Patent 10539851
Derivative works
Defensive disclosure: derivative variations of each claim designed to render future incremental improvements obvious or non-novel.
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Derivative works
Defensive disclosure: derivative variations of each claim designed to render future incremental improvements obvious or non-novel.
This document outlines a series of defensive disclosures for US Patent 10,539,851, titled "Method for changing states of electrochromic film." The goal is to establish prior art that could render future incremental improvements by competitors obvious or non-novel, focusing on the core independent claims (Claim 1, Claim 8, and Claim 15). The disclosures are generated across various axes: Material & Component Substitution, Operational Parameter Expansion, Cross-Domain Application, Integration with Emerging Technologies, and the "Inverse" or Failure Mode.
Claim 1 Derivatives: Method for Injecting Electric Charges
Claim 1: A method of changing an optical state of an electrochromic film, wherein the electrochromic film has a plurality of optical states, comprising: selecting a desired state of the plurality of optical states; injecting electric charges into the electrochromic film by a driving force, wherein the driving force includes voltage driving, current driving, and/or a combination of voltage driving and current driving; determining the driving force based on the desired state of the plurality of optical states; monitoring an amount of the electric charges injected into the electrochromic film; and stopping injecting the electric charges when the electric charges reaches a pre-set amount corresponding to the desired state.
Claim 1, Derivative 1: High-Mobility Graphene Electrodes with Solid Poly(ionic liquid) Electrolyte
Axis: Material & Component Substitution
Enabling Description:
This derivative replaces conventional Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) transparent conductive films (1310, 1312) with single-layer or few-layer graphene synthesized via Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) or solution-processable graphene nanoplatelets, for enhanced transparency and electrical conductivity. The electrochromic material (1314) may consist of a redox-active organic polymer (e.g., poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) or polyaniline) deposited directly onto the graphene. The electrolyte layer (1322) is replaced with a solid poly(ionic liquid) (SPIL) electrolyte, such as poly(diallyldimethylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide) (PDADMA-TFSI) or similar, which offers superior ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability over a broader temperature range compared to traditional polymer electrolytes (e.g., PEO-LiTFSI). Charge injection occurs via a driving force (constant voltage or current) applied to the graphene electrodes, monitoring the cumulative charge transferred by integrating the current over time using a high-precision coulometer. The process stops when the monitored charge reaches a pre-determined amount mapped to the desired optical transmission (e.g., 50% clear state requiring 2.5 mC/cm² charge density).
graph TD
A[Power Source] --> B{Controller 105};
B --> C[Graphene Electrode 1312];
C --> D[Organic EC Material 1314];
D -- Ions/Electrons --> E[Solid Poly(ionic liquid) Electrolyte 1322];
E -- Ions/Electrons --> F[Charge Storage Layer 1318];
F --> G[Graphene Electrode 1310];
G --> H{Current/Charge Monitor};
H -- Charge Data --> B;
B -- Stop Signal --> A;
I[Desired Optical State] --> B;
B -- Pre-set Charge Amount --> H;
Claim 1, Derivative 2: High-Frequency Pulsed Current Driving for Accelerated Coloring
Axis: Operational Parameter Expansion
Enabling Description:
This method focuses on injecting electric charges using a high-frequency pulsed current driving scheme to achieve rapid electrochromic state changes, particularly from a clear to a dark state (oxidation). Instead of constant DC current, the controller (105) generates current pulses with a frequency between 1 kHz and 100 kHz, a duty cycle of 10-50%, and a peak current density ranging from 0.1 mA/cm² to 10 mA/cm². The electrochromic film comprises a tungsten oxide (WO₃) electrochromic layer and a solid lithium-ion conductive electrolyte. The rapid pulsing minimizes diffusion limitations at the electrode-electrolyte interface and enhances the ion intercalation kinetics, leading to faster color change. The cumulative charge injected is precisely monitored during the active pulse durations, and injection ceases when the total integrated charge reaches the pre-set value for the desired optical density. For instance, achieving an optical density of 0.8 within 1 second might require a peak current density of 5 mA/cm² with 20 kHz pulses until 10 mC/cm² is transferred.
sequenceDiagram
participant C as Controller 105
participant P as Power Source
participant ECF as Electrochromic Film
participant CM as Charge Monitor
C->>P: Set High-Frequency Pulsed Current (e.g., 5mA/cm², 20kHz)
P->>ECF: Inject Pulsed Current
ECF->>CM: Report Instantaneous Current/Charge
loop until Pre-set Charge Reached
CM->>C: Cumulative Charge Update
end
C->>P: Stop Injection
ECF->>C: Optical State Achieved
Claim 1, Derivative 3: Adaptive Lighting for Agricultural Greenhouses
Axis: Cross-Domain Application
Enabling Description:
In this application, the electrochromic film (103) is integrated into the glazing of agricultural greenhouses. The desired optical state corresponds to specific light transmission levels optimized for photosynthesis or temperature regulation of various crop cycles. For example, during peak solar radiation, a partial tint may be desired to reduce heat stress, while full clarity is preferred for maximum light penetration on cloudy days. IoT sensors (e.g., PAR light sensors, temperature sensors) within the greenhouse provide real-time environmental data to a central control unit (part of 105). This unit selects a desired optical state based on pre-programmed crop requirements and current environmental conditions. It then injects electric charges into the electrochromic film using a determined driving force (e.g., constant voltage or current) to achieve the desired tint, monitoring the charge injected to ensure the precise light transmission level is met. Stopping criteria are based on the pre-set charge amount, correlating to the optimal light spectrum and intensity for plant growth.
graph TD
A[PAR Light Sensor] --> B{Greenhouse Controller 105};
C[Temperature Sensor] --> B;
D[Crop Growth Model] --> B;
B -- Desired Optical State --> E[Charge Injection Unit];
E --> F[Electrochromic Greenhouse Glazing];
F --> G[Charge Monitor];
G -- Charge Data --> E;
E -- Stop Injection --> E;
F --> H[Light Transmission Measurement];
H -- Actual Light Data --> B;
Claim 1, Derivative 4: AI-Optimized Charge Injection for EC Displays
Axis: Integration with Emerging Tech
Enabling Description:
This derivative applies an AI-driven optimization model to control the charge injection process for electrochromic displays (e.g., e-readers, smart signage). The AI model, running on the controller (105), learns the non-linear charge-state relationship of the specific electrochromic film (103) under various environmental conditions (temperature, humidity) and historical usage patterns. Instead of fixed pre-set charge amounts, the AI dynamically determines the optimal driving force (voltage/current profile) and the exact charge injection amount required to achieve a desired optical state (e.g., a specific grayscale level or color saturation) with minimal energy consumption and maximum switching speed, while also compensating for film degradation over time. IoT sensors embedded in the display provide real-time feedback on the actual optical state and local film characteristics (e.g., impedance). The AI uses this feedback for closed-loop control and continuous model refinement (reinforcement learning). For instance, to achieve a 70% transmission, the AI might calculate a variable voltage profile and a precise charge target of 2.8 mC/cm², dynamically adjusting until the target is met.
graph TD
A[User Input/Desired State] --> B{AI Optimizer (Controller 105)};
C[EC Film IoT Sensors (Temp, Imp.)] --> B;
D[Optical Sensor Feedback] --> B;
B -- Optimized Driving Profile & Charge Target --> E[Power Output Control 302];
E --> F[Electrochromic Display Film];
F --> G[Charge Monitor];
G -- Charge Data --> B;
B -- Stop Signal --> E;
Claim 1, Derivative 5: Low-Power Fail-Safe Clear State
Axis: The "Inverse" or Failure Mode
Enabling Description:
This method incorporates a fail-safe mechanism for electrochromic films designed for privacy or shading applications, where the default (safe) state upon power failure or system error is a clear (maximum transmission) state. The electrochromic film system includes a dedicated, low-power energy storage unit (e.g., a supercapacitor) permanently connected to the film's driving circuitry via a bypass diode. Upon detection of a primary power supply failure or a critical system error (e.g., controller malfunction), the controller (105) (or a redundant fail-safe circuit) triggers an immediate, controlled charge injection from the supercapacitor into the electrochromic film to drive it towards its clear state. The charge injection process is managed by a simplified, low-power charge monitoring circuit that ensures only the precise amount of charge required for the clear state (e.g., 0 mC/cm² or a specific positive charge for clear state) is injected. This prevents the film from remaining in an undesirable dark or intermediate state if the primary power is lost, ensuring visibility or allowing maximum natural light entry.
stateDiagram
[*] --> Operational
Operational --> Power_Failure : Primary Power Lost
Operational --> System_Error : Controller/System Malfunction
Power_Failure --> Fail_Safe_Clear : Trigger Charge Injection from Supercap
System_Error --> Fail_Safe_Clear : Trigger Charge Injection from Supercap
Fail_Safe_Clear --> Monitoring_Clear_Charge : Injecting & Monitoring
Monitoring_Clear_Charge --> Clear_State : Pre-set Clear Charge Reached
Clear_State --> [*] : Stable Clear State
Claim 8 Derivatives: Method for Extracting Electric Charges
Claim 8: A method of changing an optical state of an electrochromic film, wherein the electrochromic film has a plurality of optical states, comprising: selecting a desired state of the plurality of optical states; extracting electric charges from the electrochromic film by a driving force, wherein the driving force includes voltage driving, current driving, and/or a combination of voltage driving and current driving; determining the driving force based on the desired state of the plurality of optical states; monitoring an amount of the electric charges extracted from the electrochromic film; and stopping extracting the electric charges when the electric charges reaches a pre-set amount corresponding to the desired state.
Claim 8, Derivative 1: Self-Powered Charge Extraction via Thermoelectric Generator
Axis: Material & Component Substitution
Enabling Description:
This derivative incorporates a thermoelectric generator (TEG) directly into the electrochromic device to facilitate charge extraction for changing the optical state, particularly from a dark to a clear state (reduction). The TEG is positioned to utilize temperature differentials across the smart window (e.g., indoor vs. outdoor, or sunlight-heated EC film vs. cooler interior). When a temperature gradient exists, the TEG generates a voltage and current. This self-generated power acts as the driving force for charge extraction from the electrochromic film (e.g., WO₃) via a specific circuit (e.g., buck converter with charge control). The controller (105) selects a desired clear state and determines if the TEG's output is sufficient. If so, it directs the TEG's output to extract charges. An integrated low-power charge monitor tracks the total extracted charge. When the cumulative extracted charge reaches the pre-set amount (e.g., -5 mC/cm² for a specific clear state), a switching circuit diverts the TEG power or disengages the extraction path, stopping the process. This enables autonomous clearing of the film without external power input.
graph TD
A[Temperature Gradient] --> B[Thermoelectric Generator (TEG)];
B --> C[Voltage/Current Regulator];
C --> D{Controller 105};
D -- Start Extraction --> E[Electrochromic Film 103];
E --> F[Charge Monitor];
F -- Extracted Charge Data --> D;
D -- Stop Extraction --> C;
G[Desired Clear State] --> D;
D -- Pre-set Charge Amount --> F;
Claim 8, Derivative 2: Multi-Stage Current Pulse Extraction for Uniform Clearing
Axis: Operational Parameter Expansion
Enabling Description:
To address potential non-uniformity during charge extraction, especially in large-area electrochromic films, this derivative utilizes a multi-stage current pulse extraction method. Instead of a single constant current, the controller (105) applies a sequence of progressively decreasing or varying current pulses. For example, an initial high-current pulse (e.g., -0.1 mA/cm² for 5 seconds) for bulk charge removal, followed by several lower-current, longer-duration pulses (e.g., -0.02 mA/cm² for 10 seconds, then -0.005 mA/cm² for 20 seconds) for fine-tuning and ensuring uniform clearing. The driving force is adjusted in real-time or according to a pre-defined profile. Each stage involves precise monitoring of the extracted charge. The process terminates when the total cumulative extracted charge across all stages reaches the pre-set amount for the desired optical state (e.g., 80% transmission, corresponding to -4 mC/cm² total extracted charge density). This method minimizes localized over-extraction or under-extraction, which can lead to "blotchy" clearing effects.
sequenceDiagram
participant C as Controller 105
participant P as Power Source
participant ECF as Electrochromic Film
participant CM as Charge Monitor
C->>P: Start High Current Pulse (Stage 1)
P->>ECF: Extract Current (Stage 1)
ECF->>CM: Report Instantaneous Current/Charge
loop until Stage 1 Charge Target Reached
CM->>C: Cumulative Charge Update (Stage 1)
end
C->>P: Start Medium Current Pulse (Stage 2)
P->>ECF: Extract Current (Stage 2)
ECF->>CM: Report Instantaneous Current/Charge
loop until Stage 2 Charge Target Reached
CM->>C: Cumulative Charge Update (Stage 2)
end
C->>P: Start Low Current Pulse (Stage N)
P->>ECF: Extract Current (Stage N)
ECF->>CM: Report Instantaneous Current/Charge
loop until Total Pre-set Charge Reached
CM->>C: Cumulative Charge Update (Stage N)
end
C->>P: Stop Extraction
ECF->>C: Optical State Achieved
Claim 8, Derivative 3: Dynamic Glare Control for Automotive Windshields
Axis: Cross-Domain Application
Enabling Description:
This derivative applies electrochromic films to automotive windshields for dynamic glare control. The desired optical state ranges from fully dark (minimal glare) to fully clear (maximum visibility). External light sensors (e.g., photometric sensors) and a camera system analyze the road ahead for bright light sources (e.g., oncoming headlights, low sun angle). The controller (105), integrated into the vehicle's infotainment or ADAS system, determines a localized "desired clear state" for specific regions of the windshield to block glare while maintaining visibility in other areas. The driving force for charge extraction (to increase transparency in the glare-affected region) is determined. This may involve pulsed voltage driving with negative polarity. An array of micro-coulometers or current sensors embedded in the windshield film monitors the extracted charge from each segmented region. When the pre-set amount of charge corresponding to the desired localized clear state (e.g., a specific light transmittance in the glare region) is reached, charge extraction for that segment is halted, ensuring safe and comfortable driving.
graph TD
A[External Light Sensors] --> B{Vehicle Controller 105};
C[Camera System (Glare Detection)] --> B;
D[Driver Preference Input] --> B;
B -- Desired Localized Clear State --> E[Segmented EC Windshield];
E -- Localized Charge Extraction --> E;
E --> F[Micro-Coulometer Array];
F -- Extracted Charge Data --> B;
B -- Stop Extraction (Per Segment) --> E;
E --> G[Visual Feedback to Driver];
Claim 8, Derivative 4: Predictive Maintenance for EC Smart Windows via IoT and Blockchain
Axis: Integration with Emerging Tech
Enabling Description:
This system integrates IoT sensors and blockchain technology for predictive maintenance and enhanced transparency in managing electrochromic smart windows. Each smart window (electrochromic film 103) is equipped with IoT sensors (temperature, humidity, cycle count, optical transmission) that continuously monitor its performance during charge extraction cycles. This data, along with the amount of extracted charges, is securely logged and timestamped onto a distributed ledger (blockchain). An AI module within the controller (105) analyzes the real-time IoT data and blockchain records to predict potential degradation patterns (e.g., slower clearing, increased charge required for a specific optical state). When a user selects a desired clear state, the AI dynamically determines the precise driving force and charge extraction amount needed, compensating for predicted degradation. Post-extraction, the actual performance (time to clear, power consumption) is also recorded on the blockchain. This distributed and immutable record allows for transparent warranty tracking, supply chain verification of components, and optimized maintenance scheduling, potentially triggering automated service requests if performance deviates significantly from specifications over time.
sequenceDiagram
participant User as User/Building Management
participant C as Controller 105 (with AI)
participant ECF as Electrochromic Film (with IoT Sensors)
participant CM as Charge Monitor
participant BC as Blockchain Network
User->>C: Select Desired Clear State
C->>ECF: Begin Charge Extraction (AI-optimized)
ECF->>CM: Report Extracted Current/Charge
CM->>C: Cumulative Extracted Charge
loop until Pre-set Charge Reached
ECF->>C: IoT Sensor Data (Temp, Optical State)
end
C->>ECF: Stop Extraction
C->>BC: Log Extraction Event (Charge, Time, Performance, IoT Data)
BC->>C: Confirmation of Log
C->>User: Optical State Achieved (and Predictive Maintenance Alert if needed)
Claim 8, Derivative 5: Emergency Response "Panic Clear" Mode
Axis: The "Inverse" or Failure Mode
Enabling Description:
This derivative implements an "Emergency Response" mode for electrochromic films used in public safety or secure environments, where rapid and complete clearing of the film is paramount during an emergency (e.g., fire, security breach). A dedicated, high-priority "Panic Clear" input (e.g., a physical button, remote signal from building management system) is connected to the controller (105). Upon activation, this mode overrides all other settings. The controller immediately applies a maximum permissible, high-current, short-duration negative voltage pulse (e.g., -5V to -10V, for <1 second) to rapidly extract all stored charges from the electrochromic film, driving it to its clearest possible state. A high-speed charge monitoring circuit quickly confirms the bulk charge extraction. While the precise pre-set amount for a standard desired state might be bypassed for speed, the system ensures maximal charge extraction to achieve near-full transparency. The driving force parameters are pre-calibrated for the fastest possible clearing, prioritizing speed over energy efficiency or fine-tuning, to ensure clear lines of sight for emergency personnel or escape routes.
stateDiagram
[*] --> Normal_Operation
Normal_Operation --> Panic_Clear_Triggered : Emergency Signal
Panic_Clear_Triggered --> High_Speed_Extraction : Apply Max Negative Pulse
High_Speed_Extraction --> Monitoring_Extraction : Fast Charge Monitoring
Monitoring_Extraction --> Fully_Clear_State : Near-Zero Charge (Max Clear)
Fully_Clear_State --> [*] : Emergency Cleared
Claim 15 Derivatives: Method for Adjusting Electric Charges to Pre-determined States
Claim 15: A method of changing an optical state of an electrochromic film, comprising: setting a plurality of pre-determined optical states of the electrochromic film; determining an amount of electric charges corresponding to each of the plurality of pre-determined optical states; selecting a desired state of the plurality of pre-determined optical states; and determining a driving force, wherein the driving force includes voltage driving, current driving, and/or a combination of voltage driving and current driving; adjusting an amount of electric charges within the electrochromic film to the determined amount of electric charges corresponding to the selected desired state.
Claim 15, Derivative 1: Bio-inspired Polymer-Ion Gel Electrolyte with CNT Electrodes
Axis: Material & Component Substitution
Enabling Description:
This derivative employs a bio-inspired polymer-ion gel electrolyte and Carbon Nanotube (CNT) transparent electrodes for robust and efficient electrochromic films. The polymer-ion gel electrolyte could be based on a cellulose derivative (e.g., carboxymethyl cellulose) matrix imbued with a highly conductive ionic liquid and specific redox mediators, mimicking natural ion transport mechanisms. The transparent electrodes (1310, 1312) are fabricated from highly porous, network-structured CNT films (e.g., by vacuum filtration or spray coating), offering high surface area and mechanical flexibility superior to ITO. A library of pre-determined optical states (e.g., 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 90% transmittance) is calibrated, and the exact amount of charge (injected or extracted) for each state is experimentally determined and stored in the controller (105). Upon selecting a desired state, the controller applies a precisely controlled current or voltage profile to adjust the charge within the film. For instance, to change from 25% to 75% transmittance, the controller calculates the net charge difference required (e.g., extraction of 3 mC/cm²) and applies the driving force until this specific charge amount is transferred, achieving the selected state.
graph TD
A[Pre-determined Optical States] --> B{Controller 105};
B -- Correlating Charge Amounts --> C[Charge Database];
B -- Desired State Selection --> C;
C -- Target Charge Amount --> B;
B -- Driving Force Determination --> D[Power Output Control 302];
D -- Adjust Charge --> E[EC Film (CNT Electrodes, Bio-inspired Electrolyte)];
E -- Charge Monitoring --> F[Coulometer];
F -- Actual Charge --> B;
B -- Stop Adjustment --> D;
Claim 15, Derivative 2: Cryogenic Operation for Scientific Instruments
Axis: Operational Parameter Expansion
Enabling Description:
This method adapts electrochromic films for use in cryogenic environments, such as within scientific instruments (e.g., space telescopes, particle detectors) requiring variable light attenuation at extremely low temperatures (e.g., -100°C to -200°C). The electrochromic film employs materials stable and active at these temperatures, such as specific inorganic materials (e.g., amorphous WO₃) and cryogenically stable solid-state electrolytes (e.g., a highly concentrated Li-ion salt in a glassy polymer matrix or ceramic-polymer composite). A plurality of pre-determined optical states (e.g., specific absorbance values for different wavelengths) is established at the target cryogenic temperature. The corresponding charge amounts are determined through extensive low-temperature characterization. When a desired optical state is selected by the instrument's control system, the controller (105) applies a specialized driving force (e.g., high-voltage, low-current pulses optimized for low-temperature ion mobility). A quantum charge-sensing circuit, resistant to cryogenic conditions, precisely monitors the minute amounts of charge adjusted within the film, halting the process when the determined charge amount for the desired state is achieved.
stateDiagram
[*] --> Initialize_Cryo_EC
Initialize_Cryo_EC --> Calibrate_Cryo_States : Determine Charge for Optical States @ -150C
Calibrate_Cryo_States --> Ready_for_Selection
Ready_for_Selection --> Select_Desired_State : Instrument Request
Select_Desired_State --> Determine_Driving_Force : Optimized for Cryo-EC
Determine_Driving_Force --> Adjust_Charge : High Voltage, Low Current Pulses
Adjust_Charge --> Monitor_Cryo_Charge : Quantum Charge Sensor
Monitor_Cryo_Charge --> Stop_Adjustment : Target Charge Reached
Stop_Adjustment --> Desired_Cryo_State_Achieved
Desired_Cryo_State_Achieved --> Ready_for_Selection
Claim 15, Derivative 3: Dynamic Shading for Art Conservation Displays
Axis: Cross-Domain Application
Enabling Description:
Electrochromic films are integrated into display cases for sensitive artwork and artifacts to provide dynamic and precise light exposure control for conservation purposes. A plurality of pre-determined optical states are set, corresponding to specific UV and visible light blocking percentages, which are determined based on the light sensitivity of the displayed art. For each state, the optimal electric charge amount to achieve that specific light attenuation is meticulously determined. A curator or automated gallery system selects a desired protection state (e.g., 99% UV block, 50% visible light transmittance). The controller (105) then calculates the necessary charge adjustment (injection or extraction) and applies the appropriate driving force (e.g., pulsed voltage or current). High-precision UV and visible light sensors, coupled with a coulometer, continuously monitor the light levels and the net charge adjusted within the film. The adjustment stops precisely when the film reaches the pre-set charge amount corresponding to the selected conservation state, minimizing light exposure while allowing controlled viewing.
graph TD
A[Art Conservation Database (Light Sensitivity)] --> B{Gallery Controller 105};
C[Curator/Automated Selection] --> B;
B -- Desired Conservation State --> D[Charge Calculation];
D -- Target Charge Amount --> B;
B -- Driving Force (Voltage/Current) --> E[Power Output Control 302];
E --> F[EC Display Case Film];
F --> G[UV/Visible Light Sensors];
F --> H[Coulometer];
G -- Light Levels --> B;
H -- Actual Charge --> B;
B -- Stop Adjustment --> E;
Claim 15, Derivative 4: IoT-Enabled Building Energy Management with Decentralized Control
Axis: Integration with Emerging Tech
Enabling Description:
This derivative applies the method to large-scale commercial buildings, where each electrochromic window (103) is an IoT node within a decentralized building energy management system. A building-wide set of pre-determined optical states is defined for energy efficiency (e.g., minimum solar gain, optimal daylighting, privacy tint). The corresponding charge amounts for these states are determined per window, considering individual window size and orientation. An intelligent building management system (BMS), distributed across local controllers (105) for each window zone, selects a desired state for each window based on real-time occupancy data (IoT sensors), external weather forecasts, and overall building energy consumption targets. The BMS determines the optimal driving force for each window's adjustment. Each local controller (105) then adjusts the charge within its assigned electrochromic film, precisely monitoring the charge until the determined amount for the selected state is reached. This decentralized approach improves responsiveness and resilience, allowing individual windows to react to local conditions while contributing to global energy goals.
graph TD
A[Global BMS] --> B{Local Controller 1 (Zone 1)};
C[Global BMS] --> D{Local Controller 2 (Zone 2)};
E[Occupancy Sensor (Zone 1)] --> B;
F[Weather Forecast] --> B;
B -- Desired State & Target Charge --> G[EC Window 1];
G -- Charge Adjustment --> H[Power Control 1];
H --> I[Charge Monitor 1];
I -- Feedback --> B;
B -- Stop --> H;
Claim 15, Derivative 5: Power-Harvesting Tunable Transparency with Dynamic Recalibration
Axis: The "Inverse" or Failure Mode
Enabling Description:
This derivative describes an electrochromic film system (103) that prioritizes energy self-sufficiency and gracefully degrades while maintaining functionality, potentially operating in a low-power mode through embedded power harvesting. The system integrates a thin-film photovoltaic (PV) array directly into the window frame, harvesting ambient light to power the electrochromic controller (105) and drive charge adjustments. A plurality of pre-determined optical states are initially set. However, a "dynamic recalibration" feature is introduced to handle potential long-term film degradation or variations in power harvesting. Periodically, or upon detection of significant environmental changes, the controller runs a diagnostic cycle, which might involve driving the film to its extreme clear and dark states using minimal power, measuring the actual charge-optical state relationship, and updating the "determined amount of electric charges" for each pre-determined state. In low-power situations (e.g., continuous cloudy days reducing PV output), the system automatically defaults to a "limited functionality" mode, offering a reduced number of optical states (e.g., only fully clear, 50% tint, and fully dark) that require minimal charge adjustments, or extends switching times to conserve energy.
stateDiagram
[*] --> Startup
Startup --> Power_Harvesting_Active
Power_Harvesting_Active --> Normal_Operation : Sufficient Power
Normal_Operation --> Select_Desired_State
Select_Desired_State --> Adjust_Charge_and_Monitor
Adjust_Charge_and_Monitor --> Desired_State_Achieved
Power_Harvesting_Active --> Low_Power_Mode : Insufficient Power
Low_Power_Mode --> Limited_Functionality : Offer fewer states / slower response
Normal_Operation --> Recalibration_Triggered : Periodic / Degradation Detected
Recalibration_Triggered --> Dynamic_Recalibration : Re-map Charge-State Relationship
Dynamic_Recalibration --> Normal_Operation
Combination Prior Art Scenarios
These scenarios combine the teachings of US 10,539,851 with existing open-source standards, demonstrating how the patent's core methods could be made obvious in conjunction with readily available technological knowledge.
US 10,539,851 (Claims 1, 8, 15) + MQTT Protocol (OASIS Open Standard):
- Scenario: A smart home or building automation system uses electrochromic windows. The methods described in US 10,539,851 for changing the optical state by injecting/extracting charges based on pre-set amounts are implemented. The communication between the central smart home controller (e.g., a Raspberry Pi running Home Assistant) and individual electrochromic window controllers (105) is facilitated by the MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) protocol. MQTT is an open-source messaging protocol widely used for IoT devices.
- How it makes obvious: A PHOSITA would find it obvious to integrate the charge-controlled electrochromic functionality of US 10,539,851 into an existing IoT ecosystem by leveraging a standard lightweight messaging protocol like MQTT. The "selecting a desired state" (Claims 1, 8, 15) or "adjusting an amount of electric charges" (Claim 15) commands would be published as MQTT messages, and the "monitoring an amount of electric charges" (Claims 1, 8) data would be subscribed to by the central controller. This combines the core control logic with a standard, well-known communication method.
US 10,539,851 (Claims 1, 8, 15) + Modbus TCP/IP (Open Industrial Standard):
- Scenario: Industrial-scale electrochromic glazing in a factory or large warehouse for daylight harvesting or thermal management. The methods of US 10,539,851 are used to adjust the optical states of large electrochromic panels. The control system for these panels utilizes Modbus TCP/IP for communication with a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) or Distributed Control System (DCS). Modbus TCP/IP is an open, widely adopted standard for industrial control systems.
- How it makes obvious: For a PHOSITA in industrial automation, it would be straightforward to apply the charge-based control methods of US 10,539,851 to industrial electrochromic installations by using Modbus TCP/IP. The PLC/DCS would send Modbus commands to the electrochromic panel's driver (105) to set desired optical states (which correspond to pre-set charge amounts). The driver would respond with status updates, including monitored charge levels, using Modbus registers. This directly combines the charge adjustment methods with a standard industrial communication and control framework.
US 10,539,851 (Claims 1, 8, 15) + Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4 standard):
- Scenario: A mesh network of electrochromic window blinds or shades in a residential or small commercial setting. Each blind/shade incorporates an electrochromic film controlled by the methods of US 10,539,851. These individual devices communicate wirelessly using the Zigbee protocol (based on IEEE 802.15.4), forming a self-healing mesh network for reliable control from a central hub or smartphone application.
- How it makes obvious: A PHOSITA in consumer electronics or smart home technology would find it obvious to deploy electrochromic films controlled by charge injection/extraction (per US 10,539,851) within a wireless mesh network utilizing Zigbee. The "selecting a desired state" commands would be transmitted via Zigbee from a hub, and the local electrochromic controller (105) on each blind would execute the charge adjustment, potentially reporting its current optical state and charge via Zigbee back to the hub. This integrates the core method claims with an established, low-power, short-range wireless communication standard common in smart environments.
Generated 5/19/2026, 6:04:47 AM