BACKGROUND

[0001] Innovative building materials provide several benefits within modern architectural design. For example, innovative insulation products have increased thermal efficiency of buildings and, in some cases, increased sound insulating properties between rooms. Similarly, technological advances in lighting technology have significantly increased the life of light bulbs, while at the same time dramatically decreasing the power requirements of the light bulbs.

[0002] Some advances in building technology address both aesthetic and functional aspects within architectural design. For example, smart glass is a glass material or film that is switchable between a transparent state and an opaque state. Smart glass provides the ability to let natural light enter a room in a transparent state or to increase privacy within a room by exhibiting an opaque state. Similarly, smart glass can be used to increase the power efficiency of a building by adjusting opacity based upon temperature and sun location. For example, an exterior smart glass window may remain transparent when the temperature within a building is cooler than desired. The transparent window allows sunlight to naturally heat up the air within the building. Once a desired temperature is achieved, the smart glass window increases the opacity of the window causing excess light and heat from the sun to be blocked.

[0003] While smart glass is associated with several significant design improvements, it is also associated with potential dangers and difficulties. For example, a smart glass window necessarily is associated with a voltage applied to the glass or a film on the glass. The voltage increases the risk of inadvertent electrocution if the glass is damaged or becomes wet. Additionally, routing electric cables to smart glass windows is both cumbersome and expensive. Accordingly, there are several problems within the conventional art that need to be addressed.

[0004] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments disclosed herein include modular wall systems, smart glass controllers and methods for operating such. In one embodiment, a modular wall system is provided which includes a frame with at least one horizontal stringer extending from a first side of the frame to a second side of the frame. The modular wall system also includes first connectors positioned on a horizontal stringer and a decorative smart glass pane which itself includes second connectors configured to attach to the first connectors on the horizontal stringer. The second connectors and the first connectors physically attach the decorative smart glass pane to the modular wall system.

[0006] A power connector is also included in the modular wall system. The power connector is configured to receive a direct current (DC) input voltage from a power source. A power inverter converts the DC input voltage to an alternating current (AC) voltage of less than a threshold maximum number of volts. Furthermore, a smart glass surface is included in the system. The smart glass surface is in communication with an output of the inverter, and is operable at a voltage less than the threshold maximum.

[0007] In another embodiment, a smart glass controller is provided. The smart glass controller includes a structural platform configured to interconnect various smart glass controller components. An inverter is disposed on the structural platform and is configured to convert a direct current (DC) input voltage to an output alternating current (AC) voltage. The smart glass controller further includes a smart glass surface in communication with the output AC voltage.

[0008] The smart glass surface has an associated opacity level, and is operable at less than a threshold maximum voltage. The opacity level of the smart glass surface is adjustable according to the frequency of the AC voltage. The smart glass controller also includes a control device in communication with the inverter and the smart glass surface. The control device allows the frequency of the AC voltage to be adjusted and thereby control the opacity of the smart glass.

[0009] In another embodiment, a method for controlling opacity in a smart glass surface is provided. The method includes interconnecting smart glass controller components to a structural platform, converting a DC input voltage to an output AC voltage using an inverter disposed on the structural platform, initializing a control device in communication with the inverter and the smart glass surface, where the control device is configured to change the frequency of the AC voltage and thereby control the opacity of the smart glass surface, receiving an input indicating a desired opacity level for the smart glass surface, and adjusting the frequency of the AC voltage such that the smart glass surface reaches the desired opacity level.

[0010] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0011] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the teachings herein. Features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] In order to describe the manner in which the above -recited and other advantages and features can be obtained, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting in scope, embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0013] Figure 1 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a low-voltage power supply for a smart glass wall panel.

[0014] Figure 2 depicts an assembled view of an embodiment of a low-voltage power supply for a smart glass wall panel.

[0015] Figure 3 depicts a top view of a smart glass controller that is installable in a modular wall system.

[0016] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate a smart glass wall panel with a controller that changes the opacity of the smart glass.

[0017] Figure 5 illustrates a smart glass panel with a controller and corresponding circuitry installed on a smart glass pane.

[0018] Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method for controlling opacity in a smart glass surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Embodiments disclosed herein include modular wall systems, smart glass controllers and methods for operating such. In one embodiment, a modular wall system is provided which includes a frame with at least one horizontal stringer extending from a first side of the frame to a second side of the frame. The modular wall system also includes first connectors positioned on a horizontal stringer and a decorative smart glass pane which itself includes second connectors configured to attach to the first connectors on the horizontal stringer. The second connectors and the first connectors physically attach the decorative smart glass pane to the modular wall system.

[0020] A power connector is also included in the modular wall system. The power connector is configured to receive a direct current (DC) input voltage from a power source. A power inverter converts the DC input voltage to an alternating current (AC) voltage of less than a threshold maximum number of volts. Furthermore, a smart glass surface is included in the system. The smart glass surface is in communication with an output of the inverter, and is operable at a voltage less than the threshold maximum.

[0021] In another embodiment, a smart glass controller is provided. The smart glass controller includes a structural platform configured to interconnect various smart glass controller components. An inverter is disposed on the structural platform and is configured to convert a direct current (DC) input voltage to an output alternating current (AC) voltage. The smart glass controller further includes a smart glass surface in communication with the output AC voltage.

[0022] The smart glass surface has an associated opacity level, and is operable at less than a threshold maximum voltage. The opacity level of the smart glass surface is adjustable according to the frequency of the AC voltage. The smart glass controller also includes a control device in communication with the inverter and the smart glass surface. The control device allows the frequency of the AC voltage to be adjusted and thereby control the opacity of the smart glass.

[0023] In another embodiment, a method for controlling opacity in a smart glass surface is provided. The method includes interconnecting smart glass controller components to a structural platform, converting a DC input voltage to an output AC voltage using an inverter disposed on the structural platform, initializing a control device in communication with the inverter and the smart glass surface, where the control device is configured to change the frequency of the AC voltage and thereby control the opacity of the smart glass surface, receiving an input indicating a desired opacity level for the smart glass surface, and adjusting the frequency of the AC voltage such that the smart glass surface reaches the desired opacity level

[0024] Systems and apparatuses disclosed herein include control circuitry for smart glass installations. In at least one embodiment, the control circuitry and smart glass are integrated into a modular wall system. For example, the smart glass may comprise a portion of a decorative panel mounted to a modular wall frame. The smart glass is configurable to switch between a transparent and an opaque state based upon a voltage that is applied to the smart glass.

[0025] In at least one embodiment, the control circuitry comprises a power supply that is specially configured to operate at lower voltage levels than conventional smart glass power supplies. For example, in at least one embodiment, the smart glass is driven by a power supply that ranges from 6V to 32V DC. The power supply may be located within a modular wall system and may be plugged into the smart glass control circuit. The control circuit comprises an inverter that is configured to convert the input DC voltage to an output AC voltage of less than 60V. In at least one embodiment, the inverter outputs less than 24V AC.

[0026] In various additional or alternative embodiments, the lower voltage level provides significant technological and usage benefits. For example, the lower voltage level provides increased safety in the case of a broken smart glass pane or an inadvertently exposed wire. Similarly, lower voltage provides for easier installation because less certifications and safety precautions are required when dealing with low voltage components. Accordingly, disclosed embodiments provide various advances to smart glass installations within modular wall systems.

[0027] Turning now to the figures, Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a low voltage power supply 112 for a smart glass wall panel 100. The low voltage power supply 112 may be included within a portion of the smart glass control circuit (see Figures 3 and 5). The depicted low voltage power supply 112 includes power supply lines 110 and various control circuitry (see Figure 4) that is configured to drive the smart glass wall panel 100.

[0028] The power supply lines 110 include respective positive and negative power lines that provide power directly from a power outlet or from a transformer that is connected to a power outlet. In the case that the power supply lines 110 connect directly to an outlet, the low voltage power supply 112 may include an integrated transformer that steps down the input voltage to a voltage of less than 60V AC. In the case that the power supply lines 110 are received from a transformer, the input voltage may comprise a voltage ranging from 6V DC to 32V DC.

[0029] The control circuitry may comprise micro controllers, or other processing units, that are configured to control various aspects of the voltage that is applied to the smart glass 106. For example, a control circuit may be a micro controller that adjusts the oscillation frequency of the voltage that is applied to the smart glass 106. In at least one embodiment, the AC voltage is applied to the smart glass 106 at a frequency of 50 Hz. Various experiments and tests have shown that particular ranges of frequencies perform better than others. For instance, some frequencies at voltage levels less than 60V may cause the smart glass to flicker as opposed to maintaining a steady transparent or opaque state. To avoid undesirable flicking, control circuitry includes a controller that allows a user to adjust the input. The input may allow the user to tune the frequency of the AC voltage. For instance, after installing the smart glasses within a modular wall, the user may adjust the frequency of the AC voltage using the input in order to eliminate flickering and/or change the opacity of the smart glass from a transparent state to an opaque state, or vice versa.

[0030] Similarly, in at least one embodiment, control circuit may include a micro controller for controlling the output voltage at the smart glass 106. For instance, as additional loads are put onto a power supply, input current and voltage may change. In order to maintain safe voltage operating parameters, it may be necessary for the control circuit to adjust characteristics of the low voltage power supply 112 such that the voltage at the smart glass 106 does not exceed the desired output. For example, control circuit may adjust the low voltage power supply 112 to maintain an output voltage of 24V plus or minus one volt. Similarly, the control circuit 130b may control the voltage output by enforcing a ceiling, such that that the voltage is prevented from exceeding 24V.

[0031] As depicted, in at least one embodiment, the low voltage power supply 112 is physically manufactured on a circuit that is substantially the same width as a smart glass pane and is elongated to stretch along at least a portion of a pane edge. Additionally, the power supply lines 110 may be configured to attach to at least a portion of the pane edges adjacent to the low voltage power supply 112.

[0032] The described and depicted circuitry configuration allows for easy and safe installation of a decorative smart glass pane 114 within a modular wall system. For example, positioning the low voltage power supply 112 and power supply lines 110 along an edge of the smart glass pane allows a user to easily attach (or detach) the decorative smart glass pane to a modular wall system without damaging the circuitry. Additionally, positioning the low voltage power supply 112 along an edge of a smart glass pane allows the power supply lines 110 to connect to power lines that run along frame elements in the modular wall system.

[0033] As such, disclosed embodiments allow a smart glass pane 114 and a low voltage power supply 112 to be treated as a unitary component within a modular wall system. Installing the smart glass pane 114 only requires plugging the integrated low voltage power supply 112 into a power line within the modular wall system and then attaching the smart glass pane to a frame 101 within the modular wall system 100. The installation process can be safely and quickly performed without the use of special electrical protection or inspection. The low voltage power supply 112 for the smart glass wall panel may include various modules, capacitors, diodes, and other circuit components for providing desired voltage levels, current levels, and frequencies to the smart glass pane 114. While the depicted circuit schematic comprises specific values and discrete component- types, one of skill in the art will understand that different types and values of discrete circuit components can be equivalently used.

[0034] In at least one embodiment, the low voltage power supply 112 comprises an inverter that is configured to receive an input voltage ranging from 6V to 24V. Similarly, the inverter is configured to output, to the smart glass, a voltage of less than 60V. In particular, in at least one embodiment, the output voltage is less than 24V. Additionally, the low voltage power supply 112 comprises circuitry for controlling the frequency of the output voltage, as described above.

[0035] In general, Figure 1 depicts an exploded view of a modular wall system 100 with a smart glass pane 114, while Figure 2 depicts an assembled view of the modular wall system 100. The modular wall system 100 comprises smart glass panes (e.g. 114) positioned between two horizontal end frames 102 A and 102C. Additionally, a horizontal stringer (e.g. 102B) may extend between two vertical side frames (e.g. 104). The horizontal stringers or frames also hold edges of the smart glass pane 114. In at least one embodiment, the horizontal edge frames comprise one or more connectors in the form of a channel that extends along at least a portion of the length the horizontal edge frame and that is configured to receive an edge of a smart glass pane 114. Similarly, an edge of the smart glass pane 114 may also be a connector that is configured to be inserted into the crevasse within horizontal edge frames.

[0036] A power line 110 runs vertically along an edge of the two vertical end frames 104. The power line also runs along a horizontal stringer 102B and connects to the low voltage power supply 112 that is positioned along the edge of the smart glass pane 114. An electrical interface 115 connects the power line in the vertical end frame to the power line in the horizontal stringer 102B. As such, the smart glass pane 114 can be easier removed from the modular wall system 100 and placed in a different position. In particular, removing or adding a smart glass pane 114 to the modular wall system only requires removing the smart glass pane and associated low voltage power supply 112. The smart glass pane 114 may be attached to another horizontal stringer with an integrated power line. The power line can be connected to the low voltage power supply 100 and the smart panel can be activated.

[0037] Accordingly, in various embodiments, the smart glass can be added to or removed from a modular wall system using an integrated low voltage power supply. The low voltage power supply allows smart glass panes 114 to be easily and safely removed from and reinstalled in a modular wall system without requiring special inspecting or configuration of high- voltage power lines.

[0038] The embodiments described herein may comprise or utilize a special purpose or general-purpose computer including computer hardware, as discussed in greater detail below. Embodiments within the scope of the present invention also include physical and other computer-readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and/or data structures. Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer system. Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions are physical storage media. Computer-readable media that carry computer-executable instructions are transmission media. Thus, by way of example, and not limitation, embodiments of the invention can comprise at least two distinctly different kinds of computer-readable media: physical computer-readable storage media and transmission computer-readable media.

[0039] Physical computer-readable storage media includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD- ROM or other optical disk storage (such as CDs, DVDs, etc), magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.

[0040] Alternatively, or in addition, the functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Program-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Program-specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), etc.

[0041] One embodiment of a modular wall system 100 includes a frame 101 that has at least one horizontal stringer 102B extending from a first side of the frame to a second side of the frame. The horizontal stringer may divide various sections of the modular wall system. For instance, some sections may have smart glass that can change between being transparent and opaque, and other sections may have normal (i.e. non-smart) glass. The horizontal stringers may be part of the frame 101 or may be separate supporting structures that divide the various sections.

[0042] The modular wall system 100 also includes connectors 115 positioned on at least one horizontal stringer that will allow power from corresponding connectors to reach the smart glass pane 114. Indeed, the decorative smart glass pane 114 may have one or more connectors (e.g. 304 of Figure 4) that attach to the connectors 115 on the horizontal stringer 102B. These connectors 115 and 304 may both physically and electrically attach the decorative smart glass pane to the modular wall system 100. A power connector 301 may be provided which receives a direct current (DC) input voltage from a power source (e.g. a wall power outlet), and a power inverter 302 converts the convert the DC input voltage to an alternating current (AC) voltage of less than a threshold maximum number of volts (e.g. 32 volts). This AC voltage is then provided to the smart glass surface 106, which is operable at a voltage less than the threshold maximum.

[0043] The frame 101 may be a free-standing frame, and may include vertical and horizontal frame sections (102A and 104, respectively). Each frame section may have supports 105 that abut the glass panel 114 and hold the panel in place relative to the frame 101. Other, potentially optional equipment such as a leveler assembly 109, a carpet gripper piece 113, a base track 108 and a base trim piece 111 may also be included in the modular wall system 100. The modular wall system 100 receives power via a power line 110 from a power source, which then goes to a low voltage power supply 112 that is part of the circuitry 302 that powers and controls the smart glass. This circuitry may include microcontrollers 303 or other (potentially wireless) actuators or controls that regulate current flow from the power source to the smart glass. The controller may, for example, limit the threshold maximum number of volts to 60 volts, or potentially to 38 volts.

[0044] The controller also allows the frequency of the AC voltage sent to the smart glass pane 114 to be controlled. As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, a controller 401 may be part of the modular wall system 100. The controller may have physical buttons, knobs, switches or other control mechanisms that change various effects of the system. For instance, the controller 401 may have a button that turns the smart glass pane 114 on or off, as well as a knob that allows a user to change the frequency of the AC voltage sent to the smart glass pane 114. Changing the frequency changes the opacity of the smart glass. Thus, as shown in Figure 4A, when the controller sets the AC voltage frequency to a specific value, the smart glass is transparent and, as shown in Figure 4B, when the controller is set to an alternate value, the smart glass becomes semi-opaque, or entirely opaque.

[0045] The controller 401 may be used to adjust various characteristics of the power source including frequency, voltage level, on or off status. In some cases, a controller may be used to control different sections of smart glass. Thus, for example, if a modular wall system included multiple different smart glass panes (e.g. 114), the controller 401 may be able to control each pane separately. The controller 401 may control the smart glass via a wired connection or, in some embodiments, may control the smart glass using a wireless connection that connects to a wireless radio among the smart glass circuitry. As such, a user may use an application on a phone or other mobile device to enter control commands that are carried out on the smart glass, including controlling frequency, voltage level and on or off status. Such an application may allow a user to control the smart glass for a plurality of different modular wall systems.

[0046] The user may be restricted in how much control he or she has over the voltage level or frequency. For instance, the voltage level may be limited by the threshold maximum number of volts. This keeps the smart glass pane safe for use even in a shower or bathroom scenario where water may be present. The user may be given a range in which the smart glass surface operates, and may change the voltage within that specified voltage range. This range may have a floor and ceiling which represent high and low values beyond which the device is not permitted to operate. This ensures that the modular wall system 100 maintains safe voltage operating parameters during use.

[0047] The smart glass pane 114 may be powered by a continuous connection (e.g. a wall power outlet) or, in some cases, via a battery. The power source may be external to the modular wall system 100, or may be part of the circuitry shown in Figures 3 and 5. For instance, the power line 110 may connect to a power supply that is part of the modular wall system (e.g. 112), or may connect to an external power supply. Thus, the power source may be physically manufactured on a circuit that is substantially the same width as the smart glass pane, and is elongated to stretch along at least a portion of a panel edge. Accordingly, as shown in embodiment 500 of Figure 5, the circuit board 501 is manufactured to be the same (or smaller) width than the smart glass pane 502. In this manner, the circuit board 501 can be affixed to the smart glass pane 502 along any edge of the pane. This makes the modular wall system 100 even more flexible in where and how it can be installed.

[0048] The circuit board 501 can connect to the smart glass pane 502 using connectors 503 (or 304 of Figure 3). These connectors apply the current from the power supply to the smart glass elements. Again, the amount of current or voltage applied may be controlled using controller 401. The power supply lines 110 for the power supply 112 are configured to attach to at least a portion of the smart panel edges adjacent to the power supply. Thus, as shown in Figure 1, the power supply lines 110 may run along an edge of the frame 101, and run along or beneath the horizontal stringer 102B to the power supply for that modular wall system. Each modular wall system may have the power lines run in a different way, and may have the circuit board with the power supply affixed in a different position on the window pane. This flexibility allows the modular wall panels described herein to be installed in a variety of different situations and configurations, and allows the installer flexibility to rotate, reposition or move the power supply (and associated circuitry) as needed to accommodate a given room or area.

[0049] In another embodiment, a smart glass controller is described. The smart glass controller (e.g. 401 of Figure 4) includes a structural platform that interconnects one or more smart glass controller components. This structural platform may be a circuit board such as the circuit board 305 of Figure 3 or circuit board 501 of Figure 5. The circuit board may include an inverter 302 disposed thereon, which is configured to convert a direct current (DC) input voltage to an output alternating current (AC) voltage. Typically, this AC voltage will be 60 volts or less. The smart glass controller 401 electrically connects to a smart glass surface 106 and thereby provides the output AC voltage to the smart glass. The output voltage and frequency determine the opacity of the smart glass. The controller 401 may be used to adjust the frequency of the AC output signal such that any flickers in the opacity of the smart glass are reduced or removed.

[0050] The smart glass surface 106 is designed to operate at less than a threshold maximum voltage (e.g. 60 volts, or 32 volts). Within the range between zero and the threshold maximum, the user may adjust the opacity level of the smart glass surface by controlling frequency of the AC voltage. The smart glass controller 401 (or "control device") is in communication with the inverter and with the smart glass surface and, as such, the control device allows the frequency of the AC voltage to be adjusted and thereby control the opacity of the smart glass.

[0051] In some embodiments, the smart glass (or at least a portion thereof) may be constructed out of polymer-dispersed liquid crystals. These polymer-dispersed liquid crystals allow the smart glass to operate at a very low operating voltage, making the system safe for operation even near water. In some cases, the DC input voltage may be a voltage ranging from 6 volts to 24 volts, and the output AC voltage may be a voltage of 24 volts or less. The smart glass surface may thus be operable at less than 24 volts, and may still function as intended to change the smart glass opacity from transparent to semi-opaque to opaque. In some cases, the output AC voltage may be set to a frequency of 50 hertz, while in other cases, the frequency may be set higher or lower than 50 hertz.

[0052] Figure 6 describes a method 600 for controlling opacity in a smart glass surface. The method 600 includes interconnecting smart glass controller components (e.g. 302, 303) to a structural platform 305 of Figure 3 (610). Next, the method 600 includes converting a DC input voltage to an output AC voltage using an inverter disposed on the structural platform (620), and initializing a control device in communication with the inverter and the smart glass surface (630). The control device is configured to change the frequency of the AC voltage and thereby control the opacity of the smart glass surface. The method 600 further includes receiving an input indicating a desired opacity level for the smart glass surface (640), and adjusting the frequency of the AC voltage such that the smart glass surface reaches the desired opacity level (650).

[0053] In method 600, the smart glass surface 106 is operable at less than a threshold maximum voltage (e.g. less than 30 or less than 24 volts). The control device implemented in the method can control various electrical components that are part of the circuit board 305. For instance, the control device can control the power source, allowing more or less voltage to be output in the AC voltage that is output from the inverter. The control device may also adjust other characteristics of the power source, to keep the voltage at the smart glass surface operating within a specified safe voltage range. For instance, the control device may implement and enforce a ceiling, so that the voltage is not allowed to exceed a specified threshold maximum number of volts.

[0054] In some embodiments, after the system has received control inputs from a user and has selected a specified AC output voltage and frequency, the system may receive another, subsequent input indicating a different desired opacity level for the smart glass surface. The control device can then adjust the frequency of the AC voltage in a manner that causes the smart glass surface to reach the new desired opacity level. Accordingly, a user may repeatedly change the opacity of the smart glass pane 114 as they desire. The smart glass pane 114 may thus be used in a modular wall system where the glass pane has its own power source and controller. As such, the modular wall system 100 can be easily installed or removed from an installation and installed in another location. Moreover, the capability to operate at very low voltages allows the modular wall system to be installed in many locations where smart glass installations were previously prevented due to safety precautions.

[0055] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.