A fenestration system includes one or more of a light modulation controller or ventilation modulation controller. The light modulation controller is in communication with at least one light modulation element of a fenestration assembly having a frame and a panel. The light modulation controller includes a light prescription module configured to provide a specified light prescription for the building interior. A lighting difference module is configured to determine a prescription difference between the specified light prescription and ambient light. A dynamic light module of the light modulation controller operates the at least one light modulation element according to the prescription difference. The ventilation modulation controller is in communication with at least one operator configured to open and close the panel. A ventilation prescription module provides a specified ventilation prescription for the building interior, and a dynamic ventilation module implements panel closing and opening according to the specified ventilation prescription.

The disclosure presents methods and apparatus of light transmission control, comprising two layers of film separated by air, wherein each film is inlaid with a convex micro-lenses array. The first film will focus incoming light through the microlens, whereas the second film contains a grid of opaque areas that will be structured to block or un-block the focal planes of light depending on the thickness of the air layer. When the light is unblocked, the micro lens array in the second film will disperse the light to the other side of the film so it appears transparent or translucent. An attached hand pump can control the thickness of the air layer. The method and apparatus to control light levels is effective, reliable, affordable, intuitive and easy to use. The films can be attached to existing surfaces provide full transparency, a dimming effect, or complete blackout.

The present invention, in one aspect thereof, is directed to a daylighting device including: a first, transparent slat configured to bend an optical path of incident outdoor light so as to emit the light in a prescribed indoor direction; a first drive mechanism configured to drive the first slat; and a control unit configured to control the first drive mechanism so as to change an angle of inclination of the first slat in accordance with a position of the sun.

The present invention, in one aspect thereof, is directed to a daylighting device including: a first, transparent slat configured to bend an optical path of incident outdoor light so as to emit the light in a prescribed indoor direction; a first drive mechanism configured to drive the first slat; and a control unit configured to control the first drive mechanism so as to change an angle of inclination of the first slat in accordance with a position of the sun.

An automated ganged louver assembly is adjusted in orientation by an actuator in the louver header that suspends or supports the louver rotation mechanism. The actuator is energized in response to a determination of solar elevation, which is optionally from a light sensor output via a controller. The light sensor employs an optical element to detect at least one of the sun elevation and azimuth, as well as general exterior light levels. The solar elevation and azimuth can also be determined by calculations from the window orientation and latitude. The optical elements and the controller are coupled to at least one of the louvers or the louver header to provide a self contained system that does not require exterior power or controls, unless desired.

An automated ganged louver assembly is adjusted in orientation by an actuator in the louver header that suspends or supports the louver rotation mechanism. The actuator is energized in response to a determination of solar elevation, which is optionally from a light sensor output via a controller. The light sensor employs an optical element to detect at least one of the sun elevation and azimuth, as well as general exterior light levels. The solar elevation and azimuth can also be determined by calculations from the window orientation and latitude. The optical elements and the controller are coupled to at least one of the louvers or the louver header to provide a self contained system that does not require exterior power or controls, unless desired.

A light source (25) for emitting collimated light (29) in particular for a large area luminaire (21) comprises a light guide unit (43) for guiding light by total internal reflection. The light guide unit comprises a plurality of localized light source regions (57) at a main front face (55A) for having light pass there through. The light source (25) further comprises a plurality of light emitting units (41) for emitting light into the light guide strips (91) through respective portions of the at least one coupling face (47) of the light guide unit (43), and a collimation unit (45) extending along the main front face (55A) and comprising a plurality of collimating elements. At least one light emitting unit (41) is configured as a light input coupling assembly (250) to receive collected natural light from a fiber (249) and to provide the received natural light to the light guide unit (43). The light source (25) can be implemented in a sunlight-based illumination system (241) collecting and providing natural light to the light source (25).

A daylighting apparatus of the present invention includes: a daylighting sheet (13) that has first and second surfaces opposite to each other and that lets light in through the first surface and lets the light out through the second surface at a predetermined distribution of angles; and a visible light-reflecting sheet (15) that reflects part of visible light falling on the first surface of the daylighting sheet (13).

A method for increasing availability of light at a target area, comprising: selecting, at a time of manufacture of a convex reflective surface or optical equivalent thereof, maximum and minimum inclinations and curvature determined by an orientation and latitude and range of azimuths available for insolation at a location where the convex reflective surface or optical equivalent thereof is to be mounted, such that the convex reflective surface or optical equivalent thereof will, when mounted, deflect insolation to the target area without adjustment of a position, inclinations, or curvature of the convex reflective surface; statically mounting the convex reflective surface in a fixed orientation at the position above the target area, and deflecting sunlight received at the convex reflective surface vertically or obliquely downwards onto the target area without adjustment of the position, inclinations, or curvature of the convex reflective surface or optical equivalent thereof throughout the day.

A method for increasing availability of light at a target area, comprising: selecting, at a time of manufacture of a convex reflective surface or optical equivalent thereof, maximum and minimum inclinations and curvature determined by an orientation and latitude and range of azimuths available for insolation at a location where the convex reflective surface or optical equivalent thereof is to be mounted, such that the convex reflective surface or optical equivalent thereof will, when mounted, deflect insolation to the target area without adjustment of a position, inclinations, or curvature of the convex reflective surface; statically mounting the convex reflective surface in a fixed orientation at the position above the target area, and deflecting sunlight received at the convex reflective surface vertically or obliquely downwards onto the target area without adjustment of the position, inclinations, or curvature of the convex reflective surface or optical equivalent thereof throughout the day.