HK1210286B - Automated shade control system utilizing brightness modeling - Google Patents

Description

Automated shade control system using luminance modeling

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to automatic shading control and more particularly to an automated shading system utilizing modeled luminance information.

Background

There are currently a variety of automated systems for controlling blinds, curtains and other types of window coverings. These systems often employ light sensors to detect visible light (daylight) entering through the window. The light sensor may be connected to a computer and/or motor that automatically opens or closes the window covering based on the light sensor and/or temperature readings.

While light and temperature sensors may help determine the desired shading of a window or interior, these sensors may not be entirely effective. Thus, some shading control systems employ other criteria or factors to help define shading parameters. For example, some systems employ a detector for detecting the angle of incidence of sunlight. Other systems use rain sensors, artificial lighting controls, geographic location information, date and time information, window orientation information, and exterior and interior light sensors to quantify and define the optimal position of a window covering. However, no single system currently employs all of these types of systems and controls.

Furthermore, most automated systems are designed for, and limited to use with, soft (Venetian) blinds, curtains and other conventional window coverings. Further, prior art systems generally do not utilize information regarding changes in light levels within the interior of the structure. That is, most systems consider the effect of relatively uniform shading and/or brightness and veiling glare (veiling glare), rather than gradual shading and/or brightness and veiling glare. Therefore, there is a need for an automated occlusion control system that contemplates gradual occlusion and optimal light detection and adaptation.

It has been determined that the most efficient energy design for a building is the ability to utilize natural daylight, which allows for a reduction in artificial lighting, which in turn reduces the air conditioning load, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the building. To achieve these goals, glazing (glazing) must allow a high percentage of sunlight to penetrate the glazing by using clear or high visible light transmission glazing. But accompanied by a lot of visible light are also the halo of the sun (bright orb), excessive heat gain and debilitating sun rays which will penetrate deep into the building at different times of the year and in different sun orientations, affecting and impacting people working or living in it. Therefore, there is a need to manage and control the amount of solar load, solar penetration, and glass wall temperature. In addition, there is a need to control the amount and intensity of solar radiation to acceptable standards that protect the comfort and health of occupants, such as energy-saving integrated subsystems.

Disclosure of Invention

Systems and methods for automated shade control using a luminance model are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method comprises: receiving, at an automated shade control system, a modeled luminance value indicating a presence of excessive luminance at a window, wherein a window covering is associated with the window; and activating, by an automated shade control system and in response to the modeled brightness value exceeding a threshold brightness value, a motor associated with the window covering to position the window covering in a position different from that specified by a standard management routine.

In another embodiment, a method comprises: calculating, by an automated occlusion control system and using a brightness model, the presence of excessive brightness at a location of interest; and activating, by the automated shading control system, the motor to adjust the window covering in response to excessive brightness at the location of interest.

In another embodiment, an automated shade control system includes a controller configured with a brightness model. The controller is configured to use the modeled brightness information to control a motor associated with the window.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, in which like numerals depict like elements, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary automated shade control system, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary window system with a window covering retracted, in accordance with various embodiments;

fig. 2B illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary window system with the window covering extended, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method of automated shade control according to embodiments;

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary ASHRAE model in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates a screen shot of an exemplary user interface (e.g., a view of SolarTrac software) in accordance with embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of exemplary solar thermal gain and solar penetration sensing and reaction, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 7A illustrates a flow diagram of exemplary brightness sensing and reaction, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 7B illustrates a flow diagram of exemplary luminance modeling and reaction according to various embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of exemplary shading (shadow) modeling and reaction, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of exemplary reflection modeling and reaction in accordance with various embodiments;

10A-10E illustrate reflection modeling according to various embodiments.

Detailed Description

The detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure herein shows by way of illustration exemplary embodiments thereof and the best mode thereof. Although these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the detailed description provided herein is for purposes of illustration only and is not to be construed as limiting. For example, the steps described in any method or process description may be performed in any order and are not limited to the order presented.

Moreover, for the sake of brevity, certain subcomponents of the various operating components, conventional data networking, application development, and other functional aspects of the system may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system.

The present disclosure may be described herein in terms of block diagrams, screen shots and flow charts, optional choices, and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of hardware and/or software components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, the present disclosure may employ various integrated circuit components (e.g., memory elements, processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like), which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Similarly, the software elements of the present disclosure may be implemented using any programming or scripting language, such as C, C + +, Java, COBOL, assembler, PERL, Delphi, extensible markup language (XML), smart card technology with various algorithms implemented using any combination of data structures, objects, processes, routines or other programming elements. Further, it should be noted that the present disclosure may employ any number of conventional techniques for data transmission, signaling, data processing, network control, and the like. Still further, the present disclosure may be used to detect or prevent security issues with client-side scripting languages (such as JavaScript, VBScript, etc.). For a basic introduction to cryptography and network security, see any of the following references: (1) "Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and Source Code In C," Bruce Schneier, John Wiley & Sons, 2 nd edition, 1996; (2) published by "Java Cryptographic" Jonathan Knudson, O' Reilly & Associates (1998); (3) "Cryptographic and Network Security: Principles and Practice," William Stallings, Prentice Hall; all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

As used herein, the term "network" shall include any electronic communication device that incorporates these hardware and software components. Communication between parties according to embodiments may be accomplished through any suitable communication channel (such as, for example, a telephone network, an extranet, an intranet, the internet, point of interaction devices (point of sale devices, personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, kiosks, etc.), online communication, offline communication, wireless communication, transponder communication, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), networking or linking devices, and/or others). Moreover, although the present disclosure is frequently described herein as being implemented using a TCP/IP communication protocol, the present disclosure may also be implemented using IPX, Appletalk, IP-6, NetBIOS, OSI, Lonworks, or any number of existing or future arising protocols. If the network is in the nature of a public network, such as the internet, it may be advantageous to assume that the network is insecure and open to eavesdroppers. The specific information relating to the protocols, standards and applications utilized in connection with the internet is generally known to those skilled in the art and, thus, need not be described in detail herein. See, e.g., Dilip Naik, "Internet Standards and Protocols," (1998); "Java 2Complete," multiple authors, (Sybex 1999); deborah Ray and Eric Ray, "Mastering HTML4.0," (1997); loshin, "TCP/IP clean extended," (1997); and David Gourley and Briandotty, "HTTP, The Definitive Guide," (2002), The contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The various system components may be suitably coupled to the network, individually or collectively, via Data links including, for example, connections to Internet Service Providers (ISPs), cable modems, Dish networks, ISDN, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), or various wireless communication methods, such as Gilbert helld, "outstanding Data Communications," 1996, which is incorporated herein by reference, over a local loop as is commonly used in connections for communicating with standard modems. Note that the network may be implemented as other types of networks, such as an Interactive Television (ITV) network. Further, the system contemplates using, selling, or distributing any goods, services, or information over any network having similar functionality described herein.

Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary Automated Shade Control (ASC) system 100, in accordance with various embodiments. The ASC100 may include an Analog and Digital Interface (ADI)105 configured to communicate with a Centralized Control System (CCS)110, motors 130, and sensors 125. The ADI105 may communicate with the CCS110, the motor 130, the sensors 125, and/or any other components via the communication link 120. For example, in one embodiment, the ADI105 and CCS110 are configured to communicate directly with the motor 130 to minimize the time lag between the calculation command and the motor movement.

The ADI105 may be configured to facilitate transmission of a mask position command and/or other commands. The ADI105 may also be configured to interface between the CCS110 and the electric machine 130. The ADI105 may be configured to facilitate user access to the motor 130. By facilitating user access, the ADI105 may be configured to facilitate communication between a user and the motor 130. For example, the ADI105 may allow a user to access some or all of the functionality of the motor 130 for any number of areas. The ADI105 may provide user access using the communication link 120 for communication, user input, and/or any other communication mechanism.

The ADI105 may be configured as hardware and/or software. Although fig. 1 depicts a single ADI105, the ASC100 may include multiple ADIs 105. In one embodiment, the ADI105 may be configured to allow a user to control the motor 130 for multiple window coverings. As used herein, "region" refers to any region of a structure in which ASC100 is configured to control shadowing. For example, an office building may be divided into eight zones, each zone corresponding to a different floor. Each zone may in turn have 50 different glazing, windows and/or window coverings. Thus, the ADI105 may facilitate control of each motor in each zone, some or all of the window coverings of some or all of the floors (or portions thereof), and/or multiple ADIs 105 (i.e., two, four, eight, or any other suitable number of different ADIs 105) may be coupled together to collectively control some or all of the window coverings, with each ADI105 controlling a motor 130 of each floor. Further, ASC100 may log (log), record, classify, quantify, and otherwise measure and/or store information related to one or more window coverings. Further, each ADI105 may be addressable, such as via an Internet Protocol (IP) address, a MAC address, and/or the like.

The ADI105 may also be configured with one or more security mechanisms. For example, the ADI105 may include one or more override (override) buttons to facilitate manual operation of the one or more motors 130 and/or the ADI 105. The ADI105 may also be configured with a security mechanism that requires entry of a password, code, biometric identification, or other identifier/indicia suitably configured to allow a user to interact or communicate with the system, such as, for example, an authorization/access code, Personal Identification Number (PIN), internet code, bar code, transponder, digital certificate, biometric data, and/or other identifying indicia.

The CCS110 may be used to facilitate communication with the ADI105 and/or control of the ADI 105. CCS110 may be configured to facilitate computation of one or more algorithms to determine, for example, solar radiation levels, sky types (such as sunny, cloudy, bright cloudy, and/or the like), interior lighting information, exterior lighting information, temperature information, glare information, shade information, reflection information, and the like. The CCS110 algorithms may include proactive and reactive algorithms configured to provide adequate solar protection for direct solar penetration; solar heat gain is reduced; reducing radiant surface temperature and/or light veiling glare; controlling the penetration of solar rays, optimizing the internal natural insolation of the structure and/or optimizing the efficiency of the internal lighting system. The CCS110 algorithm may operate in real time. The CCS110 may be configured with an RS-485 communications board to facilitate receiving and transmitting data from the ADI 105. The CCS110 may be configured to automatically self-test, synchronize, and/or start various other components of the ASC 100. The CCS110 may be configured to run one or more user interfaces to facilitate user interaction. Examples of user interfaces used in conjunction with the CCS110 are described in more detail below.

The CCS110 may be configured as any type of computing device, personal computer, network computer, workstation, minicomputer, mainframe, or the like, running any operating system, such as any version of Windows, Windows NT, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows98, Windows 95, MacOS, OS/2, BeOS, Linux, UNIX, Solaris, MVS, DOS, or the like. Each CCS110 component, or any other component, discussed herein may include one or more of the following: a host server or other computing system including a processor for processing digital data; a memory coupled to the processor for storing digital data; an input digitizer coupled to the processor for inputting digital data; an application stored in the memory and accessible by the processor for directing processing of the digital data by the processor; a display device coupled to the processor and the memory for displaying information derived from the digital data processed by the processor; and a plurality of databases. The user may be via any input device (such as a keypad, keyboard, mouse, kiosk, personal digital assistant, handheld computer (e.g., Palm)) Cellular phones, and/or the like) to interact with the system.

The CCS110 may also be configured with one or more browsers, remote switches, and/or touch screens to further facilitate access and control of the ASC 100. For example, each touch screen in communication with the CCS110 may be configured to facilitate control of a portion of a floor plan of a building, where motor areas and shaded areas (described further herein) are indicated. A user may use a touch screen to select a motor region and/or a shaded region to provide control and/or obtain control and/or alert (alert) information regarding the shaded location of a particular region, current sky condition information, starry sky plots, global parameter information (such as, for example, local time and/or date information, sunrise and/or sunset information, sun altitude or azimuth information, and/or any other similar information mentioned herein), floor plan information (including sensor status and location), and so forth. The touch screen may also be used to provide control and/or information about the brightness level of the local sensor, to provide override capability of the shade position to move the shade to a more desired position, and/or to provide access to additional shade control data captured for each particular area. The browser, touch screen, and/or switches may also be configured to record user-directed mask movements, manual overrides of the mask, and other occupant-specific adjustments to the ASC100 and/or each mask and/or motor area. As another example, the browser, touch screen, and/or switches may also be configured to provide remote user access to specific data and masking functions according to each remote user's access level. For example, the access level may be configured to allow only certain individuals, certain levels of employees, certain companies, or other entities to access ASC100, or to allow access to certain ASC100 control parameters, for example. Further, access control may restrict/allow only certain actions, such as opening, closing, and/or adjusting a mask. Limitations on radiometer control, algorithms, and the like may also be included.

The CCS110 may also be configured to respond to one or more alarms, warnings, error messages, and/or the like. For example, the CCS110 may be configured to move one or more window coverings in response to a fire alarm signal, smoke alarm signal, or other signal, such as a signal received from a building management system. Further, the CCS110 may be further configured to generate one or more alerts, warnings, error messages, and/or the like. The CCS110 may send or otherwise communicate the alert to a third party system, such as a building management system, at appropriate times.

The CCS110 may also be configured with one or more motor controllers. The motor controller may be equipped with one or more algorithms that enable the motor controller to position the window covering based on automated control and/or manual control from a user through one or various different user interfaces in communication with the controller. The CCS110 may provide control of the motor controller via hard-wired low voltage dry contacts, hard-wired analog, hard-wired line voltage, voice, wireless IR, wireless RF, or any of several low voltage, wireless, and/or line voltage networking protocols, such that a large number of devices including, for example, switches, touch screens, PCs, internet appliances, infrared remote controls, radio frequency remote controls, voice commands, PDAs, cell phones, PIMs, etc., can be used by a user to automatically and/or manually override the position of the window covering. The CCS110 and/or motor controller may additionally be configured with a real-time clock to facilitate real-time synchronization and control of environmental and manual override information.

The CCS110 and/or motor controller are also configured with algorithms that enable it to automatically optimally position window coverings for functionality, energy efficiency, light pollution control (depending on the environment and neighbors), decoration and/or comfort based on information derived from various sensing device options that may be configured to communicate with the controller via any of the communication protocols and/or devices described herein. The motor controller and/or automated algorithms within the CCS110 may be equipped to apply both proactive and reactive routines in order to control the motor 130. The active control algorithm and the reactive control algorithm are described in greater detail herein.

The CCS110 algorithm may use tenant-initiated override record data to learn what each local area tenant prefers for its optimal masking. This data tracking may then be used to automatically re-tune the zone-specific CCS110 algorithm to tune one or more sensors 125, motors 130, and/or other ASC100 system components to the needs, preferences, and/or desires of the occupant at a local level. That is, the ASC100 may be configured to actively track each occupant's adjustments for each occupancy zone and actively modify the CCS110 algorithm to automatically adapt each adjustment for that particular occupancy zone. The CCS110 algorithm may include a touchscreen survey (survey) function. For example, the functionality may allow the user to select from a reason menu before overriding the occluded position from the touch screen. This data may be stored in a database associated with CCS110 and used to fine-tune ASC100 parameters to minimize the need for such overrides. Thus, the CCS110 can actively learn how and adapt to the shade usage by occupants of the building. In this manner, the CCS110 may fine-tune, refine, and/or otherwise modify one or more proactive and/or reactive algorithms in response to historical data.

For example, active and reactive control algorithms may be used based on the CCD 110 knowing how window coverings are used by occupants of a building. The CCS110 may be configured with one or more active/reactive control algorithms that actively input information to/from the motor controller to facilitate adaptability of the ASC 100. The active control algorithm includes information such as, for example, the continuously changing solar angle established between the sun and the window opening on each day of the sun's day. This sun-tracking information may also be combined with knowledge about the structure of buildings and window openings. This structural knowledge includes, for example, any shadowing (shading) feature of the building (such as, for example, buildings in urban landscapes and terrain conditions that may shade sun rays on window openings at various times throughout the day/year). Still further, any inclination or declination angle of the window opening (i.e., window, tilt window, and/or skylight), any predetermined positioning of the window covering throughout the day/year, information about the British Thermal Unit (BTU) load impacting the window at any time throughout the day/year, glass characteristics affecting the transmission of light and heat through the glass, and/or any other historical knowledge about the performance of the window covering in that position from previous days/years may be included in the active control algorithm. Depending on the capabilities and information available to the reactive control algorithm, the proactive algorithm may be set to optimize the positioning of the window covering based on typical day, worst case day, or worst case night. These algorithms may further incorporate at least one of geodetic coordinates of the building, actual and/or calculated solar position, actual and/or calculated solar angle, actual and/or calculated solar penetration depth through the window, actual and/or calculated solar radiation, actual and/or calculated solar intensity, time, solar altitude, solar azimuth, sunrise and sunset time, surface orientation of the window, slope of the window, window cover stop position of the window, and actual and/or calculated solar thermal gain through the window.

Further, active and/or reactive control algorithms may be used based on measured and/or calculated brightness. For example, the CCS110 may be configured with one or more active and/or reactive control algorithms configured to measure and/or calculate the visible brightness across the window. Further, the active and/or reactive control algorithm may curve fit (e.g., regression analysis) the measured radiation and/or solar heat gain to generate an estimated and/or measured foot-candle(s) on the glazing, foot-candle(s) inside the glass, foot-candle(s) inside the shade and the like combinations, and the like. Further, the active and/or reactive control algorithms may utilize lighting information, radiation information, brightness information, reflectance information, solar heat gain, and/or any other suitable factors to measure and/or calculate the total foot-candle load on the structure.

Further, active and/or reactive control algorithms may be used based on measured and/or calculated BTU loads on the window, glass, window covering, and/or the like. The CCS110 may be configured with one or more proactive and/or reactive control algorithms configured to measure and/or calculate BTU loading on the window. Moreover, the proactive and/or reactive control algorithms may take any appropriate action in response to the measured and/or calculated BTU load, including, for example, generating a movement request for one or more ADIs 105 and/or motors 130. For example, the CCS110 may generate a move request to move the window covering into the first position in response to a measured load of 75 BTUs inside the window. The CCS110 may generate another move request to move the window covering into the second position in response to the measured load of the 125BTU inside the window. The CCS110 may generate yet another move request to move the window covering into a third position in response to a 250 BTU measured load inside the window, and so on. Further, the CCS110 may calculate the position of the window covering based on the measured and/or calculated BTU load on the window. Information about the measured and/or calculated BTU load, the shade position, etc. can be seen on any suitable display device.

In embodiments, the CCS110 may be configured with a predefined BTU load associated with the location of the window covering. For example, the "fully open" position of the window covering may be associated with a BTU load of 500BTU per square meter per hour. The "half-on" position may be associated with a BTU load of 300 BTU per square meter per hour. The "fully-closed" position may be associated with a BTU load of 100BTU per square meter per hour. Any number of predefined BTU loads and/or window covering positions may be utilized. In this way, the CCS110 may be configured to move one or more window coverings into various predefined locations to modify the intensity of solar penetration and the resulting BTU load on the structure.

Reactive control algorithms may be established to refine and/or compensate for active algorithms that may be difficult to model and/or overly expensive areas of a building. Reactive control of ASC100 may include, for example, using sensors coupled with algorithms that determine sky conditions, brightness of an exterior horizontal sky, brightness of any/all upwardly facing exterior vertical sky, interior vertical brightness over all or a portion of a window, interior vertical brightness measured over all or a portion of a window covered by a window covering, interior horizontal brightness of an interior work surface, brightness of a vertical or horizontal interior surface (such as a wall, floor, or ceiling), comparison brightness between different interior horizontal and/or vertical surfaces, interior brightness of a PC display monitor, exterior temperature, interior temperature, manual positioning by a nearby user/occupant or as affected by window covering settings, overriding automated window covering positions based on previous years and/or real-time information communicated from other motor controllers affecting adjacent window coverings.

Typical sensors 125 that facilitate these reaction control algorithms include radiometers, photometers/photometers, motion sensors, wind sensors, and/or temperature sensors for detecting, measuring, and communicating information regarding temperature, motion, wind, brightness, radiation, and/or the like or any combination of the foregoing. For example, motion sensors may be employed to track one or more occupants and change reaction control algorithms in a particular space, such as a conference room, during periods of no occupants therein to optimize energy efficiency. The present disclosure contemplates various types of sensor installations. For example, various types of photometer and temperature sensor installations include railing installations (between the obscuration and the window glass), furniture installations (e.g., on the room side of the obscuration), wall or column installations looking directly out of the window from the room side of the obscuration, and external sensor installations. For example, for brightness override protection, one or more photometers and/or radiometers may be configured to look through a particular portion of a window wall (e.g., the portion of the window wall whose line of sight is covered by the window covering at some point during movement of the window covering). If the brightness on the window wall section is greater than a predetermined ratio, brightness override protection may be activated. The predetermined ratio may be established from the brightness of the PC/VDU or the actual measured brightness of the work surface. Each photometer may be controlled, for example, by a closed-loop algorithm and/or an open-loop algorithm that includes measurements from one or more fields of view of the sensor. For example, each photometer may view a different portion of a window wall and/or window covering. Information from these photometers may be used to anticipate changes in brightness as the window covering travels over the window, to indirectly measure brightness coming through a portion of the window wall by viewing brightness reflected off the interior surface, to measure brightness detected on the incident side of the window covering, and/or to measure brightness detected for any other field of view. The brightness control algorithm and/or other algorithms may also be configured to take into account whether any of the sensors are blocked (e.g., by a computer monitor, etc.). Other sensors may also be employed by the ASC 100; for example, one or more motion sensors may be configured to employ a more stringent comfort control routine when building space is occupied. That is, if the room's motion sensors detect that many people are inside the room, the ASC100 may facilitate movement of the window covering to provide greater shading and cooling of the room.

Further, the ASC100 may be configured to track radiation (e.g., sun rays, etc.) on all glazings (including, for example, windows, skylights, etc.) of a building. For example, the ASC100 may track the angle of incidence of radiation, profile solar radiation and solar surface angles, measure the wavelength of radiation, track solar penetration based on the geometry of windows, skylights, or other openings, track solar thermal gain and intensity for some or all windows in a building, track shading information, track reflection information, and track some or all radiation directed (i.e., 360 degrees around a building). The ASC100 may track radiation, record radiation information, and/or perform any other relevant operations or analyses in real-time. Further, the ASC100 may perform microclimate analysis utilizing one or more of tracking information, sensor inputs, data logging, reaction algorithms, proactive algorithms, and the like, for a particular enclosed space.

In various embodiments, the natural default operation of the motor controller in "automatic mode" may be controlled by an active control algorithm. When the reactive control algorithm interrupts the operation of the active algorithm, the motor controller may be set with certain conditions that determine how and when the motor controller can return to the automatic mode. For example, such a return to automatic mode may be based on a configurable predetermined time, such as 12:00 A.M. In another embodiment, the ASC100 may return to the automatic mode under the following conditions: at a predetermined time interval (such as after an hour), when a predetermined condition has been reached (e.g., when the brightness returns below a certain level through some sensors), in the event that the active algorithm requires further coverage of the window covering by the obscuration, the detected brightness is a configurable percentage less than the brightness detected when the motor was placed in the brightness override, when the probability that the motor may move back into the automatic mode is measured in a fuzzy logic routine based on information about the actual brightness measurements inside, outside, sun distribution (profile) angle, shading conditions from adjacent buildings or structures on a given building based on sun height and/or orientation, reflection conditions from outside buildings or environmental conditions, and/or the like, or any combination of the same, and/or under any other manual and/or predetermined condition or control.

The motor 130 may be configured to control movement of one or more window coverings. The window covering is described in more detail below. As used herein, the motor 130 may include one or more motors and motor controllers. The motor 130 may comprise an AC and/or DC motor and may be mounted within or adjacent to a window covering that is window adhered (Affixed) using mechanical brackets attached to the building structure such that the motor 130 causes the window covering to cover or reveal a portion of the window or glazing. As used herein, the term "glazing" refers to glass (glaze), glazing, windows, and/or the like. The motor 130 may be configured as any type of motor configured to open, close, and/or move the window covering in selected, random, predetermined, increasing, decreasing, algorithmic, and/or any other increment. For example, in one embodiment, the motor 130 may be configured to move the window covering in 1/16 inch increments to move in a progressive (graduate) shade such that the operation of the shade is nearly imperceptible to the occupant to minimize distraction. In another embodiment, the motor 130 may be configured to move the window covering in 1/8 inch increments. The motor 130 may also be configured to continue each step and/or increment for a certain time. Also, the motor 130 may follow a preset position on the coded motor. The incremental time and/or settings may be any range of time and/or settings, such as less than one second, one or more seconds, and/or more minutes, and/or combinations of settings programmed into the coded motor, and/or the like. In one embodiment, each 1/8 inch increment of the motor 130 may last five seconds. The motor 130 may be configured to move the window covering at a rate that is nearly imperceptible to the inhabitants of the structure. For example, ASC100 may be configured to continuously iterate (operate) motor 130 down the window wall in limited increments, thereby establishing thousands of intermediate stop positions on the pane. The increments may be uniform across span and time or vary across span and/or day-to-day to optimize comfort requirements of the space and further minimize abrupt window covering positioning transitions that may draw unnecessary attention from the occupant.

The motor 130 may vary, for example, from top-down to bottom-up, even a two-motor 130 design known as a Fabric Tensioning System (FTS) or motor/spring roller combination. Bottom-up, tilted, angled, and/or horizontal designs may be configured to boost a daylighting environment, where light levels transmitted through the top of the glass may be reflected or even skydomed deep into the space. The bottom-up window covering has its application naturally present (lend) to face east, where the shade moves gradually up with the rising height of the sun from sunrise until solar noon. The top-down design may be configured to enhance the field of view, thereby cutting off the sun's penetration, leaving a field of view through the lower portion of the glass. The top-down window covering makes its application naturally provide a front facing west where the height of the sun from the solar noon drops through the sunset for shading. Furthermore, angled and/or inclined shading may be used for complementary facadesHorizontal, angled and/or slanted windows in (e).

The ADI105 may be configured with one or more electrical components configured to receive information from the sensors 125 and/or transmit information to the CCS 110. In one embodiment, the ADI105 may be configured to receive a millivolt signal from the sensor 125. The ADI105 may additionally be configured to convert signals from the sensors 125 into digital information and/or transmit the digital information to the CCS 110.

The ASC100 may include one or more sensors 125 in communication with the ADI105, such as, for example, a radiometer, a photometer, an ultraviolet sensor, an infrared sensor, a temperature sensor, a motion sensor, a wind sensor, and so forth. In one embodiment, the more sensors 125 that are used in the ASC100, the more error protection (or reduction) of the system. As used herein, "radiometer" may include conventional radiometers configured to measure various segments of the solar spectrum, as well as other light sensors, visible spectrum light sensors, infrared sensors, ultraviolet sensors, and the like. The sensor 125 may be located in any portion of the structure. For example, the sensors 125 may be located on the roof of a building, on the outside of a window, on the inside of a window, on a work surface, on an interior and/or exterior wall, and/or on any other portion of a structure. In one embodiment, the sensors 125 are located within a clear, unobstructed area. The sensors 125 may be connected to the ADI105 in any manner via the communication link 120. In one embodiment, the sensor 125 may be connected to the ADI105 through low voltage wiring. In another embodiment, the sensor 125 may be wirelessly connected to the ADI 105.

The sensors 125 may additionally be configured to initialize and/or synchronize upon startup of the ASC 100. For example, each sensor 125, such as a radiometer, may be configured to be initially set to zero, which may correspond to cloudy sky conditions regardless of actual sky conditions. Each sensor 125 may then be configured to detect sunlight for a user-defined amount of time (e.g., three minutes) in order to establish a data file for the sensor. After the user-defined time has elapsed, the sensor 125 may synchronize with the new data file.

As discussed herein, the communication link 120 may be configured as any type of communication link, such as, for example, a digital link, an analog link, a wireless link, an optical link, a radio frequency link, a TCP/IP link, a bluetooth link, a wired link, the like, and/or any combination thereof. The communication link 120 may be long range and/or short range and thus may allow for remote and/or off-board communication. Further, communication link 120 may allow communication over any suitable distance and/or via any suitable communication medium. For example, in one embodiment, communication link 120 may be configured as an RS422 serial communication link.

ASC100 may additionally be configured with one or more databases. Any of the databases discussed herein may be any type of database, such as relational, hierarchical, graphical, object-oriented, and/or other database configurations. Common database products that may be used to implement databases include IBM's DB2, various database products available from Oracle corporation (RedwoodShores, Calif.), Microsoft Access or Microsoft SQL Server from Microsoft corporation (Redmond, Washington), Base3 from the Base3 system, Paradox, or any other suitable database product. Furthermore, these databases may be organized in any suitable manner, for example as a data table or a look-up table. Each record may be a single file, a series of files, a linked series of data fields, or any other data structure. The association of particular data may be accomplished by any desired data association technique, such as those known or practiced in the art. For example, the association may be done manually or automatically. Automatic association techniques may include, for example, database searching, database merging, GREP, AGREP, SQL, and/or the like. The association step may be accomplished by a database merge function, for example, using "key fields" in a preselected database or data area.

More specifically, a "key field" partitions the database according to the objects of the high-level category defined by the key field. For example, certain types of data may be designated as key fields in multiple related data tables and the data tables may then be linked based on the type of data in the key fields. The data corresponding to the key fields in each linked data table is preferably the same or of the same type. However, data tables having similar, though not identical, data in key fields may also be linked by using, for example, AGREP. According to various embodiments, any suitable data storage technology may be utilized to store data that does not have a standard format. The data set may be stored using any suitable technique; a field enabling selection of a private file thereby, the field exposing one or more elementary files containing one or more data sets; using a hierarchical filing system to use the data sets stored in the respective files; a data set stored as a record in a single file (including compressed, SQL accessible, hashed via one or more keys, numeric, alphabetical according to a first tuple, etc.); binary block (BLOB); stored as ungrouped data elements encoded using ISO/IEC abstract syntax notation (asn.1) as in ISO/IEC 8824 and 8825; and/or other proprietary techniques that may include fractal compression methods, image compression methods, and the like.

In one exemplary embodiment, the ability to store multiple information in different formats is facilitated by storing the information as a binary block (BLOB). Thus, any binary information may be stored in a storage space associated with a data set. The BLOB method may store the data set as ungrouped data elements formatted as binary blocks via fixed memory offsets using fixed memory allocation, circular queue techniques, or best practices with respect to memory management (e.g., recently used page memory, etc.). The ability to store data sets having different formats facilitates the storage of data by multiple and unrelated owners of the data sets using the BLOB method. For example, a first data set that may be stored may be provided by a first party, a second data set that may be stored may be provided by an unrelated second party, and a third data set that may be stored may be provided by a third party unrelated to the first and second parties. Each of the three exemplary data sets may contain different information stored using different data storage formats and/or techniques. Further, each data set may contain a subset of data that may also differ from other subsets.

As described above, in embodiments, data may be stored without regard to common formats. However, in one exemplary embodiment, when provided, the data set (e.g., BLOB) may be annotated in a standard manner. The annotations may include short headers, trailers, or other suitable indicators associated with each data set configured to convey information useful in managing the data sets. For example, the annotation may be referred to herein as a "condition header," "trailer," or "status," and may include an indication of the status of the data set or may include an identifier associated with a particular issuer or owner of the data. In one example, the first three bytes of each data set BLOB may be configured or may be configurable to indicate the status of that particular data set (e.g., LOADED, INITIALIZED, READY, BLOCKED, REMOVABLE, or DELETED).

The data set annotation may also be used for other types of state information and for various other purposes. For example, the data set annotation may include security information that establishes a level of access. For example, the access level may be configured to allow access to a data set only to certain individuals, certain levels of employees, certain companies, or other entities, or to allow access to a particular data set based on installation, initialization, users, and the like. Further, the security information may only restrict/allow certain actions such as accessing, modifying, and/or deleting the data set. In one example, a data set annotation indicates that only the data set owner or user is allowed to delete the data set, various identified employees are allowed to access the data set for reading, and others are completely excluded from accessing the data set. However, other access restriction parameters may also be used to allow various other employees to access the data set with various permission levels as appropriate.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that any database, system, device, server, or other component may be comprised of any combination thereof, at a single location or at multiple locations, for security reasons, wherein each database or system includes any of a variety of suitable security features, such as firewalls, access codes, encryption, decryption, compression, decompression, and/or the like.

The computers discussed herein may provide a suitable website or other internet-based graphical user interface that may be accessed by a user. In one embodiment, Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS), Microsoft Transaction Server (MTS), and Microsoft SQL Server are used in conjunction with the Microsoft operating system, Microsoft NT Web Server software, Microsoft SQL Server database system, and Microsoft Business Server. In addition, components such as Access or Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, Sybase, Informix MySQL, Interbase, etc. may be used to provide dynamic data object (ADO) compliant database management systems.

Any of the communications (e.g., communication link 120), inputs, storage, databases, or displays discussed herein may be facilitated by a website having web pages. The term "web page" as it is used herein is not meant to limit the types of documents and applications that may be used to interact with a user. For example, in addition to standard HTML documents, a typical website may include various formats, Java applets, JavaScript, dynamic Server pages (ASPs), Common Gateway Interface Scripts (CGIs), extensible markup language (XML), dynamic HTML, Cascading Style Sheets (CSSs), helper applications, plug-ins, and so forth. The server may include a web service that receives a request from a web server, the request including a URL (http:// yahoo. com/stock quotes/ge) and an IP address (123.45.6.78). The web server retrieves the appropriate web page and sends the data or application for that web page to the IP address. Web services are applications that can interact with other applications on a communication device, such as the internet. Web services are typically based on standards or protocols such as XML, SOAP, WSDL, and UDDI. Web services methods are well known in the art and are covered in many standard texts. See, for example, Alex Nghiem, "IT Web Services: a Roadmap for the Enterprise," (2003), which is incorporated herein by reference.

One or more computerized systems and/or users may facilitate control of ASC 100. As used herein, a user may include an employer, an employee, a structure occupant, a building manager, a computer, a software program, a facility maintenance person, and/or any other user and/or system. In one embodiment, a user connected to the LAN may access the ASC100 in order to move one or more window coverings. In another embodiment, the ASC100 may be configured to communicate with one or more third party shade control systems (such as, for example, those of Draper)Control system) work together. Additionally and/or in alternative embodiments, a Building Management System (BMS), lighting system, and/or HVAC system may be configured to control the ASC100 and/or communicate with the ASC100 to facilitate optimal interior lighting and climate control. Further, the ASC100 may be configured to be remotely controlled by, for example, a service center and/or may be controlled by, for example, a service center. The ASC100 may be configured for both automated positioning of the window covering and manual override capabilities through a programmable user interface such as a computer or through a control user interface such as a switch. Further, ASC100 may be configured to receive updated software and/or firmware programming via a remote communication link, such as communication link 120. ASC100 may also be configured to send and/or receive information for operational reports, system management reports, troubleshooting, diagnostics, error reporting, and the like, via a long-range communication link. Further, the ASC100 may be configured to transmit information generated by one or more sensors (such as motion sensors, wind sensors, radiometers, photometers, temperature sensors, etc.) to a remote location via a remote communication link. Further, ASC100 may be configured to send and/or receive any suitable information via a long-range communication link.

In one embodiment, an adaptive/active mode may be included. The adaptive/active mode may be configured to operate for a preset duration at initial installation, whereby manual overrides of automation settings and/or identified key parameters that update the automation routines as to when a particular shade area should be deployed to a particular location may be recorded. An averaging algorithm may be employed to minimize overcompensation. Manual override may be accomplished via a variety of methods based on how the tenant has the ability to make access. In one embodiment, an administrator or supervisor may be responsible for manually overriding the mask settings to mitigate issues in which there may be differences in comfort settings between individuals. However, override capability may be provided, for example, through multiple switches, a telephone interface, a browser device on a workstation, a PDA, a touch screen, a single switch, and/or through the use of a remote control. In open plan areas where multi-band masking is employed, infrared controls may be employed to direct the user directly at the masking band that needs to be operated. Thus, an infrared sensor may be applied from each band in a multi-band mask, especially if the sensor is somewhat hidden. ASC100 may additionally be configured with a preset timer where automatic operation of the window covering will resume after a preset period of time following a manual override of the system.

In another embodiment, ASC100 is configured to facilitate control of one or more motor zones, masking bands, and/or masking zones. Each motor zone may include one motor 130 for one to six masking strips. The shaded area includes one or more motor zones and/or floor/elevation (elevation) zones. For example, in a twelve-story high building, each tenant may have six floors. Each floor may include one shaded area containing 3 motor areas. Each motor area may in turn comprise 3 masking strips. Tenants on the third and fourth floors may access the ASC100 to directly control at least one of the shade zones, motor zones, and/or shade strips of their floors without compromising or affecting the shade control of other tenants.

In another embodiment, the ASC100 is configured with a "shading program" to accommodate shading caused by nearby building and/or environmental components (e.g., hills, mountains, etc.). For example, the shading program uses computer models of neighboring buildings and terrain to model and characterize shading caused by surrounding nearby buildings on different portions of the subject building. That is, the ASC100 may use a shade program to lift (rain) all motor areas and/or shades of a shaded area in a shade from adjacent buildings, from trees and mountains, from other physical conditions than buildings, and/or from any other obstruction of any kind. This further facilitates maximizing sunlight when a particular motor area and/or shaded area is in shade. When the shade moves to other motor areas and/or shade areas (moving with the sun), ASC100 may revert to normal operating program protocols and override the shade program. Thus, the ASC100 may maximize natural interior insolation and help reduce artificial interior lighting needs.

In another embodiment, the ASC100 is configured with a "reflection process" to accommodate the light reflected by the reflective surface. As used herein, reflection may be considered directional (beam) luminance and/or illumination from a mirror. Light may be reflected onto a building through a body of water, a sheet of snow, a sheet of sand, a glass surface of a building, a metal surface of a building, and so forth. For example, the reflection program uses computer models of adjacent buildings and terrain to model and characterize the light reflected by the reflective surface onto different portions of the subject building. That is, the ASC100 may use a reflective program to move (lower and/or raise) one or more window coverings 255, such as window coverings 255 in the field of motors and/or in the shaded field in reflected light from any reflective optical surface and/or any kind of reflective light source. In this way, undesirable glare may be reduced. In addition, certain types of reflective directional and/or diffuse lighting may also provide additional insolation, particularly when the light is directed toward the ceiling. The ASC100 may revert to the normal operating program protocol and/or override the reflex program when the reflected light moves to other motor areas and/or shaded areas (e.g., as the sun moves). Accordingly, the ASC100 may maximize natural interior insolation, help reduce artificial interior lighting needs, and/or reduce glare and other lighting conditions.

In the reflection program, a reflection object may be defined by a computer as each object in a three-dimensional model. Further, each reflective object may have a plurality of reflective surfaces. Each reflective object may be partially or fully enabled or disabled (i.e., partially or fully included in or omitted from the reflection calculation). In this way, if a particular reflective object (or any portion thereof) proves to be less reflective than expected and/or under-reflected to be considered at a particular brightness threshold, for example, the particular reflective object may be removed from the reflection calculation, either completely or partially, without affecting the reflection calculation of other reflective objects. Further, the reflex process utilized by ASC100 may be activated or deactivated as desired. For example, if the external conditions are considered to be clear, the reflex process may be configured to be active; and a reflex program may be configured to be inactive if the external condition is deemed cloudy and/or cloudy.

Further, the reflectance program utilized by ASC100 may be configured with information regarding the properties of each reflective object (e.g., dimensions, surface features, material composition, etc.). In this way, the ASC100 may respond appropriately to various types of reflected light. For example, in the case of reflections from buildings, the resulting apparent position (apparent position) of the sun has a positive height. Thus, the reflected solar rays go down into the building under study, as the direct solar rays always go down. Accordingly, in response, ASC100 may utilize one or more sun penetration algorithms to incrementally move the window covering downward to at least partially block incoming reflected solar rays. In another example, in the case of reflections from a body of water (such as a pond), the resulting apparent position of the sun has a negative height (e.g., the reflected light appears to originate from the sun climbing up from below the horizon). In response, the ASC100 may move the window covering to a fully closed position to at least partially block incoming reflected light rays. However, ASC100 may take any desired action and/or move the window covering to any suitable position and/or into any suitable configuration in response to the reflection information, and ASC100 is not limited to the examples given.

In certain embodiments, the ASC100 may be configured with a minimum calculated reflection duration threshold prior to responding to the calculated reflection information generated by the reflection program. For example, a particular calculated portion of reflected light may be projected onto a particular surface for only a limited amount of time, such as one minute. Thus, movement of the window covering in response to the reflected light may not be necessary. Furthermore, the movement of the window covering may not be completed before the reflected light has stopped. Thus, in an embodiment, the ASC100 is configured to respond to the calculated reflection information only when the calculated reflected light will continuously impinge on the window for one (1) minute or more. In another embodiment, the ASC100 is configured to respond to the calculated reflection information only when the calculated reflected light will continuously impinge on the window for five (5) minutes or more. Further, the ASC100 may be configured to respond to calculated reflection information, where the calculated reflected light will continuously impinge on the window for any desired length of time.

Further, the ASC100 may be configured with various reflection response times, such as advance and/or delay periods, associated with the calculated reflection information. For example, the ASC100 may be configured to move the window covering one (1) minute before the calculated reflected light ray will impinge on the window, for example. The ASC100 may also be configured to move the window covering ten (10) seconds after the calculated reflected light ray has impinged on the window, for example. Further, the ASC100 may be configured with any suitable advance and/or retard period as needed in response to the calculated reflection information. Additionally, the advance and/or retard periods may vary from region to region. Thus, ASC100 may have a first reflection response time associated with a first zone, a second reflection response time associated with a second zone, and so on, and the reflection response times associated with each zone may be different. In addition, the user may update the reflection response time associated with a particular area as desired. ASC100 may thus be configured with any number of regional reflection response times, default reflection response times, user input reflection response times, and the like.

In various embodiments, the reflection program utilized by ASC100 may be configured to model primary reflection information and/or higher order reflection information (e.g., information about dispersive reflections). Reflection of light off of a non-ideal surface will generate a primary reflection (first order reflection) and a higher order dispersive reflection. In general, second order dispersive reflections and/or higher order dispersive reflections may be modeled assuming that sufficient information about the associated reflective surface (e.g., information about material properties, surface conditions, and/or the like) is available. Information about the primary reflections from the reflective surface and information about higher order reflections from the reflective surface may be stored in a database associated with the reflection program. This stored information can be used by the reflection program to calculate the presence of various reflected rays. However, due to various factors (e.g., absorption at the reflective surface, absorption and/or scattering due to suspended particles in the air, and/or the like), the calculated reflected light may be virtually unobtrusive or even undetectable to a human observer, wherein the calculated reflected light is calculated to be attenuated (fall). Thus, there is no need to change the position of the window covering to maintain visual comfort. The ASC100 may therefore ignore the calculated reflected light rays to avoid "ghosting" -i.e., movement of the window covering that is not a significant reason for a human observer.

In general, a light ray may be reflected any number of times (e.g., once, twice, three times, etc.). The reflection program can thus model the repeated reflections to account for the reflected light on a particular target surface. For example, sunlight may fall on a first building having a reflective surface. Light reflected directly off the first building has been reflected once; therefore, the light can be regarded as primary reflection light. The primary reflected light may traverse the street and contact a second reflective building. After being reflected from the second building, the once reflected light becomes twice reflected light. The twice reflected light may be further reflected to become a third reflected light, and so on. Since modeling multiple reflection interactions for a particular ray results in increased computational load, larger data sets, and other data, the reflection program may be configured to model a predetermined maximum number of reflections for a particular ray to achieve a desired accuracy with respect to the reflected light within a desired computation time. For example, in various embodiments, the reflection program may model only one reflected light (e.g., only direct reflections). In other embodiments, the reflectance program may model both primary and secondary reflections. Further, the reflection program can model the reflected light that has reflected off any number of reflective surfaces as desired.

Furthermore, since surfaces are typically not perfectly reflective, reflected light is less intense than direct light. Therefore, the intensity of the light is reduced each time it is reflected. Accordingly, the reflection program utilized by the ASC100 may limit the maximum number of calculated reflections for a particular ray to generate calculated reflection information. For example, the three reflected rays may be calculated to fall on the target window. However, due to absorption caused by various intermediate reflective surfaces, the intensity of the tertiary reflected light rays may be very low and may be practically unobtrusive or even undetectable to a human observer. Thus, there is no need to change the position of the window covering to maintain visual comfort. The ASC100 may therefore ignore the calculated triple reflected rays to avoid ghosting. Furthermore, the ASC100 may calculate reflection information for only a few reflection interactions (e.g., primary or secondary reflections) to avoid ghosting.

In various embodiments, ASC100 may utilize one or more data tables, such as, for example, a window table, an elevation table, a floor table, a building table, a shade table, a reflective surface table, and the like. The window table may include information (e.g., location information, index information, etc.) associated with one or more windows of the building. The elevation table may include information (e.g., location information, index information, etc.) associated with one or more elevations of the building. The floor table may include information associated with the floors of the building (e.g., number of floors, height from ground, etc.). The building table may include information about the building, such as orientation (e.g., compass direction), 3-D coordinate information, and so forth. The shade table can include information associated with one or more objects that can at least partially block sunlight from striking the building, such as the height of a hill, the size of adjacent buildings, and so forth. The reflective surface table may include information associated with one or more reflective surfaces, e.g., 3-D coordinate information, and the like. In this manner, the ASC100 may calculate desired information, such as when sunlight may be reflected from one or more reflective surfaces onto one or more locations on a building, when a portion of a building may be in a shadow projected by a neighboring building, and so forth.

The ASC100 sun-tracking algorithm may be configured to access and analyze the location of glare (i.e., vertical, horizontal, tilted in any direction) to determine solar thermal gain and solar penetration. The ASC100 may also use a sun-tracking algorithm to determine whether shading and/or reflections from building features of the building itself are present on the glazing, window walls, and/or facades. Such architectural features include, but are not limited to, windows, skylights, bodies of water, overhangs, fins, shutters, and/or sun visors (light shades). Thus, if a building is obscured by and/or in reflected light from any of these architectural features, the ASC100 algorithm may be used to adjust the window covering accordingly.

ASC100 may be configured with one or more user interfaces to facilitate user access and control. For example, as shown in the exemplary screenshot of user interface 500 in fig. 5, the user interface may include various clickable links, drop down menu 510, fill out box 515, and others. The user interface 500 may be used to access and/or define various ASC100 information for controlling the shading of a building, including, for example, geodetic coordinates of a building; a floor plan of a building; general shading system commands (e.g., add shading up, down, etc.); recording an event; actual and calculated sun position; actual and calculated solar angles; actual and calculated solar radiation; actual and calculated solar penetration angle and/or depth; actual and/or calculated solar intensity; measured brightness and light veiling glare at the height of a window wall or a portion of a window (e.g., a vision panel) and/or on any facade, work surface, and/or floor; shading information; reflection information; the current time; declination of the sun; the height of the sun; sun orientation; a sky condition; sunrise and sunset times; the location of each radiometer region; the orientation or surface orientation of each region; compass readings for each zone; brightness at the window area; the angle of incidence of the sun striking the glass in each zone; window covering position for each zone; a thermal gain; and/or any other parameters used or defined by ASC100 components, users, radiometers, light sensors, temperature sensors, etc.

ASC100 may also be configured to generate one or more reports based on any of the ASC100 parameters described above. For example, the ASC100 may generate a insolation report based on floor plans, power usage, event log data, sensor positions, shade movements, shade information, reflection information, sensor data versus shade movements and/or manual overrides, and/or the like. The reporting feature may also allow a user to analyze historical data details. For example, historical data regarding shade movement along with at least one of sky conditions, brightness sensor data, shading information, reflection information, and the like may allow a user to continuously optimize the system over time. As another example, data for a particular time period may be compared from one year to the next, which provides an opportunity to optimize the system in ways that are not yet possible or practical with existing systems.

The ASC100 may be configured to operate in an automatic mode (based on preset window covering movements) and/or a reactive mode (based on readings from one or more sensors 125). For example, an array of one or more visible spectrum light sensors may be implemented in a reactive mode, where the light sensors are oriented on the roof horizontally towards the horizon. The light sensor may be used to define and/or quantify a sky condition, such as at sunrise and/or sunset. Further, a light sensor may be disposed inside the structure to detect the amount of visible light within the structure. The ASC100 may further communicate with one or more artificial lighting systems to optimize visible lighting within the structure based on light sensor readings.

Referring to the exemplary diagram shown in fig. 2A, an embodiment of a window system 200 is depicted. The window system 200 includes a structured surface 205 configured with one or more windows 210. A housing 240 may be attached to the structural surface 205. Holster 240 may include one or more motors 130 and/or opening devices 250 configured to adjust one or more window coverings 255. The solar rays may achieve actual solar penetration 260 into the enclosed space through the window system 200 based on factors including, for example, time of day, time of year, window geometry, building environment, and the like. Referring now to fig. 2B, one or more window coverings 255 may be extended to partially and/or completely block and/or block solar rays to limit actual solar penetration to programmed solar penetration 270.

With continued reference to fig. 2A and 2B, the structural surface 205 may include walls, rebar beams, ceilings, floors, and/or any other structural surface or component. The window 210 may include any type of window, including, for example, a skylight and/or any other type of opening configured for solar penetration. The frame 240 may be configured as any type of frame including, for example, a ceramic tube, a hardware frame, a plastic frame, and/or any other type of frame. Opening device 250 may include a pull cord, roller bar, pull cord, knot, pulley, lever, and/or any other type of device configured to facilitate adjustment, opening, closing, and/or changing of window covering 255.

The window covering 255 may be any type of window covering to facilitate control of sun glare, brightness and light veiling glare, contrast brightness and light veiling glare, luminance ratios, solar thermal gain or loss, UV exposure, design consistency, and/or to provide a better interior environment for occupants of the structure that supports increased productivity. The window covering 255 may be any type of window covering, such as blinds (blinds), curtains, shades (shades), venetian blinds, vertical blinds, adjustable shutters or panels, fabric coverings with and/or without a low E coating, meshes, mesh coverings, louver strips, metal coverings, and/or the like.

The window covering 255 may also include two or more different fabrics or types of coverings to achieve optimal shading. For example, the window covering 255 may be configured with both a fabric and a louver strip. Further, embodiments may employ a dual window covering system, whereby two window coverings 255 of different types are employed to optimize shading performance in two different modes of operation. For example, in clear sky conditions, the darker fabric color may face the interior of the building (the weave allows a brighter surface to face the exterior of the building to reflect incident energy out of the building) to minimize reflection and glare, thereby enhancing the field of view to the outside while reducing the brightness and light veiling glare and thermal load on the space. Alternatively, during cloudy conditions, an interior-facing brighter fabric may be deployed to actively reflect interior brightness and light veiling glare back into the space, thereby minimizing shading to improve productivity.

The window covering 255 may also be configured to be visually pleasing. For example, the window covering 255 may be decorated with various ornamentation, color, texture, logos, pictures, and/or other features to provide aesthetic benefits. In one embodiment, window covering 255 is configured with aesthetic features on both sides of the covering. In another embodiment, only one side of the covering 255 is decorated. Window covering 255 may also be configured with reflective surfaces, light absorbing surfaces, wind resistant materials, rain resistant materials, and/or any other type of surface and/or resistance. Although fig. 2 depicts the window covering 255 as being disposed within the structure, the window covering 255 may be disposed on the outside of the structure, both on the inside of the structure and the outside of the structure, between two panes, and/or the like. The motor 130 and/or the opening device 250 may be configured to facilitate adjustment of the window covering 255 to one or more positions along the window 210 and/or the structural surface 205. For example, as depicted in fig. 2A and 2B, the motor 130 and/or the opening device 250 may be configured to move the window covering 255 into any number of stop positions, such as into four different stop positions 215, 220, 225, and 230.

Further, the window covering 255 may be configured to move independently. For example, the window covering 255 associated with a single window and/or a group may include a series of adjustable fins or louvers (louvers). The control of the upper fins may be separate from the control of the lower fins. Thus, light from the lower fins can be directed at a first angle to protect people and sunlight, while light from the upper fins can be directed at a second angle to maximize illumination on the ceiling and into the space behind the fins. In another example, the window covering 255 associated with a single window and/or a group of windows may include a roller screen and/or horizontal louvers associated with a lower portion of the single window and/or the group of windows, and a series of adjustable fins or louvers associated with an upper portion of the single window and/or the group of windows. The control of the lower roller screen and/or the lower horizontal louver may be separate from the upper shutter. As before, the lower roller screen and/or lower horizontal blinds can protect people and sunlight, while the upper shutter can direct light toward the ceiling to maximize lighting on the ceiling and direct light into the space behind the shutter.

Further, the window covering 255 may include any number of separate components, such as a plurality of shade layers (shadetiers). For example, a window covering 255 associated with a single window and/or a group of windows may include multiple horizontal and/or vertical layers, such as three obscuring layers-a bottom layer, a middle layer, and a top layer. The control of each masking layer may be separate from the control of each other masking layer. Thus, for example, the top masking layer may be moved downward, then the middle layer may be moved downward, and then the lower layer may be moved downward, or vice versa. Further, multiple shades may be configured to act in unison. For example, a 300 foot high window may be covered by three 100 foot shades, each shade being controlled individually. However, three 100 foot shades may be configured to move in a coordinated manner so as to provide a continuous or near continuous shade deployment from top to bottom. Accordingly, the plurality of obscuring layers may be moved in any order and/or into any configuration suitable to facilitate control of one or more parameters (such as, for example, internal brightness, internal temperature, solar heat gain, etc.).

Stop locations 215, 220, 225, and 230 may be determined based on the sky type. That is, the CCS110 may be configured to run one or more programs to automatically control the movement of the motorized window covering 255 unless the user chooses to manually override the control of some or all of the coverings 255. The one or more programs may be configured to move the window covering 255 to the shade positions 215, 220, 225, and 230 based on various factors including, for example, latitude, time of day, time of year, measured solar radiation intensity, orientation of the window 210, degree of solar penetration 235, shade information, reflection information, and/or any other user-defined correction. Additionally, the window covering 255 may be configured to operate exclusively in harsh weather patterns (such as, for example, during hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.). Although fig. 2A and 2B depict four different stop positions, ASC100 may include any number of masking and/or stop positions to facilitate automated masking control.

For example, shading on a building can cause a variety of effects including, for example, reduced heat gain, a change in shading coefficient, a reduction in visible light transmittance to as low as 0-1%, a reduction in the "U" value to cause reduced conductive heat flow from "hot to cold" (e.g., reduced heat flow into the building in the summer), and/or reduced heat flow through the glazing in the winter. Window covering 255 may be configured with a lower "U" value to facilitate bringing the surface temperature of the inner surface of window covering 255 closer to room temperature. That is, to facilitate making the interior surface of the window covering 255 cooler than the glazing in the summer and hotter than the glazing in the winter. As a result, the window covering 255 may help occupants near the window wall not feel the warmer surface of the glass and thus feel more comfortable and require less air conditioning in the summer. Likewise, the window covering 255 may help during winter months by helping occupants maintain body heat when sitting adjacent to cooler glass and thus requiring lower internal heating temperatures. The net effect is to facilitate a reduction in energy usage inside the building by minimizing room temperature modification.

ASC100 may be configured to operate in various sky modes in order to move window covering 255 for optimal interior lighting. The sky mode includes, for example, a cloudy day mode, a night mode, a clear sky mode, a localized cloudy mode, a sunrise mode, a sunset mode, and/or any other user configured mode of operation. The ASC100 may be configured to use clear sky sun algorithms, such as those developed by the american society of heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning engineers (ASHRAE), and/or any other clear sky sun algorithm known or used to calculate and quantify a model of the sky. For example, and referring to fig. 4, the ASHRAE model 400 may include a plot of ASHRAE theoretical clear sky solar radiation 405 as a function of time 410 and a plot of integrated solar radiation values 415. Time 410 depicts the time from sunrise to sunset. The measured solar radiation values 420 may then be plotted to display the measured values to the calculated clear sky values. The ASHRAE model 400 may be used to facilitate tracking of sky conditions throughout the day. The CCS110 may be configured to draw a new ASHRAE model 400 hourly, daily, and/or at any other user-defined interval. Further, the ASC100 may be configured to compare the measured solar radiation value 420 to a threshold level 425. The threshold level 425 may represent a percentage of clear sky solar radiation 405 calculated by ASHRAE. When the measured solar radiation value 420 exceeds a threshold level 425, the ASC100 may be configured to operate in a first sky mode (such as a clear sky mode). Likewise, when the measured solar radiation value 420 does not exceed the threshold level 425, the ASC may be configured to operate in a second sky mode (such as a cloudy sky mode).

The ASC100 may use ASHRAE clear sky mode along with one or more inputs from one or more sensors 125 (such as radiometers) to measure instantaneous solar radiation levels within the structure and/or determine sky patterns. The CCS110 may be configured to send commands to the motor 130 and/or the window opening 250 to facilitate adjusting the position of the window covering 255 according to sky patterns, solar heat gain into the structure, solar penetration into the structure, ambient lighting, and/or any other user-defined criteria.

For example, in one embodiment, an ASHRAE model may be used to provide reduced thermal gain as measured by shading coefficient factors of a fabric that vary with density, weave, and color. In addition, the window covering may add a "U" value (the inverse of the "R" value) and reduce the thermal conduction gain (i.e., the reduction in temperature transfer by conduction) when extended over the glass.

For example, referring to the flowchart illustrated in fig. 3, the CCS110 may be configured to receive solar radiation readings from one or more sensors 125 (such as radiometers) (step 301). The CCS110 may then determine whether any of the sensor readings are out of range, thereby indicating an error (step 303). If any of the readings/values are out of range, the CCS110 may be configured to average the readings of the in-range sensors to obtain a comparison value (step 305) for comparison to an ASHRAE clear sky solar radiation model (step 307). If all readings are within range, each sensor value may be compared to a theoretical solar radiation value predicted by the ASHRAE clear sky solar radiation model (step 307). That is, each sensor 125 may have a reading that indicates a definable deviation as a percentage of deviation from ASHRAE clear sky theory. Thus, if the sensor readings all deviate by a certain percentage from the theoretical value, then the condition may be determined to be cloudy or sunny (step 308).

The CCS110 may also be configured to calculate and/or incorporate a solar thermal gain (SHG) period for one or more regions (step 309). By calculating the SHG, the CCS110 may communicate with one or more solar sensors configured within the ASC 100. The solar sensor may be located on the window, in the interior space, on the exterior of the structure, and/or any other location that facilitates measurement of solar penetration and/or solar radiation and/or thermal gain at that location. The CCS110 may be configured to compare the current location of one or more window coverings 255 to a location based on the most recently calculated SHG to determine whether the window covering 255 should be moved. The CCS110 may additionally determine the time of the last movement of the window covering 255 to determine if another movement is required. For example, if the user-specified minimum time interval has not elapsed, the CCS110 may be configured to ignore the most recent SHG and not move the window covering 255 (step 311). Alternatively, the CCS110 may be configured to override a user-defined time interval for window covering 255 movement. Thus, the CCS110 may facilitate movement of the overlay 255 to correspond to the most recent SHG value (step 313).

Although fig. 3 depicts movement of window covering 255 in a particular manner with particular steps, any number of these steps may be used to facilitate movement of window covering 255. Further, although a particular order of steps is presented, any of these steps may occur in any order. Still further, although the method of fig. 3 contemplates using sensors and/or SHGs to facilitate movement of the window covering 235, a variety of additional and/or alternative factors may be used by the CCS110 to facilitate movement, such as, for example, a calculated solar radiation intensity incident on each area, user demand for light pollution, structural isolation factors, light uniformity requirements, seasonal requirements, and the like.

For example, the ASC100 may be configured to employ multiple iterations for movement of the window covering 255. In one embodiment, ASC100 may be configured to use a Variable Allowable Solar Penetration Program (VASPP), where ASC100 may be configured to apply different maximum solar penetration settings based on the time of year. These solar penetrations may be configured to alter some of the operation of the ASC100 due to changes in the sun's angle over the course of a year. For example, during winter time (in north america), the sun will be at a lower angle and thus the sensors 125 used by the present disclosure, such as radiometers and/or any other sensors, may detect the maximum BTU and there may be high solar penetration into the structure. That is, for a duration of at least 10am to 2pm during a day, the brightness and veiling glare in the south and east directions of the building will have a significant amount of sunlight and brightness on the window walls during the winter months. In these situations, the allowable sun penetration settings of the ASC100 may be set lower for more protection due to lower sun angles and higher brightness and light veiling glare levels on the facade of the structure. In another embodiment, a shade fabric with middle to middle dark value gray on the outside and light middle gray on the inside at 2-3% openness can be used to control brightness, maximize field of view, and allow for a more open fabric, depending on the interior color.

Conversely, during summer time, the sun will be at a higher angle that minimizes BTU loading, whereby the allowable solar penetration of the ASC100 may be set higher for viewing during clear sky conditions. For example, north, northwest and northeast orientations typically have much lower annual solar loads, but have a sun light ball (orb) early in the summer and early evening, and may have brightness levels in excess of 2000 NITS; there are 5500 Lux (Lux) at each time of the year and day (current window brightness default), however for shorter periods. These high solar intensities are most prevalent during the three month period centered on 21 days of summer to 6 months. To address this, the ASC100 may be configured such that higher solar penetration does not present a problem if the light reaches an uncomfortable location with respect to the interior surface. In these cases, the VASPP may be configured with regular changes in solar penetration throughout the year, such as monthly or seasonal changes (i.e., seasonal solstice). A minimum BTU load ("go (go)"/"no-go (no go)") may additionally be employed in the ASC100, whereby movement of the window covering 255 may not commence unless the BTU load on the facade of the structure is above some preset level.

The VASPP can also be configured to adjust solar penetration based on the solar load on the glass. For example, if a south facing facade (elevation) has a stairwell, it may have different sun penetration requirements than the office area and than the corners at the west facing facade. Light can be filtered up and down the staircase so that the shade moves asymmetrically. As a result, window covering 255 may be lowered or raised based on the sun angle and the solar thermal gain level (which may or may not be confirmed by the active sensor before making the adjustment). The VASPP may also be configured with an internal brightness and light curtain glare sensor to facilitate fine tuning of the level of the window covering 255. Further, there may be one or more preset set point points for window covering 255 based on day/intensity analysis. The day/brightness analysis may factor in any one or more of, for example, estimated BTU load, sky conditions, daylight time, light curtain glare, averages from light sensors, and/or any other relevant algorithms and/or data.

In another aspect, one or more optical light sensors may be located in the interior, exterior, or within a structure. The light sensor may facilitate daylight/brightness sensing and averaging for reactive protection against excessive brightness and light veiling glare due to reflective surfaces from surrounding urban or urban landscapes. These bright reflective surfaces may include, but are not limited to, reflective glass adjacent a building, water surfaces, sand, snow, and/or any other bright surface outside a building that transmits visually debilitating reflected light into the building under certain solar conditions.

In one exemplary method, the sensor may be located about 30-36 inches from the floor and about 6 inches from the fabric to simulate the field of view (FOV) from the desktop. One or more additional sensors may detect light by observing light transmitted through the window covering 255 as it moves through the various stop positions. The FOV sensor and additional sensors may be averaged to determine the daylight level. If the value of the daylight level is greater than the default value, the ASC100 may enter the brightness override mode and move the window covering 255 to another position. If the daylight level does not exceed the default value, the ASC100 may not enter the brightness override mode and therefore not move the window covering 255. The ASC100 may then be configured to fine-tune the illumination level of the window wall by averaging the masked and unmasked portions of the window. Fine-tuning can be used to adjust the field of view from the desktop according to seasonal, internal, external, and furniture considerations and/or job and personal considerations.

In another embodiment, the ASC100 may be configured with approximately 6-10 light sensors placed in the following exemplary locations: (1) a light sensor viewing the fabric at about 3 feet 9 inches from the floor at a south elevation and about 3 inches from the fabric; (2) a sensor to view the glass at a south elevation approximately 3 feet 6 inches from the floor and approximately 3 inches from the glass; (3) a sensor for viewing the drywall at the southern elevation; (4) a sensor mounted on the table top for viewing the ceiling; (5) a sensor mounted outside the structure and looking south; (6) a sensor mounted on the outside of the structure and looking westernly; (7) one sensor approximately 3 inches from the center of extended window covering 255 when window covering 255 is approximately 25% closed; (8) one sensor approximately 3 inches from the center of extended window cover 255 when cover 255 is approximately 25% to 50% closed; (9) one sensor approximately 3 inches from the center of the glass; and (10) one sensor approximately 3 inches from the middle of the lower section of the window and approximately 18 inches from the floor. In one embodiment, ASC100 may average readings from sensors 10 and 7, such as described above. If the average is above the default value and the ASC has not moved the window covering 255, the covering 255 may be moved to approximately the 25% closed position. Next, ASC100 may average the readings from sensors 10 and 8 to determine whether window covering 255 should be moved again.

In another embodiment, ASC100 may be configured to average the readings from sensors 2 and 1 above. The ASC100 may use the average of these two sensors to determine a "go" or "no go" value. That is, if the glass sensor (sensor 2) senses too much light and the ASC100 has not moved the window covering 255, the covering 255 may be moved to the first position. The ASC100 will then average the glass sensor (sensor 2) and the sensor (sensor 1) that only observes the light transmitted through the fabric. If the average is greater than the user-defined default value, the window covering 255 may be moved to the next position and the process will repeat. If ASC100 has previously specified a window covering position based on solar geometry and sky conditions (as described above), ASC100 may be configured to override this positioning to lower and/or raise window covering 255. If the average light level on both sensors drops below a default value, positioning according to solar geometry and sky conditions will be used.

In another similar embodiment, a series of light sensors may be carefully employed behind available structural members (such as pillars or stairs), whereby, for example, these sensors may be located approximately 3 to 5 feet from the fabric and glass surface. Four sensors may be positioned across the height of the window wall corresponding to the installation height (including all up and all down) between each of the potentially five alignment positions. These sensors may even be used for temporary purposes, whereby the detected levels on these sensors may at some time be mapped either to existing ceiling-mounted already installed light sensors to help control the brightness and light veiling glare of the lighting system in the space, or even to externally installed light sensors to finally minimize the resources required to instrument the entire building.

In various embodiments, the ASC100 may be configured with one or more additional light sensors of the viewing window wall. These sensors may be configured to continuously detect and report light levels as the shade moves down the window. The ASC100 may use these light levels to calculate the lighting values for the entire window wall, and it may use these values to facilitate adjusting the shading. In one embodiment, three different sensors are positioned to detect light from the window wall. In another embodiment, two different sensors are positioned to detect light from the window wall. The first sensor may be positioned to view window shading at a location corresponding to approximately 25% closed window covering 255, and the second sensor may be positioned to view window shading at a location approximately 75% closed. These sensors may be used to optimize light thresholds, differentiate between artificial and natural light, and/or utilize brightness and veiling glare sensors to protect against overcompensation for brightness and veiling glare. The method may also employ a solar geometry override option. That is, if the light value drops to a default value, the movement of the window covering 255 may be controlled by the sun geometry position rather than the light level.

Further, the ASC100 may be configured with one or more sensors that view the dry (dry) interior wall. These sensors can detect the internal illumination and compare this value to the average illumination of one or more sensors of the viewing window wall. This ratio may be used to determine the positioning of window covering 255 by moving window covering 255 up or down to obtain an interior illumination ratio of dry wall illumination to window wall illumination ranging from, for example, approximately 9:1 to 15: 1. Other industry standard configurations employ a 3:1 luminance ratio for a 30 degree cone (center view) around a VDU (video display unit), a 10:1 luminance ratio for a 90 cone around the VDU, and a 30:1 ratio for the back wall luminance to the VDU. Sensors can be strategically placed throughout the room environment to bring data to the controller to support these types of algorithms.

In yet another embodiment, ASC100 may also be configured to conform to a transparent window facade following a multi-level stairway section that tends to promote a "skylight-like" condition down the stairway (i.e., the upper portion of the wall contains windows that supply natural light to the building). The ASC100 may be configured to use a sun-tracking algorithm to account for double-height facades to ensure that the sun's angle of penetration is correctly accounted for and controlled. For example, the geometry of the window (including details such as height, overhang, fins, position in the window wall, and/or the like) may be programmed into ASC100, and ASC100 then calculates the effect of the solar rays on the window. A light sensor arrangement and algorithm may be provided to help detect and overcome any override brightness and light curtain glare originating from reflections from light penetration through the upper floors.

In another embodiment, ASC100 may employ any combination of light sensors located on the exterior and/or interior spaces of a building to detect uncomfortable light levels during sunrise and sunset, which override the window covering settings established by sun tracking under these conditions.

In another embodiment, ASC100 may be configured to detect bright cloudy days and establish appropriate window covering settings under these conditions. Bright cloudy days tend to have uniform brightness in the east and west, while the zenith tends to be approximately one third of the brightness of the horizon, as opposed to bright sunny days in which the zenith is typically three times brighter than the horizon. External sensors 125, such as light sensors and/or radiometers, may be configured to detect these conditions. Under these conditions, the window covering (top down) may be pulled down to just below the height of the desktop, thereby facilitating proper lighting at the desktop while providing a view into the urban landscape. The interior light sensor also helps to determine this condition and may allow the window covering to drop only to 50% and still maintain the brightness and light drape glare comfort derived from the illuminance ratio in the space. For example, sensors 125, such as photometers and/or radiometers, may be placed on all sides of a building and/or on a rooftop surface. For example, a rectangular building with a flat roof may have various sensors 125 placed on all four sides of the building and on the roof. Thus, the ASC 110 may detect directional insolation on a sunny day. Further, the ASC100 may detect bright cloudy conditions, where sun exposure may have relatively diffuse, uniform lighting characteristics. Accordingly, ASC 110 may implement various algorithms to control excessive sky brightness. Further, the ASC100 may include any of a variety of sensors 125 placed on all sides and/or facades of a building, which have many orientations due to the shape of the building and/or the direction in which the facade of the building is oriented.

In embodiments, override sensors 125 may also be strategically placed on each floor and connected to the ASC100 to help detect glare reflections from the city landscape as well as to address changes made in the city landscape and to ensure proper setting of shading to maintain visual comfort. These sensors 125 may also be employed to help reduce night time light curtain glare and brightness issues in urban settings where minimum sign thresholds imposed on surrounding buildings and instrumented buildings may cause unusual lighting conditions that are difficult to model. In some cases, these conditions may be static, whereby the sensors 125 may not be necessary and a timer may be used to process these conditions simply based on occupancy as information that may be provided from the building's lighting system. In addition, reflection algorithms may be employed by the ASC100 to interpret reflected light, including reflected sunlight from nearby sources, reflected artificial light, and so forth.

According to various embodiments, and referring now to fig. 6, ASC100 may be configured to execute an algorithm, such as algorithm 600, that incorporates at least one of solar thermal gain information, sky condition information, shade information, reflection information, solar profile information, and/or solar penetration information. The CCS110 may be configured to receive information from one or more sensors 125 (step 601), such as radiometers or other total sun measurement sensors. The CCS110 may then compare the received information to one or more model values (step 603). Based on the results of the comparison, the CCS110 may determine whether the sky condition is cloudy or clear (step 605). The CCS110 may then calculate the solar thermal gain of the interior space in question (step 607). The CCS110 may then evaluate whether the solar thermal gain is above a desired threshold (step 609). If the solar thermal gain is below a desired threshold, for example, one or more window coverings may be moved at least partially toward the fully open position (step 611). Accordingly, if one or more window coverings are already in the fully open position, the window covering may not be moved.

With continued reference to fig. 6, if the solar thermal gain is above a desired threshold, the CCS110 may use the sky condition information determined in step 605 to evaluate the need to move one or more window coverings (step 613). If the sky condition is determined to be a cloudy day, one or more window coverings may be moved at least partially toward and/or held in a fully open position (step 615). If the sky condition is determined to be clear, the CCS110 may use at least one of shading information, reflection information, etc. to determine whether to expose the window or windows in question to sunlight (step 617). If the window or windows in question are not exposed to sunlight, the window or windows covering may be moved and/or held in a fully open position at least partially toward the fully open position (step 619). If the window or windows in question are exposed to sunlight, the CCS110 may calculate and/or measure the distribution angle and/or incidence angle of the sunlight (step 621).

With continued reference to fig. 6, the CCS110 may then calculate the current sun penetration based on information including, but not limited to, sun distribution angle, sun incidence angle, window geometry, building features, location of one or more window coverings, shading information, reflection information, sky conditions, and/or the like. If the current solar penetration is below the threshold solar penetration (step 623), the one or more window coverings may be moved toward and/or held in the fully open position (step 625), at least in part. Alternatively, if the current solar penetration is above the threshold solar penetration, the CCS110 may issue instructions configured to move the one or more window coverings at least partially toward the fully-closed position to reduce the current solar penetration below the threshold solar penetration (step 627).

Further, in certain embodiments, the CCS110 and/or ASC100 may be configured with a delay period before responding to information received from the sensors (e.g., reflection information, brightness information, shading information, and/or the like). Certain reflected light, such as light reflected from a moving vehicle, may be projected onto a particular surface for only a limited amount of time. Thus, movement of the window covering in response to the reflected light may not be necessary. Also, the movement of the window covering may not be completed before the reflected light has stopped. In addition, responses to repeated, transient reflected light (e.g., reflections from vehicle teams, reflections from unstable water surfaces, etc.) may result in nearly constant window covering movement in an attempt to keep up with changing lighting conditions. In another example, a certain shading condition may only last for a brief period of time, such as a shading condition caused by the sun being temporarily shaded by clouds. Thus, movement of the window covering in response to this change in illumination may be unnecessary. Thus, in an embodiment, the ASC100 and/or CCS110 are configured to respond to information from the sensor only after the sensor has reported a changing lighting condition (e.g., the presence of reflected light, the presence of shading, and/or the like) for five (5) seconds. In another embodiment, the ASC100 and/or CCS110 are configured to respond to information from the sensor only after the sensor has reported changing lighting conditions for ten (10) seconds. Further, ASC100 may have a first response time associated with a first zone, a second response time associated with a second zone, and so on, and the response time associated with each zone may be different. Further, the user may update the response time associated with a particular zone as desired. ASC100 may thus be configured with any number of regional response times, default response times, user input response times, and the like.

Turning now to fig. 7A, and in accordance with various embodiments, ASC100 may be configured to execute an algorithm, such as algorithm 700, that incorporates measured luminance information. The CCS110 may be configured to receive luminance information from one or more photometers. The CCS110 may also be configured to receive information from other sensors such as radiometers, ultraviolet sensors, infrared sensors, and the like (step 701). The CCS110 may then evaluate the current brightness (luminance) and/or illumination (illumiance) and compare the current brightness and/or illumination to a threshold brightness and/or illumination (step 703). If the current value exceeds the threshold, the CCS110 may perform a brightness override and may move one or more window coverings at least partially toward the fully-closed position (step 705). If the current value does not exceed the threshold, the CCS110 may not perform a brightness override and may leave the one or more window coverings in their current position and/or move at least partially toward the fully-open position (step 707).

Further, ASC100 may be configured to utilize one or more external sensors (e.g., visible light sensors) to perform brightness overrides. In this manner, individual building zone brightness sensors may be reduced and/or eliminated, resulting in significant cost savings, as building zone brightness sensors may be expensive to purchase and/or install and difficult to calibrate and/or maintain. Further, ASC100 may be configured to utilize one or more interior light sensors along with one or more exterior light sensors to determine whether a brightness override is required for any of the motor zones in a particular building.

Turning now to fig. 7B, and in accordance with various embodiments, ASC100 may be configured to execute an algorithm, such as algorithm 750, that incorporates modeled luminance information. For example, the ASC100 may be configured to utilize modeled luminance information to determine whether to move the mask. In embodiments, the modeled luminance information is associated and/or curve-fitted to measured and/or modeled BTU loads on the window, measured and/or modeled total solar radiation levels (e.g., as predicted by a clear sky model such as an ASHRAE model), or other variables associated with the window. In various embodiments, a brightness model may be utilized by ASC100 and/or incorporated into ASC100 to allow adjustment of shading in incremental, intermediate positions (other than fully closed or fully open) to achieve a desired brightness level, e.g., in a room. In relation to the luminance model, the ASC100 may be configured to position a particular mask at up to 128 intermediate positions between fully open and fully closed. In this way, the ASC100 enables incremental adjustment of the light level in the room, not just binary on/off adjustment. For example, go to position 1 if the luminance is X lux, go to position 2 if the luminance is Y lux, and so on.

Using the modeled luminance information, the ASC100 may be configured with reduced and/or eliminated reliance on external photometers and/or radiometers. For example, via the use of modeled brightness information, the ASC100 may operate with only a single external photometer (e.g., a photometer located on the roof of a building) or a small number of external photometers (e.g., photometers associated with each floor of a building), rather than an appropriate level of performance associated with the photometer associated with each window on the building. In this manner, by eliminating most and/or all external photometers, the ASC100 may be configured to greatly reduce initial system costs, reduce ongoing maintenance costs, and improve system reliability.

In addition to the modeled luminance information, the measured luminance information may be used by the ASC100, for example, to calibrate and/or refine the luminance model. In embodiments, a default brightness model may be utilized by the ASC100 in connection with a particular building based on latitude, elevation, date, and event, among others. Based on information obtained over time from one or more radiometers and/or photometers associated with the building, the ASC100 may refine and/or revise the default brightness model to more closely model the actual conditions associated with the building. In this way, the ASC100 may improve the accuracy of the luminance model, allowing ongoing operation of the ASC100 with fewer and/or no photometers while still delivering an acceptable level of performance.

Further, measured luminance information used to refine, update, modify, or compensate the modeled luminance information may be obtained from one or more sensors (e.g., photometer, radiometer, and/or the like). In embodiments, ASC100 is configured with four (4) photometers, one facing each of the principal orientations (north, south, east, west). Luminance information from the photometer may be used to refine and/or update the luminance model. In various embodiments, ASC100 is configured with a four-way midpoint (intercardinal) direction (northeast, northwest, southwest, southeast). The photometer may be varied in orientation as well as elevation to obtain a desired amount of measured brightness information.

In embodiments, the brightness model is configured to consider a number of factors that contribute to the brightness at a location of interest (e.g., a window) throughout the day. In various embodiments, the luminance model is configured to include information about direct solar radiation, diffuse solar radiation, reflected solar radiation, and field of view (i.e., skyline) information for one or more locations of interest.

In various embodiments, the intensity model may be created by utilizing correlations, curve fitting, correction factors (i.e., weighting), algorithms, and/or other mathematical relationships with one or more other variables associated with the structure (and/or the location of interest thereon) and/or the environment of the structure. For example, a brightness model may be created and/or refined by utilizing one or more of a clear sky model, measured BTU load information, modeled BTU load information, atmospheric information (altitude, humidity, pollution, and/or the like), measured total radiation, modeled total radiation, window orientation, window elevation, window orientation, window size, window height, skyline information, and/or the like. Further, the luminance model may be created and/or modified as desired by utilizing any suitable inputs or variables.

In various embodiments, the field of view information may be used in a brightness model to more accurately predict and/or model how brightness changes at and/or among multiple locations of interest (e.g., multiple windows on a building). For example, in a particular building, a first window (having a particular orientation, elevation, etc.) may have an unobstructed field of view to the horizon, while a second window (again having its own particular orientation, elevation, etc.) may have a partially obstructed field of view due to a nearby building, and a third window may have an almost completely obstructed field of view due to a nearby building. Since the field of view may affect the brightness at a location, the brightness model may incorporate this information for each location of interest (e.g., to allow the ASC100 to control shadowing in a desired manner). In this manner, ASC100 may perform a brightness override of modeling of a mask associated with a particular window while not performing brightness control of modeling of a mask associated with a particular other window. In other words, ASC100 may be configured to perform a modeled brightness override on an "as needed" basis and with respect to one window and/or motor area independently of another.

Further, in various embodiments, ASC100 may be configured with multiple photometers to assess the amount of brightness due to veiling and the amount of brightness due to urban landscapes. As discussed in additional detail herein, in embodiments, computer models of the building and its surroundings may be used to generate Pleijel projection images (e.g., a "virtual camera" constructs a 180 degree hemispherical projection of all objects visible in the direction that the virtual camera is facing). This field of view information can be combined and/or correlated with photometer information and used in the brightness model. For example, a roof-mounted photometer may be used to identify the luminance contribution from a backdrop, while a window-mounted photometer may be used to identify the luminance contribution from an adjacent urban landscape. For example, the relative weights of the inputs may be adjusted based on the field of view information.

In embodiments, the field of view information may be used in a brightness model as an adjustment parameter (e.g., expressed as a percentage) that may modify the effect of the calculated sky brightness on the location of interest. For example, if a field of view from a particular window includes urban landscapes in the bottom 2/3 of the field of view and sky in the top 1/3 of the field of view, then a particular adjustment parameter value may be set that, taking into account the urban landscape portion of the field of view, reduces the impact/contribution of the calculated sky brightness compared to the full sky field of view at the location of interest. Likewise, if a field of view from a particular window includes urban landscapes in the bottom 1/3 of the field of view and sky in the top 2/3 of the field of view, a particular adjustment parameter value may be set that reduces the effect of the calculated sky brightness to a lesser extent. It will be appreciated that, in general, the greater the degree to which a city landscape or other item occludes the view of the sky at a location of interest, the less the contribution/impact of the calculated sky brightness in the brightness model of the region of interest.

In embodiments, the ASC100 is configured to use the measured luminance algorithm concurrently with the modeled luminance algorithm, for example, to refine the modeled luminance algorithm, to evaluate potential additions and/or removals of photometers, to evaluate computational load on the system, and so forth.

In embodiments, the ASC100 is configured to use a luminance algorithm that incorporates modeling of luminance values. In various other embodiments, the ASC100 is configured to use a modeled luminance algorithm in conjunction with luminance values. In certain embodiments, the ASC100 is configured to use a modeled luminance algorithm that combines luminance and luminance values.

Further, in some embodiments, the modeled luminance algorithm may be operated in real-time; in other embodiments, the modeled luminance algorithm may not operate in real-time. Also, the modeled luminance algorithm may be configured to use current weather data from local sensors or third party sources (e.g., weather data available from a database or via an electronic network), historical weather data, and so forth.

In various embodiments, ASC100 is configured to utilize a brightness model in connection with one or more timers and/or delays. For example, ASC100 may be configured to not perform a modeled brightness override if one or more windows and/or motor zones will be in an excessive brightness condition for a limited period of time (such as between approximately one minute and thirty minutes). Moreover, ASC100 may be configured to not perform a modeled brightness override if one or more windows and/or motor zones will be in an excessive brightness condition for any desired length of time.

"excessive" brightness may include conditions that cause visual or physical discomfort to the occupant. Also, the excessive brightness may include a particular brightness value in lux that is marked as excessive. For example, if it is a cloudy day and the lux in a room is above a certain value, the room is too bright. If it is a sunny day and the lux in a room is above another certain value, the room is too bright.

It will be understood that the ASC100 may be configured to utilize modeled brightness information at a particular location (e.g., in a vertical plane parallel to the windowpane). In this way, the modeled brightness information may be further interpreted and/or utilized, for example, by considering the internal brightness value as equal to the modeled brightness value multiplied by the visible light transmittance of the window glass. Similarly, the modeled luminance information may be used in conjunction with information about the luminance factor of the masking material to determine the overall internal luminance caused by a particular window and mask combination. Additional details regarding luminance factors can be found in U.S. patent application publication No.2010/0157427, entitled "System and method for Shade Selection Using a Fabric Brightness factory", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes, U.S. Pat. No. 12/710,054.

With continued reference to fig. 7B, in an exemplary method, ASC100 may be configured to utilize modeled brightness information in connection with performing a modeled brightness override. The ASC100 may receive, retrieve, or otherwise obtain modeled luminance values for the location of interest (step 751). The ASC100 may then evaluate the modeled brightness values and compare the modeled brightness values to a threshold brightness value (step 753). If the modeled brightness values exceed the threshold brightness values, the ASC100 may perform a modeled brightness override and may move one or more window coverings at least partially toward the fully-closed position (step 755). If the modeled brightness values do not exceed the threshold brightness values, the ASC100 may not perform the modeled brightness override and may leave the one or more window coverings in their current positions and/or move at least partially toward the fully-open position (step 757).

In various embodiments, ASC100 may be configured to perform a modeled brightness override when ASC100 is operating in clear sky mode. In various embodiments, ASC100 may be configured to perform a modeled brightness override when ASC100 observes measured solar radiation equal to or exceeding a threshold (e.g., 75% of clear sky solar radiation calculated by a clear sky model (e.g., ASHRAE), 60% of clear sky solar radiation calculated by a clear sky model, and/or the like).

In various embodiments, the ASC100 may be configured to control the position of one or more window coverings based on a plurality of algorithms. These algorithms may be ordered or otherwise weighted (weighted) to determine priority. In certain embodiments, the ASC100 may control the position of one or more window coverings based on algorithms associated with i) sun penetration, ii) solar heat gain, iii) illuminance, iv) brightness, v) sky conditions, and/or combinations of some or all of the foregoing. Depending on user preferences, climate conditions, energy consumption goals, and the like, the priority of a particular algorithm may be increased and/or decreased. Thus, in certain instances, an algorithm for controlling one or more window coverings based on solar thermal gain may take priority over an algorithm for controlling one or more window coverings based on solar penetration. Likewise, in certain other instances, the algorithm for controlling the one or more window coverings based on solar penetration may take priority over the algorithm for controlling the one or more window coverings based on solar thermal gain. Further, in still other examples, algorithms for controlling one or more window coverings based on modeled brightness information may take priority over algorithms for controlling one or more window coverings based on solar thermal gain, and so forth.

Still further, in various embodiments, the various control algorithms may be configured to have only partial priority with respect to each other. For example, an algorithm for controlling one or more window coverings based on solar penetration may determine a maximum level to which a window covering may be raised without exceeding a target solar penetration level. Another algorithm, e.g., an algorithm for controlling one or more window coverings based on modeled brightness information, may determine different positions of the window coverings to avoid excessive brightness; the ASC100 may be configured to allow the modeled brightness algorithm to further refine (e.g., lower and raise) the position of the window covering, assuming such position does not exceed the maximum allowed position calculated by the sun penetration algorithm. In other words, the modeled brightness algorithm may be allowed to raise and lower window shades, but not exceed the maximum rise level allowed by the sun penetration algorithm. In a similar manner, multiple algorithms may configure or otherwise restrict or partially manage each other in a hierarchy (hierarchy) to provide a greater level of control over one or more window coverings.

Referring now to fig. 8, and in accordance with various embodiments, ASC100 may be configured to execute an algorithm, such as algorithm 800, that incorporates matte information. The CCS110 may be configured to query a shading model (step 801), which may contain information about the shading of the building due to the environment, such as nearby structures, landscape features (e.g., mountains, hills, etc.), and other items that may project a shade onto the building at any point during the day and/or year. The CCS110 may then evaluate the current shading information to determine whether one or more windows and/or motor zones are in a shading condition (step 803). If one or more of the window and/or motor zones are shaded, the CCS110 may perform a shade override and may move one or more of the window coverings at least partially toward the fully open position (step 805). If one or more of the window and/or motor zones are not shaded, the CCS110 may not perform the shading override and may leave the one or more window coverings in their current position and/or at least partially move toward the fully closed position (step 807). Further, the CCS110 may be configured not to perform a shade override if one or more windows and/or motor zones are to be shaded for a limited period of time (such as between about one and thirty minutes). Further, the CCS110 may be configured not to perform a shading override if one or more windows and/or motor zones are to be shaded for any desired length of time.

In various embodiments, the CCS110 may be configured to perform a shadow override when the ASC100 is operating in clear sky mode. In various embodiments, the CCS110 may be configured to perform a shade override when the ASC100 observes a measured solar radiation equal to or exceeding 75% of the clear sky solar radiation calculated by ASHRAE. Further, in embodiments, the CCS110 may be overridden by a bright cloudy-day mode calculation, where one or more window coverings are moved to a predetermined position, such as 50% of full-open.

Referring now to fig. 9, and in accordance with various embodiments, ASC100 may be configured to execute an algorithm (e.g., algorithm 900) that incorporates reflection information. The CCS110 may be configured to query a reflection model (step 901) that may contain information about light reflected onto the building due to the environment (e.g., by reflective components of nearby structures, landscape features (e.g., water, sand, snow, etc.)), and may reflect light onto other items on the building at any point during any period of time (e.g., day, season, year). The CCS110 may then evaluate the current reflection information to determine whether one or more windows and/or motor zones are in a reflection condition (step 903). The window and/or motor area may be considered to be in a reflective condition if the reflected light is projected on at least a portion of the one or more windows and/or motor areas. Further, a motor zone may be considered to be in a reflective condition if only a subset of the windows containing that motor zone are in a reflective condition.

However, the ASC100 may be configured to evaluate each window in the motor area and determine whether each window is in a non-reflective condition (e.g., no reflected light falls on the window), a fully reflective condition (e.g., reflected light falls on all portions of the window), a partially reflective condition (e.g., reflected light falls on only a portion of the window), and so forth. ASC100 may therefore treat the window and/or motor area as being in a reflective condition based on user preferences. For example, in an embodiment, ASC100 is configured to treat a window as being in a reflective condition when the window is fully or partially in reflected light. In other embodiments, the ASC100 is configured to treat the window as being in a reflective condition when the window is fully in reflected light. In still other embodiments, the ASC100 is configured to consider a window to be in a reflective condition when at least 10% of the window is in reflected light. Further, the ASC100 may treat the window as being in a reflective condition by using any suitable threshold, measurement, and/or the like.

If one or more windows and/or motor regions are in reflected light, the CCS110 may perform a reflection override and may move one or more window coverings at least partially toward the fully-closed position (step 905). If one or more windows and/or motor zones are not in reflected light, the CCS110 may not perform a reflection override and may leave one or more window coverings in their current position and/or move at least partially toward the fully open position (step 907). Additionally, the CCS110 may be configured to not perform a reflection override in response to one or more windows and/or motor zones being in reflected light for a limited period of time (such as between about one minute and thirty minutes). Further, the CCS110 may be configured not to perform a reflection override if one or more windows and/or motor zones will be in reflected light for any desired length of time.

ASC100 may be further configured to enable and/or disable reflected overrides based on any suitable criteria, such as: current ASHRAE and/or radiometer sky data readings (i.e., full spectrum information); sky data readings from one or more photometers (i.e., oriented in any suitable manner, e.g., east, west, zenith, and/or the like); a combination of radiometer and photometer data readings; and/or the like. In addition, data from one or more photometers may be utilized by ASC100 to calculate a need for a reflection override. However, data from one or more radiometers may also be utilized. Further, in various embodiments, the ASC100 may be configured to perform various averaging algorithms, thresholds, etc. to reduce the need for repeated movement or "cycling" of one or more window coverings 255.

In various embodiments, the CCS110 may be configured to perform a reflection override when the ASC100 is operating in clear sky mode. However, the CCS110 may also perform a reflection override when the ASC is operating in an arbitrary mode, for example, in response to radiometric sky data. In various embodiments, the CCS110 may be configured to perform a reflection override when the ASC100 observes measured solar radiation equal to or exceeding a certain threshold (e.g., 75% of clear sky solar radiation calculated by ASHRAE). Further, the threshold used to perform the reflection override may relate to a threshold used to determine a sky condition (clear, cloudy, bright cloudy, partially clear, etc.). For example, in an embodiment, the threshold used to perform the reflex override may be 5% greater than the threshold used to determine clear sky conditions. Further, when employing radiometers and photometers, CCS110 may be configured to perform a reflection override only when ASC100 is operating in a particular mode or modes (clear sky, partially clear sky, etc.). The CCS110 may thus evaluate data received from one or more photometers to see if the ambient lighting level is above a particular threshold. Further, in embodiments, the CCS110 may be overridden by a bright cloudy-day mode calculation, where one or more window coverings are moved to a predetermined position, such as 50% of full-open.

Referring now to fig. 10A through 10D, in various embodiments, a reflection program is configured to determine whether reflected light falls on a particular location on a building. A three-dimensional computer model of the building is constructed. As depicted in fig. 10A, the virtual camera is placed on the building model at the location where the reflection is to be evaluated. Three-dimensional computer models of surrounding objects (other buildings, bodies of water, etc.) are constructed. With this information, the virtual camera constructs a 180 degree hemispherical projection of all objects visible in the direction that the camera is facing, as depicted in fig. 10B. The position of the sun is plotted in a hemispherical projection. Depending on the position of the sun and the nature of the objects visible to the camera (e.g., reflective, non-reflective, etc.), the virtual camera position may be in a direct solar light condition, a shading condition, a reflective condition, and so forth. For example, if the position of the sun is within the boundaries of another building, and the building is not reflective, the building will project a shadow onto the virtual camera position, resulting in a shaded condition.

Referring now to fig. 10C, according to various embodiments, one or more reflective surfaces are plotted in a hemispherical projection. Information about the reflecting surface may be stored in a reflector table. For example, the reflector table may contain information characterizing the dimensions of the reflective surface, the position of the reflective surface, the orientation of the reflective surface, the height of the reflective surface, and/or the like. Information from the reflector table may be used to map one or more reflective surfaces in a hemispherical projection. Further, for a defined sun position (azimuth and elevation) in the sky, the sun may be reflected onto the virtual camera position by one or more of the reflective surfaces. The reflected sun (and associated sunlight) has a different position (azimuth and elevation) than the actual sun position in the sky. The reflected sun is plotted on a hemispherical projection.

At this point, the reflected sun may fall within the confines of the at least one reflective surface. If this happens, the reflected sunlight will fall on the virtual camera, as shown in FIG. 10C. Alternatively, the reflected sun may fall outside the confines of any reflective surface. In this case, no reflected sunlight falls on the virtual camera, as shown in fig. 10D.

Further, as shown by fig. 10E, the reflecting surface itself may be shielded. The reflection program may test the position of the reflected sun to determine whether the reflected sun is in a shaded portion or a sunlit portion of the reflective surface. If the reflected sun is on the sunlit portion of the reflective surface, the reflected sun will fall on the virtual camera. If the reflected sun is on a shaded portion of the reflective surface, then no reflected sunlight will fall on the virtual camera. Further, the reflection program may be configured to interpret "self-shading" (where a portion of the building projects shading onto another portion of the building) and "self-reflection" (where a portion of the building reflects light onto another portion of the building) and to appropriately model "self-shading" and "self-reflection". In this way, the reflection algorithm may model, plot, determine, and/or otherwise calculate the presence and/or absence of specular and/or diffuse reflection at any desired location. Further, reflection information for complex building shapes (e.g., cruciform buildings, windmill-shaped buildings, irregular buildings, and/or the like) may thus be modeled, and one or more of the window coverings 255 may be moved accordingly.

In various embodiments, the CCS110 may occasionally calculate conflicting motion information for a motor zone (e.g., via use of one or more of algorithm 600, algorithm 700, algorithm 750, algorithm 800, algorithm 900, and/or the like). For example, a first portion of the motor area may be in a shade condition, which results in the CCS110 calculating a need to move at least one window covering toward a fully open position according to the algorithm 800. At the same time, a second portion of the motor area may be in a reflective condition-causing the CCS110 to calculate a need to move at least one window covering toward the fully closed position according to algorithm 900. To maintain brightness comfort, the CCS110 may be configured to allow the results of algorithm 900 to take priority over the results of algorithm 800. In other words, the CCS110 may be configured to give reflection priority over the obscuration.

CCS110 may be configured to execute one or more algorithms, including but not limited to algorithms 600, 700, 750, 800, and/or 900, on a continuous and/or real-time basis, on a scheduled basis (every ten seconds, every minute, every ten minutes, every hour, etc.), on an interrupted basis (in response to information received from one or more sensors, in response to input received from a user, in response to a remote command, etc.), and/or any combination thereof. Further, the CCS110 may be configured to independently execute an algorithm, such as algorithm 600. CCS110 may also be configured to execute an algorithm, such as algorithm 600, concurrently with one or more additional algorithms, such as algorithm 700, algorithm 750, algorithm 800, algorithm 900, and so forth. Further, the CCS110 may be configured to shut down and/or otherwise disable use of one or more algorithms, such as algorithm 800, as needed, for example, when the condition is cloudy, or the like. Further, the CCS110 may be configured to implement and/or execute any suitable number of algorithms at any suitable time to achieve a desired effect on the enclosed space.

As mentioned herein, the ASC100 may be configured to communicate with a Building Management System (BMS), lighting system, and/or HVAC system to facilitate optimal interior lighting and climate control. Further, the ASC100 may communicate with the BMS for any suitable reason, such as in response to overheating of an area, in response to safety concerns, in response to instructions from a system operator, and/or the like. For example, the ASC100 may be used to determine the solar load on a structure and communicate this information to the BMS. The BMS, in turn, can use this information to actively and/or reactively set the internal temperature and/or light level throughout the structure to avoid having to expend the excessive energy required to alleviate an already uncomfortable level, and to avoid time lags in response to temperature changes on the building. For example, in a typical system, once the thermal load has been registered, the BMS responds to the thermal load on the building. Since changing the internal environment of the building takes significant energy, time, and resources, there is a significant lag in the response time by the BMS to this heat load gain. Instead, the proactive and reactive algorithms and systems of ASC100 are configured to proactively communicate changes regarding brightness, solar angle, heat, etc. to the BMS, such that the BMS can proactively adjust the internal environment before any uncomfortable thermal load/etc. on the building is actually registered.

Further, the ASC100 may be given priority to optimize window covering settings based on energy management and personal comfort criteria, after which existing conditions may be supplemented using lighting and HVAC systems, where the available natural daylight conditions may not be sufficient to meet comfort requirements. Communication with the lighting system may be mandatory to help minimize the required light sensor resources where possible and to help minimize situations where closed loop sensors for both shading and lighting control algorithms may be affected by each other. For example, based on information from one or more brightness sensors, ASC100 may move at least one window covering into a first position. After the ASC100 has moved the window covering, the lighting system may then be activated and select the appropriate dimming for the room. However, oftentimes, the lighting system may overcompensate for existing lighted window walls, where the lighting system may reduce the dimming settings too much and thus create a "cave effect," whereby the ratio of illumination from the window walls to the perimeter wall and work surface may be too great and uncomfortable. A suitable light sensor instrument for illuminance ratio control may be configured to help establish the proper setting of shading and light, even though more energy may be spent to accomplish this comfortable setting. In addition, the illumination sensor may also provide occupancy information to the shade system, which may be used in a multi-use space to help accommodate different operating modes and functions. For example, an unmanned conference room may enter an energy saving mode in which the window covering is deployed up or down the way in coordination with the lights and HVAC to minimize solar heat gain or maximize warmth. Further, when the space is occupied, the window covering may enter the comfort control mode in other ways unless overridden for demonstration purposes.

The ASC100 may also be configured to be customizable and/or fine-tuned to meet the needs of the structure and/or its occupants. For example, the different operating regions may be defined by the size, geometry, and sun orientation of the window opening. ASC100 controls may be configured to respond to specific window types from region to region and/or to individual occupants. The ASC100 may also be configured to give the structure a uniform internal/external look, rather than the "snaggletool" look associated with irregular positioning of window attachments.

ASC100 may also be configured to receive and/or report any tweak requests and/or changes. Thus, the remote controller and/or the local controller may better assist and/or fine tune any feature of ASC 100. ASC100 may also be configured with one or more global parameters for optimizing control and usage of the system. Such global parameters may include, for example, structure location, latitude, longitude, local midline, window size, window angle, date, sunrise and sunset schedules, one or more communication ports, clear sky factor, clear sky error rate, cloudy sky error rate, solar heat gain limits for one or more window covering locations, positioning timers, local time, time that the shade control system will wait before adjusting the shade from cloud to clear sky conditions (or vice versa), and/or any other user-defined global parameters.

ASC100 may also be configured to operate in a particular mode, for example, for sunrise and/or sunset, because of the low heat levels associated with these solar times, but high sunburn, brightness, reflection, and light veiling glare. For example, in one embodiment, ASC100 may be configured with a sun override during sunrise that lowers window coverings 255 in the east side of the structure and moves them upward as the sun moves toward the zenith. Conversely, during sunset, ASC100 may be configured to move window covering 255 on the west side of the structure downward to correspond to the varying solar angles during this time period. In another embodiment, ASC100 may be configured with a reflective override during sunrise that lowers window covering 255 in the west side of the structure due at least in part to light reflected onto the west side of the structure, such as light reflected off of an adjacent building having a reflective exterior. Further, when attempting to preserve the field of view in unobtrusive lighting conditions, the sunrise offset override or the sunset offset override may lock in the shaded position for a preset length of time after sunrise or a preset length of time before sunset and prevent the ASC from reacting to solar conditions.

Further, ASC100 may be configured with a particular subset of components, functions, and/or features, for example, to obtain a desired price point for a particular version of ASC 100. For example, due to memory constraints or other limitations, the ASC100 may be configured to utilize the weekly average solar position of the solar year, rather than the daily average solar position of the solar year. In other words, the ASC100 may be configured to determine changes in the solar curve on a weekly basis, rather than a daily basis. Further, the ASC100 may optionally be configured to support a limited number of motor zones, radiometers and/or photometers, proactive and/or reactive algorithms, data records, and/or the like to achieve a particular system complexity level, price point, or other desired configuration and/or attribute. Further, ASC100 may be configured to support an increased number of particular features (e.g., motor areas) in exchange for support of a corresponding decreased number of another features (e.g., solar days per year). In particular, ASCs 100 with a limited feature set are desirable for use in small-scale deployments, retrofits, and/or the like. Further, ASCs 100 with limited feature sets are expected to achieve improved energy conservation, insolation, brightness control, and/or the like for a particular building. Further, ASC100 may be configured as a stand-alone unit with internal processing functionality such that ASC100 may operate without the computing resources of a PC or other general purpose computer and associated software.

For example, in various embodiments, ASC100 includes a programmable microcontroller configured to support 12 motor zones. The programmable microcontroller is further configured to receive inputs from the 2 solar radiometers. Further, to provide scalability, multiple instances of the ASC100 may be operably linked (i.e., "ganged") together to support additional zones. For example, four ASCs 100 may be grouped together to support 48 zones. Further, the ASC100 is configured with an IP interface to provide networking and communication functions. Further, the ASC100 may be configured with a local communication interface (e.g., RS-232 interface) to facilitate interoperation with and/or control or be controlled by third party systems. ASC100 may also be configured with one or more of graphical user interfaces, buttons, switches, indicators, lights, and the like to facilitate interaction with and/or control by a system user.

Further, in this exemplary embodiment, ASC100 may be configured with a basic event scheduler, such as a scheduler capable of supporting weekly, biweekly, monthly, and/or bi-monthly events. ASC100 may also be configured with time-limited data records, such as records containing information regarding manual and/or automatic shade movements, one or more days of sun conditions, system troubleshooting information, and/or the like, for a limited period of time (e.g., 30 days or other limited time period selected based on cost considerations, information storage space considerations, processing power considerations, and/or other choices).

Further, in this exemplary embodiment, the programmable microcontroller of ASC100 may be configured to utilize a limited set of data to calculate one or more movements of the window mask. For example, ASC100 may be configured to utilize one or more of ASHRAE algorithms, window geometry, window dimensions, window tilt angle, height of sash header and sill from the floor, electromechanical field information, sun orientation, overhang information, window glazing specifications (i.e., shading coefficient, visible light transmittance, etc.). The ASC100 may then calculate the solar angle and/or solar intensity (i.e., in BTU or watts per square meter) for each motor zone and/or the solar penetration of each motor zone. Based on the measured and/or calculated sky conditions, one or more window shades may then be moved into position. The ASC100 may further utilize mask movements resulting from real-time calculations (e.g., calculations based on sensor readings) as well as planned mask movements.

As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the present disclosure may be embodied as a customization of an existing system, an add-on product, upgraded software, a standalone system, a distributed system, a method, a data processing system, an apparatus for data processing, and/or a computer program product. Accordingly, the present disclosure may take the form of an entirely software embodiment, an entirely hardware embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code means embodied in the storage medium. Any suitable computer readable storage medium may be utilized including hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, and/or the like.

These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims or the invention. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, elements described herein are not essential to the practice of the invention unless explicitly described as "essential" or "critical". When at least one of "A, B or" C "is used in the claims, the word is intended to mean any of the following: (1) at least one of A; (2) at least one of B; (3) at least one of C; (4) at least one of A and at least one of B; (5) at least one of B and at least one of C; (6) at least one of A and at least one of C; or (7) at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.

Claims (17)

1. A method for an automated shade control system, comprising:

receiving, at the automated shade control system, modeled luminance values indicating the presence of excessive luminance at a window, wherein a window covering is associated with the window, and wherein the modeled luminance values are generated based at least in part on skyline information associated with the window, wherein the excessive luminance includes luminance values that are labeled as excessive;

activating, by the automated shade control system and in response to the modeled brightness values exceeding threshold brightness values, a motor associated with the window covering to position the window covering in a position different from that specified by a standard management routine, and

determining a duration of the presence of the excessive brightness at the window.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the motor is activated in response to the duration exceeding a default brightness duration.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein activating the motor is not performed in response to the duration not exceeding a default brightness duration.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the motor is activated in response to the automated shade control system determining the existence of a clear air condition.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein activating the motor is not performed in response to the automated shade control system determining that a cloudy condition exists.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving, by the automated shade control system, reflection information indicating the presence of the calculated reflected light on the window; and

activating the motor to adjust the window covering at least partially toward a fully-closed position in response to the presence of the calculated reflected light on the window.

7. A method for an automated shade control system, comprising:

calculating, by the automated shade control system and using a brightness model, a presence of excessive brightness at a location of interest, wherein the brightness model utilizes skyline information for the location of interest; and

activating a motor by the automated shade control system to adjust a window covering in response to the excessive brightness at the location of interest,

the brightness model calculates a modeled brightness value based on a measured or modeled British Thermal Unit (BTU) value associated with the location of interest,

wherein the excessive brightness comprises a brightness value marked as excessive.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the brightness model incorporates adjustment factors for the skyline information at the location of interest, and wherein the adjustment factors are generated based at least in part on a ratio between a landscape portion of the skyline and a sky portion of the skyline.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the skyline information comprises information about at least a portion of a building and information about at least a portion of a surrounding environment of the building.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the brightness model calculates modeled brightness values based on modeled total solar radiation values associated with the location of interest.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the total solar radiation value is obtained from a clear sky model.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the clear sky model is an ASHRAE model.

13. The method of claim 7, further comprising using, by the automated shade control system, movement history information of the window covering to prevent the window covering from being moved for a limited period of time after a previous movement of the window covering.

14. The method of claim 7, wherein activating the motor is performed in response to the measured solar irradiance value exceeding 60% of a clear sky solar irradiance value of ASHRAE theory.

15. An automated shade control system comprising:

a controller configured with a luminance model, wherein the luminance model utilizes skyline information associated with a window,

and wherein the controller is configured to use the modeled brightness information to control a motor associated with the window,

wherein the controller is configured with a shading model and a reflection model, and wherein the controller is configured to control the motor using shading information obtained from the shading model and reflection information obtained from the reflection model.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the brightness model utilizes information about direct solar radiation, diffuse solar radiation, and reflected solar radiation at a location of interest.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the brightness model incorporates adjustment factors for the skyline information at a location of interest, and wherein the adjustment factors are generated based at least in part on a ratio between a landscape portion of the skyline and a sky portion of the skyline.