This disclosure relates generally to optically-switchable devices, and more particularly, to systems, apparatus, and methods for controlling optically-switchable devices. In some implementations, an apparatus for controlling one or more optically-switchable devices includes a processing unit, a voltage regulator and a polarity switch. The processing unit can generate: a command voltage signal based on a target optical state of an optically-switchable device, and a polarity control signal. The voltage regulator can receive power at a first voltage and increase or decrease a magnitude of the first voltage based on the command voltage signal to provide a DC voltage signal at a regulated voltage. A polarity switch can receive the DC voltage signal at the regulated voltage to maintain or reverse a polarity of the DC voltage signal based on the polarity control signal. The polarity switch can output the DC voltage signal at the regulated voltage and at the polarity based on the polarity control signal to power the optically-switchable device. In some other implementations, the apparatus includes a processing unit, an energy storage device, and first and second voltage regulators.

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 visibility control device includes one or more light sources to provide input light, a waveguiding substrate, which has a first major surface and a second major surface, and a plurality of light-deflecting grooves implemented on at least one major surface of the substrate.

The device is arranged to form guided light by coupling the input light into the substrate,

The grooves are arranged to form deflected light by coupling the guided light out of the substrate through the second major surface of the substrate.

An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has a sheet member, a support assembly including a movable, elongated member that is attached to a first end portion of the sheet member, an end assembly attached to a second end portion of the sheet member, and a plurality of lighting devices attached to the sheet member. The plurality of lighting devices is a plurality of flat panel lighting devices.

An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has a sheet member, a support assembly including a movable, elongated member that is attached to a first end portion of the sheet member, an end assembly attached to a second end portion of the sheet member, and a plurality of lighting devices attached to the sheet member. The plurality of lighting devices is a plurality of flat panel lighting devices.

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.

This disclosure provides connectors for smart windows. A smart window may incorporate an optically switchable pane. In one aspect, a window unit includes an insulated glass unit including an optically switchable pane. A wire assembly may be attached to the edge of the insulated glass unit and may include wires in electrical communication with electrodes of the optically switchable pane. A floating connector may be attached to a distal end of the wire assembly. The floating connector may include a flange and a nose, with two holes in the flange for affixing the floating connector to a first frame. The nose may include a terminal face that present two exposed contacts of opposite polarity. Pre-wired spacers improve fabrication efficiency and seal integrity of insulated glass units. Electrical connection systems include those embedded in the secondary seal of the insulated glass unit.

A dynamic facade system for controlling shading, characterized in that said facade system comprises a block (30) composed of an outer glass panel (31), an intermediate framework (32) inside which a series of steel cables (33) are fixed, and an inner framework (34) that incorporates an inner glass panel (35); said outer glass panel (31), said intermediate framework (32) and said inner framework (34) being joined to one another: said system comprises modules (10) fixed on said cables (33); said modules (10) comprise a first outer structure (12); said first outer structure (12) comprises a frame-shaped square base (15) and at least one first wing (16); said at least one first wing (16) is movably connected to said frame-shaped square base (15) by means of a first hinge (20); characterized in that said first hinge (20) is made with a shape memory element with passive configuration.

This disclosure relates generally to optically-switchable devices, and more particularly, to systems, apparatus, and methods for controlling optically-switchable devices. In some implementations, an apparatus for controlling one or more optically-switchable devices includes a processing unit, a voltage regulator and a polarity switch. The processing unit can generate: a command voltage signal based on a target optical state of an optically-switchable device, and a polarity control signal. The voltage regulator can receive power at a first voltage and increase or decrease a magnitude of the first voltage based on the command voltage signal to provide a DC voltage signal at a regulated voltage. A polarity switch can receive the DC voltage signal at the regulated voltage to maintain or reverse a polarity of the DC voltage signal based on the polarity control signal. The polarity switch can output the DC voltage signal at the regulated voltage and at the polarity based on the polarity control signal to power the optically-switchable device. In some other implementations, the apparatus includes a processing unit, an energy storage device, and first and second voltage regulators.

An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has a sheet member, a support assembly including a movable, elongated member that is attached to a first end portion of the sheet member, an end assembly attached to a second end portion of the sheet member, and a plurality of lighting devices attached to the sheet member. The plurality of lighting devices is a plurality of flat panel lighting devices.