A daylight redirecting window film having a layered structure with a total thickness of less than one millimeter and having a first optically transmissive film, a second optically transmissive film approximately coextensive with the first optically transmissive film, an intermediate layer of a relatively soft optically transmissive material disposed between the first and second optically transmissive films, a parallel array of linear three-dimensional structures formed in a space between the first and second optically transmissive films, a layer of an optically transmissive adhesive coating a surface of the first optically transmissive film, and a two-dimensional pattern of light scattering surface microstructures formed in an outer surface of the second optically transmissive film. The parallel array of linear three-dimensional structures defines a parallel array of linear channels, and each of the linear three-dimensional structures has a total internal reflection wall extending transversely through a portion of the layered structure.

Optically controllable windows and an associated window control system provide a building security platform. A window controller or other processing device can monitor for window breakage, cameras associated with windows can monitor for intruders, and transparent displays can provide alerts regarding detected activity within a building. A window control system can detect deviations from expected I/V characteristics of an optically controllable window during normal operation of the window (tint transitions, steady state conditions, etc.) and/or during application of a security-related perturbing event, and provide alerts upon their occurrence.

The invention relates to a window for a building structure containing optically transparent and self-cooling coatings on a substrate. The optically transparent and self-cooling coatings has a multi-layered structure including a passive cooling layer, a near-infrared radiation absorption layer and a near-infrared radiation reflecting layer. The optically transparent and self-cooling coatings have a visible light transmittance of more than approximately 70%. In addition, an air temperature under the window under ventilation condition is reduced by at least approximately 2° C., and an air temperature under the window under insulated condition is reduced by at least approximately 8° C.

A privacy glass vision panel assembly includes a fixed first transparent panel having a plurality of spaced vertical non-transparent lines disposed between spaced vertical transparent lines. A movable second transparent panel is disposed next to the fixed first transparent panel and includes a plurality of spaced vertical non-transparent lines disposed between spaced vertical transparent lines. A bearing system supports the movable second transparent panel relative to the fixed first transparent panel. A first magnet unit is secured to the movable second vision panel and a second magnet unit is secured to and movable relative to the fixed first transparent panel in proximity to the first magnet unit to cause movement of the movable second transparent panel when the second magnet unit is moved relative to the fixed first transparent panel.

A controllable privacy structure, such as a window or door, may include an electrically controllable optically active material connected to a driver. The driver can control the application and/or removal of electrical energy to the optically active material to transition from a scattering state in which visibility through the structure is inhibited to a transparent state in which visibility through the structure is comparatively clear. The driver may need to be located in relatively close physical proximity to the privacy structure the driver is intended to control. Devices, systems, and techniques are described for discretely positioning a driver relative to a privacy structure to be controlled.

A device for day lighting the interior of structure deploys reflective louvers that are spaced apart in stacks. The louvers include a coating or multilayer structure that is operative to reflect visible light but transmit IR light through the louver. The louvers also have a retro-reflective structure to return the IR light by reverse reflection in the opposite direction of the incident light, which is back toward the sun. The interior of the structure is more uniformly illuminated with visible light while the louvers and interior are not heated by IR light or radiation from the sun.

A transmittance-variable device, a driving method thereof, a method for improving a light shielding ratio therein, and a use thereof are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a transmittance-variable device includes a transmittance-variable film capable of switching between a transparent mode and a black mode depending on application of a voltage signal; and a power source for applying a voltage signal having a frequency of 30 Hz or less to implement the black mode, wherein the transmittance-variable film comprises a first electrode substrate, an electrophoretic layer, and a second electrode substrate sequentially arranged. The transmittance-variable device can exhibit an excellent light shielding ratio in the black mode after driving with a voltage signal, and such a transmittance-variable device can be usefully used in a smart window.

The room includes: a ceiling; a floor; and a wall having a pair of wall surfaces opposite to each other, and another pair of wall surfaces opposite to each other in a direction intersecting the pair of wall surfaces. One of the pair of wall surfaces and the other pair of wall surfaces has a window. The wall surface opposite to the wall surface having the window has arranged thereon a first screen. An inner side of the window, and a projection-side surface of the first each has arranged thereon a polarizing plate. An absorption axis direction of a polarizer of the polarizing plate of the window, and an absorption axis direction of a polarizer of the polarizing plate of the first screen and/or an absorption axis direction of a polarizer of the polarizing plate of the second screen are substantially perpendicular or parallel to each other.

A window can comprise a first side and a second side substantially parallel to the first side. The window can comprise an optical grating operatively positioned with respect to one of the first side and the second side. The optical grating can be used to determine a temperature at or near the respective one of the first side and the second side.

The present invention relates to a metal hydride device having a variable transparency, comprising a substrate, at least one layer including a photochromic yttrium hydride having a chosen band gap, and a capping layer at least partially positioned on the opposite side of the photochromic yttrium hydride layer from the substrate, said capping layer being essentially impermeable to hydrogen and oxygen.