orientation axis to the outer surface of the cone. In some embodiments, each of the photo sensors 1412 is the same as the other photo sensors 1412 , and therefore, the viewing angles of each of the photo sensors 1412 are generally the same. In some implementations, the axially directed light sensor 1414 is of the same type as the light sensor 1412. In some other implementations, the viewing angle of the axially directed light sensor 1414 may be narrower than, the same as, or wider than the viewing angle of each of the light sensors 1412 .

In certain implementations, a multi-sensor device may have a plurality of light sensors configured at various azimuth and elevation angles. In one embodiment, for example, a multi-sensor device may have a plurality of rings of light sensors, each ring having a plurality of light sensors oriented at a specific elevation angle and equally distributed at different azimuth angles along the circumference. . In one case, for example, a multi-sensor device includes a first ring having a plurality (eg, 8, 10, 12, etc.) of first photosensors oriented horizontally, with angles between, for example, 15 degrees to 45 degrees. a second ring of second photosensors having an altitude angle in the range of, for example, 45 degrees to 75 degrees; ring. In this example, the light sensors in each ring are equally distributed around the circumference of the ring. Some examples of multi-sensor devices with multiple light sensors configured at various azimuth and altitude angles can be found in the invention titled "SUNLIGHT INTENSITY OR CLOUD DETECTION WITH VARIABLE DISTANCE SENSING" filed on September 29, 2015. PCT Application No. PCT/US2015/053041, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

14B is a multi-sensor diagram having a first ring 1460 of light sensors 1462 , a second ring 1470 of light sensors 1472 , and a light sensor 1482 oriented vertically upward along a central axis 1490 , according to one embodiment. A schematic diagram of a cross-section of a portion of the detector device 1450 . In one example, the second ring 1470 has a smaller number (eg, 4, 6, 8, etc.) of light sensors than the number of the first ring 1460 (eg, 8, 10, 12, etc.). Light sensors 1462 , 1472 are oriented along an altitude angle θ. The light sensors 1472 of the second ring 1470 are oriented along an altitude angle θ between 0 degrees and approximately 90 degrees. The light sensors 1462 of the first ring 1460 are oriented along an altitude angle θ of approximately 0 degrees. Photosensor 1482 is oriented along an elevation angle θ of approximately 90 degrees. The light sensors 1462 , 1472 of each ring 1460 , 1470 may be equally distributed along the circumference at different azimuth angles. In other embodiments, additional light sensor rings may be included.

FIG . 15 is an isometric view of an example of a multi-sensor device 1500 having light sensors pointing at various azimuth and elevation angles toward the sky, according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment, the multi-sensor device 1500 includes a circular honeycomb configuration array 1501 of sensor modules 1520 within a hemispherical enclosure. Each sensor module 1520 includes a tube 1522 and one or more sensors (for simplicity, the components within each tube are not shown). The circular honeycomb configuration array 1501 is segmented into a circumferential dimension of 24 modules and a radial dimension of 4 modules, but other dimensions may be used. In this illustrated example, each of the tubes 1522 in the honeycomb array 1501 is aimed at a different area of the sky. There may be more than one type of sensor in one or more of the tubes 1522 . In one case, the sensors of the multi-sensor device 1500 are light sensors (e.g., CMOS/CCD sensors). The multi-sensor device 1500 includes a shield 1530 (e.g., a glass or other transparent material cover) provided over the entire surface of the multi-sensor device 1500 (illustrated as pointing upward). The shield 1530 can protect the sensors from the intrusion of debris and/or moisture. The illustrated example shows a cutaway portion of the shield 1530 to show the inside of the sensor module 1520 .

FIG16A is a graph of light sensor readings from the thirteenth (13th) light sensor of the multi-sensor device 1400 shown in FIG14A on a clear day on February 16, 2022 in Milpitas California. FIG16B is a graph of light sensor readings from the thirteenth (13th) light sensor of the multi-sensor device 1400 shown in FIG14A on a clear morning and clear afternoon on April 11, 2022 in Milpitas California. – Mapping Sensors to Light Spots

In one aspect, a method includes operations for mapping one or more sensors from, for example, a multi-sensor device to a primary (azimuthal) direction. Additionally or alternatively, the method includes mapping one or more sensors to spots of the virtual sky dome. For example, each sensor's position, intrinsic field of view (FOV), and azimuth and altitude orientation can be used to determine the flux transfer coefficient from each sky dome spot to each sensor. Once the directivity of one or more sensors has been established, the readings from the one or more sensors can be mapped to spots in the sky dome using, for example, a discretization scheme (eg, the Tregenza scheme), such as in Figures 12A and As shown in Figure 12B . After this mapping, a function (eg, a sigmoid function) is applied to the sensor readings and the scaled values of clear sky illumination (eg, 0.5 to 1.0).

In one aspect, a method includes operations for mapping a plurality of sensors to cardinal (azimuthal) directions using a data frame of mxn dimensions, where m is the number of daylight minutes and n is the input using the light sensor number of days. Since different latitudes correspond to different solar trajectories during different seasons, different sensors (eg, pointing in different directions) may be important at different times of the day and/or season. Combining these differences can involve performing data reduction techniques (e.g., principal component analysis) to compress the time series information from x number of sensors into a one-dimensional vector that captures the y strongest signals received from each principal direction. radiation signal. An example of operations for mapping sensors to cardinal directions can be found in PCT Application No. PCT/US19/46525 titled "CONTROL METHODS AND SYSTEMS USING EXTERNAL 3D MODELING AND NEURAL NETWORKS" filed on August 14, 2019. No., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. – Partition management of tinted windows

In some cases, a three-dimensional (3D) architectural model may be used to initialize an archive (eg, BIM archive) of a virtual building model (such as a digital twin) to incorporate the architectural elements of the facility. Ground truth verification (e.g., from a field service engineer) can be used to verify device data in the virtual building model's files. The virtual building model can be initialized before commissioning the installation of the facility. In some cases, an initialized BIM file (such as an Autodesk Revit file) incorporates the architectural elements of the facility but not the devices installed in the facility (eg, electrochromic devices that tint windows). BIM files may be updated during commissioning and/or after commissioning by the client (such as the occupier) or customer support staff. In one instance, the BIM archive is updated by the client during optimization on or about (approximately) real-time.

In one aspect, one or more virtual spaces of the virtual building model are classified by space type (e.g., private offices, open offices, kitchens, conference rooms, lounges, and lobbies) and/or include virtual tintable windows. Grouped together in zones, for example, associated with space and/or orientation thereof, etc. For example, one or more tintable windows may be grouped together in a zone at a location and orientation that allows light to be transmitted into the space. The shading method may adjust one or more regions of the shading window during the optimization procedure, where each region includes one or more shading windows.

Figure 17 is a diagram depicting the operations of a method for generating one or more regions of tintable windows and the associated orientation of the tintable windows. In operation 1, all enclosures (e.g., rooms) having tintable windows in a 3D model of the facility (such as a BIM file or a digital twin) are identified. In some embodiments, for example, this operation may be completed during a commissioning process; this operation may also be completed independently of the commissioning process. This operation may include accessing information within the 3D model indicating whether each room is associated with one or more tintable windows. In operation 2, the name of the enclosure is determined or an identification name is given to the enclosure. In the illustrated example, the four enclosures are given the names of Private Office South, Private Office Southwest, Open Office 1, and Conference Room. In operation 3, the orientation of each of the spatially colorable windows is determined from the building information in the file of the digital file.

In operation 4, the tintable windows associated with the enclosure are grouped into zones and the zones associated with the space. In the illustrated example, the south-facing tintable windows and the east-facing tintable windows of the space identified as Open Office 1 are grouped together in a zone named "Open Office 1." In some cases, additional or alternative zones or groupings may be produced, such as grouping tintable windows having the same orientation. For example, south-facing tintable windows may be grouped together, while east-facing tintable windows may be grouped in a group separate from or different from the south-facing group. For example, such grouping may facilitate control of different zones (zones/areas) of tintable windows that bound a single space. Using the techniques provided herein, zones of tintable windows that bound at least a portion of a space may have their tintable windows controlled in transmittance to produce a desired level of natural light in the space. Such zoning and control can account for different light levels outside the space defined by exterior tintable windows at different compass orientations. For example, for a space with tintable windows defining at least a portion of its south and east sides (such as the open office in FIG. 17 ), the technology may be able to adjust the transmittance of the zone of tintable windows facing south to estimate light conditions and light passing through or affecting those tintable windows, while also independently adjusting the transmittance of the zone of tintable windows facing east to estimate light conditions and light passing through or affecting those tintable windows, and together produce a desired natural lux in the space.

Some examples of partition management can be found in International PCT Application No. PCT/US19/46524, filed on August 14, 2019, entitled “CONTROL METHODS AND SYSTEMS USING EXTERNAL 3D MODELING AND NEURAL NETWORKS” and International PCT Application No. PCT/US19/23268, filed on March 20, 2019, entitled “CONTROL METHODS AN SYSTEMS USING EXTERNAL 3D MODELING AND SCHEDULE-BASED COMPUTING”, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. - Optimized Operations

In one aspect, the optimization process includes a sequence of operations to minimize the distance (e.g., squared difference) between (multiple) desired illumination levels and (multiple) calculated illumination levels in one or more spaces of the virtual building model (e.g., digital twin) by iteratively adjusting the transmittance level(s) of one or more (virtual) tintable windows in the virtual building model (e.g., digital twin) until (A) no further changes to the transmittance level(s) produce a negative change in the distance (closer to the desired minimum) below a specified value (e.g., -.001) or (B) no further changes to the transmittance level(s) produce a distance that falls below a certain threshold.

In one embodiment, the transmittance level(s) of one or more zones of the tintable window may be adjusted such that the desired illuminance level(s) in one or more spaces of the virtual building model is consistent with ( Multiple) distances between calculated illumination levels are below a certain value. Each zone includes one or more virtual tintable windows.

Although the example of the optimization process is described with respect to the preferred illumination level (or lux level) in the virtual building model, other customer preferences may be included in other embodiments. Additionally or alternatively, preferences from multiple customers may also be included in the optimization process. In one aspect, one or more weighting factors may be applied to the preferences.

In one aspect, the tintable windows can be treated as instantaneously tinted. In another aspect, the optimizer can take into account the transition time or tinting delay of the tintable window(s).

In one example of an optimization procedure that treats the tintable windows as instantaneously tinted, the optimization function that minimizes the difference between the i -th desired illuminance level _pi of one or more tintable windows and the calculated illuminance level _fi (T) as a function of the transmittance T is: Optimization function: argmin _Td ( _fi (T) , _pi ) (Equation 1 ) where: i is 1, 2, ..., k , where k is the total number of desired light levels.

In one example, the optimization function can be written as: argmin _T ( _fi (T) - p _i )^2 (Equation 2 ) where: i is 1, 2, ..., k , where k is the total number of desired light levels

In another example, a tintable window is considered to be tinted for a time period based on its hue transition rate and associated voltage ramp. In this example, the optimization process may consider the illuminance levels of all zones of the building, limited by the hue transition rate and associated voltage ramp, and the current transmittance of one or more tintable windows, as well as the current transmittance before the next tinting opportunity. Time (for example, the next time interval of the optimization procedure). IV. Coloring method using optimized process

In certain aspects, control logic for implementing the shading method includes a procedure, such as an iterative procedure (e.g., an optimization procedure), designed to establish target or desired illumination levels in one or more spaces of a virtual representation of a building based on exterior light from the sky simulated by a virtual sky dome and based on the luminous flux from the sky to the one or more spaces according to a three-phase model. Exterior light simulated by the virtual sky dome is based on predicted illumination that is attenuated or scaled based on measured readings produced by sensors at the building.

During the iterative process, iteratively adjust the transmittance of one or more tintable windows (with optimized variables) while holding other parameters (e.g., daylight "D" matrix and/or view "V" matrix) constant. (e.g., for multiplying a vector of the "T" matrix with values between 0 and 1) until the illumination level in one or more interior virtual spaces in the building is at or approximately until the target illumination level is reached. At each iteration, the illumination levels of grid points in one or more internal virtual spaces are determined using the "V", "T", "D" and "S" matrices of the three-phase model of luminous flux. The three-phase model of luminous flux represents the external light from one or more attenuated clear-sky data passing through it in its current tint state of one or more tintable windows, and into the interior space(s) in the building. The virtual sky dome determines the illumination distribution of light spots from the sky above the building as the building's geographical location (e.g., longitude, latitude, meridian), time, and one or more values from, e.g., the location of the building. A function of the sensor's physically measured radiation data. Modeled data from the sky dome can be used to generate annual and/or single-point-in-time illuminance distributions. The illumination value from the light spot in the sky dome can be used to determine the coefficients of the "S" matrix or "S" vector. The sky dome's attenuated clear-sky data is attenuated from readings from measured data from one or more sensors (e.g., light sensors from a multi-sensor installation on the roof of a building) Calculated based on forecast clear sky data. Each sensor is mapped to one or more spots of light in the sky dome to determine the contribution of measured external light from each sensor to the spot.

During the optimization procedure, the "T" matrix may be multiplied by a vector with values between 0 and 1 that represent adjustments to the transmittance of one or more tintable windows in the building. During the optimization procedure, the vector can be used as an independent variable that is iteratively adjusted until the illumination level of the grid point is at or approximately at the target illumination level. For example, the "T" matrix may be multiplied by a vector representing adjustments to the transmittance of tintable windows on the side or facade of a building.

In one embodiment, a virtual building model may be used to facilitate receiving information about the space or building preferences, such as from customers (e.g., occupiers (such as tenants of the building) or customer service managers (CSM)). Expected amount of light) related information. The amount of light corresponds to the illuminance or lux level. For example, the customer(s) may adjust the desired amount of light in the space based on a scale from, for example, 0 to 100 to 1 to 100 or other similar ranges. The low end of the scale may correspond to the lowest transmittance level in the space at which one or more tintable windows associated with the space are (e.g., about 0.5%, about 1%, or about 2%) The resulting light level, and the high end of the scale, may correspond to that in space resulting from the tintable window or windows at their highest transmission level (e.g., about 52% or about 75%) light level. In one example, the low end of the scale corresponds to approximately 200 lux and the high end of the scale corresponds to 1400 lux. In one case, a scale of 1 to 100 refers to a transmission of 0.5% to 52%. Once the client inputs their preferred amount of light for the space, the virtual building model's file (e.g., a BIM file) can be updated with the corresponding illuminance level instantly, or approximately instantly, via, for example, an application (software application) . A virtual building model stored, for example, on a cloud network and/or on a server within a building may be updated on or near real-time to include customer preferences for light amounts, and optimization procedures may be used to adjust one or more Tint state(s) of tintable windows to match the desired amount of natural light. A virtual representation (such as a virtual building model) of a building and/or space displayed in an application or on an electronic device (such as a tablet or computer) may provide resulting customer preferences and preferences for tinted window(s) Visual simulation and proofreading of tonal state adjustments. For example, a virtual representation of a building and/or space display on an electronic device, such as a computer, may display the interior space(s) of the building based on simulated external light currently on the building from a virtual sky dome. The resulting illumination levels (associated with customer preferences for light amounts) from the optimization procedure (e.g., as shown in Figure 13A ) (e.g., as shown in Figure 13B ).

FIG. 18 is a diagram of an example of a system 1800 that can use a virtual building model 1830 to present a 2D or 3D virtual model of a space in a building to a client based on building information in a file (e.g., a BIM file) of the virtual building model 1830. The system 1800 can be used to receive information associated with a target amount of light for a space in a building and update preferences stored in a file of the virtual building model 1830 on a server 1840 (e.g., a server on a cloud network) with a corresponding desired illumination level for the space. The system 1800 includes a mobile device 1816 having a display 1820 and at least one application 1827 . The 2D or 3D virtual model can be interactively navigated in conjunction with a display 1820 of a mobile device 1816. At least one application 1827 is configured to perform rendering, navigation, updating, and identification functions in conjunction with the virtual building model 1830. Updating the files of the virtual building model can be accomplished using at least one database in which the virtual building model can reside (e.g., in memory). The database can be in the building, in another facility, or in the cloud. In the illustrated example, the display 1820 includes a 2D virtual model 1822 of a space in the building. In this example, the customer has selected virtual space 1822 identified as a "project area" 1823 with a space type of "open office" 1824. The customer may then adjust the amount of light in space 1822 using slider 1825. Slider 1825 allows the customer to adjust the amount of light in space 1822 on a scale of 1 to 100. In this example, the amount of light is set to 20, which corresponds to approximately 200 lux. The amount of light corresponds to an illuminance or lux level. The file of the virtual building model may correspond to a preferred illuminance level for the amount of light selected by the customer, for example, updated in real time.

The techniques described herein (e.g., optimization procedures) may then determine the transmittance(s) of one or more tintable windows in a building that provide an illumination level or an approximate illumination level that is associated with an optimal amount of light for a customer in the space. In some cases, the optimization procedure takes less than 1 minute, less than 2 minutes, less than 3 minutes, etc. The display 1820 may then be updated to show the desired illumination level for the space and/or a tinted version of the one or more tintable windows. Instructions may then be sent to one or more window controllers to apply a voltage curve that tints the one or more tintable windows based on the determined transmittance(s).

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a system 1900 for controlling the tint of one or more tintable windows according to one embodiment. The system 1900 includes a cloud network 1910 and a user interface 1920 configured to receive input from one or more clients. The cloud network 1910 communicates electronically with the user interface 1920 to receive data input from one or more clients, update the data, and provide updated data to the user interface. For example, input from one or more clients may be stored in the cloud network 1910 in real time or approximately real time, and updated files of virtual building models and visual effects of future behavior of the facility may be provided in real time or approximately real time on a 3D model on the user interface 1920 . An example of input includes information about grouping tintable windows into one or more zones. Another example of input includes customer preferences for conditions of one or more interior spaces in a facility, such as target values (e.g., target lux values for one or more interior spaces). The cloud network 1920 may have servers configured to store information about each facility, such as a virtual building model. The system 1900 also includes a service 1930 that includes a smart service 1932 configured to perform one or more operations and a tint state manager 1934 configured to manage tint state instructions received from the smart service 1932 and forward final tint instructions to one or more window controllers. For example, the tint state manager 1934 may determine whether the override is local, and if the override is local, apply the override tint state. The smart service 1932 electronically communicates with the cloud network 1910 to communicate data, such as information in a file of a virtual building model and/or sky matrix or sky vector coefficients. The smart service 1932 is configured to determine sensor readings, for example, by receiving sensor readings stored on the cloud network 1910. Alternatively, the smart service 1932 may communicate with one or more sensors via the cloud network 1910 or via a communication network to receive sensor readings from the one or more sensors. The system 1900 also includes a site design system 1940 and a commissioning service 1950 that communicates with the site design system 1940 . The site design system 1940 may communicate information about the facility, such as the latitude and longitude of the facility. As at least part of the commissioning process, the commissioning service 1950 is configured to determine the clear sky matrix and the V, T, D, S matrix coefficients for each colorable window of the facility and output them to the cloud network 1910 .

In one embodiment, in addition to illumination being used to determine the transmittance of a tintable window, techniques described herein, such as an iterative procedure, can incorporate optimal values of the matrix. For example, preferences for heat radiated into the space can be incorporated into the optimization procedure. In another example, the optimization program may take into account preferences for reducing energy consumption.

In some embodiments, the tintable window may have discrete final tint states, such as 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, or more tint states. In some such embodiments, the control logic of the tinting method determines the final tint state associated with the transmittance determined by the optimization procedure for each tintable window, and the window controller may transition the tintable window to the final tint state associated with the transmittance determined by the optimization procedure. For example, the control logic may determine the final tint state associated with one of the tint states of the tintable window by first rounding (or discarding) the transmittance determined by the optimization procedure to the closest transmittance corresponding to the tint state of the tintable window. For example, in an aspect, the tintable window is configured to transition to a plurality of 4 tint states (T1 to T4), where tint 1 (T1) is a clear state and tint 4 (T4) is a darkest state. In one aspect, T1 corresponds to a transmittance through the tintable window of about 50% (+/- 10%), T2 corresponds to a transmittance through the tintable window in a range of about 25% to about 30% (+/- 10%), T3 corresponds to a transmittance through the tintable window of about 7% (+/- 10%), and T4 (the darkest tint state) corresponds to a transmittance through the tintable window of about 1% (+/- 10%).

In this example, the control logic may round (or alternatively round off) the transmittance determined by the optimization process to the closest transmittance associated with one of the four tint states. In one example, for example, if the transmittance of the first tintable window is determined by the optimization process to be 22%, the control logic may round off to a transmittance of 25% associated with tint state T2. The window controller may then send tinting commands and/or apply a voltage profile to transition the tintable window to T2.

Although some of the examples presented herein describe tintable windows as being configured with four discrete tint states, the present disclosure is not limited. For example, the disclosed examples also apply to tintable windows having 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or even more tint levels. As another example, one or more tintable windows may be configured to maintain any transmittance with a range of transmittance levels and be considered to have an "infinite" number of tint states. In this example, the control logic may apply a voltage curve to each tintable window associated with a transmittance level determined to result in a target illumination level in the interior space, rather than rounding the transmittance to a level corresponding to a discrete tint state.

20 is a flow diagram 2000 depicting the operations of a method of controlling one or more tintable windows in a facility, such as a building, in accordance with various embodiments. In some cases, one or more of the operations may be performed by at least one window controller operatively coupled to one or more tintable windows (e.g., a main window controller, a network window controller, or a local window control device) implementation. At least one window controller is also in electronic communication with a server (eg, a server in the cloud) on which a virtual representation of the building (eg, a digital twin) resides. The server and/or at least one window controller may communicate with one or more sensors, for example, via a building management system. In other cases, one or more of the operations may be performed by a BMS in operative communication with one or more window controllers operatively coupled to one or more tintable windows and with The server on which the virtual representation of the building resides electronically communicates. In yet other cases, one or more of the operations may be performed by a server in the cloud on which a virtual representation of the building resides.

At operation 2020 , a virtual building model, such as a 3D model (e.g., a digital twin of the building), is based on a model that can be used by one or more customers of the building, such as, for example, an occupant of the building, a building manager, or Updated by one or more preferences or inputs provided or made available by customer service personnel as default or initial input. This input may be received as described herein, such as stored in memory or entered through an application or other program. The preference includes a target amount of light (such as the amount of natural light) for one or more interior spaces in the building. The target illumination level is determined from the desired light amount, and the target illumination level is updated in a file of the virtual representation stored on a server (eg, a server in the cloud or in a building).

For example, a system (e.g., system 1800 shown in FIG. 18 ) can use a file from a virtual representation (e.g., a BIM file) to render a 2D or 3D virtual space in a building to a customer. The customer can then interactively navigate the 2D or 3D virtual space of the virtual building to select a space to input preferences (e.g., the amount of light in the space). For example, as described with respect to FIG. 18 , the customer can adjust the amount of light on a scale of 1 to 100. The low end of the scale can correspond to the highest transmittance level of the tintable windows associated with one or more interior spaces, and the high end of the scale can correspond to the lowest transmittance of the one or more tintable windows. The control logic can determine the illumination level corresponding to the desired amount of light. In some aspects, a customer may input their preferences on a mobile device using an application configured to perform rendering, navigation, updating, and/or identification functions in conjunction with the virtual representation. The preferences, including corresponding illumination levels, are transmitted to a server on which a file of the virtual model of the building resides. Updating the file of the virtual representation may be accomplished using at least one database in which the virtual building model may reside (e.g., in memory). The database may be at the building, at another facility, or in the cloud. In one aspect, based on the customer's input, the file of the virtual building model may be updated in real time, or approximately in real time, with a preferred illumination level corresponding to the amount of light selected by the customer and/or one or more other preferences.

In one aspect, multiple clients provide input of the desired amount of light for one or more spaces in a building. If the amount of light is expected to be used in the same space, the average, weighted average, or mean of the light amounts can be calculated and the corresponding illumination level of the space is updated in the virtual representation file. In one aspect, customers may be prioritized and factors applied to their inputs may be weighted based on that priority.

At operation 2030 , the control logic determines a brightness distribution of the light spots from the virtual sky dome. FIG. 12A illustrates an example of a hemispherical sky dome 1201 having one hundred and forty-five (145) light spots 1210. Each light spot covers a first solid angle in the azimuth direction and a second solid angle in the altitude direction. The brightness distribution represents the light intensity of the light spots in the sky above the building. The sky dome determines the illuminance distribution as a function of the geographic location of the building (e.g., longitude, latitude, meridian), time, and physically measured radiation data from, for example, one or more sensors at the location of the building. The simulated data from the sky dome can be used to generate annual and/or single point in time illuminance distributions. These illuminance distributions can be used to generate the "S" sky vector and/or "S" matrix for a three-phase model of luminous flux.

The control logic uses a sky dome model to simulate illumination distribution based on clear sky data attenuated by sensor readings to reflect dynamic changes in the sky. Various software (such as the open source RADIANCE) can be used to generate clear sky data to initialize the illumination values of the sky dome spot. Clear sky data are calculated based on the building's geographic location (e.g., longitude, latitude, meridian) and time.

Sensor data from one or more sensors may then be used to attenuate the initialized clear sky data in the sky dome model to generate a real-time sky dome model based on the attenuated clear sky data using real-time or approximately real-time values that reflect dynamic changes. The readings used to attenuate the clear sky data may come from one or more sensors at a location of a building. For example, the readings may be received from one or more light sensors in the multi-sensor device 1400 in FIG . 14A or the multi-sensor device 1500 shown in FIG . 15. In one aspect, the multi-sensor device is located on a roof of a building.

In some aspects, to attenuate the clear sky data in the sky dome model, sensor readings of measured light data from one or more sensors are used to determine the illuminance of the clear sky data applied to the light spot of the sky dome. The decay scaling factor for the value. For example, during a specific time interval, the clear sky contribution of the light spot may be 500,000 lux. However, according to one or more light sensors of the multi-sensor device, there are rain clouds in the part of the sky represented by the light spots, which causes the illumination level to decrease by about 70% from the clear sky value. Based on these real-time sensor readings, an attenuation scaling factor of 0.70 or higher can be determined and applied to the spot's illumination value. In some cases, the scale factor is bounded in a range such as, for example, [0.2, 1], [0.5, 1]. Delimits the attenuation scale factor to a range applied to the traditional attenuation factor. For example, if the sensor fails and reads 0 illumination level, if the attenuation scale factor is bounded between [0.2, 1], apply an attenuation scale factor of 0.20 instead of 0.

In one aspect, a method includes operations for mapping one or more sensors from, for example, a multi-sensor device to a primary (azimuth) direction. Additionally or alternatively, the method includes mapping the one or more sensors to a spot of a virtual sky dome. For example, the location, intrinsic field of view (FOV), and azimuth and altitude orientation of each sensor may be used to determine a flux transfer coefficient from each sky dome spot to each sensor. Once the directionality of the one or more sensors has been established, readings from the one or more sensors may be mapped to the spot of the sky dome using, for example, a discretization scheme (e.g., a Tregenza scheme), as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B . Following this mapping, a function (e.g., a sigmoid function) is applied to the sensor readings and a scaled value (e.g., 0.5 to 1.0) of clear sky illumination.

In some cases, the illumination distribution from the sky dome can also take into account historical weather data. For example, the clear sky data (eg, illuminance) used to initialize the virtual sky dome may account for trends in historical weather data at the location of the building.

In one aspect, the file of the virtual sky dome may be stored on a server (e.g., a server on a cloud network). For example, at intervals of the optimization process and/or at the start thereof, the sensor readings are transmitted to the server and the file of the virtual sky dome model is updated.

The control logic uses the illuminance distribution from the sky dome to generate coefficients for an "S" sky matrix or "S" sky vector used in a three-phase model of luminous flux. The "S" sky vector and/or the "S" sky matrix may include coefficients based on data provided by light spots of the sky dome. In some cases, the illuminance is determined for each light spot at intervals (e.g., 2 minute time intervals, 3 minute time intervals, 5 minute time intervals, or ten (10) minute time intervals) over a one-year time period to determine the coefficients for the "S" sky matrix. In one example, the illuminance values used to determine the coefficients are based on (1) historical weather condition statistics, including direct and diffuse horizontal illuminance values and dew point, (2) clear sky illuminance values, and/or (3) sensor readings. In one example, the illumination value for each spot is calculated by sampling the illumination value uniformly across the spot.

At operation 2040 , the control logic uses the procedures described herein to determine one or more spaces in the virtual representation (or in such spaces) based on a three-phase model of the simulated distribution and luminous flux transfer of external light from the virtual sky dome. Grid points) provide one or more transmittance levels of one or more tintable windows of a building at or approximately the target illuminance level. In some cases, such grid points in space may include points on the floor of space.

In one aspect, the "T" matrix may be multiplied by a vector having values between 0 and 1 that represent adjustments to the transmittance of one or more tintable windows in a building. During the process of operation 2040, the vector may be used as an independent variable that is iteratively adjusted until the illumination level of the grid points is at or approximately at the target illumination level. For example, the "T" matrix may be multiplied by a vector representing adjustments to the transmittance of a tintable window on the side or facade of a building. During the process, while parameters of other matrices (e.g., daylight "D" matrix, view "V" matrix, and/or "S" matrix) are held constant, the transmittance (optimized variable) of one or more tintable windows is iteratively adjusted using a vector having a value between 0 and 1 until the illumination level of one or more interior virtual spaces (grid points) in the building reaches or approximately reaches the target illumination level(s). As used herein, approximately reaching the illumination level may refer to reaching the illumination level to one of within about 1%, within about 2%, within about 3%, within about 4%, and within about 5%. At each iteration, the illumination level at the one or more interior virtual spaces is determined using the "V", "T", "D", and "S" matrices of the three-phase model of luminous flux.

In one embodiment, the optimization procedure includes a set of multi-objective optimization operations applied to the matrix equation E = VTDS. A multi-objective optimization operation minimizes the distance function (squared difference) between the desired illuminance level(s) and the calculated illuminance level at a grid point in one or more spaces of the virtual building model. In one aspect, if the calculated distance function falls below a certain threshold, the control logic may determine that the optimization function is at a minimum. Additionally or alternatively, the control logic may determine that the optimization function is at a minimum if the gradient of the distance function (relative to the window transmittance) falls below a certain threshold.

In one aspect, the optimizer may minimize the difference using an optimization function, such as one of the optimization functions in Equation 1 and Equation 2 above. In an example where one or more tintable windows are considered to be instantaneously tinted, the i -th desired illuminance level _p The optimization function that minimizes the difference between _fi (T) is one of Equation 1 or the simplified version provided by Equation 2 . As an example of one or more tintable windows being considered tinted over a time period based on their tint transition rates and associated voltage ramps, the optimization process may consider the tint transition rates of all areas of the building and The associated voltage ramp limits the illumination level and the current transmittance of one or more tintable windows, and the time before the next tinting opportunity (e.g., the next time interval of the optimization procedure). In some cases, the optimization procedure takes less than 1 minute, less than 2 minutes, less than 3 minutes, etc. In one aspect, once the optimization process is completed, the interactive display of the virtual building model is updated to show the desired illumination level of the space and/or one or more parameters associated with the transmittance determined by the optimization process. Tinted version of tintable windows.

Figure 21 includes a flowchart depicting an example of the operation of an optimization process in accordance with an embodiment. According to one embodiment, the operations illustrated in FIG. 21 may be, for example, a sub-operation of operation 2040 of the method depicted in flowchart 2000 illustrated in FIG . 20 .

At operation 2042 , control logic calculates illumination levels (eg, _fi (T) ) at grid point(s) in each three-dimensional space of one or more interior spaces of the virtual representation of the building. Given an "S" matrix of luminance values corresponding to sky conditions at the building's geographical location, the matrix equation E = VTDS can be used to obtain an illuminance matrix "E" representing the illuminance or lux level at each grid point. In one aspect, the coefficients of the clear-sky "S" matrix may be based on data output from a virtual sky dome model simulation (either yearly or at a single point in time) of light distribution in the sky above a building. In some aspects, the coefficients of the "S" matrix correspond to brightness levels of clear-sky conditions at a particular geographic location (such as the geographic location of a facility) at multiple points in time (eg, over a year). In some aspects, the "S" vector represents a vector corresponding to a brightness level corresponding to sky conditions at a particular geographical location at a single point in time. The "S" matrix can be calculated by adding multiple "S" vectors at different points in time. The "V" view matrix specifies (by angle) the flux transfer between light traveling from one or more tintable windows to grid points in space. The "D" daylight matrix specifies the flux transfer from the sky to the aperture(s) of one or more tintable windows, and can be calculated based on the size and orientation of the tintable windows. The "T" matrix specifies the current transmittance of one or more tintable windows. During the optimization process, the illumination level of a grid point in each of one or more virtual spaces is determined based on the current transmittance level of the tintable window.

In one embodiment, the sub-operations may include a set of multi-objective optimization operations applied to the matrix equation E = VTDS. A multi-objective optimization operation minimizes the distance function (squared difference) between the desired illuminance level(s) and the calculated illuminance level at a grid point in one or more spaces of the virtual building model. The optimization program may minimize the difference using an optimization function, such as one of the optimization functions in Equation 1 and Equation 2.

At operation 2043 , the control logic calculates a distance function (squared difference) between the desired illuminance level(s) and the calculated illuminance level at a grid point of one or more spaces of the virtual building model.

At operation 2044 , the control logic determines whether the optimization function is at a minimum. In one aspect, the control logic may determine that the optimization function is at a minimum if the calculated distance function falls below a certain threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the control logic may determine that the optimization function is at a minimum if the gradient of the distance function (relative to the window transmittance) falls below a certain threshold. For example, the control logic may iteratively adjust the transmittance level(s) of one or more (virtual) tintable windows in the virtual building model until no further changes to the transmittance level(s) produce a negative change in the distance function below a certain value (e.g., -.001) (closer to the desired minimum).

If the optimization is determined not to be at a minimum at operation 2044 , the control logic adjusts one or more current flow transmittance levels of one or more virtual tintable windows (operation 2046 ). In one case, if the difference is negative, the transmittance is increased, and if the difference is positive, the transmittance is decreased. In one aspect, the transmittance level(s) may be adjusted by one of approximately 1%, approximately 2%, approximately 3%, approximately 4%, and approximately 5%.

In one embodiment, control logic adjusts one or more current transmittance levels of one or more regions of the virtual tintable window at operation 2046 . For example, the transmittance of one or more zone tintable windows associated with one or more spaces may be adjusted. For example, the transmittances of the south-facing tinted windows and the east-facing tinted windows in Figure 17 that are grouped together in the zone named "Open Office 1" can be adjusted to match the desired illumination levels in the Open Office 1 space.

If at operation 2044 , the optimization is determined to be at a minimum value, then control logic proceeds to operation 2050 . At operation 2050 , control logic determines a tint state for each of the one or more tintable windows associated with the transmittance determined by the optimization procedure. For example, a tintable window may be configured to be tinted into a plurality of hue states, each hue state being associated with a transmittance level. The control logic may determine which of the plurality of hue states is relevant by rounding (alternatively rounding) the transmittance determined by the optimization procedure to the closest level transmittance corresponding to one of the plurality of hue states. Correlated to the transmittance determined by the optimization procedure. For example, in the above aspect, one or more tintable windows can be configured to transition to 4 tint states (T1 through T4), with tint 1 (T1) being the clear state and tint 4 (T4) being the clearest state. dark state. T1 corresponds to a transmission through the tintable window of about 50% (+/- 10%), T2 corresponds to a transmission through the tintable window in the range of about 25% to about 30% (+/- 10%) , T3 corresponds to approximately 7% (+/- 10%) transmission through the tintable window, and T4 (darkest tint state) corresponds to approximately 1% (+/- 10%) transmission through the tintable window Rate. In this example, the control logic may round (alternatively round) the transmittance determined by the optimization procedure to the next transmittance level associated with one of the four hue states. For example, if the transmittance of the first tintable window is determined to be 22% by the optimization process, the control logic may round to the 25% transmittance associated with tint state T2 and determined by the optimization process. The determined transmittance of 22% correlates with the hue state of T2. Although some of the examples presented herein describe tintable windows as having four tint states, the present disclosure is not limited to such windows. For example, the disclosed examples also apply to tintable windows having 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or even more tint levels.

In one aspect, one or more tintable windows may be configured to maintain any transmittance with a range of transmittance levels and be considered to have an "infinite" number of tint states. In this example, the control logic does not perform operation 2050. At operation 2070 , the control logic may apply a voltage curve to maintain each of the one or more tintable windows at the transmittance level determined at operation 2040 .

Optionally, the control logic includes operation 2060 (indicated by dashed lines). At operation 2060 , if the override is in-place, the control logic applies one or more overrides. In some cases, the control logic may determine whether the one or more overrides are in-place. If there is an in-place override, the control logic sets the final hue state to the override value at operation 2070. In an embodiment that does not include optional operation 2060 , the control logic sets the final hue state to the hue level determined at operation 2050 .

In some cases, the overwrite(s) may come from one or more occupants. For example, an override may be entered by a current occupant of the space (eg, a tenant) who wants to override the control system and set color levels. In other cases, the overwrite(s) may come from utility companies, customer support personnel, building managers, etc. For example, the override may be a high demand (or peak load) override associated with the utility's requirement to reduce energy consumption in the building. For example, during certain hot days in a metropolitan area, it may be necessary to reduce energy consumption throughout the urban area to avoid placing an undue burden on the urban energy generation and delivery system. In such cases, building management can override the tint levels from the control logic to ensure that all tintable windows have high tint levels. In this example, this override overrides the user's manual override. Priority levels can exist in override values. Overwrites may be entered from, for example, a remote controller, a virtual reality controller, a cellular phone, a notepad, a laptop, or and/or via a similar mobile device.

In one aspect, the control logic may be configured to provide statistically based predictions of site-specific override values based on past data (also referred to herein as "historical data"). For example, you can take advantage of override values that have been used on buildings in the past. Site-specific values can be stored in memory as time series data. The ability to use past data obtained at the specific location for which predictions are desired makes predictions potentially more accurate. In one example, determining a predicted overwrite involves a statistical evaluation of past data, such as by taking a mean, average, or weighted average of one or more past overwrite values. In one example, determining predicted overwrites involves using a machine learning classification algorithm adapted to cluster time series information into groups whose longitudinal sensor values exhibit similar shapes and patterns. . Depending on the desired level of granularity (for a given hour of the day, day of the year, week, month, or quarter), the identified cluster centroids will display the average of all records within the stated time range. Trajectories whose similarities within themselves allow quantitative distinction from other similar groups of records. This distinction between groups allows inferences to be made statistically about "typical" conditions expected to be monitored at a given location during the current time frame.

At operation 2080 , if the tintable window(s) are currently in different tint states, the control logic will (or sends instructions to one or more controllers to transition) the tintable window(s) to the final tint state. Alternatively, if the tintable window is currently in the final tint state, the control logic will (or sends instructions to one or more controllers to maintain) one or more tintable windows in the final tint state.

In some embodiments, control logic transitions or maintains tintable windows based on partitioning of tintable windows. For example, the transmittance and final tint state of a region of the tintable window may be determined, and control logic may transition or maintain the region of the tintable window based on the transmittance determined for the region.

In some cases, a customer who spends time in a space in a building may desire to control the natural light level and/or artificial light level in the space in real time. This may be the case where the customer prefers sunlight to artificial lighting from, for example, incandescent, light emitting diode (LED), or fluorescent lighting. Furthermore, it has been found that some tintable windows may give a room too much blue tint in their darker tint states. This blue tint is compensated by allowing a portion of unfiltered daylight to enter the room. Customer motivations related to buildings include reducing energy use by reducing heating, air conditioning, and lighting. For example, a customer may want to tint windows so that a certain amount of daylight is transmitted through the window so that less energy is required for artificial lighting and/or heating. A customer may also want to harvest daylight to collect solar energy and compensate for heating needs. In such cases, the control logic may adjust one or more artificial lighting levels and the transmittance of one or more tintable windows in the virtual building model, which results in a desired natural light level and/or artificial light level in the space. Alternatively, the control logic may adjust one or more artificial lighting levels and the transmittance of one or more tintable windows in the virtual building model, which results in a desired color level and/or light intensity in the space. Some examples of control logic for adjusting artificial lighting to augment color can be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 15/762,077, entitled “METHODS OF CONTROLLING MULTI-ZONE TINTABLE WINDOWS” and filed on March 21, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Terms such as "a", "an", and "the" are not intended to refer to only a single entity, but include a general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terms herein are used to describe specific embodiments of the invention(s), but their use does not limit the invention(s).

Unless otherwise specified, when referring to a range, the range is intended to be inclusive. For example, a range between value 1 and value 2 is intended to be inclusive and include value 1 and value 2. An inclusive range will span any value from about value 1 to about value 2. As used herein, the terms "adjacent" or "adjacent to" include "next to," "adjoining," "in contact with," and "in proximity to."

As used herein, including in the claims, the conjunction “and/or” in phrases such as “comprising X, Y, and/or Z” means including a plurality of X, Y, and Z or any combination of X, Y, and Z. For example, such phrases mean including X. For example, such phrases mean including Y. For example, such phrases mean including Z. For example, such phrases mean including X and Y. For example, such phrases mean including X and Z. For example, such phrases mean including Y and Z. For example, such phrases mean including a plurality of X. For example, such phrases mean including a plurality of Y. For example, such phrases mean including a plurality of Z. For example, such phrases mean including a plurality of X and a plurality of Y. For example, such phrases are meant to include plural Xs and plural Zs. For example, such phrases are meant to include plural Ys and plural Zs. For example, such phrases are meant to include plural Xs and Ys. For example, such phrases are meant to include plural Xs and Zs. For example, such phrases are meant to include plural Ys and Zs. For example, such phrases are meant to include Xs and plural Ys. For example, such phrases are meant to include Xs and plural Zs. For example, such phrases are meant to include Ys and plural Zs. The conjunction “and/or” is meant to have the same effect as the phrase “X, Y, Z, or any combination or plural thereof.” The conjunction “and/or” is meant to have the same effect as the phrase “one or more X, Y, Z, or any combination thereof.”

The term "operatively coupled" or "operatively connected" refers to a first element (e.g., a mechanism) that is coupled (e.g., connected) to a second element to allow for intended operation of the second element and/or the first element. Coupling may include physical or non-physical coupling (e.g., communicative coupling). Non-physical coupling may include signal-induced coupling (e.g., wireless coupling). Coupling may include physical coupling (e.g., physical connection) or non-physical coupling (e.g., via wireless communication). Operationally coupled may include communicatively coupled.

An element (e.g., a mechanism) that is "configured to" perform a function includes structural features that enable the element to perform this function. Structural features may include electrical features, such as circuit systems or circuit elements. Structural features may include actuators. Structural features may include circuit systems (e.g., including electrical or optical circuit systems). The electrical circuit system may include one or more wires. The electrical circuit system may be configured to couple to a power source (e.g., to an electrical grid). For example, the electrical circuit system may include a socket. The optical circuit system may include at least one optical element (e.g., a beam splitter, a mirror, a lens, and/or an optical fiber). Structural features may include mechanical features. Mechanical features may include latches, springs, closures, hinges, chassis, supports, fixtures, or cantilever brackets, etc. Performing a function may include utilizing logic features. The logic features may include programmed instructions. The programmed instructions may be executed by at least one processor. The programmed instructions may be stored or encoded on a medium accessible by one or more processors. In addition, in the following description, the phrases "operable to," "adapted to," "configured to," "designed to," "programmed to," or "capable of" may be used interchangeably as appropriate.

Any of the embodiments described above may be modified, added, or omitted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Any of the embodiments described above may include more, fewer, or other features without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the steps of the described features may be performed in any suitable order without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, one or more features from any embodiment may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The components of any embodiment may be integrated or separated according to specific needs without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It should be understood that some aspects described above can be implemented using the logic of computer software in a modular or integrated manner. Based on the disclosure and the teachings provided herein, a person skilled in the art will know and understand other ways and/or methods of implementing the present invention using hardware and a combination of hardware and software.

Any of the software components or functions described in this application may use any suitable computer language and/or computing software (such as, for example, Java, C, C#, C++, or Python, LabVIEW, Mathematica) or other suitable Language/computing software (including low-level code, including code written for field programmable gate arrays, e.g., in VHDL) is implemented as software code. Code may include software libraries for functions such as data acquisition and control, motion control, image acquisition and display, etc. Some or all of the code may be implemented on a personal computer, single board computer, embedded controller, microcontroller, digital signal processor, field programmable gate array, and/or any combination thereof, or any similar computing device and/or Run on (multiple) logical devices. The software code may be stored in a CRM (such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), magnetic media (such as a hard drive or floppy disk drive), or optical media (such as a CD-ROM), or solid state storage stored as a series of instructions or commands on a device (such as a solid state drive or removable flash memory device) or any suitable storage device. Any such CRM may reside on or within a single computing device, and may exist on or within different computing devices within a system or network. Although the embodiments disclosed above have been described in considerable detail to facilitate understanding, the described embodiments are to be considered illustrative and not restrictive. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

The terms "comprise," "have," and "include" are open linking verbs. any form or tense of one or more of these verbs (such as "comprises", "comprising", "has", "having", "includes" , and "including" are also open-ended. For example, "comprising", "having", or "comprising" any method of one or more steps is not limited to having only those one or more steps and can also Covers other unlisted steps. Similarly, any composition or device that "comprises", "has", or "includes" one or more features is not limited to having only those one or more features and may also cover other unlisted features .

All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (eg, "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating that any non-claimed element is necessary to practice the disclosure.

The groupings or implementations of alternative elements of the disclosure disclosed herein should not be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to or claimed individually or in combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group may be included in or removed from the group for convenience or patentability reasons. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified so as to satisfy the written description of all Markusi groups used in the appended claims.

100:Electrochromic window 105: Glass sheets; glass windows 110:Diffusion barrier 115: first transparent conductive oxide layer (TCO); TCO; first TCO; TCO layer 120: Isolation ditch; ditch 125: Electrochromic stack 130:Second TCO 135:Part 140:District 145:Part 150: Laser marking groove; groove 155: Laser marking groove; groove 160: Laser marking groove; groove 165: Laser marking groove; groove 170:Part 175:Part 200:IGU; IGU device 201: window; glass 205: Spacer 210: Second window; window; second glass window 215: Main sealing materials 220: Secondary seal 225:Internal volume 230: Enhance pane 235:Resin 300:Electrochromic device 302:Substrate 304: First conductive layer (CL); layer; conductive layer 306: Electrochromic layer (EC); layer; electrochromic material 308: Ion conductive layer (IC); layer; ion conductive layer 310: Counter electrode layer (CE); layer; counter electrode 314: Second conductive layer (CL); layer; conductive layer 316:Voltage source 320: Electrochromic stack 400:Electrochromic device 402:Substrate 404: Conductive layer (CL); conductive layer 406: Tungsten oxide electrochromic layer (EC); tungsten oxide electrochromic layer; layer 408: Ion conductive layer (IC); ion conductive layer 410: Nickel tungsten oxide counter electrode layer (CE); Nickel tungsten oxide counter electrode layer; Nickel tungsten oxide counter electrode; layer 414: Conductive layer (CL); conductive layer 416: power supply; voltage source 420: Electrochromic stack 450:Window controller 455:Microprocessor 460: Pulse width modulator; PWM 465:Input 470: Computer readable media 475:Configuration file 480:Internet 500: control system; system 502: Electrochromic windows; tintable windows 503:Cloud 504:Buildings 506: Modern Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems 507:Interior lighting system 508: Security system 509:Power system 510:External Sensors; Building Management System (BMS); BMS 511: Main controller (MC); main controller 512: Network controller (NC); network controller 514:Window controller 600:Network system 604: Local window controller (WC); window controller; WC 606: Network controller (NC); NC; network controller 608: Main controller (MC); MC; main controller 610:External source 620:Database 624: Building management system; BMS 701: Location 703:District 722: Tintable windows; IGU 724: Window controller; WC 800:Virtual building model 801:BIM file 900:Control system 910:Buildings 912:Interactive Target Device 914:Customer 916:Mobile device 918:Physical space 920:Controller network 930: 3-D model virtual building model; virtual building model 932:Virtual objects 938:Virtual space 940:Network link 950:Network link 1001: sky; sky "S" 1005:Grid points 1007:Flux transfer path 1012: Tintable windows 1020:Internal space 1102:Sky spot 1105:Grid points 1113:pore 1120:Room 1201:Sky Dome; Hemispherical Sky Dome 1210:light spot 1310:Sky Dome 1311:light spot 1400: Multi-sensor device; multi-sensor 1402: Shell 1404: Light diffusion element; diffuser 1406: covering shell; cover 1410: virtual axis; axis 1412:Light sensor 1414:Light sensor 1415A: First infrared sensor; infrared sensor 1415B: Second infrared sensor; infrared sensor 1416:Arrow 1450:Multi-sensor device 1460: first ring; ring 1462:Light sensor 1470:Second ring; ring 1472:Light sensor 1482:Light sensor 1490:Central axis 1500:Multi-sensor device 1501: Circular honeycomb configuration array; honeycomb array 1520: Sensor module 1522:Tube 1530:Block 1800:System 1816:Mobile device 1820:Display 1822: 2D virtual model; virtual space; space 1823: Engineering area 1824:Open office 1825:Sliding rod 1827:Application 1830:Virtual building model 1840:Server 1900:System 1910:Cloud Network 1920:User interface 1930:Service 1932:Smart service 1934: Hue State Manager 1940: Place Design System 1950: Commissioning services 2000:Flowchart 2020:Operation 2030: Operation 2040:Operation 2042:Operation 2043:Operation 2044:Operation 2046:Operation 2050:Operation 2060:Operation 2070:Operation 2080:Operation X’-X’: Section tangent Y-Y’: viewing angle

Figures and components therein may not be drawn to scale. [FIG. 1A ] is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of an electrochromic window according to an embodiment. [Figure 1B ] is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the electrochromic window in Figure 1A . [Figure 1C ] is a schematic diagram of a top view of the electrochromic window in Figure 1A . [FIG. 2A ] is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of an IGU having the electrochromic window described with respect to FIGS. 1A - 1C , according to an embodiment. [FIG. 2B ] is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of an electrochromic device described with respect to FIGS. 1A - 1C and a reinforced pane laminated thereon , according to an embodiment. [Fig. 3A ] is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of an electrochromic device according to an embodiment. [Fig. 3B ] is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of an electrochromic device in a decolorized state according to an embodiment. [Fig. 3C ] is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of an electrochromic device in a colored state according to an embodiment. [FIG. 4 ] is a simplified block diagram depicting components of a window controller and components of a window controller system, according to an embodiment. [Fig. 5 ] is a schematic diagram of a control system for controlling the tint of a plurality of tintable windows in a building according to an embodiment. [Figure 6 ] is a network with a building management system (BMS), a plurality of distributed local window controllers (WC), a plurality of network controllers (NC), and a master controller (MC) according to an embodiment Schematic diagram of the system. [FIG. 7 ] is a schematic diagram of a plurality of tintable windows grouped into zones according to an embodiment. [Figure 8 ] is a schematic diagram depicting a virtual building model and associated BIM file(s) according to an implementation. [FIG. 9 ] shows an example embodiment of a control system in accordance with an embodiment, wherein an actual physical building includes a network of controllers for managing and controlling interactive network devices, such as one or more tintable windows. [Figure 10 ] is a schematic illustration of a flux transfer path from the sky to a grid point in an interior space of a building, such as a room, simulated by a three-phase simulation model, according to one embodiment. [Figure 11 ] A sky segment/spot that provides illumination (L _α ) through an aperture of a tinted window in a room of a building to provide an illumination level at a grid point (x) inside the room according to one aspect Schematic representation of (S _α ). [FIG. 12A ] is a three-dimensional representation of a sky dome having a plurality of 145 spots, according to an embodiment. [Figure 12B ] is a 2D projection of the sky dome shown in Figure 12A . [FIG. 13A ] is an illustration of a 2D projection of the sky dome shown in FIG . 12A depicting illumination values of light spots based on attenuated clear sky data, in one embodiment. [FIG. 13B ] is an illustration of a 2D top view of a virtual building model used in conjunction with a sky dome to depict illumination levels inside a building in one embodiment. [Figure 13C ] is a bar graph of illumination levels in various spaces of a virtual building model in one embodiment. [Fig. 14A ] is a multi-purpose device with a plurality of photo sensors equally distributed along a circumference, one photo sensor pointing vertically upward, and two infrared sensors pointing vertically upward, according to an embodiment. Illustration of an isometric view of part of a sensor device. [FIG. 14B ] is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of a portion of a multi-sensor device having two photo-sensor rings and one photo-sensor pointing vertically upward, according to an embodiment. [FIG. 15 ] is an isometric view of an example of a multi-sensor device with light sensors pointing at various azimuth and altitude angles toward the sky, according to one embodiment. [Figure 16A ] A graph of light sensor readings from the thirteenth (13) light sensor of the multi-sensor device shown in Figure 14A on a clear sky day in Milpitas California on February 16, 2022 . [Figure 16B ] Photo sensor readings from the thirteenth (13) light sensor of the multi-sensor device shown in Figure 14A on a sunny morning and a clear afternoon on April 11, 2022 in Milpitas California curve graph. [FIG. 17 ] is a diagram depicting operations of a method of generating one or more regions of a tintable window and an associated orientation of the tintable window, according to one embodiment. [Fig. 18 ] According to one embodiment, a virtual building model is used to present a 2D or 3D model of a virtual space in a building to a customer based on building information in a file (eg, a BIM file) of the virtual building model. An illustration of an instance of the system. [FIG. 19 ] is a schematic diagram of a system for controlling the tint of one or more tintable windows, according to one embodiment. [FIG. 20 ] is a flowchart depicting operations according to various aspects of a method of controlling one or more tintable windows in a facility, such as a building. [Fig. 21 ] is a flowchart describing the operation of the optimization program according to various aspects.

100:Electrochromic window

105: Glass sheets; glass windows

110:Diffusion barrier

115: first transparent conductive oxide layer (TCO); TCO; first TCO; TCO layer

120: Isolation ditch; ditch

125:Electrochromic stack

130:Second TCO

135:Part

140: District

145:Part

150: Laser marking groove; groove

155: Laser marking groove; groove

Claims (34)

A method of controlling one or more tintable windows in a building, the method comprising: Determining one or more transmittances of the one or more tintable windows, wherein the one or more transmittances are determined to produce one or more grid points in an interior space of a virtual representation of the building A target illumination level or approximately the target illumination level, the one or more transmittances are determined based at least in part on attenuated clear sky data based at least in part on a predicted clear sky illumination and data from a plurality of sensor readings; and The one or more tintable windows are maintained or converted to a final tint state associated with the one or more determined transmittances. The method of claim 1, wherein if an override is in-place, the final hue state is overwritten with an overridden hue value. The method of claim 2, further comprising predicting the overwritten tone value based on a statistical evaluation of past tone overrides. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises a plurality of light sensors. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors are in a multi-sensor device on a roof of the building. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors are in a multi-sensor device on a roof of the building. The method of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of sensors include a first set of sensors and a second set of sensors; the first set of sensors and the second set of sensors are centered about a central axis; and each sensor of the second set of sensors is oriented at an acute angle relative to the central axis. The method of claim 1, wherein the attenuated clear sky data includes predicted clear sky illumination attenuated by applying an attenuation scaling factor based on the readings from the plurality of sensors. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving readings from the plurality of sensors. The method of claim 1 or 9, further comprising attenuating the clear sky data based at least in part on a predicted clear sky illuminance and readings from the plurality of sensors. The method of claim 1, wherein the predicted clear sky illumination is predicted to occur at a future time. The method of claim 1, wherein the predicted clear sky illumination is based at least in part on historical weather data. The method of claim 1, further comprising: using a virtual sky dome based at least in part on the attenuated clear sky data to simulate external sky radiation illuminating the virtual representation of the building; and using the external sky radiation to determine whether the one or more transmittances produce the target illumination level or approximately the target illumination level at the one or more grid points in the interior space of the virtual representation of the building. Such as the method of request item 13, wherein: The virtual sky dome includes a plurality of light spots; and The attenuated clear sky data is based on a predicted clear sky illumination that is attenuated based on readings from one or more sensors mapped to the plurality of light spots. The method of claim 1, further comprising iteratively adjusting the transmittance of virtual tintable windows in the virtual representation of the building until a current illumination level in the interior space is at or approximately at the target illumination level Until accurate. The method of claim 15, further comprising determining, at each iteration, the current illumination level in the interior space based on the attenuated clear sky data and one or more current transmittances of the virtual tintable windows. The method of claim 16, further comprising (i) using the attenuated clear sky data to determine the external light striking the virtual tintable windows and (ii) calculating the light passing through the virtual tintable windows at the one or more current transmittances. The virtual can tint light into the interior space to determine the current illumination level in the interior space. The method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting the transmittance of virtual tintable windows in the virtual representation of the building until a current illuminance level in the interior space is at or approximately the target illuminance level . The method of claim 18, further comprising determining the current illumination level in the interior space based on the attenuated clear sky data and one or more current transmittances of the virtual tintable windows at multiple times. The method of claim 19, further comprising (i) using the attenuated clear sky data to determine the external light illuminating the virtual tintable windows and (ii) calculating the light passing through the virtual tintable windows into the interior space at the one or more current transmittances to determine the current illumination level in the interior space. The method of claim 1, further comprising rounding or rounding the one or more transmittances to a level associated with one of a plurality of hue states of the one or more tintable windows. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more tintable windows are grouped into one or more regions of tintable windows. The method of claim 22, wherein: the one or more tintable windows are grouped into two or more zones of tintable windows, a first zone of the tintable window is associated with a first segment of a space, a second zone of the tintable window is associated with a second segment of the space, and the first zone of the tintable window faces a different compass direction than the second zone of the tintable window. The method of claim 1, wherein the virtual representation of the building is a digital twin of the building. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving information associated with the target illumination level of the interior space. The method of claim 25, wherein the information is received using a digital representation of the building and/or an application on a mobile device. A method of controlling one or more tintable windows in a building, the method comprising: determining one or more transmittances of the one or more tintable windows in the building, wherein the one or more transmittances are determined based on attenuated clear sky data to produce a target illumination level or approximately the target illumination level in an interior space of a virtual representation of the building; and predicting an override tint value based on a statistical evaluation of past override values; and maintaining or transitioning the one or more tintable windows to one or more last tint states associated with the determined one or more transmittances, or if an override is in place, maintaining or transitioning to the override tint value. A method of controlling one or more internal conditions in a building, which method includes: A target level of an interior condition of the building is received using a virtual representation of the building, wherein the target level includes an illuminance level in an interior space of the building, to the interior space of the building one or more of a heat gain in, or a color of light in, the interior space of the building; determining one or more transmittances of one or more tintable windows in the building, wherein the one or more transmittances are determined to produce the target level or approximately the target level in the building; and The one or more tintable windows are maintained or converted to a final tint state associated with the determined one or more transmittances. The method of claim 28, wherein the one or more transmittances are determined based at least in part on attenuated clear sky data. For example, the method of claim 29 further includes: Simulate external sky radiation illuminating the virtual representation of the building using a virtual sky dome based at least in part on the attenuated clear sky data; and The external sky radiation is used to determine whether the one or more transmittances result in the target level or approximately the target level in the interior space of the virtual representation of the building. The method of claim 30, wherein: the virtual sky dome includes a plurality of light spots; and the attenuated clear sky data is based on a predicted clear sky illuminance, the predicted clear sky illuminance being attenuated based on readings from one or more sensors mapped to the plurality of light spots. An apparatus for controlling tint of one or more tintable windows in a building, the apparatus comprising at least one controller configured to be operatively coupled to the one or more tintable windows, the at least one The controller is further configured to perform or direct the performance of any of the methods of claims 1 to 31. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions for controlling the tint of one or more areas of tintable windows in a building, which, when read by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform any of the methods of claims 1 to 31. A system for controlling tint in one or more zones of tintable windows in a building, the system comprising a system configured to be operatively coupled to the one or more tintable windows and configured to perform: A network according to any one of the methods of claims 1 to 31.

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