Embodiments described include bus bars for electrochromic or other optical state changing devices. The bus bars are configured to color match and/or provide minimal optical contrast with their surrounding environment in the optical device. Such bus bars may be transparent bus bars.

Methods, systems, apparatuses, and media for controlling optical transitions are provided. In some embodiments, a method comprises: (a) applying a drive voltage having a preset magnitude to an optically switchable device to cause the optically switchable device to transition from an initial optical state toward a target optical state; (b) measuring an open circuit voltage (Voc) of the optically switchable device and/or an amount of charge that has been delivered to the optically switchable device; (c) comparing characteristics of the measured Voc and/or the amount of charge to at least one parameter indicative of a target duration of time for the optically switchable device to transition from the initial optical state to the target optical state; (d) modifying the drive voltage to have a modified magnitude, wherein the modified magnitude is determined based at least in part on the comparison; and (e) repeating (a) and (b) until the target optical state is reached.

A light transmitting panel assembly includes a first panel, a second panel, a frame, a gap between the first panel and the second panel, and a first active component located between the first panel and the second panel.

A multistage prism window includes first and second transparent plate materials, a first prism, a reflection member, a second prism, and a heat absorption member. The first prism collects, onto the reflection member, light whose angle with respect to a normal line of the first and second transparent plate materials is equal to or greater than a first predetermined angle and transmits light whose angle with respect thereto is smaller than the first predetermined angle. The second prism collects, onto the heat absorption member, light whose angle with respect to the normal line is smaller than the first predetermined angle and equal to or greater than a second predetermined angle and transmits light whose angle with respect thereto is smaller than the second predetermined angle.

A multistage prism window includes first and second transparent plate materials, a first prism, a reflection member, a second prism, and a heat absorption member. The first prism collects, onto the reflection member, light whose angle with respect to a normal line of the first and second transparent plate materials is equal to or greater than a first predetermined angle and transmits light whose angle with respect thereto is smaller than the first predetermined angle. The second prism collects, onto the heat absorption member, light whose angle with respect to the normal line is smaller than the first predetermined angle and equal to or greater than a second predetermined angle and transmits light whose angle with respect thereto is smaller than the second predetermined angle.

A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include electrode engagement regions. In some examples, the electrode engagement regions are formed as notches in peripheral edges of opposed panes bounding the optically active material. The notches may or may not overlap to provide a through conduit in the region of overlap for wiring. In either case, the notches may allow the remainder of the structure to have a flush edge surface for ease of downstream processing.

An immersive digital experience for video conferencing simulates common presence of a virtual participant in a local environment. Such simulation may include (i) using a transparent media display having a portion of its pixels projecting the virtual participant's body image while keeping at least a portion of the background transparent (e.g., to visible light), (ii) disposing sensor(s) (e.g., camera) behind the transparent media display at the gaze of the participant, and/or (iii) using added virtual overlays (e.g., of plants, memorabilia, and/or furniture) to the virtual image (e.g., that are consistent with the local environment), e.g., to provide a sense of depth ranging from the overlays to the virtual participant projection and to the background showing through the transparent media display.

Certain example embodiments relate to electric-potential driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer, a conductor, and optional ink. If shutter coil skew is detected, voltage(s) may be applied one or more areas of the on-glass transparent conductor to compensate for or otherwise attempt to correct the detected coil skew.

Certain example embodiments relate to electric-potential driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer, a conductor, and optional ink. If shutter coil skew is detected, voltage(s) may be applied one or more areas of the on-glass transparent conductor to compensate for or otherwise attempt to correct the detected coil skew.

Disclosed are novel forms of operable and fixed windows capable of at least one or more of: producing an electrical current utilizing a transparent or semi-transparent solar collecting coating or film on a pane, and selectively changing one or more of opacity and tint of one or more electrochromatic layers in the window. Some embodiments also disclose a robust scaffold assembly utilized to enclose the perimeter of the substrate and one or more transparent solar cells or electrochromatic layers, or transparent solar cells and electrochromatic layers. Various structural and electrical configurations are disclosed to satisfy the kinematic demands of operable windows. Wired and wireless configurations of the windows are contemplated as are self-powered versions whereby the transparent solar collector or wireless power powers the electrochromatic function. Also disclosed are self-powered and self-contained glaze units with wireless control or control from user interface controls on an indoor facing pane.