TW202007099A - Sensing and communications unit for optically switchable window systems - Google Patents

Abstract

A high-speed data communications network in or on a building includes a plurality of trunk line segments serially coupled to each other by a plurality of passive circuits configured to deliver signals to, and to receive signals from, one or more devices on, in, or outside the building, wherein the signals comprise data having a greater than 1Gpbs transmission rate.

Description

Sensing and communication unit for optical switchable window system

The embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to systems of optically switchable windows, and more specifically, to communication and sensing techniques associated with optically switchable windows.

Optically switchable windows, sometimes referred to as "smart windows," exhibit controllable and reversible changes in optical properties when properly stimulated by, for example, voltage changes. The optical properties are usually color, transmittance, absorption, and/or reflectance. Electrochromic (EC) devices are sometimes used in optically switchable windows. For example, a well-known electrochromic material is tungsten oxide (WO ₃ ). Tungsten oxide is a cathodic electrochromic material in which a blue-to-blue transparent dyeing transition occurs through electrochemical reduction.

Electrically switchable windows, sometimes called "smart windows" (whether electrochromic or otherwise), can be used in buildings to control the transmission of solar energy. The switchable windows can be tinted and cleared manually or automatically by heating, air conditioning and/or lighting systems to reduce energy consumption while maintaining occupant comfort.

Electrochromic materials can be incorporated into windows such as residential, commercial, and other uses as a thin film coating on window glass. A small voltage applied to the electrochromic device of the window will make it darker; reversing the voltage makes it brighter. This capability allows controlling the amount of light passing through the window and presents the electrochromic window with an opportunity to be used as an energy saving device.

Although electrochromic devices and especially electrochromic windows have been recognized in building design and construction, they have not yet begun to fully realize their commercial potential.

According to some embodiments, a high-speed data communication network in or on a building includes: a plurality of trunk line sections that are coupled to each other in series by a plurality of passive circuits, the plurality of passive circuits being configured To deliver signals to and receive signals from one or more devices on, in, or out of a building, where the signals include data having a transmission rate greater than 1 Gpbs.

In some examples, the trunk section may include a coaxial cable. In some examples, the trunk section may include conductor twisted pairs.

In some examples, the passive circuit may be configured as a biased T-piece. In some examples, the biased T-piece can include an inductor and a capacitor.

In some examples, the passive circuit may be configured as a directional coupler.

In some examples, each passive circuit may include a first conductor with two ends, each end configured to be coupled to one of the trunk sections. In some examples, the passive circuit may include a second conductor disposed adjacent to and spaced from the first conductor. In some examples, the first conductor and the second conductor may be spaced apart in a parallel relationship.

In some examples, at least one of the passive circuits may be configured to deliver signals via inductive coupling.

According to some embodiments, a method of installing a high-speed data communication network in or on a building includes: providing a plurality of trunk sections; providing one or more circuits; and by coupling the trunk sections to a Or multiple circuits to form a daisy chain trunk topology to form a network, where multiple trunk sections include coaxial cables, and one or more circuits are configured to deliver signals to buildings, in, or out of the building One or more devices and receive signals from one or more devices.

In some examples, one or more devices may include windows. In some examples, one or more devices may include a controller configured to control the function of at least one of the windows.

In some examples, one or more devices may include devices selected from the group consisting of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, wireless devices, sensors, antennas, 5G devices, mmWave devices, microphones, speakers, and micro processor. In some examples, the method may further include installing one or more devices in or on the structural elements of the building.

In some examples, one or more circuits may include inductors and capacitors.

In some examples, one or more circuits may include an antenna. In some examples, the antenna may include a 5G antenna.

In some examples, one or more circuits may include one or more connectors. In some examples, the connector may include an RF connector.

In some examples, one or more circuits may include two or more connectors.

In some examples, the signal may include data having a transmission rate greater than 1 Gpbs.

In some examples, the signal may include a power signal. In some examples, the power signal may include type 2 power signals.

In some examples, the signals may include TCP/IP data and power signals.

In some examples, the daisy chain topology may be coupled to the building management control panel.

In some examples, the signal may include wireless data.

In some examples, the method may further include the step of installing at least one window in the building. In some examples, at least one window may include an optically switchable window.

In some examples, at least one window may include an electrochromic window. In some examples, the step of installing at least one window p may be formed after the network is formed.

In some examples, at least a portion of the trunk may be installed in or on the outer wall of the building. In some examples, one or more devices may include antennas and/or repeaters. In some examples, at least one of the one or more devices may be installed in or on the window of the building. In some examples, the window may include a digital display screen.

In some examples, one or more circuits may include a directional coupler.

In some examples, one or more circuits may include a biased T-shaped circuit.

In some examples, forming the network may be performed during construction of the building. In some examples, forming a network may include coupling circuits to windows of a building.

According to some embodiments, a high-speed data communication network in or on a building includes: a plurality of trunk sections; and one or more circuits, wherein the trunk sections are coupled by one or more circuits to form a daisy chain Trunk configuration, where multiple segments include coaxial cables, and one or more circuits are configured to deliver signals to and receive signals from one or more devices on, inside, or outside the building signal.

In some examples, one or more devices may include windows. In some examples, one or more devices may include a controller configured to control the function of the window.

In some examples, one or more devices may include devices selected from the group consisting of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, wireless devices, sensors, antennas, 5G devices, microphones, microprocessors, and speakers. In some examples, one or more devices may be in or on the structure of the building.

In some examples, one or more circuits may include inductors and capacitors.

In some examples, one or more circuits may include an antenna. In some examples, the antenna may be a 5G antenna.

In some examples, one or more circuits may include two or more connectors. In some examples, two or more connectors may be configured to be secured to a coaxial cable and a pair of conductors. In some examples, the connector may include an RF connector. In some examples, the connector may include a terminal block.

In some examples, the signal may include data having a transmission rate greater than 1 Gpbs.

In some examples, the signal may include a power signal. In some examples, the power signal includes type 2 power signals.

In some examples, the signals may include TCP/IP data and power signals.

In some examples, the signal may include a 5G signal.

In some examples, the signal may include wireless data.

In some examples, one or more devices may include optically switchable windows. In some examples, the optically switchable window may include an electrochromic window. In some examples, the optically switchable window may include digital display technology.

In some examples, at least a portion of the trunk may be installed in or on the outer wall of the building.

In some examples, one or more devices may include transceivers, antennas, and/or repeaters, and one or more of the devices are installed in or on the external structure of the building. In some examples, the outer structure may include an outer wall.

In some examples, the external structure may include a roof.

In some examples, one or more devices may include antennas.

In some examples, one or more devices may be installed in or on the window of the building.

In some examples, one or more circuits may include transceivers, antennas, and/or repeaters.

In some examples, one or more circuits may include a directional coupler circuit.

In some examples, one or more circuits may include a biased T-shaped circuit.

These and other features and embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

100‧‧‧System

101‧‧‧ Building

103‧‧‧Control Panel (CP)

104‧‧‧Main control and power module

105‧‧‧External network

107‧‧‧Cable

109‧‧‧Data transmission line/controller network line/CAN bus

110‧‧‧Network Controller (NC)

111‧‧‧Window Controller (WC)

112‧‧‧EC window

113‧‧‧High-frequency broadband network line/GbE UTP line/drop line

115‧‧‧ Digital Wall Interface

117‧‧‧Enhanced functional window controller

119‧‧‧coaxial cable/coaxial cable

121‧‧‧Digital mullion

122‧‧‧Video display device

221‧‧‧Digital mullion

225a‧‧‧Communication Network Switch/CP2 Network Switch

225b‧‧‧Communication network switch/CP3 switch

300‧‧‧Configuration

309‧‧‧Video monitor

311‧‧‧ port

313‧‧‧Equalizer

317‧‧‧speaker

319‧‧‧Microphone

321‧‧‧Sensor

330‧‧‧DAE

340‧‧‧computer or processor

441‧‧‧ Voltage regulator

442‧‧‧CAN

443‧‧‧ processing unit (microcontroller)

453‧‧‧Microcontroller

454‧‧‧ billion Ethernet interface

455‧‧‧Wireless interface

456‧‧‧MoCA interface

600‧‧‧Method

610‧‧‧ block

620‧‧‧Analysis block

630‧‧‧ block

640‧‧‧ block

700‧‧‧Digital architecture components

710‧‧‧Power and communication module

720‧‧‧ Audio-visual (A/V) module

730‧‧‧Environmental Module

740‧‧‧Calculation/learning module

750‧‧‧Controller module

900‧‧‧High-speed Internet

900a‧‧‧High-speed network infrastructure

900b‧‧‧Network Infrastructure

901‧‧‧Trunk

902‧‧‧Trunk section

902(1)‧‧‧The first section

902(2)‧‧‧Conductor

902(3)‧‧‧Conductor

902(i)‧‧‧Second Section

903‧‧‧Trunk circuit

905‧‧‧RF connector

906‧‧‧Connector

907‧‧‧Connector

908‧‧‧Connector

909‧‧‧directional coupler circuit

911‧‧‧First conductor

912‧‧‧second conductor

913‧‧‧leader

914‧‧‧ installation

920‧‧‧Control Panel (CP)

940‧‧‧bias T-shaped circuit

941‧‧‧Inductor

942‧‧‧Capacitor

1002(1)‧‧‧ data carrying cable

1002(2)‧‧‧conductor/electrical plug

1009‧‧‧Directional coupler

1013‧‧‧leader

1020‧‧‧Control Panel

1030‧‧‧Digital architecture components

1040‧‧‧bias T-piece

1070‧‧‧Power injector

1090‧‧‧Power section

1103‧‧‧T-shaped relay

1109‧‧‧Directional coupler

1111‧‧‧First conductor

1111(i)‧‧‧Upstream section (entrance)

1111(o)‧‧‧Downstream section (export)

1112‧‧‧second conductor

1113‧‧‧leader

1114‧‧‧ installation

1140‧‧‧bias T circuit/bias T circuit system/bias T

1141‧‧‧Inductive components

1142‧‧‧capacitor element

1150‧‧‧Tab wiring/tap

1160‧‧‧bias T-shaped circuit

1161‧‧‧ Block

1200‧‧‧Trunk

1210‧‧‧Outer sheath

1220‧‧‧Internal coaxial cable

1230‧‧‧Large specification twisted pair cable

1240‧‧‧CANbus shielded multi-conductor cable

1313‧‧‧leader

1330‧‧‧Digital architecture components or other communication/processing components

1335‧‧‧ Honeycomb or CBRS processing logic

1380‧‧‧Combination module

1381‧‧‧Coaxial cable input port

1382‧‧‧line

1383‧‧‧Coaxial cable output port

1384‧‧‧bias T-shaped circuit

1385(1)‧‧‧twisted pair conductor

1385(2)‧‧‧twisted pair conductor

1389‧‧‧Directional coupler

1430‧‧‧DAE

1437‧‧‧ antenna

1500‧‧‧ system

1501‧‧‧DC-DC power supply

1503‧‧‧ processing block

1513‧‧‧leader

1530‧‧‧Digital architecture components

1580‧‧‧Module

1584‧‧‧bias T-shaped circuit

1590‧‧‧MoCA interface

1600‧‧‧ system

1601‧‧‧Power supply

1604‧‧‧Modular electrical connector

1605‧‧‧ block

1610‧‧‧ block

1611‧‧‧sensor module

1612‧‧‧Video module

1613‧‧‧Audio module

1614‧‧‧Window Controller Logic/Window Controller

1615‧‧‧window controller power circuit

1640‧‧‧ processing block

1642‧‧‧ block

1643‧‧‧Network Switch

1684‧‧‧bias T-shaped circuit

1690‧‧‧MoCA front-end module

1A-1D show various link technologies and topologies that can be used with this disclosure.

1E shows an example of a data communication system that can provide data for interacting with optically switchable windows and for non-window purposes.

2A and 2B show a high-frequency broadband communication network for buildings according to some embodiments.

3 illustrates a block diagram showing examples of components that may be present in certain implementations of digital architecture elements.

4 illustrates a comparison between a block diagram of a conventional window controller and a block diagram of a window controller according to some embodiments.

5A-5D illustrate several examples of applications and uses of digital architecture components and related components covered by this disclosure.

6 illustrates a process flow for measuring a plurality of building conditions and controlling building operation parameters of a plurality of building systems in response to the measured building conditions according to some embodiments

7 illustrates an example of a series of functional modules configured to perform the program flow illustrated in FIG. 6 according to an implementation.

8 illustrates an example physical package of digital architecture elements according to some implementations.

9A-9C illustrate representations of trunks for high-speed network infrastructure according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10 shows an example power and data distribution system according to some embodiments, which includes an s control panel, trunks, drop lines, and digital architecture elements.

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic illustration of an example of a trunk circuit.

12 depicts a cross section of an example trunk configured to carry a combination of power and data from the control panel and/or carry data to the control panel.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a part of a data and power distribution system having a digital architecture element (DAE) coupled to a combined module including a directional coupler and a biased T-shaped circuit by means of down conductors.

14 illustrates a DAE that can support multiple communication types according to some embodiments.

15 illustrates a system of components that can be incorporated into or associated with a DAE according to some embodiments.

16 illustrates an example of a system of components that can be incorporated in or associated with a digital architecture element according to some embodiments.

For the purpose of describing the disclosed aspects, the following embodiments are related to certain examples or implementations. However, the teachings in this article can be applied and implemented in many different ways. In the following detailed description, refer to the accompanying drawings. Although the disclosed embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, it should be understood that these examples are not limiting; other embodiments may be used and the disclosed embodiments may be used Make changes without departing from its spirit and scope. Furthermore, although the disclosed embodiments focus on electrochromic windows (also known as optically switchable windows, tintable and smart windows), the concepts disclosed herein can be applied to other types of switchable optical devices, including For example, liquid crystal devices and suspended particle devices, among others. For example, liquid crystal devices or suspended particle devices rather than electrochromic devices may be incorporated into some or all of the disclosed implementations. In addition, unless otherwise indicated, where appropriate, this article intends to understand the conjunction "or" in an inclusive sense; for example, the phrase "A, B or C" is intended to include "A", "B", " The possibility of "C", "A and B", "B and C", "A and C" and "A, B and C".

Enterprise communication/network connection components

The window system and associated components disclosed in these embodiments can facilitate high-bandwidth (eg, gigabit) communication and associated data processing. These communications and data processing can use optical switchable window system components and promote various window and non-window functions, such as PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US18/29476 filed in this article and on April 25, 2018, in It is described in US Patent Application No. 62/666,033 filed on May 2, 2018 and PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US18/29406 filed on April 25, 2018. Some of the components of the optically switchable window system include components of a communication network and a power distribution system for powering the window transition, as described in US Patent Application No. 15/365,685 filed on November 30, 2016.

Example components for enhancing the functionality of a communication network for servo optical switchable windows may include: (1) Control panel with high-bandwidth switching and/or routing capabilities (eg, 1 billion bits or faster Ethernet) Circuit switch); (2) backbone, which includes a high-frequency broadband link between the control panel and the control panel (for example, 10 gigabit or faster Ethernet capability); (3) digital components, It has sensors, display drivers, and logic for various functions that use high data rate processing. The digital components are configured as, for example, digital wall interfaces or digital architectural components, such as digital mullions; (4) Enhanced functional window control Device, which includes an access point for wireless communication, such as a Wi-Fi access point; and (5) a high-bandwidth data communication link between the control panel and the digital component and/or enhanced functional window controller, data communication The link is configured as, for example, a trunk or configured to follow a path that at least partially overlaps the path of the trunk.

1A-1D show various link technologies and topologies suitable for powering and controlling electrochromic (EC) windows or other types of optically switchable windows and controlling electrochromic (EC) windows or other types of optically switchable windows . FIG. 1A presents a highly simplified top-level view of a system 100 that includes a building 101 that includes several EC windows. A subset of EC windows is connected to the "control panel" (CP) 103 by means of EC window power and communication lines. The control panel will be described in more detail below. In the illustrated example, the three building windows are grouped into three subsets, each connected to a respective CP 103, but it should be understood that for any given building, fewer or more than three CPs may be covered . In the illustrated example, the three CPs 103 are communicatively coupled and coupled to the external network 105 via a high-bandwidth 10 Gbps backbone.

FIG. 1B illustrates a more detailed block diagram of the control panel 103 interfaced with the plurality of EC windows 112. In the illustrated example, the control panel 103 includes a main control and power module 104 and a network controller (NC) 110. It should be appreciated that the control panel 103 may include fewer or more NCs 110 than illustrated. Each NC 110 is competitively coupled to two or more window controllers (WC) 111, and each window controller 111 is associated with a respective EC window 112.

Referring now to FIGS. 1C and 1D, in some embodiments, the communication coupling between the control panels 103 in the window controller 111 may be implemented in a trunk format. The implementation of the unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and/or coaxial cable multimedia alliance (MoCA) data transmission protocol can be integrated into the trunk system, or run in parallel or independently of the trunk. As indicated in FIG. 1C, for example, a coaxial cable capable of transmitting data using MoCA is provided within the trunk; that is, the coaxial cable operates within the trunk architecture. In FIG. 1D, the UTP system is implemented independently and in parallel with the trunk system. In some embodiments, UTP cables are incorporated into the trunk path.

Although FIGS. 1A-1D only show conventional window controllers, the link can also provide data transmission to other components such as digital wall interfaces, enhanced functional window controllers, digital architecture components, and the like. 1E shows an example of a data communication system that can provide data for interacting with optically switchable windows and for non-window purposes. As depicted, the communication system of the building has multiple control panels (CP) 103, at least one of which is connected to an external network 105 such as the Internet, which may allow access to various services and/or content, such as based on Cloud services and/or content. Each control panel 103 may contain components for delivering power to one or more window controllers and/or other devices in the building and a main controller or network controller, as described elsewhere herein. Example features of the control panel and its components are provided in US Patent Application No. 15/365,685 filed on November 30, 2016, previously incorporated by reference. In the depicted embodiment, each control panel 103 also has a high-bandwidth data communication switch, such as a 10 gigabit per second (Gbps) Ethernet switch.

Each control panel 103 is linked to one or more other control panels via appropriate cables 107 to establish a data network backbone. In some embodiments, the cable 107 includes a twinaxial cable, which may use copper conductors in the insulating shield. The twin-ax cable is suitable for a communication distance of several hundred feet. In some embodiments, high frequency wide coaxial cables are used, such as 2.5 Gbps and beyond. The current and evolved implementation of the MoCA data transmission protocol supports this high-frequency wide coaxial cable. Still further, in some situations, especially in situations where only relatively short links are required, unshielded twisted pair cables may be used. Some embodiments use high-bandwidth (eg, 10 Gbps or greater) wireless connections. These embodiments may use a combination of parabolic antennas and parabolic receivers.

Various types of data transmission lines can be used to provide data communication between the control panel 103 and destination devices in buildings, such as optically switchable windows and/or non-window devices in buildings. In the depicted embodiment, the data transmission line 109 and associated interface support controller network protocols, such as the controller area network (CAN) protocol CAN 2.0. In the depicted embodiment, the transmission line 109 and associated interface provide data communication between the conventional window controller 111 and other types of controllers in the control panel 103. Examples of such other controllers include network controllers and main controllers. The data transmission line 109 can be used to provide communication to other devices (not shown). The other devices can use data provided by the bandwidth limitation of the controller area network to function.

Another type of data transmission line is a high-frequency broadband network line 113, such as a gigabit Ethernet (GbE) line, which may be a UTP line (as illustrated) or a twinax line. The high frequency wide line 113 may provide a data link between the control panel 103 and one or more types of devices that may require high data rates for certain functions. In the depicted embodiment, such devices include a digital wall interface 115 and an enhanced functionality window controller 117, both of which are described elsewhere herein. In some implementations, the enhanced functionality window controller 117 is connected to both the controller network (eg, controller network cable/CAN bus 109) and the high frequency bandwidth 113.

In the depicted embodiment, high-bandwidth data transmission can be provided by either or both of unshielded twisted pair and one or more coaxial lines 119 that support one gigabit Ethernet. In some embodiments, data transmission via the coaxial cable 119 may be performed according to an agreement such as issued by the Coaxial Cable Multimedia Alliance (MoCA), which functionally combines the channels in the coaxial cable to have, for example, about 1 Gbps or higher In a single combined line with a high bandwidth of 1Gbps, each channel carries a different frequency band. The MoCA agreement is described elsewhere in this article. Instead of or in addition to UTP or coaxial cable, other link technologies such as wireless can be used.

As depicted, the top control panel 103 serves three digital architecture components (in this case, digital mullions 121, one of which is connected to the video display device 122). Either or both of the GbE UTP line 113 and the coaxial cable 119 can be used to provide high-bandwidth data communication between the control panel and the digital architecture components.

2A and 2B show a high-frequency broadband communication network for buildings according to some embodiments. In both figures, a control panel that may have similar functionality to the CP 103 described in connection with FIGS. 1A to 1E is identified as a module labeled CP2 or CP3. In the illustrated example, each control panel includes a main controller and/or network controller (MC/NC), a control panel monitor (CPM), and a communication network switch 225a or 225b. In certain embodiments, the control panel monitor has one or more of the features presented in US Patent Application No. 15/365,685 filed on November 30, 2016, previously incorporated by reference. In some implementations, the CP2 network switch 225a includes multiple (eg, two) small form-factor pluggable (SFP) transceiver ports and multiple (eg, four) 100Mb Ethernet ports. An example of a suitable network switch is the IE 2000 switch available from Cisco Systems, San Jose, CA. The SFP port is a plug-in for optical fiber connection. In some embodiments, one or more of the SFP ports support 850 nm optical communication, or 1310 nm optical communication, or 1550 nm optical communication.

In the CP3 control panel, the network switch 225b can be adapted to exceed the data rate required by the optical switchable window system. Thus, the CP3 switch 225b may require more bandwidth than the bandwidth provided in components dedicated only to the window system (eg, CP2). In some embodiments, the high-bandwidth switch (eg, CP3) of the high-bandwidth control panel contains multiple (eg, four) SFPs, multiple (eg, eight) Gb Ethernet ports, and multiple (eg , Eight) Power over Ethernet (PoE) Gb Ethernet ports. In some embodiments, each port can support at least 10Gb lines. In some embodiments, the switch can be configured to aggregate ports as needed to generate up to 40Gb Ethernet ports. An example of a suitable network switch is the IE 4000 switch available from Cisco Systems, San Jose, California.

The backbone for high-frequency broadband cables can be guided upwards through vertical pipes in multi-storey buildings. If all communication elements (for example, including all digital architecture elements and all wall interfaces) throughout the building are required to support high-bandwidth communication, the high-bandwidth cable can be guided horizontally on one or more floors of the building. For example, in core and shell buildings, the initial construction may include vertical vertical pipes, but not horizontal pipes, which will be installed later when the building has tenants.

In some embodiments, a control panel with a specific high bandwidth capability and associated links are used together as the network backbone. In other words, each component in the backbone has high-frequency and wide-band transmission capability. As used herein, unless otherwise specified, "high bandwidth" describes a network component that has a data transmission and/or data processing capability of at least about 0.5 billion bits per second or faster. In some embodiments, the data transmission network includes a 10 Gbps backbone.

In some embodiments, the network backbone provides connectivity to another network located outside the building with the backbone. In one example, the other network is a wide area network or simply the Internet. Backbone components can be designed or configured for cloud connectivity; for example, the control panel can include components for connecting to Comcast Business, Level 3 Communications, or the like.

As indicated above, some network configurations include controller network components such as the CAN interface in window controllers and control panels. In addition, some network configurations additionally include high-bandwidth network components, such as Ethernet switches and Ethernet cables from the control panel.

As described above in connection with FIGS. 1A to 1E, the controller network can provide data transmission for a standard window controller (WC2) dedicated to controlling optically switchable windows. In addition, the controller network can provide support for data transmission of the enhanced functional window controller (WC3) that can have Wi-Fi access points, cellular capabilities, and so on. In some embodiments, the enhanced functionality window controller is connected to the controller network bus to send and receive data related to controlling the optically switchable window assigned to the window controller. In addition, the enhanced functional window controller can be connected to a high-frequency broadband line such as a gigabit Ethernet line to send and receive data related to non-window functions such as Wi-Fi and/or cellular communication.

In some embodiments, the enhanced functional window controller is deployed at a location in the building where wireless communication services are required. As an example, an enhanced functional window controller may be deployed for every 2500 square feet of building space; this may correspond to approximately one enhanced functional window controller for every 50 linear feet. More generally, enhanced functional window controllers can be deployed in buildings such that adjacent controllers are separated by a distance between approximately 30 feet and 100 feet. In some embodiments, the adjacent enhanced functionality window controller is separated by approximately four to ten IGUs along the trunk, for example approximately every six IGUs.

In some embodiments, the enhanced functionality window controller receives data from the trunk via the down-line, as illustrated in the examples depicted in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B and discussed in the previously incorporated by reference US Patent Application No. 15/365,685 filed on November 30, 2016. Trunks can be used to carry data transmission cables. The drop-out from the trunk can be used to provide data (and power) from the trunk to the individual enhanced function window controller. In an alternative embodiment, the network topology includes separate data lines that extend to each of the one or more enhanced functional window controllers.

In some embodiments, the line that provides data from the control panel to the enhanced functional window controller WC3 (and in some embodiments, the conventional window controller WC2) is a gigabit Ethernet route, which can It is embodied as unshielded twisted pair (UTP), twinax cable, etc. In some cases, the data to all or most of the enhanced functional window controllers is completely provided via the Gigabit Ethernet UTP line.

In some embodiments, some or all of the data provided to one or more of the enhanced functional window controllers WC3 is provided via a high frequency wide coaxial cable. In one example, the coaxial cable and related networking controllers are designed or configured to use one of the MoCA standards that provides at least part of the Internet protocol suite envisioned by the cable TV industry to transfer data. As mentioned, in some embodiments, MoCA provides a billion-bit Ethernet bandwidth via coaxial cable.

The MoCA protocol contains a technique called bonding to provide multiple channels each with limited bandwidth, so that the channels together provide a much higher bandwidth. In some implementations, each of the bonded channels uses unique frequency bands, each of which is approximately 155 kB. In some embodiments, to provide a billion-bit bandwidth, sixteen coaxial channels are aggregated to become a billion-bit channel. If less than one billion bits of bandwidth is required, fewer channels need to be bound. In some cases, different channels are coupled to different endpoints, thus allowing different frequency bands. The network can separate the traffic to different endpoints, thereby allowing the implementation of, for example, a virtual network. The cable cap can be deployed on a coaxial cable to connect with an additional enhanced functionality window controller. In some embodiments, MoCA or similar bandwidth adjustable methods allow building infrastructure to add and subtract window controllers relatively seamlessly, including enhanced functional window controllers.

In some embodiments, the trunk line from the control panel to one or more window controllers and/or digital components (eg, digital wall interface or digital architecture components) uses both coaxial and non-coaxial cables. For example, the first part of the line from the control panel is a twinax or UTP line, and the second part of the line connected to the first part is a coaxial line configured to transmit data using, for example, the MoCA protocol. Both the first and second parts of the trunk can be designed or configured to support a gigabit transmission rate. In some embodiments, a T-shaped connector is used to connect the first part and the second part of the trunk. For example, the twinax or UTP line runs from the control panel and then connects to the coaxial cable (for the MoCA protocol) and then to the terminal where the last window controller (conventional or enhanced) is located.

In some embodiments, the coaxial cable is configured as a trunk or incorporated into a trunk. In this way, cable entries to the window controller and/or other devices can be made along the length of the trunk as needed. In some cases, no additional wires are required, and only one coaxial cable is required per trunk. In some embodiments, high frequency wide data communication lines (coaxial, UTP, twinax, etc.) may follow the trunk path as defined for, for example, power delivery. If necessary, such high-frequency bandwidth lines may be installed during construction but assuming that they are installed later rather than in building construction, such high-frequency bandwidth lines may only be used later when installing digital components.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the high-bandwidth communication network used in buildings has a digital mullion 221 or other functionally enhanced digital architecture components.

Multi-component digital components on building components

As indicated above, a high-frequency broadband network as described herein may include a plurality of digital elements with robust sensing and data processing capabilities and/or one or more additional features such as data storage and/or user interface capabilities. Components that achieve these capabilities are described below and may be generally referred to herein as "sensors and other peripheral" components or elements. The purpose and function of digital components are also described below.

As explained below, digital components can be provided in a variety of formats and enclosures, which allow installation on building structural elements, which are usually permanent elements, and/or on building walls, floors, ceilings, or roofs, as specified by the purpose. In various embodiments, the chassis or housing of the digital element does not exceed approximately 5 meters in any size, or approximately 3 meters in any size. In various embodiments, the housing is rigid or semi-rigid and covers some or all components of the element. In some cases, the housing provides a frame or bracket for attaching one or more components such as speakers, displays, antennas, or sensors. In some embodiments, the housing provides external access to one or more ports or cables, such as ports or cables for attachment to network links, video displays, mobile electronic devices, battery pack chargers, etc. .

Window controller networks and associated digital components can be installed relatively early in the construction of office buildings and other types of buildings. Generally, a window controller network is installed before any other network, for example, a network used for other building functions such as a building management system (BMS), security system, tenant information technology (IT) system, etc.

In the absence of the teachings of the present invention, sensors and other peripheral components are designed around the walls and ceiling of the building after construction, and as a result, the cost of installation, operation, and maintenance may be high. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, high-frequency wide-window networks and associated digital components are installed earlier and are on buildings (eg, structural building components, especially those components on the perimeter of buildings or rooms , Such as walls, partitions, frames, beams, mullions, beams and the like) provide associated sensors and peripheral devices in the outer layer or configuration. It can be installed during building construction. The installed network can utilize the remote operation capabilities of the window network (e.g., sensing, data transmission, processing) to reduce the installation of silo-ed sensors and edge network technologies. Design and operating costs.

With regard to operating costs, managing and operating silo-type sensor networks is extremely expensive. In some embodiments, the high-bandwidth building network and associated digital components facilitate central monitoring and operation of sensors and other peripheral devices, thereby significantly reducing the operating costs of the sensor network.

In some embodiments, the sensors on the window network are installed close to where building occupants spend time, thereby improving the effectiveness of the sensors in providing occupant comfort. As discussed below, digital components connected to high-frequency broadband networks as described herein can be deployed at various locations throughout the building. Examples of such parts include building structural elements in offices, halls, mezzanines, bathrooms, stairwells, terraces, and the like. Within any of these locations, the digital elements can be positioned and/or oriented close to the occupant's position, thereby collecting an environment that is most suitable for triggering the building system to function in a manner that maintains or enhances occupant comfort data.

In some embodiments, high-frequency wide-window network sensing, data processing, and data storage capabilities are provided for building interactive applications such as Microsoft’s Cortana, Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, and Google’s Google Home, or personal digital Assistant's infrastructure. The usefulness of such applications and personal digital assistants is expanded by the direct interaction between a series of sensors and building occupants. As described more fully below, such interactions include computer vision, analysis, machine learning, and the like.

Digital architecture components

The digital architecture element (DAE) may contain various sensors, processors (e.g., microcontrollers), network interfaces, and one or more peripheral interfaces. Examples of DAE sensors include light sensors, and optionally include image capture sensors such as cameras, audio sensors such as voice coils or microphones, air quality sensors, and proximity sensors (e.g., certain IR and/or RF sensors). The network interface may be a high frequency broadband interface, such as a gigabit (or faster) Ethernet interface. Examples of DAE peripheral devices include video display monitors, additional speakers, mobile devices, battery pack chargers, and the like. Examples of peripheral interfaces include standard Bluetooth modules, ports such as USB ports and network ports. Additionally or alternatively, the port includes any of various exclusive ports for third-party devices.

In some embodiments, the digital architecture elements work in conjunction with other hardware and software provided by an optically switchable window system (eg, a display on the window). In some embodiments, the digital architecture elements include window controllers or other controllers, such as main controllers, network controllers, and so on.

In some embodiments, the digital architecture elements include one or more signal generating devices, such as speakers, light sources (eg, and LEDs), beacons, antennas (eg, Wi-Fi or cellular communication antennas), and the like . In some embodiments, the digital architecture elements include energy storage components and/or power capture components. For example, an element may contain one or more battery packs or capacitors as energy storage devices. Such elements may additionally include photovoltaic cells. In one example, the digital architecture component has one or more user interface components (eg, microphones or speakers) and one or more sensors (eg, proximity sensors), and a network interface for high-bandwidth communications.

In various embodiments, the digital architecture elements are designed or configured to be attached to or otherwise co-located with the structural elements of the building. In some cases, the digital architecture element has a fused appearance with its associated structural element. For example, digital architecture elements may have a shape, size, and color fused with associated structural elements. In some situations, digital architecture components are not easily visible to the occupants of the building; for example, the components are completely or partially hidden. However, this component can be interfaced with other components that are not fused in video display monitors, touch screens, projectors, and the like.

Building structural elements to which digital architecture elements can be attached include any of various building structures. In some embodiments, the building structure to which the digital architecture element is attached is a structure that is installed early in the building construction under certain conditions during building construction. In some embodiments, the building structural element used for the digital architectural element is an element that functions as a building structure. Such elements may be permanent, that is, not easily removed from the building. Examples include walls, partition walls (eg, office partition walls), doors, beams, stairs, facades, moldings, mullions, beams, and the like. In various examples, building structural elements are located on the perimeter of a building or room. In some cases, digital architecture elements are provided as separate modular units or boxes attached to building structural elements. In some cases, digital architectural elements are provided as facades of building structural elements. For example, the digital framework element may provide a cover that is part of a mullion, beam, or door. In one example, the digital architecture elements are configured as mullions or placed on or on mullions. If the digital framework element is attached to the mullion, it can be bolted to the rigid portion of the mullion or otherwise attached to the rigid portion of the mullion. In some embodiments, the digital architecture element can be snapped onto the building structural element. In some embodiments, the digital framework elements act as moldings, such as crown moldings. In some embodiments, the digital architecture component is modular; that is, it acts as a computing system for applications such as communication networks, power distribution networks, and/or the use of external video displays and/or other user interface components Module of the large-scale system.

In some embodiments, the digital architectural element is a digital mullion designed to be deployed on some, but not all mullions in a room, floor, or building. In some cases, digital mullions are deployed in a regular or periodic manner. For example, a digital mullion can be deployed on each sixth mullion.

In some embodiments, in addition to high-bandwidth network connections (ports, switches, routers, etc.) and enclosures, digital architecture components also include many of the following digital and/or analog components: camera, proximity, or motion sensing Sensors, occupancy sensors, color temperature sensors, biometric sensors, speakers, microphones, air quality sensors, hubs for power and/or data connectivity, display video drivers, Wi-Fi access points , Antennas, location services via beacons or other mechanisms, power supplies, light sources, processors and/or auxiliary processing devices.

One or more cameras may include sensors and processing logic for imaging features in visible light, IR (see below for use of thermal imagers), or other wavelength regions; including HD and higher resolutions It is possible.

One or more proximity or movement sensors may include infrared sensors, such as IR sensors. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor is a radar or radar-type device that uses a ranging function to detect the distance to the object and the distance between the objects. Radar sensors can also be used to distinguish closely spaced occupants by detecting their biometric functions, such as detecting their different respiratory movements. When using a radar or radar-like sensor, it can facilitate better operation when placed unimpeded or behind the plastic housing of the digital architecture component.

One or more occupancy sensors may include a multi-pixel thermal imager that can be used to detect and/or count occupants in the room when the algorithm configuration is implemented by an appropriate computer. In one embodiment, the data from the thermal imager or the thermal camera is related to the data from the radar sensor to provide a better level of confidence when making certain decisions. In an embodiment, thermal imager measurements can be used to assess other thermal events in specific locations, such as changes in airflow due to opening windows and doors, presence of intruders, and/or fire.

One or more color temperature sensors can be used to analyze the spectrum of lighting present in a particular location, and provide changes that can be used to implement lighting as needed or as needed, such as to improve the occupant's health or mood.

One or more biometric sensors (eg, for fingerprint, retina, or facial recognition) can be provided as a separate sensor or integrated with another sensor such as a camera.

One or more speakers and associated power amplifiers may be included as part of or separate from the digital architecture elements. In some embodiments, two or more speakers and amplifiers may be collectively configured as a sound bar; that is, a long bar device containing multiple speakers. The device can be designed or configured to provide high fidelity sound.

One or more microphones and logic for detecting and processing sound can be provided as part of or separate from digital architecture elements. The microphone can be configured to detect one or both of internally or externally generated sounds. In one embodiment, the processing and analysis of sound is represented by logic embodied as software, firmware or hardware in one or more digital structural elements and/or by one or more other devices coupled to the network ( For example, logic implemented in one or more controllers coupled to the network. In one embodiment, based on the analysis, the logic is configured to automatically adjust the sound output of one or more speakers to mask and/or eliminate sounds, frequency changes, echoes, and disadvantages detected by one or more microphones Other factors that affect (or potentially can adversely affect) occupants present in specific parts of the building. In one embodiment, the sound includes sounds produced by, but not limited to, indoor machines, indoor office equipment, outdoor structures, outdoor traffic, and/or airplanes.

In an embodiment, one or more microphones are positioned on or near each of the following; windows of the building; ceilings of the building; and/or other internal structures of the building. The logic can be configured in singular or array mode to analyze and determine the type, intensity, frequency spectrum, location and/or direction of internal sounds present in the building. In one embodiment, the logic is functionally connected to other fixed or mobile network connection devices that can be used in buildings, for example, devices such as computers, smartphones, tablets, and the like, and are configured to Receive and analyze sound or related signals from such devices.

In one embodiment, the logic is configured to measure and analyze the real-time delay in the signal from the microphone to predict the need to mask or eliminate undesirable external and/or internal sounds present at specific locations in the building The amount and type of sound. In one embodiment, the logic is configured to detect undesirable changes in the level and/or location of external and/or internal sounds, where, for example, the changes may be caused by the movement of objects and people inside and outside the building, and The amount of masking and/or elimination of sound is dynamically adjusted based on changes. In one embodiment, the logic is configured to use signals from tracking sensors in the building, and based on the signals, at specific locations in the building based on the presence and/or locations of one or more occupants Increase or decrease masking and/or eliminate sound. In one embodiment, one or more of the speakers are positioned to produce masking and/or propagation that substantially travels in the plane of travel of undesirable sounds (including horizontal planes, vertical planes, and/or a combination of both) Or eliminate the sound.

In one embodiment, the logic includes algorithms that are designed to acoustically map the interior of the building, locate noise source locations in the office, and improve voice privacy. In one embodiment, after the array of speakers and microphones is installed in the building, the logic can be used to perform an acoustic scan so that each speaker produces sound that is detected by each microphone. In one embodiment, the time delay, volume reduction, and spectral difference in the detected sound are used to calculate and map the effective acoustic distance between and between speakers, microphones. In one embodiment, the acoustic transfer function inside the building map can be obtained from the acoustic scan. With this set of acoustic maps and transfer functions in one or more spaces within a building, when there is a source of undesirable sound generated in the space, the logic can make appropriate masking and/or elimination level decisions. When necessary, the logic can adjust the sound generated by the speaker to correct the absorption of certain absorbent surfaces, for example, the sound that otherwise bounces off the soft partition wall and is silenced can be adjusted to a crisp sound again. The acoustic map of the space can also be used to determine what direct sound is versus indirect sound, and to adjust the time delay for masking and/or eliminating sound so that it reaches the desired location at the same time.

One or more air quality sensors (which can measure one or more of the following air components: volatile organic compounds (VOC), carbon dioxide temperature, humidity) can be used in conjunction with HVAC to improve air circulation control.

One or more hubs may be provided for power and/or data connectivity to sensors, speakers, microphones, and the like. The hub may be a USB hub, a Bluetooth hub, etc. The hub may include one or more ports, such as a USB port, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port, and so on. Alternatively or additionally, the components may include connector connectors for external sensors, lamps, peripheral devices (eg, cameras, microphones, speakers), network connectivity, power supplies, etc.

One or more video drivers for displays (e.g., transparent OLED devices) on or near the integrated glass unit (IGU) associated with the architectural element may be provided. The driver can be wired or optically coupled; for example, optical signals are transmitted into the window by optical transmission; see for example a switchable Bragg grating that includes a display with a light engine and a lens, the lens is focused on transmission through glass and On a glass waveguide that runs perpendicular to the line of sight.

One or more Wi-Fi access points and antennas may be part of the Wi-Fi access point or used for different purposes. In some embodiments, the architectural element itself or a panel that covers all or part of the architectural element acts as an antenna. Various methods can be used to insulate the architectural elements and allow them to be transmitted or received directionally. Alternatively, a prefabricated antenna or window antenna may be used, as described in PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US17/31106 filed on May 4, 2017, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

One or more power sources may be provided, such as energy storage devices (eg, rechargeable battery packs or capacitors) and the like. In some embodiments, power capture devices are included; for example, photovoltaic cells or battery panels. This situation allows the device to be independent or partially independent. The light capture device may be transparent or opaque, depending on where it is attached. For example, photovoltaic cells can be attached to and partially or completely cover the outside of the digital mullion, and transparent photovoltaic cells can cover the display or user interface (eg, turntable, buttons, etc.) on the digital architecture elements.

One or more light sources (eg, light-emitting diodes) are configured with a processor to emit light under certain conditions, and this signaling is performed when the device is in operation.

One or more processors can be configured to provide various embedded or non-embedded applications. The processor may be a microcontroller. In some embodiments, the processor is a low-power mobile computing unit (MCU) with memory and is configured to run a light-weight secure operating system hosting applications and data. In some embodiments, the processor is an embedded system, a system on chip, or an expansion.

One or more auxiliary processing devices, such as a graphics processing unit or equalizer or other audio processing device, are configured to interpret the audio signal.

The digital architectural element or the building structural element associated with the digital architectural element may have one or more antennas. These antennas can be pre-constructed and attached to or embedded in the element on the surface of the element or inside the element. Alternatively or additionally, the antenna may be configured such that the structure of the digital architectural element or building structural element acts as an antenna assembly. For example, the conductive metal sheet of the mullion can serve as an antenna element or ground plane. In some embodiments, removing (or adding) a portion of the digital architecture element or building structure element causes the residual portion to act as a tuned antenna element. For example, a portion of the mullion can be punched out to provide tuned antenna elements. By attaching a coaxial cable or other cable to the element and the RF transmitter or receiver, the building structural element and/or associated digital architecture element can act as an antenna element. For example, the antenna assembly can be designed to have an impedance that matches the impedance of the RF transmitter (eg, about 50 ohms).

Depending on the configuration, the antenna element may be a Wi-Fi antenna, a Bluetooth antenna, a cellular communication antenna, or the like. In some embodiments, the antenna transmits and/or receives in the radio frequency portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The antenna may be a flat-plate antenna, a monopole antenna, a dipole antenna, or the like. It can be configured to transmit or receive electromagnetic signals in any suitable wavelength range. Examples of antenna assemblies that can be used in optically switchable window systems are described in PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US17/31106, filed on May 4, 2017, previously incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In various embodiments, the camera of the digital architecture element is configured to capture images in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. In some cases, the camera provides images at high resolution (eg, high definition) of at least about 720p or at least about 1080p. In some cases, the camera can also capture images with information about the intensity of wavelengths outside the visible range. For example, the camera may be able to capture infrared signals. In some embodiments, the digital architecture element includes a near infrared device, such as a forward looking infrared (FLIR) camera or a near infrared (NIR) camera. Examples of suitable infrared cameras include Boson ^™ or Lepton ^{™ from the} FLIR Systems of Wilsonville, Oregon. Such infrared cameras can be used to amplify visible light cameras in digital architecture components.

In some embodiments, the camera can be configured to map the thermal characteristics of the room so that it can act as a temperature sensor with three-dimensional perception. In some embodiments, such cameras in digital architecture components implement occupancy detection, augment visible light cameras to facilitate detection of humans rather than hot walls, and provide quantitative measurements of solar heating (eg, imaging a floor or table and See what the sun actually illuminates), etc.

In some embodiments, speakers, microphones, and associated logic are configured to use acoustic information to characterize air quality or air conditions. As an example, the algorithm may emit ultrasound pulses and detect transmitted and/or reflected pulses back to the microphone. The algorithm can be configured to sometimes use the transmitted differential audio signals to analyze the detected acoustic signals to determine air density, particle deflection, and the like to characterize air quality.

3 illustrates a block diagram showing examples of components that may be present in certain implementations of digital architecture elements (DAE). In the illustrated example, configuration 300 includes DAE 330 and computer or processor 340. The computer processor 340 is connected to an external network such as the Internet and optionally connected to cloud-based content and/or service providers. The connection may include a suitable modem, router, or switch, and may include a high-bandwidth backbone such as the 10G backbone described above. In this example, the computer or processor 340 is also connected to the video display 309 via an HDMI link. In addition, the computer 340 is connected to the port 311 (USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or others) to make additional internal or external resources available for the DAE 330. As indicated above, the DAE may include various sensors and peripheral elements. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the DAE 330 includes a speaker 317, a microphone 319, and various sensors 321. Any one or more of these components may be coupled to the computer or processor 340 via port 311.

In the illustrated example, the equalizer 313 may be configured to provide tone control to adjust the acoustic effects of the room. In some situations, the equalizer 313 facilitates the use of, for example, instantaneous time delay reflectometry to adjust room acoustics. The equalizer and associated components can thereby compensate for undesirable audio artifacts generated by the interaction of sound waves with objects in the room or otherwise in close proximity to the occupant. In some embodiments, signal pulses are generated by speakers associated with digital architecture elements, and one or more microphones pick up pulses that are reflected and attenuated directly and as by objects in the room. Based on the time delay between the transmitted pulse and the detected pulse and the tone quality of the detected pulse, the system can infer the room boundary, etc. In some embodiments, the user's smartphone further enables the speaker output to be optimized for the acoustic environment of various parts of the room. During the setup mode, with the phone enabled, the user can move around the room and use the phone to detect the acoustic response. Based on the location and the detected acoustic response, the digital architecture components can determine how to optimize the speaker output. After mapping the acoustic profile of the room, the digital architecture elements are programmed to tune their speaker output based on various factors such as where the user is located in the room. In some embodiments, the device may use any of several proximity techniques to detect the user's location, such as the PCT patent application filed on May 4, 2017, which was previously incorporated by reference in its entirety. The other technologies in the case No. PCT/US17/31106.

Digital wall interface

Some aspects of this disclosure are related to the inclusion of some or all of the digital wall interfaces in the components of the digital architecture components, and the digital wall interfaces are configured to include buildings designed for installation in partially or fully constructed buildings Underframe or shell on the wall of the object or door. The wall interface can be constructed to provide a user interface that is easy for the user to see. It may have a relatively small footprint (eg, a user-facing surface area of up to about 500 square inches) and be circular or polygonal. In some embodiments, the digital wall interface is approximately the shape and size of a tablet computer.

In some embodiments, the digital wall interface has the same or similar characteristics as the digital architecture element, but it is a wall-mounted device. For example, the digital wall interface may include sensors and peripheral components as described for digital architecture components. In addition, these elements may be included in a strip or similar chassis.

In various embodiments, when constructing a building, a digital architecture element is provided with the building, and the digital wall interface is installed in the building after construction is completed or nearing completion. In a method of building construction, a plurality of digital architectural elements are installed during the construction of a basic building structure (walls, partitions, doors, mullions, beams, etc.), and one or more digital wall interfaces are The tenant occupied the fashion set shortly before or immediately. Of course, once installed, the digital wall interface and digital architecture components can work in combination by sharing the sensed results, by sharing analysis and control logic, etc., for example as part of a mesh network.

In many embodiments, the digital wall interface includes a built-in display configured to provide a user interface and optionally a touch-sensitive interface. In some but not all embodiments, the digital architecture component does not include a display or touch interface. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the digital architecture component does not include a built-in display, but has an associated display, for example, a display connected to the component by an HDMI cable or a projection configured to project video controlled by the component instrument. Similarly, the digital wall interface can be configured to work with a separate display such as a window display or projection display.

Although many of the discussions on the use, components, and functions of digital devices herein use digital architecture elements as examples, in most cases, digital wall interfaces can be used for similar or the same purposes. Therefore, unless the discussion focuses on building structural elements to which the digital device is attached or associated, the discussion also applies to digital wall interfaces and digital architectural elements.

Enhanced Functional Window Controller (WC3)

As described above, in certain embodiments, the enhanced functional window controller (WC3) may include a Wi-Fi access point, and optionally also has cellular communication capabilities. It is usually configured to connect to multiple networks (for example, CAN bus and Ethernet).

In some embodiments, the enhanced functional window controller may have the basic structure and functions as described above, but with an additional gigabit Ethernet interface and a processor with enhanced computing power. Like the more conventional window controllers, the enhanced functional window controller may have a CAN bus interface or similar controller network. In some embodiments, the controller has video capabilities and/or may include the features described in US Patent Application No. 15/287,646, filed on October 6, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the enhanced functionality window controller is implemented as a module with the following: (i) a processor with a sufficiently high processing capacity to handle video and other functions requiring significant processing capacity; (ii ) Ethernet connection; (iii) depending on the situation, video processing capabilities; (iv) depending on the situation, Wi-Fi access point or other wireless communication capabilities, etc. This module can be attached to a backplane with other more familiar window controller functionality such as power amplifiers or another backplane used with ring sensors. The resulting device can be used to control the optically switchable window, or it can only be used to provide wireless communication, video, and/or other functions that are not necessarily associated with controlling the state of the optically switchable window.

In some embodiments, like the conventional window controller described herein, the enhanced functional window controller is configured, controlled, alarmed, etc. via CAN bus or similar controller network protocol, but additionally it provides video , Wi-Fi and/or other additional features.

4 illustrates a comparison between the block diagram of WC2 (detail A) and the block diagram of WC3 (detail B) according to some embodiments. The WC2 block diagram is an example of a conventional window controller such as their window controller available from View Inc. of Milpitas, CA. Some of the depicted components include at least one voltage regulator 441, controller network interface, CAN 442, processing unit (microcontroller) 443, and various ports and connectors. Some of these components and example architectures are described in US Patent Application No. 13/449,251 filed on April 17, 2012 and US Patent Application No. 15/334,835 filed on October 26, 2016, etc. The patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Detail B depicts an example of enhanced functional window controller WC3. In the depicted embodiment, the conventional window controller (WC2) and the enhanced function window controller (WC3) have a similar architecture and some common components. The enhanced functional window controller WC3 has a more powerful microcontroller 453, a gigabit Ethernet interface 454, a wireless (eg, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cellular) interface 455, and an optional MoCA interface 456 . The gigabit Ethernet interface may be a conventional unshielded twisted pair (for example, UTP/CAT5-6) interface and/or a MoCA (coaxial cable GbE) interface. In some embodiments, the connection to the enhanced functionality window controller is via a conventional RJ45 modular connector (socket). In some embodiments supporting MoCA, the controller includes separate adapters for the feed jacks. As an example, this adapter may be an Actiontec (Actiontec Electronics, Inc.) adapter in Sunnyvale, CA, such as an ECB6250 MoCA 2.5 network adapter, for example, providing data communication up to 2.5Gbps Speed adapter.

Application and use

5A-5D illustrate several examples of applications and uses of digital architecture components and related components covered by this disclosure. It should be understood that the network and high-bandwidth backbone described in this article can be used for various functions, some of which have nothing to do with the control window. One such function is to provide Internet, local area network, and/or computing services for tenants or other building occupants, site builders during building construction, and the like. During construction, the network and computing resources provided by the backbone and digital components can be used not only for commissioning windows. For example, it can be used to provide architectural information, construction instructions, and the like. In this way, construction personnel can access the construction information they need via a high-bandwidth field network.

In some cases, the network, communication, and/or computing services provided by the network and computing infrastructure as described in this article are used for multi-tenant buildings or work that shares work spaces such as those provided by WeWork.com In space. For example, as needed, a shared workspace building only needs to provide temporary connectivity and processing capacity. Building networks such as those described in this article provide central control and flexible assignment of computing resources for specific building parts. This flexibility allows different resources to be assigned to different tenants.

Readings from sensors in digital components (eg, digital wall interfaces or digital architecture components) can provide information about the environment in the vicinity of the digital architecture components. Examples of such sensors include sensors for any one or more of temperature, humidity, volatile organic compounds (VOC), carbon dioxide, dust, light level, glare, and color temperature. In some embodiments, readings from one or more such sensors are input to an algorithm, and the algorithm determines that other building systems should be taken to offset the deviation of the measured readings so that these readings are The action of the target value of comfort or building efficiency depends on the contextual index of the occupant's presence and other signals.

In some embodiments, the digital element may be placed on the roof of the building, depending on the situation, co-located with the sky sensor or the ring sensor, such as described in US Patent Application Publication No. 4 published on May 4, 2017. 2017/0122802. This component may be equipped with some or all of the features presented elsewhere for digital architecture components herein. Examples include sensors, antennas, radios, radars, air quality detectors, etc. In some embodiments, the digital components on the roof or other exterior parts of the building provide information about air quality; in this way, the digital components can provide information about the air quality of both the interior and exterior. This situation allows the use of a complete set of information to make decisions about the state of window tones and other environmental conditions (for example, when conditions outside the building are unhealthy (or at least worse than inside), it may be decided to prohibit the discharge of air from the outside).

In some cases, the light level, glare, color temperature, and/or other characteristics of the surrounding or artificial light in the area of the building are used to determine whether to change the color state of the electrochromic device. In some embodiments, these decisions use one or more algorithms or analyses, such as the U.S. Patent Application No. 15/347,677 filed on November 9, 2016 and the U.S. filed on January 4, 2018 In Patent Application No. 15/742,015 (National Phase Application), these patent applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In one example, a solar energy calculator and/or reflection model is used to make shading decisions by incorporating algorithms for interpreting light information from sensors of digitally constructed components. In some situations, the algorithm can use information about the following to help decide whether to tint the window and what tonal state should be selected: the presence of the occupant; how many occupants exist; and/or where it is located (available (Data obtained from digital architecture components). In some cases, digital architecture elements are used instead of or in conjunction with sky sensors for the purpose of determining the appropriate tone state, such as those described in the United States filed on October 6, 2016 and previously incorporated herein by reference in their entirety Patent Application No. 15/287,646.

As an example of hue and glare control, sensors in digital components can provide feedback about local light, temperature, color, glare, etc. in rooms or other parts of a building. The logic associated with the digital component can then determine that the light intensity, direction, color, etc. in the room or part of the building should be changed, and can also determine how to implement this change. Changes may be necessary for user comfort (eg, reducing glare at the user's work space, increasing contrast, or correcting color profiles for sensitive users) or privacy or safety. Assuming that the logic determines that the change is necessary, the logic can then send instructions to change one or more lighting or solar components, such as the optical switchable window tint state, display device output, and switching particle device film state (eg, transparent, translucent , Opaque), light projection onto the surface, artificial light output (color, intensity, direction, etc.) and the like. All such decisions can be made with or without assistance from the full building tone state processing logic, such as the U.S. patent filed on November 9, 2016, which was previously incorporated herein by reference in its entirety Application No. 15/347,677 and US Patent Application No. 15/742,015 (National Phase Application) filed on January 4, 2018.

An array of digital architecture elements in a building can form a mesh edge access network, which enables interaction between building occupants and the building or machines in the building. When equipped with an appropriate network interface, the digital architecture components and/or digital wall interfaces and/or enhanced functional window controllers can be used as digital computing mesh network nodes, which provide building structural elements (e.g. mullions) Internal connectivity, communication, application execution, etc. are used for surrounding computing processing. It can be powered, monitored and controlled in a similar or the same way as the edge sensor nodes in the mesh network setup in the building. It can be used as a gateway for other sensor nodes.

The non-exhaustive list of functions or uses of the high-frequency wide-window network and associated digital components covered by this disclosure includes: (a) speakerphone-digital wall interface or digital architecture components can be configured to provide all of the speakerphone Function; (b) personalization of space-occupants' preferences and/or roles can be stored and then implemented at specific locations where the occupants are located. In some situations, when the user is at a particular location, the preferences and/or roles are only temporarily implemented. In some situations, preferences and/or roles are still valid, as long as the occupant is assigned a work space or living space; (c) security-track assets, identify unauthorized presence of individuals in defined locations, lock doors, Colored windows, uncolored windows, audible alarms, etc.; (d) control HVAC, air quality; (e) communication with occupants, including public broadcast notifications to occupants during emergencies; messages can be communicated through speakers in digital components ; (F) cooperation between residents using live video; (g) noise cancellation-for example, white noise is detected by microphones and white noise is eliminated by sound bars; (h) connected to, streamed or otherwise Deliver video or other media content, such as TVs; (i) enhance personal digital assistants, such as Amazon’s Alexa, Microsoft’s Cortana, Google’s Google Home, Apple’s Siri, and/or other personal digital assistants; (j) by, for example, a camera Facial or other biometric recognition realized by associated image analysis logic-to determine the identity of people in the room, rather than just counting the number of people; (k) detect color-color balance with room lighting and window tone status ; (L) Detect and/or adjust local environmental conditions. One or more of the following types of sensing conditions can be used to determine the conditions, such as temperature and humidity, volatile organic compounds (VOC), CO ₂ , dust, smoke, and light (light level, glare, color temperature).

Computing system and memory device

The logic and computational processing resources disclosed by the present invention can be provided in a digital component such as a digital wall interface or a digital architecture component (as described herein), and/or it can be provided to a remote location via a network connection, such as using the same Or another building with similar resources and services, servers on the Internet, cloud-based resources, etc.

Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems for generating and/or using functionality in buildings, such as the uses described in the previous "Applications and Uses" chapter. A programmed or configured system for performing functions and uses can be configured to (i) receive input, such as sensor data characterizing conditions within the building, occupancy details, and/or external environmental conditions; and (ii) execute instructions that determine the impact of such conditions or details on the building environment and take action as necessary to maintain or change the building environment.

Many types of computing systems with any of a variety of computer architectures can be used to implement the disclosed systems that implement the functions and uses described herein. For example, the system may include software components executed on one or more general-purpose processors or specially designed processors such as programmable logic devices (eg, field programmable gate array (FPGA)). In addition, the system can be implemented on a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The functions of the computing elements can be combined with each other or further divided into multiple sub-modules. In some embodiments, the computing system contains a microcontroller. In some embodiments, the computing system contains a general-purpose microprocessor. Typically, the computing system is configured to run the operating system and one or more applications.

In some embodiments, the code for performing the functions or uses described herein may be in the form of software components that can be stored in non-volatile storage media (such as optical discs, flash storage devices, mobile hard drives, etc.) reflect. At one level, software components are implemented as a command set prepared by the programmer/developer. However, the modular software executable by the computer hardware is executable program code submitted to the memory using "machine code" selected from a specific machine language instruction set or "native instruction" designed into the hardware processor. Machine language instruction sets or native instruction sets are known to hardware processors and are essentially built into the hardware processors. This is the "language" for system and application software to communicate with the hardware processor. Each native instruction is a discrete code that is recognized by the processing architecture and can specify a specific register for arithmetic, addressing, or control functions; a specific memory location or offset; and a specific addressing mode for interpreting operands. More complex operations are built by combining sequential execution of these or simple native instructions such as otherwise directed by control flow instructions.

The relationship between executable software instructions and hardware processors is structural. In other words, the instruction itself is a series of symbols or values. It does not convey any information in essence. The processor pre-configured according to the design to interpret symbols/values gives meaning to the instructions.

The algorithms used herein can be configured to execute at a single location on a single machine, at a single location on multiple machines, or at multiple locations on multiple machines. When using multiple machines, individual machines can be customized for their specific tasks. For example, operations that require large blocks of code and/or significant processing power can be implemented on large and/or stationary machines.

In addition, some embodiments relate to tangible and/or non-transitory computer-readable media or computer program products that include program instructions and/or data (including data structures) for performing various computer-implemented operations. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, semiconductor memory devices, phase change devices, magnetic media such as magnetic disk drives, magnetic tapes, optical media such as CDs, magnetic optical media, and specially configured to store and execute program instructions Hardware devices, such as read-only memory devices (ROM) and random access memories (RAM). The computer-readable media can be directly controlled by the end user, or the media can be indirectly controlled by the end user. Examples of directly controlled media include media located at user facilities and/or media not shared with other entities. Examples of indirect control of media include media that users access indirectly via external networks and/or through services such as "cloud" that provide shared resources. Examples of program instructions include both machine code such as produced by a compiler and files containing higher-level code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter.

Provide the data or information used in the disclosed methods and devices in a digital format. This data or information may include sensor data, building structure information, floor plan (floor plan), operating or environmental conditions, schedules, and the like. As used herein, data or other information provided in digital format can be used for storage on machines and for transmission between machines. Conventionally, data can be stored in various data structures, lists, databases, etc. as bits and/or bytes. Data can be embodied electronically, optically, etc.

In some embodiments, the algorithms used to implement the functions and uses described herein may be viewed as a form of application software that interfaces with users and system software. System software is usually interfaced with computer hardware and associated memory. In some embodiments, the system software includes operating system software and/or firmware, as well as any intermediate software and drivers installed in the system. The system software provides basic non-task-specific functions of the computer. In contrast, modules and other application software are used to achieve specific tasks. Each native instruction for the module is stored in the memory device and is represented by a numerical value.

Integrated environmental monitoring and control

As described above, the technology disclosed by the present invention covers a network of digital architecture elements (DAE), which can collect a rich data set related to the environment, occupancy, and safety conditions inside and/or outside the building. Digital architectural elements may include optically switchable windows and/or mullions or other architectural features associated with optically switchable windows. Advantageously, the digital architecture elements can be widely distributed in at least all or most of the perimeter of the building. As a result, the collected data can provide a highly detailed and detailed representation of the environment, occupancy, and safety conditions associated with most or all of the interior and/or exterior of the building. For example, most or all of building windows may include or be associated with digital architecture elements, which include a series of sensors, such as light sensors and/or cameras (visible light and/or IR ); acoustic sensors, such as microphone arrays; temperature and humidity sensors; and air quality sensors, which detect VOC, CO2, carbon monoxide (CO) and/or dust.

In some implementations, automatic or semi-automatic technologies including machine learning are covered, where the environmental control, communication, and/or security systems of the building intelligently react to changes in the collected data. As an example, the degree of occupancy of a room in a building can be determined by a light sensor camera and/or an acoustic sensor, and a correlation between a specific change in occupancy level and a desired change in HVAC function can be correlated. For example, an increase in occupancy may be related to the need to increase airflow and/or decrease the constant temperature setting. As another example, data from an air quality sensor that detects dust content can be related to the need to perform building maintenance or to introduce or exclude outside air from the interior space. For example, in a use case scenario, when a occupant moves in a room, the dust content in the room is observed to increase and decreases when the occupant sits down. In this scenario, it can be determined that the floor covering needs service (scrubbing, vacuuming). In another use case scenario, when the window is opened, the measured internal air quality can be observed (i) improved or (ii) degraded. Under the condition of (i), it can be determined that the air circulation duct or filter of the HVAC system should be served. Under the condition of (ii), it can be judged that the outside air quality is poor, and the windows of the building should be preferably maintained in the closed position. In yet another use case scenario, the correlation between the number of occupants in the conference room and the opening or closing of doors and/or windows can be established by the Co2 content and/or the rate of change of the Co2 content.

More generally, the technology of the present invention covers measuring multiple "building conditions" and controlling "building operating parameters" of multiple "building systems" in response to the measured building conditions, as shown in FIG. 6 Instructions. As used herein, "building conditions" may refer to physically measurable conditions in a building or part of a building. Examples include temperature, air flow rate, luminous flux and color, occupancy, air quality and composition (particle count, carbon dioxide, gas concentration of carbon monoxide, water (ie, humidity)). As used herein, "building system" may refer to a system that can control or adjust building operating parameters. Examples include HVAC systems, lighting systems, security systems, window optical condition control systems. Building operating parameters may refer to parameters that can be controlled by one or more building systems to adjust or control building conditions. Examples include heat flux from or to heaters or air conditioners, heat flux from windows or lighting systems in rooms, airflow through rooms, and light flux from artificial or natural light passing through optically switchable windows.

Still referring to FIG. 6, the method 600 may include collecting input from multiple sensors (block 610). Some or all of the sensors may be placed on or associated with: individual windows, and/or individual digital architecture elements associated with the windows, and/or digital wall interfaces. For example, the sensors may include visible and/or IR light sensors or cameras, acoustic sensors, temperature and humidity sensors, and air quality sensors. It should be understood that the collected input can represent the measurement results of various environmental conditions that are diverse in time and space. In some implementations, at least some of the inputs may include a combination of sensors. For example, separate sensors dedicated to the individual measurement of CO ₂ , CO, dust, and/or smoke may be covered, and the combination of inputs from the separate sensors may be analyzed (block 620) to determine air quality control. As another example, the input related to the determination of the degree of occupancy in the room collected from separate sensors measuring optical and acoustic signals, respectively, can be analyzed (block 620). As yet another example, sensors that can be spatially distributed freely receive inputs almost simultaneously. For example, sensors may be spatially distributed relative to a given room or between multiple rooms and/or floors of a building.

In some implementations, the analysis of the measured data at block 620 may take into account some "content background information" that may not necessarily be obtained from the sensor. Content background information as used in this article may include time of day and time of year, as well as local weather and/or climate information, as well as information about the layout of the building, and the usage parameters of various parts of the building. Content background information can initially be entered by users (eg, building managers) and updated manually and/or automatically from time to time. Examples of usage parameters may include the operational schedule of the building, and the identification of the expected and/or permitted/authorized use of individual rooms or larger portions (eg, floors) of the building. For example, some parts of billing can be identified as lobby space, restaurant/cafeteria space, meeting room, open area, private office space, etc. Content background information can be used to determine whether or how to modify building operating parameters (block 630) and to calibrate and adjust sensors as appropriate. For example, based on content background information, certain sensors may be disabled in certain parts of the building as needed to meet the privacy expected by the occupants. As another example, a sensor used in a room (eg, a congregation hall) where a large number of people are expected to gather may be beneficially compared to a sensor used in a room (eg, a private office) that is expected to have fewer occupants. Different calibration or adjustment.

The goal of the analysis at block 620 may be to determine that certain building conditions exist or may be predicted to exist. As a simple example, the analysis may include comparing sensor readings such as luminous flux or temperature measurement results with threshold values. As another more complex example, when the occupancy load in the room undergoes a change (this is due to, for example, a conference call or adjournment in the conference room), the analysis at block 620 can first directly identify the acoustics associated with the room And/or changes in the input of the optical sensor; secondly, the analysis can predict environmental parameters that can be expected to change due to changes in the occupancy load. For example, it can be expected that an increase in occupied load will result in an increase in ambient temperature and an increase in CO ₂ content. Advantageously, the analysis at block 620 can be automatically performed periodically or continuously using models or other algorithms, and the model or other algorithms can be improved over time using, for example, machine learning techniques. In some embodiments, the analysis may not explicitly identify specific building conditions (or combinations of conditions) in order to determine that building operating parameters should be adjusted.

Referring again to block 630, whether or how to modify the building operating parameters can be determined based on the results of analyzing block 620. Depending on the decision, the building conditions may or may not change. When it is determined not to modify the building operating parameters, the method may return to block 610. When it is determined to modify the charging of the operating parameters, one or more building conditions may be adjusted at block 640 for purposes such as improving occupant comfort or safety and/or reducing operating costs and energy consumption. For example, lights and/or HVAC services can be set to low power conditions in rooms that are determined to be unoccupied. As another example, it can be determined that a fault or problem that requires the attention of the management, maintenance, or security personnel of the building has occurred.

Decisions can be made reactively and/or proactively. For example, the determination may be in response to changes in the measured parameters, for example, it may be determined to increase the HVAC flow rate when a rise in ambient CO ₂ is measured. Alternatively or additionally, a determination can be made actively, that is, before the change is actually measured, the building operating parameters can be adjusted when the environment is expected to change. For example, the observed change in occupied load can lead to a decision to increase the HVAC flow rate, regardless of whether a corresponding increase in ambient CO ₂ or temperature is measured.

In some embodiments, the determination may relate to building operating parameters associated with HVAC (eg, airflow rate and temperature settings), which may be based on the measured temperature, CO ₂ content, humidity, and in one or more locations And/or local occupancy rate. In some embodiments, the determination may be related to building operating parameters associated with building safety. For example, in response to an abnormal sensor reading, a security system alarm can be triggered, selected doors and windows can be locked or unlocked, and/or the tone state of all or some windows can be changed. Examples of safety-related building conditions include the detection of broken windows, the detection of unauthorized persons in controlled areas, and the detection of unauthorized movement of equipment, tools, electronic devices, or other assets from one location to another Measurement.

Other types of safety-related building condition information may include information related to the occurrence of sound detection outside and/or inside the building. In one embodiment, the sound type of the detected sound is analyzed. In some embodiments, the analysis is initiated via on-board hardware, firmware, or software on one or more digital structural elements or elsewhere in the building or even outside the building. In some embodiments, sounds outside or inside the building cause the conductive layer deposited on the window glass of the electrochromic window to vibrate. These vibrations cause changes in capacitance between the conductive layers and these changes in capacitance are converted into indications The signal of sound. Therefore, some windows of the present invention may inherently provide the functionality of sound and/or vibration sensors, however, in other embodiments, the sound and/or vibration sensor functionality may have been added with or without conductivity The sensors of the window of the layer and/or are provided by one or more sensors implemented in the digital structural element.

In one embodiment, the origin of the sound can be determined by analyzing the difference in sound amplitude and/or sound time delay experienced by different ones of the sound and or vibration sensors. The types of sounds detected and then analyzed include, but are not limited to: cracked window sounds, voices (eg, voices of authorized or unauthorized personnel in certain areas), movements caused by (persons, machines, airflow, etc.) The sound, and the sound caused by the shooting. In one embodiment, depending on the type of sound detected, one or more appropriate security or other actions are initiated by one or more systems within the building. For example, when it is determined that a shooting has occurred at a location outside or inside the building, the building management system makes an automatic 911 call to call emergency responders to this location.

In the case of sound generated by firearms in a building, it is necessary to know the precise location of the sound (for example, room, floor, and building information) and the sound-producing shooter for proper emergency response. However, in a building with a large open space floor plan and/or corridor, it is necessary to refer to the text position information of the floor plan of a specific building to delay the response. In one embodiment, visual location information is also provided rather than just text location information. The visual position information of the sound can be provided by the installed camera system (if so equipped), but in one embodiment, by changing the tone state of one or more windows determined to be closest to the sound produced by the firearm or shooter Provided for a unique tone state. For example, in one embodiment, after the sound of interest is sensed, the hue of the tintable window closest to the sound of interest is changed to a darker hue than the hue of the window farther from the sound, or vice versa . In this way, if the responder cannot quickly locate a specific room on a specific floor of a specific building, it may be able to locate by visually looking for a window that has been uniquely colored darker or brighter than other windows .

In one embodiment, the current part of the person associated with a particular sound may be different from its initial part. In this case, the part change may be updated by detecting other sounds or changes caused by the person to the environment. For example, in the case of an active shooting situation, a gas sensor in a digital component or other predetermined location can be used to monitor the change in air quality due to the presence of explosive powder, and thereby provide the responder with information about the shooter Update of parts. Sound and other sensors can also be used to obtain parts of personnel and active shooters who are trying to hide quietly (for example, through infrared detection of their parts). In one embodiment, to confuse the active shooter, the sound can be generated by speakers in the digital architecture element or other speakers in the shooter's part to distract the shooter's attention, or to mask the hostages that are trying to hide from being seen by the shooter Generated noise. In one embodiment, speakers and/or microphones in digital architecture elements or other devices can be selectively activated to communicate with people trying to hide from being seen by active shooters. In addition to making the color tone of one or more windows unique to help identify sound parts, in some embodiments, it may be necessary to change the unique color tone of the window to some other color tone, for example to provide more light to facilitate one or more people Go in and out of a specific location, or provide less light to hinder visibility in a specific location.

Still referring to FIG. 6, at block 640, one or more building parameters may be modified in response to the decision made at block 630. In some embodiments, building parameter modification may be implemented under the control of a building management system, and may be implemented by one or more of building systems such as HVAC, lighting systems, security systems, and window controller networks . It should be understood that the modification of building parameters may be performed selectively in a global area (all buildings) or in a local area (eg, individual rooms, suites, floors, etc.).

As mentioned, building systems that determine how to modify building operating parameters can use machine learning. This means using training data to train machine learning models. In some embodiments, the procedure begins by training the initial model via supervised or semi-supervised learning. The model can be improved through continuous training/learning provided through use in the field (eg, when operating in an operational building). Examples of training data (building conditions that interact with each other and/or with building operating parameters) include the following combinations of sensed data or content background data (X or input) and building operating parameters or labels (Y or output): (a) [X=occupancy (as measured by IR or camera/video), content background, luminous flux (internal + solar); Y=△T/time (no cooling)]; (b)[X=occupancy Rate (as measured by IR or camera/video), content background; Y=△CO ₂ /time (with nominal exhaust)]; and (c)[X=occupancy rate (eg by IR or camera/video) (Measured), content background, temperature, external relative humidity (RH); Y=△RH/time (with nominal exhaust)]. Part of the purpose of machine learning is to identify unknown or hidden patterns or relationships, so learning usually uses a large number of inputs (X) for each possible output (Y).

In some embodiments, the implementation of the program flow illustrated in FIG. 6 can be facilitated by deploying digital architecture elements with a series of functional modules for collecting and analyzing environmental data, communication, and control. 7 illustrates an example of a series of such functional modules according to an embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the digital architecture element 700 includes a power and communication module 710, an audiovisual (A/V) module 720, an environment module 730, a calculation/learning module 740, and a controller module 750.

The power and communication module 710 may include one or more wired or wireless interfaces for transmitting and receiving communication signals and/or power. Examples of wireless power transmission technologies suitable for use in conjunction with the technology disclosed by the present invention are described in the following: the application of the electrochromic window for wireless power supply and the power supply for the electrochromic window applied on March 13, 2018 (WIRELESSLY POWERED AND POWERING ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/642,478; the application on September 21, 2017 is for electrochromic windows powered by wireless means and power supply for electrochromic windows (WIRELESSLY POWERED AND POWERING ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS)'s international patent application PCT/US17/52798; and US Patent Application No. 14/962,975 entitled "WIRELESS POWERED ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS" for wireless power supply on December 8, 2015, Each of them transferred to the asset owner of any of the applications, and the contents of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. The power and communication module 710 can be communicatively coupled to each of the following and distribute power to each of the following: audiovisual (A/V) module 720, environment module 730, computing /Learning module 740 and controller module 750. The power and communication module 710 can also be communicatively coupled to one or more other digital architecture elements (not shown) and/or interface with the power and/or control distribution nodes of the building.

The A/V module 730 may include one or more of the A/V components described above, including cameras or other visual and/or IR light sensors, visual displays, touch interfaces, microphones or microphone arrays, and Speaker or speaker array. In some embodiments, the "touch" interface may additionally include gesture recognition capabilities, which are used to detect recognition and respond to non-touch movements of a person's appendage or hand-held object.

The environmental module 730 may include one or more of the environmental sensing components described above, including temperature and humidity sensors, acoustic light sensors, IR sensors, particle sensors (eg, for Detects dust, smoke, pollen, etc.), VOC, CO and/or CO2 sensors. The environmental module 730 may be functionally and have a series of audio and may partially or completely overlap the sensors (for example, microphones, visual and/or IR light sensors) described above in conjunction with the A/V module 730 /Or electromagnetic sensors. In some embodiments, the term "sensor" as used herein may include some processing capabilities to, for example, make decisions such as occupancy (or number of occupants) in the area. Cameras, especially those that detect IR radiation, can be used to directly identify the number of people in the area. Alternatively, in addition, the sensor may provide raw (unprocessed) signals to the calculation/learning module 740 and/or the controller module 750.

The computing/learning module 740 may include processing components (including general-purpose or special-purpose processors and memory) as described above for digital architecture components, digital wall interfaces, and/or enhanced functional window controllers. Alternatively or additionally, it may include specially designed ASICs, digital signal processors, or other types of hardware, including processors that are designed or optimized to implement models such as machine learning models (eg, neural networks) . Examples include Google's "Tensor Processing Unit" or TPU. Such processors may be designed to efficiently calculate activation functions, matrix operations, and/or other mathematical operations required by neural networks or other machine learning calculations. For some applications, other dedicated processors such as graphics processing units (GPUs) may be used. In some cases, the processor may be installed in a system in a chip architecture.

The controller module 750 may be or may include a window control module, which has one or more features described in each of the following: the application for a controller for optically switchable windows, applied on January 29, 108 ( CONTROLLER FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE WINDOWS) US Patent Application No. 15/882,719; the US patent entitled "CONTROLLER FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE WINDOWS" filed on April 17, 2012 Application No. 13/449,251; International Patent Application No. PCT/US17/47664 entitled "ELECTROMAGNETIC-SHIELDING ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS" on August 18, 2017; October 2016 US Patent Application No. 15/334,835, entitled "CONTROLLERS FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE DEVICES", filed on the 26th; and entitled "Used for" on November 10, 2017 International Patent Application No. PCT/US17/61054 of "POWER DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS FOR ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES" for electrochromic devices, each of which is assigned to the assignee of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety Incorporated into this application.

For clarity of illustration, FIG. 7 presents the digital architecture element 700 as having separate and unique modules 710, 720, 730, 740, and 750. However, it should be understood that two or more modules may be structurally combined with each other and/or with the features of the digital wall interface described above. In addition, it is expected that in a building facility that includes several digital architecture elements, not every digital architecture element will necessarily include all of the described modules 710, 720, 730, 740, and 750. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of the described modules 710, 720, 730, 740, and 750 may be shared by multiple digital architecture elements.

8 illustrates an example physical package of digital architecture elements according to some implementations. As can be observed in FIG. 8, it is expected that the functionality of the described modules 710, 720, 730, 740, and 750 can be configured in a physical package that is easily adaptable to architectural features such as typical window mullions Size and appearance size.

Trunk for high-speed network infrastructure

The increasing use and implementation of Internet of Things (IOT) devices requires communication networks that can support their data throughput. In the debate over previously constructed buildings, it is increasingly discovered that existing installed network infrastructure cannot support this data throughput. Compared to the previous possible situation, the implementation or modification of the building network infrastructure according to the present invention enables higher speed communication between more devices.

9A-9C illustrate representations of trunks for high-speed network infrastructure according to some embodiments. Referring first to FIG. 9A, in one embodiment, the high-speed network infrastructure 900a is implemented by at least one trunk 901 including at least one trunk section 902 and at least one or more circuits 903. As described in more detail below, one or more of the circuits 903 may be disposed in or otherwise associated with various digital architecture elements. In some embodiments, the network 900a is configured to transmit signals to the device and with a throughput of 500 Mbps, 1 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps, and 10 Gbps, for example, as envisaged by MoCA 2.0, MoCA 2.0, MoCA 2.5, and MoCA 3.0, respectively. /Or transmit signals from the device.

Referring now to FIG. 9B, in one embodiment, the network infrastructure 900b includes a serial connection of trunk segments 902 connected together in a daisy chain, wherein one end of the first segment 902(1) is coupled to the control panel (CP )920 and the second end of the first section 902(1) is coupled to the second section 902(i) via the trunk circuit 903. In one embodiment, the second section 902(i) includes two or more conductors (in the illustrated example, 902(2) and 902(3). In one embodiment, the trunk section Some or all of 902 include twisted-pair conductors configured to transmit power signals. In one embodiment, the DC power signal includes a type 2 power signal. In one embodiment, the end of at least one section 902 includes RF Connector 905. In one embodiment, the RF connector 905 includes an F-type connector.

In one embodiment, each trunk circuit 903 is configured to pass signals between two trunk sections 902, and is further configured to couple signals between sections and connectors 908. In one embodiment, at least one trunk circuit 903 includes a connector 908, at least one connector 906 configured to mate with the connector 905 at the end of the section 202, and a connector 902 (2 3) At least one connector 907 for carrying the power signal. In one embodiment, the connector 906 is or includes an F-type connector configured to mate with the connector 905 of the section 902; and the connector 907 includes at least one fastener, such as, but not limited to, configured to tighten Terminal block type fasteners with conductive ends of solid conductors.

In one embodiment, the trunk circuit 903 includes one or more passive circuits. Referring now to FIG. 9C, in the illustrated embodiment, the trunk circuit 903 includes a directional coupler circuit 909 coupled to a biased T-shaped circuit 940. In one embodiment, the directional coupler 909 is close to the first conductor 911 and includes the second conductor 912. In the case where the first conductor 911 is configured to conduct signals between the segments 902, the signal on the first conductor 911 is inductively coupled to the second conductor 912. In one embodiment, the biased T-shaped circuit 940 includes an inductor 941 and a capacitor 942, wherein the first end of the inductor 941 is coupled to the connector 907 and the second end of the inductor 941 is coupled to the capacitor 942 and the connector 908. In one embodiment, the power signal at the connector 207 is combined with the signal provided by the directional coupler circuit 909 by biasing the T-shaped circuit 940, and the combined signal is coupled to the connector by the biasing T-shaped circuit 940 908. In one embodiment, the connector 908 is or includes an RF connector. In one embodiment, the connector 908 is or includes an F-type connector. In one embodiment, the connector 908 is coupled to the down conductor 913, which can be configured to transmit both power and high-speed/high-bandwidth data signals to one or more devices 914. In one embodiment, the down conductor 913 is or includes a coaxial cable conductor.

In one embodiment, the high-speed network 900 is installed on or in a building under construction. In some embodiments, before opening the building for occupancy, at least a portion of the network 900 is installed on or in the structural elements of the building, for example, such as unfinished or exposed walls facing the interior and exterior, Structural elements for ceilings and/or floors. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the network 200 is installed during or after installation of the electrical infrastructure of the building under construction. In other embodiments, one or more portions of the network 900 are installed before or during installation in the window of the building under construction. The early installation of the network 900 before the completion of the final completion work enables previously unavailable functionality to be available during construction of the building. In one embodiment where windows are installed at the same time as or after the installation of the network 900, part or all of the processing capacity of the network and/or windows may be made available to contractors and other field personnel. For example, in an embodiment where a window composed of digital display screen technology is installed at the same time as the installation of the network 900 or after the installation of the network, the electronic version of the construction blueprint can be used to display the scene on the display screen. Architects and contractors show.

In addition, during or after construction, it is known that certain materials in buildings can interfere with or block the transmission of certain frequencies, which can interfere with the operation of devices that depend on these frequencies. For example, metal structures known to be present in the inner and/or outer walls of buildings (such as but not limited to metal beams and metal window glass coatings) can interfere with the operation of certain wireless devices. Such devices include but are not limited to cellular phones, IOT devices, 5G, and millimeter wave enabled devices. In one embodiment, the trunk 901 is configured to include or to be connected to one or more devices such as transceivers, antennas, and/or signal repeaters to avoid this blocking. Appropriate placement of one or more transceivers, antennas, and/or signal repeaters in or on the structure of the building can be used to facilitate communication across and around such structures. In one embodiment, during or after construction of the building, one or more transceivers, antennas, and/or signal repeaters are coupled to the trunk 901 to facilitate communication between devices within the building. In one embodiment, one or more transceivers, antennas, and/or signal repeaters are located within the building based on their connection to the trunk 901 and/or the route of the trunk. For example, in one embodiment, during or after construction, the trunk 901 is installed on or in the outer wall of the building, and the transceiver, antenna, and/or signal repeater act as one or more trunk circuits 903 Part of it or separate from one or more trunk circuits. In one embodiment, the route of the trunk 901 along the outside of the building can be used to improve wireless connectivity to devices that exist outside the building. In an embodiment, one or more architectural elements may include transceivers, antennas, and/or signal repeaters. In one embodiment, the transceiver, antenna, and/or signal repeater may be disposed in or on the window or window frame. In one embodiment, the transceiver, antenna, and/or signal repeater may be coupled to the trunk line 901 via the drop wire 913 or via a connection to the trunk line 901 at some other point along the trunk line. In one embodiment, one or more of the transceiver, antenna and/or signal repeater are located on the outer wall or roof or building, and the trunk line 901 is coupled to the transceiver, antenna and/or signal repeater.

Trunk-to-drop interface

FIG. 10 shows an example power and data distribution system according to some embodiments, which includes an s control panel, trunks, drop wires, and digital architecture elements. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, the control panel 1020 provides power and data to multiple digital architecture elements 1030.

A conductor (power insertion line) 1002(2), a power injector 1070, and a power section 1090 are provided to carry power from the control panel 1020 to the digital architecture element 1030. A power distribution system including trunks, power inserts, and power injectors is discussed in PCT Application Publication No. 2018/102103 (P085X1WO) filed on November 10, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety in.

In some embodiments, the power insertion line and the power section include one or more twisted pair conductors, such as 12 or 14 AWG conductor pairs. In one example, one or both of these types of current carrying wires contain two pairs of 2×14 AWG conductors. In some embodiments, one or both of these types of current-carrying cables are designed for use in a Class 2 power source (eg, <4 amps and <30 volts DC).

In the depicted embodiment, power from the control panel 1020 is first delivered to the bias tee 1040 via the power insertion line 1002(2) and then from the power injector 1070 and finally via the power section 1090. The biased T-shaped member 1040 couples power and data to the down conductor 1013 connected to the plurality of digital architecture elements 1030.

In the depicted embodiment, data is provided between the control panel 1020 (or more specifically, for example, a main controller or a network controller provided in the control panel) and a plurality of digital architecture elements 1030. The data is carried from the cable 1002(1) connected to the control panel 1020 to the directional coupler 1009, the bias T-piece 1040, and finally to the down conductor 1013.

In some embodiments, the data carrying cable 1002(1) and the drop cable 1013 are coaxial cables. In some embodiments, one or both of these coaxial cables are RG6 coaxial cables. As explained elsewhere herein, the system may include hardware and/or software logic for delivering high-bandwidth data via coaxial cables. In some embodiments, the system uses components configured to deliver data using one or more of the MoCA standards.

In various embodiments, the data from the control panel is delivered to individual ones of the multiple digital architecture elements 1030 by using a directional coupler 1009 to tap some of the carrier signals from the data carrying cable 1002(1). As an example, a directional coupler can direct a small portion of the data signal from the data carrying cable 1002(1) and direct the extracted signal toward the biased T-piece. As an example, the data signal received at the directional coupler has a first signal strength, and the digital coupler extracts a small portion of the signal for biasing the T-piece and allows the slightly reduced strength signal to continue coupling downstream toward the next directional Device.

The upstream data from the digital architecture element 1030 is transferred to the biased T-piece 1040 and the directional coupler 1009 via the down conductor 1013, and finally to the data carrying cable 1002(1) for delivery to the control panel 1020 (or often Precisely, delivered to the network controller or main controller in the control panel). A directional coupler 1009 such as the other directional couplers depicted in this example system only guides certain materials in one direction. For example, the upstream data from the digital architecture element 1030 passed through the directional coupler 1009 is only directed upstream on the data carrying cable 1002(1) toward the control panel 1020.

In the example of FIG. 10, any one or more of the digital architecture elements 1030 may include any one or more of the modules or may provide one or more of the functions described elsewhere herein. For example, although the directional coupler 1009 and the biased T-piece 1040 are shown outside the respective digital architecture elements 1030 for clarity, it is expected that in some embodiments, at least some of the digital architecture elements 1030 will include separate directional couplings The device 1009 and/or each bias the T-piece 1040. In some embodiments, at least one of the digital architecture elements 1030 lacks sensor, audio, and/or video capabilities. For example, the digital architecture element 1030 may only include communication capabilities such as Wi-Fi, cellular, and/or wired network capabilities.

In some cases, one or more of the digital architecture elements contain modules or other components for controlling one or more electrically tintable windows. In some cases, the digital architecture element contains or communicates with one or more window controllers. To this end, one or more of the digital architecture elements may include components such as a gateway to implement controller area network (eg, CANbus) functionality. In some such situations, the system depicted in FIG. 10 may have a CANbus cable provided via a trunk or other components.

In FIG. 10 and other figures depicting systems containing digital architecture elements, it should be understood that the digital architecture elements may be replaced with other digital elements that provide any one or more functions (providing control, processing, communication, and/or sensing). For example, any digital architecture element can be replaced by a digital wall controller, enhanced window controller, or the like

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic illustration of an example of a trunk circuit similar to the trunk circuit described above in connection with FIG. 9C. In the illustrated example, the trunk circuit contains a combination of features of both the directional coupler 1109 and the bias T-shaped circuit 1140, which may be referred to as a multi-port coupler or trunk T-piece. In the depicted example, the directional coupler 1109 is close to the first conductor 1111 including the upstream section (inlet) 1111(i) and the downstream section (outlet) 1111(o). The conductor 1111 can be coupled to a section of the trunk (eg, section 902 of FIG. 9c and 1002(i) of FIG. 10. The directional coupler 1109 includes a second conductor 1112 that is inductively coupled to the first conductor 1111. In the description In an example, the directional coupler provides a breakout 1150 for the data signal extracted from the first conductor 1111. In some embodiments, the directional coupler includes two parallel conductive elements (eg, two copper traces). These are depicted as (i) a first conductor 1111 connecting two parts of a coaxial or other data carrying line (not illustrated), and (ii) a second conductor 1112 of directional fingers. The signal of the data carrying line is tapped or extracted for other purposes; in this case, it is provided to the biased T-shaped circuit 1140. Among other parameters, the direction of the directional fingers along the path of the continuous conductive element The relative length and the separation distance between these two conductive elements dictate the strength of the signal carried by the tapped data.

As an example, the data signal reaches the directional coupler from the control panel, and the arrival signal (at 1111(i)) has a signal strength of 25 dB. The directional coupler is configured to extract a portion of the signal (eg, 2dB) and allow the remaining 23dB signal (at 1111(o)) to continue its travel downstream (away from the control panel (not illustrated)) and toward, for example, the next directional coupler (Not stated).

The tap 1150 can deliver a relatively low signal strength (compared to the signal on the first conductor 1111 to deliver the data to the biased T-shaped circuit 1140. As shown, the biased T-shaped circuit 1140 has a structure including the following: Inductive element 1141, which is coupled to a power source (eg, a power section, such as section 1090); and capacitive element 1142, which is on a link between directional coupler 1109 and a node connected to inductive element 1141.

In operation, the biased T-shaped circuitry 1140 can receive data from the directional coupler 1109 via the coaxial cable as an RF signal, and combine the data with DC power from a separate power source. The biased T-shaped circuit system sends a combined signal on the down-conductor 1113 for downstream transmission to the device 1114, which may be a digital architecture component (eg, the digital architecture component 1030 of FIG. 10) or other digital components, and/or window control And/or electrically tintable windows (for example, in an IGU). The power provided to the biased T-piece 1140 (and in particular the inductive element 1141) may come from any of a variety of sources. In some embodiments, it is provided via a cable line originating at the control panel (eg, a power insertion line such as line 1002(2) or a cable line of a power section such as section 1090). In some embodiments, it is provided via a storage battery pack, storage capacitor, or other form of energy trap (not illustrated). In some embodiments, the combined trunk T-shaped circuit includes both power cables and energy traps. Working cooperatively under appropriate control logic, these two power sources can provide load balancing, backup power, and the like in the power distribution system.

In the alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 11, device 1114 is configured as a digital architecture element that includes a biased T-shaped circuit 1160 for receiving data and power provided via down conductor 1113. The AC power from the down-conductor 113 is directed to the power supply of the digital architecture element on the first circuit leg, and the data is directed to different legs for processing at block 1161.

In some embodiments, the combined trunk T-shaped circuit includes at least five ports: (i) an input data port, which is used to receive data from an upstream source (eg, a control panel); (ii) an output data port, which is used to Transmit data to downstream relay T-shaped circuits (and ultimately to downstream processing units such as other digital architecture components); (iii) input power port, which is used to receive power from a power source (eg, control panel); (iv) Output power port, which is used to transmit unused power downstream to other devices that consume power; and (iv) drop port, which is used to transfer tapped data and power to such as digital architecture components on the drop line Device. In some embodiments, ports (i), (ii), and (iv) contain connectors for coaxial cables, and ports (iii) and (iv) contain connectors for twisted-pair cables.

In some embodiments, a directional coupler, such as the directional coupler 1109 within the relay T-piece 1103, contains controls or controls for controlling or adjusting the coupling between traces or other conductive elements contained in the directional coupler Adjustment features, such as mechanical or electrically controllable knobs or turntables. For example, the control or adjustment feature may provide control over the relative position and/or overlap length of the trace, thereby permitting different degrees of signal coupling.

Depending on where the directional coupler is deployed in the communication network (near the control panel or terminal or somewhere in between), the directional coupler may require different degrees of signal coupling. The adjustable mechanism can permit different degrees of signal coupling suitable for different locations on the communication network.

In some embodiments, the trunk line is connected to the control panel and carries both the data line and the power line. For example, the trunk line can carry the power insertion line 1002(2) and the data carrying cable 1002(1) from the control panel 1020 in the system of FIG.

12 depicts a cross-section of an example trunk 1200 configured to carry a combination of power and data from a control panel and/or carry data to the control panel. The trunk line 1200 has conductors and shields for carrying power and data for both common network protocols (e.g., Ethernet) and control area networks (e.g., CANbus protocol). As shown in FIG. 12, the trunk 1200 includes an outer jacket 1210, which may be or include an insulator. In the depicted example, the outer jacket encloses an internal coaxial cable 1220 (eg, RG6 coaxial) for high-frequency broadband data communications, and two large-sized twisted-pair cables 1230 (eg, 14 AWG unshielded twisted pair cable), and CANbus shielded multi-conductor cable 1240 for interacting with, for example, window controllers, sensors, and the like. Of course, many of these features can be generalized, such as the number of twisted-pair conductors, the specifications of the conductors, and even the type of data-carrying cable (eg, non-coaxial wires, such as optical fibers). In some embodiments, the CANbus cable includes: two data conductors, which are twisted pairs, with an integral shield (eg, foil shield) on the pair; and two power conductors. The two power conductors may be only a single wire and a shielded wire (bare wire, not insulated) electrically connected to the overall shield.

13 shows an example of a part of the data and power distribution system with a digital architecture element (such as a "smart framework" or similar communication/processing module) 1330. The digital architecture element includes a directional coupler 1389 and The combination module 1380 of the bias T-shaped circuit 1384 is coupled. The drop line 1313 can carry both power and data downstream to the DAE 1330, and the data can be carried upstream from the DAE 1330 to a control panel (not shown). The data from the control panel (or other upstream source) can be provided via the coaxial cable input port 1381. This information is provided to the directional coupler 1389 of the combined module 1380. Depending on the design of the combined module 1380, the directional coupler 1389 extracts some of the data and transmits the data on the line 1382, which can be a cable, an electrical trace on the circuit board, and so on. The data from the control panel that is not tapped by the combined trunk T-piece leaves via the coaxial cable output port 1383.

The line 1382 is connected to the bias T-shaped circuit 1384 in the combined module 1380. Two twisted pair conductors (or other power carrying wires) 1385(1) and 1385(2) are also connected to the biased T-shaped circuit 1384. With such connections, the biased T-shaped circuit couples power and data to the down conductor 1313, which can be a coaxial cable. As depicted, digital architecture elements or other communication/processing elements 1330 include and/or connect to components for cellular communication (e.g., the illustrated antenna) and cellular or CBRS processing logic 1335. In some embodiments, the processing logic 1335 may be 5G compatible. In some embodiments, as depicted, digital architecture elements or other communication/processing elements 1330 provide CANbus gateways that provide data and power to one or more CAN bus nodes, such as window controllers, which control The associated optics can control the tone state of the window.

In some embodiments, during construction of the building, a module such as the combined module 1380 illustrated in FIG. 13 may be freely installed throughout the building, including when it is not initially connected to a digital architecture element or Installed in some parts of other processing/communication modules. In such embodiments, after construction, a combined relay T-piece can be used to install a digital processing device according to the needs of the building and/or tenant or other occupants.

Digital architecture components

Figures 14, 15 and 16 present block diagrams of versions of digital architecture components, digital wall interfaces or similar devices. For convenience, the following discussion will refer to Digital Architecture Elements (DAE). 14 illustrates DAE 1430, which can support multiple communication types, including, for example, Wi-Fi communication with its own antenna 1437. Alternatively or additionally, the DAE 1430 may include or be coupled to a cellular communication infrastructure, in the illustrated embodiment, a cellular communication infrastructure such as baseband radios, amplifiers, and antennas. Similarly, although not explicitly shown here, the digital architecture element 1530 may support a civil radio system (CBRS) that uses similar baseband radios. From the perspective of communication and data processing, the digital architecture components in this figure have the same general architecture as the full-featured digital architecture components. But it does not contain sensors and may not contain auxiliary components such as displays, microphones, and speakers.

In some embodiments, the digital architecture element supports a modular sensor configuration that allows individual upgrades and replacements of sensing via plug-and-play insertion in a backbone circuit board with a set of slots or sockets Device. In one embodiment, sensors used in digital structural elements can be installed orthogonal to the backbone in one of the standardized multiple slots/sockets to achieve maximum flexibility and functionality. In some embodiments, the sensor is modular and can be replaced plug-and-play via removal and insertion, which is done through an opening in the housing of the digital architecture element. The failed sensor can be replaced or the functionality/ability can be modified as needed. In one embodiment where the digital architecture elements are installed during the construction phase of the project/building, the use of plug-and-play sensors allows the use of one or more when the project/building can be occupied The sensor customizes digital architecture components. For example, during construction, sensors can be installed to track construction assets on site or to monitor unsafe (OSHA+) noise or air quality levels, and/or night cameras can be installed so that workers will usually not be on site Monitor the construction site movement when occupied. These or other sensors can be removed after construction as needed or as needed, and during the occupancy phase or at a later stage, when a sensor that needs to be upgraded or has new capabilities or it becomes available, Replace or supplement these or other sensors quickly and easily.

Figure 15 illustrates a system 1500 of components that can be incorporated in or associated with a DAE. The system 1500 may be configured to receive and transmit data wirelessly (eg, Wi-Fi communication, cellular communication, civil band radio system communication, etc.), and to transmit data upstream and receive downstream data via, for example, coaxial drop wires. In FIG. 15, the elements of the system 1500 are presented at a relatively high level. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15 includes providing a circuit at the interface of the trunk line and the drop line with a function similar to that of the combined module 1380 (described above in conjunction with FIG. 13), specifically, including a module with a biased T-shaped circuit 1584 Group 1580 obtains power and data from separate conductors (trunks) and places it on a cable (drop line 1513). Therefore, for downstream transmission, the coaxial drop wires can deliver both power and data to the MoCA interface 1590 of the digital architecture element on the same conductor.

As illustrated, the system 1500 includes a biased T-shaped circuit 1584 coupled to the MoCA interface 1590 by a down conductor 1513. The MoCA interface 1590 is configured to convert the downstream data signal provided in the MoCA format on the coaxial cable (in this case, the down cable) to data in a conventional format that can be used for processing. Similarly, the MoCA interface 1590 can be configured to format upstream data for transmission on the coaxial cable (drop cable 1513). For example, packetized Ethernet data can be formatted by MoCA for transmission upstream on the coaxial cable.

In the illustrated example, the DC-DC power supply 1501 receives DC power from the biased T-shaped circuit 1584 and transforms this relatively high voltage power into a power supply suitable for powering the processing components and other components of the digital architecture component 1530 Lower voltage electricity. In some embodiments, the power supply 1501 includes a buck converter. The power supply may have various outputs, each of which has a power or voltage level suitable for the components it supplies. For example, one component may require a 12 volt power supply, and different components may require a 3.3 volt power supply.

In some methods, the biased T-shaped circuit 1584, the MoCA interface 1590, and the power supply 1501 are disposed in a plurality of designed modules (or other combined units) for digital architecture components or similar network devices. This module can provide data and power to one or more downstream data processing, communication, and/or sensing devices in the digital architecture components. In the depicted embodiment, the processing block 1503 provides a honeycomb type (eg, as enabled by a transmit (Tx) antenna and associated RF power amplifier and by a receive (Rx) antenna and associated analog/digital converter) 5G) or other wireless communication functional processing logic. In some embodiments, the antenna and associated transceiver logic are configured for broadband communications (eg, about 800 MHz to 5.8 GHz). The processing block 1503 may be implemented as one or more unique physical processors. Although the block is shown as having a microcontroller separate from the digital signal processor, the two can be combined in a single solid volume circuit such as an ASIC.

Although the embodiment depicted in FIG. 15 provides separate transmission and reception antennas, other embodiments use a single antenna for transmission and reception. In addition, if the digital architecture component supports multiple wireless communication protocols, such as one or more cellular formats (eg, 5G for Sprint, 5G for T mobile, 4G/LTE for ATT, etc.), then for each In one format, the digital architecture components may include separate hardware, such antennas, amplifiers, and analog/digital converters. Additionally, if the digital architecture components support non-cellular wireless communication protocols, such as Wi-Fi, civil band radio systems, etc., for each of these protocols, the digital architecture components may require separate antennas and/or other hardware . However, in some embodiments, a single power amplifier may be shared by the antenna and/or other hardware for multiple wireless communication formats.

In the depicted embodiment, the processing block 1503 may implement functionality associated with communications, such as baseband radios for cellular or civilian band radio communications. In some cases, different physical processors are used for each supported wireless communication protocol. In some cases, a single physical processor is configured to implement multiple baseband radios, which share some additional hardware such as power amplifiers and/or antennas as appropriate. Under such conditions, different baseband radios can be defined in software or other configurable logic.

16 illustrates an example of a system 1600 of components that can be incorporated into or associated with digital architecture elements. As shown, the system 1600 includes a biased T-shaped circuit 1684 that can operate as described above (eg, similar to the biased T-shaped circuit 1584 in FIG. 15). Provide data from the biased T-shaped circuit 1684 to the MoCA front-end module 1690, which incorporates at least a portion of the processing block 1640 (eg, on-chip coaxial network controller system, such as available from Karls, California MxL3710 of MaxLinear, Inc. of Bard) works to provide high-speed data to one or more components of the system 1600.

Power (eg, 24V DC) from the biased T-shaped circuit 1584 is supplied to one or more voltage regulators in the power supply 1601, at least some of which can collectively provide the function of the power supply 1501 in FIG. 15 And provide power to various components of the processing block 1640. As generally indicated at block 1642, the processing block 1640 may include general-purpose microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, and integrated circuits, some or all of which may contain multiple cores or embedded with various processing capabilities Processor. In some embodiments, the processing block 1640 provides the function of the processing block 1503 in FIG. 15. As an example, the processing block 1640 may provide CANbus functionality for one or more window controllers.

In the illustrated example, the processing block 1640 includes a network switch 1643, which may be, for example, a five-port Ethernet switch, such as SJA1105 available from NXP Semiconductors in the Netherlands). MoCA encoded data from the MoCA front end can be decoded to provide data in a conventional Ethernet format. The data can then be provided to the network switch, where the data can be distributed to various data processing components of the system 1600.

In an embodiment, a modular electrical connector 1604 such as the illustrated RJ45 connector may provide data for any purpose that the occupant or building owner may have, such as a user laptop or data center connection . In one example, the connector 1604 provides a connection for a gigabit Ethernet via twisted-pair copper wire.

Block 1610 of FIG. 16 includes examples of additional components not illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 15. In some embodiments, these components are arranged together in a single chassis or housing or otherwise arranged as a module. In other embodiments, these components are provided separately, and each component can be integrated into a digital architecture element. As shown, block 1605 includes sensor module 1611, video module 1612, audio module 1613, and window controller components, including window controller logic 1614 and window controller power circuit 1615. In some embodiments, some or all of the functionality of window controller 1614 may be implemented in processing block 1640, thereby minimizing or eliminating the requirement for separate logic elements such as window controller logic 1614.

In some embodiments, the 5G infrastructure can replace both Wi-Fi and 4G via a single service agreement and associated infrastructure. For example, one or more 5G antennas and associated components in a building area can provide wireless communication functionality that meets all needs, effectively replacing the need for Wi-Fi. In some embodiments, the digital architecture elements use Civil Band Radio System (CBRS), which does not require separate licenses from the FCC or other regulatory agencies.

in conclusion

In the description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the presented embodiments. The disclosed embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known program operations have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the disclosed embodiments. Although the disclosed embodiments have been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it should be understood that the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the disclosed embodiments.

103‧‧‧Control Panel (CP)

105‧‧‧External network

100‧‧‧System

101‧‧‧ Building

Claims (69)

A high-speed data communication network in or on a building, including: A plurality of trunk sections that are coupled to each other in series by a plurality of passive circuits that are configured to deliver signals to one or more devices on, in, or out of the building and from The one or more devices receive a signal, where the signal includes data having a transmission rate greater than 1 Gpbs. The network as described in item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the trunk section includes a coaxial cable. The network as described in item 1 or 2 of the patent application, wherein the trunk section includes a conductor twisted pair. The network as described in item 1 or 2 of the patent application scope, wherein the passive circuit is configured as a biased T-shaped member. The network as described in item 4 of the patent application scope, wherein the bias T-piece includes an inductor and a capacitor. The network as described in item 1 or 2 of the patent application scope, wherein the passive circuit is configured as a directional coupler. The network as described in item 1 or 2 of the patent scope, wherein each passive circuit includes a first conductor having two ends, each end being configured to be coupled to one of the trunk sections . The network according to item 7 of the patent application scope, wherein the passive circuit includes a second conductor disposed adjacent to and spaced from the first conductor. The network according to item 8 of the patent application scope, wherein the first conductor and the second conductor are spaced apart in a parallel relationship. A network as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least one of said passive circuits is configured to deliver signals via inductive coupling. A method for installing a high-speed data communication network in or on a building, the method includes: Provide multiple trunk sections; Provide one or more circuits; and The network is formed by coupling the trunk section to the one or more circuits to form a daisy chain trunk topology, wherein the plurality of trunk sections include coaxial cables, and wherein the One or more circuits are configured to deliver signals to and receive signals from one or more devices on, in, or outside the building. The method as recited in item 11 of the patent application range, wherein the one or more devices include a window. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein the one or more devices include a controller configured to control the function of at least one of the windows. The method according to item 11 or 12 of the patent application scope, wherein the one or more devices include a device selected from the group consisting of: an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a wireless device, and a sensor Device, an antenna, a 5G device, a mmWave device, a microphone, a speaker, and a microprocessor. The method according to item 14 of the patent application scope, wherein the method further comprises installing the one or more devices in or on a structural element of the building. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein the one or more circuits include an inductor and a capacitor. The method as described in item 11 or 12 of the patent application scope, wherein the one or more circuits include an antenna. The method as described in item 17 of the patent application scope, wherein the antenna includes a 5G antenna. The method as described in item 11 or 12 of the patent application scope, wherein the one or more circuits include one or more connectors. The method of claim 19, wherein the connector includes an RF connector. The method according to item 11 or 12 of the patent application scope, wherein the one or more circuits include two or more connectors. The method according to item 11 or 12 of the patent application scope, wherein the signal includes data having a transmission rate greater than 1 Gpbs. The method as described in item 11 or 12 of the patent application scope, wherein the signal includes a power signal. The method according to item 23 of the patent application scope, wherein the power signal includes a type 2 power signal. The method as described in item 11 or 12 of the patent application scope, wherein the signal includes TCP/IP data and a power signal. The method as described in item 11 or 12 of the patent application scope, wherein the daisy chain topology is coupled to a building management control panel. The method as described in item 11 or 12 of the patent application, wherein the signal includes wireless data. The method as described in item 11 or 12 of the patent application scope further includes the step of installing at least one window in the building. The method of claim 28, wherein the at least one window includes an optically switchable window. The method of claim 29, wherein the at least one window includes an electrochromic window. The method of claim 28, wherein the step of installing at least one window is performed after forming the network. The method as described in item 11 or 12 of the patent application scope, wherein at least a part of the trunk line is installed in or on one of the outer walls of the building. The method of claim 32, wherein the one or more devices include an antenna and/or repeater. The method according to item 33 of the patent application scope, wherein at least one of the one or more devices is installed in or on a window of the building. The method of claim 34, wherein the window includes a digital display screen. The method as described in item 11 or 12 of the patent application scope, wherein the one or more circuits include a directional coupler. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein the one or more circuits include a biased T-shaped circuit. The method as described in item 11 or 12 of the patent application scope, wherein forming the network is performed during the construction of the building. The method of claim 38, wherein forming the network includes coupling the circuit to a window of the building. A high-speed data communication network in or on a building, including: A plurality of trunk sections and one or more circuits, wherein the trunk sections are coupled by the one or more circuits to form a daisy chain trunk configuration, wherein the plurality of sections include coaxial cables, And wherein the one or more circuits are configured to deliver signals to and receive signals from one or more devices on, in, or outside the building. The network as described in item 40 of the patent application scope, wherein the one or more devices include a window. A network as described in claim 40 or 41, wherein said one or more devices include a controller configured to control the function of said window. The network as described in item 40 or 41 of the patent application scope, wherein the one or more devices are selected from the group consisting of: Internet of Things (IoT) devices, wireless devices, sensors, antennas, 5G devices , Microphone, microprocessor and speaker. The network as described in item 43 of the patent application scope, wherein the one or more devices are in or on a structure of the building. The network as described in item 40 or 41 of the patent application scope, wherein the one or more circuits include an inductor and a capacitor. The network as described in item 40 or 41 of the patent application scope, wherein the one or more circuits include an antenna. The network as described in item 46 of the patent application scope, wherein the antenna is a 5G antenna. The network according to item 40 or 41 of the patent application scope, wherein the one or more circuits include two or more connectors. The network as described in item 48 of the patent application scope, wherein the two or more connectors are configured to be fastened to a coaxial cable and a pair of conductors. The network as described in item 48 of the patent application scope, wherein the connector includes an RF connector. The network as described in item 48 of the patent application scope, wherein the connector includes a terminal block. A network as described in item 40 or 41 of the patent application scope, wherein the signal includes data having a transmission rate greater than 1 Gpbs. The network according to item 40 or 41 of the patent application scope, wherein the signal includes a power signal. The network as described in item 53 of the patent application scope, wherein the power signal includes two types of power signals. The network as described in item 40 or 41 of the patent application scope, wherein the signal includes TCP/IP data and a power signal. The network according to item 40 or 41 of the patent application scope, wherein the signal includes a 5G signal. The network as described in item 40 or 41 of the patent application, wherein the signal includes wireless data. The network as described in item 40 or 41 of the patent application scope, wherein the one or more devices include an optically switchable window. The network as described in item 58 of the patent application range, wherein the optically switchable window includes an electrochromic window. The network as described in item 58 of the patent application scope, wherein the optically switchable window includes a digital display technology. The network according to item 40 or 41 of the patent application scope, wherein at least a part of the trunk line is installed in or on one of the outer walls of the building. The network as described in claim 40 or 41, wherein the one or more devices include a transceiver, antenna, and/or repeater, and wherein the one or more devices are installed on the In or on the external structure of one of the buildings. The network according to item 62 of the patent application scope, wherein the external structure includes an external wall. The network as described in item 63 of the patent application scope, wherein the external structure includes a roof. The network as described in item 40 or 41 of the patent application scope, wherein the one or more devices include an antenna. The network as described in item 40 or 41 of the patent application scope, wherein the one or more devices are installed in or on the window of the building. The network according to item 40 or 41 of the patent application scope, wherein the one or more circuits include a transceiver, an antenna, and/or a repeater. The network according to item 40 or 41 of the patent application scope, wherein the one or more circuits include a directional coupler circuit. The network as described in item 40 or 41 of the patent application scope, wherein the one or more circuits include a biased T-shaped circuit.

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