Control methods for tintable windows implementing intermediate tint states
AssigneeView, Inc.
InventorsJason David Zedlitz, Pradeep Gaddam, Guy Ganani
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Abstract
A method of controlling tint of a tintable window in a building is provided. The method comprises defining one or more threshold values of environmental conditions across a defined time period, defining two or more discrete tint state values for the tintable window, and if the input readings during the defined time period cross one or two of the one or more threshold values, sending a tint command to transition the tintable window from a first tint state toward a second tint state and not transitioning further during a lockout period.
Claims23
A method of controlling tint of a tintable window in a building, the method comprising:
- defining one or more threshold values of environmental conditions across a defined time period;
- defining two or more discrete tint state values for the tintable window;
- receiving input readings of actual conditions outside the building;
- and
- if the input readings during the defined time period cross one or two of the one or more threshold values, sending a tint command to transition the tintable window from a first tint state toward a second tint state and not transitioning further during a lockout period.
The method of claim 6, further comprising:
- determining the second tint state using a module A algorithm and/or a module B algorithm if at least one of the input readings during the defined time period is above the uppermost of the one or more threshold values;
- and
- determining the second tint state using a module C algorithm if at least one of the input readings during the defined time period is below the uppermost of the one or more threshold values.
A controller for controlling tint of a tintable window in a building, the controller comprising:
- a pulse width modulator in communication with the tintable window and configured to send a signal with tint instructions to transition tint of the tintable window when a tint command is received;
- and
- a processor in communication with the pulse width modulator and configured to:
- define one or more threshold values of environmental conditions across a defined time period;
- define two or more discrete tint state values for the tintable window;
- receive input readings of actual conditions outside the building;
- and
- if the input readings during the defined time period cross one or two threshold values, send the signal with tint instructions to the pulse width modulator to transition the tintable window from a first tint state toward a second tint state and not transition further during a lockout period.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.