| Claims
[1] A screen module for screening, shading, and decoration, said screen module is made of materials, featuring visual illustration, formed by openings in said screen module, said openings allow the passage of light from one side of the screen module to the other, said screen module can be mounted against existing surfaces, without requiring either an integral or an additional extraneous structural system to position itself in a certain order in space but the existing surface, and be either permanent or transient; transient in the sense it can be removed and repositioned easily without leaving a trace behind, the design of said screen module, proportions of openings in said screen module, layering arrangement, colors, colors shades, surface for mounting, and mounting side could be predetermined to adapt to specific requirements, said screen module comprising: one or more layers of predetermined size of decorative opaque shape, said shape is either continuous, or composed of segments put together by way of connection, said shape forming the module body, and referred to as "veins"; openings formed in each layer of said module body; the sides of the veins, would be those faces revealed when the openings are formed in the body of the module, and hence would reflect the depth of each layer; lines of symmetry around which the said screen module is duplicated or reflected; attaching element, if required, for connecting the segments to form said module body, attaching element, if required, connecting the layers of said screen module to each other; attaching elements for mounting said screen module to said surfaces.
[2] The screen module of claim 1 , wherein said "requirements" comprise the adaptation to critical clock times of particular latitude, longitude, GMT time zone, DST (Daylight Savings Time), orientation and climate conditions on one hand, and to the occupant use of space, period of occupancy, lighting and shading objectives, and decorative preferences, on the other hand.
[3] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "requirements" comprise decoration, atmosphere rendering, and alleviating claustrophobic related stress by creating a sense of a space beyond.
[4] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "requirements" comprise either one of the following: decoration; atmosphere rendering; glare moderation; contrast and intensity reducing; improvement of light distribution; view obscuring from exterior to interior, while allowing some degree of view to the exterior; latitude, longitude, GMT time zone, DST (Daylight Savings Time), orientation, climate, use of space, period of occupancy and personal preferences customized shadowing in accordance with site-specific critical clock times; energy savings by reducing the cooling and heating loads on the mechanical system; alleviating claustrophobic related stress, by creating the sense of a space beyond.
[5] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "requirements" comprise decoration and atmosphere rendering.
[6] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "surface of attachment" can be either one of the following: an interior element, an element which is part of the exterior building envelope, or an element, which is part of the exterior.
[7] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "surface of attachment" is vertical and planar.
[8] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "surface of attachment" comprise surfaces tilted in a plurality of angles, and curved with a plurality of shapes and radiuses both vertically, horizontally or combinations thereof.
[9] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "surfaces" can comprise but are not limited to: glazing, wire mesh, fences, mirrors, solid surfaces, furniture surfaces, such as cabinets doors, transparent, semitransparent or solid, partitions of various types and forms, sheers, and curtains.
[10] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "materials" comprise a plurality of materials, which are lightweight, Mold proof, recyclable, and environmentally friendly.
[11] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "materials" comprise paper pulp.
[12] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "materials" comprise polymer clay.
[13] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "materials" comprise foam rubber.
[14] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "materials" comprise flexible PCCR
(Proprietary Closed Cell Resin).
[15] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "materials" comprise bamboo.
[16] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "materials" comprise wicker.
[17] The screen module of claim 1, further comprising mounting said screen module against an existing surface as one unit amongst a group of screen modules.
[18] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said size of a single screen module can vary depending on the design, the personal preferences of the user, and the light and shadow strategy as related to the critical clock times particular to latitude and orientation, and whose acceptable maximum size would be determined by any size, which would allow safe securing of the module to the surface without compromising the integrity of the attaching element, and without causing the failure of said attaching element to support the load.
[19] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "veins" can be either of constant predetermined width or of varied width within a single said screen module. [20] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "veins" can be filled, when viewing each single said vein in a cross section. [21] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "veins" can be hollow (air pocket), when viewing each single said vein in cross section, said hollow section is beneficial for weight reduction of said screen module, and for enhanced thermal insulation. [22] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "visual illustration" can comprise but is not limited to a plurality of patterns and/or images and/or texts, formed by openings in said screen module. [23] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "visual illustration" can comprise a pattern, which owing to the modular nature of said screen unit, and owing to their morphological properties, when positioned next to each other, some of the designs can complete an entire new ornamental pattern. [24] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "certain order in space" can comprise a plurality of tessellation manners and extents ranging from covering the entire surface to covering only a predetermined portion of said surface. [25] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "certain order in space" can comprise tessellating the whole surface. [26] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "certain order in space" can comprise tessellating the lower portion of the window up to the shoulders height. [27] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "certain order in space" can comprise tessellating one strip in the center of the surface. [28] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "certain order in space" can comprise tessellating one vertical strip on a portion of the surface. [29] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "certain order in space" can comprise tessellating the center portion of a surface. [30] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "certain order in space" can comprise tessellating the perimeter of the surface, forming an inner frame. [31] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "certain order in space" can comprise tessellating different surface shapes. [32] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "certain order in space" can comprise tessellating vaulted opening along its upper arc with the screen units. [33] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "certain order in space" comprise tessellating the surface with one type of screen module, wherein said type comprises a particular material and/or colors, and/or color shades, and/or proportions, and/or features particular pattern. [34] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "certain order in space" can comprise combinations of more than one type of screen module on one surface, wherein said type comprises a particular material and/or colors, color shades, and/or proportions, and/or features particular pattern.
[35] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "connection" (of said segments) comprises the use of a thread or glue, or dry connections, or any other adequate connection.
[36] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "attaching element" (of said layers to each other) comprises the use of a thread or glue, or dry connections, or any other adequate connection.
[37] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "attaching element" (to said surface) comprises any mounting method, which achieve the objective of secure attachment and allow removal and repositioning without leaving a trace behind.
[38] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "attaching element" (to said surface) comprises any mounting method, which achieves the objective of secure and permanent attachment.
[39] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "attaching element" (to said surface) comprise miniature hooks for securing said screen module to the existing surfaces.
[40] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "attaching element" comprise a transparent bi-adhesive for securing said screen module to the existing surfaces.
[41] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "attaching element" comprise an attaching element with a predetermined depth for securing said screen module to the existing surfaces with a predetermined distance apart from said surfaces.
[42] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "colors" and "colors shades" comprise a choice of wide spectrum, and a variety of shades, hues and intensities as desirable in which ever manner and combination desirable on either exposed face or sides of the screen module.
[43] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "colors" and "colors shades" comprise the application of dark color on the side of said screen module facing the interior and on the sides of said 'veins', and light color on the side facing the exterior, the purpose of said colors shades is triple: Firstly, light colors on the side facing the exterior serve a climatic role: by reflecting most lengths of the sunlight waves back into the exterior, the screen module contributes toward maximum reduction in light and heat gain during the summer, and so contributes toward Energy savings by reducing the cooling load on the mechanical system; secondly, by applying light color to the exterior facing side of the screen module, and dark color to its interior facing side the screen module functions as a one directional view filter, said light color on the exterior facing side serves to obscure the view from the exterior into the interior, and as opposed to the effect of vision obscuring when the direction of gaze is from the exterior to the interior - when looking through the same screen module from the interior in the direction of the exterior the effect is this of seeing a relatively clear image of the exterior when in the foreground we see the patterned silhouette of the screen module; thirdly, maintaining the interior facing side and the sides of the veins dark colored would also serve to reduce the glare and achieve visual comfort when the gaze is turned in the direction of the window / opening / surface.
[44] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "colors" and "colors shades" comprise the application of white color on the sides of said veins of said screen module to achieve improved light distribution into the interior of the space.
[45] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "mounting side" of said screen module is swapped between the interior side of the surface and its exterior in accordance with the hot and cold periods of the year, in such a manner that during the warm months of each year said screen module mounting side would be the exterior side of the glazing, wire mesh or any other surface, so as to reflect and/or block the sunlight most effectively prior to its admittance into the space, and during the cold months of the year said screen module recommended mounting side would be the interior face of said surface with the lighter colored side facing the exterior as before, so as to allow the sun radiation to penetrate the space, and hence to encourage heat gain through passive solar heating, in doing so contributing toward Energy savings.
[46] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "mounting side" of said screen module comprise different choices of side of mounting including but not limited to mounting the screen module on a single side of said surface the entire year.
[47] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "mounting side" of said screen module comprise different choices of side of mounting including but not limited to mounting the screen module on both sides of said surface.
[48] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "openness percentage" is the total area of openings in the face of said screen module, divided by its total area, and can range between 1% and 99% in an inclusive manner.
[49] The screen module of claim 1, wherein said "layers" comprise one or more layers, which can each be shifted relatively to each other in a calculated measure and direction to reach the desirable angle for shadow at said critical clock time.
[50] The screen module of claim 1 can be either adjustable or customized, wherein adjustable, means the screen module is provided as a uniformly manufactured element, and adding layers of the screen module to obtain the desired depth, and trimming the leftovers units, which protrude beyond the treated surface, achieve the adjustment to any specific lighting and shading strategy of any geographical location, latitude, longitude, GMT time zone, DST (Daylight Savings Time), orientation, use of space, period of occupancy, and user preferences, and customized, means the variables of the screen module, such as its colors, openings' maximum uninterrupted width, openings' maximum uninterrupted height, number of layers, and total depth are predetermined to suit a specific lighting and shading strategy, said strategy is specific to site specific data, which comprise: geographical location, latitude, longitude, GMT time zone, DST (Daylight Savings Time), orientation, and said strategy is further specific to use of space, period of occupancy, and user preferences, and the screen module is produced accordingly.
[51] The screen module of claim 1, further attached to a surface a predetermined distance from a second surface behind it, with either natural or artificial source of lighting in between, said screen module can thus alleviate claustrophobic related stress, by creating the sense of a space beyond, said surface of attachment can be either transparent or a grid, said surface of attachment further assumes the status of an existing surface; the use of said screen module can be applied in elevators, basements, shelters, and a plurality of spaces.
[52] The use of said screen module of claim 1, comprise at least one of the following: decoration; atmosphere rendering; glare moderation; contrast and intensity reducing; improvement of light distribution; view obscuring from exterior to interior, while allowing some degree of view to the exterior; latitude, longitude, GMT time zone, DST (Daylight Savings Time), orientation, and climate customized shadowing in accordance with site-specific data, use of space, occupancy period(s), and critical clock times; energy savings by reducing the cooling and heating loads on the mechanical system; alleviating claustrophobic related stress, by creating a sense of a space beyond.
[53] A process of calculation, design and production of screen module aimed at adapting said screen module to the lighting conditions of specific critical clock times of particular latitude, longitude, GMT time zone, DST (Daylight Savings Time), orientation and climate conditions on one hand, and to the occupant use of space, period of occupancy, lighting and shading objectives, and decorative preferences, on the other hand, said process yields the design of said screen module, the width, height, and depth of said screen module with respect to openings in the visual illustration bearing the maximum uninterrupted W, (width), and / or maximum uninterrupted H, (height), the number of layers said screen module would be composed of, the vertical and horizontal shift of the layers relative to each other, the colors, the colors shades, the surface for mounting, and the mounting side; said process comprising: collection of site specific data; selecting openness percentage; selecting the preferable visual illustration to be defined by the openings in said screen module; determination of lighting and shading strategy as pertains to critical clock times around the year particular to the visited latitude, longitude, GMT time zone, DST (Daylight Savings), orientation, and climatic conditions; calculation process for width, height, and depth of maximum size openings in said visual illustration; optimization to further reduce the depth of the screen module; determination of colors, colors shades, surface for mounting, and mounting side; application of final design of said screen module through production.
The following terminology and notations apply in the process of calculation: an overhang is any obstruction perpendicular to the surface for shading, which is in direct continuation above an imaginary vertical line spanning between two opposite ends of an opening in the pattern; the fin is any obstruction perpendicular to the surface for shading, which is in direct continuation to either side of an imaginary horizontal line, spanning between two opposite ends of an opening in the pattern; α is the solar azimuth originating in the South, positive to the East and negative to the West, and culminating at 180° or -180° respectively in the North; β is the solar altitude starting as 0° in the perimeter of the circle diagram (horizon), and culminating at 90° in its center; δ is the absolute value of the angle between the normal to the visited surface and the solar azimuth; and all said angles pertain to critical clock time(s) of a visited location, said location is charachterised by latitude, longitude, GMT time zone, DST (Daylight Savings), orientation, and climatic conditions; ω is the horizontal size of the desired shade projection for the critical time at question, hence it is equal to any predetermined portion of W, said W being the greatest uninterrupted distance between two points along an imaginary horizontal line, said points located on two opposite ends of an opening in the visual illustration of said screen module; h is the vertical size of the desired shade projection for the critical time at question, hence it is equal to any predetermined portion of H, said H being the greatest uninterrupted distance between two points along an imaginary vertical line, said points located on two opposite ends of an opening in the visual illustration of said screen module; D denotes the depth of the Overhang, and D denotes the depth of the fin. [54] The process of claim 53, wherein said "site specific data" comprise: space function; use of space, occupancy period; air-conditioning method; the visited orientation; the latitude, longitude, GMT time zone, and DST (Daylight Savings Time) for the location at question; climatic conditions of said location: minimum and maximum temperatures around the average year, relative humidity around the year, rainfall or snow, prevailing winds, and altitude, and daily peak of 'solar irradiance' or 'insolation' (kW/m2) around the year.
[55] The process of claim 53, wherein said "openness percentage" is defined as a ratio obtained, when dividing the total area of openings in said visual illustration of said screen module by its total area, the consideration of said openness percentage in said process is such that if relatively high levels of solar irradiance daily peak characterize the visited location - visual illustrations, which bear smaller openness percentage, are recommended, and albeit, greater openness percentages are allowed for locations characterized by relatively low levels of solar irradiance daily peak; additional considerations in the determination of openness percentage comprise the use of space and its lighting requirements as well as the user preferences.
[56] The process of claim 53, wherein said "visual illustration" is defined by the openings in said screen module, and comprise the incorporation of four variables: the visual illustration according to the personal preference of the user; said openness percentage ratio obtained, when dividing the total area of openings in said visual illustration of said screen module by its total area; W being the greatest distance between two points along an imaginary horizontal line, said points located on two opposite ends of an opening in the visual illustration of said screen module; H being the greatest distance between two points along an imaginary vertical line, said points located on two opposite ends of an opening in the visual illustration of said screen module.
[57] The process of claim 53, wherein said "lighting and shading strategy" comprise the following steps: Firstly, definition of desirable Lighting and Shading strategy, and hatching the required area for shading on the pertaining Stereographic Sun Path Diagram; Secondly, overlapping the plan view of a scaled largest width single opening with the sun path diagram as follows: align center of interior side of opening with center of Stereographic Sun Path Diagram; rotate the opening surface so it's oriented at the visited orientation with normal / perpendicular to center of opening aligned with the visited orientation; the opening shading obstructions project toward the visited orientation. Thirdly, addition of any pertaining relevant information such as prevailing winds directions; Fourthly, determination of the critical clock time(s) for shading being those times at which we would like to obtain shadow to a predetermined extent and to a predetermined period(s) of the year based among other variables on user preferences, the use of the space, and the hours and periods of year it is used, and based on additional said site specific data, which include, among others, the latitude, longitude, GMT time zone, DST (Daylight Savings Time), the orientation, and the daily peak of solar irradiance around the year.
[58] The process of claim 53, wherein said "critical clock times" can comprise one or more critical clock times of one or more days around the year; The critical clock times for shadow, are those hours posing further extreme lighting conditions during the clock times of the day, during which shadow was required, said further extreme lighting conditions would require deeper obstructing projection in order to provide a predetermined measure of shadow; it is possible, for example, that we selected to have shadow between 8AM and 6PM each day, but later than IPM the visited orientation would no longer be exposed to direct sunlight; consequently, the sun position for any clock time from IPM till 6PM would no longer play any role in affecting the depth of the obstruction projection; the applicable clock times would hence be narrowed down to the clock times between 8AM and IPM; Among the group of applicable clock times we would take into consideration clock times, during which we would evidence either a relatively low measure of β, (solar altitude), or relatively reduced measure of δ (The angle as projected on a horizontal plane between the normal to the visited surface and the solar azimuth) or both; the comparison is made with the corresponding angles, β, and δ , for all applicable hours of the critical day; normally, two hours would be sufficient, but it is possible to select more than two, and even recommended for purpose of accuracy.
[59] The process of claim 53, wherein said "critical day" may be more than one, and in which case it is possible that the solar angles for both or more critical days, although in the same range, would vary slightly; clock times characterized by β, (solar altitude), and δ (the angle as projected on a horizontal plane between the normal to the visited surface and the solar azimuth) values, which are closer to the normal to the visited surface would yield deeper shading obstructions, and would be referred to as causing "further extreme lighting conditions" as compared with lower values of the same. One way to reach the determination as to which is the critical day posing further extreme lighting conditions is by substituting the values for α, (the solar azimuth originating at the South, and culminating at 180° inthe North, and being positive to the East and negative to the West), β, and δ into the pertaining formulas for D and D for each critical hour of both or more critical days: For the depth of the Overhang: h • cos δ tan/? For the depth of the Fin: ω
D n = tan|<?|
For convenience all values can be arranged in a table arranged in the following manner: from lest to right the following columns are ordered: Critical Day; Critical Clock Time; α°; β°; lδ°l; ω(cm); h(cm); D (cm); D (cm); Recorded D(cm); Final D(cm). From top to bottom the following rows are introduced: Day x (Under the Critical Day column); Critical Clock Time t (Under the Critical Clock Time Column); Critical Clock Time k (Under the Critical Clock Time Column); Day y (Under the Critical Day column); Critical Clock Time t (Under the Critical Clock Time Column); Critical Clock Time k (Under the Critical Clock Time Column). It is important to note that the number of Critical Days and the pertaining number of Critical Clock Times are subject to the determination of the person conducting the calculation process, and can be more than one or two. The Recorded D for each critical time would be this D among D and D , which is of lesser measure; the Final D would for each critical day would be this D among the Recorded D values, which is of greater measure; as mentioned above, this day which poses further extreme lighting conditions, would eventually yield greater depth or Final D value; depending on the climatic conditions characterizing the visited location - we may choose to accept or reject this day - in which we evidence the greatest D value yielded; for example if the greatest D value is the product of a day belonging to a period of the year during which over cast and foggy conditions exist - enlarging the shading obstruction would not be desirable; in such a condition we may prefer to utilize solar values of the day which present the lesser extreme lighting conditions; other example in which rejection of the day bearing further extreme lighting conditions can be found when the visited location is characterized by cold climate; the day presenting further extreme lighting conditions may belong to a cold period of the month, in such a case, allowing greater amounts of direct sunlight might prove to be more energy efficient as opposed to providing the complete predetermined measure of shadow; the reason for that is that relatively greater amount of direct sunlight can serve for passive solar heating and hence contribute to energy savings by alleviating the load for heating off of the mechanical systems; cases where we may accept the critical day, posing further extreme lighting conditions, is when said day belongs to a period of the year characterized by warm temperatures, and clear sky; in such conditions opting for complete shade adapted to said day may prove more energy efficient, since it would alleviate the load for cooling off of the mechanical system, and hence contribute toward energy savings; Each case would have to be considered individually as demonstrated above; and eventually the solar angles of the critical day opted for at the end of the comparison and culling process illustrated above would serve for purpose of the pursuing calculation process, said calculation process yielding the various dimensions of the screen module.
[60] The process of claim 53, wherein said "process of calculation" comprise a combination of a graphic tool: The Stereographic Sun Path Diagram for the latitude under question, and trigonometric formulas: For the depth of the Overhang: h ■ cos δ\ tan/?
For the depth of the Fin: ω
D 11 = tan|£|
Where an overhang is any obstruction perpendicular to the surface for shading, which is in direct continuation above an imaginary vertical line spanning between two opposite ends of an opening in the pattern; the fin is any obstruction perpendicular to the surface for shading, which is in direct continuation to either side of an imaginary horizontal line, spanning between two opposite ends of an opening in the pattern; α is the solar azimuth originating in the South, positive to the East and negative to the West, and culminating at 180° or -180° respectively in the North; β is the solar altitude starting as 0° in the perimeter of the circle diagram (horizon), and culminating at 90° in its center; δ is the absolute value of the angle between the normal to the visited surface and the solar azimuth; and all angles pertain to a critical clock time as reflected in said Stereographic Sun Path Diagram; ω is the horizontal size of the desired shade projection for the critical time at question, hence it is equal to any predetermined portion of W, said W being the greatest distance between two points along an imaginary horizontal line, said points located on two opposite ends of an opening in the visual illustration of said screen module; h is the vertical size of the desired shade projection for the critical time at question, hence it is equal to any predetermined portion of H, said H being the greatest distance between two points along an imaginary vertical line, said points located on two opposite ends of an opening in the visual illustration of said screen module ; Solve for D, (depth of overhang or fin), in both formulas for each critical clock time individually; for each separate critical clock time we would obtain two D values; the smaller value would be retained, and henceforth referred to as: "Recorded D value"; once we listed all Recorded D values, we would choose that, which is the greatest as the Final D value, since the screen module would have uniform depth throughout.
[61] The process of claim 53, wherein said "optimization" comprise: Once we listed all Recorded D values, we would choose that, which is the greatest as the Final D value, since the screen module would have uniform depth throughout. It may be the case that the Final D value, as predetermined would be deemed too deep for various reasons, aesthetic or others; reduction (=Optimization) of said Final D value would be reached by dividing the module into a predetermined number of layers, sliding the layers relatively to each other in the horizontal direction can reduce the width of a single opening in the pattern, which had the maximum uninterrupted width; similarly, Sliding said layers relative to each other in the vertical direction can reduce the height of a single opening in the pattern, which had the maximum uninterrupted height; other openings in the pattern would be reduced in size as well, to a varying degree depending on their initial size; determination of said direction for said sliding is based on selecting the formula of D, which yielded the Final D value in the following manner: if said Final D value was produced by D , the overhang depth - then we would opt for a vertical shift, and albeit, if said Final D value was produced by D , the fin depth - then we would opt for a horizontal shift; if the horizontal or vertical or both shadow projections predetermined is a portion of W and H (=maximum uninterrupted width and height and respectively in the openings defining visual illustration of said screen module), and we shifted the layers relative to each other to obtain new W or new H or both, then the new ω or new h, would be inferred by multiplying the new W or new H or both by the corresponding required portion of shadow projection; next, we would take the new width, ω or the new h, or both, created, regardless of whether they were the product of a partial or complete shadow projections, substitute them into the pertaining equation(s) for said depth, with the pertaining solar azimuth, α, and solar altitude, β, values according to the critical clock time, which yielded the Final D value, and recalculate to yield an Optimized D value; once obtained, we need to compare this depth with the Recorded D values of the remainder of the critical clock times obtained earlier, If the Optimized D value is still greater than the Recorded D values of the other critical clock times - then this Optimized D value would govern; whereas if it is smaller, we would need to do the following: substitute the Optimized D value into the formula, which yielded the Recorded D value of the other critical clock times, and find the required ω or h. If we obtained ω or h, which are smaller than the new ω or h obtained earlier in the optimization process, then we can do either one of two things: either scale reference the screen module in its X or Y axis respectively to reflect this maximum screen module opening measure, or to utilize the layering of the screen module by shifting the layers relative to each other in the required direction until the required ω or h are reached to; determination of said required direction of the shift is performed by selecting this formula, which yielded the Recorded D value of the other critical clock times under question; if this formula represents the depth of the overhang - D - then we would shift the layers in the vertical direction; whereas if this formula represents the depth of the fin - D - then we would shift the layers in the horizontal direction; finally, the Optimized D value would then be divided into the same number of layers predetermined to reflect the depth of each individual layer; the screen module thus, would be composed of a certain number of layers attached to each other in a particular relative shift to the extent and direction determined as explained above, to form the whole screen module; and lastly, if at the end of the optimization process the depth of the screen module is still deemed as too deep we could reduce the extent of the shading in the horizontal and vertical direction to an acceptable portion, for example 1/2W and 1/2H and recalculate for D ; and furthermore, if at the end of this process the depth of the screen module is still deemed as too deep we could determine the depth first, for example 1 cm instead of 2.5 cm, and infer the max height and max width based on the formulas for D: For the depth of the Overhang: h • cos δ tanytf
For the depth of the Fin: ω
D n = tan|<5|
The adjustment of the max uninterrupted resulted W and max uninterrupted resulted H would be performed by either scale referencing the entire screen module to fit the new requirements for said W and H, or by dividing the screen module into a predetermined number of layers and sliding them relatively to each other to reach the desired said W and H. The following terminology would be observed at the end of the optimization process: the last D value arrived at would be referred to as: Optimized D; the last W or ω values arrived at would be referred to as: Optimized W or ω respectively; similarly, the last H or h values arrived at would be referred to as Optimized H or h respectively. [62] The process of claim 53, wherein said "optimization" comprise the reduction of the Final D value, (depth of said screen module), by reducing the vertical and/or horizontal shadow projection on the visited surface of the opening in the visual illustration of said screen module, said opening poses the corresponding greatest horizontal (W) or vertical (H) uninterrupted span, to an acceptable portion, for example, ω =1/2W and h=l/2H, and recalculation for the depth of said screen module, based on basic pertaining trigonometric formulas: For the depth of the Overhang:
[63] The process of claim 53, wherein said "optimization" comprise determining the depth of said screen module first, and inferring the maximum uninterrupted width and maximum uninterrupted height of openings in the said screen module based on basic pertaining trigonometric formulas: For the depth of the Overhang: h ■ cos δ
D 1 = tan/?
For the depth of the Fin: ω
D 11 = tan|£| and/or based on any other suitable tool such as computerized software.
[64] The process of claim 53, wherein said "width, height, and depth" of said screen module with respect to openings in the visual illustration bearing the maximum uninterrupted W, (width), and / or maximum uninterrupted H, (height), can be obtained by a plurality of calculation methods, which can comprise but are not limited to the use of various computerized software.
[65] The screen module of claim 53, wherein said "colors" and "colors shades" comprise a choice of wide spectrum, and a variety of shades, hues and intensities as desirable in which ever manner and combination desirable on either exposed face or sides of the screen module.
[66] The screen module of claim 53, wherein said "colors" and "colors shades" comprise the application of dark color on the side of said screen module facing the interior and on the sides of said "veins", and light color on the side facing the exterior, the purpose of said colors shades is triple: Firstly, light colors on the side facing the exterior serve a climatic role: by reflecting most lengths of the sunlight waves back into the exterior, the screen module contributes toward maximum reduction in light and heat gain during the summer, and so contributes toward Energy savings by reducing the cooling load on the mechanical system; secondly, by applying light color to the exterior facing side of the screen module, and dark color to its interior facing side the screen module functions as a one directional view filter, said light color on the exterior facing side serves to obscure the view from the exterior into the interior, and as opposed to the effect of vision obscuring when the direction of gaze is from the exterior to the interior - when looking through the same screen module from the interior in the direction of the exterior the effect is this of seeing a relatively clear image of the exterior when in the foreground we see the patterned silhouette of the screen module; thirdly, maintaining the interior facing side and the sides of the veins dark colored would also serve to reduce the glare and achieve visual comfort when the gaze is turned in the direction of the window / opening / surface.
[67] The screen module of claim 53, wherein said "colors" and "colors shades" comprise the application of white color on the sides of said veins of said screen module to achieve improved light distribution into the interior of the space.
[68] The screen module of claim 53, wherein said "mounting side" of said screen module is swapped between the interior side of the surface and its exterior in accordance with the hot and cold periods of the year, in such a manner that during the warm months of each year said screen module mounting side would be the exterior side of the glazing, wire mesh or any other surface, so as to reflect and/or block the sunlight most effectively prior to its admittance into the space, and during the cold months of the year said screen module recommended mounting side would be the interior face of said surface with the lighter colored side facing the exterior as before, so as to allow the sun radiation to penetrate the space, and hence to encourage heat gain through passive solar heating, in doing so contributing toward Energy savings.
[69] The screen module of claim 53, wherein said "mounting side" of said screen module comprise different choices of side of mounting including but not limited to mounting the screen module on a single side of said surface the entire year.
[70] The screen module of claim 53, wherein said "mounting side" of said screen module comprise different choices of side of mounting including but not limited to mounting the screen module on both sides of said surface. [71] The process of claim 53, wherein said "production" of said screen module comprises the use of a plurality of production methods.
[72] The process of claim 53, wherein said "production" of said screen module comprises the use of a master mold into which the selected material is pushed or poured, and cured to accept the shape of the mold.
[73] The process of claim 53, wherein said "production" of said screen module comprises the use of injection mold.
[74] The process of claim 53, wherein said "production" of said screen module comprises the use of laser cutting.
[75] The process of claim 53, wherein said "production" of said screen module comprises the use of a precision knife, or any other known cutting method.
[76] The process of claim 53, wherein said "production" of said screen module comprises the use of a 'stunts', either mechanic or manual.
[77] The process of claim 53, wherein said "production" of said screen module comprises composing the screen module out of separate elementary pieces such as beads, said beads can be of any color, shape and depth as predetermined to adapt to the desirable shading strategy, and light admittance, and of any suitable material; said pieces can be connected to each other via the means of a thread or glue, or dry connections, or any other adequate connection, and form any desirable visual illustration.
[78] The use of the screen module comprise either one of the following or a combination thereof: decoration; atmosphere rendering; glare moderation; contrast and intensity reducing; improvement of light distribution; view obscuring from exterior to interior, while allowing some degree of view to the exterior; latitude, longitude, GMT time zone, DST (Daylight Savings Time), orientation, and climate customized shadowing in accordance with site-specific data, critical clock times, use of space, occupancy period(s), and user preferences; energy savings by reducing the cooling and heating loads on the mechanical system; alleviating claustrophobic related stress, by creating a sense of a space beyond.
[79] The use of the screen module comprise at least one of the following: decoration; atmosphere rendering; glare moderation; contrast and intensity reducing; improvement of light distribution; view obscuring from exterior to interior, while allowing some degree of view to the exterior; latitude, longitude, GMT time zone, DST (Daylight Savings Time), orientation, and climate customized shadowing in accordance with site-site-specific data, critical clock times, use of space, occupancy period(s), and user preferences; energy savings by reducing the cooling and heating loads on the mechanical system; alleviating claustrophobic related stress, by creating a sense of a space beyond.
[80] The use of the screen module comprise: decoration; atmosphere rendering; glare moderation; contrast and intensity reducing; improvement of light distribution; view obscuring from exterior to interior, while allowing some degree of view to the exterior; latitude, longitude, GMT time zone, DST (Daylight Savings Time), orientation, and climate customized shadowing in accordance with site-specific data, critical clock times, use of space, occupancy period(s), and user preferences; energy savings by reducing the cooling and heating loads on the mechanical system.
[81] The use of the screen module comprise: decoration, atmosphere rendering, and creating a sense of a space beyond by installing said screen module a predetermined distance from a second surface behind it with either natural or artificial source of lighting in between. The Screen Module can thus alleviate claustrophobic related stress, by creating the sense of a space beyond; said use can be applied in elevators, basements, shelters, and a plurality of spaces; two main options of setting said screen module a predetermined distance from a surface comprise: utilizing existing grid or transparent surface, and/or utilizing attaching elements with a predetermined depth.
[82] The use of the screen module comprises decoration, atmosphere rendering, glare moderation, contrast and intensity reducing, improvement of light distribution, and view obscuring from exterior to interior, while allowing some degree of view to the exterior.
[83] The use of the screen module comprises decoration, atmosphere rendering, glare moderation, contrast and intensity reducing, and improvement of light distribution.
[84] The use of the screen module comprises decoration, atmosphere rendering, glare moderation, and contrast and intensity reducing.
[85] The use of the screen module comprises decoration, atmosphere rendering, and glare moderation.
[86] The use of the screen module comprises decoration, and atmosphere rendering.
[87] The use of the screen module comprises decoration.
[88] A screen module comprising one layer of decorative continuous opaque shape bearing a visual illustration formed by openings in said layer, which allow the passage of light and allow the flow of air from one side of said screen module to the other, said screen module is adapted to: Latitude 6°55'S, Longitude +107.6°, GMT time zone GMT+7, no application of DST, South facing orientation, site specific geographic and climatic conditions, said screen module openness percentage is 0.26%, with maximum measure of uninterrupted width and height of opening in said screen module being 1.70cm and 1.14cm respectively, said screen module provides complete shadow 8AM to 4PM all year, total depth of said screen module is 0.72 cm, the total width and height of said screen module facade is 10cm and 10cm respectively, said screen module bears bright color shades on the exterior facing side to reflect the sunlight radiation back to exterior, and dark color shades on sides of veins as well as the interior facing side to reduce glare, contrast, and intensity of admitted light.
[89] A screen module comprising 4 layers of decorative continuous opaque shape bearing a visual illustration formed by openings in each of said layers, said openings allow the passage of light and allow the flow of air from one side of said screen module to the other, said screen module is adapted to: Latitude 32°N, Longitude -117.25°, GMT time zone GMT-8, DST applied from 2 April till 29 October, Southeast facing orientation, site specific geographic and climatic conditions, openness percentage of each said layer is 0.58%, with maximum measure of uninterrupted width and height of opening in each said layer of said screen module being 2cm and 2cm respectively, said screen module provides complete shadow 8AM to 6PM 21 April till 21 August, total depth of said screen module is 1.03cm with each said layers measuring 0.26cm in depth, the total width and height of each layer facade in said screen module is 11.8cm and 10cm respectively, each said layer in said screen module is shifted 3mm horizontally relative to each other to account for 1.1cm maximum uninterrupted width of openings in said screen module, said screen module bears bright color shades on the exterior facing side to reflect the sunlight radiation back to exterior, and dark color shades on sides of veins as well as the interior facing side to reduce glare, contrast, and intensity of admitted light.
[90] A screen module comprising 3 layers of decorative continuous opaque shape bearing a visual illustration formed by openings in each of said layers, said openings allow the passage of light and allow the flow of air from one side of said screen module to the other, said screen module is adapted to: Latitude 63 °N, Longitude +10.40°, GMT time zone GMT+ 1, DST applied from 26 March till 29 October, 30° South of West facing orientation, site specific geographic and climatic conditions, openness percentage of each said layer is 0.65%, with maximum measure of uninterrupted width and height of opening in each said layer of said screen module being 2cm and 2cm respectively, said screen module provides partial shadow 8AM to 9PM 26 March till 26 September to moderate glare created by the low altitude sunlight during the warmer month of the year, and to allow direct sunlight penetration to varying extents during the cold months of the year as temperatures drop beneath the 0 degrees Celsius for passive solar heating and for furnishing a sense of cheerfulness, total depth of said screen module is 1.6cm with each of said layers measuring 0.53cm in depth, the total width and height of each layer facade in said screen module is 12.4cm and 10cm respectively, each said layer in said screen module is shifted 2mm horizontally relative to each other to account for 1.60cm maximum uninterrupted width of openings in said screen module, said screen module bears bright color shades mixed with dark tones on the exterior facing side to reflect the sunlight radiation back to the exterior during summer months, on one hand, and to allow absorption of sunlight radiation during the cold months for passive solar heating on the other hand, said screen module further bears bright color shades on sides of veins as well as the interior facing side to enhance diffuse light distribution into the space. [91] A screen module comprising 5 layers of decorative continuous opaque shape bearing a visual illustration formed by openings in each of said layers, said openings allow the passage of light and allow the flow of air from one side of said screen module to the other, said screen module is adapted to: Latitude 32°S, Longitude +115.83°, GMT time zone GMT+8, DST is not applied, Northeast facing orientation, site specific geographic and climatic conditions, openness percentage of each said layer is 0.55%, with maximum measure of uninterrupted width and height of opening in each said layer of said screen module being 2cm and 2cm respectively, said screen module provides complete shadow 8AM to 6PM 21 October till 21 February, total depth of said screen module is 0.65cm with each of said layers measuring 0.13cm in depth, the total width and height of each layer facade in said screen module is 11.2cm and 11.1cm respectively, each said layer in said screen module is shifted 0.35mm horizontally and 0.0575cm vertically relative to each other to account for 0.6cm and 1.77C maximum uninterrupted width and height respectively of openings in said screen module, said screen module bears bright color shades on the exterior facing side to reflect the sunlight radiation back to the exterior, and dark color shades on the sides of veins as well as the interior facing side to reduce glare, contrast and intensity. |
Description
SCREEN MODULE, PROCESS, AND USE
Technical Field
[1] The present invention relates to a screen module and process for same, said screen module comprising one or more layers of predetermined proportions, and predetermined vertical and horizontal shift, said screen module featuring visual illustration formed by openings in said layers of said screen module, which allow the passage of light and flow of air from one side of the screen to the other, said screen module can be mounted against existing surfaces, which can include but are not limited to glazing, wire mesh, or fences, without requiring additional extraneous structural system for itself but the existing surface. The screen module comprises at least one of the following functions: decoration, atmosphere rendering, glare moderation, contrast and intensity reducing, improvement of light distribution, view obscuring from exterior to interior, while allowing some degree of view to the exterior, Latitude, longitude, GMT time zone, DST (Daylight Savings Time), orientation and climate customized shadowing with consideration of use of space, period of use and user preferences, and energy savings by reducing the cooling and heating loads on the mechanical system. Another function of the screen module is creating a sense of a space beyond, thus alleviating claustrophobic related stress. The screen module can feature a plurality of designs and materials. Lightweight, mold proof, recyclable, and environmentally friendly materials are strongly preferable.
Background Art
[2] The Architectural definition of screen is any structure of any material having no essential function of support, and serving merely to separate, protect, seclude or conceal. Screens have been in wide use since early times.
[3] "Mashrabia" as it is known in the Arab world, or "JaIi" as it is known in India, are one of the screens prevailing in the Islamic culture. It features ornamental designs with openings to allow for free air circulation between both sides of the screen. Some Mashrabias are made of stucco or marble, mainly in the old Muslim palaces, while others are made of wood, and can be found in the typical street facade of the old cities. The function of the Mashrabia is multiple. It fulfills a social role in the Muslim world by obscuring the women from accidental men gazes from the street, while allowing some degree of visual connection with the outside world through the narrow openings. In addition it functions as interior as well as exterior decoration. Finally it provides shadow and natural air circulation between the exterior and the interior for cooling in hot climates.
[4] Tinted glass is a form of decorative shading screen, which allows limited or no
views to the exterior. It's mostly found in houses of worship and other public spaces. It's made of glass of various colors, textures and shapes, composed adjacently by strips of steel to form a picture, an image or design.
[5] The sun light adjustable metal sunscreen of the "L'Institute du Monde Arabe" by
Jean Nouvel in Paris, France, is a modern screen. The screen is made up of numerous and variously dimensioned metallic diaphragms set in pierced metal borders to create an ornamental design. These diaphragms operate like a camera lens to control the sun's penetration into the interior of the building. The whole metal sunscreen is set behind a glass curtain wall, and has its own structural system.
[6] Other known types of screens are exterior as well as interior louvers of various sizes and arrangements. One example of such prior art is that disclosed in PCT/ WO/2005/047635 titled: 'Window Screen' to Toonen Albertus and Margaretha Longina, and filed on 26.05.2005. It comprises a series of louvers mounted on the interior of a window opening, so as to control the lateral vision from the interior to the exterior to a certain percent and limit downward vision from interior to exterior, when a window is above a certain height to a maximum of a predetermined angle below the horizontal. The invention continues to describe two embodiments. According to the first, the louver screen is an independent element positioned adjacent to the opening. According to the second embodiment, the louver screen is permanently embedded in the lamination layer in between two glass sheets.
[7] In our modern world there is a multiplicity of laws imposed on the appearance of the exterior facades. Each ordinance or municipality may have its own building code and regulations, and introducing any exterior shading device is hence complicated and might require years to pass, approve, and realize. Many spaces are equipped, however, with one interior-shading device: horizontal blinds. The horizontal blinds in the most part would be kept closed by the residents. This is their sole mean of preserving their privacy, and avoiding the direct sunlight. And here is the place to elaborate on the "horizontal blinds dilemma". During daytime if one wishes to avoid the glare of the sky dome - one would tend to rotate the blinds in a direction pointing 45° downward to the exterior. In this manner one allows for diffused sunlight to penetrate the space. But by rotating the blinds in a downward direction to the exterior - one compromises one's own sense of privacy, as this would allow for incidental gazes from the exterior in to the interior. The solution would be to tilt the blinds in an upright direction pointing toward the sky. But by doing so - one jeopardizes one's wish to protect one self from the glare of the sky dome. The solution would then be to keep the horizontal blinds shut. But by keeping the horizontal blinds completely shut the tenants of the space compromise the emotional need for a visual link with the exterior. Installation of curtains would be one form of accompanying screening.
[8] There is a growing yearning for an element, which could provide the appropriate shading requirements, suitable for the certain latitude, longitude, GMT time zone, DST (Daylight Savings Time), and orientation of a specific facade; an element, which can provide a sense of privacy by obscuring the gazes from the exterior, but at the same time would still allow the occupant of the space the emotional need for the link with the exterior; an element, which would contribute toward a sense of place; and an element, which would contribute toward the creation of a special atmosphere in a space, beauty, and enchantment; an element, that would transcend the modern, formal everyday space, and transform it into one's own palace; an element with which one can make a statement, but also an element which could be installed utilizing the existing surface of the opening - such as glazing or wire mesh; An element, which could be disposed of via the recycle bin, and replaced with screen modules bearing a different design; An element, which would be within anyone's budget reach; An element, which could be found on the selves of the supermarket, and would be so compact and light weight, it could be carried home in a shopping bag.
[9] The reviewed Architectural precedents and patent do not disclose solutions to the objectives discussed above. Consequently, there remains a need to provide an improved screen module, and pertaining process. Those of skill in the art will appreciate the present invention, which addresses the above and other objectives.
Disclosure of Invention
[10] For further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following disclosure of invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are given the same or analogous reference numbers.
[11] While the present invention will be described in connection with presently preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents included within the spirit of the invention.
[12] The invention of the "Screen Module" resides in a screen module comprising the pursuant basic components, as shown in Fig. 1 through Fig. 6: one or more layers of predetermined size of decorative opaque shape, said shape is either continuous (Fig. 1 ), or composed of segments put together by way of connection (Fig. 2), said shape forming the module body, and referred to as "veins" 11, 21 and 31; openings formed in each layer of said module body 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62; attaching element, if required, for connecting the segments to form said module body 23; attaching element, if required, connecting the layers of said screen module to each other 14; attaching elements, 15, for mounting said screen module to the surface of attachment. The sides of the veins 16, would be those faces revealed when the openings are formed in the
body of the module, and hence would reflect the depth of each layer; The dash-dot lines, 17, and 27 would be the lines of symmetry around which the screen module is duplicated, repeated or reflected. The module would have "interior facing side", which is the side of the module oriented toward the interior of the space - when mounted onto a surface. Similarly, the module would have "exterior facing side", which is the side of the module oriented toward the exterior of the space - when mounted onto a surface.
[13] The invention of the "Screen Module" further resides in said screen module, which can be mounted against existing surfaces, which can include but are not limited to glazing, wire mesh, fences, mirrors, solid surfaces, furniture surfaces, such as cabinets doors, transparent, semitransparent or solid, partitions of various types and forms, sheers, and curtains, without requiring either an integral or an additional extraneous structural system to position itself in a certain order in space but the existing surface. The "Screen Module" can be either a permanent component or transient. It can be transient in the sense that it can be removed and repositioned easily without leaving a trace behind.
[14] According to a preferred feature the screen module is intended for mounting against an existing surface as one unit amongst a group of other screen modules. As a group the screen modules can create a whole greater screen, which can comprise either one of the following functions or a combination thereof: decoration; atmosphere rendering; glare moderation; contrast and intensity reducing; improvement of light distribution; view obscuring from exterior to interior, while allowing some degree of view to the exterior; customized shadowing for predetermined critical clock times predicated on Latitude, longitude, GMT time zone, DST (Daylight Savings Time), orientation, climate conditions, use of space, period of occupation, and decorative preferences, energy savings by reducing the cooling and heating loads on the mechanical system; and creating a sense of a space beyond real or false, thus alleviating claustrophobic related stress.
[15] According to a preferred feature of the embodiment, the surface of attachment can be either one of the following: an interior element, an element, which is part of the exterior building envelope, or an element, which is part of the exterior.
[16] According to a preferred feature of the embodiment, the surface of attachment is vertical and planar. Nevertheless the surface of mounting can comprise surfaces tilted in a plurality of angles, and curved with a plurality of shapes and radii both vertically, horizontally or combinations thereof.
[17] According to a preferred embodiment, the screen module is comprised of domestically recycled paper pulp. Nevertheless, The screen module can comprise a plurality of materials, such as polymer clay, foam rubber, flexible PCCR (Proprietary Closed Cell Resin), bamboo, and wicker. Lightweight, Mold proof, recyclable, and en-
vironmentally friendly materials are strongly preferable.
[18] According to a preferred embodiment, one of the screen module variants bears the following dimensions: 11.8cm Wide x 10.0cm High x 1.03cm Deep, (Fig. 4). Nevertheless, the size of a single screen module can vary depending on the design, and can be smaller or larger. In any event the screen module would only grow up to a size, which would still allow safe securing of the module to the surface without risking the integrity of the attaching element, and without resulting in the failure of said attaching element to support the load.
[19] According to a preferred feature, the veins of the screen module are of constant width of 4 mm. However, the width of the veins can vary greatly even in a single module to feature a plurality of dimensions as seen in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3.
[20] According to a preferred feature, the cross section view of the veins of the screen module is filled. However, the cross section view of the veins can also be hollow forming an air pocket, which is beneficial for reduced weight and improved thermal isolation.
[21] According to a preferred feature of the invention the screen module can host a plurality of designs as can be seen in Fig. 2 through Fig. 6. Owing to its modular nature, some of the patterns, images or ornamental units constitute an elementary periodic region from a morphological point of view. When duplicated or mirrored against each other some of the designs, for example, the design in Fig. 4 can complete an entire new ornamental pattern. (Fig. 7).
[22] According to a preferred embodiment, the whole surface of a given glazing or wire mesh is to be tessellated with the screen module. (Fig. 8). However, the screen modules can be mounted against a surface in any fashion. If desired - the lower portion of the window up to the shoulders height can be tessellated. (Fig. 9). If desired - one strip in the center can be mounted. (Fig. 10). If desired - one vertical strip on a portion of the surface can be mounted. (Fig. 11). If desired - only the center portion of a surface can be tessellated. (Fig. 12). If desired the perimeter of the surface can be tessellated forming a frame (Fig. 13). Different surface shapes could also be accommodated. Vaulted opening can be "tiled" along its upper arc with the screen units. ( Fig. 14).
[23] According to a preferred embodiment, the whole surface is to be tessellated with a screen module of a single type, wherein said type comprises a particular material and/ or colors, and/or color shades, and/or proportions, and/or features particular pattern / visual image. Nevertheless, combinations of more than one type of screen module on one surface are possible. Fig. 15 is one example of such combination.
[24] According to a preferred embodiment, the attachment of the screen unit to the surface is achieved with the aid of four transparent bi-adhesive elements, or any other
number as deemed appropriate, to enable safe securing of the screen module to the surface, and to allow its removal and repositioning, if desirable, and without living a trace behind. According to a preferred embodiment, the bi-adhesive elements are situated on the side facing the surface for mounting. The screen module is delivered with a protective film over the bi-adhesive elements. The protective film is removed prior to attachment to surface. Notwithstanding, the attaching element can constitute a permanent adhering to the existing surface. In addition, any other mounting method, which achieves the objective of secure attachment - whether permanent or transient in nature - is acceptable as well, and would be considered within the scope of this invention. For example, the screen modules can be mounted against a wire mesh surface utilizing miniature hooks allowing either permanent or removable attachment.
[25] According to a preferred embodiment, the screen module is shaped via the means of a master mold by pushing or pouring and curing the material to accept the shape of the mold. Nevertheless other modes are possible as well, as described in the "Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention".
[26] According to a preferred embodiment, the screen module has dark color on the side facing the interior and on the sides of the "veins", and light color on the side facing the exterior. The purpose of the colors shades is triple: Firstly, light colors on the side facing the exterior serve a climatic role. By reflecting most lengths of the sunlight waves back into the exterior, the screen module contributes toward maximum reduction in light and heat gain during the summer, and so contributes toward Energy savings by reducing the cooling load on the mechanical system. This is a most effective strategy in hot climates such as exist in South California, USA, and Israel a round the 32° latitude, and facing the South direction; Secondly, by applying light color to the exterior facing side of the screen module and dark color to its interior facing side the screen module functions as a one directional view filter. The light color on the exterior facing side serves to obscure the view from the exterior into the interior. To illustrate the visual effect of obscuring when one views through a screen painted white into an interior where two children sit and read a book, please refer to Fig. 16. In this figure the children are seated 30cm behind the screened opening, and the view point is set 300cm in front of the screened opening. The zoom used is 472mm. Each screen module comprises 20 openings measuring 2cm x 2cm. Each vein is 4mm wide. As opposed to the effect of vision obscuring when the direction of gaze is from the exterior to the interior - when looking through the same screen module from the interior in the direction of the exterior the effect is this of seeing a relatively clear image of the exterior when in the foreground we see the patterned silhouette of the screen module. This visual effect would be achieved whenever a dark color screen is juxtaposed with any image behind it. To illustrate the visual effect obtained when
viewing from the interior in the direction of the exterior through an interior facing dark colored screen module please refer to Fig. 17. The same perspective parameters / conditions as in Fig. 16 were maintained here for purpose of isolating the color variable, and test its effect: the children are seated 30cm behind the screened opening, and the view point is set 300cm in front of the screened opening. The zoom used is 472mm. Each screen module comprises 20 openings measuring 2cm x 2cm each. Each vein is 4mm wide. The only variable changed is the color shade on the interior facing side of the screen modules, which is now dark. The same children can now be detected with significantly further clarity. Thirdly, Maintaining the interior facing side and the sides of the veins dark colored would also serve to reduce the glare and achieve visual comfort when the gaze is directed toward the window / opening. One additional example involving the incorporation of a similarly colored screen module is when one designs the screen module to function as part of a different light and shadow strategy. For example, if the isogonic location of the space is in the upper latitudes of the North hemisphere, facing South, it may be the case that the screen module would be colored dark colors on the sides of the veins to allow for maximum absorption of the sunlight and hence for passive solar heating during cold months, which would stretch over a longer span of the year. In this case the screen module recommended mounting side would be on the interior face of the glazing, so as to allow the sun radiation to penetrate the space. It is worthwhile noting that the visual effects demonstrated in Fig. 16-17 would be similar regardless of side of mounting - the interior or exterior side of the surface. Notwithstanding, the colors of the module can comprise a variety of shades, hues and intensities as desirable contrasting and or complying with the preferred embodiment as described above. For example one may prefer to apply white color to the sides of the veins of the screen module to achieve improved light distribution in to the interior of the space. Improved light distribution into the interior of the space, although to a lesser degree, would be achieved even when the veins are dark colored, as each vein functions as a delicate 'light shelf, which despite its dark color - still reflects some degree of the sunlight deeper into the space, and hence contributes toward softening / moderating the glare of the opening, and so furthering the visual comfort of people next to it. The screen module is contributing to an over all better light distribution in the space by sending the sunlight further into the space, and hence reducing the typical glaring effect caused by the sharp contrast of the light and shadow of other common openings.
[27] According to a preferred feature of the embodiment the mounting of the screen module is swapped between the interior side of the surface and its exterior in accordance with the hot and cold periods of the year. In hot climates during the warm months, the screen module recommended mounting side would be the exterior side of
the glazing or wire mesh, so as to reflect back the sunlight most effectively prior to its admittance into the space. Exterior mounting in these conditions is illustrated in Fig. 18, along with reference numerals by which: 1 is vein, 2 is glazing, 3 is released heat, 4 is diffused light, 5 is the interior and 6 is the exterior. During the cold months of the year the screen module recommended mounting side would be on the interior face of the glazing, so as to allow the sun radiation to penetrate the space, and hence to encourage heat gain through passive solar heating. Once again this would contribute toward Energy savings, since the load on the mechanical systems for heating would be reduced. Interior mounting according to these conditions is illustrated in Fig. 19 along with reference numerals by which: 1 is vein, 2 is glazing, 3 is released heat, 4 is diffused light, 5 is the interior, and 6 is the exterior. Nevertheless, different choices of side of mounting are perfectly acceptable under the scope of this invention, including but not limited to mounting the screen module on a single side of the surface the entire year, or mounting the screen module on both sides of the surface. For example mounting the screen module only on the interior side of the glazing the entire year. Another example can be mounting the screen module only on the exterior side of the glazing the entire year. A third example can be mounting the screen module on both sides of the surface the entire year or periods thereafter.
[28] According to a preferred embodiment the openness percentage is the total area of openings in the face of the module, divided by the total area of the module. The openness percentage of the screen module is predicated on several variables, among which are the design of the pattern it bears, the width of the veins, and the proportions of max width, height and depth of the pattern openings for a given module size. In any rate, the openness percentage is a ratio, which can be controlled and adjusted. According to a preferred embodiment, the openness percentage can range between 1% and 99%. Fig. 20 and Fig. 21 illustrate this principle by showing the application of two different openness percentages on two identically sized screen modules sharing same basic orthogonal pattern. While Fig. 20 features 65% openness, Fig. 21 features 23% openness. Accompanying considerations in the initial determination of the openness percentage would be explained later in further detail under "Calculation and Design Process".
[29] According to a preferred embodiment the screen module can comprise a number of layers, which can each be shifted relatively to each other in a calculated measure and direction (Fig. 1) to reach the desirable angle for shadow at the critical clock times predetermined as illustrated below under the "optimization" entry in the "calculation algorithm".
[30] According to a preferred embodiment, the screen module can be either adjustable or customized. Adjustable, means the screen module is provided as a uniformly man-
ufactured element. Adding layers of the screen module to obtain the desired depth, and trimming the leftovers units, which protrude beyond the treated surface, achieve the adjustment to any specific lighting and shading strategy of any geographical location and orientation. Customized, means the variables of the screen module, such as its colors, openings maximum width and height, number of layers and total depth are predetermined to suit a specific lighting and shading strategy, and the screen module is manufactured accordingly.
[31] According to a preferred feature of the embodiment, the "Screen Module" is designed to accommodate certain light and shadow strategies, which are predicated in part on the latitude, longitude, GMT time zone, DST (Daylight Savings Time), orientation, and climatic conditions of the surface / opening to be screened, and in other part - related to the first - on the occupant's light and shadow objectives, use of space, period of occupancy, and personal preferences. Following is a detailed explanation of a method for calculating the depth, maximum width, and maximum height of a typical opening within the decorative screen. Other calculation methods, such as the use of various computerized software, are possible as well as long as the pursuing demonstrated principles and process are observed. The tools I would use for calculation are a combination of a graphic tool: The Stereographic Sun Path Diagram for the location under question (Fig. 22, 24, 26, 28), and trigonometric formulas (Fig. 31-2). The mentioned figures would be explained later in further detail under "Calculation and Design Process". Fig. 33-36 would assist in the understanding the spatial - geometric relationships between W, ω, H, h, S, i.e., South, the solar azimuth - α , the solar altitude - β, and δ, being the projection on the horizontal plane of the angle between the normal to the visited surface and the solar azimuth, α. The normal to the visited surface is denoted P throughout the drawings. Although the pursuing explanation pours light over Fig. 33-36 initial review of the mentioned figures prior to proceeding would equip the reader with a valuable introduction. Following I would elaborate the phases required to obtain the recommended sizes of the shading obstructions in a generic form. Next, I would demonstrate the applicability of the calculation process in relation to four sample isogonic locations around the world.
Calculation and Design Process
[32] 1. Define Space Function. For example: office, residential, etc.
[33] 2. Define the Occupancy period. For example: 8:00 AM to 4:00PM, all year.
[34] 3. Define the air-conditioning method. For example: Natural air-circulation, or fully air-conditioned. The "fully air-conditioned mode" would be henceforth referred to as: "Artificial air-conditioning".
[35] 4. Define the visited orientation. The angle of orientation starts as 0° in the true
South and climbs in both directions, East and West, to culminate at 180° or -180° re-
spectively, at the true North. The orientation would be read as positive on the Eastern half of the diagram, and negative on the Western half. AU notations of North and South herein and their derivative angles are made with reference to true North and true South.
[36] 5. Find the latitude and longitude for the location at question, the GMT time zone, and the period when DST (Daylight Savings Time) adjustments are observed. Both the GMT time zone and the DST information would have an influence on the sun position in the sky relative to the standard local observed clock time. As one of the objective of the screen module is to adapt to lighting conditions specific to place and to its real clock time so that visual comfort is achieved at designated times according to which humans manage their lives - both the GMT time zone and the DST information would be of special importance, and would be reflected on the Stereographic sun path diagrams as well as the pursuing calculations.
[37] 6. Find the relevant climatic conditions of the location, such as minimum and maximum temperatures around the average year, relative humidity around the year, rainfall or snow, prevailing winds, and altitude. The rate at which solar energy reaches a unit of horizontal surface at the earth is called the 'solar irradiance' or 'insolation'. The units of measure for irradiance are kilowatts per square meter (kW/m 2 ). Solar irradiance is an instantaneous measure of rate and will vary over time. Since the screen module is aimed amongst other objectives at moderating the intensity of sunlight admittance, the daily peak of solar irradiance would be of a special interest for us in all locations.
[38] 7. Based on the daily peak of solar irradiance information determine the openness percentage of pattern with which you would like to proceed. The openness percentage is a ratio obtained, when dividing the total area of openings in the pattern of the screen module by its total area. If relatively high levels of solar irradiance daily peak characterize the location - patterns, which bear smaller openness percentage, are recommended, and vise versa. Nevertheless, the screen module would provide for 100% shade for the designated critical clock time regardless of the initial admittance of light, so the choice of openness percentage is at the discretion of the user of the space. The smaller the openness percentage, the lower the admittance of diffused light into the space would be. For example, it wouldn't be desirable to select a pattern with 5% openness percentage, if natural lighting is integral to the activity in the space. On the other hand it wouldn't be advisable to allocate 95% openness percentage, even for a space where natural lighting is integral to the activity. Excess glare admittance, even as a diffused light - might prove to cause visual discomfort, if working in an office workstation environment for example.
[39] 8. Select the pattern, which you would like your screen modules to feature, and adjust its openness percentage to the required openness percentage as defined in step 7.
Altering the width of the veins can modify the openness ratio of any pattern. For example, wider veins would yield a smaller openness ratio. Alternatively, select a pattern with a predetermined openness ratio, which matches the openness ratio of your preference. Once the openness ratio has been finalized and incorporated into the pattern, Define maximum height for the maximum height opening in the pattern. In addition, define the proportional maximum width for the maximum width opening in the pattern. If the pattern is characterized by openings defined by a variety of curves and diagonal lines, then the max width would be determined by the greatest distance obtained between two points located on two opposite ends of an imaginary horizontal line, stretched across an opening in the pattern. The maximum height in such a case would be defined in a similar manner by measuring the greatest distance between two points located on two opposite ends of an imaginary vertical line, stretched across an opening in the pattern. These width and height henceforth would be henceforth referred to as W and H respectively. (Fig 35-36). It is important to note that W and H do not necessarily dwell in the same opening of the screen module. It is possible that W belongs to one opening, while H belongs to another.
[40] 9. Define the desirable Lighting and Shading strategy and hatch the required area for shading on the Stereographic Sun Path Diagram. (Fig. 22, 24, 26, 28). The hatched area indicates the months during which shadow is desirable, as well as the hours between which shadow is preferred. Before proceeding I would provide a general overview of the Stereographic Sun Path Diagrams structure, and pertaining reference symbols, numerals. In Fig. 22-35 S denotes South, N denotes North, W denotes the maximum uninterrupted measure of width in the openings of the screen module, and D denotes the depth of said module. If the reference numeral 1 precedes W, ω, H, h or D, then it means that we are looking at an optimized W, ω, H, h or D respectively. The normal to the visited orientation would appear as dash-dot line and would always be labeled P. α denotes the solar azimuth. The origin of α is at the South, α would be read as positive on the Eastern half of the diagram, and negative on the Western half. This rule would be kept consistent throughout. Concentric dashed circles represent the solar altitude, i.e. the angle β of the sun over the horizon. They start with 0° at the perimeter, i.e., the horizon, and culminate at 90° in the center of the diagram, δ denotes the angle between the normal to the visited surface and the solar azimuth, α. The angle δ is an absolute value.(Fig. 33-5). The analemma, or 8 shaped lines, represent the hours of the day, and are ordered in one-hour intervals. The analemmas to the right represent the morning hours, and they progress to the left in accordance with the passing hours of the day. The continuous line of each analemma is representative of the first half of the year - January to June, while the dashed line of each analemma is representative of the second half of each year. The arcs connecting the analemmas are a diagrammatic rep-
resentation of certain days of the year. For example, 2112 in Fig. 22 is 21 December, and it is represented by the lower bold arc bordering the hatched area. In principle, the critical day would always appear as a bold arc in Fig. 22, 24, 26, and 28. The bold filled circle threaded on the emboldened arc is a diagrammatic representation of the location of the sun for the particular day of the year and clock time of the day. Further information is provided in the pursuing description.
[41] 10. Overlap the plan view of a scaled largest width single opening with the
Stereographic Sun Path Diagram as follows: Align center of interior side of opening with center of sun path diagram; Rotate the opening surface so it's oriented at the visited orientation with Normal / perpendicular to center of opening aligned with the visited orientation; The opening shading obstructions project toward the visited orientation. Finally add any pertaining relevant information such as winds directions. ( Fig. 22, 24, 26, 28).
[42] 11. Determine the critical clock time(s) for shading. The critical clock times for shadow, are those hours posing further extreme lighting conditions during the clock times of the day during which shadow was required. Said further extreme lighting conditions would require deeper obstructing projection in order to provide a predetermined measure of shadow. It is possible, for example, that we selected to have shadow between 8AM and 6PM each day, but later than IPM the visited orientation would no longer be exposed to direct sunlight. Consequently, the sun position for any clock time from IPM till 6PM would no longer play any role in affecting the depth of the obstruction projection. The applicable clock times would hence be narrowed down to the clock times between 8 AM and IPM. Among the group of applicable clock times we would take into consideration clock times, during which we would evidence either a relatively reduced measure of δ, or relatively low measure of β. The comparison is made with the corresponding angles, β, and δ , for all applicable hours of the critical day. Normally, two hours would be sufficient, but it is possible to select more than two, and even recommended for purpose of accuracy.
[43] 12. Pretend the interior facing side of the screen module had a continuous opaque surface stretched over it. The web forming the openings in such a condition would project shadow over said surface. Determine the vertical and or horizontal size of the desired shade projected on said imaginary surface for the critical time at question. For example, if W is the maximum horizontal uninterrupted measure of the openings in the screen module, then one may decide to have 1/2W, 2/3W, or the entire W shaded. This W, or portion thereof, would be labeled ω. Similarly, define the portion of H to be shadowed. This H, or a portion thereof, would be labeled h.(Fig. 34-35).
[44] 13. Read the solar azimuth, α, and solar altitude β, for each of the critical clock times of each of the critical days off of the stereographic sun path diagram. In addition
find the angle, δ, between the normal to the visited surface and the solar azimuth, α. It is possible that the solar angles for both critical days, although in the same range, would vary slightly. Clock times characterized by β, and δ values, which are closer to the normal to the visited surface would yield deeper shading obstructions, and would be referred to as causing "further extreme lighting conditions" as compared with lower values of the same. One way to reach the determination as to which is the critical day posing further extreme lighting conditions is by substituting the values for α, β, and δ into the pertaining formulas for D and D , (Please refer to the next step, step 14), for each critical hour of both critical days. For convenience all values can be arranged in a table in the following form:
[45] The Recorded D for each critical time would be this D among D and D , which is of lesser measure. [46] The Final D would for each critical day would be this D among the Recorded D values, which is of greater measure. [47] As mentioned above, this day which poses further extreme lighting conditions, would eventually yield greater depth or Final D value. [48] Depending on the climatic conditions characterizing the visited location - we may choose to accept or reject this day - in which we evidence the greatest D value yielded.
For example if the greatest D value is the product of a day belonging to a period of the year during which over cast and foggy conditions exist - enlarging the shading ob-
struction would not be desirable. In such a condition we may prefer to utilize solar values of the day which present the lesser extreme lighting conditions. Other example in which rejection of the day bearing further extreme lighting conditions can be found when the visited location is characterized by cold climate. The day presenting further extreme lighting conditions may belong to a cold period of the month, in such a case, allowing greater amounts of direct sunlight might prove to be more energy efficient as opposed to providing the complete predetermined measure of shadow. The reason for that is that relatively greater amount of direct sunlight can serve for passive solar heating and hence contribute to energy savings by alleviating the load for heating off of the mechanical systems. Cases where we may accept the critical day, posing further extreme lighting conditions, is when said day belongs to a period of the year characterized by warm temperatures, and clear sky. In such conditions opting for complete shade adapted to said day might prove more energy efficient, since it would alleviate the load for cooling off of the mechanical system, and hence contribute toward energy savings. Each case would have to be considered individually.
[49] 14. To obtain the depth of the shading obstruction, and eventually the depth of the screen module, substitute α, β, and δ into the following formulas for D, (Fig. 31-2):
[50] For D depth of Overhang: h - cos δ
A = tan β
[51] For D depth of Fin: m π D - —— tan I J
[52] Solve for D, (depth of overhang or fin), in both formulas for each critical clock time individually. For each separate critical clock time we would obtain two Dvalues. The smaller value would be retained, and henceforth referred to as: "Recorded Dvalue".
[53] 15. The overhang is any horizontal element located at the top of the opening and shading it. The fins are any vertical shading obstruction on the sides of the opening, or in front of it. Since our design may involve a plurality of curved lines and diagonals, the overhang would assume a broader term of any obstruction perpendicular to the surface for shading, which is in direct continuation above an imaginary vertical line spanning between two opposite ends of an opening in the pattern. Similarly, the fin would assume a broader term of any obstruction perpendicular to the surface for shading, which is in direct continuation to either side of an imaginary horizontal line, spanning between two opposite ends of an opening in the pattern. For clarity of explanation let's assume we are looking at an egg crate shaped screen module, which has orthogonal arrangement of constant depth overhangs and fins spaced at constant intervals. It may be the case that we would only need overhangs. In such a case, theo-
retically, the only fins we would need are those at the edges of the screen module. The only reason we would choose to retain the fins at the certain intervals would be for their decorative value. The same principle rules in the other direction. It may be the case we would only need fins. We would still opt to use the overhangs for their aesthetic value. Thus, the calculation process above would provide us with a screen module with maximum shading properties. For other smaller size openings in the pattern the shading performance would be much enhanced as compared with the largest height and / or width opening calculated. The reason for that is that the smaller openings maintain the same depth as this of the largest opening, which accounts for a greater relative depth of overhangs and fins, and hence, improved shading capability. The same rule would apply for a screen module with a plurality of curved lines and diagonals. [54] 16. Optimization: Once we listed all Recorded Dvalues, we would choose that, which is the greatest as the Final D value, since the screen module would have uniform depth throughout. It may be the case that the Final D value, as determined above, would be deemed too deep for various reasons, aesthetic or others. For example, 2.5 cm may seem too deep and unrefined. In such a case we can reduce the depth in several fashions. The first would be to reduce the extent of the shading in the vertical and horizontal direction to an acceptable portion, for example 1/2H and 1/2W and recalculate for D . The second would be to take a reverse route to the described above by determining the depth first, for example 1 cm instead of 2.5 cm, and inferring the max height and max width based on the formulas for D . A third way, which is favored under this embodiment, would be reached by dividing the module into a predetermined number of layers. Sliding the layers relatively to each other in the horizontal direction can reduce the width of a single opening in the pattern, which had the maximum uninterrupted width. Similarly, sliding the layers relative to each other in the vertical direction can reduce the height of a single opening in the pattern, which had the maximum uninterrupted height. Other openings in the pattern would be reduced in size as well, to a varying degree depending on their initial size. How do we know in which direction to slide the layers relative to each other - horizontally or vertically or both? By looking at the formula which produced the the Final D value: If it isD , the overhang depth - then we would opt for a vertical shift. If it is D , the fin depth, then we would opt for a horizontal shift. If the shadow determined above is a portion of W and H and we shifted the layers relative to each other to obtain new W or H or both, then the new ω or h would be inferred by multiplying the new W or H or both by the corresponding required portion of shadow projection. For example, if we determined that we would like to have W/4 and H/4 shadow projections, and if a depth optimization is required, the new ω or h or both would be inferred by taking the new W
or H or both produced by the shift of layers, and multiplying them by 1 A. Next, we would take the new width or height or both created, regardless of whether they were the product of a partial or complete shadow projection, substitute them into the pertaining equations presented above, with the pertaining altitude and azimuth values according to the critical clock time, which yielded the Final D value, and recalculate to yield an Optimized D value. Once obtained, we need to compare this depth with the Recorded D values of the remainder of the critical clock times obtained earlier. If the Optimized D value is still greater than the Recorded D values of the other critical clock times - then this Optimized D value would govern. If it is smaller, we would need to do the following: Substitute the Optimized D value into the formula, which yielded the Recorded D value of the other critical clock times, and find the required ω or h . If we obtained ω or h, which are smaller than the new ω or h obtained earlier in the optimization process, then we can do either one of two things: either scale reference the screen module in its Y or X axis respectively to reflect this maximum screen module opening measure, or to utilize the layering of the screen module by shifting the layers relative to each other in the required direction until the required ω or h are reached to. How can we determine what is the required direction of the shift? We would look at the formula, which yielded the Recorded D value of the other critical times under question. If this formula represents the depth of the overhang - D - then we would shift the layers in the vertical direction. If this formula represents the depth of the fin - D - then we would shift the layers in the horizontal direction. The Optimized D value would then be divided into the same number of layers predetermined to reflect the depth of each individual layer. The screen module thus, would be composed of a certain number of layers attached to each other in a particular relative shift to the extent and direction determined as explained above, to form the whole screen module. If at the end of the optimization process the depth of the screen module is still deemed as too deep we could reduce the extent of the shading in the horizontal and vertical direction to an acceptable portion, for example 1/2W and 1/2H and recalculate for D.If at the end of this process the depth of the screen module is still deemed as too deep we could determine the depth first, for example 1 cm instead of 2.5 cm, and infer the max width and max height based on the formulas for D. The adjustment of the max uninterrupted resulted W and H would be done by either scale referencing the entire screen module to fit the new requirements for said W and H, or by dividing the screen module into a predetermined number of layers and sliding them relatively to each other to reach the desired said W and H. The following terminology would be observed at the end of the optimization process: the last D arrived at would be referred to as: Optimized D; the last W or ω arrived at would be referred to as: Optimized W or ω respectively; similarly, the last H or h arrived at would be referred to as Optimized H or
h respectively.
[55] 17. Determine the side of mounting based on the pertaining principle above.
[56] 18. Determine the surface of mounting, for example glaze, wire mesh, etc.
[57] 19. Determine the color shades on the different sides and faces of the module based on the pertaining principle above.
[58] 20. Last but not least we would need to manufacture the screen unit as described in the "Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention".
[59] Following, I would demonstrate the implementation of the calculation process for sizing the screen module at four climatic zones around the world: the Tropic, the Subtropical, and the Temperate. Two of the examples present locations on the Northern hemisphere, while the other two belong to its Southern hemisphere. Example 1 - Tropic Zone, Bandung, Indonesia
[60] 1. Space function: Residential.
[61] 2. Occupancy period: 24/7.
[62] 3. Air-conditioning method: natural circulation.
[63] 4. Orientation: South, or 0° relative to South.
[64] 5. Latitude: 6°55'S; Longitude: +107.6°; Time zone: GMT+7; DST is not applied in
Indonesia.
[65] 6. Climatic conditions:
[66] Ave. min. and max. temperatures: 15°C - 30°C.
[67] Relative humidity: 55% - 100%.
[68] Annual precipitation: 1778 mm/year.
[69] Prevailing winds directions: SE July-September; NW December-May.
[70] Altitude: 791 m above sea level.
[71] Daily solar irradiance at peak hours: 0.9-l.l(kW/m 2 ) with highs around March and
September.
[72] 7. Openness Percentage: 0.26% due to relative high daily solar irradiance.
[73] 8. Pattern: The Doors of Aceh, Fig. 3, Fig. 23 . W: 1.70cm. H: 1.14 cm.
[74] 9. Lighting and shading strategy: provide shadow 8:00AM - 4:00PM all year.
[75] 10. Please refer to Fig. 22 illustrating the over lapping of the Stereographic Sun
Path Diagram for the visited location, with a scaled plan view of the largest uninterrupted width opening in the screen module oriented toward the South, and with pertaining prevailing winds directions. 21 December is denoted by 2112. 21 June is denoted by 2106. A bold filled circle accompanied by the reference numeral 4 denotes the location of the sun at 4PM on 21 December. Lastly, the prevailing wind during December-May is denoted by 1205. The prevailing wind during July-September is denoted by 0709.
[76] 11. Critical clock times for shading: 8:00AM, 12:00PM, and 4:00PM on 21
December.
[77] 12. ω = W = 1.70 cm; h = H = 1.14 cm. (Fig.3).
[78] 13. Comparison table would be redundant in this instance, since we only have one critical day - 21 December. We can proceed with substituting the solar values into the formulas for D i and D π .
[79] Test for 8:00AM: a = 66 40 ° ; β = 33.20°; 8 = |66.40°| = 66.40°
D 11 = -^- = — = íííí ≡ 0.74cm tan δ tan 66.40° 2.29
D 1 < D 11 => D S 00AM Recorded = D j = 0.71cm
[80] Test for 12:00PM : a = _i O .3O°;/? = 73.10°;£ = - 10.30° = 10.30° h - cosδ 1.14 - cosl0.30° 1.12
D 1 = = — — ≡ 034cm tan β tan 73.10° 3.29
[81] Test for 4:00PM: α = -67.10°; /? = 27.20°; ^ = - 67.10° = 67.10 c
D 11 = — r = = = 0.72cm tan|^| tan 67.10° 2.37 D 1 > D 11 ^> D 400l>M Recorded = D n = 0.72cm
[82] 16. Optimization: Tλ -^ n -^ D
1 ^ 4:00 PA4 Recorded ^ 2 ^SiOO Ml Re corded ^ M2:00 PM Re corded
^ Final ~ ^WOFM Recorded ~ "' ' ^ CW
[83] Since the module maintains a uniform depth throughout, the greater Recorded D value would overrule. Thus, D = 0.72 cm , which is an acceptable depth, which doesn't require any optimization. The total width of a single screen module is: 10cm, and total height is 10cm ( Fig.23 ).
[84] 17. Mounting side: exterior to moderate the passive solar heating effect.
[85] 18. Surface: wire mesh to allow for natural air circulation. Please refer to Fig.23 for a perspective showing the condition at 4:00PM on 21 Dec. The spatial sun location for this time is represented by a sphere, and denoted 21124.
[86] 19. Color Shades: Bright on the exterior facing side to reflect the sunlight radiation
back to exterior; Dark on sides of veins as well as the interior facing side to reduce glare, contrast, and intensity.
Example 2 - Subtropical Zone, San Diego, California, USA
[87] 1. Space function: Office.
[88] 2. Occupancy period: 8:00AM-6:00PM, Mon.-Fri., all year.
[89] 3. Air-conditioning method: Artificial air-conditioning.
[90] 4. Orientation: Southeast, or 45° relative to South.
[91] 5. Latitude: 32°N; Longitude: -117.25°; Time zone: GMT-8; DST applied from 2
April till 29 October of 2006.
[92] 6. Climatic conditions:
[93] Ave. min. and max. temperatures: 9.4°C - 24.5°C.
[94] Relative humidity: 63% - 77%.
[95] Annual precipitation: 236.7 mm/year.
[96] Prevailing winds directions: North and West.
[97] Altitude: 9 m above sea level.
[98] Daily solar irradiance at peak hours: 0.5-1.05(kW/m 2 ) with low around December, and high around June.
[99] 7. Openness Percentage: 0.58%.
[100] 8. Pattern: Arcs, Fig. 4, Fig. 25 . W: 2 cm; H : 2 cm.
[101] 9. Lighting and shading strategy: provide shadow 8:00AM - 6:00PM, 21 April till
21 August.
[102] 10. Please refer to Fig. 24 illustrating the over lapping of the Stereographic Sun
Path Diagram for the visited location, with a scaled plan view of the largest uninterrupted width opening in the screen module oriented toward the Southeast. 21 August is denoted 2108. 21 June is denoted 2106. 21 December is denoted 2112. A bold filled circle denotes the location of the sun at 8AM on 21 August. 8 denotes the bold analemma for 8AM. 6 denotes the analemma for 6PM.
[103] 11. Critical clock times for shading: 8:00AM, 12:00PM, on the 21 of April and
August.
[104] 12. ω = W = 2 cm; h= H = 2 cm. (Fig. 4).
[105] 13. Comparison table to determine which is the critical day posing further extreme lighting conditions:
Evident from the table is the fact that 21 April poses further extreme lighting conditions which would require deeper shading obstruction. However, the end of April in San Diego is characterized by overcast and foggy conditions. Even though the temperatures are mild it can still feel chilly. Consequently it would not be desirable to make allocation for full measure of shading beginning on 21 April. We would rather allow a few more days of partial direct lighting after 21 April. Hence, the critical day for shading with which we would opt to perform all pursuing calculations would be 21 August.
[106] Test for 8:00AM: a = 91.90°;/? = 20.90°; £ = |91.90° -45.00°| = 46.90° λ - cos|£| 2 - cos 46.90° _ 1.37
D 1 = = 3.6\cm tan/? tan 20.90° 0.38 ω 2 2
D 11 = ≡ 1.87cm tan|£| tan 46.90° 1.07
Dr > D n D 8 1 0CL4M Rec ^< = D 11 = X ZlCm
[107] Test for 12:00PM: a = 34.20°;^ = 67.10°; δ = 45.00° - 34.20° = 10.80
D n = = 10.53cm tan|£| tan 10.80° 0.19 D I « D n = D 12 OOPM Reco r d = D j = 0.83cm
[108] 16. Optimization:
M:00 AM Re corded ^ MiOO PM " Recorded
D Final = M:00 AM Re corded = ± - <$ ' Cm
[109] Since the module maintains a uniform depth throughout, the greater Recorded D value would overrule. Thus, D = 1.87cm . This depth seems too deep for aesthetic reasons, and I'll reduce its depth by diving the total depth into 4 layers. Next I would slide each layer 3mm horizontally relative to each other. The resulting width would be 2cm-3(0.3)=l.lcm for the max width opening. Recalculation for the fin depth at
8:00AM yields: ω j j j j total depth.
A n/r Was nO Q oAλMu = tan ^ = tan 46 ' 90 o = — 1 0 ' — 7 = I -03cm
Since this depth is still greater than the depth for the recorded depth of 12:00PM, it is acceptable, and no further test is needed. I'll divide it into 4 layers, so that each would measure 0.26cm in depth. The total width of each single layer in the screen module is 11.8cm, and total height is 10cm. Each vein is 4mm wide ( Fig. 25 ).
[110] 17. Mounting side: Exterior during summer to moderate the passive solar heating effect. Interior during winter to encourage the passive solar heating effect.
[Ill] 18. Surface: glazing. Please refer to Fig. 25 for a perspective showing the condition at 8:00AM on 21 August. The spatial sun location for this time is represented by a sphere, and denoted 21088.
[112] 19. Color Shades: Bright on the exterior facing side to reflect the sunlight radiation back to exterior; Dark on sides of veins as well as the interior facing side to reduce glare, contrast, and intensity.
Example 3 - Temperate zone, Trondheim, Norway
[113] 1. Space function: Library.
[114] 2. Occupancy period: 8:00AM-9:00PM, Mon.-Sat., all year.
[115] 3. Air-conditioning method: Artificial air-conditioning.
[116] 4. Orientation: 30° South of West, or -60° relative to South.
[117] 5. Latitude: 63°N; Longitude: +10.40°; Time zone: GMT+1 ; DST applied from
March 26 th till October 29 th of 2006.
[118] 6. Climatic conditions:
[119] Ave. min. and max. temperatures: -5°C to 17°C.
[120] Relative humidity: 57% - 87%.
[121] Annual precipitation: 925 mm/year. Snow during winter.
[122] Prevailing winds directions: Apr.-Sep. W to WSW; Oct.-Mar. E to SSE.
[123] Altitude: 17 m above sea level.
[124] Daily solar irradiance at peak hours: 0.01-0.78(kW/m 2 ) with low around December and high around June.
[125] 7. Openness Percentage: 0.65% to compensate for the relatively low values of insolation, by allowing a greater amount of diffused lighting into the space, as compared with the other geographical locations.
[126] 8. Pattern: Orthogonal, Fig. 5, Fig. 27 . W: 2 cm; H: 2 cm.
[127] 9. Lighting and shading strategy: 26 March - 26 September provide partial shadow
8:00AM - 9:00PM to moderate glare created by the low altitude sunlight. Simultaneously, allow direct sunlight penetration to varying extents during 27 September - 25 March, when the temperatures drop beneath 0°C, to allow for passive solar heating,
and furnish some sense of cheerfulness.
[128] 10. Please refer to Fig. 26 illustrating the over lapping of the Stereographic Sun
Path Diagram for the visited location, with a scaled plan view of the largest uninterrupted width opening in the screen module oriented 30° South of West. 2609 denotes 26 September. 2106 denotes 21 June. 2112 denotes 21 December. A bold filled circle denotes the location of the sun at 6PM on 26 September. 6 denotes the bold analemma for 6 PM. 8 denotes the analemma for 8AM. 9 denotes the analemma for 9PM.
[129] 11. Critical clock times for shading: 12:00PM, 4:00PM, and 6:00PM on the 26 of
March and September.
[130] 12. ω = W/4 = 0.5 cm; h = H/4 = 0.5 cm (Fig. 5). [131] 13. Comparison table to determine which is the critical day posing further extreme lighting conditions:
Evident from the table is the fact that 26 March poses further extreme lighting conditions. However, we would rather not provide for deeper projection obstruction as
early as 26 March, since the average air temperature during this month is 1°C. By allowing direct sunlight into the space for a few more days we would be saving more on energy by allowing passive solar heating, than we would if we were to provide more shadow. Consequently, I would be relying on the solar angles for the 26 of September as the critical day for purpose of the pursuing calculations.
[132] Test for 12:00PM: a = 14.10°; /? = 25.30 V = |- 60° - 14.10°| = 74.10°
D 1 > D 11 ^l 2 00PM Recorded ^) II ^ • ' ^ Cm
[133] Test for 4:00PM: a = -45.70°; β = 18.60°;
£ = |- 60.00° - (-45.70°)| = |- 14.30| = 14.30°
D n = = 2cm tan|£| tanl4.30° 0.25
D 1 < D II D 400PM Retarde ,d d = D I = \ λ\cm
[134] Test for 6:00PM: α = -74.10°; /? = 6.90°; δ = |- 60.00° - (-74.10°)| = |14.10| = 14.10°
^ h - cos δ\ 0.5 - cos 14.10° 0.48 λ
D 1 = = ^ 4cm tan/? tan 6.90° 0.12 ω 0.5 0.5
D n
= = 2cm tan|<?| tan 14.10° 0.25
[135] 16. Optimization:
Since the
MlOOPMRe corded < ^4.00PM RQ corded < "&00PMRecorded U Final ~ ^ 6OO AM ' Re corded ~ ^ Cm module maintains a uniform depth throughout, the greater Recorded D value would overrule. Thus, D = 2cm . This depth is too deep for aesthetic reasons. To further reduce the depth of the unit without compromising its shading performance, I'll divide its total depth into 3 layers. Next I would slide the layers 2mm horizontally relative to
each other, since the formula for the fin, D , yielded the Final D . The resulting maximum width would be 2cm-2(0.2)= 1.6cm. I'll divide this new width into 4 to obtain the new required horizontal measure for the projected shade: 1.6cm/4=0.4cm. I would recalculate the required depth for this width by substituting into the corresponding equation for the fin depth at 6:00PM to yield the following:
O) 0 4 0 4 tota ^ depth. Since this
^ tan S tan 14.10° 0.95 depth is still greater than the depth for the other critical clock times, it is acceptable, and no further test is needed. I'll divide it into 3 layers, so that each would measure 0.53cm in depth. The total width of each single layer in the screen module is 12.4cm, and the total height is 10cm. Each vein is 4mm wide ( Fig. 27 ).
[136] 17. Mounting side: Interior to facilitate passive solar heating during winter.
[137] 18. Surface: glazing. Please refer to Fig. 27 for a perspective showing the condition at 6:00PM on 26 September. The spatial sun location for his time is represented by a sphere, and denoted 26096.
[138] 19. Color Shades: Bright mixed with dark tones on the exterior facing side to reflect the sunlight radiation back to exterior during summer months, on one hand, and to allow absorption of sunlight radiation during the cold months for passive solar heating on the other hand; Bright on sides of veins as well as the interior facing side to enhance diffuse light distribution into the space. Example 4 - Subtropical Zone on the South Hemisphere, Perth, Australia
[139] 1. Space function: Office.
[140] 2. Occupancy period: 8:00AM-6:00PM, Mon.-Fri., all year.
[141] 3. Air-conditioning method: Artificial air-conditioning.
[142] 4. Orientation: Northeast, or 135° relative to South.
[143] 5. Latitude: 32°S; Longitude: +115.83°; Time zone: GMT+8; DST is not applied in
Perth.
[144] 6. Climatic conditions:
[145] Ave. min. and max. temperatures: 9°C - 29°C.
[146] Relative humidity: 43% - 88%.
[147] Annual precipitation: 800 mm/year.
[148] Prevailing winds directions: E to NE at 9:00AM; W to SW at 3:00PM.
[149] Altitude: 20m above sea level.
[150] Daily solar irradiance at peak hours: 0.5-1.05(kW/m 2 ) with low around June, and high around December.
[151] 7. Openness Percentage: 0.55%.
[152] 8. Pattern: Hexagons, Fig. 6, Fig. 30 . W: 2 cm; H: 2 cm.
[153] 9. Lighting and shading strategy: provide shadow 8:00AM - 6:00PM, 4 November till 21 February. [154] 10. Please refer to Fig. 28 illustrating the over lapping of the Stereographic Sun Path Diagram for the visited location, with a scaled plan view of the largest uninterrupted width opening in the screen module oriented toward the Northeast. 2102 denotes 21 February. 2112 denotes 21 December. 2106 denotes 21 June. Bold filled circles denote the locations of the sun at 8AM and 12PM on 21 February. The bold analemma for 8AM is denoted 8, and the bold analemma for 12PM is denoted 12. The analemma for 6PM is denoted 6.
[155] 11. Critical clock times for shading: 8:00AM, 12:00PM, on the 4 of November and the 21 st of February.
[156] 12. ω = W = 2 cm; h = H = 2 cm. (Fig. 6). [157] 13. Comparison table to determine which is the critical day posing further extreme lighting conditions:
From looking at the comparison table we can evidence compatible behavior for both days as far as the Iδ I values for 8AM are concerned. Hence, determining which to select rests on the β angle. Since 21 February has β values, which are closer to the normal to the visited surface - 1 would choose this day as the critical day for the purpose of the pursuing calculations.
[158]
α, = 92.3°; $ = 24.9°;^ = 135° -92.3° = 42.7
D 11 = ■ ≡ 2.17cm tan δ tan 42.7° 0.92
D r > D r A '8:00 /4M Re co«fe < / ~ ^7/ ~ 2. 1 7 COT
[159] Test for 12:00PM: a 2 = \60λ0°;β 2 = 68.00°;<5 2 = 135° - 160.1° = 25.10 h -cosδ 2 - cos25.10° 1.81
D 1 = = 0.73cm tan /? tan 68.00° 2.48 ft ) 2
D 11 = = 4.26cm tan <?| tan 25.10° 0.47
D, < D n => D n 1200PAZReC ' 1 ord <ted = D r = 0.73cm
[160] 16. Optimization: Since the
^8:00 AM Re corded ^ ^12:00 PM Recorded
U Final ~ ^8:00 AM Re corded ~ ^- ^ ' cm module maintains a uniform depth throughout, the greater Recorded D value would overrule. Thus, D= 2.17cm . This depth seems too deep for aesthetic reasons, and I'll reduce its depth by diving the total depth into 5 layers. Next I would slide each layer 3.5mm horizontally relative to each other. The resulting width would be 2cm-4(0.35)=0.6cm for the max width opening. Recalculation for the fin depth at
8:00AM yields: ω 0.6 0.6 total depth.
D 77 ® 8:00 λM = 0.65cm tan S tan 42.70° 0.92 Since this depth is smaller than the Recorded D of 12:00PM, further reiteration is needed. I'll substitute the depth of 0.65cm into the formula for D at 12:00PM, which yielded the 12:00PM Recorded D: CO COS δ an( ^ ^ n( ^ ^ e re( l uu"e d h:
D 1 = tan/?
^ r c /7cos25.10° , 0.65tan68.00° , 1.61 , __ This means that in
0.65 = ^h = ≡>h = = \ .llcm tan68.00° cos25.10° 0.91 order to obtain full shading at 12:00PM, we would have to perform an operation on the entire screen module so that its openings with maximum vertical uninterrupted span would be reduced from 2.00cm to 1.77cm. We can do this in either one of two routes: either by scale referencing the screen module in the Y axis to conform to this dimensions, or by the second route as preferred under this embodiment and described as follows: We would slide the 5 above mentioned layers vertically by
(2.00-1.77)/4=0.23cm/4=0.0575cm relative to each other. Thus we obtained a screen module with 5 layers shifted 0.35cm horizontally, and 0.0575cm vertically relative to each other. Each layer would measure 0.65/5=0.13cm in depth. The total width of each single layer in the screen module is 11.2cm and the total height is 11.1cm. Each vein is 4mm wide ( Fig. 30 ).
[161] 17. Mounting side: Exterior during summer to moderate the passive solar heating effect by blocking and reflecting back most of the sunlight before its penetration into the space. Interior during winter to enhance the same.
[162] 18. Surface: glazing. Please refer to Fig. 29 for a cross section showing the condition at 8:00AM. In addition, please refer to Fig. 30 which is a perspective, illustrating the condition at both 8AM and 12PM of 21 February. Spheres accompanied by 21028 and 210212 represent the spatial sun locations for 8AM and 12PM respectively.
[163] 19. Color Shades: Bright on the exterior facing side to reflect the sunlight radiation back to exterior; Dark on sides of veins as well as the interior facing side to reduce glare, contrast, and intensity.
[164] It would be appreciated that all the above examples serve to illustrate the applicability of the Screen Module, and its ability to adapt to the lighting conditions on any location on earth. It would be worthwhile to stress that different isogonic location, coupled with certain orientation, GMT time zone, Daylight Savings, and use of space would yield different lighting and shading objectives and requirements according to which the screen module can be adapted. Each condition would require an individual solution. The described above preferred embodiments are taking a case study of certain isogonic, orientation and other assumptions for the purpose of demonstrating the applicability of the various climatic principles with respect to lighting and shading preferences, and the selection of variants such as colors, side of mounting of the screen module, and proportions. Different data, coupled with certain lighting and shadow preferences, would utilize much the same considerations and principles to possibly yield a different solution with respect to openness percentage, maximum uninterrupted width and maximum uninterrupted height of openings in the pattern, depth of screen module, choice of colors, surface of mounting, and side of mounting.
[165] In another embodiment, a sense of a space beyond can be created by installing the screen module a predetermined distance from a second surface behind it with either natural or artificial source of lighting in between. The Screen Module can thus alleviate claustrophobic related stress, by creating the sense of a space beyond. Transparent surfaces and any proper grid could be suitable for purpose of surface of attachment. The surface of attachment, thus, assumes the status of an existing surface. This use can be applied in elevators, basements, shelters, and a plurality of spaces. Two main
options of setting the screen module a predetermined distance from a surface comprise: utilizing an existing grid or transparent surface, Fig. 38, and/or utilizing attaching elements with a predetermined depth, Fig. 37. These figures are a conceptual graphic expression of the embodiment wherein: 1 denotes vein; 2 denotes spacer / attaching element; 3 denotes the existing grid or transparent surface; 4 denotes the existing solid surface, and 5 denotes the light source.
Advantageous Effects The advantageous effects of the screen module comprise but are not limited to the following:
• Creating a wide range of possible charming decorative light and shadow effects;
• Atmosphere rendering;
• Glare moderation;
• Contrast and intensity reducing;
• Improvement of light distribution;
• View obscuring from exterior to interior, while allowing some degree of view to the exterior;
• Latitude, longitude, GMT time zone, DST (Daylight Savings Time), orientation, and climate customized shadowing in accordance with site- specific data, use of space, occupancy period(s), and critical clock times;
• Energy savings by reducing the cooling and heating loads on the mechanical system;
• Decoration: Bears a decorative value on its own right;
• Alleviating claustrophobic related stress, by creating a sense of a space beyond;
• Allowing a wide array of designs with reference to arrangement on surfaces;
• Offers a wide variety of designs with reference to the visual illustrations featured on the screen modules. Consequently can suit any person taste and design inspirations;
• Allows a wide array of surface of attachment alternates;
• Compact;
• Light-weight;
• Easy installation, which utilizes the existing surfaces without resorting to additional extraneous structures to position itself in a certain order in space;
• Can be either permanent or transient; transient in the sense it can be removed and repositioned easily without leaving a trace behind
• Cost effective to manufacture, and hence:
• Within every person budget reach;
• Recyclable, mold proof, and environmentally friendly.
Brief Description of Drawings
[167] The foregoing embodiments, features and related advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[168] Fig. 1 is a perspective, illustrating the basic components of a screen module.
[169] Fig. 2 is a facade of a screen module composed of segments.
[170] Fig. 3,4,5,6 feature The Doors of Aceh design, the Arcs design, the Orthogonal design, and the Hexagonal design of screen modules respectively.
[171] Fig. 7 is a facade of a group of the Arc design screen modules.
[172] Fig. 8 through Fig. 15 illustrate conceptual facades of various extents and manners of surface tessellations.
[173] Fig. 16 is a perspective view looking from the exterior in the direction of the interior through a window with exterior facing side white colored screen modules, while in the interior two children sit and read a book. In this figure the children are seated 30cm behind the screened opening, and the view point is set 300cm in front of the screened opening. The zoom used is 472mm. Each screen module comprises 20 openings measuring 2cm x 2cm. Each vein is 4mm wide.
[174] Fig. 17 is a perspective view identical to the preceding but looking in the reverse direction, i.e., looking from the interior in the direction of the exterior through a window with interior facing side dark colored screen modules, while in the exterior two children sit and read a book. In this figure the children are seated 30cm behind the screened opening, and the view point is set 300cm in front of the screened opening. The zoom used is 472mm. Each screen module comprises 20 openings measuring 2cm x 2cm. Each vein is 4mm wide.
[175] Fig. 18 is a cross sectional view of a screen module attached to the exterior side of the glazing.
[176] Fig. 19 is a cross sectional view of a screen module attached to the interior side of the glazing.
[177] Fig. 20 is a facade of a screen module with 65% openness percentage.
[178] Fig. 21 is a facade of a screen module with 23% openness percentage.
[179] Fig. 22 is a plan view illustrating the over lapping of the Stereographic Sun Path
Diagram for Bandung, Indonesia, with a scaled plan view of the largest uninterrupted width opening in the screen module oriented toward the South, and with pertaining prevailing winds directions.
[180] Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the screen module for Bandung, Indonesia, illustrating its shading performance at the critical clock time, which yielded the Final D value.
[181] Fig. 24 is a plan view illustrating the over lapping of the Stereographic Sun Path
Diagram for San Diego, California, with a scaled plan view of the largest uninterrupted width opening in the screen module oriented toward the Southeast.
[182] Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the screen module for San Diego, California, illustrating its shading performance at the critical clock time, which yielded the Optimized D value.
[183] Fig. 26 is a plan view illustrating the over lapping of the Stereographic Sun Path
Diagram for Trondheim, Norway, with a scaled plan view of the largest uninterrupted width opening in the screen module oriented 30° South of West.
[184] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the screen module for Trondheim, Norway, illustrating its shading performance at the critical clock time, which yielded the Optimized D value.
[185] Fig. 28 is a plan view illustrating the over lapping of the Stereographic Sun Path
Diagram for Perth, Australia, with a scaled plan view of the largest uninterrupted width opening in the screen module oriented 45° East of North.
[186] Fig. 29 is a cross section through the maximum uninterrupted height of openings,
(Optimized H), in the visited screen module for Perth, Australia, illustrating the layering arrangement, and vertical shifting of the layers relative to each other at pertaining critical clock time, which yielded the Optimized H.
[187] Fig. 30 is a perspective view of the screen module for Perth, Australia, illustrating its shading performance at the two critical clock times, which yielded the Optimized D value, the Optimized W value and the Optimized H value.
[188] Fig. 31-32 are the formulas for the calculation of D and D respectively.
[189] Fig. 33 is a schematic plan view illustrating the relationships between S (South), the Normal, the projection on the plane of the sun position, α, and β.
[190] Fig. 34 is a perspective view illustrating the geometric representation of: α, β, δ, ω, h, the Normal to the visited surface - P, the South - S, and the Sun position in the sky, in partial shading conditions.
[191] Fig. 35 is a perspective view illustrating the geometric representation of: α, β, δ, ω, h, the Normal to the visited surface - P, the South - S, and the Sun position in the sky, in full shading conditions.
[192] Fig. 36 is a schematic facade of a screen module illustrating W, (maximum uninterrupted width in the openings of the visited screen module), and H, (maximum uninterrupted height in the openings of same).
[193] Fig. 37-38 illustrate two conceptual cross sectional views of alternatives for installing the screen module a predetermined distance from a solid surface, with a source of light illuminating said surface.
Best Modes For Carrying Out the Invention
[194] The preferred embodiment is utilizing a mold pre-designed to accommodate predetermined proportions. A sturdy plastic foil is cut to fit into the bottom of the mold, and extensions, which comprise a continuation of the plastic foil, are left on all sides, and folded in a right angle so as to allow the patterned plastic foil to reach the bottom of the mold. Domestically processed recycled paper pulp mixture is poured into the mold. The excess water are drained and blotted. The resulted formed paper screen module is left to dry, and once deemed sufficiently cured is pulled out of its mold with the aid of the plastic extensions. Nevertheless, other modes are possible as well, such as injection mold, cutting the openings by laser cutting out of a lightweight material panel, with a predetermined depth, or such as cutting out the openings out of a layer of polymer clay with a precision knife, or any other known cutting method. The layer of polymer clay in the latter case, would be prepared in advance, by kneading it, and flattening it with the aid of a pasta machine, and whose thickness, (i.e., depth), would be calculated in advance to be adapted to a specific shading strategy, and light admittance. Other acceptable methods can include, but are not limited to, cutting the designed openings out with the aid of a pressing machine with a 'stunts'. Other acceptable methods can include but are not limited to composing the screen module out of separate elementary pieces such as beads. The beads can be of any color, shape and depth as predetermined to adapt to the desirable shading strategy, and light admittance, and of any material such as bamboo. The separate pieces can be connected to each other via the means of a thread, glue, dry connections, or any other adequate connection, and form any desirable ornamental design, image, or visual illustration, in a broader term. (Fig. 2).
[195] According to a preferred embodiment, the design, colors, mounting side, and method of determining the proportions of the screen module could be predetermined to adapt to specific latitude, longitude, GMT time zone, DST (Daylight Savings Time), orientation, and climate on one hand, and to the occupant lighting and shading objectives, decorative preferences, use of space and period of occupation, on the other hand. Elaborate explanation of each aspect - design, colors, mounting side and calculation algorithm can be found above in the "disclosure of Invention". According to a preferred embodiment, the mounting method is utilizing transparent bi-adhesive as described above in the "Disclosure of Invention". Notwithstanding, the attaching element can constitute a permanent adhering to the existing surface. In addition, any other mounting method, which achieves the objective of secure attachment - whether permanent or transient in nature - is acceptable as well, and would be considered within the scope of this invention. For example, the screen modules can be mounted against a wire mesh surface utilizing miniature hooks allowing either permanent or removable attachment.
Industrial Applicability As apparent from the foregoing description, the present invention provides a
"Screen Module", which is intended to be mass produced through such manufacturing methods as described in the "Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention". According to a preferred embodiment, and as mentioned above in the "Disclosure of Invention", the screen module is consisted of a paper pulp, or any other lightweight material, which was shaped via the means of a master mold by pushing or pouring and curing the material to accept the shape of the mold. Other processes, which allow mass production such as described above in the "Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention" are possible as well. These processes thereby have improved productivity, and decreased production costs. In addition - its use of recyclable materials contributes to further reduced costs of production, as recycled materials are a readily available component, which is obtained most often at cost effective price. In addition, using recycled material makes the screen module a "green" product, which complies with present international treaties of protecting the earth environment through the use of environmentally friendly materials, and is widely encouraged throughout the world via various incentives, and growing public awareness. Further, the "Screen Module" of the present invention comprises decorative value, as well as pragmatic functions of controlling the light admittance in to the room in a customized manner to suit specific latitudes, longitude, GMT time zone, DST (Daylight Savings Time), orientations, and specific occupant preferences, use of space, and period of occupation, (customized), or as a standard article (adjustable). In the former case the screen would be manufactured under a special order. For example, the special order could be carried out via a special website, which would allow the customer to select all parameters, such as latitude, longitude, GMT time zone, DST (Daylight Savings Time), orientation, lighting and shadow preferences around the year, decorative design, colors, size of opening to be treated, type of surface to be mounted against, possible sides of mounting, and any additional required parameters such as grid of tessellation - orthogonal, pentagonal, hexagonal or other. The site would then automatically issue for the customer a recommendation of the type and number of the screen modules along with an according visualization, and price estimate. If opting to proceed to checkout, the customer would then be able to finalize his order. In the latter case, where the screen module is manufactured at standardized sizes the website would be able to advise the customer how many layers of screen modules he would have to purchase to reach certain lighting and shading preferences, as well as advise him of the total number of screen modules recommended for purchasing. The Screen Module can also be attached to solid surfaces such as walls, as it has prominent plastic features of embossed decorative pattern. Another possible use for the Screen Module would be attaching it to the
surface of "blind windows", or any glaze surface behind which an artificial light is located, to form beautiful decorative effects, to create a sense of a space beyond, and thus alleviate claustrophobic related stress. The wide range of possible charming decorative light and shadow effects, and its other benefits such as energy savings, and obscuring incidental gazes from the exterior, while allowing gazes to the exterior, coupled with its being compact, light weight, and cost effective, could also make the "Screen Module" an ideal product to be sold over the shelves of local supermarkets.
[197] Thus, the foregoing description of the invention is therefore illustrative and explanatory of one or more presently preferred embodiments of the invention and variations thereof, and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes in the arrangement, operation, dimensions, design, pattern, morphological properties, tessellation composition, attachment method, surfaces of attachment, materials, production method, colors and shades, sides of mounting, openness ratio, type of screen module, (customized or adjustable), latitude, longitude, GMT time zone, DST (Daylight Savings Time), orientation, climatic conditions, light and shadow strategies, calculation method, and industrial applicability, as well as in the details of the illustrated construction or combinations of features of the various elements, may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.
[198] Moreover, the drawings are intended to describe the concepts of the invention so that the presently preferred embodiments of the invention will be plainly disclosed to one of skilled in the art, but are not intended to be manufacturing level drawings or renditions of final products, and may include simplified conceptual views as desired for easier and quicker understanding or explanation of the invention. It will be seen that various changes and alternatives may be used that are contained within the spirit of the invention.
[199] Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept(s) herein taught, and because many modifications may be made in the embodiment herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirements of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative in an inclusive sense, but not in a limiting sense.