US 11,175,178 B2 · Adjusting window tint based at least in part on sensed sun radiation

Abstract

Various implementations relate generally to a multi-sensor device. Some implementations more particularly relate to a multi-sensor device including a ring of radially-oriented photosensors. Some implementations more particularly relate to a multi-sensor device that is orientation-independent with respect to a central axis of the ring. Some implementations of the multi-sensor devices described herein also include one or more additional sensors. For example, some implementations include an axially-directed photosensor. Some implementations also can include one or more temperature sensors configured to sense an exterior temperature, for example, an ambient temperature of an outdoors environment around the multi-sensor. Additionally or alternatively, some implementations can include a temperature sensor configured to sense an interior temperature within the multi-sensor device. Particular implementations provide, characterize, or enable a compact form factor. Particular implementations provide, characterize, or enable a multi-sensor device requiring little or no wiring, and in some such instances, little or no invasion, perforation or reconstruction of a building or other structure on which the multi-sensor device is mounted.

Claims58

Dependent claims

An apparatus of sensing sun radiation for adjusting tint of one or more tintable windows, the apparatus comprising:

a rigid structure having a closed circumference, which the rigid structure is configured to connect to a mast disposed externally to a building and connected to the building, wherein (I) the mast comprises a first portion and a second portion that is separable from the first portion and/or (II) the closed circumference of the rigid structure comprises at least one light diffusing element;
a plurality of photosensors disposed in the closed circumference and/or disposed along the closed circumference, which plurality of photosensors is (i) configured to sense the sun radiation, (ii) disposed adjacent to the rigid structure, and (iii) configured to generate data used to control tinting of the one or more tintable windows of the building, which the rigid structure is configured to enable the sun radiation to reach the plurality of photosensors;
and
connectors configured to connect to cables including an electricity cable and a communication cable communicatively coupled to a control system that utilizes the data to control tinting of the one or more tintable windows.

1 more element

An apparatus for adjusting tint of one or more tintable windows, the apparatus comprising one or more controllers comprising circuitry, which the one or more controllers are configured to:

(a) communicatively couple to a sensing system that comprises:
(i) a rigid structure having a closed circumference, the rigid structure configured to connect to a mast that is disposed externally to a building and that is connected to the building, wherein (I) the mast comprises a first portion and a second portion that is separable from the first portion and/or (II) the closed circumference of the rigid structure comprises at least one light diffusing element,
(ii) a plurality of photosensors disposed in the closed circumference and/or disposed along the closed circumference of the rigid structure, which plurality of photosensors is configured to sense sun radiation and generate data, which the rigid structure is configured to enable the sun radiation to reach the plurality of photosensors, and
(iii) connectors configured to connect to cables including an electricity cable and a communication cable communicatively coupled to the one or more controllers;
(b) direct the sensing system to sense the sun radiation and generate the data utilized for controlling tint of the one or more tintable windows of the building;
and
(c) communicate, or direct communication of, the data to control the tint of at least one of the one or more tintable windows of the building.

4 more elements

A non-transitory computer readable media for adjusting tint of one or more tintable windows, which the non-transitory computer readable media contains instructions inscribed thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to execute operations, comprising:

(a) direct a sensing system to sense sun radiation and generate data, which the sensing system comprises:
(i) a rigid structure having a closed circumference, which the rigid structure is configured to connect to a mast that is disposed externally to a building and that is connected to the building in which the the one or more tintable windows are disposed, wherein (I) the mast comprises a first portion and a second portion that is separable from the first portion and/or (II) the closed circumference of the rigid structure comprises at least one light diffusing element,
(ii) a plurality of photosensors disposed in the closed circumference and/or disposed along the closed circumference of the rigid structure, which plurality of photosensors is configured to sense the sun radiation, which the rigid structure is configured to enable the sun radiation to reach the plurality of photosensors, and
(iii) connectors configured to connect to cables including an electricity cable and a communication cable communicatively coupled to a control system that utilizes the data to control the one or more tintable windows;
and
(b) communicate, or direct communication of, the data to the control system to control the tint of at least one of the one or more tintable windows.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Adjusting window tint based at least in part on sensed sun radiation

Life of this patent

Adjusting window tint based at least in part on sensed sun radiation

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims58