Patent classifications
G05B2219/2628
SMART HOME SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATION OF SMART WINDOWS
Described herein are systems, methods, devices, and other techniques for implementing smart windows, smart home systems that include smart windows, and user devices and applications for control thereof. A smart window, or photovoltaic window, may include a photovoltaic configured to generate electrical power from incident light onto the photovoltaic window, store the electrical power, and send the electrical power to an electronics package or various electrical loads including a wireless communication system, sensors, or window functions. The photovoltaic window may communicate with various smart home system devices such as hub devices and user devices, which may include the reception of control data at the photovoltaic window and the transmission of sensor data captured by the window sensors.
Barrier Operator Feature Enhancement
A barrier operator feature enhancement device is designed to provide one or more features found in modern barrier operator devices and to incorporate those features into a previously installed barrier operator system. To facilitate ease of use, the barrier operator feature enhancement device can communicate with a large variety of barrier operators. Such communication may be wireless or wired, depending on the communication protocol implemented by a particular previously installed barrier operator. To facilitate the ease of installation, the device is designed to configure itself to operate with the communication protocol of the previously installed barrier operator. Once configured to be able to communicate with the previously installed barrier operator, the feature enhancement device works with the barrier operator to provide one or more additional features to enhance the capabilities of the previously installed barrier operator.
Controllers for optically-switchable devices
This disclosure relates generally to optically-switchable devices, and more particularly, to systems, apparatus, and methods for controlling optically-switchable devices. In some implementations, the apparatus includes an interface for communicating with window controllers, and the apparatus includes one or more processors. A processor can be configured to cause status information received from a window controller to be processed. The status information can indicate at least a tint status of one or more optically-switchable devices controlled by the window controller. In response to receiving the status information, one or more tint commands can be sent via the interface to the window controller.
TANDEM VISION WINDOW AND MEDIA DISPLAY
Disclosed herein are systems, apparatuses, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media related to a display construct coupled to a structure (e.g., a vision window). The structure can be a supportive structure such as a fixture. The display construct is configured to facilitate media display and is at least partially transparent. The vision window may be a tintable window, e.g., a window in which its tint is electrically controllable (e.g., an electrochromic window). Various interactive capabilities with the display construct are disclosed (e.g., via a touch screen).
DISPLAYS FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS
A tintable window is described having a tintable coating, e.g., an electrochromic device coating, for regulating light transmitted through the window. In some embodiments, the window has a transparent display in the window's viewable region. Transparent displays may be substantially transparent when not in use, or when the window is viewed in a direction facing away from the transparent display. Windows may have sensors for receiving user commands and/or for monitoring environmental conditions. Transparent displays can display graphical user interfaces to, e.g., control window functions. Windows, as described herein, offer an alternative display to conventional projectors, TVs, and monitors. Windows may also be configured to receive, transmit, or block wireless communications from passing through the window. A window control system may share computational resources between controllers (e.g., at different windows). In some cases, the computational resources of the window control system are utilized by other building systems and devices.
Drive System
A drive system for a garage door with an electric drive controlled by a control unit, by means of which drive the garage door is displaceable between a closed position and an open position. Furthermore, an operating unit is provided, into which input commands for controlling the garage door can be entered. An input command designed as a delivery input command is provided. When a delivery input command is entered, the operating unit causes a partial opening of the garage door for a preset time. After expiry of this time, the operating unit causes the garage door to automatically move to the closed position.
REMOTE MANAGEMENT OF A FACILITY
“Systems, apparatuses, methods, and non-transitory computer readable program instructions relating to controlling one or more devices of a facility.”
OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE WINDOWS FOR SELECTIVELY IMPEDING PROPAGATION OF LIGHT FROM AN ARTIFICIAL SOURCE
A tintable window is described having a tintable coating, e.g., an electrochromic device coating, for regulating or blocking light transmitted through the window. In some embodiments, the window can receive, transmit and/or regulate wireless communication that uses electromagnetic waves as a communication medium. In some cases, a window can receive or transmit infrared, visible, or ultraviolet wireless light fidelity (LiFi) signals. A window can be configured, in some cases selectively configured, for blocking radiation and/or signals generated by LiFi, radio frequency (RF), laser or other devices from passing through the window. Windows configured for blocking signals may be configured as a communication firewall between an interior environment and an exterior environment, or vice-versa. Networks of tintable windows can communicate via LiFi and provide a communications network through which other devices, such as personal computing devices, can be connected to the internet or a remote network.
MULTIPLE INTERACTING SYSTEMS AT A SITE
Disclosed are platforms for communicating among one or more otherwise independent systems involved in controlling functions of buildings or other sites having switchable optical devices deployed therein. Such independent systems include a window control system and one or more other independent systems such as systems that control residential home products (e.g., thermostats, smoke alarms, etc.), HVAC systems, security systems, lighting control systems, and the like. Together the systems control and/or monitor multiple features and/or products, including switchable windows and other infrastructure of a site, which may be a commercial, residential, or public site.
DISPLAYS FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS
A tintable window is described having a tintable coating, e.g., an electrochromic device coating, for regulating light transmitted through the window. In some embodiments, the window has a transparent display in the window's viewable region. Transparent displays may be substantially transparent when not in use, or when the window is viewed in a direction facing away from the transparent display. Windows may have sensors for receiving user commands and/or for monitoring environmental conditions. Transparent displays can display graphical user interfaces to, e.g., control window functions. Windows, as described herein, offer an alternative display to conventional projectors, TVs, and monitors. Windows may also be configured to receive, transmit, or block wireless communications from passing through the window. A window control system may share computational resources between controllers (e.g., at different windows). In some cases, the computational resources of the window control system are utilized by other building systems and devices.