Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ATMOSPHERIC ADJUSTMENT IN AN ENCLOSURE
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Serial No.
63/057,120, filed July 27, 2020, titled "ATMOSPHERIC QUALITY ADJUSTMENT IN AN
ENCLOSURE," to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/078,805,
filed September
15, 2020, titled "ATMOSPHERIC ADJUSTMENT IN AN ENCLOSURE." This application
also
claims priority to International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US21/15378,
filed January 28,
2021, titled "SENSOR CALIBRATION AND OPERATION," which claims priority from
U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/967,204, filed January 29, 2020,
titled "SENSOR
CALIBRATION AND OPERATION." International Patent Application Serial No.
PCT/US21/15378 is also a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Patent Application
Serial No.
17/083,128, filed October 28, 2020, titled "BUILDING NETWORK," which is a
Continuation of
U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16/664,089, filed October 25, 2019, titled
"BUILDING
NETWORK." U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17/083,128 is also a Continuation-
in-Part of
International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US19/30467, filed May 2, 2019,
titled "EDGE
NETWORK FOR BUILDING SERVICES," which claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent
Application Serial No. 62/666,033, filed May 2, 2018, titled "EDGE NETWORK FOR
BUILDING
SERVICES." U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17/083,128 is also a
Continuation-in-Part of
International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US18/29460, filed April 25,
2018, titled
"TINTABLE WINDOW SYSTEM FOR BUILDING SERVICES," that claims priority from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/607,618, filed on December 19,
2017, titled
"ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS WITH TRANSPARENT DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY FIELD,"
from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/523,606, filed on June
22, 2017, titled
"ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS WITH TRANSPARENT DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY," from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/507,704, filed on May 17, 2017,
"ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS WITH TRANSPARENT DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY," from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/506,514, filed on May 15, 2017,
titled
"ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS WITH TRANSPARENT DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY," and from
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/490,457, filed on April 26,
2017, titled
"ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS WITH TRANSPARENT DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY."
International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/U521/15378 is also a
Continuation-in-Part of
U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16/447,169, filed June 20, 2019, titled
"SENSING AND
COMMUNICATIONS UNIT FOR OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE WINDOW SYSTEMS," which
claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.
62/858,100, filed June 6,
2019, titled "SENSING AND COMMUNICATIONS UNIT FOR OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE
WINDOW SYSTEMS." U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16/447,169, also claims
priority from
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/803,324, filed February 8,
2019, titled
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"SENSING AND COMMUNICATIONS UNIT FOR OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE WINDOW
SYSTEMS," U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/768,775, filed
November 16,
2018, titled "SENSING AND COMMUNICATIONS UNIT FOR OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE
WINDOW SYSTEMS," U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/688,957,
filed June 22,
2018, titled "SENSING AND COMMUNICATIONS UNIT FOR OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE
WINDOW SYSTEMS," and from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.
62/666,033. U.S.
Patent Application Serial No. 16/447,169 is also a Continuation-in-Part of
International Patent
Application Serial No. PCT/US19/30467. This application also claims priority
to International
Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US21/27418, filed April 15, 2021, titled
"INTERACTION
BETWEEN AN ENCLOSURE AND ONE OR MORE OCCUPANTS" that claims priority from
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/080,899, filed September 21,
2020, titled
"INTERACTION BETWEEN AN ENCLOSURE AND ONE OR MORE OCCUPANTS," from U.S.
Provisional Application Serial No. 63/052,639, filed July 16, 2020, titled
"INDIRECT
INTERACTIVE INTERACTION WITH A TARGET IN AN ENCLOSURE," and from U.S.
Provisional Application Serial No. 63/010,977, filed April 16, 2020, titled
"INDIRECT
INTERACTION WITH A TARGET IN AN ENCLOSURE." Each of the patent applications
recited
above is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002]
Decreased atmospheric (e.g., air) quality in an enclosure may lead to a
decrease in
wellbeing, comfort, and/or productivity of enclosure occupant(s). Such
decrease in atmospheric
quality may arise due to accumulation of gas borne and/or gaseous materials or
to insufficient
supply thereof, which inadequate amount of materials in the atmosphere of the
enclosure may
lead to such decrease in atmospheric quality. For example, an accumulation of
carbon dioxide
(CO2), VOC, and/or particulate material beyond a threshold may reduce the
atmospheric quality.
For example, insufficient supply of oxygen and/or humidity may reduce the
atmospheric quality.
Under-ventilation of indoor environments can lead to decreased atmospheric
quality, e.g., due to
accumulation of gas-borne and/or gaseous materials (e.g., pollutants) that
accumulate in the
under-ventilated environment and thus reduce its atmospheric quality.
Increased atmosphere
quality and/or ventilation may be requested to reduce infection probability of
occupants in the
enclosure. Enclosures (e.g., facilities) having a high occupancy density
and/or high occupancy
exchange rate may be particularly affected. Such enclosures (e.g., facilities)
may be occupied
by large number of individuals and/or may be occupied by frequently changing
individuals. Such
enclosures may include large work environments, health and/or entertainment
centers. For
example, transportation hubs, sporting hubs, hospitals, exhibition centers,
shopping malls,
financial centers, movie theaters, museums, and/or cruise ships. Existing
ventilation systems
may not adjust (e.g., exchange and/or supplement) at least a portion of the
atmosphere of the
enclosure (or any portion thereof) at a rate that maintains the requested
atmospheric quality
level of the enclosure, and/or may increase the risk of pathogen infection
(e.g., by forming
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pathogen growth medium). Existing filtration and/or ventilation systems may be
inadequate, e.g.,
due to low exchange rates (e.g., due to compromised monitoring and/or
control). American
Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards can provide an example for
optimal
ventilation flow rates that utilize full occupancy in an enclosure. Over-
ventilation may be
undesirable, e.g., as it may lead to energy waste. An unknown ratio of fresh
to recycled
atmosphere may mean that the accumulating atmospheric materials (e.g., gas
borne (e.g., air
borne) and/or gaseous materials such as carbon dioxide (002), volatile organic
compounds
(VOC), and/or particulate matter (PM)) are at an unknown concentration. The
accumulating
atmospheric material may be referred to herein as "accumulant." The depleting
atmospheric
material (e.g., consumed atmospheric material such as oxygen) may be referred
to herein
collectively as "depletant."
[0003] Existing demand control ventilation systems measure one or more
atmospheric
components (e.g., pollutants and/or accumulants) at a single point in the
room, in the supply
duct, and/or in the exhaust duct. The degree of deviation of the one or more
atmospheric
components (e.g., gas borne and/or gaseous materials) from a requested level
may not be
appreciated. It would be preferable to assess the level of the one or more
atmospheric
components spatially and/or in combination with occupancy, e.g., to control
ventilation rate(s)
using the measured atmospheric component(s), at least in the breathing zone of
the enclosure.
Although it would be useful to quantify the ventilation rate existing for a
particular enclosure (or
portion thereof, e.g., a room), sensors (e.g., pressure sensors) may not be
present to (e.g.,
accurately) determine the ventilation rate. Gas(es) (e.g., air) may be
delivered from an activated
heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system at a (e.g.,
substantially) constant
ventilation rate. However, the levels of the atmospheric component(s) to be
controlled (e.g.,
monitored) may vary, e.g., as a function of room occupancy, and thus a
constant ventilation rate
may not adequately maintain an optimal indoor environment. At least one sensor
may be
configured (e.g., designed) to measure one or more environmental
characteristics, for example,
temperature, humidity, ambient noise, carbon dioxide, VOC, particulate matter,
oxygen, and/or
any other aspects of an environment (e.g., atmosphere thereof). A control
system may be
utilized to control the atmospheric component(s).
SUMMARY
[0004] Various aspects disclosed herein alleviate at least part of the one or
more
shortcomings related to optimizing the atmospheric quality of the enclosure,
e.g., while
minimizing energy usage. Various aspects disclosed herein may relate to
utilizing data of one or
more sensors to adjust a ventilation rate to control the atmospheric quality
in the enclosure.
[0005] Various aspects disclosed herein relate to combining detection of one
or more
atmospheric components (such as VOC, particulate matter, or CO2) with
occupancy detection
(e.g., utilizing locating technology). The locating technology may utilize
ultrawide band radio
waves (UWB)), infrared (IR) sensor(s), camera, and/or sound. Combination of
the locating
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technology with the environmental component detection may enable calculation
of existing
ventilation rate and/or estimating what ventilation rate is required to purge
stale atmosphere in a
given amount of time. Rate of change in the atmospheric component(s) can be
used to predict
future levels and/or proactively control ventilation (e.g., with or without
taking occupancy into
account). By obtaining indoor and outdoor measurements of the environmental
components(s)
(e.g., particulate matter), filter efficiency may be evaluated, e.g., to
detect need for filter change
and/or risk of pathogen proliferation.
[0006] In another aspect, a method for controlling an atmosphere of an
enclosure, the method
comprises: (A) determining a present concentration of a substance in the
atmosphere of the
enclosure, which substance has (i) a first concentration regime having a
detrimental effect on
one or more occupants in the enclosure, and (ii) a second concentration regime
having non-
detrimental effect on the one or more occupants in the enclosure; and (6) when
the present
concentration is at the first concentration regime then (I) determining, an
atmosphere exchange
rate to yield a target concentration at the second concentration regime, which
atmosphere
exchange rate is determined within a time and at an occupancy in the enclosure
at the time, and
(II) adjusting a ventilation system based at least in part on the atmosphere
exchange rate
determined.
[0007] In some embodiments, a threshold between the first concentration regime
and the
second concentration regime comprises a jurisdictional (e.g., health)
standard. In some
embodiments, a vent of the ventilation system is disposed in the enclosure. In
some
embodiments, the enclosure is at least a portion of a facility, building,
and/or room. In some
embodiments, the method further comprises (C) when the present concentration
is at the
second concentration regime then (I) determining a ventilation rate of the
ventilation system to
supply air into the enclosure to obtain a (e.g., steady state) concentration
of the substance in the
second concentration regime, and (II) adjusting the ventilation system based
at least in part on
the ventilation rate determined. In some embodiments, the ventilation system
includes an
atmosphere handling system providing an adjustable ventilation flow rate. In
some
embodiments, adjustment of the ventilation system in operation (6)(11)
comprises increasing the
adjustable ventilation flow rate. In some embodiments, adjustment of the
ventilation system in
operation (C)(II) comprises decreasing the adjustable ventilation flow rate.
In some
embodiments, the adjustable ventilation flow rate is increased or decreased
incrementally. In
some embodiments, incrementally is by a predetermined step size. In some
embodiments, the
adjustable ventilation flow rate is increased or decreased continuously. In
some embodiments,
the adjustable ventilation flow rate is increased or decreased by an
adjustment proportional to a
difference between the present concentration and a target concentration. In
some embodiments,
adjustment of the adjusting a ventilation system comprises controlling the
ventilation system at
least in part using an absolute flow rate. In some embodiments, in operation
(B)(I), the
atmosphere exchange rate is determined using a natural logarithm of a ratio of
the present
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concentration to the target concentration divided by the time. In some
embodiments, in
operation (6)(11), adjustment of the ventilation system comprises converting
the atmosphere
exchange rate determined to a compensatory flow rate and adjusting the
ventilation system
using the compensatory flow rate. In some embodiments, the compensatory flow
rate is
converted using the atmosphere exchange rate and (e.g., multiplied by) a
volume of enclosure.
In some embodiments, the present concentration of the substance is determined
using at least
one atmospheric sensor disposed in the enclosure. In some embodiments, the at
least one
atmospheric sensor includes a carbon dioxide concentration sensor, a volatile
organic
compound (VOC) concentration sensor, and/or a particular matter concentration
sensor. In
some embodiments, the at least one atmospheric sensor is part of a sensor
ensemble disposed
in the enclosure, which sensor ensemble integrates a plurality of sensors. In
some
embodiments, the ensemble comprises a controller. In some embodiments, the
sensor
ensemble is operatively coupled to a hierarchical control system comprising a
plurality of
controllers. In some embodiments, the first concentration regime comprises
concentrations
greater than the target concentration. In some embodiments, the second
concentration regime
comprises concentrations less than the target concentration. In some
embodiments, the present
concentration, the first concentration regime, the second concentration
regime, and the target
concentration comprise differential concentrations relative to an ambient
concentration in air
external to the enclosure. In some embodiments, the method further comprises
determining an
occupancy number corresponding to a number of the one or more occupants in the
enclosure.
In some embodiments, the occupancy number is estimated in response to the
present
concentration of carbon dioxide in the enclosure, and a per person generation
rate of the carbon
dioxide. In some embodiments, the substance comprises carbon dioxide. In some
embodiments,
a sensed concentration of the carbon dioxide is measured at least in part by
at least one sensor.
In some embodiments, the occupancy number is determined using (a) a per person
generation
rate of carbon dioxide, (b) a difference between the sensed concentration and
an outside
ambient concentration of the carbon dioxide, and (c) a current ventilation
rate in the enclosure.
In some embodiments, the occupancy number is determined in response to a
measurement
signal from at least one occupancy sensor. In some embodiments, the at least
one occupancy
sensor comprises an electromagnetic wave sensor, a camera, or a tag reader. In
some
embodiments, the electromagnetic wave sensor comprises senses electromagnetic
radiation
comprising infrared, microwave, or radio wave. In some embodiments, the radio
wave
comprises ultrawide bandwidth radio waves or ultrahigh frequency radio waves.
In some
embodiments, the present concentration of the substance is determined using at
least one
atmospheric sensor. In some embodiments, the at least one occupancy sensor and
the at least
one atmospheric sensor are integrated in a sensor ensemble disposed in the
enclosure. In some
embodiments, the occupancy number is a predicted number for a future time. In
some
embodiments, the predicted number is derived from stored historical
concentration data. In
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some embodiments, the predicted number is derived from (e.g., electronically
stored) scheduling
data and/or current occupancy measurements. In some embodiments, the method
further
comprises (C) sensing an occupancy number corresponding to a number of the one
or more
occupants in the enclosure; and (D) sensing a present ventilation flow rate of
the ventilation
system into the enclosure. In some embodiments, the present concentration is
determined using
a per person generation rate of the substance and (e.g., multiplied by) the
sensed occupancy
and using the present ventilation flow rate. In some embodiments, the method
further
comprises: (C) determining an occupancy number corresponding to a number of
the one or
more occupants in the enclosure; and (D) determining a present ventilation
flow rate using the
present concentration and the occupancy number determined. In some
embodiments, the
substance is a particulate matter. In some embodiments, the ventilation system
includes a filter
for removing the particulate matter. In some embodiments, the method further
comprises: (C)
determining a present filter efficiency of the filter using a present
ventilation flow rate and the
present concentration of the particulate matter; (D) comparing the present
filter efficiency to an
efficiency threshold; and (E) generating a notification and/or a report when
the present filter
efficiency declines below the efficiency threshold. In some embodiments, the
notification and/or
the report comprises a warning message. In some embodiments, the notification
and/or the
report is periodically generated.
[0008] In another aspect, a non-transitory computer readable media
for controlling an
atmosphere of an enclosure, the non-transitory computer readable media, when
read by one or
more processors, is configured to direct operations comprises: (A) determining
a present
concentration of a substance in the atmosphere of the enclosure, which
substance has (i) a first
concentration regime having a detrimental effect on one or more occupants in
the enclosure,
and (ii) a second concentration regime having non-detrimental effect on the
one or more
occupants in the enclosure; and (B) when the present concentration is at the
first concentration
regime then: (I) determining, an atmosphere exchange rate to yield a target
concentration at the
second concentration regime, which atmosphere exchange rate is determined
within a time and
at an occupancy in the enclosure at the time, and (II) adjusting a ventilation
system based at
least in part on the atmosphere exchange rate determined.
[0009] In some embodiments, a threshold between the first concentration regime
and the
second concentration regime comprises a jurisdictional (e.g., health)
standard. In some
embodiments, a vent of the ventilation system is disposed in the enclosure. In
some
embodiments, the enclosure is at least a portion of a facility, building,
and/or room. In some
embodiments, the operations comprise (C) when the present concentration is at
the second
concentration regime then (I) determining a ventilation rate of the
ventilation system to supply air
into the enclosure to obtain a (e.g., steady state) concentration of the
substance in the second
concentration regime, and (II) adjusting the ventilation system based at least
in part on the
ventilation rate determined. In some embodiments, the ventilation system
includes an
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atmosphere handling system providing an adjustable ventilation flow rate. In
some
embodiments, adjustment of the ventilation system in operation (3)(11)
comprises increasing the
adjustable ventilation flow rate. In some embodiments, adjustment of the
ventilation system in
operation (C)(II) comprises decreasing the adjustable ventilation flow rate.
In some
embodiments, the adjustable ventilation flow rate is increased or decreased
incrementally. In
some embodiments, incrementally is by a predetermined step size. In some
embodiments, the
adjustable ventilation flow rate is increased or decreased continuously. In
some embodiments,
the adjustable ventilation flow rate is increased or decreased by an
adjustment proportional to a
difference between the present concentration and a target concentration. In
some embodiments,
adjustment of the ventilation system comprises controlling the ventilation
system at least in part
using an absolute flow rate. In some embodiments, in operation (B)(I), the
atmosphere
exchange rate is determined using a natural logarithm of a ratio of the
present concentration to
the target concentration divided by the time. In some embodiments, in
operation (3)(11),
adjustment of the ventilation system comprises converting the atmosphere
exchange rate
determined to a compensatory flow rate and adjusting the ventilation system
using the
compensatory flow rate. In some embodiments, the compensatory flow rate is
converted using
the atmosphere exchange rate and (e.g., multiplied by) a volume of enclosure.
In some
embodiments, the present concentration of the substance is determined using at
least one
atmospheric sensor disposed in the enclosure. In some embodiments, the at
least one
atmospheric sensor includes a carbon dioxide concentration sensor, a volatile
organic
compound (VOC) concentration sensor, and/or a particular matter concentration
sensor. In
some embodiments, the at least one atmospheric sensor is part of a sensor
ensemble disposed
in the enclosure, which sensor ensemble integrates a plurality of sensors. In
some
embodiments, the ensemble comprises a controller. In some embodiments, the
sensor
ensemble is operatively coupled to a hierarchical control system comprising a
plurality of
controllers. In some embodiments, the first concentration regime comprises
concentrations
greater than the target concentration. In some embodiments, the second
concentration regime
comprises concentrations less than the target concentration. In some
embodiments, the present
concentration, the first concentration regime, the second concentration
regime, and the target
concentration comprise differential concentrations relative to an ambient
concentration in air
external to the enclosure. In some embodiments, the operations comprise
determining an
occupancy number corresponding to a number of the one or more occupants in the
enclosure.
In some embodiments, the occupancy number is estimated in response to the
present
concentration of carbon dioxide in the enclosure, and a per person generation
rate of the carbon
dioxide. In some embodiments, the substance comprises carbon dioxide. In some
embodiments,
a sensed concentration of the carbon dioxide is measured at least in part by
at least one sensor.
In some embodiments, the occupancy number is determined using (a) a per person
generation
rate of carbon dioxide, (b) a difference between the sensed concentration and
an outside
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ambient concentration of the carbon dioxide, and (c) a current ventilation
rate in the enclosure.
In some embodiments, the occupancy number is determined in response to a
measurement
signal from at least one occupancy sensor. In some embodiments, the at least
one occupancy
sensor comprises an electromagnetic wave sensor, a camera, or a tag reader. In
some
embodiments, the electromagnetic wave sensor comprises senses electromagnetic
radiation
comprising infrared, microwave, or radio wave. In some embodiments, the radio
wave
comprises ultrawide bandwidth radio waves or ultrahigh frequency radio waves.
In some
embodiments, the present concentration of the substance is determined using at
least one
atmospheric sensor. In some embodiments, the at least one occupancy sensor and
the at least
one atmospheric sensor are integrated in a sensor ensemble disposed in the
enclosure. In some
embodiments, the occupancy number is a predicted number for a future time. In
some
embodiments, the predicted number is derived from stored historical
concentration data. In
some embodiments, the predicted number is derived from (e.g., electronically
stored) scheduling
data and/or current occupancy measurements. In some embodiments, the
operations comprise
(C) sensing an occupancy number corresponding to a number of the one or more
occupants in
the enclosure; and (D) sensing a present ventilation flow rate of the
ventilation system into the
enclosure. In some embodiments, the present concentration is determined using
a per person
generation rate of the substance and (e.g., multiplied by) the sensed
occupancy and using the
present ventilation flow rate. In some embodiments, the operations comprise:
(C) determining an
occupancy number corresponding to a number of the one or more occupants in the
enclosure;
and (D) determining a present ventilation flow rate using the present
concentration and the
occupancy number determined. In some embodiments, the substance is a
particulate matter. In
some embodiments, the ventilation system includes a filter for removing the
particulate matter.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises: (C) determining a present
filter efficiency
of the filter using a present ventilation flow rate and the present
concentration of the particulate
matter; (D) comparing the present filter efficiency to an efficiency
threshold; and (E) generating a
notification and/or a report when the present filter efficiency declines below
the efficiency
threshold. In some embodiments, the notification and/or the report comprises a
warning
message. In some embodiments, the notification and/or the report is
periodically generated. In
some embodiments, at least two of a plurality of the operations (e.g.,
operations (A), (B), (C),
(D), (E), and (F)) are performed by the same processor. In some embodiments,
at least two of a
plurality of the operations (e.g., operations (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), and
(F)) are performed by
different processors.
[0010] In another aspect, an apparatus for controlling an
atmosphere of an enclosure, the
apparatus comprises at least one controller (e.g., comprising circurty)
configured to: (A)
operatively couple to a ventilation system disposed at least in part in the
enclosure; (B)
determine, or direct determination of, a present concentration of a substance
in the atmosphere
of the enclosure, which substance has (i) a first concentration regime having
a detrimental effect
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on one or more occupants in the enclosure, and (ii) a second concentration
regime having non-
detrimental effect on the one or more occupants in the enclosure; and (C) when
the present
concentration is at the first concentration regime then: (I) determine, or
direct determination of,
an atmosphere exchange rate to yield a target concentration at the second
concentration
regime, which atmospheric exchange rate is determined within a time and at an
occupancy in
the enclosure at the time, and (II) adjust, or direct adjustment of, a
ventilation system based at
least in part on the atmosphere exchange rate determined.
[0011] In some embodiments, a threshold between the first concentration regime
and the
second concentration regime comprises a jurisdictional (e.g., health)
standard. In some
embodiments, a vent of the ventilation system is disposed in the enclosure. In
some
embodiments, the enclosure is at least a portion of a facility, building,
and/or room. In some
embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to (D) when the present
concentration is
at the second concentration regime then (I) determine, or direct determination
of, a ventilation
rate of the ventilation system to supply air into the enclosure to obtain a
(e.g., steady state)
concentration of the substance in the second concentration regime, and (II)
adjust, or direct
adjustment of, the ventilation system based at least in part on the
ventilation rate determined. In
some embodiments, the ventilation system includes an atmosphere handling
system providing
an adjustable ventilation flow rate. In some embodiments, adjustment of the
ventilation system
in operation (C)(II) comprises increasing the adjustable ventilation flow
rate. In some
embodiments, adjustment of the ventilation system in operation (D)(II)
comprises decreasing the
adjustable ventilation flow rate. In some embodiments, the at least one
controller is configured to
alter, or direct alteration of, the adjustable ventilation flow rate is
incrementally. In some
embodiments, incrementally is by a predetermined step size. In some
embodiments, the at least
one controller is configured to alter, or direct alteration of, the adjustable
ventilation flow rate
continuously. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured
to alter, or direct
alteration of, the adjustable ventilation flow rate by an adjustment
proportional to a difference
between the present concentration and a target concentration. In some
embodiments, the at
least one controller is configured to adjust, or direct adjustment of, the
ventilation system by
controlling the ventilation system at least in part using an absolute flow
rate. In some
embodiments, in operation (C)(I), the atmosphere exchange rate is determined
using a natural
logarithm of a ratio of the present concentration to the target concentration
divided by the time.
In some embodiments, in operation (C)(II), adjustment of the ventilation
system comprises
converting the atmosphere exchange rate determined to a compensatory flow rate
and adjusting
the ventilation system using the compensatory flow rate. In some embodiments,
the at least one
controller is configured to convert, or direct conversion of, the compensatory
flow rate using the
atmosphere exchange rate and (e.g., multiplied by) a volume of enclosure. In
some
embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to determine, or direct
determination of,
the present concentration of the substance using at least one atmospheric
sensor disposed in
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the enclosure. In some embodiments, the at least one atmospheric sensor
includes a carbon
dioxide concentration sensor, a volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration
sensor, and/or a
particular matter concentration sensor. In some embodiments, the at least one
atmospheric
sensor is part of a sensor ensemble disposed in the enclosure, which sensor
ensemble
integrates a plurality of sensors. In some embodiments, the ensemble comprises
a controller
(e.g., a micro-controller). In some embodiments, the sensor ensemble is
operatively coupled to
a hierarchical control system comprising a plurality of controllers. In some
embodiments, the first
concentration regime comprises concentrations greater than the target
concentration. In some
embodiments, the second concentration regime comprises concentrations less
than the target
concentration. In some embodiments, the present concentration, the first
concentration regime,
the second concentration regime, and the target concentration comprise
differential
concentrations relative to an ambient concentration in air external to the
enclosure. In some
embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to determine, or direct
determination of,
an occupancy number corresponding to a number of the one or more occupants in
the
enclosure. In some embodiments, the occupancy number is estimated in response
to the
present concentration of carbon dioxide in the enclosure, and a per person
generation rate of
the carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, the substance comprises carbon
dioxide. In some
embodiments, a sensed concentration of the carbon dioxide is measured at least
in part by at
least one sensor. In some embodiments, the occupancy number is determined
using (a) a per
person generation rate of carbon dioxide, (b) a difference between the sensed
concentration
and an outside ambient concentration of the carbon dioxide, and (c) a current
ventilation rate in
the enclosure. In some embodiments, the occupancy number is determined in
response to a
measurement signal from at least one occupancy sensor. In some embodiments,
the at least
one occupancy sensor comprises an electromagnetic wave sensor, a camera, or a
tag reader.
In some embodiments, the electromagnetic wave sensor comprises senses
electromagnetic
radiation comprising infrared, microwave, or radio wave. In some embodiments,
the radio wave
comprises ultrawide bandwidth radio waves or ultrahigh frequency radio waves.
In some
embodiments, the present concentration of the substance is determined using at
least one
atmospheric sensor. In some embodiments, the at least one occupancy sensor and
the at least
one atmospheric sensor are integrated in a sensor ensemble disposed in the
enclosure. In some
embodiments, the occupancy number is a predicted number for a future time. In
some
embodiments, the predicted number is derived from stored historical
concentration data. In
some embodiments, the predicted number is derived from (e.g., electronically
stored) scheduling
data and/or current occupancy measurements. In some embodiments, the at least
one controller
is configured to (D) direct sensing an occupancy number corresponding to a
number of the one
or more occupants in the enclosure; and (E) sensing a present ventilation flow
rate of the
ventilation system into the enclosure. In some embodiments, the present
concentration is
determined using a per person generation rate of the substance and (e.g.,
multiplied by) the
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sensed occupancy and using the present ventilation flow rate. In some
embodiments, the at
least one controller is configured to (D) determine, or direct determination
of, an occupancy
number corresponding to a number of the one or more occupants in the
enclosure; and (E)
determine, or direct determination of, a present ventilation flow rate using
the present
concentration and the occupancy number determined. In some embodiments, the
substance is a
particulate matter. In some embodiments, the ventilation system includes a
filter for removing
the particulate matter. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is
configured to: (D)
determine, or direct determination of, a present filter efficiency of the
filter using a present
ventilation flow rate and the present concentration of the particulate matter;
(E) compare, or
direct comparison of, the present filter efficiency to an efficiency
threshold; and (F) generate, or
direct generation of, a notification and/or a report when the present filter
efficiency declines
below the efficiency threshold. In some embodiments, the notification and/or
the report
comprises a warning message. In some embodiments, the notification and/or the
report is
periodically generated. In some embodiments, at least two of a plurality of
the operations (e.g.,
operations (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), and (F)) are performed by the same
controller. In some
embodiments, at least two of a plurality of the operations (e.g., operations
(A), (B), (C), (D), (E),
and (F)) are performed by different controllers.
[0012] In another aspect, a method of adjusting an environment of an
enclosure, the method
comprises: (a) receiving measurements of the sensed chemical property from the
one or more
sensors disposed in the environment; (b) comparing the measurements of the
sensed chemical
property to a requested profile of the chemical property to generate a result,
which requested
profile is generated by a learning module that is configured to (i) utilize
past measurements of
the one or more sensors and/or (ii) past preferences of an occupant of the
environment; and (c)
adjusting the chemical profile of the environment to the requested chemical
profile, if the
comparison deviates from a threshold.
[0013] In some embodiments, the at least one sensor is disposed in one or more
device
ensembles, and wherein a device ensemble of the device ensembles comprises a
sensor and
an emitter, or a plurality of sensors. In some embodiments, the device
ensemble comprises a
memory, or a processor. In some embodiments, the device ensemble is configured
for wired
and/or wireless communication. In some embodiments, the device ensemble is
communicatively
coupled to a network that is communicatively coupled to a building management
system. In
some embodiments, the device ensemble is communicatively coupled to a network
that is
communicatively coupled to a ventilation system. In some embodiments, the
method further
comprises expelling at least one chemical into the atmosphere. In some
embodiments, the at
least one chemical expelled into the atmosphere can be sensed as a smell by an
average
occupant. In some embodiments, expelling of the at least one chemical into the
atmosphere
alters the smell of the atmosphere as sensed by an average occupant. In some
embodiments,
the past preference comprises a past indication of liking or disliking the
smell of the
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environment. In some embodiments, the past preference comprises a past
indication of a
specific smell profile. In some embodiments, utilizing the past measurements
of the one or more
sensors comprises a time and/or place of the one or more measurements. In some
embodiments, the time comprises a timestamp of the one or more measurements.
In some
embodiments, the time place utilizes the place at which the occupant is
disposed. In some
embodiments, the time place utilizes the place at which the one or more
sensors are disposed.
In some embodiments, the learning module utilizes artificial intelligence,
health standards,
and/or health recommendations concerning the chemical property. A non-
transitory computer
readable medium for adjusting an environment of an enclosure, the non-
transitory computer
readable medium, when read by at least one processor, is configured to direct
execution of the
operation of any of the afore mentioned methods. In some embodiments, the user
provides input
related to activity of the user in an enclosure of the facility in which the
user is located. In some
embodiments, the input related to the user comprises an electronic file. In
some embodiments,
the input related to the user relates to (e.g., past) preference of the user.
In some embodiments,
the (e.g., past) preference of the user is provided by a machine learning
module that considers
past activities of the user, wherein the at least one controller is
operatively coupled to the
machine learning module.
[0014] In another aspect, an apparatus for adjusting an
environment of an enclosure, the
apparatus comprising one or more controllers comprising circuitry, which one
or more controllers
are configured to: (a) operatively couple to one or more sensors configured to
sense a chemical
property of the environment; (b) receive, or direct receipt of, measurements
of the sensed
chemical property from the one or more sensors disposed in the environment;
(c) compare, or
direct comparison of, the measurements of the sensed chemical property to a
requested profile
of the chemical property to generate a result, which requested profile is
generated by a learning
module that is configured to (i) utilize past measurements of the one or more
sensors and/or (ii)
past preferences of an occupant of the environment; and (d) adjust, or direct
adjustment of, the
chemical profile of the environment to the requested chemical profile, if the
comparison deviates
from a threshold.
[0015] In some embodiments, the at least one sensor is disposed in one or more
device
ensembles, and wherein a device ensemble of the device ensembles comprises a
sensor and
an emitter, or a plurality of sensors. In some embodiments, the device
ensemble comprises a
memory, or a processor. In some embodiments, the device ensemble is configured
for wired
and/or wireless communication. In some embodiments, the device ensemble is
communicatively
coupled to a network that is communicatively coupled to a building management
system. In
some embodiments, the device ensemble is communicatively coupled to a network
that is
communicatively coupled to a ventilation system. In some embodiments, the
device ensemble is
communicatively coupled to a chemical system configured for expelling at least
one chemical
into the atmosphere. In some embodiments, the at least one chemical expelled
into the
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atmosphere can be sensed as a smell by an average occupant. In some
embodiments,
expulsion of the at least one chemical expelled into the atmosphere alters the
smell of the
atmosphere as sensed by an average occupant. In some embodiments, the past
preference
comprises a past indication of liking or disliking the smell of the
environment. In some
embodiments, the past preference comprises a past indication of a specific
smell profile. In
some embodiments, utilizing the past measurements of the one or more sensors
comprises a
time and/or place of the one or more measurements. In some embodiments, the
time comprises
a timestamp of the one or more measurements. In some embodiments, the time
place utilizes
the place at which the occupant is disposed. In some embodiments, the time
place utilizes the
place at which the one or more sensors are disposed. In some embodiments, the
learning
module utilizes artificial intelligence, health standards, and/or health
recommendations
concerning the chemical property. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors
are olfactory
sensors. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors constitute an electronic
nose. A non-
transitory computer readable medium for adjusting an environment of an
enclosure, the non-
transitory computer readable medium, when read by at least one processor, is
configured to
execute operations of any of the aforementioned at least one controller. In
some embodiments,
the controller is configured to receive an input from a user re (e.g.,
present, and/or past)
preference of the user. In some embodiments, the user provides input related
to activity of the
user in an enclosure of the facility in which the user is located. In some
embodiments, the input
related to the user comprises an electronic file. In some embodiments, the
input related to the
user relates to (e.g., past) preference of the user. In some embodiments, the
(e.g., past)
preference of the user is provided by a machine learning module that considers
past activities of
the user, wherein the at least one controller is operatively coupled to the
machine learning
module.
[0016] In another aspect, a method of controlling a facility, the
method comprises: (a) identifying
an identity of a user by a control system; (b) optionally tracking location of
the user in the facility
by using one or more sensors disposed in the facility, which one or more
sensors are
communicatively coupled to the control system; (c) using an input related to
the user; and (d)
using the control system to automatically alter one or more devices in the
facility by using the input
and location information of the user, which one or more devices are
communicatively coupled to
the control system.
[0017] In some embodiments, the location is a present location of
the user or a past location of
the user. In some embodiments, identifying the identity of the user comprises
receiving an
identification card reading, or performing image recognition on a captured
image of the user in the
facility. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors comprise a camera or a
geolocation
sensor. In some embodiments, the geolocation sensor comprises an ultrawide
bandwidth sensor.
In some embodiments, the geolocation sensor can locate the user with a
resolution of at least
twenty (20) centimeters or a higher resolution. In some embodiments, the input
related to the user
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comprises a service request made by, on behalf of, or for, the user. In some
embodiments, the
input related to the user relates to activity of the user in an enclosure in
which the user is located.
In some embodiments, the input related to the user comprises an electronic
file. In some
embodiments, the input related to the user comprises a gesture and/or voice
command made by
the user. In some embodiments, the input related to the user relates to
preference of the user. In
some embodiments, the preference of the user is provided by machine learning
that considers
past activities of the user. In some embodiments, the preference of the user
is input by the user.
In some embodiments, the one or more devices comprises a lighting, a
ventilation system, and
air conditioning system, a heating system, a sound system, or a smell
conditioning system. In
some embodiments, the one or more devices is configured to affect an
atmosphere of an
enclosure in which the user is disposed. In some embodiments, the one or more
devices
comprises a service, office and/or factory apparatus. In some embodiments, the
one or more
devices are disposed out of an enclosure of the facility in which the user is
located. In some
embodiments, the one or more devices are disposed in an enclosure of the
facility in which the
user is located. In some embodiments, the one or more devices comprise a media
projecting
device. In some embodiments, the one or more devices comprise a tintable
window. In some
embodiments, the one or more devices comprise an electrochromic window.
[0018] In another aspect, a non-transitory computer readable
medium for controlling a facility,
the non-transitory computer readable medium, when read by one or more
processors, is
configured to execute operations comprising the any of the above method
operations.
[0019] In another aspect, an apparatus for controlling a facility,
the apparatus comprising at
least one controller having circuitry, which at least one controller is
configured to: (a) operatively
couple to one or more sensors disposed in the facility, and to one or more
devices disposed in
the facility; (b) identify, or direct identification of, a user; (c)
optionally track, or direct tracking of,
location of the user in the facility by using the one or more sensors; (d)
receive an input related to
the user; and (e) automatically alter, or direct automatic alteration of, one
or more devices in the
facility by using the input and location information of the user.
[0020] In some embodiments, at least one controller is configured
to utilize location of the user
that is a present location of the user or a past location of the user. In some
embodiments, the at
least one controller is configured to identify, or direct identification of,
the user at least in part by
(I) receiving an identification card reading, or (II) performing image
recognition on a captured
image of the user in the facility. In some embodiments, the one or more
sensors comprise a
camera or a geolocation sensor. In some embodiments, the geolocation sensor
comprises an
ultrawide bandwidth sensor. In some embodiments, the geolocation sensor can
locate the user
with a resolution of at least twenty (20) centimeters or higher. In some
embodiments, the input
related to the user comprises a service request made by, on behalf of, or for,
the user. In some
embodiments, the input related to the user relates to activity of the user in
an enclosure of the
facility in which the user is located. In some embodiments, the input related
to the user comprises
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an electronic file. In some embodiments, the input related to the user
comprises a gesture and/or
voice command made by the user. In some embodiments, the input related to the
user relates to
preference of the user. In some embodiments, the preference of the user is
provided by a machine
learning module that considers past activities of the user, wherein the at
least one controller is
operatively coupled to the machine learning module. In some embodiments, the
preference of the
user is input by the user. In some embodiments, the one or more devices
comprises a lighting, a
ventilation system, and air conditioning system, a heating system, a sound
system, or a smell
conditioning system. In some embodiments, the one or more devices is
configured to affect an
atmosphere of an enclosure of the facility in which the user is disposed. In
some embodiments,
the one or more devices comprises a service, office and/or factory apparatus.
In some
embodiments, the one or more devices are disposed out of an enclosure of the
facility in which
the user is located. In some embodiments, the one or more devices are disposed
in an enclosure
of the facility in which the user is located. In some embodiments, the one or
more devices
comprise a media projecting device. In some embodiments, the one or more
devices comprise a
tintable window. In some embodiments, the one or more devices comprise an
electrochromic
window.
[0021] In another aspect, a non-transitory computer readable
medium for controlling a facility,
the non-transitory computer readable medium, when read by one or more
processors, is
configured to execute operations comprising operations of any of the above one
or more
controllers.
[0022] In some embodiments, the network is a local network. In some
embodiments, the
network comprises a cable configured to transmit power and communication in a
single cable.
The communication can be one or more types of communication. The communication
can
comprise cellular communication abiding by at least a second generation (2G),
third generation
(3G), fourth generation (4G) or fifth generation (5G) cellular communication
protocol. In some
embodiments, the communication comprises media communication facilitating
stills, music, or
moving picture streams (e.g., movies or videos). In some embodiments, the
communication
comprises data communication (e.g., sensor data). In some embodiments, the
communication
comprises control communication, e.g., to control the one or more nodes
operatively coupled to
the networks. In some embodiments, the network comprises a first (e.g.,
cabling) network
installed in the facility. In some embodiments, the network comprises a (e.g.,
cabling) network
installed in an envelope of the facility (e.g., in an envelope of a building
included in the facility).
[0023] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides systems,
apparatuses (e.g.,
controllers), and/or non-transitory computer-readable medium or media (e.g.,
software) that
implement any of the methods disclosed herein.
[0024] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides methods
that use any of the
systems, computer readable media, and/or apparatuses disclosed herein, e.g.,
for their intended
purpose.
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[0025] In another aspect, an apparatus comprises at least one controller that
is programmed
to direct a mechanism used to implement (e.g., effectuate) any of the method
disclosed herein,
which at least one controller is configured to operatively couple to the
mechanism. In some
embodiments, at least two operations (e.g., of the method) are
directed/executed by the same
controller. In some embodiments, at less at two operations are
directed/executed by different
controllers.
[0026] In another aspect, an apparatus comprises at least one
controller that is configured
(e.g., programmed) to implement (e.g., effectuate) any of the methods
disclosed herein. The at
least one controller may implement any of the methods disclosed herein. In
some embodiments,
at least two operations (e.g., of the method) are directed/executed by the
same controller. In
some embodiments, at less at two operations are directed/executed by different
controllers.
[0027] In some embodiments, one controller of the at least one
controller is configured to
perform two or more operations. In some embodiments, two different controllers
of the at least
one controller are configured to each perform a different operation.
[0028] In another aspect, a system comprises at least one controller that is
programmed to
direct operation of at least one another apparatus (or component thereof), and
the apparatus (or
component thereof), wherein the at least one controller is operatively coupled
to the apparatus
(or to the component thereof). The apparatus (or component thereof) may
include any apparatus
(or component thereof) disclosed herein. The at least one controller may be
configured to direct
any apparatus (or component thereof) disclosed herein. The at least one
controller may be
configured to operatively couple to any apparatus (or component thereof)
disclosed herein. In
some embodiments, at least two operations (e.g., of the apparatus) are
directed by the same
controller. In some embodiments, at less at two operations are directed by
different controllers.
[0029] In another aspect, a computer software product (e.g., inscribed on one
or more non-
transitory medium) in which program instructions are stored, which
instructions, when read by at
least one processor (e.g., computer), cause the at least one processor to
direct a mechanism
disclosed herein to implement (e.g., effectuate) any of the method disclosed
herein, wherein the
at least one processor is configured to operatively couple to the mechanism.
The mechanism
can comprise any apparatus (or any component thereof) disclosed herein. In
some
embodiments, at least two operations (e.g., of the apparatus) are
directed/executed by the same
processor. In some embodiments, at less at two operations are
directed/executed by different
processors.
[0030] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a non-
transitory computer-readable
program instructions (e.g., included in a program product comprising one or
more non-transitory
medium) comprising machine-executable code that, upon execution by one or more
processors,
implements any of the methods disclosed herein. In some embodiments, at least
two operations
(e.g., of the method) are directed/executed by the same processor. In some
embodiments, at
less at two operations are directed/executed by different processors.
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[0031] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a non-
transitory computer-readable
medium or media comprising machine-executable code that, upon execution by one
or more
processors, effectuates directions of the controller(s) (e.g., as disclosed
herein). In some
embodiments, at least two operations (e.g., of the controller) are
directed/executed by the same
processor. In some embodiments, at less at two operations are
directed/executed by different
processors.
[0032] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer system
comprising one
or more computer processors and a non-transitory computer-readable medium or
media
coupled thereto. The non-transitory computer-readable medium comprises machine-
executable
code that, upon execution by the one or more processors, implements any of the
methods
disclosed herein and/or effectuates directions of the controller(s) disclosed
herein.
[0033] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a non-transitory
computer readable
program instructions that, when read by one or more processors, causes the one
or more
processors to execute any operation of the methods disclosed herein, any
operation performed
(or configured to be performed) by the apparatuses disclosed herein, and/or
any operation
directed (or configured to be directed) by the apparatuses disclosed herein.
[0034] In some embodiments, the program instructions are inscribed
in a non-transitory
computer readable medium or media. In some embodiments, at least two of the
operations are
executed by one of the one or more processors. In some embodiments, at least
two of the
operations are each executed by different processors of the one or more
processors.
[0035] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides networks
that are configured for
transmission of any communication (e.g., signal) and/or (e.g., electrical)
power facilitating any of
the operations disclosed herein. The communication may comprise control
communication,
cellular communication, media communication, and/or data communication. The
data
communication may comprise sensor data communication and/or processed data
communication. The networks may be configured to abide by one or more
protocols facilitating
such communication. For example, a communications protocol used by the network
(e.g., with a
BMS) can be a building automation and control networks protocol (BACnet). For
example, a
communication protocol may facilitate cellular communication abiding by at
least a 2nd, 3rd, 4th,
or 5th generation cellular communication protocol.
[0036] The content of this summary section is provided as a simplified
introduction to the
disclosure and is not intended to be used to limit the scope of any invention
disclosed herein or
the scope of the appended claims.
[0037] Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become
readily
apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description,
wherein only
illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As
will be realized,
the present disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its
several details are
capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing
from the disclosure.
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Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative
in nature, and not as
restrictive.
[0038] These and other features and embodiments will be described in more
detail with
reference to the drawings.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0039] All publications, patents, and patent applications
mentioned in this specification are
herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual
publication, patent, or
patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be
incorporated by reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] The novel features of the invention are set forth with
particularity in the appended
claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present
invention will be
obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth
illustrative
embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the
accompanying
drawings or figures (also "Fig." and "Figs." herein), of which:
[0041] Fig. 1 schematically shows an electrochromic device;
[0042] Fig. 2 schematically shows a cross section of an Integrated
Glass Unit (IGU);
[0043] Fig. 3 shows a schematic example of sensor arrangement;
[0044] Fig. 4 shows a schematic example of sensor arrangement and sensor data;
[0045] Figs. 5A-5E show time dependent graphs;
[0046] Fig. 6 depicts a time dependent graph of carbon dioxide concentrations;
[0047] Fig. 7 shows a topographical map of measured property values;
[0048] Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of an enclosure having a control
system;
[0049] Fig. 9 shows a schematic example of an enclosure with a ventilation
system;
[0050] Figs. 10A-10B shows graphs relating to various aspects of enclosure
atmosphere as a
function of occupancy;
[0051] Fig. 11 shows an apparatus and its components for
controlling ventilation;
[0052] Fig. 12 shows a schematic flow chart;
[0053] Fig. 13 shows a schematic flow chart;
[0054] Fig. 14 shows a schematic flow chart;
[0055] Fig. 15 shows a schematic flow chart;
[0056] Fig. 16 shows an apparatus and its components and connectivity options;
[0057] Fig. 17 a schematic example of sensor arrangement and sensor data;
[0058] Fig. 18 a schematic example of sensor arrangement and sensor data;
[0059] Fig. 19 shows a control system and its various components;
[0060] Fig. 20 schematically depicts a controller;
[0061] Fig. 21 schematically depicts a processing system;
[0062] Fig. 22 shows a schematic flow chart;
[0063] Fig. 23 shows a flow chart for a control method; and
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[0064] Fig. 24 shows various graphs including sensor data as a function of
time.
[0065] The figures and components therein may not be drawn to scale. Various
components
of the figures described herein may not be drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0066] While various embodiments of the invention have been shown, and
described herein,
it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are
provided by way of
example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur to
those skilled in the
art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various
alternatives to the
embodiments of the invention described herein might be employed.
[0067] Terms such as "a," "an," and "the" are not intended to refer to only a
singular entity but
include the general class of which a specific example may be used for
illustration. The
terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the
invention(s), but their usage
does not delimit the invention(s).
[0068] When ranges are mentioned, the ranges are meant to be inclusive, unless
otherwise
specified. For example, a range between value 1 and value 2 is meant to be
inclusive and
include value 1 and value 2. The inclusive range will span any value from
about value 1 to about
value 2. The term "adjacent" or "adjacent to," as used herein, includes "next
to," "adjoining," "in
contact with," and "in proximity to."
[0069] As used herein, including in the claims, the conjunction "and/or" in a
phrase such as
"including X, Y, and/or Z", refers to in inclusion of any combination or
plurality of X, Y, and Z. For
example, such phrase is meant to include X. For example, such phrase is meant
to include Y.
For example, such phrase is meant to include Z. For example, such phrase is
meant to include
X and Y. For example, such phrase is meant to include X and Z. For example,
such phrase is
meant to include Y and Z. For example, such phrase is meant to include a
plurality of Xs. For
example, such phrase is meant to include a plurality of Ys. For example, such
phrase is meant
to include a plurality of Zs. For example, such phrase is meant to include a
plurality of Xs and a
plurality of Ys. For example, such phrase is meant to include a plurality of
Xs and a plurality of
Zs. For example, such phrase is meant to include a plurality of Ys and a
plurality of Zs. For
example, such phrase is meant to include a plurality of Xs and Y. For example,
such phrase is
meant to include a plurality of Xs and Z. For example, such phrase is meant to
include a plurality
of Ys and Z. For example, such phrase is meant to include X and a plurality of
Ys. For example,
such phrase is meant to include X and a plurality of Zs. For example, such
phrase is meant to
include Y and a plurality of Zs. The conjunction "and/or" is meant to have the
same effect as the
phrase "X, Y, Z, or any combination or plurality thereof." The conjunction
"and/or" is meant to
have the same effect as the phrase "one or more X, Y, Z, or any combination
thereof."
[0070] The term "operatively coupled" or "operatively connected" refers to a
first element
(e.g., mechanism) that is coupled (e.g., connected) to a second element, to
allow the intended
operation of the second and/or first element. The coupling may comprise
physical or non-
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physical coupling (e.g., communicative coupling). The non-physical coupling
may comprise
signal-induced coupling (e.g., wireless coupling). Coupled can include
physical coupling (e.g.,
physically connected), or non-physical coupling (e.g., via wireless
communication). Operatively
coupled may comprise communicatively coupled.
[0071] An element (e.g., mechanism) that is "configured to" perform a function
includes a
structural feature that causes the element to perform this function. A
structural feature may
include an electrical feature, such as a circuitry or a circuit element. A
structural feature may
include an actuator. A structural feature may include a circuitry (e.g.,
comprising electrical or
optical circuitry). Electrical circuitry may comprise one or more wires.
Optical circuitry may
comprise at least one optical element (e.g., beam splitter, mirror, lens
and/or optical fiber). A
structural feature may include a mechanical feature. A mechanical feature may
comprise a latch,
a spring, a closure, a hinge, a chassis, a support, a fastener, or a
cantilever, and so forth.
Performing the function may comprise utilizing a logical feature. A logical
feature may include
programming instructions. Programming instructions may be executable by at
least one
processor. Programming instructions may be stored or encoded on a medium
accessible by one
or more processors. Additionally, in the following description, the phrases
"operable to,"
"adapted to," "configured to," "designed to," "programmed to," or "capable of"
may be used
interchangeably where appropriate.
[0072] In some embodiments, an enclosure comprises an area defined by at least
one
structure. The at least one structure may comprise at least one wall. An
enclosure may comprise
and/or enclose one or more sub-enclosure. The at least one wall may comprise
metal (e.g.,
steel), clay, stone, plastic, glass, plaster (e.g., gypsum), polymer (e.g.,
polyurethane, styrene, or
vinyl), asbestos, fiber-glass, concrete (e.g., reinforced concrete), wood,
paper, or a ceramic. The
at least one wall may comprise wire, bricks, blocks (e.g., cinder blocks),
tile, drywall, or frame
(e.g., steel frame).
[0073] In some embodiments, the enclosure comprises one or more openings. The
one or
more openings may be reversibly closable. The one or more openings may be
permanently
open. A fundamental length scale of the one or more openings may be smaller
relative to the
fundamental length scale of the wall(s) that define the enclosure. A
fundamental length scale
may comprise a diameter of a bounding circle, a length, a width, or a height.
A surface of the
one or more openings may be smaller relative to the surface the wall(s) that
define the
enclosure. The opening surface may be a percentage of the total surface of the
wall(s). For
example, the opening surface can measure at most about 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, or
1% of the
walls(s). The wall(s) may comprise a floor, a ceiling, or a side wall. The
closable opening may be
closed by at least one window or door. The enclosure may be at least a portion
of a facility. The
facility may comprise a building. The enclosure may comprise at least a
portion of a building.
The building may be a private building and/or a commercial building. The
building may comprise
one or more floors. The building (e.g., floor thereof) may include at least
one of: a room, hall,
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foyer, attic, basement, balcony (e.g., inner or outer balcony), stairwell,
corridor, elevator shaft,
façade, mezzanine, penthouse, garage, porch (e.g., enclosed porch), terrace
(e.g., enclosed
terrace), cafeteria, and/or Duct. In some embodiments, an enclosure may be
stationary and/or
movable (e.g., a train, an airplane, a ship, a vehicle, or a rocket).
[0074] In some embodiments, the enclosure encloses an atmosphere. The
atmosphere may
comprise one or more gases. The gases may include inert gases (e.g.,
comprising argon or
nitrogen) and/or non-inert gases (e.g., comprising oxygen or carbon dioxide).
The enclosure
atmosphere may resemble an atmosphere external to the enclosure (e.g., ambient
atmosphere)
in at least one external atmosphere characteristic that includes: temperature,
relative gas
content, gas type (e.g., humidity, and/or oxygen level), debris (e.g., dust
and/or pollen), and/or
gas velocity. The enclosure atmosphere may be different from the atmosphere
external to the
enclosure in at least one external atmosphere characteristic that includes:
temperature, relative
gas content, gas type (e.g., humidity, and/or oxygen level), debris (e.g.,
dust and/or pollen),
and/or gas velocity. For example, the enclosure atmosphere may be less humid
(e.g., drier) than
the external (e.g., ambient) atmosphere. For example, the enclosure atmosphere
may contain
the same (e.g., or a substantially similar) oxygen-to-nitrogen ratio as the
atmosphere external to
the enclosure. The velocity of the gas in the enclosure may be (e.g.,
substantially) similar
throughout the enclosure. The velocity of the gas in the enclosure may be
different in different
portions of the enclosure (e.g., by flowing gas through to a vent that is
coupled with the
enclosure).
[0075] Certain disclosed embodiments provide a network infrastructure in the
enclosure (e.g., a
facility such as a building). The network infrastructure is available for
various purposes such as
for providing communication and/or power services. The communication services
may comprise
high bandwidth (e.g., wireless and/or wired) communications services. The
communication
services can be to occupants of a facility and/or users outside the facility
(e.g., building). The
network infrastructure may work in concert with, or as a partial replacement
of, the infrastructure
of one or more cellular carriers. The network infrastructure can be provided
in a facility that
includes electrically switchable windows. Examples of components of the
network infrastructure
include a high speed backhaul. The network infrastructure may include at least
one cable,
switch, physical antenna, transceivers, sensor, transmitter, receiver, radio,
processor and/or
controller (that may comprise a processor). The network infrastructure may be
operatively
coupled to, and/or include, a wireless network. The network infrastructure may
comprise wiring.
One or more sensors can be deployed (e.g., installed) in an environment as
part of installing the
network and/or after installing the network. The network may be a local
network. The network
may comprise a cable configured to transmit power and communication in a
single cable. The
communication can be one or more types of communication. The communication can
comprise
cellular communication abiding by at least a second generation (2G), third
generation (3G),
fourth generation (4G) or fifth generation (5G) cellular communication
protocol. The
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communication may comprise media communication facilitating stills, music, or
moving picture
streams (e.g., movies or videos). The communication may comprise data
communication (e.g.,
sensor data). The communication may comprise control communication, e.g., to
control the one
or more nodes operatively coupled to the networks. The network may comprise a
first (e.g.,
cabling) network installed in the facility. The network may comprise a (e.g.,
cabling) network
installed in an envelope of the facility (e.g., such as in an envelope of an
enclosure of the facility.
For example, in an envelope of a building included in the facility).
[0076] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides networks that are
configured for
transmission of any communication (e.g., signal) and/or (e.g., electrical)
power facilitating any of
the operations disclosed herein. The communication may comprise control
communication,
cellular communication, media communication, and/or data communication. The
data
communication may comprise sensor data communication and/or processed data
communication. The networks may be configured to abide by one or more
protocols facilitating
such communication. For example, a communications protocol used by the network
(e.g., with a
BMS) can comprise a building automation and control networks protocol
(BACnet). The network
may be configured for (e.g., include hardware facilitating) communication
protocols comprising
BACnet (e.g., BACnet/SC), LonWorks, Modbus, KNX, European Home Systems
Protocol
(EHS), BatiBUS, European Installation Bus (FIB or Instabus), zigbee, Z-wave,
Insteon, X10,
Bluetooth, or WiFi. The network may be configure to transmit the control
related protocol. A
communication protocol may facilitate cellular communication abiding by at
least a 2n1, 3rd, 41h, or
51h generation cellular communication protocol. The (e.g., cabling) network
may comprise a tree,
line, or star topologies. The network may comprise interworking and/or
distributed application
models for various tasks of the building automation. The control system may
provide schemes
for configuration and/or management of resources on the network. The network
may permit
binding of parts of a distributed application in different nodes operatively
coupled to the network.
The network may provide a communication system with a message protocol and
models for the
communication stack in each node (capable of hosting distributed applications
(e.g., having a
common Kernel). The control system may comprise programmable logic
controller(s) (PLC(s)).
[0077] In various embodiments, a network infrastructure supports a control
system for one or
more windows such as tintable (e.g., electrochromic) windows. The control
system may
comprise one or more controllers operatively coupled (e.g., directly or
indirectly) to one or more
windows. While the disclosed embodiments describe tintable windows (also
referred to herein
as "optically switchable windows," or "smart windows") such as electrochromic
windows, the
concepts disclosed herein may apply to other types of switchable optical
devices comprising a
liquid crystal device, an electrochromic device, suspended particle device
(SPD), NanoChromics
display (NCD), Organic electroluminescent display (OELD), suspended particle
device (SPD),
NanoChromics display (NOD), or an Organic electroluminescent display (OELD).
The display
element may be attached to a part of a transparent body (such as the windows).
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The tintable window may be disposed in a (non-transitory) facility such as a
building, and/or in a
transitory facility (e.g., vehicle) such as a car, RV, bus, train, airplane,
helicopter, ship, or boat.
[0078] In some embodiments, a tintable window exhibits a (e.g.,
controllable and/or
reversible) change in at least one optical property of the window, e.g., when
a stimulus is
applied. The change may be a continuous change. A change may be to discrete
tint levels (e.g.,
to at least about 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 tint levels). The optical property may
comprise hue, or
transmissivity. The hue may comprise color. The transmissivity may be of one
or more
wavelengths. The wavelengths may comprise ultraviolet, visible, or infrared
wavelengths. The
stimulus can include an optical, electrical and/or magnetic stimulus. For
example, the stimulus
can include an applied voltage and/or current. One or more tintable windows
can be used to
control lighting and/or glare conditions, e.g., by regulating the transmission
of solar energy
propagating through them. One or more tintable windows can be used to control
a temperature
within a building, e.g., by regulating the transmission of solar energy
propagating through the
window. Control of the solar energy may control heat load imposed on the
interior of the facility
(e.g., building). The control may be manual and/or automatic. The control may
be used for
maintaining one or more requested (e.g., environmental) conditions, e.g.,
occupant comfort. The
control may include reducing energy consumption of a heating, ventilation, air
conditioning
and/or lighting systems. At least two of heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning may be induced
by separate systems. At least two of heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning may be induced by
one system. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning may be induced by a
single system
(abbreviated herein as "HVAC"). In some cases, tintable windows may be
responsive to (e.g.,
and communicatively coupled to) one or more environmental sensors and/or user
control.
Tintable windows may comprise (e.g., may be) electrochromic windows. The
windows may be
located in the range from the interior to the exterior of a structure (e.g.,
facility, e.g., building).
However, this need not be the case. Tintable windows may operate using liquid
crystal devices,
suspended particle devices, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices
(such as
microshutters), or any technology known now, or later developed, that is
configured to control
light transmission through a window. Windows (e.g., with MEMS devices for
tinting) are
described in U.S. Patent No. 10,359,681, issued July 23, 2019, filed May 15,
2015, titled
"MULTI-PANE WINDOWS INCLUDING ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES AND
ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS DEVICES," and incorporated herein by reference in
its
entirety. In some cases, one or more tintable windows can be located within
the interior of a
building, e.g., between a conference room and a hallway. In some cases, one or
more tintable
windows can be used in automobiles, trains, aircraft, and other vehicles,
e.g., in lieu of a passive
and/or non-tinting window.
[0079] In some embodiments, the tintable window comprises an electrochromic
device
(referred to herein as an "EC device" (abbreviated herein as ECD), or "EC").
An EC device may
comprise at least one coating that includes at least one layer. The at least
one layer can
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comprise an electrochromic material. In some embodiments, the electrochromic
material
exhibits a change from one optical state to another, e.g., when an electric
potential is applied
across the EC device. The transition of the electrochromic layer from one
optical state to
another optical state can be caused, e.g., by reversible, semi-reversible, or
irreversible ion
insertion into the electrochromic material (e.g., by way of intercalation) and
a corresponding
injection of charge-balancing electrons. For example, the transition of the
electrochromic layer
from one optical state to another optical state can be caused, e.g., by a
reversible ion insertion
into the electrochromic material (e.g., by way of intercalation) and a
corresponding injection of
charge-balancing electrons. Reversible may be for the expected lifetime of the
ECD. Semi-
reversible refers to a measurable (e.g. noticeable) degradation in the
reversibility of the tint of
the window over one or more tinting cycles. In some instances, a fraction of
the ions responsible
for the optical transition is irreversibly bound up in the electrochromic
material (e.g., and thus the
induced (altered) tint state of the window is not reversible to its original
tinting state). In various
EC devices, at least some (e.g., all) of the irreversibly bound ions can be
used to compensate
for "blind charge" in the material (e.g., ECD).
[0080] In some implementations, suitable ions include cations. The
cations may include
lithium ions (Li+) and/or hydrogen ions (H+) (i.e., protons). In some
implementations, other ions
can be suitable. Intercalation of the cations may be into an (e.g., metal)
oxide. A change in the
intercalation state of the ions (e.g. cations) into the oxide may induce a
visible change in a tint
(e.g., color) of the oxide. For example, the oxide may transition from a
colorless to a colored
state. For example, intercalation of lithium ions into tungsten oxide (W03-y
(0 < y -0.3)) may
cause the tungsten oxide to change from a transparent state to a colored
(e.g., blue) state. EC
device coatings as described herein are located within the viewable portion of
the tintable
window such that the tinting of the EC device coating can be used to control
the optical state of
the tintable window.
[0081] Fig. 1 shows an example of a schematic cross-section of an
electrochromic device 100
in accordance with some embodiments is shown in Fig. 1. The EC device coating
is attached to
a substrate 102, a transparent conductive layer (TCL) 104, an electrochromic
layer (EC) 106
(sometimes also referred to as a cathodically coloring layer or a cathodically
tinting layer), an ion
conducting layer or region (IC) 108, a counter electrode layer (CE) 110
(sometimes also referred
to as an anodically coloring layer or anodically tinting layer), and a second
TCL 114.
[0082] Elements 104, 106, 108, 110, and 114 are collectively
referred to as an electrochromic
stack 120. A voltage source 116 operable to apply an electric potential across
the
electrochromic stack 120 effects the transition of the electrochromic coating
from, e.g., a clear
state to a tinted state. In other embodiments, the order of layers is reversed
with respect to the
substrate. That is, the layers are in the following order: substrate, TCL,
counter electrode layer,
ion conducting layer, electrochromic material layer, TCL.
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[0083] In various embodiments, the ion conductor region (e.g.,
108) may form from a portion
of the EC layer (e.g., 106) and/or from a portion of the CE layer (e.g., 110).
In such
embodiments, the electrochromic stack (e.g., 120) may be deposited to include
cathodically
coloring electrochromic material (the EC layer) in direct physical contact
with an anodically
coloring counter electrode material (the CE layer). The ion conductor region
(sometimes referred
to as an interfacial region, or as an ion conducting substantially
electronically insulating layer or
region) may form where the EC layer and the CE layer meet, for example through
heating
and/or other processing steps. Examples of electrochromic devices (e.g.,
including those
fabricated without depositing a distinct ion conductor material) can be found
in U.S. Patent
Application Serial No. 13/462,725, filed May 2,2012, titled "ELECTROCHROMIC
DEVICES,"
that is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments,
an EC device
coating may include one or more additional layers such as one or more passive
layers. Passive
layers can be used to improve certain optical properties, to provide moisture,
and/or to provide
scratch resistance. These and/or other passive layers can serve to
hermetically seal the EC
stack 120. Various layers, including transparent conducting layers (such as
104 and 114), can
be treated with anti-reflective and/or protective layers (e.g., oxide and/or
nitride layers).
[0084] In certain embodiments, the electrochromic device is
configured to (e.g., substantially)
reversibly cycle between a clear state and a tinted state. Reversible may be
within an expected
lifetime of the ECD. The expected lifetime can be at least about 5, 10, 15,
25, 50, 75, or 100
years. The expected lifetime can be any value between the aforementioned
values (e.g., from
about 5 years to about 100 years, from about 5 years to about 50 years, or
from about 50 years
to about 100 years). A potential can be applied to the electrochromic stack
(e.g., 120) such that
available ions in the stack that can cause the electrochromic material (e.g.,
106) to be in the
tinted state reside primarily in the counter electrode (e.g., 110) when the
window is in a first tint
state (e.g., clear). When the potential applied to the electrochromic stack is
reversed, the ions
can be transported across the ion conducting layer (e.g., 108) to the
electrochromic material and
cause the material to enter the second tint state (e.g., tinted state).
[0085] It should be understood that the reference to a transition
between a clear state and
tinted state is non-limiting and suggests only one example, among many, of an
electrochromic
transition that may be implemented. Unless otherwise specified herein,
whenever reference is
made to a clear-tinted transition, the corresponding device or process
encompasses other
optical state transitions such as non-reflective-reflective, and/or
transparent-opaque. In some
embodiments, the terms "clear" and "bleached" refer to an optically neutral
state, e.g., untinted,
transparent and/or translucent. In some embodiments, the "color" or "tint" of
an electrochromic
transition is not limited to any wavelength or range of wavelengths. The
choice of appropriate
electrochromic material and counter electrode materials may govern the
relevant optical
transition (e.g., from tinted to untinted state).
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[0086] In certain embodiments, at least a portion (e.g., all of)
the materials making up
electrochromic stack are inorganic, solid (i.e., in the solid state), or both
inorganic and solid.
Because various organic materials tend to degrade over time, particularly when
exposed to heat
and UV light as tinted building windows are, inorganic materials offer an
advantage of a reliable
electrochromic stack that can function for extended periods of time. In some
embodiments,
materials in the solid state can offer the advantage of being minimally
contaminated and
minimizing leakage issues, as materials in the liquid state sometimes do. One
or more of the
layers in the stack may contain some amount of organic material (e.g., that is
measurable). The
ECD or any portion thereof (e.g., one or more of the layers) may contain
little or no measurable
organic matter. The ECD or any portion thereof (e.g., one or more of the
layers) may contain
one or more liquids that may be present in little amounts. Little may be of at
most about
100ppm, lOppm, or 1ppm of the ECD. Solid state material may be deposited (or
otherwise
formed) using one or more processes employing liquid components, such as
certain processes
employing sol-gels, physical vapor deposition, and/or chemical vapor
deposition.
[0087] Figs. 2 show an example of a cross-sectional view of a tintable window
embodied in
an insulated glass unit ("IGU") 200, in accordance with some implementations.
The terms "IGU,"
"tintable window," and "optically switchable window" can be used
interchangeably herein. It can
be desirable to have IGUs serve as the fundamental constructs for holding
electrochromic panes
(also referred to herein as "lites") when provided for installation in a
building. An IGU lite may be
a single substrate or a multi-substrate construct. The lite may comprise a
laminate, e.g., of two
substrates. IGUs (e.g., having double- or triple-pane configurations) can
provide a number of
advantages over single pane configurations. For example, multi-pane
configurations can provide
enhanced thermal insulation, noise insulation, environmental protection and/or
durability, when
compared with single-pane configurations. A multi-pane configuration can
provide increased
protection for an ECD. For example, the electrochromic films (e.g., as well as
associated layers
and conductive interconnects) can be formed on an interior surface of the
multi-pane IGU and
be protected by an inert gas fill in the interior volume (e.g., 208) of the
IGU. The inert gas fill may
provide at least some (heat) insulating function for an IGU. Electrochronnic
IGUs may have heat
blocking capability, e.g., by virtue of a tintable coating that absorbs
(and/or reflects) heat and
light.
[0088] In some embodiments, an "IGU" includes two (or more) substantially
transparent
substrates. For example, the IGU may include two panes of glass. At least one
substrate of the
IGU can include an electrochromic device disposed thereon. The one or more
panes of the IGU
may have a separator disposed between them. An IGU can be a hermetically
sealed construct,
e.g., having an interior region that is isolated from the ambient environment.
A "window
assembly" may include an IGU. A "window assembly" may include a (e.g., stand-
alone)
laminate. A "window assembly" may include one or more electrical leads, e.g.,
for connecting
the IGUs and/or laminates. The electrical leads may operatively couple (e.g.
connect) one or
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more electrochromic devices to a voltage source, switches and the like, and
may include a
frame that supports the IGU or laminate. A window assembly may include a
window controller,
and/or components of a window controller (e.g., a dock).
[0089] Fig. 2 shows an example implementation of an IGU 200 that includes a
first pane 204
having a first surface Si and a second surface S2. In some implementations,
the first surface Si
of the first pane 204 faces an exterior environment, such as an outdoors or
outside environment.
The IGU 200 also includes a second pane 206 having a first surface S3 and a
second surface
S4. In some implementations, the second surface (e.g., S4) of the second pane
(e.g., 206) faces
an interior environment, such as an inside environment of a home, building,
vehicle, or
compartment thereof (e.g., an enclosure therein such as a room).
[0090] In some implementations, the first and the second panes (e.g., 204 and
206) are
transparent or translucent, e.g., at least to light in the visible spectrum.
For example, each of the
panes (e.g., 204 and 206) can be formed of a glass material. The glass
material may include
architectural glass, and/or shatter-resistant glass. The glass may comprise a
silicon oxide (S0x).
The glass may comprise a soda-lime glass or float glass. The glass may
comprise at least about
75% silica (SiO2). The glass may comprise oxides such as Na2O, or CaO. The
glass may
comprise alkali or alkali-earth oxides. The glass may comprise one or more
additives. The first
and/or the second panes can include any material having suitable optical,
electrical, thermal,
and/or mechanical properties. Other materials (e.g., substrates) that can be
included in the first
and/or the second panes are plastic, semi-plastic and/or thermoplastic
materials, for example,
poly(methyl methacrylate), polystyrene, polycarbonate, allyl diglycol
carbonate, SAN (styrene
acrylonitrile copolymer), poly(4-methyl-1-pentene), polyester, and/or
polyamide. The first and/or
second pane may include mirror material (e.g., silver). In some
implementations, the first and/or
the second panes can be strengthened. The strengthening may include tempering,
heating,
and/or chemically strengthening.
[0091] In some embodiments, an enclosure includes one or more sensors. The
sensor may
facilitate controlling the environment of the enclosure such that inhabitants
of the enclosure may
have an environment that is more comfortable, delightful, beautiful, healthy,
productive (e.g., in
terms of inhabitant performance), easer to live (e.g., work) in, or any
combination thereof. The
sensor(s) may be configured as low or high resolution sensors. Sensor may
provide on/off
indications of the occurrence and/or presence of a particular environmental
event (e.g., one
pixel sensors). In some embodiments, the accuracy and/or resolution of a
sensor may be
improved via artificial intelligence analysis of its measurements. Examples of
artificial
intelligence techniques that may be used include: reactive, limited memory,
theory of mind,
and/or self-aware techniques know to those skilled in the art). Sensors may be
configured to
process, measure, analyze, detect and/or react to one or more of: data,
temperature, humidity,
sound, force, pressure, electromagnetic waves, position, distance, movement,
flow,
acceleration, speed, vibration, dust, light, glare, color, gas(es), and/or
other aspects (e.g.,
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characteristics) of an environment (e.g., of an enclosure). The gases may
include volatile
organic compounds (VOCs). The gases may include carbon monoxide, carbon
dioxide, water
vapor (e.g., humidity), oxygen, radon, and/or hydrogen sulfide. The one or
more sensors may be
calibrated in a factory setting. A sensor may be optimized to be capable of
performing accurate
measurements of one or more environmental characteristics present in the
factory setting. In
some instances, a factory calibrated sensor may be less optimized for
operation in a target
environment. For example, a factory setting may comprise a different
environment than a target
environment. The target environment can be an environment in which the sensor
is deployed.
The target environment can be an environment in which the sensor is expected
and/or destined
to operate. The target environment may differ from a factory environment. A
factory environment
corresponds to a location at which the sensor was assembled and/or built. The
target
environment may comprise a factory in which the sensor was not assembled
and/or built. In
some instances, the factory setting may differ from the target environment to
the extent that
sensor readings captured in the target environment are erroneous (e.g., to a
measurable
extent). In this context, "erroneous" may refer to sensor readings that
deviate from a specified
accuracy (e.g., specified by a manufacture of the sensor). In some situations,
a factory-
calibrated sensor may provide readings that do not meet accuracy
specifications (e.g., by a
manufacturer) when operated in the target environments.
[0092] In certain embodiments, one or more shortcomings in sensor operation
may be at least
partially corrected and/or alleviated by allowing a sensor to be self-
calibrated in its target
environment (e.g., where the sensor is installed). In some instances, a sensor
may be calibrated
and/or recalibrated after installation in the target environment. In some
instances, a sensor may
be calibrated and/or recalibrated after a certain period of operation in the
target environment.
The target environment may be the location at which the sensor is installed in
an enclosure. In
comparison to a sensor that is calibrated prior to installation, in a sensor
calibrated and/or
recalibrated after installation in the target environment may provide
measurements having
increased accuracy (e.g., that is measurable). In certain embodiments, one or
more previously-
installed sensors in an enclosure provide readings that are used to calibrated
and/or recalibrate
a newly-installed sensor in the enclosure. A calibrated and/or localized
component may be
utilized as a standard for calibrating and/or localizing other components.
Such component may
be referred to as the "golden component." The golden component be utilized as
a reference
component. Such component may be the one most calibrated and/or accurately
localized in the
facility. The component (e.g., sensor, emitter, or transceiver) may be
calibrated and/or localized
via a traveler. The traveler may be human or non-human (e.g., robotic). The
traveler may be a
field service engineer. The traveler may comprise a mobile robot such as a
drone, a wheeled
robot, or any other maneuverable robot. Examples of components (e.g.,
devices), control,
calibration, and travelers can be found in International Patent Application
Serial No.
PCT/US21/15378 that is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
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[0093] In some embodiments, a target environment corresponding to a first
enclosure differs
from a target environment corresponding to a second enclosure. For example, a
target
environment of an enclosure that corresponds to a cafeteria or to an
auditorium may present
sensor readings different than a target enclosure that corresponds to a
conference room. A
sensor may consider the target environment (e.g., one or more characteristics
thereof) when
performing sensor readings and/or outputting sensor data. For example, during
lunchtime a
carbon dioxide sensor installed in an occupied cafeteria may provide higher
readings than a
sensor installed in an empty conference room. In another example, ambient
noise sensor
located in an occupied cafeteria during lunch may provide higher readings than
an ambient
noise sensor located in a library.
[0094] In some embodiments, a sensor (e.g., occasionally) provides
an output signal
indicating an erroneous measurement. The sensor may be operatively coupled to
at least one
controller. The controller(s) may obtain erroneous sensor reading from the
sensor. The
controller(s) may obtain readings of the same type, at a similar time (e.g.,
or simultaneously),
from one or more other (e.g., nearby) sensors. The one or more other sensors
may be disposed
at the same environment as the one sensor. The controller(s) may evaluate the
erroneous
sensor reading in conjunction with one or more readings of the same type made
by one or more
other sensors of the same type to identify the erroneous sensor reading as an
outlier. For
example, the controller may evaluate an erroneous temperature sensor reading
and one or
more readings of temperature made by one or more other temperature sensors.
The
controller(s) may determine that the sensor reading is erroneous in response
to consideration
(e.g., including evaluating and/or comparing with) the sensor reading with one
or more readings
from other sensors in the same environment (e.g., in the same enclosure).
Controller(s) may
direct the one sensor providing the erroneous reading to undergo recalibration
(e.g., by
undergoing a recalibration procedure). For example, the controller(s) may
transmit one or more
values and/or parameters to the sensor(s) providing the erroneous reading. The
sensor(s)
providing the erroneous reading may utilize the transmitted value and/or
parameter to adjust its
subsequent sensor reading(s). For example, the sensor(s) providing the
erroneous reading may
utilize the transmitted value and/or parameter to adjust its baseline for
subsequent sensor
reading(s). The baseline can be a value, a set of values, or a function.
[0095] In some embodiments, a sensor has an operational lifespan. An
operational lifespan of
a sensor may be related to one or more readings taken by the sensor. Sensor
readings from
certain sensors may be more valuable and/or varied during certain time periods
and may be less
valuable and/or varied during other time periods. For example, movement sensor
readings may
be more varied during the day than during the night. The operational lifespan
of the sensor may
be extended. Extension of the operational lifespan may be accomplished by
permitting the
sensor to reduce sampling of environmental parameters at certain time periods
(e.g., having the
lower beneficial value). Certain sensors may modify (e.g., increase or
decrease) a frequency at
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which sensor readings are sampled. Timing and/or frequency of the sensor
operation may
depend on the sensor type, location in the (e.g., target) environment, and/or
time of day. A
sensor type may require constant and/or more frequent operation during the day
(e.g., CO2,
volatile organic compounds (VOCs), occupancy, and/or lighting sensor).
Volatile organic
compounds may be animal and/or human derived. VOCs may comprise a compound
related to
human produced odor. A sensor may require infrequent operation during at least
a portion of the
night. A sensor type may require infrequent operation during at least a
portion of the day (e.g.,
temperature and/or pressure sensor). A sensor may be assigned a timing and/or
frequency of
operation. The assignment may be controlled (e.g., altered) manually and/or
automatically (e.g.,
using at least one controller operatively coupled to the sensor). Operatively
coupled may include
communicatively coupled, electrically coupled, optically coupled, or any
combination thereof.
Modification of the timing and/or frequency at which sensor readings are taken
may be
responsive to detection of an event by a sensor of the same type or of a
sensor of a different
type. Modification of the timing and/or frequency at which sensor readings may
utilize sensor
data analysis. The sensor data analysis may utilize artificial intelligence
(abbreviated herein as
"Al"). The control may be fully automatic or partially automatic. The
partially automatic control
may allow a user to (i) override a direction of the controller, and/or (ii)
indicate any preference
(e.g., of the user).
[0096] In some embodiments, processing sensor data comprises performing sensor
data
analysis. The sensor data analysis may comprise at least one rational decision
making process,
and/or learning. The sensor data analysis may be utilized to adjust the
environment, e.g., by
adjusting one or more components that affect the environment of the enclosure.
The data
analysis may be performed by a machine based system (e.g., a circuitry). The
circuitry may be
of a processor. The sensor data analysis may utilize artificial intelligence.
The sensor data
analysis may rely on one or more models (e.g., mathematical models). In some
embodiments,
the sensor data analysis comprises linear regression, least squares fit,
Gaussian process
regression, kernel regression, nonparametric multiplicative regression (NPMR),
regression
trees, local regression, semiparannetric regression, isotonic regression,
multivariate adaptive
regression splines (MARS), logistic regression, robust regression, polynomial
regression,
stepwise regression, ridge regression, lasso regression, elasticnet
regression, principal
component analysis (PCA), singular value decomposition, fuzzy measure theory,
Bore!
measure, Han measure, risk-neutral measure, Lebesgue measure, group method of
data
handling (GMDH), Naive Bayes classifiers, k-nearest neighbors algorithm (k-
NN), support vector
machines (SVMs), neural networks, support vector machines, classification and
regression trees
(CART), random forest, gradient boosting, or generalized linear model (GLM)
technique. Fig. 3
shows an example of a diagram 300 of an arrangement of sensors distributed
among
enclosures. In the example shown in Fig. 3, controller 305 is communicatively
linked 308 with
sensors located in enclosure A (sensors 310A, 310B, 310C, ... 310Z), enclosure
B (sensors
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315A, 315B, 3150, 315Z), enclosure C (sensors 320A, 320B, 3200,... 320Z), and
enclosure Z
(sensors 385A, 385B, 3850,... 385Z). Communicatively linked comprises wired
and/or wireless
communication. In some embodiments, a sensor ensemble includes at least two
sensors of a
differing types. In some embodiments, a sensor ensemble includes at least two
sensors of the
same type. In the example shown in Fig. 3, sensors 310A, 310B, 3100, ... 310Z
of enclosure A
represent an ensemble. An ensemble of sensors can refer to a collection of
diverse sensors. In
some embodiments, at least two of the sensors in the ensemble cooperate to
determine
environmental parameters, e.g., of an enclosure in which they are disposed.
For example, a
sensor ensemble may include a carbon dioxide sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor,
a volatile
organic chemical sensor, an ambient noise sensor, a visible light sensor, a
temperature sensor,
and/or a humidity sensor. A sensor ensemble may comprise other types of
sensors, and claimed
subject matter is not limited in this respect. The enclosure may comprise one
or more sensors
that are not part of an ensemble of sensors. The enclosure may comprise a
plurality of
ensembles. At least two of the plurality of ensembles may differ in at least
one of their sensors.
At least two of the plurality of ensembles may have at least one of their
sensors that is similar
(e.g., of the same type). For example, an ensemble can have two motion sensors
and one
temperature sensor. For example, an ensemble can have a carbon dioxide sensor
and an IR
sensor. The ensemble may include one or more devices that are not sensors. The
one or more
other devices that are not sensors may include sound emitter (e.g., buzzer),
and/or
electromagnetic radiation emitters (e.g., light emitting diode). In some
embodiments, a single
sensor (e.g., not in an ensemble) may be disposed adjacent (e.g., immediately
adjacent such as
contacting) another device that is not a sensor.
[0097] In some embodiments, sensors of a sensor ensemble collaborate with one
another
(e.g., using the control system). The sensors can comprise an array of
sensors. The array of
sensors can collaborate synergistically (e.g., using the network and/or
controller(s)). The
controllers may be included in a control system (e.g., as disclosed herein). A
sensor of one type
may have a correlation with at least one other type of sensor. A situation in
an enclosure may
affect one or more of different sensors. Sensor readings of the one or more
different may be
correlated and/or affected by the situation. The correlations may be
predetermined. The
correlations may be determined over a period of time (e.g., using a learning
process). The
period of time may be predetermined. The period of time may have a cutoff
value. The cutoff
value may consider an error threshold (e.g., percentage value) between a
predictive sensor data
and a measured sensor data, e.g., in similar situation(s). The time may be
ongoing. The
correlation may be derived from a learning set (also referred to herein as
"training set"). The
learning set may comprise, and/or may be derived from, real time observations
in the enclosure.
The observations may include data collection (e.g., from sensor(s)). The
learning set may
comprise sensor(s) data from a similar enclosure. The learning set may
comprise third party
data set (e.g., of sensor(s) data). The learning set may derive from
simulation, e.g., of one or
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more environmental conditions affecting the enclosure. The learning set may
compose detected
(e.g., historic) signal data to which one or more types of noise were added.
The correlation may
utilize historic data, third party data, and/or real time (e.g., sensor) data.
The correlation between
two sensor types may be assigned a value. The value may be a relative value
(e.g., strong
correlation, medium correlation, or weak correlation). The learning set that
is not derived from
real-time measurements, may serve as a benchmark (e.g., baseline) to initiate
operations of the
sensors and/or various components that affect the environment (e.g., HVAC
system, and/or
tinting windows). Real time sensor data may supplement the learning set, e.g.,
on an ongoing
basis or for a defined time period. The (e.g., supplemented) learning set may
increase in size
during deployment of the sensors in the environment. The initial learning set
may increase in
size, e.g., with inclusion of additional (i) real time measurements, (ii)
sensor data from other
(e.g., similar) enclosures, (iii) third party data, (iv) other and/or updated
simulation.
[0098] In some embodiments, data from sensors may be correlated. Once a
correlation
between two or more sensor types is established, a deviation from the
correlation (e.g., from the
correlation value) may indicate an irregular situation and/or malfunction of a
sensor of the
correlating sensors. The malfunction may include a slippage of a calibration.
The malfunction
may indicate a requirement for re-calibration of the sensor. A malfunction may
comprise
complete failure of the sensor. In an example, a movement sensor may
collaborate with a
carbon dioxide sensor. In an example, responsive to a movement sensor
detecting movement of
one or more individuals in an enclosure, a carbon dioxide sensor may be
activated to begin
taking carbon dioxide measurements. An increase in movement in an enclosure,
may be
correlated with increased levels of carbon dioxide. In another example, a
motion sensor
detecting individuals in an enclosure may be correlated with an increase in
noise detected by a
noise sensor in the enclosure. In some embodiments, detection by a first type
of sensor that is
not accompanied by detection by a second type of sensor may result in a sensor
posting an
error message. For example, if a motion sensor detects numerous individuals in
an enclosure,
without an increase in carbon dioxide and/or noise, the carbon dioxide sensor
and/or the noise
sensor may be identified as having failed or as having an erroneous output. An
error message
may be posted. A first plurality of different correlating sensors in a first
ensemble may include
one sensor of a first type, and a second plurality of sensors of different
types. If the second
plurality of sensors indicate a correlation, and the one sensor indicates a
reading different from
the correlation, there is an increased likelihood that the one sensor
malfunctions. If the first
plurality of sensors in the first ensemble detect a first correlation, and a
third plurality of
correlating sensors in a second ensemble detect a second correlation different
from the first
correlation, there is an increased likelihood that the situation to which the
first ensemble of
sensors is exposed to is different from the situation to which the third
ensemble of sensors are
exposed to.
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[0099] Sensors of a sensor ensemble may collaborate with one another. The
collaboration
may comprise considering sensor data of another sensor (e.g., of a different
type) in the
ensemble. The collaboration may comprise trends projected by the other sensor
(e.g., type) in
the ensemble. The collaboration may comprise trends projected by data relating
to another
sensor (e.g., type) in the ensemble. The other sensor data can be derived from
the other sensor
in the ensemble, from sensors of the same type in other ensembles, or from
data of the type
collected by the other sensor in the ensemble, which data does not derive from
the other sensor.
For example, a first ensemble may include a pressure sensor and a temperature
sensor. The
collaboration between the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor may
comprise
considering pressure sensor data while analyzing and/or projecting temperature
data of the
temperature sensor in the first ensemble. The pressure data may be (i) of a
pressure sensor in
the first ensemble, (ii) of pressure sensor(s) in one or more other ensembles,
(iii) pressure data
of other sensor(s) and/or (iv) pressure data of a third party.
[0100] In some embodiments, sensor ensembles, are distributed throughout an
enclosure.
Sensors of a same type may be dispersed in an enclosure, e.g., to allow
measurement of
environmental parameters at various locations of an enclosure. Sensors of the
same type may
measure a gradient along one or more dimensions of an enclosure. A gradient
may include a
temperature gradient, an ambient noise gradient, or any other variation (e.g.,
increase or
decrease) in a measured parameter as a function of location from a point. A
gradient may be
utilized in determining that a sensor is providing erroneous measurement
(e.g., the sensor has a
failure). Fig. 4 shows an example of a diagram 490 of an arrangement of sensor
ensembles in
an enclosure. In the example of Fig. 4, ensemble 492A is positioned at a
distance D1 from vent
496. Sensor ensemble 492B is positioned at a distance D2 from vent 496. Sensor
ensemble
492C is positioned at a distance D3 from vent 496. In the example of Fig. 4B,
vent 496
corresponds to an air conditioning vent, which represents a relatively
constant source of cooling
atmosphere and a relatively constant source of white noise. Thus, in the
example of Fig. 4B,
temperature and noise measurements are made by sensor ensemble 492A.
Temperature and
noise measurements made by sensor 492A are shown by output reading profile
494A. Output
reading profile 494A indicates a relatively low temperature and a significant
amount of noise.
Temperature and noise measurements made by sensor ensemble 492B are shown by
output
reading profile 494B. Output reading profile 494B indicates a somewhat higher
temperature, and
a somewhat reduced noise level. Temperature and noise measurements made by
sensor
ensemble 492C are shown by output reading profile 494C. Output reading profile
494C indicates
a temperature somewhat higher than the temperature measured by sensor ensemble
492B and
492A. Noise measured by sensor ensemble 492C indicates a lower level than
noise measured
by sensor ensemble 492A and 492B. In an example, if a temperature measured by
sensor
ensemble 4920 indicates a lower temperature than a temperature measured by
sensor
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ensemble 492A, one or more processors and/or controllers may identify sensor
ensemble 4920
sensor as providing erroneous data.
[0101] In another example of a temperature gradient, a temperature
sensor installed near a
window may measure increased temperature fluctuations with respect to
temperature
fluctuations measured by a temperature sensor installed at a location opposite
the window. A
sensor installed near a midpoint between the window and the location opposite
the window may
measure temperature fluctuations in between those measured near a window with
respect to
those measured at the location opposite the window. In an example, an ambient
noise sensor
installed near an air conditioner (or near a heating vent) may measure greater
ambient noise
than an ambient noise sensor installed away from the air conditioning or
heating vent.
[0102] In some embodiments, a sensor of a first type cooperates with a sensor
of a second
type. In an example, an infrared radiation sensor may cooperate with a
temperature sensor.
Cooperation among sensor types may comprise establishing a correlation (e.g.,
negative or
positive) among readings from sensors of the same type or of differing types.
For example, an
infrared radiation sensor measuring an increase in infrared energy may be
accompanied by
(e.g., positively correlated to) an increase in measured temperature. A
decrease in measured
infrared radiation may be accompanied by a decrease in measured temperature.
In an example,
an infrared radiation sensor measuring an increase in infrared energy that is
not accompanied
by a measurable increase in temperature, may indicate failure or degradation
in operation of a
temperature sensor.
[0103] In some embodiments, one or more sensors are included in an enclosure.
For
example, an enclosure may include at least 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 20, 50, or 500
sensors. The
enclosure may include a number of sensors in a range between any of the
aforementioned
values (e.g., from about 1 to about 1000, from about 1 to about 500, or from
about 500 to about
1000). The sensor may be of any type. For example, the sensor may be
configured (e.g., and/or
designed) to measure concentration of a gas (e.g., carbon monoxide, carbon
dioxide, hydrogen
sulfide, volatile organic chemicals, or radon). For example, the sensor may be
configured (e.g.,
and/or designed) to measure ambient noise. For example, the sensor may be
configured (e.g.,
and/or designed) to measure electromagnetic radiation (e.g., RF, microwave,
infrared, visible
light, and/or ultraviolet radiation). For example, the sensor may be
configured (e.g., and/or
designed) to measure security-related parameters, such as (e.g., glass)
breakage and/or
unauthorized presence of personnel in a restricted area. Sensors may cooperate
with one or
more (e.g., active) devices, such as a radar or lidar. The devices may operate
to detect physical
size of an enclosure, personnel present in an enclosure, stationary objects in
an enclosure
and/or moving objects in an enclosure.
[0104] In some embodiments, the sensor is operatively coupled to
at least one controller. The
coupling may comprise a communication link. A communications link (e.g., Fig.
3, 308) may
comprise any suitable communications media (e.g., wired and/or wireless). The
communication
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link may comprise a wire, such as one or more conductors arranged in a twisted-
pair, a coaxial
cable, and/or optical fibers. A communications link may comprise a wireless
communication link,
such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, cellular, or optical. One or more segments
of the
communications link may comprise a conductive (e.g., wired) media, while one
or more other
segments of a communications link may comprise a wireless link.
[0105]
In some embodiments, the enclosure is a facility (e.g., building). The
enclosure may
comprise a wall, a door, or a window. In some embodiments, at least two
enclosures of a
plurality of enclosures are disposed in the facility. In some embodiments, at
least two enclosures
of a plurality of enclosures are disposed different facilities. The different
facilities may be a
campus (e.g. and belong to the same entity). At least two of the plurality of
enclosures may
reside in the same floor of the facility. At least two of the plurality of
enclosures may reside in
different floors of the facility. Enclosures of shown in Fig. 4, such as
enclosures A, B, C, and Z,
may correspond to enclosures located on the same floor of a building, or may
correspond to
enclosures located on different floors of the building. Enclosures of Fig. 4
may be located in
different buildings of a multi-building campus. Enclosures of Fig. 4 may be
located in different
campuses of a multi-campus neighborhood.
[0106]
In some embodiments, following installation of a first sensor, a sensor
performs self-
calibration to establish an operating baseline. Performance of a self-
calibration operation may
be initiated by an individual sensor, a nearby second sensor, or by one or
more controllers. For
example, upon and/or following installation, a sensor deployed in an enclosure
may perform a
self-calibration procedure. A baseline may correspond to a lower threshold
from which collected
sensor readings may be expected to comprise values higher than the lower
threshold. A
baseline may correspond to an upper threshold, from which collected sensor
readings may be
expected to comprise values lower than the upper threshold. A self-calibration
procedure may
proceed beginning with sensor searching for a time window during which
fluctuations or
perturbations of a relevant parameter are nominal. In some embodiments, the
time window is
sufficient to collect sensed data (e.g., sensor readings) that allow
separation and/or identification
of signal and noise form the sensed data. The time window may be
predetermined. The time
window may be non-defined. The time window may be kept open (e.g., persist)
until a calibration
value is obtained.
[0107] In some embodiments, a sensor may search for an optimal time to measure
a baseline
(e.g., in a time window). The optimal time (e.g., in the time window) may be a
time span during
which (i) the measured signal is most stable and/or (ii) the signal to noise
ratio is highest. The
measured signal may contain some level of noise. A complete absence of noise
may indicate
malfunction of the sensor or inadequacy for the environment. The sensed signal
(e.g., sensor
data) may comprise a time stamp of the measurement of the data. The sensor may
be assigned
a time window during which it may sense the environment. The time window may
be
predetermined (e.g., using third party information and/or historical data
concerning the property
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measured by the sensor). The signal may be analyzed during that time window,
and an optimal
time span may be found in the time window, in which time span the measured
signal ism most
stable and/or the signal no noise ratio is highest. The time span may be equal
to, or shorter
than, the time window. The time span may occur during the entire, or during
part of the time
window. Fig. 5E shows an example of a time windows 553 is indicated having a
start time 551
and an end time 552. In the time window 553, a time span 554 is indicated,
having a start time
555 and an end time 556. The sensor may sense a property which it is
configured to sense
(e.g., VOC level) during the time window 553 for the purpose of finding a time
span during which
an optimal sensed data (e.g., optimal sensed data set) is collected, which
optimal data (e.g.,
data set) has the highest signal to noise ratio, and/or indicates collection
of a stable signal. The
optimal sensed data may have a (e.g., low) level of noise (e.g., to negate a
malfunctioning
sensor). For example, a time window may be 12 hours between 5 PM and 5AM.
During that
time span, sensed VOC data is collected. The collected sensed data set may be
analyzed (e.g.,
using a processor) to find a time span during the 12h, in which there is a
minimal noise level
(e.g., indicating that the sensor is functioning) and (i) a highest signal to
noise ratio (e.g., the
signal is distinguishable) and/or (ii) the signal is most stable (e.g., has a
low variability). This
time may be of a lh duration between 4AM and 5AM. In this example, the time
window is 12h
between 5PM and 5AM, and the time span is 1h between 4AM and 5AM.
[0108] In some embodiments, finding the optimal data (e.g., set)
to be used for calibration
comprises comparing sensor data collected during time spans (e.g., in the time
window). In the
time window, the sensor may sense the environment during several time spans of
(e.g.,
substantially) equal duration. A plurality of time spans may fit in the time
window. The time
spans may overlap, or not overlap. The time spans may contract each other.
Data collected by
the sensors in the various time spans may be compared. The time span having
the highest
signal to noise and/or having the most stable signal, may be selected as
determining the
baseline signal. For example, the time window may include a first time span
and a second time
span. The first time span (e.g., having a first duration, or a first time
length) may be shorter than
the time windows. The second time span (e.g., having a second duration) may be
shorter than
the time windows. In some embodiments, evaluating the sensed data (e.g., to
find the optimal
sensed data used for calibration) comprises comparing a first sensed data set
sensed (e.g., and
collected) during the first time span, with a second sensed data set sensed
(e.g., and collected)
during the second time span. The length of the first time span may be
different from the length of
the second time span. The length of the first time span may be equal (or
substantially equal) to
the length of the second time span. The first time span may have a start time
and/or end time,
different than the second time span. The start time and/or end time of the
first time span and of
the second time span may be in the time window. The start time of the first
time span and/or of
the second time span, may be equal to the start time of the time window. The
end time of the
first time span and/or of the second time span, may be equal to the end time
of the time window.
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Fig. 5D shows an example of a time window 543 having a start time 540 and an
end time 549, a
first time window 541 having a start time 545 and an end time 546, and a
second time window
542 having a start time 547 and an end time 458. In the example shown in Fig.
5D, start times
545 and 547 are in the time window 543, and end times 546 and 548 are in the
time window
543.
[0109] Figs. 5A-5D show examples of various time windows that
include time spans. Fig. 5A
depicts a time lapse diagram in which a time window 510 is indicated having a
start time 511
and an end time 512. In the time window 510, various time spans 501-507 are
indicated, which
time spans overlap each other. The sensor may sense a property which it is
configured to sense
(e.g., humidity, temperature, or CO2 level) during at least two of the time
spans (e.g., of 501-
507), e.g., for the purpose of comparing the signal to find at time at which
the signal is most
stable and/or has a highest signal to noise ratio. For example, the time
window (e.g., 501) may
be a day, and the time span may be 50 minutes. The sensor may measure a
property (e.g., CO2
level) during overlapping periods of 50 minutes (e.g., during the collective
time 501-507), and
the data may later on be divided into distinct (overlapping) 50 minutes, e.g.,
by using the time
stamped measurements. The 50 minutes that indicates the stables CO2 signal
(e.g., at night)
and/or having the highest signal to noise, may be designates as an optimal
time for measuring a
baseline CO2 signal. The signal measured may be selected as a baseline for the
sensor. Once
the optimal time span has been selected, other CO2 sensors (e.g., in other
locations) can utilize
this time span for baseline determination. Finding of the optimal time for
baseline determination
can speed up the calibration process. Once the optimal time has been found,
other sensors may
be programmed to measure signal at the optimal time to record their signal,
which may be used
for baseline calibration. Fig. 5B depicts a time lapse diagram in which a time
window 523 is
indicated, during which two time spans 521 and 522 are indicated, which time
spans overlap
each other. Fig. 5C depicts a time lapse diagram in which a time window 533 is
indicated, during
which two time spans 531 and 532 are indicated, which time spans contact each
other, that is,
ending of the first time span 531 is the beginning of the second time span
532. Fig. 5D depicts a
time lapse diagram in which a time window 543 is indicated, during which two
time spans 541
and 542 are indicated, which time spans are separate by a time gap 544.
[0110] In an example, for a carbon dioxide sensor, a relevant parameter may
correspond to
carbon dioxide concentration. In an example, a carbon dioxide sensor may
determine that a time
window during which fluctuations in carbon dioxide concentration could be
minimal corresponds
to a two-hour period, e.g., between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM. Self-calibration may
initiate at 5:00
AM and continue while searching for a duration within these two hours during
which
measurements are stable (e.g., minimally fluctuating). In some embodiments,
the duration is
sufficiently long to allow separation between signal and noise. In an example,
data from a
carbon dioxide sensor may facilitate determination that a 5-minute duration
(e.g., between 5:25
AM and 5:30 AM) within a time window between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM forms an
optimal time
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period to collect a lower baseline. The determination can be performed at
least in part (e.g.,
entirely) at the sensor level. The determination can be performed by one or
more processors
operatively couple to the sensor. During a selected duration, a sensor may
collect readings to
establish a baseline, which may correspond to a lower threshold.
[0111] In an example, for gas sensors disposed in a room (e.g., in
an office environment), a
relevant parameter may correspond to gas (e.g., CO2) levels, where requested
levels are
typically in a range of about 1000 ppm or less. In an example, a CO2sensor may
determine that
self-calibration should occur during a time window where 002 levels are
minimal such as when
no occupants are in the vicinity of the sensor (e.g., see CO2 levels before
18000 seconds in FIG.
6). Time windows during which fluctuations in CO2 levels are minimal, may
correspond to, e.g., a
one-hour period during lunch from about 12:00 PM to about 1:00, and during
closed business
hours. FIG. 7 shows a contour map example of a horizontal (e.g., top) view of
an office
environment depicting various levels of CO2 concentrations. The office
environment may include
a first occupant 701, a second occupant 702, a third occupant 703, a fourth
occupant 704, a fifth
occupant 705, a sixth occupant 706, a seventh occupant 707, an eighth occupant
708, and a
ninth occupant 709. The gas (CO2) concentrations may be measured by sensors
placed at
various locations of the enclosure (e.g., office).
[0112] In some examples, a source chemical component(s) of the
atmosphere material (e.g.,
VOC) is located using a plurality of sensors in the room. A spatial profile
indicating distribution of
the chemical(s) in the enclosure may indicate various (e.g., relative or
absolute) concentrations
of the chemical(s) as a function of space. The profile may be a two or three
dimensional profile.
The sensors may be disposed in different locations of the room to allow
sensing of the
chemical(s) in different room locations. Mapping the (e.g., entire) enclosure
(e.g., room) may
require (i) overlap of sensing regions of the sensors and/or (i) extrapolating
distribution of the
chemical(s) in the enclosure (e.g., in regions of low or absence of sensor
coverage (e.g.,
sensing regions)). For example, Fig. 7 shows an example of relatively steep
and high
concentration of carbon dioxide towards 705 where an occupant is present,
relative to low
concentration 710 in an unoccupied region of the enclosure. This can indicate
that in position
705 there is a source of carbon dioxide expulsion. Similarly, one can find a
location (e.g.,
source) of chemical removal by finding a (e.g., relatively steep) low
concentration of a chemical
in the environment. Relative is with respect to the general distribution of
the chemical(s) in the
enclosure.
[0113] Certain disclosed embodiments provide a network
infrastructure in the enclosure (e.g.,
a facility such as a building). The network infrastructure is available for
various purposes such
as for providing communication and/or power services. The communication
services may
comprise high bandwidth (e.g., wireless and/or wired) communications services.
The
communication services can be to occupants of a facility and/or users outside
the facility (e.g.,
building). The network infrastructure may work in concert with, or as a
partial replacement of, the
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infrastructure of one or more cellular carriers. The network infrastructure
can be provided in a
facility that includes electrically switchable windows. Examples of components
of the network
infrastructure include a high speed backhaul. The network infrastructure may
include at least
one cable, switch, physical antenna, transceivers, sensor, transmitter,
receiver, radio, processor
and/or controller (that may comprise a processor). The network infrastructure
may be
operatively coupled to, and/or include, a wireless network. The network
infrastructure may
comprise wiring. At least a portion of the wiring may be disposed at an
envelope of the
enclosure (e.g., outer walls of a building). One or more sensors can be
deployed (e.g., installed)
in an environment as part of installing the network and/or after installing
the network.
[0114] In various embodiments, a network infrastructure supports a control
system. The
control system may control one or more windows such as tintable (e.g.,
electrochromic)
windows. The control system may comprise one or more controllers operatively
coupled (e.g.,
directly or indirectly) to the one or more windows. The one or more windows
may be an optically
switchable window, a tintable windows, and/or a smart window. Concepts
disclosed herein for
electrochromic windows may apply to other types of smart and/or tintable
windows (e.g.,
comprising switchable optical devices) comprising a liquid crystal device, an
electrochromic
device, suspended particle device (SPD), NanoChromics display (NCD), Organic
electroluminescent display (OELD), suspended particle device (SPD),
NanoChromics display
(NCD), or an Organic electroluminescent display (OELD). The display element
may be attached
to a part of a transparent body (such as the windows). The tintable window may
be disposed in
a (non-transitory) facility such as a building, and/or in a transitory vehicle
such as a car, buss,
train, airplane, helicopter, ship, recreational vehicle, or boat.
[0115] In some embodiments, a building management system (BMS) is a control
system
installed in a building, that controls (e.g., monitors) the mechanical and/or
electrical equipment
of the enclosure. The control system may comprise a hierarchy of controllers
(e.g., controllers
configured for hierarchical communication). The control system may comprise at
least one
controller that is directed to at least one tintable window. The tintable
window may change its
color, transparency, and/or hue in response to electrical current and/or
voltage differential. For
example, the control system can control ventilation, lighting, power system,
elevator, fire system,
and/or security system, of the enclosure. The control system (e.g., comprising
nodes and/or
processors) described herein may be suited for integration with a BMS. A BMS
may consist of
hardware, including interconnections by communication channels to computer(s)
and/or
associated software for maintaining conditions in the building, e.g.,
according to preferences set
by at least one user. The user can be an occupant, an owner, a lessor, and/or
a building
manager. For example, a BMS may be implemented using a local area network,
such as
Ethernet. The software can include open standards and/or comply with internet
protocols, and
cellular network protocols (e.g., of at least third generation, fourth
generation, or fifth generation
cellular network protocol). One example is software from Tridium, Inc. (of
Richmond, Va.). One
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communication protocol commonly used with a BMS is building automation and
control networks
(BACnet).
[0116] In some embodiments, a BMS is disposed in an enclosure such as a
facility. The
facility can comprise a building such as a multistory building. The BMS may
functions at least to
control the environment in the building. The control system and/or BMS may
control at least one
environmental characteristic of the enclosure. The at least one environmental
characteristic may
comprise temperature, humidity, fine spray (e.g., aerosol), sound,
electromagnetic waves (e.g.,
light glare, and/or color), gas makeup, gas concentration, gas speed,
vibration, volatile
compounds (VOCs), debris (e.g., dust), or biological matter (e.g., gas borne
bacteria and/or
virus). The gas(es) may comprise oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon
monoxide, hydrogen
sulfide, Nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2),, inert gas, Nobel gas
(e.g., radon),
cholorophore, ozone, formaldehyde, methane, or ethane. For example, a BMS may
control
temperature, carbon dioxide levels, and/or humidity in an enclosure.
Mechanical devices that
can be controlled by a BMS and/or control system may comprise lighting, a
heater, air
conditioner, blower, or vent. To control the enclosure (e.g., building)
environment, a BMS and/or
control system may turn on and off one or more of the devices it controls,
e.g., under defined
conditions. A (e.g., core) function of a modern BMS and/or control system may
be to maintain a
comfortable, healthy, and/or productive environment for the occupant(s) of the
enclosure, e.g.,
while minimizing energy consumption (e.g., while minimizing heating and
cooling
costs/demand). A modern BMS and/or control system can be used to control
(e.g., monitor),
and/or to optimize the synergy between various systems, for example, to
conserve energy
and/or lower enclosure (e.g., facility) operation costs.
[0117] In some embodiments, the control system controls at least one
environmental
characteristic of an enclosure (e.g., atmosphere of the enclosure). The
environmental
characteristic can be any environmental characteristic disclosed herein. For
example, a level of
a gas borne and/or gaseous component of the atmosphere. For example, an
atmospheric
accumulant. For example, at atmospheric depletant. In some embodiments, the
control system
is operatively (e.g., communicatively) coupled to an ensemble of devices
(e.g., comprising one
or more sensors and/or emitters). The ensemble facilitates the control of the
environment and/or
the alert. The control may utilize a control scheme such as feedback control,
or any other control
scheme delineated herein (e.g., feed forward, closed loop, and/or open loop).
The ensemble
may comprise at least one sensor configured to sense electromagnetic
radiation. The
electromagnetic radiation may comprise (humanly) visible, infrared (IR), or
ultraviolet (UV)
radiation. The at least one sensor may comprise an array of sensors. For
example, the
ensemble may comprise an IR sensor array. The ensemble may comprise a sound
detector
and/or emitter. The ensemble may comprise a microphone. The ensemble may
comprise any
sensor and/or emitter disclosed herein.
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[0118] In some embodiments, the ensemble (or a group of ensembles) may be
utilized to
detect characteristics of enclosure occupant(s). The ensemble may be utilized
to detect
abnormal bodily characteristic of enclosure occupant(s). The abnormal bodily
characteristic may
comprise bodily temperature, coughing, sneezing, perspiration (e.g., humidity
and/or VOCs
expulsion), or CO2 level. The ensemble(s) may be utilized to locate an
absolute and/or relative
positioning of enclosure occupant(s). For example, the ensemble(s) may be
utilized to measure
relative distances between occupants in the enclosure, and/or between
occupant(s) and hard
and/or dense objects in the enclosure (e.g., fixtures and/or non-fixtures).
The hard and/or dense
objects may comprise fixtures (e.g., wall, ceiling, floor, window, door,
shelf, ceiling light, or wall
light) or mobile furniture (e.g., chair, desk, or lamp).
[0119] In some examples, one or more sensors in the enclosure are VOC sensors.
A VOC
sensor can be specific for a VOC compound (e.g., as disclosed herein), or to a
class of
compounds (e.g., having similar chemical characteristic). For example, the
sensor can be
sensitive to aldehydes, esters, thiophenes, alcohols, aromatics (e.g.,
benzenes and/or toluenes),
or olefins. In some example, a group of sensors (e.g., sensor array) sensed
various chemical
compounds (VOCs) (e.g., having different chemical characteristics). The group
of compound
may comprise identified or non-identified compounds. The chemical sensor(s)
can output a
sensed value of a particular compound, class of compounds, or group of
compounds. The
sensor output may be of a total (e.g., accumulated) measurements of the class,
or group of
compounds sensed. The sensor output may be of a total (e.g., accumulated)
measurements of
multiple sensor outputs of (i) individual compounds, (ii) classes of
compounds, or (iii) groups of
compounds. The one or more sensors may output a total VOC output (also
referred to herein as
TVOC). Sensing can be over a period of time.
[0120] In some embodiments, a local (e.g., window) controller can be
integrated with a BMS
and/or control system. The local controller can be configured to control one
or more devices
comprising tintable windows (e.g., comprising an electrochromic window),
sensors, emitters,
antennas, or any other element communicatively coupled to the network (that is
controllable by
communication). In one embodiment, the electrochromic windows include at least
one all solid
state and inorganic electrochromic device. The electrochromic window may
include more than
one electrochromic device, e.g. where at least two lites (e.g., each lite) are
tintable. In one
embodiment, the electrochromic windows include (e.g., only) all solid state
and inorganic
electrochromic devices. In one embodiment, the one or more electrochromic
windows include
organic electrochromic devices. In one embodiment, the electrochromic windows
are multistate
electrochromic windows. Examples of tintable windows and their control can be
found in U.S.
Patent Application Serial No. 12/851,514, filed on August 5, 2010, and titled
"MULTI-PANE
ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS" that is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0121] In some embodiments, a plurality of devices may be
operatively (e.g.,
communicatively) coupled to the control system. The plurality of devices may
be disposed in a
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facility (e.g., including a building and/or room). The control system may
comprise the hierarchy
of controllers. The devices may comprise an emitter, a sensor, or a window
(e.g., IGU). The
device may be any device as disclosed herein. At least two of the plurality of
devices may be of
the same type. For example, two or more IGUs may be coupled to the control
system. At least
two of the plurality of devices may be of different types. For example, a
sensor and an emitter
may be coupled to the control system. At times the plurality of devices may
comprise at least 20,
50, 100, 500, 1000, 2500, 5000, 7500, 10000, 50000, 100000, or 500000 devices.
The plurality
of devices may be of any number between the aforementioned numbers (e.g., from
20 devices
to 500000 devices, from 20 devices to 50 devices, from 50 devices to 500
devices, from 500
devices to 2500 devices, from 1000 devices to 5000 devices, from 5000 devices
to 10000
devices, from 10000 devices to 100000 devices, or from 100000 devices to
500000 devices).
For example, the number of windows in a floor may be at least 5, 10, 15, 20,
25, 30, 40, or 50.
The number of windows in a floor can be any number between the aforementioned
numbers
(e.g., from 5 to 50, from 5 to 25, or from 25 to 50). At times the devices may
be in a multi-story
building. At least a portion of the floors of the multi-story building may
have devices controlled by
the control system (e.g., at least a portion of the floors of the multi-story
building may be
controlled by the control system). For example, the multi-story building may
have at least 2, 8,
10, 25, 50, 80, 100, 120, 140, or 160 floors that are controlled by the
control system. The
number of floors (e.g., devices therein) controlled by the control system may
be any number
between the aforementioned numbers (e.g., from 2 to 50, from 25 to 100, or
from 80 to 160).
The floor may be of an area of at least about 150 m2, 250 m2, 500m2, 1000 m2,
1500 m2, or 2000
square meters (m2). The floor may have an area between any of the
aforementioned floor area
values (e.g., from about 150 m2t0 about 2000 m2, from about 150 m2t0 about 500
m2, from
about 250 m2 to about 1000 m2, or from about 1000 m2 to about 2000 m2). The
building may
comprise an area of at least about 1000 square feet (sqft), 2000 sqft, 5000
sqft, 10000 sqft,
100000 sqft, 150000 sqft, 200000 sqft, or 500000 sqft. The building may
comprise an area
between any of the above mentioned areas (e.g., from about 1000 sqft to about
5000 sqft, from
about 5000 sqft to about 500000 sqft, or from about 1000 sqft to about 500000
sqft). The
building may comprise an area of at least about 100m2, 200 m2, 500 m2, 1000
m2, 5000 m2,
10000 m2, 25000 m2, or 50000 m2. The building may comprise an area between any
of the
above mentioned areas (e.g., from about 100m2 to about 1000 m2, from about
500m2 to about
25000 m2, from about 100m2to about 50000 m2). The facility may comprise a
commercial or a
residential building. The commercial building may include tenant(s) and/or
owner(s). The
residential facility may comprise a multi or a single family building. The
residential facility may
comprise an apartment complex. The residential facility may comprise a single
family home. The
residential facility may comprise multifamily homes (e.g., apartments). The
residential facility
may comprise townhouses. The facility may comprise residential and commercial
portions. The
facility may comprise at least about 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300,
350, 400, 420, 450,
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500, or 550 windows (e.g., tintable windows). The components of the facility
(e.g., devices such
as the windows) may be allocated into zones (e.g., based at least in part on
the location, façade,
floor, ownership, utilization of the enclosure (e.g., room) in which they are
disposed, any other
assignment metric, random assignment, or any combination thereof. Allocation
of components
(e.g., devices such as windows) to the zone may be static or dynamic (e.g.,
based on a
heuristic). There may be at least about 2, 5, 10, 12, 15, 30, 40, or 46
components (e.g., devices
such as sensor and/or windows) per zone. The zones may be grouped into groups
(e.g., each
having a distinguishable name and/or notation). The zones may be clustered
(e.g., with each
cluster having a distinguishable name and/or notation). The zones, their
grouping and/or
clustering may form a hierarchy of zones.
[0122] In some embodiments, the various components (e.g., IGUs) are grouped
into zones of
components (e.g., of EC windows). At least one zone (e.g., each of which
zones) can include a
subset of components (e.g., devices). For example, at least one (e.g., each)
zone of components
may be controlled by one or more respective floor controllers and one or more
respective local
controllers (e.g., window controllers) controlled by these floor controllers.
In some examples, at
least one (e.g., each) zone can be controlled by a single floor controller and
two or more local
controllers controlled by the single floor controller. For example, a zone can
represent a logical
grouping of the components (e.g., devices). Each zone may correspond to a set
of components
(e.g., of the same type) in a specific location or area of the facility that
are driven together based
at least in part on their location. For example, a facility (e.g., building)
may have four faces or
sides (a North face, a South face, an East Face, and a West Face) and ten
floors. In such a
didactic example, each zone may correspond to the set of smart windows (e.g.,
tintable windows)
on a particular floor and on a particular one of the four faces. At least one
(e.g., each) zone may
correspond to a set of components (e.g., devices) that share one or more
physical characteristics
(for example, device parameters such as size or age). In some embodiments, a
zone of
components (e.g., devices) is grouped based at least in part on one or more
non-physical
characteristics such as, for example, a security designation or a business
hierarchy (for example,
IGUs bounding managers' offices can be grouped in one or more zones while IGUs
bounding
non-managers' offices can be grouped in one or more different zones).
[0123] In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., each) floor
controller is able to address all of
the components (e.g., devices) in at least one (e.g., each) of one or more
respective zones. The
components in the zone may be of the same type or of different types. For
example, the master
controller can issue a primary tint command to the floor controller that
controls a target zone.
[0124] In some embodiments, the facility may be divided into one or more
zones. The zones
may be defined at least in part by a customer, or by the facility manager. The
zones may be at
least in part automatically defined. For example, the zone of devices (e.g.,
comprising tintable
windows, sensors, or emitters) may associate with (i) a façade of a building
they are facing, (ii) a
floor they are disposed in, (iii) a building in the facility they are disposed
in, (iv) a functionality of
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the enclosure they are disposed in (e.g., a conference room, a gym, an office,
or a cafeteria), (iv)
prescribed and/or in fact occupation (e.g., organizational function) to the
enclosure they are
disposed in, (v) prescribed and/or in fact activity in the enclosure they are
disposed in, (vi) tenant,
owner, and/or manager of the enclosure of the facility (e.g., for a facility
having various tenants,
owners, and/or managers), and/or (vii) their geographic location. The zones
may be alterable
(e.g., using the software app). The status of the zone (e.g., in conjunction
to the status of the
components (such as devices) therein), may be displayed by the app (e.g.,
updated in real-time,
or substantially in real time). One or more zones may be grouped. For example,
all zones in a
certain floor may be groped. There may be a zone hierarchy using any of the
zone in association
with (i) a façade of a building they are facing, (ii) a floor they are
disposed in, (iii) a building in the
facility they are disposed in, (iv) a functionality of the enclosure they are
disposed in (e.g., a
conference room, a gym, an office, or a cafeteria), (iv) prescribed and/or in
fact occupation (e.g.,
organizational function) to the enclosure they are disposed in, (v) prescribed
and/or in fact activity
in the enclosure they are disposed in, (vi) tenant, owner, and/or manager of
the enclosure of the
facility (e.g., for a facility having various tenants, owners, and/or
managers), and/or (vii) their
geographic location.
[0125] Fig. 8 depicts a schematic diagram example of an embodiment of a BMS
and control
system 800. In this example, the BMS manages a number of systems of a building
801,
including security systems, heating ventilation and air conditioning system
(abbreviated herein
as "HVAC"), lighting, power systems, elevators, fire systems, and the like.
Security systems may
include magnetic card access, turnstile, solenoid driven door lock, (e.g.,
surveillance) camera,
(e.g., burglar) alarm, and/or metal detector. The BMS and/or control system
may control at least
one fire system and/or fire suppression system. The fire system(s) may include
fire alarm. The
fire suppression system(s) may include a water plumbing control. The lighting
system may
include interior lighting, exterior lighting, emergency warning light,
emergency exit sign, and/or
emergency floor (e.g., egress or ingress) lighting. The power system may
include the main
power for the enclosure (e.g., facility), backup power generator, and/or
uninterrupted power
source (UPS) grid. The BMS can manage the control system. The BMS can be
managed by the
control system. The BMS can be included in the control system. In the example
shown in Fig. 1,
master controller 803 is depicted as a distributed network 802 of local (e.g.,
window) controllers
including a master controller 803, intermediate controllers 805a and 805b
(that can be floor
controllers and/or network controllers), and local controllers (e.g., end or
leaf controllers such as
window controllers) 810. Master controller 803 may or may not be in physical
proximity to the
BMS 800. At least one floor (e.g., each floor) of building 801 may have one or
more intermediate
controllers 805a and 805b. At least one device (e.g., window) may have its own
local controller
810. A local controller may control at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10
devices. The control
system may or may not have intermediate controller(s). The control system may
have 1, 2, 3, or
more hierarchal control levels. In the example shown in Fig. 2, a local
controller (e.g., 804) can
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control a plurality of devices. The devices may comprise a window, a sensor,
an emitter, an
antenna, a receiver, or a transceiver.
[0126]
At least one (e.g., each) local controller can be disposed in a separate
location from
the device it controls or be integrated into the device. In the example shown
in Fig. 8, ten
electrochromic windows of building 801 are depicted as controlled by master
controller 803. In a
setting there may be a larger number of devices in an enclosure controlled by
master controller
803.
[0127] In some embodiments, the control system may comprise, or be operatively
(e.g.,
communicatively) coupled to, a BMS. By incorporating a (e.g., feedback)
control scheme, a BMS
and/or control system can provide enhanced: (1) environmental control, (2)
energy savings, (3)
security, (4) flexibility in control options, (5) improved reliability and
usable life of other systems
(e.g., coordination of systems may reduce overall operating time of individual
systems, leading
to less system maintenance), (6) information availability and diagnostics,
and/or (7) effective use
of, and higher productivity from, staff, and any combination thereof (e.g.,
because the
electrochromic windows can be automatically controlled). In some embodiments,
(i) a BMS may
not be present, (ii) a BMS may be present but may not communicate with a
control system (e.g.,
with a master controller), or (iii) a BMS may communicate at a high level with
the control system
(e.g., with a master controller). In certain embodiments, maintenance on the
BMS would not
interrupt control of the one or more devices (e.g., electrochromic windows) to
which the BMS
and/or control system is coupled to.
[0128] In some embodiments, the BMS and/or the control system controls
ventilation within
an enclosure. A ventilation system (e.g., as part of an HVAC system) may
providing a
comfortable environment and good atmospheric (e.g., air) quality. A
ventilation system may
have significant energy demands. Providing good atmospheric quality to
occupants of an
enclosure may result in increased wellbeing, comfort, and/or productivity.
Such enclosures (e.g.,
facilities) may be occupied by large number of individuals and/or may be
occupied by frequently
changing individuals. Such enclosures may include large work environments,
health and/or
entertainment centers. For example, transportation hubs, sporting hubs,
hospitals, exhibition
centers, shopping malls, financial centers, movie theaters, museums, and/or
cruise ships. The
ventilation of an enclosure can exchange the internal environment of the
enclosure with the
external environment. For example, the ventilation system can bring in outside
atmosphere and
evacuate inside atmosphere to the environment external to the enclosure (e.g.,
outside of the
facility). The exchange of external and internal atmosphere may adjust one or
more components
of the internal atmosphere. For example, the exchange of external and internal
atmosphere
(e.g., by the ventilation system) may reduce any accumulates atmospheric
components emitted
within the enclosure (e.g., CO2 from human respiration and VOCs emanating from
human
breath, saliva, and skin). For example, the exchange of external and internal
atmosphere (e.g.,
by the ventilation system) may alter the levels of oxygen and/or humidity
(when their internal and
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external levels differ). Industry standard(s) may provide recommended
ventilation flow rates
based at least in part on full occupancy (e.g., number of people), room size,
and/or type of
facility (e.g., people in an office space generate less CO2NOCs than in a
gym). Operating a
ventilation rate at the recommendation of the industry standard(s) may (e.g.,
significantly) over-
ventilate the enclosure (e.g., when an enclosure (e.g., a room) is occupied at
less than
maximum occupancy), which may leads to an undesirable energy waste. In
addition, a
ventilation system may utilize a mixture of outside atmosphere and
recirculated inside
atmosphere (e.g., at an unknown ratio) for its ventilation. Since the quantity
of external
atmosphere (e.g., one or more component thereof) may be unknown, the
concentration of
atmospheric components (e.g., pollutants) may varied (e.g., increased or
decreased) to an
undesirable level. Further, levels of the atmospheric component(s) may vary as
a function of
occupancy (e.g., when they are emitted by the occupant), and thus a constant
ventilation rate
may inadequately maintain a requested indoor environmental atmosphere. Thus,
it would be
desirable to optimize ventilation rates in a manner that optimizes both the
concentration of the
one or more atmospheric component of the enclosure, and energy use of the
enclosure (e.g., of
the ventilation system servicing the enclosure).
[0129] In some embodiments, a ventilation system (E.g., as part of an HVAC
system)
supplies conditioned, fresh, external, and/or recirculated atmosphere to an
enclosure. The
ventilation system may include a heat pump and/or gas (e.g., air) handler. The
gas handler may
include one or more blowers (e.g., single speed or variable speed), one or
more mixing
chambers, one or more filters, one or more dampers, and/or one or more ducts.
The ventilation
system may deliver conditioned atmosphere to an enclosure (e.g., a room such
as an office, a
conference room, a cafeteria, a corridor, an elevator, or a lobby) via
delivery and/or return ducts.
In some embodiments, one or more sensors or sensor ensembles in an enclosure
are
configured to (e.g., and do) measure concentration of one or more atmospheric
components,
room occupancy, and/or ventilation flow rate. In some embodiments, sensed
(e.g., measured)
quantities are utilized to estimate the concentration of atmospheric
components, zone (e.g.,
room) occupancy, or ventilation rate. A control system may use the sensed
and/or the
estimated concentration of the (i) atmospheric component, (ii) occupancy,
and/or (iii) ventilation
rate, together with knowledge of an outside (fresh air) concentration of the
atmospheric
component(s), to issue commands to the ventilation system. The commands to
issue to the
ventilation system may be for adjusting ventilation rates to optimize
atmospheric quality in the
enclosure, and energy usage of the enclosure (e.g., of the ventilation system
servicing the
enclosure). In some embodiments, combining atmospheric components(s) (such as
VOC,
particulate matter, or CO2) detection and occupancy detection enables
calculation of an existing
ventilation rate and estimating what ventilation rate is needed to purge stale
atmosphere in a
given amount of time. The particulate matter may comprise particles associated
with smoke
and/or soot (e.g., having a FLS of at most one micrometer). The particulate
matter sensor may
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be utilized to detect smoke and/or fire in the facility (or in the vicinity
thereof). Particulate matter
may affect the air quality (e.g., per air quality index). A rate of change in
the atmospheric
component(s) can be used to predict future levels and proactively control
ventilation (with or
without taking occupancy into account). Furthermore, by obtaining indoor and
outdoor
measurements of particulate matter, a filter efficiency can be evaluated in
order to detect a need
for any filter changing and/or pathogen buildup.
[0130] In some embodiments, the particulate matter sensor may use sensing an
optical
density of a body of gas (e.g., air), e.g., through which an energy beam
travels. The particular
matter sensor may measure a dispersion (e.g., dispersion pattern) of the
energy beam as it
travels through the body of gas. The particulate matter sensor may measure an
intensity (e.g.,
an optical density) of the energy beam after it has passed through the body of
gas, e.g., as
compared to that of the energy beam as it is entering into the body of gas
(e.g., as it is emitted
from the energy source such as from a laser). The particulate matter sensor
may utilize an
energy beam that travels through a body of gas, e.g., and is dispersed on
encountering a
particulate matter in that body of gas (e.g., air). The energy beam may
comprise a laser beam.
The laser beam may be configured to an energy of at least 500 nanometers (nm),
525nm,
550nm, 600nm, 650nm, 660nm, 700nm, 750nm, or 800nm. The energy beam may
comprise an
infrared (IR) energy beam. The particulate matter may sese at a frequency of
every 1 second
(sec), 2.5sec, 5sec, 7.5sec, lOsec, 20sec, 30sec, or 60sec. The particulate
matter may be
configured to sense at least nanometer, or micrometer sized particles. The
particulate matter
sensed by a particulate matter sensor may comprise particles of a FLS (e.g.,
diameter or
diameter of its bounding circle) of at least a nanometer or a micrometer
scale. For example, the
particulate matter sensed by the particulate matter sensor may be of a FLS of
at least 1
micrometer (pm), 2 pm, 2.5 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm, 10 pm, or 20 pm. The particulate
matter sensed by
the particulate matter sensor may be of any value between the aforementioned
values, e.g.,
from about 1 pm (PM1) to about 20 pm (PM20), from about 1 pm (PM1) to about 5
pm (PM5), from
about 2.5 pm (PM25) to about 10 pm (PM10), or from about 5 pm (PM5) to about
20 pm (PM20).
The particulate matter sensor alone or in conjunction with data of other
sensor(s) (e.g. VOC
sensor, light sensor, noise sensor, and/or personnel ID sensor) may be
utilized to monitor,
notify, and/or optimize cleaning service in a facility. For example, the
sensor(s) may be utilized
to alert that a cleaning service is required in a portion (e.g., an enclosure)
of a facility, e.g.,
based on sensing elevated foul odor, elevated particulate matter, and/or high
number of
personnel (e.g., beyond a threshold value, and/or as a function of time such
as at a certain
timespan). For example, the sensor(s) may be utilized to alert that a cleaning
service is taking
place in a portion (e.g., an enclosure) of a facility, e.g., based on sensing
elevated VOC levels
associated with cleaning supplies and/or particulate matter emitted during
cleaning, noise of the
cleaning machine, sensing ID of the cleaning personnel, and/or turning light
on an off as the
cleaning personnel passes through the facility. Such monitoring may allow
cleaning a facility on
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demand, e.g., based on sensor(s), e.g., as opposed to following a scheduled
cleaning service
that is not sensitive to the degree of cleaning required. Such sensor(s) may
also allow
monitoring the rate of cleaning, certain aspects regarding the manner of
cleaning (e.g., level of
cleaning supplies utilized, time it takes to clean certain areas of the
facility, sequence of
cleaning, cleaning path, or any combination thereof). The sensor(s) (e.g.,
along or in synergy)
may be utilized to detect odor detection in a facility (e.g., enclosure
thereof such as a restroom
or an office). The enclosure may constitute a space type, e.g., any space type
disclosed herein.
The odor may comprise volatile organic compound(s). The synergy may be of data
from one
sensor type with data from other sensor type(s). The synergy may be of data
from one sensor
type with data from other sensor of the same type. At least two of the sensor
types may be
disposed at (e.g., approximately) the same location, e.g., as part of a device
ensemble. At least
two of the sensor types may be disposed at different locations. The sensor(s)
may be disposed
internally in the facility (e.g., in the enclosure).
[0131] In some embodiments, an occupant in a zone is discovered and/or located
via locating
technology (e.g., auto-location technology). At least a portion of the
locating technology may be
embedded in an identification tag of an occupant (e.g., as a microchip). In
some embodiments,
and identification (ID) tag of a user can include a micro-chip. The micro-chip
can be a micro-
location chip. The micro-chip can incorporate auto-location technology
(referred to herein also
as "micro-location chip"). The micro-chip may incorporate technology for
automatically reporting
high-resolution and/or high accuracy location information. The auto-location
technology can
comprise Global Positioning System (GPS), Bluetooth, or radio-wave technology.
The auto-
location technology can comprise electromagnetic wave (e.g., radio wave)
emission and/or
detection. The radio-wave technology may be any RF technology disclosed herein
(e.g., high
frequency, ultra-high frequency, super high frequency. The radio-wave
technology may
comprise UWB technology. The micro-chip may facilitate determination of its
location within an
accuracy of at most about 25 centimeters, 20cm, 15cm, 10 cm, or 5cm. In
various embodiments,
the control system and/or antennas (that are operatively coupled to the
network) are configured
to communicate with the micro-location chip. In some embodiments, the ID tag
may comprise
the micro-location chip. The micro-location chip may be configured to
broadcast one or more
signals. The signals may be omnidirectional signals. One or more component
operatively
coupled to the network may (e.g., each) comprise the micro-location chip. The
micro-location
chips (e.g., that are disposed in stationary and/or known locations) may serve
as anchors. By
analyzing the time taken for a broadcast signal to reach the anchors within
the transmittable
distance of the ID-tag, the location of the ID tag may be determined. One or
more processors
(e.g., of the control system) may perform an analysis of the location related
signals. For
example, the relative distance between the micro-chip and one or more anchors
and/or other
micro-chip(s) (e.g., within the transmission range limits) may be determined.
The relative
distance, know location, and/or anchor information may be aggregated. At least
one of the
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anchors may be disposed in a floor, ceiling, wall, and/or mullion of a
building. There may be at
least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, or 10 anchors disposed in the enclosure (e.g., in the
room, in the building,
and/or in the facility). At least two of the anchors may have at least of
(e.g., substantially) the
same X coordinate, Y coordinate, and Z coordinate (of a Cartesian coordinate
system).
[0132] In some embodiments, a control system enables locating and/or tracking
one or more
devices (e.g., comprising auto-location technology such as the micro location
chip) and/or at
least one user carrying such device. The relative location between two or more
such devices
can be determined from information relating to received transmissions, e.g.,
at one or more
antennas and/or sensors. The location of the device may comprise geo-
positioning and/or
geolocation. The location of the device may an analysis of electromagnetic
signals emitted from
the device and/or the micro-location chip. Information that can be used to
determine location
includes, e.g., the received signal strength, the time of arrival, the signal
frequency, and the
angle of arrival. When determining a location of the one or more devices from
these metrics, a
triangulation module may be implemented. The triangulation module may comprise
a calculation
and/or algorithm. The triangulation may account for and/or utilize the
physical layout of a
building. The auto-location may comprise geolocation and/or geo-positioning.
Examples of
location methods may be found in International Patent Application Serial No.
PCT/US17/31106,
filed May 4, 2017, titled "WINDOW ANTENNAS," which is incorporated herein by
reference in its
entirety.
[0133] In some embodiments, pulse-based ultra-wideband (UWB) technology (e.g.,
ECMA-
368, or ECMA-369) is a wireless technology for transmitting large amounts of
data at low power
(e.g., less than about 1 millivolt (mW), 0.75mW, 0.5mW, or 0.25mW) over short
distances (e.g.,
of at most about 300 feet 0, 250', 230', 200', or 150'). The short distances
can be of at most
about 100 meters (m), 90m, 80m, 70m, 60m, 50m, 40m, 30m, 20m, 15m, 10m or 5m.
A UWB
signal can occupy at least about 750MHz, 500 MHz, or 250MHz of bandwidth
spectrum, and/or
at least about 30%, 20%, or 10% of its center frequency. The UWB signal can be
transmitted by
one or more pulses. A component broadcasts digital signal pulses may be timed
(e.g., precisely)
on a carrier signal across a number of frequency channels at the same time.
Information may be
transmitted, e.g., by modulating the timing and/or positioning of the signal
(e.g., the pulses).
Signal information may be transmitted by encoding the polarity of the signal
(e.g., pulse), its
amplitude and/or by using orthogonal signals (e.g., pulses). The UWB signal
may be a low
power information transfer protocol. The UWB technology may be utilized for
(e.g., indoor)
location applications. The broad range of the UWB spectrum comprises low
frequencies having
long wavelengths, which allows UWB signals to penetrate a variety of
materials, including
various building fixtures (e.g., walls). The wide range of frequencies,
including the low
penetrating frequencies, may decrease the chance of multipath propagation
errors (without
wishing to be bound to theory, as some wavelengths may have a line-of-sight
trajectory). UWB
communication signals (e.g., pulses) may be short (e.g., of at most about
70cm, 60 cm, or 50cm
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for a pulse that is about 600MHz, 500 MHz, or 400MHz wide; or of at most about
20cm, 23 cm,
25cm, or 30cm for a pulse that is has a bandwidth of about 1GHz, 1.2GHz, 1.3
GHz, or
1.5GHz). The short communication signals (e.g., pulses) may reduce the chance
that reflecting
signals (e.g., pulses) will overlap with the original signal (e.g., pulse).
[0134] Fig. 9 depicts a ventilation system 900 for ventilating an
enclosure (e.g., room) 901 in
a building 920. A heat pump 902 provides a heated or cooled heat exchange
media to a gas
handling system having blowers 903, filters 904, and mixing chamber 905. After
filtration,
conditioned atmosphere is delivered to room 901 and mixes with the atmosphere
in room 901
resulting in an inside atmospheric component concentration C. Return
atmosphere from room
901 is ducted to mixing chamber 905 where some or all may be directed to an
exhaust 907 and
replaced by fresh atmosphere (e.g., air) 906 having an ambient outside
atmospheric component
concentration Cour. A controller 908 may be part of a controller network in
building 920 for
controlling, e.g., one or more devices (e.g., tintable windows) and/or other
aspects of a BMS.
Controller 908 is coupled to sensors 909 and 910 deployed in room 901 to
monitor
environmental characteristics such as atmosphere component concentration
(e.g., 002, VOC,
and/or particulate matter concentration). Controller 908 may be configured to
perform
operations that identify adjustments to a ventilation rate that optimizes
atmospheric component
concentration and atmosphere quality, and the adjustments are transmitted to
the ventilation
system 900 (e.g., directly or via a BMS).
[0135] Industry standards (e.g., from the American Society of
Heating, Refrigerating and Air-
Conditioning Engineers under ANSI) recommend a minimum ventilation rate
defined according
to a size (e.g., floor space or room volume) of an enclosure (e.g., room),
enclosure occupancy,
and use case (e.g., an office). Occupancy and/or use case may indicate a
requested level of
the creation of atmospheric components (e.g., pollutants) (e.g., such as CO2,
hydrogen,
methane, and/or VOCs) generated in the room. Occupancy and/or use case may
indicate a
requested level of any required components (e.g., oxygen and/or humidity). A
mass balance
equation can be used to calculate a necessary ventilation rate (e.g.,
including intake of external
atmosphere (e.g., fresh air)) to maintain a requested concentration in the
room. The external
atmosphere may have a lower concentration of the atmospheric component (e.g.,
accumulant or
depletant) as compared to the concentration of that component in the
atmosphere of the
enclosure. The external atmosphere may have a higher concentration of the
atmospheric
component (e.g., humidity) as compared to the concentration of that component
in the
atmosphere of the enclosure. A target (e.g., optimum such as maximum or
minimum)
concentration of the atmospheric component to be maintained may be different
(e.g., higher or
lower) than an outdoor concentration. For an accumulant (e.g., VOC, or CO2)
the target may be
a maximum optimum. For a depletant (e.g., 02), the target may be a minimum
optimum. At a
maximum room occupancy, a minimum ventilation rate can be determined, e.g., by
considering
the standard recommendations and/or ventilation rate lookup table, so that the
target
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concentration of the component is maintained at or below a threshold. The
threshold can be a
value, or a function (e.g., temperature dependent function). The target
concentration may be
specified in terms of a differential concentration (APOL) between in the
internal concentration of
the component in the enclosure (C) and an external concentration of the
component out of the
enclosure (C0õ1), e.g., concentration in the ambient atmosphere. If the
minimum ventilation rate
for maximum occupancy is maintained during times of lower occupancy within the
room, then
over-ventilation is likely to occur. The (e.g., health and/or jurisdictional)
standards may
recommend a lower minimum ventilation rate threshold, e.g., for lower
occupancy levels within
the enclosure (e.g., room). However, such recommendations may over-ventilate
the enclosure
(even at the lower occupancy levels). Thus, an accurate ventilation rate that
relies of (e.g., real
time and/or in-situ) sensor measurements may provide a more accurate
guideline, may facilitate
reduction of energy (e.g., of the ventilation system), and/or may facility
reduction in operational
cost (e.g., ventilation cost) as compared to following the guidelines. The
lookup table may
consider (and/or delineate) the zone type (e.g., building part type such as
office, conference
room, corridor, lobby, etc.), relative geographical location of the zone
(e.g., in relation to the sun
and/or building), weather condition, zone surface area, zone volume, zone
temperature, and/or
expected activity in the zone (e.g., exercise in a gym, eating in a cafeteria,
talking in a
conference room, quiet work in an office). Data in the lookup table may be
utilized to estimate
the requested ventilation rate. For example, more oxygen is consumed by
occupants of a gym
as compared to those of an office of the same (e.g., approximate) size. For
example, more
humidity, VOC, and CO2 are expelled by occupants of a gym as compared to
occupants of an
office of the same (e.g., approximate) size. For example, more VOCs are
expelled by occupants
and/or become otherwise volatile in a hot room (e.g., in a south directed
room), than in a cooler
room (e.g., in a north directed room).
[0136] In some embodiments, at least one of the atmospheric components is a
VOC. The
atmospheric component (e.g., VOC) may include benzopyrrole volatiles (e.g.,
indole and skatole), ammonia, short chain fatty acids (e.g., having at most
six carbons), and/or
volatile sulfur compounds (e.g., Hydrogen sulfide, methyl rnercaptan (also
known
as methanethiol), dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide and dimethyl
trisulfide). The atmospheric
component (e.g., VOC) may include 2-propanone (acetone), 1-butanol, 4-ethyl-
morpholine,
Pyridine, 3-hexanol, 2-methyl-cyclopentanone, 2-hexanol, 3-methyl-
cyclopentanone, 1-methyl-
cyclopentanol, p-cymene, Octanal, 2-methyl-cyclopentanol, Lactic acid, methyl
ester, 1,6-
heptadien-4-ol, 3-methyl-cyclopentanol, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, 1-methoxy-
hexane, Ethyl (-)-
lactate, Nonanal, 1-octen-3-ol, Acetic acid, 2,6-dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol
(dihydromyrcenol), 2-ethyl
hexanol, Decanal, 2,5-hexanedione, 1-(2-methoxypropoxy)-2-propanol,
trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one (camphor), Benzaldehyde, 3,7-dimethyl-1,6-
octadien-3-ol
(linalool), 1-methyl hexyl acetate, Propanoic acid, 6-hydroxy-hexan-2-one, 4-
cyanocyclohexene,
3,5,5-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-one (isophoron), Butanoic acid, 2-(2-propyI)-5-
methyl-1-
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cyclohexanol (menthol), Furfuryl alcohol, 1-phenyl-ethanone (acetophenone),
Isovaleric acid,
Ethyl carbamate (urethane), 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate (vertenex), p-menth-
1-en-8-ol (alpha-
terpineol), Dodecanal, 1-phenylethylester acetic acid, 2(5H)-furanone, 3-
methyl, 2-ethylhexyl 2-
ethylhexanoate, 3,7-dimethy1-6-octen-1-ol (citronella!), 1,1'-oxybis-2-
propanol, 3-hexene-2,5-diol,
3,7-dimethy1-2,6-octadien-l-ol (geraniol), Hexanoic acid, Geranylacetone 3,
2,4,6-tri-tert-butyl-
phenol, Unknown, 2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-(1-oxopropyl)phenol, Phenyl
ethyl alcohol,
Dimethylsulphonec, 2-ethyl-hexanoic acid, Unknown, Benzothiazole, Phenol,
Tetradecanoic
acid, 1-methylethyl ester (isopropyl myristate), 2-(4-tert-
butylphenyl)propanal (p-tert-butyl
dihydrocinnamaldehyde), Octanonic acid, a-methyl-p-(p-tert-
butylphenyl)propanal (lilial), 1,3-
diacetyloxypropan-2-y1 acetate (triacetin), p-cresol, Cedrol, Lactic acid,
Hexadecanoic acid, 1-
methylethyl ester (isopropyl palmitate), 2-hydroxy, hexyl ester benzoic acid
(hexyl salicylate),
Palmitic acid, ethyl ester, Methyl 2-penty1-3-oxo-1-cyclopentyl acetate
(methyl dihydrojasmonate
or hedione), 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethyl-cyclopenta-gamma-2-
benzopyran
(galaxolide), 2-ethylhexylsalicylate, Propane-1,2,3-triol (glycerin), Methoxy
acetic acid, dodecyl
ester, a-hexyl cinnam aldehyde, Benzoic acid, Dodecanoic acid, 5-
(hydroxymethyl)-2-
furaldehyde, Homomethylsalicylate, 4-vinyl imidizole, Methoxy acetic acid,
tetradecyl ester,
Tridecanoic acid, Tetradecanoic acid, Pentadecanoic acid, Hexadecanoic acid, 9-
hexadecanoic
acid, Heptadecanoic acid, 2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethy1-2,6,10,14,18,22-
tetracosahexaene
(squalene), Hexadecanoic acid, and/or 2-hydroxyethylester.
[0137] Fig. 10A depicts a graph 1000 plotting enclosure (e.g.,
room) occupancy as a function
of minimum ventilation rates facilitating that a maximum differential
concentration (max APOL) is
not exceeded at any occupancy level of the enclosure. For example, a curve 1
001 specifies a
total ventilation rate (V,) to be delivered for levels of occupancy (n) up to
a maximum occupancy
(max n). Curve 1001 may, for example, be derived according to an industry
standard according
to a formula:
Minimum_Ventilation_Rate = V, = 7.5 n + 0.06 Area
(with the symbol "-" designates the mathematical operation "times," or
"multiplied by"). In this
formula, (V,) is measured cubic feet per minute (cfm), Area is measured as
square foot floor
area of the enclosure, and the coefficients 7.5 and 0.06 are specified in the
standard according
to the use case of the space being (e.g., an office space), and the
atmospheric component
being carbon dioxide. It should be noted that even at zero occupancy, a
positive ventilation rate
is specified 1004. As used herein, a concentration of an atmospheric component
(e.g.,
accumulant, depletant, or other gaseous or gas borne component) may be in a
first
concentration regime when greater than a target concentration and in a second
concentration
regime when less than the target concentration. The target concentration may
correspond to
the maximum differential concentration (max APOL) inherent in a (e.g.,
jurisdictional and/or
health) standard, or selected according to any other requested criterion.
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[0138] Fig. 10B depicts a graph 1010 plotting enclosure (e.g.,
room) occupancy and
differential atmospheric component (e.g., carbon dioxide) concentration APOL
as a curve 1011
that results if the ventilation rate equals the minimum ventilation rate V1
from Fig. 10A (assuming
environmental component generation by the occupants is as expected). The
maximum
differential concentration (max LPOL) is approached only at maximum occupancy
in the
enclosure. If the ventilation rate is set at the minimum rate for maximum
occupancy, then over-
ventilation occurs in a region 1012 of graph 1010. Even if a variable
ventilation rate according to
curve 1001 matching a measured occupancy is used, the recommended standards
typically
result in over-ventilation. A detailed numerical example using carbon dioxide
as an atmospheric
component is as follows. In Fig. 10A, a data point 1002 corresponds to a
maximum occupancy
of 65 people in a room of 1000 ft2 (of about 92.9 m2) floor space, where a
minimum ventilation
rate is specified to be at about 550 cfm (at about 934.5 cubic meters per hour
(m3/h)). A mass
balance equation can be used to model a steady state as follows:
v(t) G
n APOL
where G is the per person generation rate of the atmospheric component. A
typical CO2
generation rate may be about 0.0105 cfm (may be about 0.0178 m3/h) per
occupant, for
example. Solving for APOL at the maximum occupancy of 65 yields a max LPOL of
1250 ppm
(e.g., if ambient outside CO2 is at 400 ppm then CO2 concentration in the room
at the minimum
ventilation rate is limited to about 1650 ppm). In Fig. 10A, a data point 1003
corresponds to an
occupancy level of 20 people in the same room of 1000 ft2 (of about 92.9 m2)
floor space, where
a minimum ventilation rate is specified at about 210 cfm (at about 357 m3/h).
At a ventilation
rate of 210 cfm (at about 357 m3/h) with 20 people, the actual steady state
atmospheric
component differential APOL would be 1000 ppm, which represents over-
ventilation whenever a
APOL of 1250 ppm has been selected to represent an acceptable atmosphere
quality. Thus, an
actual characterization of the atmospheric component concentration and/or the
current or future
rate of generation of the atmospheric component could provide improved
ventilation control that
would avoid under-ventilation and over-ventilation. In some embodiments or in
some situations
(e.g., a pandemic), a building manager may determine that a higher level of
atmosphere quality
should be adopted than what is embodied in the industry standard. Using a
measured or
estimated APOL, ventilation rate may be further increased to obtain lower
concentration of an
atmospheric component. However, sensing errors in determining APOL may be
greater at lower
magnitudes. The modeling shown herein has a good performance when the
difference between
indoor atmospheric component (e.g., 002) levels and outdoor atmospheric
component levels is
at least 200ppm, 300 ppm, 400ppm, or 500ppm.
[0139] In some embodiments, sensor data (e.g., both indoor and
outdoor) for atmospheric
component(s) of interest (e.g., depletant such as 02, accumulant such as 002)
is used in
conjunction with occupancy sensor, to estimate a level of the atmospheric
component(s) in an
enclosure, and/or distribution of the atmospheric component(s) in the
enclosure. Sensors (e.g.,
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differential pressure sensors) for measuring ventilation flow rates in ducts
and/or into particular
rooms, are not used due to high cost and/or low accuracy. Even when present, a
gas flow
and/or a pressure sensor cannot detect the makeup of the gas(es) (e.g., that
arrive from an
ambient outdoor environment and/or are recirculated in the enclosure). Absence
of gas makeup
detection hinders and/or compromises determination of (i) the actual accurate
flow rate of
external atmosphere (e.g., fresh air) into the enclosure, and/or (ii) the
quality of the atmosphere
in the enclosure (e.g., at a given time). The enclosure, a portion of the
enclosure, or a group of
enclosures, can define a zone. In some embodiments, inhabitant population of a
zone, area
and/or volume of the zone, and typical per-person generation and/or
consumption rates of the
atmospheric component(s) are used to calculate a difference between
atmospheric
component(s) levels inside the zone and atmospheric component(s) levels
outside of the zone.
The zone can be an enclosure. Some atmospheric components of interest are
accumulants as
occupants expel them. Some atmospheric components of interest are depletants
as occupants
consume and thus deplete them. An assumption may be used that each person
expels an
average atmospheric component(s) of interest (e.g., VOC, and/or 002) rates. An
assumption
may be used that each person consumes an average atmospheric component(s) of
interest
(e.g., 02) rates.
[0140] In some embodiments, room occupancy, ventilation rate, and APOL for one
or more
component(s) are related such that any one of them can be derived (e.g.,
calculated) from the
other two. In some embodiments, occupancy (n) is calculated from measured APOL
(e.g.,
ACO2 or AVOC) and known gas-flow rate. In some embodiments, APOL is determined
(e.g.,
calculated) from known gas-flow rate and occupancy data. The occupancy data
may be
detected occupancy (e.g., using an occupancy sensor). The occupancy data may
consider a
schedule. The occupancy data may consider historical occupancy data and/or
predictive logic
(e.g., using learning algorithm(s)). The learning algorithms may utilize
historic data, and/or
projected schedule as a learning set to predict occupancy in the enclosure.
The predicted
occupancy may be based on a schedule (e.g., calendar) for the enclosure and/or
for the facility
in which the enclosure is disposed. The schedule may be an electronic
schedule. The schedule
may be considered by the control system. In some embodiments, a gas-flow rate
is determined
from occupancy data (e.g., detected and/or projected) and measure APOL. In
some
embodiments, once all three parameters are obtained, they can be used for
regulating (e.g., with
increased accuracy) ventilation rate and/or atmospheric (e.g., air) quality in
the zone (e.g.,
enclosure). In some embodiments, measured and/or determined (e.g., calculated)
values of
APOL (e.g., alone) are used for gross adjustment of ventilation rate (e.g.,
either increased or
decreased rate) according to whether the actual APOL is greater than or less
than the target
APOL.
[0141]
In some embodiments, a control system (e.g., comprising a processor) is
adapted to
control, identify and/or implement changes in a ventilation rate. Control
identification and/or
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implementation can be according to one or more of the relationships delineated
herein, e.g.,
between zone occupancy, ventilation rate, and APOL. The control system (e.g.,
a controller
and/or processor thereof) may store and/or retrieve one or more parameters
and/or
configuration data, e.g., depending upon the control actions to be performed
and/or the sensor
data available. For example, stored parameters may include occupancy (e.g.,
real time, and/or
maximum occupancy), a minimum ventilation rate (e.g., a standard curve and/or
ventilation zone
mapping), a target (e.g., average, mean, maximum, or minimum) atmospheric
component
concentration, and/or a differential of the target atmospheric component
concentration (e.g.,
APOL). The control system (e.g., a controller and/or processor thereof) may be
configured to
store values for the zone (e.g., room) occupancy, actual current ventilation
rate in the zone,
and/or atmospheric component concentration (e.g., indoor concentration,
outdoor concentration,
target concentration, and/or differential concentration APOL). At least one of
the stored values
may be an estimated value derived from measured values for one or more (e.g.,
two or more) of
the other parameters. Based at least in part on a determination of the stored
values, the control
system may output a change in the ventilation rate such that atmospheric
quality in the zone
(e.g., in the enclosure) is properly maintained, e.g., while minimizing energy
waste (e.g., through
over-ventilation). Adjustment to the ventilation flow rate may include a
relative change to the
ventilation flow rate or an absolute value for a new ventilation flow rate
(e.g., when the
ventilation system is configured to respond to commands for an absolute
ventilation flow rate).
A relative change may be proportional to a difference between the actual
current ventilation rate
and the target APOL, or may be comprised of a predetermined incremental step
size in the
ventilation flow rate.
[0142] Fig. 11 depicts a control system 1100 configured to control
ventilation. An electronic
memory 1101 stores parameters such as maximum occupancy, minimum ventilation
rate,
maximum ventilation rate, target ventilation rate, and/or target APOL. The
parameter(s) are used
in a control system block 1102 in an analysis (e.g., including calculations)
to output a changed
(e.g., altered) ventilation rate 1103. Provided that corresponding sensors are
available, control
system block 1102 obtains measured actual indoor (e.g., in situ) atmospheric
component
concentration 1104 (e.g., in real time), measured actual outdoor atmospheric
component
concentration 1105(e.g., in real time), measured actual ventilation rate
1106(e.g., in real time),
and/or measured actual occupancy 1107(e.g., in real time). When one or more
sensors (e.g.,
sensor types) are not available to facilitate the measured data, then control
system block 1102
may use available (e.g., historically measured and/or projected) values to
determine (e.g.,
estimate and/or project) the corresponding actual values as necessary.
[0143] In some embodiments, a control system (e.g., a controller)
may be configured to adapt
a ventilation rate to maintain a requested atmosphere quality according to a
zone (e.g.,
enclosure) occupancy and/or target atmospheric component levels for one or
more atmospheric
components. Zone occupancy may be measured, estimated, and/or determined
(e.g.,
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calculated). For example, without knowing an absolute ventilation rate, the
ventilation rate can
be adjusted relative to current ventilation rate, e.g., according to a
difference between measured
atmospheric component(s) and the target atmospheric component(s) (e.g.,
pollutants,
depletants, and/or accumulants). A measured zone (e.g., room) occupancy may be
obtained
using locating technologies. The location technologies may comprise
geolocation. The location
technologies may utilize one or more sensors (e.g., an IR sensor array for
detecting body heat
signatures, a camera for identifying people using pattern recognition
techniques on acquired
images, or UWB tracking receivers for detect user security badges) and/or use
scheduling
information (e.g., an online calendar for booking a conference room). In some
embodiments,
the occupancy data may be used to determine a minimum ventilation rate
according to an
industry standard and/or other empirical relationship. While maintaining the
minimum ventilation
rate, one or more sensors deployed in the zone (e.g., room) may monitor
atmospheric
component concentration affecting atmosphere quality (e.g., 02, CO2, VOCs,
humidity, and PM).
The atmospheric component(s) may be measured both inside the enclosure and
outdoors to
obtain a differential concentration APOL. In some embodiments, when a APOL for
an
atmospheric component exceeds a target (e.g., optimum such as maximum or
minimum) value,
then the ventilation rate is increased to restore a requested atmospheric
quality. The increase in
ventilation rate may be proportional to the difference between the actual
atmospheric
component concentration and the target atmospheric component concentration.
The increase in
ventilation rate may be a predetermined step size. In some embodiments, a
plurality (e.g., two
or more) of atmospheric components can be controller in the zone (e.g., in the
enclosure). The
at least two of the plurality of atmospheric components can be controller
simultaneously. The at
least two of the plurality of atmospheric components can be controller
consecutively. At least
one of the plurality of atmospheric components can be controller continuously.
At least one of
the plurality of atmospheric components can be controller intermittently. One
or more of the
plurality of atmospheric components can be included into recommended changes
in the
ventilation rate for the zone (e.g., enclosure). Standard ventilation rates
relating to one or more
of the plurality of atmospheric components can be considered while formulating
the
recommended changes in the ventilation rate for the zone (e.g., enclosure).
When atmospheric
components (e.g., or standard ventilation rates thereof) are considered when
formulating any
change to the ventilation rate, at least two of the atmospheric components can
have (e.g.,
substantially) the same weight, or least two of the atmospheric components can
have can be
given different weights. For example, the primary atmospheric component being
controlled (e.g.,
monitored and/or adjusted) can be CO2 while VOCs (from human or other sources,
e.g.,
perspiration, aldehydes from carpet/furnishing, etc.) and/or other substances
are monitored and
can be given a lesser weight when included into recommended changes to the
ventilation rate.
The CO2 levels can be continuously monitored and can be given the greatest
weight. The VOC
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levels can be intermittently monitored and can be given a lesser weight as
compared to the
weight given to the CO2 levels.
[0144] Fig. 12 depicts operation of a control system (e.g.,
comprising a processor) for
controlling an atmosphere in a zone (e.g., an enclosure). Occupancy in a zone
(e.g., room) is
determined in a block 1201. Determining occupancy may be performed by sensing
the number
of occupants in the zone using any suitable locating technology (e.g., using
occupancy
sensor(s)). Present occupancy or a future occupancy may be determined and/or
projected (e.g.,
based at least in part on an electronic calendar, historical data, and/or
learning module). In a
block 1202, a minimum ventilation rate is determined. The minimum ventilation
rate may be
determined based at least in part on the occupancy obtained in block 1201. The
occupancy
may be used to look up a corresponding ventilation rate according to a lookup
table and/or an
industry standard, e.g., as applied to the dimensions and/or usage type of the
enclosure. In
block 1203, a further increase in ventilation rate is added in the event that
there one or more
atmospheric components are at a level that undesirably deviates from the
requested level. In
block 1204, a demand (e.g., command signal) is sent to the ventilation system
to adjust the
ventilation flow rate for the room accordingly. A numerical example is as
follows. For a 1000 ft2
(that is about 92.9 m2) room in an office space, a total gas flow rate at
maximum occupancy of
60 people using 002 as the controlled variable may be as follows:
Total_Gas flow = 7.5 x 60 + 0.06 x 1000 = 510 cfm (that is about 896 m3/h).
A maximum atmospheric component concentration occurs at this maximum occupancy
as
follows:
max(ACO2) = 60 x 10500 / 510 = 1235 ppm.
Taking outside ambient concentration for CO2 at 400 ppm, a maximum absolute
indoor
concentration (Cdesign) is as follows:
Cd,sign = AGO2 + Gout = 1235 + 400 = 1635 ppm.
At a lower room occupancy (e.g., 28 people), the industry standard minimum
ventilation rate is:
Total_Gas flow = 7.5 x 28 + 0.06 x 1000 = 270 cfm.
Thus, a ventilation rate command for 270 cfm (that is about 459 m3/h) can be
sent to the
ventilation system. A steady state differential concentration of CO2 under
this occupancy and
ventilation rate is:
ACO2 = 28 x 10500 / 270 = 1089 ppm.
In the event that a higher atmosphere quality (lower concentration of the
atmospheric
component) is requested, then an incremental ventilation rate may be
requested. For example,
in order to limit the differential ACO2 to a value of 800 ppm, the ventilation
rate determined
above for 28 people would be increased according to a ratio of the
differential concentrations as
follows:
Requested_Gas flow = 270 x (1089 / 800) = 368 cfm.
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Thus, the ventilation rate would be incremented to 368 cfm (that is about 625
m3/h) for the
higher atmosphere quality.
[0145] In some embodiments, a ventilation rate is controlled in
response to occupancy, a
maximum or target atmospheric component concentration, and an actual
atmospheric
component concentration. For example, ventilation rate may be adjusted up or
down in order to
provide an exchange of fresh atmosphere into a zone (e.g., an enclosure) to
maintain the
requested atmospheric component concentration without knowing a proportion of
fresh to
recirculated atmosphere being supplied, without requiring numerical
determination of the actual
ventilation rate, and/or without measurement of the actual ventilation rate.
In some
embodiments, occupancy is measured using at least one sensor operatively
(e.g.,
communicatively coupled) to a network of the building. The at least one of the
sensor(s) can be
mounted in a sensor ensemble (e.g., a networked module integrating sensor(s),
emitter(s)
and/or actuator(s)) that may include atmospheric component sensor(s) (e.g.,
CO2 sensor, VOC
sensor, humidity sensor, oxygen sensor, and/or PM sensor). In some
embodiments, occupancy
may be inferred (e.g., using the mass balance equation) from atmospheric
component
concentration measurements, e.g., if an actual fresh atmosphere ventilation
rate is available. In
some embodiments, an actual atmospheric component differential concentration
can be
estimated from a known occupancy and actual fresh atmosphere ventilation rate.
The actual
differential atmospheric component concentration APOL may be compared to a
target (e.g.,
maximum) APOL to determine whether a current ventilation rate should be
altered (e.g.,
increased or decreased). The alteration can be incremental, continuous,
linear, or non-linear
(e.g., exponential). At least two of the increments of the incremental
alteration can be of the
same duration. At least two of the increments of the incremental alteration
can be of different
durations. At least two intermissions of the incremental alteration can be of
different durations.
At least two intermissions of the incremental alteration can be of the same
durations. The
duration and/or intermissions of the incremental alteration can follow a
linear or non-linear (e.g.,
exponential) function. If measured atmospheric component(s) APOL is less than
maximum
APOL atmospheric component(s), then the ventilation gas flow rate may be
reduced. The
altered gas flow rate may be set to a threshold (e.g., value) expected to
reach the target APOL
at time t (and thereafter maintain that threshold). The altered gas flow rate
may (e.g., briefly, at
time t) deviate from the target threshold to expediate reaching the target
threshold. For
example, a reduced gas flow rate may be set to a value expected to reach the
target APOL at t
(and thereafter maintain it). The reduced gas flow rate may be (e.g., briefly,
at time t) reduced
below the set threshold in order to more quickly reach the target APOL. An
absolute value for a
target ventilation rate that would be needed to reach and maintain target
concentration (e.g.,
maximum ACO2) may be determined based at least in part on actual and/or
projected
occupancy. For example, a gas flow per person may be calculated by dividing
the
generation/consumption rate of the atmospheric component(s) by the target
differential
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concentration (e.g., 10500/ACO2), and multiply by the number of occupants in
the zone (e.g.,
enclosure) to calculate the needed ventilation rate, with the demand being set
accordingly. In
some embodiments, the change in gas flow demand is proportional to a
difference between the
current atmospheric component(s) APOL and the target APOL. If measured
atmospheric
component(s) APOL is greater than the optimum (e.g., maximum) atmospheric
component(s)
APOL, then the ventilation gas flow rate may be increased. A selected time (t)
within which a
new steady state is reached can be established by controlling a transitional
ventilation rate
which results in an atmosphere exchange rate (AER) adapted to lower the APOL.
For example,
an AER can be utilized as follows:
AER = [In(Cactual / Cdesign)] / t .
The AER may be used to derive a transitional ventilation rate as follows:
Gas flow Vt= AER x Room Volume.
Using a constant transitional ventilation rate can provide a linear slope for
the changing
differential concentration APOL. In some embodiments, an adaptive, nonlinear
slope is
obtained by providing a variable ventilation rate during the transition which
may be less
noticeable (e.g., distracting) to the occupants.
[0146] As an example of a transitional ventilation rate, a
hypothetical differential concentration
ACO2 will be assumed of 2000 ppm with a target max(ACO2) of 1235 ppm. The time
to reach
the target is 5 minutes. A requested atmosphere exchange rate (using an
outside CO2 of 400
ppm) is as follows:
AER = [In(2400) ¨ In(1635)] / 5 = 0.077.
Converting to total gas flow for a 10 foot room height in a 1000 square foot
room yields:
Vt= AER x Room Volume = 0.077 x 1000 x 10 = 770 cfm.
Thus, the indoor CO2 concentration is reduced to 1635 ppm in 5 minutes using a
ventilation rate
of 770 cfm. Rather than a constant 770 cfm (that is about 1308 m3/h), a
variable rate may be
used provided that the average rate over the 5 minute period is 770 cfm.
[0147] Fig. 13 depicts operations for controlling ventilation rate
wherein occupancy is
determined in a block 1301. In block 1302, a maximum (e.g., target)
atmospheric component
level (e.g., target differential atmospheric component concentration APOL) is
determined, such
as from an industry standard, lookup table, historical data, learning module,
and/or from user
preferences. An actual atmospheric component level (e.g., actual differential
atmospheric
component concentration APOL) is determined in block 1303. The actual APOL and
the target
APOL are compared in block 1304. If actual APOL is less than target APOL
(e.g., there is over-
ventilation), then a more appropriate ventilation rate corresponding to the
present or predicted
occupancy level is calculated in block 1321, and the ventilation system is
controlled accordingly
in block 1322. If actual APOL is greater than target APOL (e.g., there is
under-ventilation), then
a more appropriate ventilation rate corresponding to the present or predicted
occupancy level is
calculated in block 1311 together with an incremental atmosphere exchange rate
to reach the
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target APOL within a time T. Based at least in part on the AER needed to
transition to steady
state at the new APOL value, an incremental ventilation rate is obtained in
block 1312 by
converting the AER to a gas flow rate by multiplying by the zone (e.g., room)
volume. An
adaptive slope (if any) can be optionally applied to the transitional gas flow
rate in a block 1313,
and the ventilation system is controlled (e.g., by the control system and/or
BMS) accordingly in
block 1314.
[0148] In some embodiments, ventilation rates are controlled
proactively prior to expected
changes in zone (e.g., enclosure such as a room) occupancy so that atmosphere
quality may be
better maintained, e.g., when occupant(s) may enter or exit a room. For
example, historical data
recording regular fluctuations in one or more atmospheric component
concentrations (e.g.,
APOL for CO2 and/or VOCs) can be used to anticipate regular gatherings of
people (see, e.g.,
Fig. 6). Changes in occupancy can be predicted (e.g., anticipated) based at
least in part on
other data sources such as an online calendar for the room or a particular
person associated
with the room. For example, electronic scheduling information may provide a
planned meeting
and attendance list. Using predicted changes in occupancy, atmospheric
component generation
in the room may be predicted by multiplying per person generation or
consumption rates of the
atmospheric component(s) according the predicted occupancy. Prior to a
substantial change in
a combined atmospheric component generation/consumption rate, the ventilation
rate bringing
fresh atmosphere into the room may be varied to avoid spikes in the
differential atmospheric
component concentration(s).
[0149] Fig. 14 depicts a procedure for predictively controlling
ventilation rate. Atmospheric
component fluctuations at various times of day are compiled in block 1401.
Upcoming times for
which (e.g., recent) data suggests an increase in atmospheric component
generation is a likely
occur, are identified and targeted for proactive changes in the ventilation
rate. In block 1402,
predictive occupancy information (e.g., using schedules such as calendar(s),
historic data,
and/or learning module) is identified. The occupancy information may foretell
occupancy
changes. In block 1403, future atmospheric component generation/consumption
(based at least
in part on predicted occupancy) is predicted according to the occupancy
information. When a
time for any particular predicted change (e.g., rise or decline) in
atmospheric component
generation approaches, it may be compared to the current occupancy and/or
generation/consumption rate of the atmospheric component. If the predicted
atmospheric
component generation/consumption passes a threshold (either is decreased below
a minimum
threshold for a depletant, or increased above a maximum threshold for an
accumulant), then a
corresponding ventilation rate may be calculated in block 1404 to maintain a
differential
atmospheric component concentration APOL within a requested range (e.g.,
substantially equal
to the target APOL), and the ventilation system is controlled to adjust and/or
be maintained
accordingly.
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[0150] In some embodiments, recommendations for changes in a ventilation rate
are obtained
by activating ventilation mechanisms (e.g., opening and closing of atmosphere
handlers). The
sensor(s) for measuring atmospheric component concentrations, room occupancy,
ventilation
pressure, and/or flow rates, may be self-contained. At least two of the
sensors (e.g., of different
time or of the same type) may be incorporated into a sensor ensemble. One or
more sensor
ensembles may be disposed in a room being controlled (e.g., monitored). A
sensor ensemble
may be operatively (e.g., communicatively and/or connectively) coupled to the
network. The
network may be operatively cooled to the control system and/or BMS. The
network may be
operatively coupled to the ventilation system. At least a portion of the
network may comprise
wires disposed in an envelope of an enclosure (e.g., building). A sensor may
be configured for
continuous or intermittent sensing. The continuous and/or intermittence
sensing may be
scheduled. For example, scheduling of the sensing can consider the past,
present, and/or
projected occupancy of the zone of interest. In some embodiments, a sensor
ensemble is
installed in a window faming (e.g., in a mullion or transom). At least a
portion of the devices in
the ensemble may be utilized in controlling a tintable window that is
operatively coupled to the
network (and therethrough to the control system). In some embodiments, the
ensemble and/or
window framing may incorporates an actuator (e.g., a fan or blower) configured
to circulate
inside atmosphere and/or exchange atmosphere between the enclosure and the
outside
ambient atmosphere (as an exhaust and/or an intake). Examples for ventilation
system, heat
management system components (e.g., fans), smart windows, networks, sensors,
and control
systems can be found in International Patent Application Serial No.
PCT/US15/14453, filed
February 04, 2015, titled "FORCED AIR SMART WINDOWS," which is incorporated
herein by
reference in its entirety.
[0151] In some embodiments, monitoring of atmospheric components and
ventilation rates
facilitates monitoring of filter efficiency. The filter efficiency may deviate
due to accumulated
debris (e.g., particular matter). Accumulation of debris on the filter may
reduce its filtration
efficiency and/or form growth media for pathogens. The efficiency of the
filter may be
determined using pressure sensor, gas flow sensor, time from filter
installation, and/or
particulate matter (PM) sensing. Atmosphere quality in an enclosure may depend
on the use of
filter(s) in an atmosphere handling system to remove various contaminants such
as particulate
matter (e.g., dust, soot, viruses, bacteria, and/or fungi). Over time,
efficiency of a filter declines
as it accumulates more and more particulate matter. Based at least in part on
(i) knowledge of
an outside PM concentration before filtering and an inside PM concentration
after filtering (e.g.,
a differential concentration APOL), (ii) a ventilation rate through the filter
(e.g., total volume of
contaminated atmosphere treated by the filter per unit time), (iii) time lapse
from past
installation, (iv) gas pressure before the filter, (v) gas pressure after the
filter, (vi) filter
morphology, (v) optical density of the gas before the filter, (vi) optical
density of the gas after the
filter, an actual filter efficiency may be determined and/or estimated. When
efficiency of filtration
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declines below a predetermined threshold from its nominal efficiency, a user
(e.g., a building
manager) can be notified to perform a corrective action such as a filter
replacement. A
notification may be generated as a warning message delivered immediately or
may be included
in a periodically generated report, for example.
[0152] Fig. 15 depicts a procedure wherein particulate matter (PM)
concentrations are
determined (e.g., measured using PM sensors) for atmosphere inside and outside
of an
enclosure in block 1501. In block 1502, a ventilation rate (e.g., in cubic
feet per minute) is
measured or calculated from other measured quantities such as room occupancy
and
differential CO2 concentration. Assuming the filter is operating at a nominal
filter efficiency, an
expected indoor PM concentration is calculated in block 1503 according to the
determined
outside PM concentration and the determined ventilation rate. In block 1504,
an actual filter
efficiency is calculated in response to a difference (or a ratio) between the
expected indoor PM
concentration and the actual indoor PM concentration. In the event that an
actual filter efficiency
is less than a threshold efficiency (e.g., a discrepancy between actual
efficiency and the nominal
efficiency is greater than a threshold), a filter change message is sent in
block 1505 to a user so
that a filter change can be initiated.
[0153] Sensors of a sensor ensemble may be organized into a sensor module. A
sensor
ensemble may comprise a circuit board, such as a printed circuit board, in
which a number of
sensors are adhered or affixed to the circuit board. Sensors can be removed
from a sensor
module. For example, a sensor may be plugged and/or unplugged from the circuit
board.
Sensors may be individually activated and/or deactivated (e.g., using a
switch). The circuit board
may comprise a polymer. The circuit board may be transparent or non-
transparent. The circuit
board may comprise metal (e.g., elemental metal and/or metal alloy). The
circuit board may
comprise a conductor. The circuit board may comprise an insulator. The circuit
board may
comprise any geometric shape (e.g., rectangle or ellipse). The circuit board
may be configured
(e.g., may be of a shape) to allow the ensemble to be disposed in a mullion
(e.g., of a window).
The circuit board may be configured (e.g., may be of a shape) to allow the
ensemble to be
disposed in a frame (e.g., door frame and/or window frame). The mullion and/or
frame may
comprise one or more holes to allow the sensor(s) to obtain (e.g., accurate)
readings. The circuit
board may include an electrical connectivity port (e.g., socket). The circuit
board may be
connected to a power source (e.g., to electricity). The power source may
comprise renewable or
non-renewable power source.
[0154] Fig. 16 shows an example of a diagram 1600 of an ensemble of sensors
organized
into a sensor module. Sensors 1610A, 1610B, 16100, and 1610D are shown as
included in
sensor ensemble 1605. An ensemble of sensors organized into a sensor module
may include at
least 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 20, 50, or 500 sensors. The sensor module may include
a number of
sensors in a range between any of the aforementioned values (e.g., from about
1 to about 1000,
from about 1 to about 500, or from about 500 to about 1000). Sensors of a
sensor module may
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comprise sensors configured or designed for sensing a parameter comprising,
temperature,
humidity, carbon dioxide, particulate matter (e.g., from about 2.5 urn to
about 10 pm), total
volatile organic compounds (e.g., via a change in a voltage potential brought
about by surface
adsorption of volatile organic compound), ambient light, audio noise level,
pressure (e.g. gas,
and/or liquid), acceleration, time, radar, lidar, radio signals (e.g., ultra-
wideband radio signals),
passive infrared, glass breakage, or movement detectors. The sensor ensemble
(e.g., 1605)
may comprise non-sensor devices, such as buzzers and light emitting diodes.
Examples of
sensor ensembles and their uses can be found in U.S. Patent Application Serial
No. 16/447169,
filed June 20, 2019, titled "SENSING AND COMMUNICATIONS UNIT FOR OPTICALLY
SWITCHABLE WINDOW SYSTEMS," that is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0155] In some embodiments, an increase in the number and/or types of sensors
may be
used to increase a probability that one or more measured property is accurate
and/or that a
particular event measured by one or more sensor has occurred. In some
embodiments, sensors
of sensor ensemble may cooperate with one another. In an example, a radar
sensor of sensor
ensemble may determine presence of a number of individuals in an enclosure. A
processor
(e.g., processor 1615) may determine that detection of presence of a number of
individuals in an
enclosure is positively correlated with an increase in carbon dioxide
concentration. In an
example, the processor-accessible memory may determine that an increase in
detected infrared
energy is positively correlated with an increase in temperature as detected by
a temperature
sensor. In some embodiments, network interface (e.g., 1650) may communicate
with other
sensor ensembles similar to sensor ensemble. The network interface may
additionally
communicate with a controller.
[0156] Individual sensors (e.g., sensor 1610A, sensor 1610D, etc.)
of a sensor ensemble may
comprise and/or utilize at least one dedicated processor. A sensor ensemble
may utilize a
remote processor (e.g., 1654) utilizing a wireless and/or wired communications
link. A sensor
ensemble may utilize at least one processor (e.g., processor 1652), which may
represent a
cloud-based processor coupled to a sensor ensemble via the cloud (e.g., 1650).
Processors
(e.g., 1652 and/or 1654) may be located in the same building, in a different
building, in a building
owned by the same or different entity, a facility owned by the manufacturer of
the
window/controller/sensor ensemble, or at any other location. In various
embodiments, as
indicated by the dotted lines of Fig. 16, sensor ensemble 1605 is not required
to comprise a
separate processor and network interface. These entities may be separate
entities and may be
operatively coupled to ensemble 1605. The dotted lines in Fig. 16 designate
optional features. In
some embodiments, onboard processing and/or memory of one or more ensemble of
sensors
may be used to support other functions (e.g., via allocation of ensembles(s)
memory and/or
processing power to the network infrastructure of a building).
[0157] In some embodiments, a plurality of sensors of the same type may be
distributed in an
enclosure. At least one of the plurality of sensors of the same type, may be
part of an ensemble.
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For example, at least two of the plurality of sensors of the same type, may be
part of at least two
ensembles. The sensor ensembles may be distributed in an enclosure. An
enclosure may
comprise a conference room. For example, a plurality of sensors of the same
type may measure
an environmental parameter in the conference room. Responsive to measurement
of the
environmental parameter of an enclosure, a parameter topology of the enclosure
may be
generated. A parameter topology may be generated utilizing output signals from
any type of
sensor of sensor ensemble, e.g., as disclosed herein. Parameter topologies may
be generated
for any enclosure of a facility such as conference rooms, hallways, bathrooms,
cafeterias,
garages, auditoriums, utility rooms, storage facilities, equipment rooms,
and/or elevators.
[0158] Fig. 17 shows an example of a diagram 1700 of an arrangement of sensor
ensembles
distributed within an enclosure. In the example shown in Fig. 17, a group 1710
of individuals are
seated in conference room 1702. The conference room includes an "X" dimension
to indicate
length, a "Y" dimension to indicate height, and a "Z" dimension to indicate
depth. XYZ being
directions a Cartesian coordination system. Sensor ensembles 1705A, 1705B, and
1705C
comprise sensors can operate similar to sensors described in reference to
sensor ensemble
1605 of Fig. 16. At least two sensor ensembles (e.g., 1705A, 1705B, and 1705C)
may be
integrated into a single sensor module. Sensor ensembles 1705A, 1705B, and
1705C can
include a carbon dioxide (002) sensor, an ambient noise sensor, or any other
sensor disclosed
herein. In the example shown in Fig. 17, a first sensor ensemble 1705A is
disposed (e.g.,
installed) near point 1715A, which may correspond to a location in a ceiling,
wall, or other
location to a side of a table at which the group 1710 of individuals are
seated. In the example
shown in Fig. 17, a second sensor ensemble 1705B is disposed (e.g., installed)
near point
1715B, which may correspond to a location in a ceiling, wall, or other
location above (e.g.,
directly above) a table at which the group 1710 of individuals are seated. In
the example shown
in Fig. 17, a third sensor ensemble 1705C may be disposed (e.g., installed) at
or near point
1715C, which may correspond to a location in a ceiling, wall, or other
location to a side of the
table at which the relatively small group 1710 of individuals are seated. Any
number of additional
sensors and/or sensor modules may be positioned at other locations of
conference room 1702.
The sensor ensembles may be disposed anywhere in the enclosure. The location
of an
ensemble of sensors in an enclosure may have coordinates (e.g., in a Cartesian
coordinate
system). At least one coordinate (e.g., of x, y, and z) may differ between two
or more sensor
ensembles, e.g., that are disposed in the enclosure. At least two coordinates
(e.g., of x, y, and z)
may differ between two or more sensor ensembles, e.g., that are disposed in
the enclosure. All
the coordinates (e.g., of x, y, and z) may differ between two or more sensor
ensembles, e.g.,
that are disposed in the enclosure. For example, two sensor ensembles may have
the same x
coordinate, and different y and z coordinates. For example, two sensor
ensembles may have the
same x and y coordinates, and a different z coordinate. For example, two
sensor ensembles
may have different x, y, and z coordinates.
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[0159] In particular embodiments, one or more sensors of the sensor ensemble
provide
readings. In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to sense a parameter.
The parameter
may comprise temperature, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds,
electromagnetic
energy, pressure, acceleration, time, radar, lidar, glass breakage, movement,
or gas. The gas
may comprise a Nobel gas. The gas may be a gas harmful to an average human.
The gas may
be a gas present in the ambient atmosphere (e.g., oxygen, carbon dioxide,
ozone, chlorinated
carbon compounds, or nitrogen). The gas may comprise radon, carbon monoxide,
hydrogen
sulfide, hydrogen, oxygen, water (e.g., humidity). The electromagnetic sensor
may comprise an
infrared, visible light, ultraviolet sensor. The infrared radiation may be
passive infrared radiation
(e.g., black body radiation). The electromagnetic sensor may sense radio
waves. The radio
waves may comprise wide band, or ultra-wideband radio signals. The radio waves
may
comprise pulse radio waves. The radio waves may comprise radio waves utilized
in
communication. The gas sensor may sense a gas type, flow (e.g., velocity
and/or acceleration),
pressure, and/or concentration. The readings may have an amplitude range. The
readings may
have a parameter range. For example, the parameter may be electromagnetic
wavelength, and
the range may be a range of detected wavelengths.
[0160] In some embodiments, the sensor data is responsive to the environment
in the
enclosure and/or to any inducer(s) of a change (e.g., any environmental
disruptor) in this
environment. The sensors data may be responsive to emitters operatively
coupled to (e.g., in)
the enclosure (e.g., an occupant, appliances (e.g., heater, cooler,
ventilation, and/or vacuum),
opening). For example, the sensor data may be responsive to an air
conditioning duct, or to an
open window. The sensor data may be responsive to an activity taking place in
the room. The
activity may include human activity, and/or non-human activity. The activity
may include
electronic activity, gaseous activity, and/or chemical activity. The activity
may include a sensual
activity (e.g., visual, tactile, olfactory, auditory, and/or gustatory). The
activity may include an
electronic and/or magnetic activity. The activity may be sensed by a person.
The activity may
not be sensed by a person. The sensors data may be responsive to the occupants
in the
enclosure, substance (e.g., gas) flow, substance (e.g., gas) pressure, and/or
temperature.
[0161] In one example, sensor ensembles 1705A, 1705B, and 17050 include carbon
dioxide
(CO2) sensor, and an ambient noise sensor. A carbon dioxide sensor of sensor
ensemble 1705A
may provide a reading as depicted in sensor output reading profile 1725A. A
noise sensor of
sensor ensemble 1705A may provide a reading also depicted in sensor output
reading profile
1725A. A carbon dioxide sensor of sensor ensemble 1705B may provide a reading
as depicted
in sensor output reading profile 1725B. A noise sensor of sensor ensemble
1705B may provide
a reading also as depicted in sensor output reading profile 1725B. Sensor
output reading profile
1725B may indicate higher levels of carbon dioxide and noise relative to
sensor output reading
profile 1725A. Sensor output reading profile 17250 may indicate lower levels
of carbon dioxide
and noise relative to sensor output reading profile 1725B. Sensor output
reading profile 1725C
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may indicate carbon dioxide and noise levels similar to those of sensor output
reading profile
1725A. Sensor output reading profiles 1725A, 1725B, and 17250 may comprise
indications
representing other sensor readings, such as temperature, humidity, particulate
matter, volatile
organic compounds, ambient light, pressure, acceleration, time, radar, lidar,
ultra-wideband
radio signals, passive infrared, and/or glass breakage, movement detectors.
[0162] In some embodiments, data from a sensor in a sensor in the enclosure
(e.g., and in
the sensor ensemble) is collected and/or processed (e.g., analyzed). The data
processing can
be performed by a processor of the sensor, by a processor of the sensor
ensemble, by another
sensor, by another ensemble, in the cloud, by a processor of the controller,
by a processor in
the enclosure, by a processor outside of the enclosure, by a remote processor
(e.g., in a
different facility), by a manufacturer (e.g., of the sensor, of the window,
and/or of the building
network). The data of the sensor may have a time indicator (e.g., may be time
stamped). The
data of the sensor may have a sensor location identification (e.g., be
location stamped). The
sensor may be identifiably coupled with one or more controllers.
[0163] In particular embodiments, sensor output reading profiles
1725A, 1725B, and 17250
may be processed. For example, as part of the processing (e.g., analysis), the
sensor output
reading profiles may be plotted on a graph depicting a sensor reading as a
function of a
dimension (e.g., the "X" dimension) of an enclosure (e.g., conference room
1702). In an
example, a carbon dioxide level indicated in sensor output reading profile
1725A may be
indicated as point 1735A of CO2 graph 1730 of Fig. 17. In an example, a carbon
dioxide level of
sensor output reading profile 1725B may be indicated as point 1735B of CO2
graph 1730. In an
example, a carbon dioxide level indicated in sensor output reading profile
1725C may be
indicated as point 1735C of CO2 graph 1730. In an example, an ambient noise
level indicated in
sensor output reading profile 1725A may be indicated as point 1745A of noise
graph 1740. In an
example, an ambient noise level indicated in sensor output reading profile
1725B may be
indicated as point 1745B of noise graph 1740. In an example, an ambient noise
level indicated
in sensor output reading profile 1725C may be indicated as point 1745C of
noise graph 1740.
[0164] In some embodiments, processing data derived from the sensor comprises
applying
one or more models. The models may comprise mathematical models. The
processing may
comprise fitting of models (e.g., curve fitting). The model may be multi-
dimensional (e.g., two or
three dimensional). The model may be represented as a graph (e.g., 2 or 3
dimensional graph).
For example, the model may be represented as a contour map (e.g., as depicted
in Fig. 7). The
modeling may comprise one or more matrices. The model may comprise a
topological model.
The model may relate to a topology of the sensed parameter in the enclosure.
The model may
relate to a time variation of the topology of the sensed parameter in the
enclosure. The model
may be environmental and/or enclosure specific. The model may consider one or
more
properties of the enclosure (e.g., dimensionalities, openings, and/or
environmental disrupters
(e.g., emitters)). Processing of the sensor data may utilize historical sensor
data, and/or current
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(e.g., real time) sensor data. The data processing (e.g., utilizing the model)
may be used to
project an environmental change in the enclosure, and/or recommend actions to
alleviate,
adjust, or otherwise react to the change.
[0165] In particular embodiments, sensor ensembles 1705A, 1705B, and/or 17050,
may be
capable of accessing a model to permit curve fitting of sensor readings as a
function of one or
more dimensions of an enclosure. In an example, a model may be accessed to
generate sensor
profile curves 1750A, 1750B, 17500, 1750D, and 1750E, utilizing points 1735A,
1735B, and
17350 of CO2 graph 1230. In an example, a model may be accessed to generate
sensor profile
curves 1751A, 1751B, 1751C, 1751B, 1751E, and 1751F utilizing points 1745A,
1745B, and
17450 of noise graph 1740. Additional models may utilize additional readings
from sensor
ensembles (e.g., 1705A, 1705B, and/or 1705C) to provide curves in addition to
sensor profile
curves 1750A-E and 1751A-F of Fig. 17. Sensor profile curves generated in
response to use of
a model may sensor output reading profiles indicate a value of a particular
environmental
parameter as a function of a dimension of an enclosure (e.g., an "X"
dimension, a "Y" dimension,
and/or a "Z" dimension).
[0166] In certain embodiments, one or more models utilized to form curves
1750A-1750E and
1751A-1751F) may provide a parameter topology of an enclosure. In an example,
a parameter
topology (as represented by curves 1750A-1750E and 1751A-1751F) may be
synthesized or
generated from sensor output reading profiles. The parameter topology may be a
topology of
any sensed parameter disclosed herein. In an example, a parameter topology for
a conference
room (e.g., conference room 1702) may comprise a carbon dioxide profile having
relatively low
values at locations away from a conference room table and relatively high
values at locations
above (e.g., directly above) a conference room table. In an example, a
parameter topology for a
conference room may comprise a multi-dimensional noise profile having
relatively low values at
locations away from a conference table and slightly higher values above (e.g.,
directly above) a
conference room table.
[0167] Fig. 18 shows an example of a diagram 1800 of an arrangement of sensor
ensembles
distributed within an enclosure. In the example shown in Fig. 18, a relatively
large group 1810 of
individuals (e.g., larger relative to conference room group 1010) are
assembled in auditorium
1802. The auditorium includes an "X" dimension to indicate length, a "Y"
dimension to indicate
height, and a "Z" dimension to indicate depth. Sensor ensembles 1805A, 1805B,
and 18050
may comprise sensors that operate similar to sensors described in reference to
sensor
ensemble 1605 of Fig. 16. At least two sensor ensembles (e.g., 1805A, 1805B,
and 1805C)
may be integrated into a single sensor module. Sensor ensembles 1805A, 1805B,
and 18050
can include a carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor, an ambient noise sensor, or any
other sensor
disclosed herein. In the example shown in Fig. 18, a first sensor ensemble
1805A is disposed
(e.g., installed) near point 1815A, which may correspond to a location in a
ceiling, wall, or other
location to a side of seating area at which the relatively large group 1810 of
individuals are
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seated. In the example shown in Fig. 18, a second sensor ensemble 1805B may be
disposed
(e.g., installed) at or near point 1815B, which may correspond to a location
in a ceiling, wall, or
other location above (e.g., directly above) an area at which the relatively
large group 1810 of
individuals are congregated. A third sensor ensemble 18050 may be disposed
(e.g., installed) at
or near point 18150, which may correspond to a location in a ceiling, wall, or
other location to a
side of the table at which the relatively large group 1810 of individuals are
positioned. Any
number of additional sensors and/or sensor modules may be positioned at other
locations of
auditorium 1802. The sensor ensembles may be disposed anywhere in the
enclosure.
[0168] In one example, sensor ensembles 1805A, 1805B, and 18050, includes a
carbon
dioxide sensor of sensor ensemble 1805A may provide a reading as depicted in
sensor output
reading profile 1825A. A noise sensor of sensor ensemble 1805A may provide a
reading also
depicted in sensor output reading profile 1825A. A carbon dioxide sensor of
sensor ensemble
1805B may provide a reading as depicted in sensor output reading profile
1825B. A noise
sensor of sensor ensemble 1805B may provide a reading also as depicted in
sensor output
reading profile 1825B. Sensor output reading profile 1825B may indicate higher
levels of carbon
dioxide and noise relative to sensor output reading profile 1825A. Sensor
output reading profile
1825C may indicate lower levels of carbon dioxide and noise relative to sensor
output reading
profile 1825B. Sensor output reading profile 18250 may indicate carbon dioxide
and noise levels
similar to those of sensor output reading profile 1825A. Sensor output reading
profiles 1825A,
1825B, and 1825C may comprise indications representing other sensor readings
of any sensed
parameter disclosed herein.
In particular embodiments, sensor output reading profiles 1825A, 1825B, and
1825C may be
plotted on a graph depicting a sensor reading as a function of a dimension
(e.g., the "X"
dimension) of an enclosure (e.g., auditorium 1802). In an example, a carbon
dioxide level
indicated in sensor output reading profile 1825A (shown in Fig. 18) may be
indicated as point
1835A (shown in Fig. 18) of CO2 graph 1830. In an example, a carbon dioxide
level of sensor
output reading profile 1825B (shown in Fig. 18) may be indicated as point
1835B (shown in Fig.
18) of CO2 graph 1830. In an example, a carbon dioxide level indicated in
sensor output reading
profile 18250 may be indicated as point 18350 of CO2 graph 1830. In an
example, an ambient
noise level indicated in sensor output reading profile 1825A may be indicated
as point 1845A of
noise graph 1840. In an example, an ambient noise level indicated in sensor
output reading
profile 1825B may be indicated as point 1845B of noise graph 1840. In an
example, an ambient
noise level indicated in sensor output reading profile 18250 may be indicated
as point 1845C of
noise graph 1840. In particular embodiments, sensor ensembles 1805A, 1805B,
and/or 18050,
may be capable of utilizing and/or accessing (e.g., configured to utilize
and/or access) a model
to permit curve fitting of sensor readings as a function of one or more
dimensions of an
enclosure. In an example shown in Fig. 18, a model may be accessed to provide
sensor profiles,
utilizing points 1835A, 1835B, and 18350 of CO2 graph 1830. In an example
shown as an
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example in Fig. 18, a model may be accessed to provide sensor profile 1851
utilizing points
1845A, 1845B, and 18450 of noise graph 1840. Additional models may utilize
additional
readings from sensor ensembles (e.g., 1805A, 1805B, 1805C) to provide sensor
profile curves
(e.g. sensor profile curve 1850A, 1850B, 18500, 1850D, and 1850E) of Fig. 18.
Models may be
utilized to provide sensor profile curves corresponding to ambient noise
levels (e.g., sensor
profile curves 1850A, 1850B, 1850C, 1850D, and 1851E). Sensor profile curves
generated in
response to use of a model may indicate a value of a particular environmental
parameter as a
function of a dimension of an enclosure (e.g., an "X" dimension, a "Y"
dimension, and/or a "Z"
dimension). In certain embodiments, one or more models utilized to form sensor
profile curves
1850 and 1851) may provide a parameter topology of an enclosure. A parameter
topology may
be indicative of a particular type of enclosure. In an example, a parameter
topology may be
synthesized or generated from sensor profile curves 1850 and 1851, which may
correspond to a
parameter topology for an auditorium. In an example, a parameter topology for
an auditorium
may comprise a carbon dioxide profile having at least moderately high values
at all locations
and very high values at locations near the center of the auditorium. In an
example, a parameter
topology for an auditorium may comprise a noise profile having relatively high
values at all
locations of an auditorium and higher values near the center of the
auditorium. In particular
embodiments, sensor readings from one or more sensors of a sensor ensemble may
be
obtained. Sensor readings may be obtained by the sensor itself. Sensor
readings may be
obtained by a cooperating sensor, which may be of the same type or a different
type of sensor.
Sensor readings may be obtained by one or more processors and/or controllers
Sensor reading
may be processed by considering one or more other readings from other sensors
disposed
(e.g., installed) within an enclosure, historical readings, benchmarks, and/or
modeling, to
generate a result (e.g., a prediction or an estimation of a sensor reading.) A
generated result
may be utilized to detect an outlier of a sensor reading and/or an outlier
sensor. A generated
result may be utilized to detect an environmental change at a time and/or
location. A generated
result may be utilized to predict future readings of the one or more sensors
in the enclosure.
[0169] In some embodiments, the sensor(s) are operatively coupled
to at least one controller
and/or processor. Sensor readings may be obtained by one or more processors
and/or
controllers. A controller may comprise a processing unit (e.g., CPU or GPU). A
controller may
receive an input (e.g., from at least one sensor). The controller may comprise
circuitry, electrical
wiring, optical wiring, socket, and/or outlet. A controller may deliver an
output. A controller may
comprise multiple (e.g., sub-) controllers. The controller may be a part of a
control system. A
control system may comprise a master controller, floor (e.g., comprising
network controller)
controller, a local controller. The local controller may be a window
controller (e.g., controlling an
optically switchable window), enclosure controller, or component controller.
For example, a
controller may be a part of a hierarchal control system (e.g., comprising a
main controller that
directs one or more controllers, e.g., floor controllers, local controllers
(e.g., window controllers),
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enclosure controllers, and/or component controllers). A physical location of
the controller type in
the hierarchal control system may be changing. For example: At a first time: a
first processor
may assume a role of a main controller, a second processor may assume a role
of a floor
controller, and a third processor may assume the role of a local controller.
At a second time: the
second processor may assume a role of a main controller, the first processor
may assume a role
of a floor controller, and the third processor may remain with the role of a
local controller. At a
third time: the third processor may assume a role of a main controller, the
second processor
may assume a role of a floor controller, and the first processor may assume
the role of a local
controller. A controller may control one or more devices (e.g., be directly
coupled to the
devices). A controller may be disposed proximal to the one or more devices it
is controlling. For
example, a controller may control an optically switchable device (e.g., IGU),
an antenna, a
sensor, and/or an output device (e.g., a light source, sounds source, smell
source, gas source,
HVAC outlet, or heater). In one embodiment, a floor controller may direct one
or more window
controllers, one or more enclosure controllers, one or more component
controllers, or any
combination thereof. The floor controller may comprise a floor controller. For
example, the floor
(e.g., comprising network) controller may control a plurality of local (e.g.,
comprising window)
controllers. A plurality of local controllers may be disposed in a portion of
a facility (e.g., in a
portion of a building). The portion of the facility may be a floor of a
facility. For example, a floor
controller may be assigned to a floor. In some embodiments, a floor may
comprise a plurality of
floor controllers, e.g., depending on the floor size and/or the number of
local controllers coupled
to the floor controller. For example, a floor controller may be assigned to a
portion of a floor. For
example, a floor controller may be assigned to a portion of the local
controllers disposed in the
facility. For example, a floor controller may be assigned to a portion of the
floors of a facility. A
master controller may be coupled to one or more floor controllers. The floor
controller may be
disposed in the facility. The master controller may be disposed in the
facility, or external to the
facility. The master controller may be disposed in the cloud. A controller may
be a part of, or be
operatively coupled to, a building management system. A controller may receive
one or more
inputs. A controller may generate one or more outputs. The controller may be a
single input
single output controller (SISO) or a multiple input multiple output controller
(MIM0). A controller
may interpret an input signal received. A controller may acquire data from the
one or more
components (e.g., sensors). Acquire may comprise receive or extract. The data
may comprise
measurement, estimation, determination, generation, or any combination
thereof. A controller
may comprise feedback control. A controller may comprise feed-forward control.
Control may
comprise on-off control, proportional control, proportional-integral (PI)
control, or proportional-
integral-derivative (RID) control. Control may comprise open loop control, or
closed loop control.
A controller may comprise closed loop control. A controller may comprise open
loop control. A
controller may comprise a user interface. A user interface may comprise (or
operatively coupled
to) a keyboard, keypad, mouse, touch screen, microphone, speech recognition
package,
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camera, imaging system, or any combination thereof. Outputs may include a
display (e.g.,
screen), speaker, or printer.
[0170] Fig. 19 shows an example of a control system architecture 1900
comprising a master
controller 1908 that controls floor controllers 1906, that in turn control
local controllers 1904. In
some embodiments, a local controller controls one or more IGUs, one or more
sensors, one or
more output devices (e.g., one or more emitters), or any combination thereof.
Fig. 19 shows an
example of a configuration in which the master controller is operatively
coupled (e.g., wirelessly
and/or wired) to a building management system (BMS) 1924 and to a database
1920. Arrows in
FIG. 19 represents communication pathways. A controller may be operatively
coupled (e.g.,
directly/indirectly and/or wired and/wirelessly) to an external source 1910.
The external source
may comprise a network. The external source may comprise one or more sensor or
output
device. The external source may comprise a cloud-based application and/or
database. The
communication may be wired and/or wireless. The external source may be
disposed external to
the facility. For example, the external source may comprise one or more
sensors and/or
antennas disposed, e.g., on a wall or on a ceiling of the facility. The
communication may be
monodirectional or bidirectional. In the example shown in Fig. 19, the
communication all
communication arrows are meant to be bidirectional.
[0171] Fig. 20 shows an example of a controller for controlling
one or more sensors.
Controller 2005 comprises sensor correlator 2010, model generator 2015, event
detector 2020,
processor and memory 2025, and the network interface 2050. Sensor correlator
2010 operates
to detect correlations between or among various sensor types. For example, an
infrared
radiation sensor measuring an increase in infrared energy may be positively
correlated with an
increase in measure temperature. A sensor correlator may establish correlation
coefficients,
such as coefficients for negatively-correlated sensor readings (e.g.,
correlation coefficients
between -1 and 0). For example, the sensor correlator may establish
coefficients for positively-
correlated sensor readings (e.g., correlation coefficients between 0 and +1).
[0172] In some embodiments, the sensor data may be time dependent. In some
embodiments, the sensor data may be space dependent. The model may utilize
time and/or
space dependency of the sensed parameter. A model generator may permit fitting
of sensor
readings as a function of one or more dimensions of an enclosure. In an
example, a model
provides sensor profile curves for carbon dioxide may utilize various gaseous
diffusion models,
which may allow prediction of a level of carbon dioxide at points in between
sensor locations.
Processor and memory (e.g., 2025) may facilitate processing of models.
[0173] In some embodiments, the sensor and/or sensor ensemble may act as an
event
detector. The event detector may operate to direct activity of sensors in an
enclosure. In an
example, in response to event detector determining that very few individuals
remain in an
enclosure, event detector may direct carbon dioxide sensors to reduce a
sampling rate.
Reduction of a sampling rate may extend the life of a sensor (e.g., a carbon
dioxide sensor). In
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another example, in response to event detector determining that a large number
of individuals
are present in a room, event detector may increase the sampling rate of a
carbon dioxide
sensor. In an example, in response to event detector receiving a signal from a
glass breakage
sensor, event detector may activate one or more movement detectors of an
enclosure, one or
more radar units of a detector. A network interface (e.g., 2050) may be
configured or designed
to communicate with one or more sensors via wireless communications links,
wired
communications links, or any combination thereof.
[0174] The controller may monitor and/or direct (e.g., physical)
alteration of the operating
conditions of the apparatuses, software, and/or methods described herein.
Control may
comprise regulate, manipulate, restrict, direct, monitor, adjust, modulate,
vary, alter, restrain,
check, guide, or manage. Controlled (e.g., by at least one controller) may
include attenuated,
modulated, varied, managed, curbed, disciplined, regulated, restrained,
supervised,
manipulated, and/or guided. The control may comprise controlling a control
variable (e.g.
temperature, pressure, gas flow, occupancy, power, voltage, and/or current).
The control can
comprise real time or off-line control. The control can comprise in situ
control. A calculation
utilized by the controller can be done in real time, and/or offline. The
controller may be a manual
or a non-manual controller. The controller may be an automatic controller. The
controller may
operate upon request. The controller may be a programmable controller. The
controller may be
programed. The controller may comprise a processing unit (e.g., CPU or GPU).
The controller
may receive an input (e.g., from at least one sensor). The controller may
deliver an output. The
controller may comprise multiple (e.g., sub-) controllers. The controller may
be a part of a control
system. The control system may comprise a master controller, floor controller,
local controller
(e.g., enclosure controller, or window controller). The controller may receive
one or more inputs.
The controller may generate one or more outputs. The controller may be a
single input single
output controller (SISO) or a multiple input multiple output controller
(MIM0). The controller may
interpret the input signal received. The controller may acquire data from the
one or more
sensors. Acquire may comprise receive or extract. The data may comprise
measurement,
estimation, determination, generation, or any combination thereof. The
controller may comprise
feedback control. The controller may comprise feed-forward control. The
control may comprise
on-off control, proportional control, proportional-integral (PI) control, or
proportional-integral-
derivative (PI D) control. The control may comprise open loop control, or
closed loop control. The
controller may comprise closed loop control. The controller may comprise open
loop control. The
controller may comprise a user interface. The user interface may comprise (or
operatively
coupled to) a keyboard, keypad, mouse, touch screen, microphone, speech
recognition
package, camera, imaging system, or any combination thereof. The outputs may
include a
display (e.g., screen), speaker, or printer. The methods, systems and/or the
apparatus
described herein may comprise a control system. The control system can be in
communication
with any of the apparatuses (e.g., sensors) described herein. The sensors may
be of the same
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type or of different types, e.g., as described herein. For example, the
control system may be in
communication with the first sensor and/or with the second sensor. The control
system may
control the one or more sensors. The control system may control one or more
components of a
building management system (e.g., lightening, security, and/or air
conditioning system). The
controller may regulate at least one (e.g., environmental) characteristic of
the enclosure. The
control system may regulate the enclosure environment using any component of
the building
management system. For example, the control system may regulate the energy
supplied by a
heating element and/or by a cooling element. For example, the control system
may regulate
velocity of gas(es) flowing through a vent to and/or from the enclosure. The
control system may
comprise a processor. The processor may be a processing unit. The controller
may comprise a
processing unit. The processing unit may be central. The processing unit may
comprise a
central processing unit (abbreviated herein as "CPU"). The processing unit may
be a graphic
processing unit (abbreviated herein as "GPU"). The controller(s) or control
mechanisms (e.g.,
comprising a computer system) may be programmed to implement one or more
methods of the
disclosure. The processor may be programmed to implement methods of the
disclosure. The
controller may control at least one component of the forming systems and/or
apparatuses
disclosed herein.
[0175] Fig. 21 shows a schematic example of a computer system 2100 that is
programmed or
otherwise configured to one or more operations of any of the methods provided
herein. The
computer system can control (e.g., direct, monitor, and/or regulate) various
features of the
methods, apparatuses and systems of the present disclosure, such as, for
example, control
heating, cooling, lightening, and/or venting of an enclosure, or any
combination thereof. The
computer system can be part of, or be in communication with, any sensor or
sensor ensemble
disclosed herein. The computer may be coupled to one or more mechanisms
disclosed herein,
and/or any parts thereof. For example, the computer may be coupled to one or
more sensors,
valves, switches, lights, windows (e.g., IGUs), motors, pumps, optical
components, or any
combination thereof.
[0176] The computer system can include a processing unit (e.g., 2106) (also
"processor,"
"computer" and "computer processor" used herein). The computer system may
include memory
or memory location (e.g., 2102) (e.g., random-access memory, read-only memory,
flash
memory), electronic storage unit (e.g., 2104) (e.g., hard disk), communication
interface (e.g.,
2103) (e.g., network adapter) for communicating with one or more other
systems, and peripheral
devices (e.g., 2105), such as cache, other memory, data storage and/or
electronic display
adapters. In the example shown in Fig. 21, the memory 2102, storage unit 2104,
interface 2103,
and peripheral devices 2105 are in communication with the processing unit 2106
through a
communication bus (solid lines), such as a motherboard. The storage unit can
be a data storage
unit (or data repository) for storing data. The computer system can be
operatively coupled to a
computer network ("network") (e.g., 2101) with the aid of the communication
interface. The
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network can be the Internet, an internet and/or extranet, or an intranet
and/or extranet that is in
communication with the Internet. In some cases, the network is a
telecommunication and/or data
network. The network can include one or more computer servers, which can
enable distributed
computing, such as cloud computing. The network, in some cases with the aid of
the computer
system, can implement a peer-to-peer network, which may enable devices coupled
to the
computer system to behave as a client or a server.
[0177] The processing unit can execute a sequence of machine-readable
instructions, which
can be embodied in a program or software. The instructions may be stored in a
memory
location, such as the memory 2102. The instructions can be directed to the
processing unit,
which can subsequently program or otherwise configure the processing unit to
implement
methods of the present disclosure. Examples of operations performed by the
processing unit
can include fetch, decode, execute, and write back. The processing unit may
interpret and/or
execute instructions. The processor may include a microprocessor, a data
processor, a central
processing unit (CPU), a graphical processing unit (GPU), a system-on-chip
(SOC), a co-
processor, a network processor, an application specific integrated circuit
(ASIC), an application
specific instruction-set processor (ASIPs), a controller, a programmable logic
device (PLD), a
chipset, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any combination thereof.
The processing
unit can be part of a circuit, such as an integrated circuit. One or more
other components of the
system 2100 can be included in the circuit.
[0178] The storage unit can store files, such as drivers, libraries and saved
programs. The
storage unit can store user data (e.g., user preferences and user programs).
In some cases, the
computer system can include one or more additional data storage units that are
external to the
computer system, such as located on a remote server that is in communication
with the
computer system through an intranet or the Internet.
[0179] The computer system can communicate with one or more remote computer
systems
through a network. For instance, the computer system can communicate with a
remote
computer system of a user (e.g., operator). Examples of remote computer
systems include
personal computers (e.g., portable PC), slate or tablet PC's (e.g., Apple
iPad, Samsung
Galaxy Tab), telephones, Smart phones (e.g., Apple iPhone, Android-enabled
device,
Blackberry ), or personal digital assistants. A user (e.g., client) can access
the computer
system via the network.
[0180] Methods as described herein can be implemented by way of machine (e.g.,
computer
processor) executable code stored on an electronic storage location of the
computer system,
such as, for example, on the memory 2102 or electronic storage unit 2104. The
machine
executable or machine-readable code can be provided in the form of software.
During use, the
processor 2106 can execute the code. In some cases, the code can be retrieved
from the
storage unit and stored on the memory for ready access by the processor. In
some situations,
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the electronic storage unit can be precluded, and machine-executable
instructions are stored on
memory.
[0181] The code can be pre-compiled and configured for use with a machine have
a
processer adapted to execute the code or can be compiled during runtime. The
code can be
supplied in a programming language that can be selected to enable the code to
execute in a
pre-compiled or as-compiled fashion.
[0182]
In some embodiments, the processor comprises a code. The code can be
program
instructions. The program instructions may cause the at least one processor
(e.g., computer) to
direct a feed forward and/or feedback control loop. In some embodiments, the
program
instructions cause the at least one processor to direct a closed loop and/or
open loop control
scheme. The control may be based at least in part on one or more sensor
readings (e.g., sensor
data). One controller may direct a plurality of operations. At least two
operations may be
directed by different controllers. In some embodiments, a different controller
may direct at least
two of operations (a), (b) and (c). In some embodiments, different controllers
may direct at least
two of operations (a), (b) and (c). In some embodiments, a non-transitory
computer-readable
medium cause each a different computer to direct at least two of operations
(a), (b) and (c). In
some embodiments, different non-transitory computer-readable mediums cause
each a different
computer to direct at least two of operations (a), (b) and (c). The controller
and/or computer
readable media may direct any of the apparatuses or components thereof
disclosed herein. The
controller and/or computer readable media may direct any operations of the
methods disclosed
herein.
[0183] In some embodiments, the at least one sensor is operatively coupled to
a control
system (e.g., computer control system). The sensor may comprise light sensor,
acoustic sensor,
vibration sensor, chemical sensor, electrical sensor, magnetic sensor,
fluidity sensor, movement
sensor, speed sensor, position sensor, pressure sensor, force sensor, density
sensor, distance
sensor, or proximity sensor. The sensor may include temperature sensor, weight
sensor,
material (e.g., powder) level sensor, metrology sensor, gas sensor, or
humidity sensor. The
metrology sensor may comprise measurement sensor (e.g., height, length, width,
angle, and/or
volume). The metrology sensor may comprise a magnetic, acceleration,
orientation, or optical
sensor. The sensor may transmit and/or receive sound (e.g., echo), magnetic,
electronic, or
electromagnetic signal. The electromagnetic signal may comprise a visible,
infrared, ultraviolet,
ultrasound, radio wave, or microwave signal. The gas sensor may sense any of
the gas
delineated herein. The distance sensor can be a type of metrology sensor. The
distance sensor
may comprise an optical sensor, or capacitance sensor. The temperature sensor
can comprise
Bolometer, Bimetallic strip, calorimeter, Exhaust gas temperature gauge, Flame
detection,
Gardon gauge, Golay cell, Heat flux sensor, Infrared thermometer,
Microbolometer, Microwave
radiometer, Net radiometer, Quartz thermometer, Resistance temperature
detector, Resistance
thermometer, Silicon band gap temperature sensor, Special sensor
microwave/imager,
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Temperature gauge, Thermistor, Thermocouple, Thermometer (e.g., resistance
thermometer),
or Pyrometer. The temperature sensor may comprise an optical sensor. The
temperature sensor
may comprise image processing. The temperature sensor may comprise a camera
(e.g., IR
camera, CCD camera). The pressure sensor may comprise Barograph, Barometer,
Boost
gauge, Bourdon gauge, Hot filament ionization gauge, Ionization gauge, McLeod
gauge,
Oscillating U-tube, Permanent Downhole Gauge, Piezometer, Pirani gauge,
Pressure sensor,
Pressure gauge, Tactile sensor, or Time pressure gauge. The position sensor
may comprise
Auxanometer, Capacitive displacement sensor, Capacitive sensing, Free fall
sensor,
Gravimeter, Gyroscopic sensor, Impact sensor, Inclinometer, Integrated circuit
piezoelectric
sensor, Laser rangefinder, Laser surface velocimeter, LIDAR, Linear encoder,
Linear variable
differential transformer (LVDT), Liquid capacitive inclinometers, Odometer,
Photoelectric sensor,
Piezoelectric accelerometer, Rate sensor, Rotary encoder, Rotary variable
differential
transformer, Selsyn, Shock detector, Shock data logger, Tilt sensor,
Tachometer, Ultrasonic
thickness gauge, Variable reluctance sensor, or Velocity receiver. The optical
sensor may
comprise a Charge-coupled device, Colorimeter, Contact image sensor, Electro-
optical sensor,
Infra-red sensor, Kinetic inductance detector, light emitting diode (e.g.,
light sensor), Light-
addressable potentiometric sensor, Nichols radiometer, Fiber optic sensor,
Optical position
sensor, Photo detector, Photodiode, Photomultiplier tubes, Phototransistor,
Photoelectric
sensor, Photoionization detector, Photomultiplier, Photo resistor, Photo
switch, Phototube,
Scintillometer, Shack-Hartmann, Single-photon avalanche diode, Superconducting
nanowire
single-photon detector, Transition edge sensor, Visible light photon counter,
or Wave front
sensor. The one or more sensors may be connected to a control system (e.g., to
a processor, to
a computer).
[0184] In some embodiments, measurements of one or more sensors (e.g.,
comprising VOC
sensor(s)) may be utilized to adjust a smell (e.g., smell profile), gas borne
compounds, and/or
gaseous compounds of an environment. In some embodiments, gas borne comprises
air borne.
The smell, gas borne compounds, and/or gaseous compounds may be requested
and/or
preferred. The gas borne compounds may be volatile compounds. The smell may
have a profile
composed of one or more chemicals (e.g., gas borne chemicals). The smell may
be requested
and/or preferred by a user (e.g., as disclosed herein), and/or by
jurisdictional (e.g., health)
standard(s). The measurements of the one or more sensors may be utilized to
form a sensed
profile (e.g., sensed map). The profile may be as a function of space and/or
time. The profile
may be a two, three, or four dimensional profile. At least one of the profile
data may relate to (i)
space (e.g., compound(s) concentration as a function of space), and/or (ii)
time (e.g.,
compound(s) concentration as a function of space). When the sensed profile of
the chemical(s)
deviates from the requested profile, the profile in the environment may be
adjusted. Adjustment
may be at least in part by modifying a chemical make-up of an atmosphere of
the environment,
changes in air flow, and/or changes in atmospheric temperature. For example,
adjustment may
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be by adding (e.g., injecting) and/or dispersing one or more chemicals into an
atmosphere. For
example, adjustment may be by subtracting (e.g., expelling, extracting, or
ejecting) one or more
chemicals out of an atmosphere. The subtraction can be active (e.g., suction)
or passive (e.g.,
absorption). At least one of the adjusted chemical(s) may be the same as the
sensed
chemical(s) found as deficient. At least one of the adjusted chemical(s) may
be different from
the sensed chemical(s) found deficient. Adjustment of the chemical(s) into/out
of the
atmosphere may occur when the requested chemical profile deviates from a
requested chemical
profile. The adjusted chemical(s) may masque the sensed chemical profile. The
masking may
be relative to an average user (e.g., smell that is sensed as masque by an
average user). The
user may be an occupant of the environment. The adjustment may be of
individual compounds
and/or of a mixture of compounds. The chemical(s) may be chemically
identifiable or may be as
part of a mixture that is not (e.g., fully) identifiable.
[0185] In some embodiments, a control system adjusts an environment based at
least in part
on preferences. The preferences may include (e.g., personal) preferences of a
user. The
preference may include jurisdictional (e.g., health) preferences, standards,
and/or
recommendations. A user may input an environmental preference. The
environmental
preference may include environmental characteristic types comprising
temperature, chemical
make-up of an atmosphere, gas movement velocity (e.g., ventilation speed),
light intensity, or
noise levels. The environmental preference may comprise rejection of one or
more
environmental conditions. For example, an input of the user may comprise (i)
liking an
environment, (ii) disliking an environment, and/or (iii) preference of a
different specified
environment. The specific environment may be enumerated in a menu (e.g.,
dropdown menu).
The specific environment may be generated by the user by selection of one or
more of the
environmental characteristic types from a menu. An environmental
characteristic type may have
various levels. For example, the environmental characteristic of temperature
may have various
temperature levels such as about 10 C, 15 C, 20 C, 25 C, or 30 C. The chemical
makeup of the
atmosphere may comprise various levels (e.g., indicated as percentage or ppm)
of a certain
chemical (e.g., CO2, 02, or a particular VOC). The user may indicate a
preference to a chemical
makeup of the atmosphere of the enclosure. The preference may be disliking the
current smell,
liking the current smell, or preferring a different smell profile. The
preference may be registered
as user input, and coupled with a time of input entry and/or space of user
entry. Various
preference of the user as a function of space and/or time, may be used by the
learning system
as input. The learning system may use these preferences and predict future
smell predictions,
e.g., optionally as a function of space. The learning system may use
preferences of a plurality of
users (e.g., a group of users) and predict future smell predictions, e.g.,
optionally as a function
of space and/or space types. The users may occupy the space adjacent to each
other (e.g., in
one open space region). The users may occupy similar space types. The space
types may
comprise similar type of rooms such as office rooms, conference rooms, break-
rooms,
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cafeterias, corridors, bathrooms, or elevators. The space types may be defined
and/or identified,
e.g., in a database. The space types may be identified by a function an
occupant performs
therein (e.g., studying, lecturing and/or listening to a lecture, conferring,
eating, drinking, resting,
secreting (e.g., urine), expelling (e.g., defecating), washing, and/or
waiting).
[0186] In some embodiments, a control system adjusts an environment based at
least in part
on a learning scheme. The control system may be communicatively coupled to a
network (e.g.,
as disclosed herein). The user input may be entered into a database that is
operatively coupled
to the network. A learning system may track the user input, e.g., as a
function of space and/or
time. The learning system may utilize the user input as a learning set. The
learning system may
form predictions(s) in a future time based at least in part of the user input.
The learning system
may comprise any learning scheme (e.g., algorithm) as disclosed herein. For
example, the
learning system may utilize an artificial intelligence scheme. In some
embodiments, a control
system adjusts the chemical make-up of an environment based at least in part
on preferences.
The preferences may include (e.g., personal) preferences of a user (e.g., an
occupant). The
preference may include jurisdictional (e.g., health) preferences, standards,
and/or
recommendations. A user may entered a smell preference. The smell preference
may comprise
rejection of a present smell in the environment. The smell preference may
comprise liking a
present smell in the environment. The smell preference may comprise indication
of a requested
smell in the environment (e.g., citrus smell). The control system may utilize
input from at least
one chemical sensor to form a present smell profile in the environment. The
control system may
analyze (e.g., compare) the present small profile with the requested smell
profile, and generate
a comparison. The smell profile may comprise indication of time, space,
chemical type, and/or
level of the chemical type. The control system may include one or more
controllers and/or
processors. The control system may analyze the comparison with respect to a
threshold (e.g.,
value and/or function). The threshold function may be of time, space, and/or
chemical type.
When the comparison is greater than the threshold, the control system may
adjust the smell
profile of the environment by controlling a ventilation system, and/or
injecting a smell
component(s) (e.g., citrus smell) into the environment. The control system may
utilize the
learning system to anticipate requests and/or preferences of the user. The
control system may
automatically (e.g., without explicit user request) adjust one or more
environmental
characteristic based at least in part on the learning system (e.g., learning
module). The user
may (e.g., manually) override an environmental adjustment of the control
system. Input of
environmental preference of the user may be done using an application. The
application may be
operatively (e.g., communicatively) coupled to a mobile device. While an
example of smell
adjustment was provided, adjustment may be similarly done to any other
atmospheric
components and/or characteristic.
[0187] Fig. 22 shows an example of environmental adjustment for the
environmental
characteristic of smell. In block 2201, one or more sensors measure (e.g.,
sense) chemical
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component(s) of an enclosure atmosphere at time "t" and in a space (e.g.,
where the user is
disposed). The space can be derived from tracking of a user tag and/or mobile
device (e.g.,
cellular phone). The space can be derived from location of the sensor(s). The
sensor(s) can be
part of a device ensemble (e.g., as disclosed herein). In block 2202, the
measurement value is
recorded at the time t (e.g., as a timestamp) and/or the space. Recordation
can be in a
database. In block 2203, a user provides user preference input that is
recorded, which user
preference is of the environment at the time and/or the space. The recordation
can be in the
same or different database. In block 2204, a learning module (e.g., comprising
Al) utilizes the
user preference as part of a learning set, to generate a prediction of future
user preference of
the enclosure atmosphere at time t+1. In block 2205, the one or more sensors
measure at time
t+1 the chemical component(s) of an enclosure atmosphere. In block 2206, a
level of the
measured chemical components(s) at time t+1 is analyzed (e.g., compared with
the prediction
generated in block 2204). In block 2207, the environmental atmosphere is
adjusted to the level
indicated in the prediction if a level of the measured chemical(s) deviates
from the predictions
above a threshold. The analysis can be performed by any of the circuitry
(e.g., one or more
processors) disclosed herein. The control of the atmosphere can be done by the
control system
(e.g., comprising one or more controllers). Communication between the
sensor(s) and the
circuitry and/or controller(s) is done by wirelessly and/or wired
communication using a network
(e.g., as disclosed herein). The sensor(s) can be part of a device ensemble.
Sensors sensing
the chemical compound(s) (e.g., VOCs) may be referred to as an "electronic
nose." While an
example of smell adjustment was provided, adjustment may be similarly done to
any other
atmospheric components and/or characteristic.
[0188] In some embodiments, the component (e.g., device such as sensor,
emitter, or
transceiver) is operatively coupled to the network. The network may be
operatively (e.g.,
communicatively) coupled to one or more controllers. The network may be
operatively (e.g.,
communicatively) coupled to one or more processors.
[0189] In some example, any discovery of the component operatively coupled to
the network
by a user can be restricted by at least one security protocol (e.g., dangerous
manufacturing
machinery may be available only to permitted manufacturing personnel). The
security protocol
can have one or more security levels. The discovery of a component on the
network by a user
can be restricted according to an enclosure (e.g., a room), floor, building,
or facility in which the
user is located. The discovery of a component on the network by a user can be
restricted
according to a type of component, purpose allocation of the component, or any
combination
thereof.
[0190] In some embodiments, the component is communicatively coupled to the
network. The
component may utilize a network authentication protocol. The network
authentication protocol
may open one or more ports for network access. The port(s) may be opened when
an
organization and/or a facility authenticates (e.g., through network
authentication) an identity of a
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component that attempts to operatively couple (and/or physically couples) to
the network.
Operative coupling may comprise communicatively coupling. The organization
and/or facility
may authorize (e.g., using the network) access of the component to the
network. The access
may or may not be restricted. The restriction may comprise one or more
security levels. The
identity of the component can be determined based on the credentials and/or
certificate. The
credentials and/or certificate may be confirmed by the network (e.g., by a
server operatively
coupled to the network). The authentication protocol may or may not be
specific for physical
communication (e.g., Ethernet communication) in a local area network (LAN),
e.g., that utilizes
packets. The standard may be maintained by the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics
Engineers (IEEE). The standard may specify the component (e.g., physical
media) and/or the
working characteristics of the network (e.g., Ethernet). The networking
standard may support
virtual LANs (VLANs) on a local area (e.g., Ethernet) network. The standard
may support power
over local area network (e.g., Ethernet). The network may provide
communication over power
line (e.g., coaxial cable). The power may be direct current (DC) power. The
power may be at
least about 12 Watts (W), 15 W, 25W, 30W, 40W, 48W, 50W, or 100W. The standard
may
facilitate mesh networking. The standard may facilitate a local area network
(LAN) technology
and/or wide area network (WAN) applications. The standard may facilitate
physical connections
between components and/or infrastructure devices (hubs, switches, routers) by
various types of
cables (e.g., coaxial, twisted wires, copper cables, and/or fiber cables).
Examples of network
authentication protocols can be 802.1X, or KERBEROS. The network
authentication protocol
may comprise secret-key cryptography. The network can support (e.g.,
communication)
protocols comprising 802.3, 802.3af (PoE), 802.3at (PoE+), 802.10, or 802.11s.
The network
may support a communication protocol for Building Automation and Control (BAC)
networks
(e.g., BACnet). The protocol may define service(s) used to communicate between
building
devices. The protocol services may include device and object discovery (e.g.,
Who-Is, I-Am,
Who-Has, and/or I-Have). The protocol services may include Read-Property and
Write-Property
(e.g., for data sharing). The network protocol may define object types (e.g.,
that are acted upon
by the services). The protocol may define one or more data links / physical
layers (e.g.,
ARCN ET, Ethernet, BACnet/IP, BACnet/lPv6, BACnet/MSTP, Point-To-Point over RS-
232,
Master-Slave/Token-Passing over RS-485, ZigBee, and/or LonTalk). The protocol
may be
dedicated to devices (e.g., Internet of Things (loT) devices and/or machine to
machine (M2M)
communication). The protocol may be a messaging protocol. The protocol may be
a publish ¨
subscribe protocol. The protocol may be configured for messaging transport.
The protocol may
be configured for remote devices. The protocol may be configured for devices
having a small
code footprint and/or minimal network bandwidth. The small code footprint may
be configured to
be handled by microcontrollers. The protocol may have a plurality of quality
of service levels
including (i) at most once, (ii) at least once, and/or (iii) exactly once. The
plurality of quality of
service levels may increase reliability of the message delivery in the network
(e.g., to its target).
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The protocol may facilitate messaging (i) between device to cloud and/or (ii)
between cloud to
device. The messaging protocol is configured for broadcasting messages to
groups of targets
such as components (e.g., devices), sensors, and/or emitters. The protocol may
comply with
Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards (OASIS).
The protocol
may support security schemes such as authentication (e.g., using tokens). The
protocol may
support access delegation standard (e.g., 0Auth). The protocol may support
granting a first
application (and/or website) access to information on a second application
(and/or website)
without providing the second with a security code (e.g., token and/or
password) relating to the
first application. The protocol may be a Message Queuing Telemetry Transport
(MQTT) or
Advanced Message Queuing Protocol (AMQP) protocol. The protocol may be
configured for a
message rate of at least one (1) message per second per publisher. The
protocol may be
configured to facilitate a message payload size of at most 64, 86, 96, or 128
bytes. The protocol
may be configured to communicate with any device (e.g., from a microcontroller
to a server) that
operates a protocol compliant (e.g., MOTT) library and/or connects to
compliant broker (e.g.,
MOTT broker) over a network. Each component (such as sensor, or emitter) can
be a publisher
and/or a subscriber. A broker can handle millions of concurrently connected
devices, or less
than millions. The broker can handle at least about 100, 10000, 100000,
1000000, or 10000000
concurrently connected devices. In some embodiments, the broker is responsible
for receiving
(e.g., all) messages, filtering the messages, determining who is interested in
each message,
and/or sending the message to these subscribed device (e.g., broker client).
The protocol may
require internet connectivity to the network. The protocol may facilitate bi-
directional, and/or
synchronous peer-to-peer messaging. The protocol may be a binary wire
protocol. Examples of
such network protocol, control system, and network can be found in U.S.
Provisional Patent
Application Serial No. 63/000,342 filed 03/26/2020 titled "MESSAGING IN A
MULTI CLIENT
NETWORK," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Examples
of network
security, communication standards, communication interface, messaging,
coupling of devices to
the network, and control can be found in U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Serial No.
63/000,342, and in International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US20/70123
filed June 04,
2020, titled "SECURE BUILDING SERVICES NETWORK," each of which is incorporated
herein
by reference in its entirety.
[0191] In some embodiments, the network allows a component to couple to the
network. The
network (e.g., using controller(s) and/or processor(s)) may let the component
join the network,
authenticate the component, monitor its activity on the network (e.g.,
activity relating to the
component), facilitate performance of maintenance and/or diagnostics, and
secure the data
communicated over the network. The security levels may allow bidirectional or
monodirectional
communication between a user and a component. For example, the network may
allow only
monodirectional communication of the user to the component. For example, the
network may
restrict availability of data communicated through the network and/or coupled
to the network,
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from being accessed by a third party owner of a component (e.g., service
device). For example,
the network may restrict availability of data communicated through the network
and/or coupled
to the network, from being accessed by the organization and/or facility into
data relating to a
third party owner and/or manufacturer of a component (e.g., service device).
[0192] In some embodiments, the control system is operatively coupled to a
learning module.
The learning module may utilize a learning scheme, e.g., comprising artificial
intelligence. The
learning module may be learn preference of one or more users associated with
the facility.
Users associated with the facility may include occupants of the facility
and/or users associated
with an entity residing and/or owning the facility (e.g., employees of a
company residing in the
facility). The learning modules may analyze preference of a user or a group of
users. The
learning module may gather preferences of the user(s) as to one or more
environmental
characteristic. The learning module may use past preference of the user as a
learning set for the
user or for the group to which the user belongs. The preferences may include
environmental
preference or preferences related to a component (e.g., service machine,
and/or production
machine).
[0193] In some embodiments, a control system conditions various aspects of an
enclosure.
For example, the control system may condition an environment of the enclosure.
The control
system may project future environmental preferences of the user, and condition
the environment
to these preferences in advance (e.g., at a future time). The preferential
environmental
characteristic(s) may be allocated according to (i) user or group of users,
(ii) time, (iii) date,
and/or (iv) space. The data preferences may comprise seasonal preferences. The
environmental characteristics may comprise lighting, ventilation speed,
atmospheric pressure,
smell, temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, oxygen, VOC(s), particulate
matter (e.g., dust), or
color. The environmental characteristics may be a preferred color scheme or
theme of an
enclosure. For example, at least a portion of the enclosure can be projected
with a preferred
theme (e.g., projected color, picture, or video). For example, a user is a
heart patient and prefers
(e.g., requires) an oxygen level above the ambient oxygen level (e.g., 20%
oxygen) and/or a
certain humidity level (e.g., 70%). The control system may condition the
atmosphere of the
environment for that oxygen and humidity level when the heart patient occupant
is in a certain
enclosure (e.g., by controlling the BMS). In some embodiments, a control
system may operate a
component according to preference of a user or a group of users. In some
embodiments, the
control system may adjust the environment and/or component according to
hierarchical
preferences.
[0194] In some embodiments, the control system considers results
(e.g., scientific and/or
research based results) regarding environmental conditions that affect health,
safety and/or
performance of enclosure occupants. The control system may establish
thresholds and/or
preferred window-ranges for one or more environmental characteristic of the
enclosure (e.g., of
an atmosphere of the enclosure). The threshold may comprise a level of
atmospheric
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component (e.g., VOC, particulate matter, and/or gas), temperature, and time
at a certain level.
The certain level may be abnormally high, abnormally low, or average. For
example, the
controller may allow short instances of abnormally high VOC and/or particulate
matter level, but
not prolonged time with that VOC and/or particulate matter level. The control
system may
automatically override preference of a user if it contradicts health and/or
safety thresholds.
Health and/or safety thresholds may be at a higher hierarchical level relative
to a user's
preference. The hierarchy may utilize majority preferences. For example, if
two occupants of a
meeting room have one preference, and the third occupant has a conflicting
preference, then
the preferences of the two occupants will prevail (e.g., unless they conflict
health and/or safety
considerations).
[0195] Fig. 23 shows an example of a flow chart depicting operations of a
control system that
is operatively coupled to one or mor devices in an enclosure (e.g., a
facility). In block 2300 an
identify of a user is identified by a control system. The identity can be
identified by one or more
sensors (e.g., camera) and/or by an identification tag (e.g., by scanning or
otherwise sensing by
one or more sensors). In block 2301, a location of the user may optionally be
tracked as the
user spends time in the enclosure. The use may provide input as to any
preference. The
preference may be relating to a component such as a target apparatus, and/or
environmental
characteristics. A learning module may optionally track such preferences and
provide
predictions as to any future preference of the user in block 2303. Past
elective preferences by
the user may be recorded (e.g., in a database) and may be used as a learning
set for the
learning module. As the learning process progress over time and the user
provides more and
more inputs, the predictions of the learning module may increase in accuracy.
The learning
module may comprise any learning scheme (e.g., comprising artificial
intelligence and/or
machine learning) disclosed herein. The user may override recommendations
and/or predictions
made by the learning module. The user may provide manual input into the
control system. In
block 2302, the user input is provided (whether directly by the user or by
predictions of the
learning module) to the control system. The control system may alter (or
direct alteration of) one
or more devices in the facility to materialize the user preferences (e.g.,
input) by using the input.
The control system may or may not use location of the user. The location may
be a past location
or a current location. For example, the user may enter a workplace by scanning
a tag. Scanning
of the identification tag (ID tag) can inform the control system of an
identify of the user, and the
location of the user at the time of scanning. The user may express a
preference for a sound of a
certain level that constitutes the input. The expression of preference may be
by manual input
(including tactile, voice and/or gesture command). A past expression of
preference may be
registered in a database and linked to the user. The user may enter a
conference room at a
prescheduled time. The sound level in the conference room may be adjusted to
the user
preference (i) when the prescheduled meeting was scheduled to initiate and/or
(ii) when one or
more sensors sense presence of the user in the meeting room. The sound level
in the
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conference room may be return to a default level and/or adjusted to another's
preference (i)
when the prescheduled meeting was scheduled to end and/or (ii) when one or
more sensors
sense absence of the user in the meeting room.
[0196] In some embodiments, detection association of personnel
interaction with sensor data
is obviated from the data. The sensor data may require analysis. For example,
the senor data
may require finding a baseline of the sensed property (e.g., sensed
attribute). For example, the
sensor data may require matching to a graph manipulating the data. The data
manipulation may
comprise filtering (e.g., high pass or low pass filtering); finding mean,
average, or median;
discretizing data (e.g., according to a threshold). The threshold may comprise
a threshold value
or a threshold function. Fig. 24 shows an example of carbon dioxide sensor
data values plotted
as a function of time, in graph 2400 showing sensor data 2401. An average
baseline may be
matched in 2402 and 2406. The carbon dioxide data may be discretized. For
example,
discretized values 2403, 2404, and 2405 represent discretization of the sensor
data 2401. The
discretization may be matched with number of personnel and/or their behavior.
For example, a
first person may enter a room in which the carbon dioxide sensor(s) are
disposed. These
sensor(s) generate data 2401. When the first person enters the room, the
sensor data may
elevate to a level 2403. When a second person enters the room, the sensor data
may elevate to
a level 2404. When the second sensor leaves the room, the sensor data may
reduce to level
2403, and finally, when the first person exits the room, the sensor data will
revert to the baseline
level 2406. Corroboration of the entry of personnel to the room may be with
other sensors. For
example, ID sensor(s), or noise sensor(s). Such corroboration and/or
accumulation of data over
prolonged time may foresee and/or characterize behavior in that room (e.g., or
in the facility).
Fig. 24 shows an example of noise sensor data values plotted as a function of
time, in graph
2450 showing first sensor data 2451, second sensor data 2452, and third sensor
data 2453,
which sensors are disposed at known and different locations in the facility.
Sensor data 2451
discloses a lower noise levels as compared to sensor data 2452 that depicts a
noisier
environment. Sensor data 2452 depicts regular noise oscillations that could
match oscillation of
a motor. The level of noise can be monitored, thus obviating when a noise
level is above a
threshold. This provide an opportunity to alleviate such noise conditions when
it arises (e.g.,
regardless and/or before a complaint is put forward). Such level of knowledge
may provide an
opportunity to monitor the motorized devices, e.g., using machine learning or
another control
scheme. For example, when the sound oscillation become non-repetitive, and/or
exhibit another
change (e.g., altered sound level, altered frequency, altered full-width-at-
half-maximum
(FWHM), or any combination thereof), an action may be prescribed (e.g.,
notification is
provided). Such knowledge may allow monitoring the facility or any component
(e.g., service
machinery and/or production machinery) of the facility.
[0197] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown,
and
described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such
embodiments are
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provided by way of example only. It is not intended that the invention be
limited by the specific
examples provided within the specification. While the invention has been
described with
reference to the afore-mentioned specification, the descriptions and
illustrations of the
embodiments herein are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Numerous
variations,
changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without
departing from the
invention. Furthermore, it shall be understood that all aspects of the
invention are not limited to
the specific depictions, configurations, or relative proportions set forth
herein which depend
upon a variety of conditions and variables. It should be understood that
various alternatives to
the embodiments of the invention described herein might be employed in
practicing the
invention. It is therefore contemplated that the invention shall also cover
any such alternatives,
modifications, variations, or equivalents. It is intended that the following
claims define the scope
of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these
claims and their
equivalents be covered thereby.
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