US 2,014,236,323 · Filed 2013-02-21
The Smart Window That Predicts Sunshine Before It Hits Your Desk
Imagine windows that automatically darken or clear based on where the sun will be in the future. This patent describes a system that predicts how sunlight will penetrate a room and adjusts tintable (electronically controlled) glass to keep you comfortable — before you even feel the heat or glare.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers a method for controlling electronically tintable windows by predicting future tint levels based on the depth sunlight will penetrate into a room and the type of space being occupied. What's protected here is the specific process of forecasting sunlight patterns and automatically sending tint adjustment instructions to the window over a network in response to that prediction.
Why it matters
This patent protects a core technology for smart buildings that adapt to occupants in real time. By automating window tint based on sunlight forecasting rather than simple light sensors, the system anticipates comfort needs and energy efficiency — reducing the need for blinds, curtains, or manual adjustment while lowering heating and cooling costs. View, Inc. has positioned itself as a leader in dynamic glass technology for commercial and residential buildings.
Real-world use
When you walk into an office building on a sunny morning, the windows gradually shift from clear to tinted as the sun tracks across the sky, keeping your desk comfortable without you touching a single switch.
Original USPTO abstract
A method of controlling tint of a tintable window to account for occupant comfort in a room of a building. The tintable window is between the interior and exterior of the building. The method predicts a tint level for the tintable window at a future time based on a penetration depth of direct sunlight through the tintable window into the room at the future time and space type in the room. The method also provides instructions over a network to transition tint of the tintable window to the tint level.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 2,014,236,323
- Filing date
- 2013-02-21
- Grant date
- Application — not yet granted
- Assignee
- View, Inc.
- Inventor(s)
- BROWN STEPHEN C., KHOWAL DEEPIKA, VORA NAMRATA, PHILLIP SANTOSH V.
- CPC class
- G02F1/163
Want to file your own patent?
If you're designing smart home or building automation features, use our free patentability scanner to check whether your control method or user interface might overlap with existing protections in the smart glass space.
Free patentability scan