US 10539851

US Patent 10,539,851, titled "Method for changing states of electrochromic film," was issued to Lannray Optoelectronics Zhenjiang Co Ltd, with inventors Jian Wang and Yan Zhou. The patent was filed on March 6, 2018, and issued on January 21, 2020. Its priority date is also March 6, 2018.

Abstract:
The patent describes a method for changing the optical state of an electrochromic film, which has multiple optical states. The method involves selecting a desired optical state, injecting or extracting electric charges into or from the film, monitoring the amount of injected or extracted charges, and stopping the charge transfer when the pre-set amount corresponding to the desired state is reached.

Independent Claims Overview:

• Claim 1 (Method for injecting charges): This claim describes a method for changing the optical state of an electrochromic film by injecting electric charges. The process involves selecting a desired optical state, determining a driving force (which can be voltage driving, current driving, or a combination), injecting charges using this driving force, monitoring the injected charge amount, and stopping the injection when a pre-set amount corresponding to the desired state is reached.
• Claim 8 (Method for extracting charges): Similar to Claim 1, this claim outlines a method for changing the optical state by extracting electric charges. It includes selecting a desired optical state, determining a driving force (voltage, current, or a combination), extracting charges using this force, monitoring the extracted charge amount, and stopping the extraction when a pre-set amount for the desired state is achieved.
• Claim 15 (Method for adjusting charges to pre-determined states): This claim describes a method where a plurality of pre-determined optical states are set, and the corresponding amount of electric charges for each state is determined. A desired state is then selected, a driving force is determined, and the amount of electric charges within the electrochromic film is adjusted to the determined amount for the chosen desired state.

CAFC 2026 Dockets:
A search of CAFC 2026 dockets for US patent 10,539,851 did not yield any specific cases directly involving this patent number. The search results included various other patent-related cases from 2026 but none for 10,539,851.

As of April 26, 2026, there is no known litigation involving US Patent 10,539,851. My previous search of CAFC 2026 dockets for this patent number did not yield any specific cases.

A search on "Unified Patents Portal" for US patent 10,539,851, which covers patent litigation in District Courts, Supreme Court, United States Court of Federal Claims, CAFC, and ITC, did not return any litigation cases for this specific patent number. This indicates that Unified Patents, an organization dedicated to deterring patent abuse through various activities including invalidity contests and administrative patent reviews, has not identified or pursued litigation related to US 10,539,851.

Proceedings overview

There is one active AIA trial proceeding on file for US Patent 10,539,851. This Inter Partes Review (IPR) is currently pending, meaning no claims have been invalidated or sustained by the PTAB yet. The defensive posture for a defendant facing assertion of this patent is that the patent is currently undergoing challenge, with an IPR petition recently filed.

IPR2026-00367 — Ambilight Inc v. Lannray Optoelectronics Zhenjiang Co Ltd

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2026-05-18
• Status: Pending. This IPR was very recently filed and is in its initial stages, awaiting a decision on institution.
• Judge panel: Information regarding the assigned judge panel is not yet publicly available for this recently filed IPR.
• Petition grounds: Details of the claims challenged, prior art asserted, and statutory bases (§ 102 / § 103 / § 112) for the petition are not yet publicly available or have not been processed into searchable databases due to the very recent filing date.
• Institution decision: Not yet issued. The PTAB typically has several months to decide whether to institute an IPR after the preliminary response.
• Final Written Decision: Not applicable; an institution decision has not yet been issued.
• Settlement / termination: Not applicable; the proceeding is in its early stages.
• Appeal: Not applicable; an appeal to the Federal Circuit can only occur after a Final Written Decision.
• Defensive value: As this IPR is merely pending, it signifies that the patent's validity is currently under challenge. For a defendant, this means potential invalidation grounds are being explored, but no claims have been affected yet. The outcome of this IPR could significantly impact future assertion strategies.

Strategic summary

Currently, all claims of US Patent 10,539,851 (claims 1-20) are UNTESTED by a Final Written Decision from the PTAB. There are no claims that have been CANCELED or SUSTAINED through an AIA trial proceeding to date. The sole IPR (IPR2026-00367) is in its very nascent stages, with the petition having been filed only yesterday.

Regarding the estoppel landscape, since no institution decision has been rendered, there is no estoppel under § 315(e)(2) for the petitioner Ambilight Inc or its privies at this time. Should the IPR be instituted and proceed to a Final Written Decision, estoppel would apply to any claims addressed by the decision, preventing the petitioner from raising grounds that were raised or reasonably could have been raised in a subsequent civil action or ITC proceeding. For any other potential defendant not privy to Ambilight Inc, the full scope of prior-art grounds remains available.

There are no apparent pattern signals such as multiple IPR filings by the same petitioner or aggressive PTAB appeals by the patent owner, as this is the first and only reported AIA trial proceeding for this patent. Similarly, there is no indication of a defensive aggregator like Unified Patents in the chain for this specific patent.

Recommended next steps

Given that IPR2026-00367 is in its earliest stage:

• Monitor the PTAB docket for IPR2026-00367 closely to ascertain the specific grounds of unpatentability asserted by Ambilight Inc and to track key procedural events. The patent owner, Lannray Optoelectronics Zhenjiang Co Ltd, will likely file a preliminary response.
• The institution decision is a critical milestone, as it will determine which claims (if any) proceed to trial. The deadline for the institution decision is typically six months after the preliminary response, or six months after the petition filing if no preliminary response is filed.
• Review the petition once it becomes publicly available to understand the strength of the invalidity arguments presented. This will inform whether a defensive strategy could align with or benefit from the IPR's progress.

There is no PTAB activity beyond this recently filed IPR, meaning the patent has not been subjected to prior administrative review. The absence of previous IPRs on a patent that has been issued since January 2020 could be a signal that it has not been widely asserted or deemed a high-value target for invalidation by others until now.

Proceedings overview

There is one active AIA trial proceeding on file for US Patent 10,539,851. This Inter Partes Review (IPR) is currently pending, meaning no claims have been invalidated or sustained by the PTAB yet. The defensive posture for a defendant facing assertion of this patent is that the patent is currently undergoing challenge, with an IPR petition recently filed.

IPR2026-00367 — Ambilight Inc v. Lannray Optoelectronics Zhenjiang Co Ltd

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2026-05-18
• Status: Pending. This IPR was very recently filed and is in its initial stages, awaiting a decision on institution.
• Judge panel: Information regarding the assigned judge panel is not yet publicly available for this recently filed IPR.
• Petition grounds: Details of the claims challenged, prior art asserted, and statutory bases (§ 102 / § 103 / § 112) for the petition are not yet publicly available or have not been processed into searchable databases due to the very recent filing date.
• Institution decision: Not yet issued. The PTAB typically has several months to decide whether to institute an IPR after the preliminary response. Since October 20, 2025, the USPTO Director decides whether to institute IPR and post-grant review (PGR) trials.
• Final Written Decision: Not applicable; an institution decision has not yet been issued.
• Settlement / termination: Not applicable; the proceeding is in its early stages.
• Appeal: Not applicable; an appeal to the Federal Circuit can only occur after a Final Written Decision.
• Defensive value: As this IPR is merely pending, it signifies that the patent's validity is currently under challenge. For a defendant, this means potential invalidation grounds are being explored, but no claims have been affected yet. The outcome of this IPR could significantly impact future assertion strategies.

Strategic summary

Currently, all claims of US Patent 10,539,851 (claims 1-20) are UNTESTED by a Final Written Decision from the PTAB. There are no claims that have been CANCELED or SUSTAINED through an AIA trial proceeding to date. The sole IPR (IPR2026-00367) is in its very nascent stages, with the petition having been filed only on May 18, 2026.

Regarding the estoppel landscape, since no institution decision has been rendered, there is no estoppel under § 315(e)(2) for the petitioner Ambilight Inc or its privies at this time. Should the IPR be instituted and proceed to a Final Written Decision, estoppel would apply to any claims addressed by the decision, preventing the petitioner from raising grounds that were raised or reasonably could have been raised in a subsequent civil action or ITC proceeding. For any other potential defendant not privy to Ambilight Inc, the full scope of prior-art grounds remains available.

There are no apparent pattern signals such as multiple IPR filings by the same petitioner or aggressive PTAB appeals by the patent owner, as this is the first and only reported AIA trial proceeding for this patent. Similarly, there is no indication of a defensive aggregator like Unified Patents in the chain for this specific patent.

Recommended next steps

Given that IPR2026-00367 is in its earliest stage:

• Monitor the PTAB docket for IPR2026-00367 closely to ascertain the specific grounds of unpatentability asserted by Ambilight Inc and to track key procedural events. The patent owner, Lannray Optoelectronics Zhenjiang Co Ltd, will likely file a preliminary response.
• The institution decision is a critical milestone, as it will determine which claims (if any) proceed to trial. The deadline for the institution decision is typically six months after the preliminary response, or six months after the petition filing if no preliminary response is filed.
• Review the petition once it becomes publicly available (e.g., on the USPTO PTAB Open Data Portal) to understand the strength of the invalidity arguments presented. This will inform whether a defensive strategy could align with or benefit from the IPR's progress.

There is no PTAB activity beyond this recently filed IPR, meaning the patent has not been subjected to prior administrative review. The absence of previous IPRs on a patent that has been issued since January 2020 could be a signal that it has not been widely asserted or deemed a high-value target for invalidation by others until now.

Inventors

• Jian Wang
• Yan Zhou

At the time of filing, the inventors assigned their interest to Furcifer Inc. (effective date 2018-02-01, recorded 2018-03-06) [cite: "2018-03-06 Assigned to Furcifer Inc.", Reel 045125/0158].

Original assignee

Furcifer Inc. was a Silicon Valley-based startup, incorporated in Delaware in July 2015, dedicated to developing and manufacturing next-generation flexible electrochromic films for smart glass applications in architectural, automotive, and display markets. They aimed to offer low-cost technology using wet-processable solid polymer materials and high-speed roll-to-roll printing. Furcifer Inc. was an operating company actively engaged in product development and strategic partnerships.

As of May 7, 2024, Furcifer Inc. assigned US Patent 10,539,851 to Lannray Optoelectronics Zhenjiang Co Ltd [cite: Reel 067353/0192], indicating that Furcifer Inc. no longer owns this specific patent. Their current operational status post-assignment is not definitively detailed in the provided information.

Assignment timeline

• 2018-02-01 (executed) / recorded 2018-03-06 — Reel 045125/0158

  • Conveyance: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST
  • Assignor: WANG, JIAN; ZHOU, YAN (Inventors)
  • Assignee: FURCIFER INC.
  • Correspondent: Information not available in the provided patent text or Google Patents legal events.
  • Context: Initial assignment of patent rights from the individual inventors to the original corporate assignee, Furcifer Inc.

• 2024-05-07 (executed) / recorded 2024-05-08 — Reel 067353/0192

  • Conveyance: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST
  • Assignor: Furcifer Inc.
  • Assignee: LANNRAY OPTOELECTRONICS (ZHENJIANG) CO. LTD.
  • Correspondent: Information not available in the provided patent text or Google Patents legal events.
  • Context: Transfer of patent ownership from the original operating company assignee, Furcifer Inc., to Lannray Optoelectronics Zhenjiang Co Ltd.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 10539851
    2018 : Filed by Furcifer Inc (from inventors)
    2020 : Issued
    2024 : Assigned to Lannray Optoelectronics Zhenjiang Co Ltd

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — Unclear. The initial assignment was from the inventors to Furcifer Inc., which was an operating startup. The subsequent transfer was to Lannray Optoelectronics Zhenjiang Co Ltd (Reel 067353/0192). While the assignee's name suggests an operating company in the optoelectronics sector (Zhenjiang being a Chinese city), the provided data does not offer direct evidence of this entity shipping products embodying the claims of US 10,539,851. Therefore, it is not definitively clear if this transfer is to a licensing-only shell entity.
2. Known asserter in the chain — Not present. Neither Furcifer Inc. nor Lannray Optoelectronics Zhenjiang Co Ltd are identified on common public NPE lists.
3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — Unclear. Correspondent information, including attorney name, firm, and address, is not provided in the source patent text or Google Patents legal events for either recorded assignment.
4. Cascading transfers — Not present. Only one post-initial assignment is recorded (Reel 067353/0192), which does not constitute multiple consecutive assignments within a short timeframe.
5. Pre-litigation transfer — Not present. No litigation involving US Patent 10,539,851 has been identified as of May 19, 2026, meaning there is no pre-litigation transfer signal.
6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — Not present. There is no information in the provided data suggesting that Furcifer Inc. filed for bankruptcy.
7. Privateering — Unclear. There is no available information to indicate that this transfer represents a privateering arrangement where Furcifer Inc. is secretly funding assertion by Lannray Optoelectronics Zhenjiang Co Ltd.
8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — Not present. Lannray Optoelectronics Zhenjiang Co Ltd is not a recognized defensive aggregator like RPX, AST, LOT Network, or Unified Patents.

Verdict

Insufficient data. While the original assignee, Furcifer Inc., was an operating company in the electrochromic film sector, the patent was subsequently assigned to Lannray Optoelectronics Zhenjiang Co Ltd (Reel 067353/0192). The name of the current assignee suggests an operating company, but without explicit confirmation of their product shipments embodying the claims, or the presence of other typical NPE pattern signals (such as recurring correspondents or known NPE entities in the chain), a definitive determination regarding an NPE assertion or operating-company assertion cannot be made.

USPTO Assignment Center search page for verification: https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/patent/index.html

I am unable to retrieve the abstracts and detailed descriptions for the cited prior art patents using the available search tools. Therefore, I cannot provide a brief description for each reference or assess which claims of US10539851 they potentially anticipate under 35 U.S.C. § 102.

However, I can list the patent citations as provided in US Patent 10,539,851:

Most Relevant Prior Art (Based on available information for US10539851):

1. US5138481A

   • Full Citation: US5138481A - Electrochromic device with color gradient and method of making the device
   • Publication Date: 1992-08-11
   • Priority Date: 1991-07-23
   • Assignee: Ford Motor Company
   • Brief Description: Cannot be retrieved with current tools.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Cannot be assessed without a brief description.

2. US5365365A

   • Full Citation: US5365365A - Electrochromic system with measurement of charge to be transferred
   • Publication Date: 1994-11-15
   • Priority Date: 1992-04-30
   • Assignee: Saint Gobain Vitrage International
   • Brief Description: Cannot be retrieved with current tools. However, based on the title "Electrochromic system with measurement of charge to be transferred," this patent appears to be highly relevant to the claims of US10539851 concerning monitoring and stopping charge transfer based on a pre-set amount.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Cannot be fully assessed without a brief description, but the title suggests strong relevance to the "monitoring an amount of electric charges" and "stopping injecting/extracting when electric charges reaches a pre-set amount" steps in claims 1, 8, and 15 of US10539851.

3. US20040150867A1

   • Full Citation: US20040150867A1 - Electrochromic counter electrode
   • Publication Date: 2004-08-05
   • Priority Date: 2001-08-07
   • Assignee: Se-Hee Lee
   • Brief Description: Cannot be retrieved with current tools.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Cannot be assessed without a brief description.

4. US20160202590A1

   • Full Citation: US20160202590A1 - Driver for electrochromic glass unit
   • Publication Date: 2016-07-14
   • Priority Date: 2015-01-12
   • Assignee: Kinestral Technologies, Inc.
   • Brief Description: Cannot be retrieved with current tools. However, based on the title "Driver for electrochromic glass unit," this patent appears to be relevant to the "driving force" aspect mentioned in claims 1, 8, and 15 of US10539851.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Cannot be fully assessed without a brief description, but the title suggests relevance to the driving mechanisms for electrochromic films.

5. US20170298682A1

   • Full Citation: US20170298682A1 - Integration of electrochromic films on a substrate
   • Publication Date: 2017-10-19
   • Priority Date: 2016-04-15
   • Assignee: Furcifer Inc.
   • Brief Description: Cannot be retrieved with current tools. This patent is explicitly referenced within US10539851 (U.S. Ser. No. 15/399,852) for describing the "integration of the electrochromic film 103 with the window."
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Cannot be assessed without a brief description. Based on its title and internal reference in US10539851, it likely describes the structural integration of the electrochromic device rather than the method of changing its optical state by charge control, making it less likely to anticipate the method claims (1, 8, 15) directly, but possibly providing context for the electrochromic film itself.

I am unable to provide a comprehensive obviousness analysis under 35 U.S.C. § 103 because I lack the detailed descriptions and full teachings of the cited prior art patents (US5138481A, US5365365A, US20040150867A1, US20160202590A1, US20170298682A1) [cite: "I am unable to retrieve the abstracts and detailed descriptions for the cited prior art patents using the available search tools. Therefore, I cannot provide a brief description for each reference or assess which claims of US10539851 they potentially anticipate under 35 U.S.C. § 102."].

A proper obviousness analysis requires an understanding of what each prior art reference teaches, so that one can determine:

1. What claims or elements of US 10,539,851 are present in the prior art.
2. Why a person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA) would have been motivated to combine specific references.
3. How such a combination would render the claims of US 10,539,851 obvious, providing a reasonable expectation of success.

While the titles of some references, such as "Electrochromic system with measurement of charge to be transferred" (US5365365A) [cite: "US5365365A - Electrochromic system with measurement of charge to be transferred"] and "Driver for electrochromic glass unit" (US20160202590A1) [cite: "US20160202590A1 - Driver for electrochromic glass unit"], suggest relevance to the core concepts of charge control and driving forces in US 10,539,851's claims (e.g., claims 1, 8, and 15), inferring a complete teaching and motivation to combine solely from titles would be speculative and not meet the standard for an obviousness analysis. Without access to the full content of these documents, I cannot accurately identify specific combinations, articulate the motivation for a PHOSITA to combine them, or explain how such combinations would lead to the claimed invention with a reasonable expectation of success.

For US Patent 10,539,851, here's a detailed breakdown of its patent term information and related applications:

Patent Term Adjustments (PTA) and Extensions (PTE)

• Patent Term Adjustment (PTA): The patent was filed on March 6, 2018, and issued on January 21, 2020. PTA can be granted to compensate for delays by the USPTO during the prosecution of a patent application. Delays can include the USPTO failing to issue a first Official Action within 14 months of filing, failing to respond to an applicant's reply within four months, or failing to issue the patent within three years of the filing date or four months of paying the issue fee. The patent text does not explicitly state the amount of PTA granted. However, the USPTO automatically determines and issues a notice of PTA with the patent.
• Patent Term Extension (PTE): PTE is available under the Hatch-Waxman Act for patents claiming products that require regulatory approval (e.g., human and veterinary pharmaceuticals, food additives, color additives, and medical devices) to restore patent term lost during the regulatory review process. There is no indication within the patent document or the provided search results that US10539851 covers a product subject to regulatory review that would qualify it for PTE.

Continuation and Divisional Applications

• Continuation Applications: US Patent 10,539,851 is itself a patent granted from application number US15/913,669, filed on 2018-03-06. The patent text also lists several "Priority Applications" and "Applications Claiming Priority". It has a related "Continuation-In-Part" application: US16/747,353, which later issued as US11386865B2, with a priority date of 2018-03-06 and a filing date of 2020-01-20.
• Divisional Applications: A divisional application is filed to pursue an invention that was not chosen in a parent application, typically to overcome a restriction requirement from the examiner. The provided information does not explicitly state if US10539851 is a divisional application or has any divisional applications claiming priority from it.
• Related Family Members: The patent family includes several national and international applications claiming priority from the same March 6, 2018, date:
  • US15/913,669 (US10539851B2 itself)
  • EP19160709.2A (EP3537211A1)
  • CN201910168235.4A (CN110231742A)
  • US16/747,353 (US11386865B2)
  • US17/750,277 (US11694649B2)

Projected Expiration Date

For utility patents filed on or after June 8, 1995, the general patent term is 20 years from the earliest filing date of the application or any application for which a benefit is claimed.

• Filing Date: March 6, 2018.
• Priority Date: March 6, 2018.

Based on the 20-year term from the filing date, without any adjustments, the patent would expire on March 6, 2038. The Google Patents legal status section also indicates an "Anticipated expiration" date of "2038-03-06". Any PTA would extend this date, while a terminal disclaimer could shorten it. The provided information does not indicate the existence of any terminal disclaimers.

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.