U.S. patent application number 17/729348 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-11 for selecting a window treatment fabric.
This patent application is currently assigned to Lutron Technology Company LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Lutron Technology Company LLC. Invention is credited to Edward J. Blair, Samuel F. Chambers, Laura M. Gabriel, Michelle L. Greene, Andrew J. Lawler, Joseph Roy Parks, Brent Protzman, Staci L. Quirk.
Application Number | 20220253732 17/729348 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220253732 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Blair; Edward J. ; et
al. |
August 11, 2022 |
SELECTING A WINDOW TREATMENT FABRIC
Abstract
A fabric selection tool provides an automated procedure for
recommending and/or selecting a fabric for a window treatment to be
installed in a building. The recommendation may be made to optimize
the performance of the window treatment in which the fabric may be
installed. The recommended fabric may be selected based on
performance metrics associated with each fabric in an environment.
The fabrics may be ranked based upon the performance metrics of one
or more of the fabrics. One or more of the fabrics, and/or their
corresponding ranks, may be displayed to a user for selection. The
recommended fabrics may be determined based on combinations of
fabrics that provide performance metrics for various facades of the
building. Using the ranking system provided by the fabric selection
tool, the user may obtain a fabric sample and/or order one or more
of the recommended fabrics.
Inventors: |
Blair; Edward J.; (Telford,
PA) ; Chambers; Samuel F.; (Gwynedd Valley, PA)
; Gabriel; Laura M.; (Harleysville, PA) ; Greene;
Michelle L.; (Bethlehem, PA) ; Lawler; Andrew J.;
(Macungie, PA) ; Parks; Joseph Roy; (Emmaus,
PA) ; Protzman; Brent; (Easton, PA) ; Quirk;
Staci L.; (Oxford, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lutron Technology Company LLC |
Coopersburg |
PA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Lutron Technology Company
LLC
Coopersburg
PA
|
Appl. No.: |
17/729348 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16020683 |
Jun 27, 2018 |
11321617 |
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17729348 |
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14677941 |
Apr 2, 2015 |
10032112 |
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16020683 |
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62002666 |
May 23, 2014 |
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61973959 |
Apr 2, 2014 |
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International
Class: |
G06N 5/04 20060101
G06N005/04; E06B 9/24 20060101 E06B009/24; G06F 30/20 20060101
G06F030/20; E06B 9/68 20060101 E06B009/68; G05B 15/02 20060101
G05B015/02; G06N 7/00 20060101 G06N007/00 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: presenting a recommendation to a user for a
window treatment, wherein the recommendation is based on a position
of the window treatment and are controlled by the automated window
treatment control system.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/020,683 (now U.S. Pat. No. ______, which is
a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/677,941 (now
U.S. Pat. No. 10,032,112), which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/973,959, filed Apr. 2, 2014, and
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/002,666, filed on May 23, 2014,
the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference
herein in their entireties.
[0002] This application is related to commonly assigned U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/677,936, filed Apr. 2, 2015, entitled
SELECTING A WINDOW TREATMENT FABRIC; commonly assigned U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/677,937, Apr. 2, 2015, entitled SELECTING A
WINDOW TREATMENT FABRIC; and commonly assigned U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/677,939, Apr. 2, 2015, entitled SELECTING A
WINDOW TREATMENT FABRIC, the contents of each are hereby
incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A typical window treatment, such as a roller shade, a
drapery, a roman shade, and/or a venetian blind, may be mounted in
front of a window or opening to control an amount of light that may
enter a user environment and/or to provide privacy. A covering
material (e.g., a shade fabric) on the window treatment may be
adjusted to control the amount of daylight from entering the user
environment and/or to provide privacy. The covering material may be
manually controlled and/or automatically controlled using a
motorized drive system to provide energy savings and/or increased
comfort for occupants. For example, the covering material may be
raised to allow light to enter the user environment and allow for
reduced use of lighting systems. The covering material may also be
lowered to reduce the occurrence of sun glare.
[0004] While current window treatments may be adjusted to provide
energy savings and/or increased comfort for occupants, the type of
fabric or covering material selected for installation with the
window treatment is generally given little to no consideration.
Instead, fabrics or covering materials are generally selected based
solely on visual aesthetics.
SUMMARY
[0005] As described herein, a fabric selector tool may be used to
assist a user in determining fabrics for automated or manual window
treatment that, when implemented in an environment (e.g., building,
office, home, etc.), may reduce an amount of power used by a load
control system and/or increase the comfort of occupants in the
environment. Different types of fabrics may be used with a window
treatment. To choose a recommended fabric for implementation in a
window treatment, the fabric selector tool may consider fabric
characteristics, the environment in which the window treatment may
be installed, and/or the performance of various fabrics in the
environment in which the window treatment may be installed. The
environment, for example, may include a building or a location in
the building in which the window treatment may be installed.
[0006] A fabric selection wizard module may be implemented for
collecting and/or computing input data. The input data may include
the characteristics of the environment in which the window
treatment may be installed. For example, the environmental
characteristics associated with the building or the location in the
building in which the recommended fabric may be installed may
comprise a location of the building, a latitude of the building, a
longitude of the building, an orientation of the building, at least
one facade of the building on which the window treatment is to be
installed, a buffer zone between a window in the building and an
occupant's work space, a window size associated with a window in
the building, a glass type associated with a window in the
building, a window-to-wall ratio for a room in the building, a
visible light transmittance for a window in the building, a
daylight glare probability value that indicates an amount of time
that daylight glare is probable at a location during a period of
time or a maximum probable daylight glare intensity at a location
over a period of time, a maximum daylight glare probability value
that indicates a maximum threshold for the daylight glare
probability value, a room color, depth of room in which the
recommended fabric is to be installed, a type of space in the
building in which the recommended fabric is to be installed, and/or
automated window treatment control information. The fabric
selection wizard module may receive some of the environmental
characteristics as input data (e.g., from a user interface) and may
compute fabric performance input data for determining performance
characteristics based on these environmental characteristics. For
example, the latitude and longitude of the building may be
calculated based on the location of the building, the
window-to-wall ratio may be calculated based on the window size,
the visible light transmittance for the window may be calculated
based on the glass type of the window in the building, and/or the
daylight glare probability value or the maximum daylight glare
probability value may be calculated based on the type of space in
the building in which the recommended fabric is to be installed.
The input data may be used to calculate fabric performance metrics
at the fabric selection wizard module or another entity, such as a
fabric performance engine module, for example. The performance
metrics may be predicted based on environmental characteristics of
the interior space in which the window treatment may be installed
and/or fabric characteristics of the fabric used for the window
treatment. The fabric performance metrics may be included in a
fabric performance matrix or other output. The fabric performance
metrics may indicate the performance of various types of fabric
having various characteristics. The fabric performance metrics may
be calculated by analyzing the characteristics of a fabric to
determine the predicted performance of the fabric in various
environments. The fabric characteristics may include an openness
factor associated with the fabric that may indicate an amount of
open space in the fabric, a visible light transmittance associated
with the fabric that may indicate an amount of visible light
allowed through the fabric, a solar heat gain associated with a
fabric, combined solar heat gain coefficient associate with a
combination of the solar heat gain for a glass and a fabric, a
color group associated with the fabric, and/or a view clarity
rating that may indicate an amount of visibility available through
the fabric. The performance metrics for the fabric that may be
calculated based on one or more of these characteristics may
include the daylight glare probability value that indicates a
maximum daylight glare intensity over a period of time, the maximum
daylight glare probability value that indicates a predefined
maximum threshold for the daylight glare probability, a spatial
daylight autonomy value that may indicate an amount of floor space
in the building where daylight alone may provide light over a
period of time, a spatial daylight autonomy limit value that may
indicate the maximum spatial daylight autonomy value for the
fabrics with a glare summary score higher than zero, a view rating
value that may indicate an amount (e.g., percentage) of the window
that may be unobstructed by the fabric, a view limit rating value
that may indicate the maximum spatial daylight autonomy value for
the fabrics with a glare summary score higher than zero, a view
clarity value that may indicate an amount of visibility available
through the fabric, a view preservation rating value that may be
based on a view rating of the fabric and may indicate an amount of
the window that may be unobstructed by the window treatment and a
view clarity rating of the fabric that indicates an amount of
visibility available through the fabric, a direct glare score that
may indicate the reduction in glare based on the fabric, and/or the
minimum incident angle of the sun for each facade across the
year.
[0007] The fabric selection wizard module may receive the predicted
fabric performance metrics. The fabric selection wizard module may
use the fabric performance metrics to determine a ranking of one or
more fabrics for which the performance metrics are received. The
ranking may be based on the fabric performance metrics
corresponding to the environment in which the window treatment may
be installed (e.g., indicated by the input data). The fabrics may
be ranked based on a glare score that indicates a predicted amount
of glare resulting in a building from use of at least one fabric in
the window treatment, a daylight score that indicates a predicted
amount of daylight resulting in the interior space from use of the
fabric in the window treatment, and/or a view score that indicates
an occupant's predicted amount of view out of the at least one
window when the window treatment is installed. The fabrics may be
ranked based on predefined window treatment recommendation
criteria. The fabric selection wizard module may output one or more
recommended fabrics and/or their ranking. For example, the fabric
selection wizard may display one or more of the top-ranked
fabrics.
[0008] Predefined window-treatment recommendation criteria may be
used to calculate rankings. The predefined window-treatment
recommendation criteria may be criteria that affect the amount of
energy and/or comfort for an occupant in a load control
environment. The predefined window-treatment recommendation
criteria may be criteria for window treatments against which the
performance of a window treatment may be compared. For example, the
predefined window-treatment recommendation criteria may be
threshold levels for the predefined predicted performance metrics
and/or summary scores. The predefined window treatment
recommendation criteria may be system and/or user defined. For
example, the system and/or the user may select a threshold value or
relative weighting criteria for one or more predefined
window-treatment recommendation criteria. The system may use the
performance summary scores to determine relative weighting
criteria, for example, by computing a weighted average summary
score with each performance rating weighted based on either room
type or user defined weightings.
[0009] The fabric selection wizard module may determine
combinations of fabrics that provide the performance metrics for
various facades of the building, and use these combinations to rank
the fabrics. For example, the environmental characteristics may
indicate one or more facades of the building and the fabric
performance may be predicted for each facade. Similarly, predicted
performance metrics may be calculated for multiple facades. The
fabric performance for each facade may be combined to get an
overall score for multiple facades of the building. Fabric set
scores may be calculated, for example, for different sets of
fabrics for multiple facades. The fabric set score may indicate a
performance of a set of fabrics when each fabric is used in a
window treatment on a different facade of the building. Each fabric
in a set of fabrics may have characteristics that are the same of
different. For example, the fabrics in a set of fabrics may be of
the same family or color group. If the same fabric or fabric
family, color group, color and/or openness factor are used for the
facades, the scores across the facades may be calculated, for
example, when combining multiple facades. A fabric family may
comprise a plurality of fabrics with the same material, same
texture, or same manufacturer. A color group may comprise a
plurality of fabrics with varying shades of a same color or a
plurality of fabrics with a combination of colors including at
least one color that is the same color. If the same fabric color is
used for the facades, an openness factor (e.g., the best openness
factor) may be selected by each facade, and the summary scores may
be calculated across the facades, for example, when combining
multiple facades. After the fabric selection wizard module ranks
the plurality of different fabrics and displays one or more of the
fabrics, the user may obtain a fabric sample and/or order the
fabric.
[0010] The recommended fabric may comprises an openness factor that
comprises an amount of open space within the fabric material and a
visible light transmittance that comprises an amount of visible
light allowed to transmit through the fabric material. The openness
factor and the visible light transmittance of the fabric material
may affect the daylight glare probability that may result from use
of the fabric. The openness factor and the visible light
transmittance of the recommended fabric may result in a daylight
glare probability of less than 35% or 45%. For example, the
openness factor and the visible light transmittance of the fabric
material may result in a daylight glare probability of less than
35%. As the openness factor may vary from fabric to fabric, the
recommended fabric material may comprises an openness tolerance of
1% or less (e.g., 0.5%) for variance of the openness factor. This
may be to prevent a fabric having a selected openness factor of 35%
or less from raising above 45%.
[0011] The recommended fabrics may optimize the automated operation
and/or performance of the window treatment (e.g., to increase
energy savings and/or improve occupant comfort). While various
examples are provided herein for recommending fabrics or other
covering materials for a window treatment, the examples are not
meant to be limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a load control
system having load control devices and motorized window
treatments.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram that illustrates
various characteristics of a window treatment.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example architecture of a fabric
selection tool that may be used to select a fabric for a window
treatment.
[0015] FIG. 4 is an example of a database that may be used to
lookup input data and/or calculate input data.
[0016] FIGS. 5A-5I show example displays of the fabric selection
input screen of a fabric selection wizard module.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a simplified flowchart of a fabric selection
procedure for selecting a fabric for a window treatment.
[0018] FIGS. 7A-7G show example displays of the fabric selection
output screen of a fabric selection wizard module.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram of an example network
device.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a simplified block diagram of an example wireless
control device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description, is better understood when read in conjunction with the
appended drawings. The drawings are shown for purposes of
illustration and are non-limiting.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a simple diagram of an example load control system
for controlling the amount of power delivered from an
alternating-current (AC) power source (not shown) to one or more
electrical loads. The load control system 100 may comprise a system
controller 110 (e.g., a load controller or a central controller)
operable to transmit and/or receive digital messages via a wired
and/or a wireless communication link. For example, the system
controller 110 may be coupled to one or more wired control devices
via a wired digital communication link 104. The system controller
110 may be configured to transmit and/or receive wireless signals,
e.g., radio-frequency (RF) signals 106, to communicate with one or
more wireless control devices. The load control system 100 may
comprise a number of control-source devices and/or a number of
control-target devices for controlling an electrical load. The
control-source devices may be input devices operable to transmit
digital messages configured to control an electrical load via a
control-target device. For example, control-source devices may
transmit the digital messages in response to user input,
occupancy/vacancy conditions, changes in measured light intensity,
or other input information. The control-target devices may be load
control devices operable to receive digital messages and control
respective electrical loads in response to the received digital
messages. A single control device of the load control system 100
may operate as both a control-source and a control-target device.
The system controller 110 may be configured to receive digital
messages from the control-source devices and transmit digital
messages to the control-target devices in response to the digital
messages received from the control-source devices. The
control-source devices and the control-target devices may also, or
alternatively, communicate directly.
[0023] The load control system 100 may comprise a load control
device, such as a dimmer switch 120, for controlling a lighting
load 122. The dimmer switch 120 may be adapted to be wall-mounted
in a standard electrical wallbox. The dimmer switch 120 may
comprise a tabletop or plug-in load control device. The dimmer
switch 120 may comprise a toggle actuator 124 (e.g., a button)
and/or an intensity adjustment actuator 126 (e.g., a rocker
switch). Successive actuations of the toggle actuator 124 may
toggle, e.g., turn off and on, the lighting load 122. Actuations of
an upper portion or a lower portion of the intensity adjustment
actuator 126 may respectively increase or decrease the amount of
power delivered to the lighting load 122 and increase or decrease
the intensity of the lighting load from a minimum intensity (e.g.,
approximately 1%) to a maximum intensity (e.g., approximately
100%). The dimmer switch 120 may further comprise a plurality of
visual indicators 128, e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which
may be arranged in a linear array and/or may be illuminated to
provide feedback of the intensity of the lighting load 122.
Examples of wall-mounted dimmer switches are described in greater
detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,248,919, issued Sep. 28, 1993, entitled
LIGHTING CONTROL DEVICE, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/780,514, filed Feb. 28, 2013, entitled WIRELESS LOAD CONTROL
DEVICE, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0024] The dimmer switch 120 may be configured to receive digital
messages from the system controller 110 via the RF signals 106 and
to control the lighting load 122 in response to the received
digital messages. Examples of dimmer switches operable to transmit
and receive digital messages is described in greater detail in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/033,223, filed Feb. 19, 2008,
entitled COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL FOR A RADIO-FREQUENCY LOAD CONTROL
SYSTEM, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference. The dimmer switch 120 may also, or alternatively, be
coupled to the wired digital communication link 104.
[0025] The load control system 100 may further comprise one or more
remotely-located load control devices, such as light-emitting diode
(LED) drivers 130 for driving respective LED light sources 132
(e.g., LED light engines). The LED drivers 130 may be located
remotely, for example, in the lighting fixtures of the respective
LED light sources 132. The LED drivers 130 may be configured to
receive digital messages from the system controller 110 via the
digital communication link 104 and to control the respective LED
light sources 132 in response to the received digital messages. The
LED drivers 130 may be coupled to a separate digital communication
link, such as an Ecosystem.RTM. or digital addressable lighting
interface (DALI) communication link, and the load control system
100 may include a digital lighting controller coupled between the
digital communication link 104 and the separate communication link.
The LED drivers 132 may include internal RF communication circuits
or be coupled to external RF communication circuits (e.g., mounted
external to the lighting fixtures, such as to a ceiling) for
transmitting and/or receiving the RF signals 106. The load control
system 100 may further comprise other types of remotely-located
load control devices, such as, for example, electronic dimming
ballasts for driving fluorescent lamps.
[0026] The load control system 100 may further comprise a plurality
of daylight control devices, e.g., motorized window treatments,
such as motorized roller shades 140, to control the amount of
daylight entering the building in which the load control system may
be installed. A motorized roller shades 140 may comprise a covering
material (e.g., a shade fabric). The covering material may be wound
around a roller tube for raising and/or lowering the shade fabric.
The motorized roller shades 140 may comprise electronic drive units
142. The electronic drive units 142 may be located inside the
roller tube of the motorized roller shade. The electronic drive
units 142 may be coupled to the digital communication link 104 for
transmitting and/or receiving digital messages. The electronic
drive units 142 may include a control circuit. The control circuit
may be configured to adjust the position of a window treatment
fabric, for example, in response to digital messages received from
the system controller 110 via the digital communication link 104.
Each of the electronic drive units 142 may include memory for
storing association information for associations with other devices
and/or instructions for controlling the motorized roller shade 140.
The electronic drive units 142 may comprise an internal RF
communication circuit. The electronic drive units 142 may also, or
alternatively, be coupled to an external RF communication circuit
(e.g., located outside of the roller tube) for transmitting and/or
receiving the RF signals 106. The load control system 100 may
comprise other types of daylight control devices, such as, for
example, a cellular shade, a drapery, a Roman shade, a Venetian
blind, a Persian blind, a pleated blind, a tensioned roller shade
systems, an electrochromic or smart window, and/or other suitable
daylight control device.
[0027] The load control system 100 may comprise one or more other
types of load control devices, such as, for example, a screw-in
luminaire including a dimmer circuit and an incandescent or halogen
lamp; a screw-in luminaire including a ballast and a compact
fluorescent lamp; a screw-in luminaire including an LED driver and
an LED light source; an electronic switch, a controllable circuit
breaker, or other switching device for turning an appliance on and
off; a plug-in load control device, a controllable electrical
receptacle, or a controllable power strip for controlling one or
more plug-in loads; a motor control unit for controlling a motor
load, such as a ceiling fan or an exhaust fan; a drive unit for
controlling a motorized window treatment or a projection screen;
motorized interior or exterior shutters; a thermostat for a heating
and/or cooling system; a temperature control device for controlling
a setpoint temperature of a heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) system; an air conditioner; a compressor; an
electric baseboard heater controller; a controllable damper; a
variable air volume controller; a fresh air intake controller; a
ventilation controller; hydraulic valves for use in radiators and
radiant heating systems; a humidity control unit; a humidifier; a
dehumidifier; a water heater; a boiler controller; a pool pump; a
refrigerator; a freezer; a television or computer monitor; a video
camera; an audio system or amplifier; an elevator; a power supply;
a generator; an electric charger, such as an electric vehicle
charger; and/or an alternative energy controller.
[0028] The load control system 100 may comprise one or more input
devices, e.g., such as a wired keypad device 150, a battery-powered
remote control device 152, an occupancy sensor 154, a daylight
sensor 156, and/or a shadow sensor 158. The wired keypad device 150
may be configured to transmit digital messages to the system
controller 110 via the digital communication link 104 in response
to an actuation of one or more buttons of the wired keypad device.
The battery-powered remote control device 152, the occupancy sensor
154, the daylight sensor 156, and/or the shadow sensor 158 may be
wireless control devices (e.g., RF transmitters) configured to
transmit digital messages to the system controller 110 via the RF
signals 106 (e.g., directly to the system controller). For example,
the battery-powered remote control device 152 may be configured to
transmit digital messages to the system controller 110 via the RF
signals 106 in response to an actuation of one or more buttons of
the battery-powered remote control device 152. The occupancy sensor
154 may be configured to transmit digital messages to the system
controller 110 via the RF signals 106 in response to detection of
occupancy and/or vacancy conditions in the space in which the load
control system 100 may be installed. The daylight sensor 156 may be
configured to transmit digital messages to the system controller
110 via the RF signals 106 in response to detection of different
amounts of natural light intensity. The shadow sensor 158 may be
configured to transmit digital messages to the system controller
110 via the RF signals 106 in response to detection of an exterior
light intensity coming from outside the space in which the load
control system 100 may be installed. The system controller 110 may
be configured to transmit one or more digital messages to the load
control devices (e.g., the dimmer switch 120, the LED drivers 130,
and/or the motorized roller shades 140) in response to the received
digital messages, e.g., from the wired keypad device 150, the
battery-powered remote control device 152, the occupancy sensor
154, the daylight sensor 156, and/or the shadow sensor 158. While
the system controller 110 may receive digital messages from the
input devices and/or transmit digital messages to the load control
devices for controlling an electrical load, the input devices may
communicate directly with the load control devices for controlling
the electrical load.
[0029] The load control system 100 may comprise a wireless adapter
device 160 that may be coupled to the digital communication link
104. The wireless adapter device 160 may be configured to receive
the RF signals 106. The wireless adapter device 160 may be
configured to transmit a digital message to the system controller
110 via the digital communication link 104 in response to a digital
message received from one of the wireless control devices via the
RF signals 106. For example, the wireless adapter device 160 may
re-transmit the digital messages received from the wireless control
devices on the digital communication link 104.
[0030] The occupancy sensor 154 may be configured to detect
occupancy and/or vacancy conditions in the space in which the load
control system 100 may be installed. The occupancy sensor 154 may
transmit digital messages to the system controller 110 via the RF
signals 106 in response to detecting the occupancy and/or vacancy
conditions. The system controller 110 may be configured to turn one
or more of the lighting load 122 and/or the LED light sources 132
on and off in response to receiving an occupied command and a
vacant command, respectively. The occupancy sensor 154 may operate
as a vacancy sensor, such that the lighting loads are turned off in
response to detecting a vacancy condition (e.g., not turned on in
response to detecting an occupancy condition). Examples of RF load
control systems having occupancy and vacancy sensors are described
in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 8,009,042,
issued Aug. 30, 2011, entitled RADIO-FREQUENCY LIGHTING CONTROL
SYSTEM WITH OCCUPANCY SENSING; U.S. Pat. No. 8,199,010, issued Jun.
12, 2012, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONFIGURING A WIRELESS
SENSOR; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,228,184, issued Jul. 24, 2012, entitled
BATTERY-POWERED OCCUPANCY SENSOR, the entire disclosures of which
are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0031] The daylight sensor 156 may be configured to measure a total
light intensity in the space in which the load control system is
installed. The daylight sensor 156 may transmit digital messages
including the measured light intensity to the system controller 110
via the RF signals 106. The digital messages may be used to control
an electrical load (e.g., the intensity of lighting load 122, the
motorized window shades 140 for controlling the level of the
covering material, the intensity of the LED light sources 132) via
one or more control load control devices (e.g., the dimmer switch
120, the electronic drive unit 142, the LED driver 130). Examples
of RF load control systems having daylight sensors are described in
greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 8,410,706, issued
Apr. 2, 2013, entitled METHOD OF CALIBRATING A DAYLIGHT SENSOR; and
U.S. Pat. No. 8,451,116, issued May 28, 2013, entitled WIRELESS
BATTERY-POWERED DAYLIGHT SENSOR, the entire disclosures of which
are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0032] The shadow sensor 158 may be configured to measure an
exterior light intensity coming from outside the space in which the
load control system 100 may be installed. The shadow sensor 158 may
be mounted on a facade of a building, such as the exterior or
interior of a window, to measure the exterior natural light
intensity depending upon the location of the sun in sky. The shadow
sensor 158 may detect when direct sunlight is directly shining into
the shadow sensor 158, is reflected onto the shadow sensor 158, or
is blocked by external means, such as clouds or a building, and may
send digital messages indicating the measured light intensity. The
shadow sensor 158 may transmit digital messages including the
measured light intensity to the system controller 110 via the RF
signals 106. The digital messages may be used to control an
electrical load (e.g., the intensity of lighting load 122, the
motorized window shades 140 for controlling the level of the
covering material, and/or the intensity of the LED light sources
132) via one or more control load control devices (e.g., the dimmer
switch 120, the electronic drive unit 142, and/or the LED driver
130). The shadow sensor 158 may also be referred to as a window
sensor, a cloudy-day sensor, or a sun sensor.
[0033] The load control system 100 may comprise other types of
input device, such as: temperature sensors; humidity sensors;
radiometers; pressure sensors; smoke detectors; carbon monoxide
detectors; air quality sensors; motion sensors; security sensors;
proximity sensors; fixture sensors; partition sensors; keypads;
kinetic- or solar-powered remote controls; key fobs; cell phones;
smart phones; tablets; personal digital assistants; personal
computers; laptops; timeclocks; audio-visual controls; safety
devices; power monitoring devices (such as power meters, energy
meters, utility submeters, utility rate meters); central control
transmitters; residential, commercial, or industrial controllers;
or any combination of these input devices. These input devices may
transmit digital messages to the system controller 110 via the RF
signals 106. The digital messages may be used to control an
electrical load (e.g., the intensity of lighting load 122, the
motorized window shades 140 for controlling the level of the
covering material, and/or the intensity of the LED light sources
132) via one or more control load control devices (e.g., the dimmer
switch 120, the electronic drive unit 142, and/or the LED driver
130).
[0034] The system controller 110 may be configured to control the
load control devices (e.g., the dimmer switch 120, the LED drivers
130, and/or the motorized roller shades 140) according to a
timeclock schedule. The timeclock schedule may be stored in a
memory in the system controller. The timeclock schedule may include
a number of timeclock events. The timeclock events may have an
event time and a corresponding command or preset. The system
controller 110 may be configured to keep track of the present time
and/or day. The system controller 110 may transmit the appropriate
command or preset at the respective event time of each timeclock
event. An example of a load control system for controlling one or
more motorized window treatments according to a timeclock schedule
is described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No.
8,288,981, issued Oct. 16, 2012, entitled METHOD OF AUTOMATICALLY
CONTROLLING A MOTORIZED WINDOW TREATMENT WHILE MINIMIZING OCCUPANT
DISTRACTIONS, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated
by reference.
[0035] The load control system 100 may be part of an automated
window treatment control system. The system controller 110 may
control the shades according to automated window treatment control
information. For example, the automated window treatment control
information may include the angle of the sun, sensor information,
an amount of cloud cover, and/or weather data, such as historical
weather data and real-time weather data. For example, throughout
course of calendar day, the system controller 110 of the automated
window treatment control system may adjust the position of the
window treatment fabric multiple times, based on the calculated
position of the sun or sensor information. For example, the system
controller 110 of the automated window treatment control system may
adjust the positions of the window treatments in response to at
least one light intensity measured by a sensor. The automated
window treatment control system may determine the position of the
window treatments in order to affect a performance metric. The
automated window treatment system may command the system controller
110 to adjust the window treatments to the determined position in
order to affect a performance metric. For example, the system
controller 110 of the automated window treatment control system may
adjust the positions of the window treatments at intervals to
minimize occupant distractions. The automated window treatment
control system may operate according to a timeclock schedule. Based
on the timeclock schedule, the system controller 110 may change the
position of the window treatments throughout a calendar day. For
example, the automated window treatment control system may
determine a position of a window treatment based on a calculated
angle of the sun to limit a sunlight penetration distance in an
interior space of a building and indicate to the system controller
110 to adjust the window treatment to the determined position. The
timeclock schedule may be set to prevent the daylight penetration
distance from exceeding a maximum distance into an interior space
(e.g., work space, transitional space, or social space). The
maximum daylight penetration distance may be set to a buffer zone,
which may be a distance between the window and the users workspace.
The system controller 110 may adjust the position of the window
treatments according to collected sensor information.
[0036] The system controller 110 may be operable to be coupled to a
network, such as a wireless or wired local area network (LAN) via a
network communication bus 162 (e.g., an Ethernet communication
link), e.g., for access to the Internet. The system controller 110
may be connected to a network switch 164 (e.g., a router or
Ethernet switch) via the network communication bus 162 for allowing
the system controller 110 to communicate with other system
controllers for controlling other electrical loads. The system
controller 110 may be wirelessly connected to the network, e.g.,
using Wi-Fi technology. The system controller 110 may be configured
to communicate via the network with one or more network devices,
such as a smart phone (e.g., an iPhone.RTM. smart phone, an
Android.RTM. smart phone, a Windows.RTM. smart phone, or a
Blackberry.RTM. smart phone), a personal computer 166, a laptop, a
tablet device, (e.g., an iPad.RTM. hand-held computing device), a
Wi-Fi or wireless-communication-capable television, a server,
and/or any other suitable wireless communication device (e.g., an
Internet-Protocol-enabled device). The network device may be
operable to transmit digital messages to the system controller 110
in one or more Internet Protocol packets. Examples of load control
systems operable to communicate with network devices on a network
are described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2013/0030589, published Jan. 31, 2013,
entitled LOAD CONTROL DEVICE HAVING INTERNET CONNECTIVITY, the
entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0037] The operation of the load control system 100 may be
programmed and/or configured using the personal computer 166 or
other network device. The personal computer 166 may execute a
graphical user interface (GUI) configuration software for allowing
a user to program how the load control system 100 may operate. The
configuration software may generate load control information (e.g.,
a load control database) that defines the operation and/or
performance of the load control system 100. For example, the load
control information may include information regarding the different
load control devices of the load control system (e.g., the dimmer
switch 120, the LED drivers 130, and/or the motorized roller shades
140). The load control information may include information
regarding associations between the load control devices and the
input devices (e.g., the wired keypad device 150, the
battery-powered remote control device 152, the occupancy sensor
154, the daylight sensor 156, and/or the shadow sensor 158), and/or
how the load control devices may respond to input received from the
input devices. Examples of configuration procedures for load
control systems are described in greater detail in
commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,391,297, issued Jun. 24, 2008,
entitled HANDHELD PROGRAMMER FOR LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM; U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0092075, published Apr. 17,
2008, entitled METHOD OF BUILDING A DATABASE OF A LIGHTING CONTROL
SYSTEM; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/830,237, filed Mar.
14, 2013, entitled COMMISSIONING LOAD CONTROL SYSTEMS, the entire
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0038] The system controller 110 may be configured to automatically
control the motorized window treatments (e.g., the motorized roller
shades 140). The motorized window treatments may be controlled to
save energy and/or improve the comfort of the occupants of the
building in which the load control system 100 may be installed. For
example, the system controller 110 may be configured to
automatically control the motorized roller shades 140 in response
to a timeclock schedule, the daylight sensor 156, and/or the shadow
sensor 158. The roller shades 140 may be manually controlled by the
wired keypad device 150 and/or the battery-powered remote control
device 152.
[0039] The covering material or fabric of the window treatments may
be characterized by an openness factor, a visible light
transmittance (T.sub.V-FABRIC), a solar absorptance (A.sub.S), a
solar transmittance (T.sub.S), a solar reflectance (R.sub.S), a
solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC.sub.S), and/or combined solar
heat gain coefficient (SHGC.sub.FABRIC-GLASS). FIG. 2 is a diagram
illustrating the various characteristics of a covering material or
fabric 200. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the fabric 200 may include an
amount of open space 202 and an amount of fabric 204. The openness
factor may indicate the amount of open space 202 in the fabric 200.
The openness factor may define the ratio of open space 202 to
fabric material 204 in the fabric 200. For example, an openness
factor of 10% may indicate that 10% of the shade fabric is open
space. The openness factor may be a nominal factor. A nominal
factor may be an approximate factor that may be used when a
measured openness factor is unavailable for the fabric. The
openness factor may be a measured openness factor. A measured
openness factor may be a single measurement of the openness of a
fabric. The openness factor may be a mean openness factor. A mean
openness factor may be an average of multiple measurements of
openness for the fabric.
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates characteristics of the covering material
or fabric 200. As shown in FIG. 2, natural light 212 may be
received at a window 214 and may meet the window covering material
or fabric 200. The visible light transmittance of the fabric
T.sub.V-FABRIC may indicate an amount of transmitted natural light
206 that may be allowed through the fabric 200. The color and/or
the openness of the fabric 200 may affect the visible light
transmittance of the fabric T.sub.V-FABRIC. For example, a more
open weave and/or a lighter color for the fabric 200 may allow more
visible light transmittance of the fabric T.sub.V-FABRIC than a
more closed weave and/or darker color for the fabric 200. The solar
absorptance A.sub.S may indicate an amount of solar energy that may
be absorbed by the fabric 200. The solar transmittance T.sub.S may
indicate an amount of solar energy that may be transmitted through
the fabric 200. The solar reflectance R.sub.S may indicate an
amount of solar energy that may be reflected by the fabric 200. The
fabric 200 may be made of a reflective material that may increase
the reflective characteristics of the fabric 200. In an example,
the visible light transmittance of the fabric T.sub.V-FABRIC, the
solar absorptance A.sub.S, the solar transmittance T.sub.S, and/or
the solar reflectance R.sub.S may each be defined as a percentage
of the natural light 212 that meets the fabric 200. The solar heat
gain HG.sub.S may indicate the combined solar reflectance of the
glass and the covering material of fabric 200. The solar heat gain
coefficient may be calculated as a percentage of the radiant heat
that gets through the glass compared to the radiant heat that
strikes the glass. For example, the solar heat gain may be the
fraction or percentage of radiant heat that transmits through the
glass or fabric. Similarly, a combined solar heat gain coefficient
may take into account glass properties and fabric properties to
represent the combined solar heat gain coefficient of the glass and
fabric when used together.
[0041] The openness factor and/or the visible light transmittance
of the fabric T.sub.V-FABRIC may affect the energy savings of the
load control system and/or the comfort of the occupants. For
example, a fabric 200 having a higher openness factor may allow
more of the natural light 212 to pass through. This higher openness
factor may provide more energy savings for the load control system
100 since the lighting loads may be dimmed or turned off. A high
visible light transmittance of the fabric T.sub.V-FABRIC may lead
to conditions of high daylight glare.
[0042] The fabric of the window treatments of the load control
system 100 may be selected using a fabric selection software. This
selection may be performed prior to purchase and/or installation of
the load control system, for example.
[0043] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example architecture of a fabric
selection tool 300 that may provide an automated means for
selecting a fabric (or fabrics) for one or more window treatments
that may be installed in an interior or exterior space of a
building. The fabric selection tool 300 may be implemented as
software and/or hardware in one or more computing devices. For
example, the fabric selection tool 300 may be implemented in a
single computing device or distributed across multiple computing
devices. The fabric selection tool 300, or portions thereof, may be
executed, from memory, by a processor of a computing device.
[0044] The fabric selection tool 300 may comprise a fabric
selection wizard module 310. The fabric selection wizard module 310
may obtain data as input to a fabric performance engine 316. The
fabric performance engine 316 may determine the performance of
different covering materials and/or fabrics based on the basic
input data 312 and/or the fabric performance input data 314. The
fabric performance engine 316 may output a fabric performance
output 320 (e.g., a fabric performance output matrix). The fabric
performance output 320 may indicate predicted performance metrics
of the fabrics in various load control environments (e.g., a
building, an office, a home, etc.). The fabric selection wizard
module 310 may analyze the predicted performance metrics from the
fabric performance output 320 and may provide recommendations for
fabrics that may provide energy savings and/or comfort to occupants
(e.g., by reducing the possibility of glare from natural light) as
compared to other fabrics.
[0045] The fabric selection wizard module 310 may comprise software
and/or hardware. For example, the fabric selection wizard module
310 may comprise a user interface (e.g., a web-based or local
graphical user interface (GUI)) that may receive information from a
user of a network device. The fabric selection wizard module 310
may obtain data from other sources, such as a local or remote
memory storage, input devices in the load control system, load
control devices in the load control system, and/or other remote
sources. The fabric selection wizard module 310 may reside locally
on a network device and/or on one or more remote devices that may
be accessed by the network device (e.g., the system controller
110). The functionality of the fabric selection wizard module 310
may reside on a single device or be distributed across multiple
devices. For example, the fabric selection wizard module 310 may be
accessed via a web browser running on the network device and
displayed on a visual display of the network device. The network
device may be a personal computer, a laptop, a tablet, a smart
phone, and/or other suitable network device having a visual display
or capable of communicating with a visual display.
[0046] The fabric performance engine 316 may comprise software
and/or hardware for calculating the performance of covering
materials and/or fabrics. The fabric performance engine 316 may
receive input data from the fabric selection wizard module 310. The
fabric performance engine 316 may obtain data from other sources,
such as a local or remote memory storage, input devices in the load
control system, load control devices in the load control system,
and/or other remote sources. The fabric performance engine 316 may
reside locally on a network device and/or on one or more remote
devices (e.g., the system controller 110). The device or devices on
which the fabric performance engine 316 resides may be the same as
or different from the device or devices on which the fabric
selection wizard module 310 may reside.
[0047] The fabric selection wizard module 310 may collect basic
input data 312. The basic input data 312 may comprise information
regarding a building in which window treatments may be installed.
The basic input data 312 may comprise environmental characteristics
associated with the building or a location in the building in which
the window treatments may be installed. For example, the basic
input data 312 may comprise information identifying a location of
the building, an orientation of the building, a facade or facades
of the building on the inside of which the window treatments may be
located, buffer zones between windows and occupants' work spaces
(e.g., desk, computer screen, etc.), a size and/or tint of the
windows that the window treatments may be covering, a glass type of
the windows, a space type (e.g., functional area, transition area,
social area, etc.), a room color, depth of room in which the
recommended fabric is to be installed, whether a facade is
protected from direct sun (e.g., due to a building or other
structure), and/or automated window treatment control information.
The basic input data 312 may be manually entered by a user and/or
received from another source, such as a remote computing device.
Basic input data 312 may be received for one or more facades.
[0048] The fabric selection wizard module 310 may compute fabric
performance input data 314 that may be used by the fabric
performance engine 316 to determine the performance of fabrics. The
computed fabric performance input data 314 may be computed based on
the basic input data 312 and/or other input data that may be
received from a user or from one or more remote external devices
(e.g., network devices, remote computing devices, input devices,
load control devices, etc.). As the computed fabric performance
input data 314 may be computed based on the basic input data 312,
the computed fabric performance input data 314 may comprise
environmental characteristics associated with the building or the
location in the building in which the window treatments may be
installed. The computed fabric performance input data 314 may
comprise, for example, a latitude and/or a longitude of the
building, an amount of time the building receives daylight (e.g., a
number of sunny hours per day, month, or year for the building), a
window-to-wall ratio (WWR), a visible light transmittance of the
glass of the windows (T.sub.V-GLASS), a daylight glare probability
value, a maximum daylight glare probability value, an orientation
that indicates a building facade (e.g., northern facade), and/or a
fabric part number that indicates a unique number associated with
the fabric.
[0049] The fabric performance wizard module 310 may receive
predicted performance metric values, summary scores, information
based on the summary scores, information based on the predicted
performance metric values, basic input data 312, input data,
computed fabric performance input data 314, output data, and/or
output fabric performance data. The fabric performance wizard
module 310 may calculate scores based on predicted performance
metric values, information based on the predicted performance
metric values, basic input data 312, input data, computed fabric
performance input data 314, output data, and/or output fabric
performance data. The fabric performance wizard module 310 may
display predicted performance metric values, summary scores,
information based on the summary scores, information based on the
predicted performance metric values, basic input data 312, input
data, computed fabric performance input data 314, output data,
and/or output fabric performance data.
[0050] The window-to-wall ratio (WWR) indicates the area of a
perimeter wall that is occupied by glass in a window. A larger
window size may allow a greater daylight intensity into the room
and may cause the shades to be closed more often. For example, the
window-to-wall ratio may indicate a ratio (e.g., percentage) of the
area of the glass in a window that occupies the space in the
perimeter wall to the remaining area of the perimeter wall. The
areas may be based on the height and width of the window and
perimeter wall.
[0051] The daylight glare probability value may indicate the
predicted amount of daylight glare or a predicted maximum daylight
glare intensity over a period of time (e.g., total hours of
predicted daylight glare or maximum daylight glare intensity at a
location in a year). The maximum daylight glare probability value
may indicate a maximum threshold for the daylight glare probability
value. The daylight glare probability value and the maximum
daylight glare probability value may be indicated as a percentage
or ratio of a maximum daylight glare intensity. The maximum
daylight glare probability value may be equal to or compared
against industry standards for daylight glare probability. For
example, the maximum daylight glare probability value may be set to
a 35% maximum intensity, which may be the level at which an
occupant may begin to recognize glare, or 45%, which may be the
level at which an occupant may begin to be bothered by glare.
[0052] If one or more types of the computed fabric performance
input data 314 and/or the basic input data 312 are not provided,
the fabric selection wizard module 310 may provide a default value.
For example, if the visible light transmittance of the glass of the
windows T.sub.V-GLASS and/or the glass type is not provided in the
basic input data 312, the fabric selection wizard 310 may provide a
default visible light transmittance of the glass and/or glass type,
respectively.
[0053] The daylight glare probability value and the maximum
daylight glare probability value may be compared to control the
daylight glare probability or to determine if the daylight glare
probability has exceeded a predefined maximum threshold. The
daylight glare probability value may be affected by location
characteristics. For example, the daylight glare probability value
may be determined based on a total number of hours of annual
sunshine at a climate zone at a given location or latitude. While
the daylight glare probability value may be indicated herein as a
ratio or percentage of the maximum daylight glare intensity, the
daylight glare probability value may also be indicated as a total
number of hours of daylight glare or the total number of hours of
daylight glare over a predefined value. The maximum daylight glare
probability value may indicate a predefined maximum threshold for
the amount of hours of daylight glare (e.g., where the daylight
glare probability value indicates a total amount of hours of
sunshine) or a maximum threshold for daylight glare intensity
(e.g., where the daylight glare probability value indicates a total
amount of hours of sunshine). While the maximum daylight glare
probability value may be indicated herein as a ratio or percentage,
the maximum daylight glare probability value may also be indicated
as a maximum threshold number of hours of daylight glare or the
maximum total number of hours of daylight glare over a predefined
value. The maximum daylight glare probability value may change
based on space type, location, etc.
[0054] The computed fabric performance input data 314 may be
determined as a function of the basic input data 312. For example,
the latitude and/or longitude may be determined as a function of
the location indicated in the basic input data 312. The latitude
and longitude may be output from a location map function or a
lookup function that receives the location as input. The lookup
function may be used to lookup a location in a lookup table and
provide the latitude and longitude or provide the latitude and
longitude of the closest location in the lookup table to the
entered location. Equations 1 and 2 provide example lookup
functions for looking up a latitude and a longitude, respectively,
based on a location.
LAT=Lookup(Location) Equation 1:
LON=Lookup(Location) Equation 2:
The location map function may provide the latitude and longitude of
a location on a map from a lookup table or otherwise determine the
latitude and longitude of the location on a map based on the
latitude and longitude of the closest locations in the lookup table
(e.g., using triangulation). Equations 3 and 4 provide example
location map functions for determining a latitude and a longitude,
respectively, based on a location.
LAT=Location_map(Location) Equation 3:
LON=Location_map(Location) Equation 4:
[0055] The window-to-wall ratio may be determined as a function of
the window size (e.g., height and width) in the basic input data
312. For example, the window-to-wall ratio may be output from a
lookup function that receives the window size as input. Equation 5
provides an example lookup function for determining a
window-to-wall ratio based on the window size.
WWR=Lookup(WindowSize) Equation 5:
[0056] The visible light transmittance of the glass of the windows
T.sub.V-GLASS may be determined as a function of the glass type in
the basic input data 312. For example, the visible light
transmittance of the glass of the windows T.sub.V-GLASS may be
output from a lookup function that receives the glass type as
input. Equation 6 provides an example lookup function for
determining the visible light transmittance of the glass of the
windows T.sub.V-GLASS based on the glass type.
T.sub.V-GLASS=Lookup(GlassType) Equation 6:
[0057] The daylight glare probability value and/or the maximum
daylight glare probability value may be determined as a function of
the space type in the basic input data 312. For example, the
daylight glare probability value and/or the maximum daylight glare
probability value may be output from a lookup function that
receives the space type as input. Equations 7 and 8 provide example
lookup functions for determining the maximum daylight glare
probability value and the daylight glare probability value,
respectively, based on the space type.
MaxDGPValue=Lookup(SpaceType) Equation 7:
DGPValue=Lookup(SpaceType) Equation 8:
[0058] The amount of time the building receives daylight may be
calculated based on the location in the basic input data 312, such
as the latitude and longitude of the location. For example, the
amount of time the building receives daylight may be output from a
lookup function that receives the location or latitude and
longitude as input. Equation 9 provides an example lookup function
for determining the number of hours the building receives daylight
based on the location.
SunnyHours=Lookup(Location) Equation 9:
[0059] The amount of time the building receives daylight may also
be calculated based on a weighted average of multiple other
locations within proximity to a given location. For example, the
distance between a building and multiple other locations may be
determined. The amount of time the building receives daylight may
be weighted, for example, according to the distance from each
location and the amount of daylight received at each location
(e.g., weighted average of daylight received at three closest
cities).
[0060] The orientation of a facade may be determined based on the
facade and the building rotation to determine the direction the
facade is oriented. Each orientation of the building (e.g., north,
south, east, west, northeast, northwest, southeast, southwest,
etc.) may be assigned a value. The building orientation may be
selected by the user.
[0061] FIG. 4 shows an example of an input table 400 that may store
computed fabric performance input data 314 and/or basic input data
312. The input table 400 may include location information 402,
facade orientation information 404, buffer zone information 406,
window size information 408, glass type information 410, space type
information 412, and/or room color information 414.
[0062] The location information 402 may identify a latitude 416 and
longitude 418 at various locations and/or the amount of daylight
420 received at each location. The facade orientation information
404 may identify the selectable facades of a building 422 and/or an
orientation for each facade 424. The buffer zone information 406
may identify the types of buffer zones for workspaces in the
building and/or the distance of a workspace from the window. The
window size information may identify window types 426 and/or a
window-to-wall ratio 428 for the window types 426. The glass type
information 410 may identify the selectable types of glass 430
and/or the visible light transmittance T.sub.V-GLASS 432 of the
types of glass. The types of glass 430 may identify a number of
panes in the glass and/or an amount of tint in the glass. The space
type information 412 may identify a selectable type of space 434, a
maximum daylight glare probability value 436 for the selectable
types of space 434, and/or a daylight glare probability value 438
for the selectable types of space 434. The room color information
414 may identify selectable shades of room colors or the actual
room colors themselves.
[0063] The input table 400 may be used to determine the computed
fabric performance input data 314 based on the basic input data
312. While FIG. 4 shows certain types of input information, the
types of information in the input table 400 are not limited to the
input information shown. Additionally, while the input table 400
shows the input information in the form of a table, similar
information may be stored in formats other than a table.
[0064] Referring back to FIG. 3, the fabric performance engine 316
may use the basic input data 312, the computed fabric performance
input data 314, and/or the fabric data 318 to generate the fabric
performance output 320. The fabric performance engine 316 may
access fabric data 318 (e.g., a fabric database) to retrieve data
identifying a plurality of different types of fabric. The fabric
performance engine 316 may use the fabric data for evaluating
performance of the identified fabrics based on the basic input data
312 and/or the computed fabric performance input data 314. The
fabric data 318 may include, for one or more types of fabric, a
unique identifier, a family name, an openness factor, a visible
light transmittance of the fabric T.sub.V-FABRIC for one or more
sides (e.g., a front side and a reverse side), a color group for
one or more sides, and/or a view clarity rating for one or more
sides.
[0065] The color group of the fabric may indicate a solid color, a
combination of multiple colors (e.g., a striped pattern), or a
design (e.g., an image). The color groups may be within the same
family of colors, combination of colors, and/or design. For
example, the beige shades may be in one group and the grey shades
may be in another. In another example, vertical striped shades may
be in a different group than horizontal striped shades.
[0066] The view clarity rating may indicate an amount (e.g.,
percentage) of visibility available through the fabric. The view
clarity rating may be based on one or more other types of
information in the fabric data 318. For example, the view clarity
rating may be based on the openness factor, the difference between
the visible light transmittance of the fabric T.sub.V-FABRIC and
the openness factor, and/or the color group. A greater view clarity
rating may result from a higher openness factor, darker color
group, and/or a lower difference between the visible light
transmittance of the fabric T.sub.V-FABRIC and the openness
factor.
[0067] The identifier may indicate the family name of which the
identified fabric is a part, the color group, the openness factor,
and/or the view clarity rating. The visible light transmittance of
the fabric T.sub.V-FABRIC may be a function of the color group
and/or the openness factor. The fabric data 318 may include
multiple fabrics that have the same color group different openness
factors and/or transmittances, such that the potential energy
savings and/or daylight glare probability of each of the fabrics
may differ. Each of these fabrics may be used for different facades
in a building to keep the same shade colors, patterns, and/or
designs in a room or floor of a building, while also allowing a
fabric having different characteristics other than color to
optimize comfort to an occupant and/or energy usage.
[0068] Using the basic input data 312, computed fabric performance
input data 314, and/or the fabric data 318, the fabric performance
engine 316 may generate performance metrics regarding the predicted
performance of the window treatments and/or shades that may be
installed in the building. The performance metrics may be included
in the fabric performance output 320. The fabric performance output
320 may comprise a fabric output matrix. The fabric output matrix
that may include one or more fabrics and the corresponding
performance for each fabric. For example, the performances metrics
of the fabric performance output 320 may include a daylight glare
probability value, a maximum daylight glare probability value, a
spatial daylight autonomy value, a view clarity rating (e.g., from
the fabric data 318), and/or a view rating for each fabric.
[0069] The spatial daylight autonomy value may indicate an amount
(e.g., percentage) of floor space where daylight alone may provide
light over a period of time. For example, the spatial daylight
autonomy value may indicate a percentage of floor space where
daylight alone provides 300 lux or more for at least half of the
work hours in a year. The spatial daylight autonomy value may be
affected by the openness factor and/or the visible light
transmittance T.sub.V-FABRIC. A higher openness factor and/or
visible light transmittance T.sub.V-FABRIC may increase the spatial
daylight autonomy value.
[0070] The daylight glare probability value may be affected by the
openness factor and/or the visible light transmittance
T.sub.V-FABRIC. A higher openness factor and/or visible light
transmittance T.sub.V-FABRIC may increase the daylight glare
probability value. The fabric color may affect the daylight glare
probability value and/or the spatial daylight autonomy value. A
lighter color fabric may increase the daylight glare probability
value and/or the spatial daylight autonomy value.
[0071] The view rating may indicate an amount (e.g., percentage) of
a window that may be unobstructed by window treatment material. For
example, the view rating may indicate a window shade level (e.g.,
amount of window that is covered or not covered by the window
shade). The view rating may be determined based on the basic input
data 312 and/or the computed fabric performance input data 314. For
example, the view rating may be higher for a location that receives
less daylight or daylight glare and is able to keep the shades open
at a higher level for a greater amount of time giving an occupant a
greater view.
[0072] The view rating may be determined based on the control type.
The control type may be a manual or automated control type. The
level of the shades may be determined from the predicted automated
control and/or manual control of the shades.
[0073] The view rating may be based on the view clarity rating. For
example, the fabrics that have a greater view clarity rating may
have a lower view rating. This may be because the shades with a
greater view rating may have a greater openness factor, visible
light transmittance T.sub.V-FABRIC, and/or a lighter color group,
which may cause the shades to be lowered due to the amount of
daylight that may be allowed in the space. The lower view rating
may indicate the shades may be at a lower level to limit glare,
thus obstructing the view. The fabrics at a facade angle and/or a
building orientation that receive more daylight and/or a greater
maximum daylight intensity level may be given a lower view rating,
for example, because of the amount of light that may be allowed
into the space.
[0074] The fabrics that may be used in a space that has a shorter
buffer zone, and/or a lower window-to-wall ratio, may be given a
higher view rating as the occupant may have a larger view when
closer to a bigger window. These fabrics, however, may receive a
lower view rating, or such view ratings may be mitigated, when the
shades are lowered due to an increased amount of daylight. For
example, a larger window size may allow a greater daylight
intensity in the room and may cause the shades to be closed more
often. When the glass type and/or the visible light transmittance
of the glass T.sub.V-GLASS allows more visible light through, the
fabrics may receive a higher view rating as a better view may be
perceived through the glass. These fabrics, however, may receive
lower view ratings, or such view ratings may be mitigated, when the
shades are lowered due to the increased amount of daylight.
[0075] The performances metrics of the fabric performance output
320 may be generated for automated and/or manual control for each
fabric. The performance metrics may be different for automated
control of the fabric than for manual control. The performance
metrics for manual shade control may be generated based on an
assumption that the shades are kept in a single state during use.
The shade state may be a fully-closed state or a position between
the fully-closed state and a fully-opened state (e.g.,
partially-open, state). The performance metrics for manual shade
control may be generated based on a predicted manual usage of the
shades by an occupant. The predicted manual usage may be based on
input data (e.g., basic input data 312 and/or computed fabric
performance input data 314) and/or other data that indicates
various thresholds at which an occupant may move their shades. For
example, in a location and/or orientation that has a higher
daylight glare probability value, occupants may close the shades to
prevent glare more often than occupants at locations with a lower
daylight glare probability value. The performance metrics for
automated shade control may be generated based on a predicted
automated control of the shades. Examples of methods for automated
shade control on which the automated control of the shades may be
predicted are described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S.
Pat. No. 8,288,981, issued Oct. 16, 2012, entitled METHOD OF
AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLING A MOTORIZED WINDOW TREATMENT WHILE
MINIMIZING OCCUPANT DISTRACTIONS, the entire disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
[0076] The fabric performance engine 316 may provide the
performance metrics regarding the predicted performance of the
window treatments back to the fabric selection wizard module 310.
The fabric selection wizard module 310 may establish (e.g.,
receive) the performance metrics regarding the predicted
performance of the window treatments for each of the plurality of
different fabrics of the fabric data 318. The fabric selection
wizard module 310 may receive the fabric performance output 320 and
may analyze the data from the fabric performance output 320 to
provide recommendations of one or more fabrics that may provide
energy savings and/or maximize the comfort of occupants (e.g., by
reducing the possibility of daylight glare). For example, the
fabric selection wizard module 310 may rank fabrics having a low
daylight glare probability value, a high spatial daylight autonomy
value, and/or a high view rating above other fabrics. The fabric
selection wizard module 310 may be configured to display the
recommendations on a user interface to be viewed by a user.
[0077] FIGS. 5A-5I show example displays of a fabric selection
input screen 500. The fabric selection input screen 500 may be
displayed by the fabric selection tool 300 illustrated in FIG. 3
and may be used to collect the basic input data 312 for the fabric
selection tool 300. In an example, the input screen 500 may be
displayed by the fabric selection wizard module 310, which may
receive the basic input data 312 via the input screen 500.
[0078] As shown in FIGS. 5A-5H, the fabric selection input screen
500 may comprise a pre-selected fabric input section 510, a site
info input section 520, an interior layout input section 530, a
facade properties input section 550, a shade certifications input
section 570, and/or a recommended fabrics button 580. The different
sections may be separated into different portions of the fabric
selection input screen 500, such as an upper portion 502 (shown in
FIGS. 5A-5E) and a lower portion 504 (shown in FIGS. 5F and 5G), or
the sections may be included in the same portion of the fabric
selection input screen 500. One or more of the sections may be
selected to display windows and/or options that may include
additional information for the section.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 5A, the fabric selection input screen 500
may comprise the pre-selected fabric input section 510, the site
info input section 520, and/or the interior layout input section
530. The user may indicate whether the user has pre-selected a
fabric to use or not in the pre-selected fabric input section 510.
The pre-selected fabric may be indicated by fabric family name,
color or color family, an openness factor, and/or other fabric
information, which may be stored in the fabric data 318 for
example.
[0080] In the site info input section 520, the user may select the
location 522 and/or the facade orientation 524. The location may be
indicated by the country, state, city, and/or zip code of the
building in which the window treatments may be installed. The
facade orientation 524 may be entered for one or more facades of
the building. The user may select the orientations from a set of
pre-determined orientations that may be provided (e.g., from north,
south, east, west, northeast, northwest, southeast, southwest).
Each of the orientations may be associated with a facade angle
(e.g., north is 0.degree., south is 180.degree., etc.). The user
may also, or alternatively, be able to enter the specific
orientation angle for each facade.
[0081] A location window 526 may be displayed in the fabric
selection input screen 500 to illustrate the site location. The
location window 526 may be displayed next to the site info input
section 520 as shown in FIG. 5A. For example, the location window
526 may be displayed while the user is entering the location
information. The location window 526 may be displayed in the form
of a map location and/or geographic coordinates. The location
window 526 may display the selected location of the building as
feedback to the user. The user may also, or alternatively, be able
to select the location from the location window 526. For example,
the location window 526 may display a number of countries, states,
and/or cities that the user may select to identify a location of a
building of the closest location to the building.
[0082] FIG. 5B depicts an example of a compass window 528 that may
be displayed in the fabric selection input screen 500 to illustrate
the facade angle. The compass window 528 may be displayed while a
user may be selecting the facade orientation. The compass window
528 may be displayed next to the site info section 520. The compass
window 528 may provide feedback to the user of the selected facade
angle. The user may also, or alternatively, be able to select the
orientation angle for each facade from the compass window 528. The
facade angle indicated in the compass window 528 may be within a
range covered by a facade angle identified in the facade
orientation 524.
[0083] FIG. 5C depicts another example of a site info section 520a
that may be displayed in the fabric selection input screen 500. As
shown in FIG. 5C, the site info input section 520a may allow for
other information to be tracked for the facade orientation 524. The
user may select the orientation for each facade from a set of
pre-determined orientations 523 that may be provided (e.g., from
north, south, east, west, northeast, northwest, southeast,
southwest). Each of the orientations may be associated with a
facade angle (e.g., north is 0.degree., south is 180.degree., etc.)
or a range of facade angles. The user may enter the specific
orientation angle 525 for each facade. The user may also specify a
facade name for each facade that may identify the facade to the
user, such as the direction of the facade or a street name along
which a facade may be located, for example.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 5C, the user may indicate whether a facade
is protected from direct sun (e.g., due to a building or other
structure). The user may select one or more of the direct sun
protection indicators 527, 529 to indicate that the facade is
protected from direct sun. The direct sun protection indicators may
be provided based on the orientation of a facade. For example, if
the facade is facing north, a facade protection indicator may be
omitted from being displayed, as the northern facade may not
receive direct sun in the location over the course of a day. As
illustrated by the direct sun protection indicators 527 and 529,
different indicators may be provided based on the orientation of
the facade. For example, if the facade is facing east or west
(e.g., including northeast, southeast, northwest, or southwest) an
indicator 527 may be selected to identify that the facade is
protected from direct sun at sunrise or sunset. Though the direct
sun protection indicator 527 may be used as a common indicator for
building orientations to the east or the west, different indicators
may be provided that correspond to the east and west orientations
to identify that the facade is protected at sunrise and sunset,
respectively. If the facade is facing south (e.g., including
southeast or southwest) an indicator 529 may be selected to
identify that the facade is protected from direct sun at mid-day
during the winter, or the summer depending on the building
location.
[0085] The user may provide additional facades of the building for
being characterized using the facade addition function 521. The
user may add any number of facades of the building that shades may
be installed. For example, the user may add the number of facades
to match the number of facades of the building.
[0086] As shown in FIGS. 5D-5F, the user may select the space type
532, room colors 534, and/or an occupant's distance from a window
536, for example, using the interior layout input section 530. The
space type 532 may indicate the general use of an area, such as
that a space is a functional area, a transition area, and/or a
social area. The space type may also, or alternatively, indicate
individual rooms, such as an office, a kitchen, a living room, a
bedroom and/or the like. FIG. 5D depicts an example of a space type
window 538 that may be displayed in the fabric selection input
screen 500 to illustrate the space types. The space type window 538
may be displayed while a user may be selecting the space type 532.
The space type window 538 may be displayed next to the interior
layout input section 530. The space type window 538 may illustrate
examples of the options for the space type 532. The space type
window 538 may display examples of the selected space type 532 of
the building as feedback to the user. The user may also, or
alternatively, be able to select the space type 532 from the space
type window 538. For example, the user may select the space type
532 as a functional area, a transitional area, or a social area.
Examples of the functional area may include an office area, a
conference room, a classroom, a patient room, a fitness center,
and/or other functional spaces. Transitional areas may include
corridors, vestibules, stairwells, and/or other transitional spaces
that may be passed through by a user for a short time. Social areas
may include lobbies, atriums, cafeterias, and/or other social
gathering areas. While the space type window 538 provides more
general descriptions of space types with examples of more specific
space types, the space type window 538 may allow for selection of
the more specific space types.
[0087] The fabric selection wizard module 310 may use the selected
space type 532 to determine a maximum daylight glare probability
value and/or the daylight glare probability value. For example, the
fabric selection wizard module 310 may set the maximum daylight
glare probability value to 40% for a transitional area, to 35% for
a functional area, and/or to 40% for a social area.
[0088] The room colors 534 may indicate the shade of the room
colors, such as light, medium, and/or dark. The room colors 534 may
also, or alternatively, include the room colors themselves, such as
red, yellow, green, and/or the like. FIG. 5E depicts an example of
a room colors window 540 that may be displayed in the fabric
selection input screen 500 to illustrate the room colors 534. The
room colors window 540 may be displayed while a user may be
selecting the room colors 534. The room colors window 540 may be
displayed next to the interior layout input section 530. The room
colors window 540 may illustrate examples of the options for room
colors 534. The room colors window 540 may display examples of the
selected room colors 534 of the building as feedback to the user.
The user may also, or alternatively, be able to select the room
colors 534 from the room colors window 540. For example, the user
may select the room colors 534 from predefined color options, such
as light, medium, and/or dark. The room colors window 540 may allow
the user to select more specific room colors or options. The room
colors 534 may include patterns and/or more specific color options,
such as red, yellow, blue, etc. The room colors 534 may include the
actual colors of rooms in the building.
[0089] The occupant's distance from a window 536 may indicate the
distance of the occupant's work space from the window. The
occupant's distance from a window 536 may be entered specifically
or based on one or more predefined distances. The predefined
distances may be identified by the distance type between the
occupant and the window. For example, the user may select the
occupant's distance from the window from the options: atrium, no
aisle, small aisle, and/or large aisle. The fabric selection wizard
module 310 may use the selected occupant's distance from the window
to determine a buffer zone distance for the building, one or more
facades of the building, or one or more rooms of the building. As
an example, the buffer zone distance may be two feet for no aisle,
five feet for small aisle, and/or eight feet for large aisle. Other
predefined buffer zone distances may also be implemented.
[0090] FIG. 5F depicts an example of a buffer zone window 542 that
may be displayed in the fabric selection input screen 500 to
illustrate the occupant's distance from the window 536. The buffer
zone window 542 may be displayed while a user may be selecting the
occupant's distance from the window 536. The buffer zone window 542
may be displayed next to the interior layout input section 530. The
buffer zone window 542 may illustrate examples of the options for
the occupant's distance from the window 536. The buffer zone window
542 may display examples of the selected occupant's distance from
the window 536 or the defined occupant's distance from the window
537 as feedback to the user. The user may also, or alternatively,
be able to select the occupant's distance from the window 536 from
the buffer zone window 542. For example, the user may select from
predefined distance options, such as atrium, no aisle, small aisle,
large aisle, etc. The user may also select or enter an actual
distance in the distance buffer zone window 542 (e.g., on the slide
bar in buffer zone window 542).
[0091] As shown in FIG. 5F, a user may input information using text
(e.g., in the form of a dropdown menu, as shown in the pre-selected
fabric input section 510, a text box, as shown in the field to
define occupant's distance from the window 537, etc.), visual
representation (e.g., as shown in the buffer zone slide window
542), a radio button (e.g., as shown in interior layout input
section 530), and/or another input function. The text input
information may be predefined in a dropdown list, may be set by a
network operator, and/or may be set by a user. Additionally, the
text input information may include number, letters or other
characters. The user may input data using the visual representation
by adjusting the visual representation to a predefined position.
For example, the user may move the visual representation 543 to a
predefined distance left or right to indicate the buffer zone.
[0092] Referring to FIG. 5G, the fabric selection input screen 500
may comprise the facade properties input section 550, the shade
certifications input section 570, and/or the recommended fabrics
button 580. In the facade properties input section 550, the user
may select a window size 552 and/or a glass type 554. The
information input in the facade properties input section 550 may be
input for each facade or for a single facade that may be
representative of the other facades of the building.
[0093] The window size 552 may be indicated by a number of
predefined window sizes. The window size 552 may be input
specifically. The predefined window sizes may approximate the
window size 552. The window size 552 may be based on how much of a
wall may be occupied by the window, such as a curtain wall window,
a mostly glass wall (e.g., greater than half), a half glass wall, a
wall that has some glass (e.g., less than half), and/or the like.
The actual window size may also, or alternatively, be entered. For
example, a user may enter the window-to-wall ratio, the size of the
window, the number of windows in the building, and/or the size of a
facade that includes the windows. The window-to-wall ratio may be
determined (e.g., at the fabric selection wizard module 310) based
on the size of a window, the number of windows, and the size of the
facade.
[0094] As shown in FIG. 5G, a window size window 562 may be
displayed in the fabric selection input screen 500 to illustrate
the window size 552. The window size window 562 may be displayed
while a user may be selecting the window size 552. The window size
window 562 may be displayed next to the facade properties section
550. The window size window 562 may illustrate example
representations of the predefined window sizes. The window size
window 562 may illustrate the specific window size entered by the
user. The window size window 562 may display example
representations of the window size 552 as feedback to the user. The
user may also, or alternatively, be able to select the window size
552 from the window size window 562. The fabric selection wizard
module 310 may use the selected window size 552 to determine a
window-to-wall ratio for the building, one or more facades of the
building, or one or more rooms of the building.
[0095] The glass type 554 may include a number of panes 556 in a
window in the facade, a tint of the glass 558, and/or a visible
transmittance of the glass T.sub.V-GLASS 560. The tint of the glass
558 may be indicated by predefined levels, such as clear, medium
tint, dark tint, etc. The tint of the glass 558 may be indicated
more specifically, such as by using a percentage of tint. The
visible light transmittance of the glass T.sub.V-GLASS 560 may
indicate an amount of visible light transmittance that may be
allowed through the glass. The visible light transmittance of the
glass T.sub.V-GLASS 560 may be based on the number of panes in the
window 556. The visible light transmittance of the glass
T.sub.V-GLASS 560 may be based on the amount of tint of the glass
558. The visible light transmittance of the glass T.sub.V-GLASS 560
may be indicated as a specific amount (e.g., percentage) or in
predefined levels.
[0096] FIG. 5H depicts an example of a glass type window 564 that
may be displayed in the fabric selection input screen 500 to
illustrate the glass type 554. The glass type window 564 may be
displayed while a user may be selecting the glass type 554. The
glass type window 564 may be displayed next to the facade
properties section 550. The glass type window 564 may illustrate
example representations of the number of panes in the window 556,
the tint of the glass 558, and/or the visible light transmittance
of the glass T.sub.V-GLASS 560 (not shown in FIG. 5H). The glass
type window 564 may display example representations of the number
of panes in the window 556, the tint 558, and/or the visible light
transmittance of the glass T.sub.V-GLASS 560 as feedback to the
user. The user may also, or alternatively, be able to select the
number of panes in the window 556, the tint of the glass 558,
and/or the visible light transmittance of the glass T.sub.V-GLASS
560 from the glass type window 564.
[0097] The fabric selection wizard module 310 may use the selected
glass type 554 for the windows to determine the visible light
transmittance of the glass T.sub.V-GLASS 560. For example, the
fabric selection wizard module 310 may use the number of panes in a
window in the facade 556 and/or a tint of the glass 558 to
determine the visible light transmittance of the glass
T.sub.V-GLASS 560. The fabric selection wizard module 310 may use
the number of panes in a window in the facade 556, the tint of the
glass 558, and/or the visible light transmittance of the glass
T.sub.V_GLASS 560 to determine the visible light transmittance of
the fabric T.sub.V-FABRIC for the window treatments that may be
installed in the building, one or more facades of the building, or
one or more rooms of the building.
[0098] The user may indicate one or more types of certifications of
which shade fabrics of interest may be classified in the shade
certifications input section 570. The fabric selection wizard
module 310 may use the input from the shade certifications input
section 570 to filter out shades without the indicated
certifications for recommendation. The shade certifications in the
shade certifications input section 570 may include a polyvinyl
chloride (PVC)-free certification, a lead-free certification, an
anti-microbial/anti-fungal certification, a restriction of
hazardous substance (RoHS) certification, an Oeko-Tex Standard 100
certification, a Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and
Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) certification, a cradle-to-cradle
silver certification, a recyclable material certification, and/or a
recycled content certification (e.g., indicating fabric is made of
recycled content). The shade certifications may include fire
ratings, such as the national fire protection association (NFPA)
701 certification, the California U.S. Title 19 certification, an
M1 certification, and/or a B1 certification. The shade
certifications may include Greenguard certifications, such as the
Greenguard certification, the Greenguard Gold certification, and/or
the Greenguard Children and Schools certification.
[0099] The user may actuate the recommended fabrics button 580 to
enter the data on the fabric selection input screen 500 as basic
input data 312 into the fabric selection wizard module 310 and/or
the fabric performance engine 316. If one or more of the sections
in the fabric selection input screen 500 are missing input data,
the fabric selection input screen 500 may indicate that data is
missing. The fabric selection wizard module 310 and/or the fabric
performance engine 316 may determine fabric selection
recommendations when data is missing by using default values for
missing data or by using a zero or null value for the missing data
that may not be considered by the fabric selection wizard module
310 and/or the fabric performance engine 316.
[0100] As shown in FIG. 5I, the fabric selection wizard module 310
may display a summary 582 of the information input by the user
and/or default values provided by the fabric selection wizard
module 310. The summary 582 may be displayed when the user selects
the recommended fabrics button 580 prior to retrieving the
recommended fabrics. The summary 582 may display pre-selected
fabric information 511 identifying whether a fabric was selected in
the pre-selected fabric input section 510, site information 521
identified in the site info input section 520 or 520a, interior
layout information 531 identified in the interior layout input
section 530, facade properties information 551 identified in the
facade properties input section 550, shade certifications input
information 571 (not shown) identified in the shade certifications
input section 570, and/or other input information or default values
provided by the fabric selection wizard module 310. The summary 582
may allow the user to edit and/or add information using the edit
fields button 584. The edit fields button 584 may take the user to
the fabric selection input screen 500, or identified sections
therein, or allow the user to edit and/or add information in the
summary 582 directly. The user may view the recommended fabrics by
selecting the recommended fabrics button 586. Upon selection of the
recommended fabrics button 586 or recommended fabrics button 580,
the input information 310 may be used to generate the fabric
performance output 320 and display the fabric performance output
320, via the fabric selection wizard module 310, to the user.
[0101] As shown in FIGS. 5A-5F and 5I, the fabric input selection
screen 500 may allow a user to save project parameters using the
save project button 590, reset the project parameters using the
reset button 592, access saved projects using the projects tab 594,
search for specific fabrics using the fabric search tab 596, and/or
order fabrics samples or a fabric sample design kit based on the
selected parameters using the dealer tab 598. The fabric selection
wizard module 310 may save the project parameters to memory upon
receiving the save project button 590, reset the project parameters
upon selection of the reset button 592, retrieve saved projects
upon selection of the projects tab 594, provide a text box or other
search criteria to allow a user to search for fabrics upon
selection of the fabric search tab 596, retrieve fabrics meeting
the search criteria submitted by the user, provide a page for the
user to order fabric samples or fabric sample design kits from
select dealers upon selection of the dealer tab 598, and/or submit
an order for fabric samples or fabric sample design kits to select
dealers upon submission by the user.
[0102] The fabric selection wizard module 310 may also allow a user
to save recommended or preferred fabrics and/or download or print
fabric reports (e.g., fabrics specifications, summaries of
recommended or preferred fabrics, technical reports for submittal
documents, etc.). The user may take one or more of the reports to a
window treatment dealer to order the window treatments having the
desired fabric. The fabric selection wizard module 310 may provide
a screen for ordering window treatments having one of the
recommended fabric combinations.
[0103] FIG. 6 is a simplified flowchart of a fabric selection
procedure 600. The fabric selection procedure 600 may be executed
by a fabric selection tool, such as the fabric selection tool 300
shown in FIG. 3, for example. At 610, the fabric selection wizard
module 310 may collect basic input data 612 (e.g., the basic input
data 312 illustrated in FIG. 3) and may compute the fabric
performance input data 314 in response to the collected basic input
data 612. The fabric selection wizard module 310 may display a
fabric selection input screen (e.g., on the web browser or other
application) for collecting the basic input data 612 from a user.
At 610, the fabric selection wizard 310 may compute the fabric
performance input data 314 based on the basic input data 612.
[0104] The computed fabric performance input data 314 may be used
for determining fabric performance data at 614. The fabric
performance engine 316 may receive the computed fabric performance
input data 314. The fabric performance engine 316 may use the
computed fabric performance input data 314 to calculate the fabric
performance output 320. For example, the fabric performance engine
316 may analyze one or more fabrics in the fabric data 318
according to the computed fabric performance input data 314 to
generate the fabric performance output 320. The calculated fabric
performance output 320 may include the daylight glare probability
value, the maximum daylight glare probability value, the spatial
daylight autonomy value, and/or the view rating. The fabric
performance output 320 of each fabric may be calculated as a
function of the computed fabric performance input data 314 and/or
the fabric data 318 (e.g., the fabric openness factor (OF), the
visible light transmittance of the fabric T.sub.V-FABRIC, the
fabric color group, the control type, etc.). Example functions for
calculating variables in the fabric performance output 320 are
indicated in Equations 10 to 13 below.
DGPValue(FabricID)=f(Input;OF;T.sub.V-FABRIC;ColorGroup;ControlType)
Equation 10:
sDA(FabricID)=f(Input;OF;T.sub.V-FABRIC;ColorGroup;ControlType)
Equation 11:
MaxDGPValue(FabricID)=f(Input) Equation 12:
ViewRating(FabricID)=f(Input;ControlType) Equation 13:
[0105] The view rating may provide the average height that bottom
of shade may be above the floor (e.g., in inches). For example, if
a view rating value is 74, then on average, bottom of the fabric of
the window treatment is 74 inches above floor. The view rating may
also be quantified as the average percent of window unobstructed by
a window treatment across a year. The average percent may be
calculated by taking the daily average of window unobstructed by a
window treatment during daylight hours for each day in a calendar
year.
[0106] As illustrated in Equations 10 to 13, the calculated fabric
performance output 320 for a given fabric may include the daylight
glare probability value (e.g., as shown in Equation 10), a spatial
daylight autonomy value (e.g., as shown in Equation 11), a maximum
daylight glare probability value (e.g., as shown in Equation 12), a
view rating (e.g., as shown in Equation 13), and/or a view clarity
rating value. The fabric performance output 320 for a given fabric
may be affected by input data (e.g., the basic input data 612
and/or the computed fabric performance input data 314), the fabric
data 318 (e.g., openness factor, T.sub.V-FABRIC, and/or color
group), and/or the type of control that may be used for controlling
the window treatment (e.g., automated or manual control). The
functions illustrated in Equations 10 to 13 may determine the
respective values for a given fabric, which may be input as a
fabric identifier, for example.
[0107] As illustrated in Equations 10 and 11, the resulting
daylight glare probability value and/or the spatial daylight
autonomy value of a fabric may be affected by the basic input data
612, the computed fabric performance input data 314, and/or the
fabric data 318. The daylight glare probability value and/or the
spatial daylight autonomy value may be higher for fabrics that have
a greater openness factor, greater visible light transmittance
T.sub.V-FABRIC, or lighter color group at a location (e.g., a
latitude and longitude) that receives more daylight or a greater
maximum daylight intensity level. The fabrics with a greater
openness factor, greater visible light transmittance
T.sub.V-FABRIC, or lighter color group may receive a higher score
for the daylight glare probability value or the spatial daylight
autonomy value when used at a facade angle or a building
orientation that receives more daylight or a greater maximum
daylight intensity level.
[0108] As illustrated in Equations 10-12, the resulting daylight
glare probability value, the spatial daylight autonomy value,
and/or the maximum daylight glare probability value of a fabric may
be affected by the basic input data 612, the computed fabric
performance input data 314, and/or the fabric data 318. The fabrics
with a greater openness factor, greater visible light transmittance
T.sub.V-FABRIC, or lighter color group may receive a higher score
for the daylight glare probability value, for the maximum daylight
glare probability value, and/or for the spatial daylight autonomy
value when used in a space that has a shorter buffer zone or a
lower window-to-wall ratio. The fabrics with a greater openness
factor, greater visible light transmittance T.sub.V-FABRIC, or
lighter color group may receive a higher score for the daylight
glare probability value, for the maximum daylight glare probability
value, and/or for the spatial daylight autonomy value when the
glass type or visible light transmittance of the glass
T.sub.V_GLASS allows more visible light through the glass. The
fabrics with a greater openness factor, visible light transmittance
T.sub.V-FABRIC, or lighter color group may receive a higher score
for the daylight glare probability value, for the maximum daylight
glare probability value, and/or for the spatial daylight autonomy
value when the space type receives more visible light, the maximum
amount of daylight glare at a space is higher, the amount of time
the space receives daylight glare is higher, or the room colors are
lighter. As described above, the increased score for the variables
in Equations 10-12 may be used indicate an increased amount of
daylight or daylight glare. Other scoring systems may also be
used.
[0109] As illustrated in Equations 12 and 13, the maximum daylight
glare probability value and/or the view rating for a fabric may be
affected by the basic input data 612 and/or the computed fabric
performance input data 314. For example, the view rating may differ
based on space type. In a space type for which the view is less
important, such as a transition area for example, the view rating
may be lower because the view may be less important to an occupant.
In a space type for which the view may be more important, such as a
social area or a functional area for example, the view rating may
be higher because the view may be more important to an occupant.
The maximum daylight glare probability value may also differ based
on space type. In a space type for which the amount of glare may be
perceived for a shorter period of time by the occupant, such as a
transition area for example, the maximum daylight glare probability
value may be greater because it may be less noticeable or
bothersome to the occupant. In a space type for which the amount of
glare may be perceived for a longer period of time by an occupant,
such as a social area or a functional area, the maximum daylight
glare probability value may be lower because it may be more
noticeable or bothersome to the occupant. The fabrics that receive
a greater daylight glare probability value may have a higher view
rating. This may be because the shades allow more light to pass
through, thus increasing the view. Similarly, the fabrics that are
used at a facade angle and/or a building orientation that receives
more daylight and/or a greater maximum daylight intensity level may
receive a lower view rating due to the lower shade level limiting
the glare. The fabrics that may be used in a space that has a
shorter buffer zone, and/or a lower window-to-wall ratio may
receive a lower view rating, as the user may have a smaller view
when closer to a bigger window. When the glass type and/or the
visible light transmittance of the glass T.sub.V_GLASS allow more
visible light through, the fabrics may receive a higher view rating
as a better view may be perceived. These fabrics, however, may
receive a lower view score, or such scores may be mitigated, when
the shades are lowered due to the increased amount of daylight. As
described above, the increased score for the variables in Equations
12 and 13 may be used indicate an increased maximum daylight glare
probability value and view, respectively, but other scoring systems
may be used.
[0110] The daylight glare probability value and/or the maximum
daylight glare probability value may be calculated based on the
originally received basic input data 612. For example, the basic
input data 612 may be passed through the fabric selection wizard
module 310 as an input for the fabric performance engine 316
without additional calculations being performed. The daylight glare
probability value and/or the spatial daylight autonomy value may be
calculated based on how an identified fabric in the fabric data 318
performs under the conditions indicated in the basic input data 612
and/or the computed fabric performance input data 314. The maximum
daylight glare probability value and/or the view rating may be
based on the basic input data 612 and/or the computed fabric
performance input data 314. The daylight glare probability value,
the spatial daylight autonomy value, the maximum daylight glare
probability value, and/or the view rating may each be determined
based on a manual or automated control of the shades, as described
herein.
[0111] As described above, window treatments having the fabrics in
the fabric data 318 may perform differently based on the basic
input data 612 and/or the computed fabric performance input data
314. The fabric performance output 320 may include the performance
metrics for each fabric in the fabric data 318 or a subset of the
fabrics in the fabric data 318. The subset of fabrics may be based
on input data on which the fabrics in the fabric data 318 may be
filtered, such as fabrics with an identified openness factor,
visible light transmittance T.sub.V-FABRIC, color or color group,
view clarity rating, certification, and/or the like.
[0112] A given fabric may generate a different amount of daylight
glare and/or a different spatial daylight autonomy rating depending
upon the installation location in the building (e.g., the facade on
which the window treatment is installed). The fabric performance
engine 316 may analyze each fabric of the fabric data 318 at the
different facades. The analysis may be performed based on the
orientation angle of each facade. The fabric performance engine 316
may include performance metrics in the fabric performance output
320 regarding each of the facades along which the window treatments
may be installed.
[0113] At 614, the fabric performance engine 316 may analyze each
fabric of the fabric data 318 based on automated and/or manual
control. The fabrics in the fabric data 318 may perform differently
under automated (e.g., motorized) control than under manual
control. Automated (e.g., motorized) control of the window
treatments may provide for increased energy savings and/or comfort
for the occupants. The fabric performance engine 316 may include
performance information in the fabric performance output 320 that
indicates the performance of the fabric when the fabric is in a
window treatment performing under automated and/or manual
control.
[0114] At 614, the fabric selection wizard module 310 may choose
the performance characteristics from the fabric performance output
320 that may be relevant to the configurations of the building in
which the window treatment may be installed. For example, the
fabric performance engine 316 may provide the fabric performance
output 320 to the fabric selection wizard module 310 that conforms
to the environment in which the window treatment may be installed
(e.g., location, facade orientation, buffer zone, window size,
glass type, space type, window-to-wall ratio, the visible light
transmittance of the glass T.sub.V_GLASS, etc.). In another
example, the fabric performance engine 316 may provide fabric
performance output 320 that includes performance data for various
environments (e.g., location, facade orientation, buffer zone,
window size, glass type, space type, window-to-wall ratio, the
visible light transmittance of the glass T.sub.V_GLASS, etc.) to
the fabric selection wizard module 310. The fabric selection wizard
module 310 may select the data in the fabric performance output 320
that conforms to the environment in which the window treatment may
be installed. The environment in which the window treatment may be
installed may be determined based on the basic input data 612
and/or the computed fabric performance input data 314.
[0115] Since the fabric data 318 may include multiple fabrics
within the same family and color group, but other different
characteristics (e.g., openness factors and/or transmittances), the
fabric selection wizard module 310 may analyze the performance
metrics for the fabrics having a given family and/or color group
across the different facades of the building. The fabric selection
wizard module 310 may generate a combination matrix that has an
entry for each unique combination of fabrics that may exist on the
multiple facades of the building at 614. Each unique combination of
fabrics may have the same family and/or color group. For example,
if the building has four facades, each entry of the combination
matrix may have four identifiers (e.g., a fabric for each of the
four facades). The identifiers indicate fabrics having the same
family and/or color group, but possibly differing openness factors
and transmittances.
[0116] For each entry in the combination matrix, the fabric
selection wizard module 310 may calculate a combined daylight glare
probability value, a combined spatial daylight autonomy value, a
combined maximum daylight glare probability value, and/or a
combined view rating for the four identifiers in that entry of the
combination matrix. The combined daylight glare probability value
may be an average of the daylight glare probability value for each
facade. The combined daylight glare probability value may be based
on the worst case daylight glare probability value across the
facades. The combined spatial daylight autonomy value may be an
average of the spatial daylight autonomy value for each facade. The
combined spatial daylight autonomy value may be based on the worst
case spatial daylight autonomy value across the facades. The
combined maximum daylight glare probability value may be an average
of the maximum daylight glare probability value for each facade.
The combined maximum daylight glare probability value may be based
on the worst case daylight glare probability value across the
facades. The combined view rating may be an average of the view
rating for each facade. The combined view rating maybe based on the
worst case view rating across the facades. The fabric selection
wizard module 310 may store the combined daylight glare probability
value, the combined spatial daylight autonomy value, and/or the
combined view rating in each entry of the combination matrix.
[0117] At 616, the fabric selection wizard module 310 may compute
one or more summary scores based on the entries in the fabric
performance output 320. For example, the fabric selection wizard
module 310 may compute a glare score, a daylight score, and/or a
view score. The fabric selection wizard module 310 may also compute
a direct glare score for one or more fabrics in the fabric
performance output 320. The glare score, the daylight score, and/or
the view score may be calculated based on a combined score for the
building that may be stored in the combination matrix. The glare
score may be calculated based on the combined daylight glare
probability value for each fabric in the combination matrix. The
daylight score may be calculated based on the combined spatial
daylight autonomy value for each fabric in the combination matrix.
The daylight score may be the same and/or may be used
interchangeably with the daylight score. The view score may be
calculated based on the combined view rating and/or view clarity
rating. The glare score, the daylight score, and/or the view score
may be calculated for automated and/or manual window
treatments.
[0118] In another example, the summary scores may be calculated for
each facade. Similarly, predicted performance metrics may be
calculated for each facade. The summary scores may also be
calculated for multiple facades. Similarly, predicted performance
metrics may be calculated for multiple facades. The scores for the
facades may be calculated using each fabric. Fabric set scores may
be calculated, for example, for different sets of fabrics for
multiple facades. The fabric set score may indicate a performance
of a set of fabrics when each fabric is used in a window treatment
on a different facade of the building. Each fabric in a set of
fabrics may have characteristics that are the same of different.
For example, the fabrics in a set of fabrics may be of the same
family or color group. If the same fabric or fabric family, color
group, color and/or openness factor are used for the facades, the
scores across the facades may be calculated, for example, when
combining multiple facades. A fabric family may comprise a
plurality of fabrics with the same material, same texture, or same
manufacturer. A color group may comprise a plurality of fabrics
with varying shades of a same color or a plurality of fabrics with
a combination of colors including at least one color that is the
same color. If the same fabric color is used for the facades, an
openness factor (e.g., the best openness factor) may be selected by
each facade, and the summary scores may be calculated across the
facades, for example, when combining multiple facades.
[0119] The glare score may indicate a predicted amount of glare
resulting in a building from use of the at least one fabric in the
window treatment. The fabric selection wizard module 310 may set
the glare score at a relatively higher level if the daylight glare
probability value for the entry in the fabric performance output
320 is lower than a predefined high level threshold. The high level
threshold may be the maximum daylight glare probability value. The
fabric selection wizard module 310 may set the glare score at a
relatively lower level if the daylight glare probability value for
the entry in the fabric performance output 320 is equal to or
greater than a predefined low level threshold. The fabric selection
wizard module 310 may set the glare score at a level between the
high level and the low level, for example, if the daylight glare
probability value for the entry in the fabric performance output
320 is between the high level and low level thresholds.
[0120] In an example in which the daylight glare probability value
indicates a number of hours of daylight glare over a period of
time, the fabric selection wizard module 310 may set the glare
score equal to 100% if the average daylight glare probability value
for the entry in the combination matrix is at zero hours. The
fabric selection wizard module 310 may set the glare score equal to
50% if the average daylight glare probability value is less than or
equal to the allowed annual hours of potential glare (e.g., from
the basic input data 612 and/or the computed fabric performance
input data 314). The fabric selection wizard module 310 may set the
glare score equal to zero if the average daylight glare probability
value is greater than the allowed annual hours of potential
glare.
[0121] The glare score may also, or alternatively, be a function of
the maximum daylight glare probability value from the basic input
data 612 and/or the computed fabric performance input data 314
computed at 610. For example, the fabric selection wizard module
310 may set the glare score equal to 100 if the daylight glare
probability value is less than the maximum daylight glare
probability value. If the daylight glare probability value is
greater than the maximum daylight glare probability value, but is
less than the maximum daylight glare probability value plus ten
percent, then the fabric selection wizard module 310 may set the
glare score as illustrated in Equation 14.
GlareScore(FabricID)=100-(DGPValue(FabricID)-MaxDGPValue(FabricID))*1000
Equation 14:
[0122] If the daylight glare probability value is greater than or
equal to the maximum daylight glare probability value, then the
fabric selection wizard module 310 may set the glare score to zero
indicating a poor glare score.
[0123] The glare score may be calculated based on the daylight
glare probability value for each facade of a building. The glare
score may be based on the daylight glare probability value, the
average daylight glare probability value, the hours a daylight
glare probability value is exceeded annually, and/or the maximum
daylight glare probability value. The maximum daylight glare
probability value may be based on an industry recommended value for
the daylight glare probability value of a fabric. The daylight
glare probability value and/or maximum daylight glare probability
values may be space specific. For example, daylight glare
probability value and/or maximum daylight glare probability values
may change depending upon whether the space is a work space, a
transitional space, or a social space. For example, a 30% daylight
glare probability value is optimal for a work space, while a 35%
daylight glare probability value is optimal for a social space or a
transitional space. The glare score may indicate the visual
discomfort that is perceived when a high intensity of diffuse light
is transmitted through a fabric. The glare score may indicate the
visual discomfort that is perceived when a high intensity of
diffuse light is transmitted through a fabric.
[0124] Using a calculated glare score, the fabric selection wizard
module 310 may calculate a direct glare score. A direct glare score
may indicate the reduction in glare based on the fabric. The direct
glare score may be based on the glare score and/or the direct glare
adjustment score. The direct glare adjustment score may be based on
the maximum direct visual transmittance of a fabric (Direct
T.sub.V-MAX). The Direct T.sub.V-MAX (may be a variable indicating
when the sun is at its lowest angle relative to the facade. The
Direct T.sub.V-MAX variable may be a calculated according to
Equation 15, and may be a function of the openness factor of the
fabric and the input.
Direct T.sub.V-MAX=f(Input;OF) Equation 15:
[0125] The Direct T.sub.V-MAX may increase as the openness factor
of the fabric increases. The input in the Direct T.sub.V-MAX
variable may include the visual transmittance of the glass, the
orientation of facade and/or latitude and longitude of the facade.
Based on the inputs, the angle of the sun may be determined
relative to the facade. Using the angle of the sun relative to the
building and the light transmitted through the glass and the fabric
at that angle, the percentage of sun rays that pass through the
fabric and glass may be determined. The direct glare adjustment
score may also be based on a maximum visual transmittance direct
(MAX(T.sub.V-DIRECT)) variable of the fabric. The
MAX(T.sub.V-DIRECT) variable may be a modifier for the Direct
T.sub.V-MAX variable based on the space type (e.g., work space,
transitional space, social space). The MAX(T.sub.V-DIRECT) may
indicate the ideal limit for direct sun glare such that the average
occupant perceives no visual discomfort. Using the Direct
T.sub.V-MAX and MAX(T.sub.V-DIRECT), the direct glare adjustment
score may be calculated. For example, an equation for calculating
the direct glare adjustment score may be illustrated in Equation 16
below.
Direct Glare Adjustment Score=(Direct
T.sub.V-MAX(fabric)-MAX(T.sub.V-DIRECT)*50 Equation 16:
[0126] The direct glare adjustment score may indicate the reduction
in overall glare score to account for glare from direct view of the
sun orb. The factor of 50 represents a scaling factor. For example,
since the MAX(T.sub.V-DIRECT) changes with space type, in a work
space, the MAX(T.sub.V-DIRECT) may be equal to 1. The Direct
T.sub.V-MAX may be between 1 to 3, with 1 being the best and 3
being the worst, to ideally obtain a zero glare adjustment score.
In a transitional space or social space, however, the
MAX(T.sub.V-DIRECT) may be equal to 2. The Direct T.sub.V-MAX may
be between 2 to 4, with 2 being the best and 4 being the worst, to
ideally obtain a zero glare adjustment score.
[0127] The direct glare score may indicate the reduction in glare
based on metrics computed for closed shades for maximal glare
control, or metrics computed based on automated shades. The fabric
selection wizard module 310 may calculate the direct glare score
based on the glare score and the direct glare adjustment. For
example, an equation for calculating the direct glare score may be
illustrated in Equation 17 below.
Direct Glare Score=Glare Score-Direct Glare Adjustment Equation
17:
[0128] The glare score for each facade may be combined (e.g.,
averaged or based on the lowest glare score for each facade) to
determine the glare score for the building. For example, an
equation for calculating the glare combined score is illustrated in
Equation 18 below.
GlareCombined=(.SIGMA.(Direct Glare Score).sub.1+ . . . +(Direct
Glare Score).sub.n)/n Equation 18:
The combined glare score may be calculated using the average direct
glare scores for each faCade or the worst calculated direct glare
scores for each facade. In Equation 18, the average of the direct
glare scores is computed, such that n equals the total number of
glare summary scores, which is equal to the number of facades.
[0129] The daylight score may be calculated based on the spatial
daylight autonomy value for each facade of the building. To compute
the daylight scores, the fabric selection wizard module 310 may set
the daylight scores based on the spatial daylight autonomy value of
the fabrics. The daylight scores for each fabric may be determined
based on the glare score for the fabric. The fabric selection
wizard module 310 may determine the fabric that has the highest
spatial daylight autonomy value of the fabric when combined with a
glare score. For example, the fabrics with the highest daylight
scores having a glare score of 100% may be assigned a daylight
score of 100%. As the spatial daylight autonomy value decreases for
the fabrics at each glare score, the daylight score also decreases.
The daylight scores may similarly decrease as the glare scores
decrease, for example, when values other than 100% for the glare
score are used.
[0130] The fabric selection wizard module 310 may set the daylight
scores for the other fabric combinations by normalizing the spatial
daylight autonomy ratings as compared to the spatial daylight
autonomy rating of the fabric combination having the daylight score
of 100%. For example, the fabric selection wizard module 310 may
set the daylight score of each other fabric combination equal to
the spatial daylight autonomy rating of that combination divided by
the spatial daylight autonomy rating of the fabric combination
having the daylight score of 100%. The fabric selection wizard
module 310 may limit the daylight scores to 100% or less.
[0131] TABLE 1 illustrates an example for calculating the daylight
score based on the glare score and the spatial daylight autonomy
value.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 sDA Glare Score Daylight Score 60% 66% 100%
50% 66% 100% 40% 100% 100% 30% 100% 75% 20% 33% 50% 10% 66% 25%
As shown in TABLE 1, the spatial daylight autonomy values that are
associated with the highest glare score (e.g., a glare score of
100%) may set the upper limit for the daylight score. In the
example shown in TABLE 1, the shade fabric having a 40% spatial
daylight autonomy value may receive the upper limit for the
daylight score (e.g., daylight score of 100%). In TABLE 1, the
spatial daylight autonomy values above the spatial daylight
autonomy that is determined to be the upper limit may receive the
highest daylight score (e.g., 100%), regardless of glare score. The
spatial daylight autonomy values below the upper limit may receive
a fraction of the highest daylight score, regardless of glare
score. For example, in TABLE 1, as the spatial daylight autonomy
value moves down by 10%, the daylight score moves down by 25%. In
other examples, the daylight score may change by different amounts
relative to the spatial daylight autonomy value, or the spatial
daylight autonomy value and the glare score may each be considered
to determine each daylight score. For example, the spatial daylight
autonomy value and the glare score may be added or averaged to
determine each daylight score.
[0132] The fabric selection wizard module 310 may calculate the
daylight score based on the automated spatial daylight autonomy
value for each facade of the building. The daylight score may
indicate a predicted amount of daylight resulting in the interior
space from use of the fabric in the window treatment. The fabric
selection wizard module 310 may calculate the summary daylight
score based on the spatial daylight autonomy limit value. The
spatial daylight autonomy limit value may be the maximum spatial
daylight autonomy value for the fabrics with a glare summary score
higher than zero. An example equation for calculating the daylight
autonomy summary score is illustrated in Equation 19 below.
Daylight Score=sDA/sDA.sub.LIMIT Equation 19:
[0133] The daylight score for each facade may be combined (e.g.,
averaged or based on the lowest daylight score for each facade) to
determine the daylight score for the building. For example, an
equation for calculating the daylight combined score is illustrated
in Equation 20 below.
DaylightCombined=(.SIGMA.(sDA/sDA.sub.LIMIT).sub.1+ . . .
+(sDA/sDA.sub.LIMIT).sub.n)/n Equation 20:
In Equation 20, the average of the daylight summary scores is
computed, such that n equals the total number of daylight summary
scores, which is equal to the number of facades.
[0134] The view scores for each fabric may be determined based on
the glare score for the fabric. The view score may indicate an
occupant's predicted amount of view out of the at least one window
when the window treatment is installed. The fabric selection wizard
module 310 may determine the fabric that has the highest view
preservation rating when combined with a glare score. For example,
the fabrics with the highest view scores having a glare score of
100% may be assigned a view score of 100%. As the view preservation
rating decreases for the fabrics at each glare score, the view
score may also decrease. The view scores may similarly decrease as
the glare scores decrease when values other than 100% for the glare
score are used.
[0135] TABLE 2 illustrates an example for calculating the view
score based on the glare score and the view preservation
rating.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 View Preservation Glare Score View Score 80%
66% 100% 60% 100% 100% 45% 66% 75% 35% 100% 58% 30% 33% 50% 15% 66%
25%
[0136] As shown in TABLE 2, the view preservation ratings that are
associated with the highest glare score (e.g., a glare score of
100%) may set the upper limit for the view score. In the example
shown in TABLE 2, the shade fabric having a 60% view preservation
rating may receive the upper limit for the view score (e.g., view
score of 100%). In TABLE 2, the view preservation values above the
view preservation value that is determined to be the upper limit
may receive the highest view score (e.g., 100%), regardless of
glare score. The view preservation ratings below the upper limit
may receive a fraction of the highest view score, regardless of
glare score. As the view preservation rating moves down, the view
score may move down according to a predetermined percentage. In
other examples, the view score may change by different amounts
relative to the view preservation rating, or the view preservation
rating and the glare score may each be considered to determine each
view score. For example, the view preservation rating and the glare
score may be added or averaged to determine each view score.
[0137] The fabric selection wizard module 310 may set the view
scores for the other fabric combinations by normalizing the view
preservation ratings as compared to the view preservation rating of
the fabric combination having the view score of 100%. For example,
the fabric selection wizard module 310 may set the view score of
each other fabric combination equal to the view preservation rating
of that combination divided by the view preservation rating of the
fabric combination having the view score of 100%. The fabric
selection wizard module 310 may limit the view scores to 100% or
less.
[0138] The view score may be calculated based on the view rating
and/or view clarity rating for each facade of the building. The
view score for each facade may be combined (e.g., averaged or based
on the lowest view score for each facade) to determine the view
score for the building. The view preservation rating may be
calculated based on an automated view. To compute the view
preservation rating, the fabric selection wizard module 310 may use
the percent openness of the fabric, the view score, and the view
limit score. The percent openness of the fabric may be calculated
based on the typical shade position and the WWR. For example, an
equation for calculating the percent openness of the fabric is
illustrated in Equation 21 below.
%
Open(Fabric)=(TypicalShadePosition(Fabric)-WindowHeight)/(WWR(Fabric)--
CeilingHeight) Equation 21:
[0139] As illustrated in Equation 21, the percent openness of a
fabric may be affected by the typical shade position of the fabric
as well as the WWR for the fabric. The typical shade position may
be determined by averaging the shade position measured during every
daylight hour in a calendar year. In Equation 21, the ceiling
height may be estimated (e.g., an estimated height of 120 inches).
Based on the actual height of the ceiling, the ceiling height
variable may change to represent the actual height of the ceiling.
Similarly, in Equation 21, the distance between the floor and the
bottom of the window may be estimated (e.g., an estimated height of
30 inches). Based on the actual distance between the floor and the
bottom of the window, the window height variable may change to
represent the actual distance between the floor and bottom of the
window.
[0140] The view score may also, or alternatively, be calculated
based on a view preservation rating. The view preservation rating
may be a combination of the view rating and the clarity rating. To
compute the view scores, the fabric selection wizard module 310 may
use the view rating, the view clarity rating, and/or the view
preservation rating. For example, the fabric selection wizard
module 310 may calculate the view preservation rating based on a
combination of the view rating and the view clarity. The view
preservation rating may indicate a total amount of a window view
that may be preserved when a window treatment is used. For example,
the view preservation rating may be 100% when a window treatment is
fully open (e.g., same as the view rating) and may be 10% when the
window treatment is fully closed (e.g., the same as the view
clarity rating). The 10% rating when fully closed may indicate that
the fabric allows a small amount of view to the outdoors even when
closed due to the openness factor. Specifically, 10% may indicate
that a typical person would see 10% as well through the fabric as
without it there. The view preservation rating may be based on the
combined view rating and the combined view clarity rating for a
building, or the view preservation rating may be determined for
each facade. The fabric selection wizard module 310 may calculate
the view rating based on the percent openness of the fabric and the
view clarity score for the fabric. For example, an equation for
calculating the view rating of the fabric is illustrated in
Equation 22 below.
ViewRating(Fabric)=% Open(Fabric)+(1-%
Open(Fabric))*ViewClarity(Fabric) Equation 22:
[0141] As illustrated in Equation 22, the view rating for the
fabric may be affected based on the percent openness score and the
view clarity. The view rating score may be used interchangeably
with the view score, and vice versa.
[0142] The view clarity rating may indicate the amount of
visibility available through a fabric. For example, an equation for
calculating the view clarity rating of the fabric is illustrated in
Equation 23 below.
V.sub.CI=1.36*(OF).sup.0.51+0.68*(OF/T.sub.V-FABRIC.sup.1.19-0.18
Equation 23:
[0143] The view limit rating may be calculated based on the view
rating and the glare summary scores for the fabrics. For example,
an equation for calculating the view limit rating is illustrated in
Equation 24 below.
ViewLimitRating=MAX(View Score The Fabrics with Direct Glare
Score>0) Equation 24:
[0144] The view limit rating value may indicate the maximum spatial
daylight autonomy value for the fabrics with a glare summary score
higher than zero. The view limit rating value may be the highest
value that can be obtained without resulting in a high perceived
glare. As shown in Equation 25, the view limit rating may change
based on the fabrics selected, as well as the direct glare score
for the fabrics. Using Equations 21-24, the fabric selection wizard
module 310 may calculate the view score. For example, an equation
for calculating the view score is illustrated in Equation 25
below.
View Score=ViewRating(Fabric)/ViewLimitRating Equation 25:
[0145] The view score for each facade may be combined (e.g.,
averaged or based on the lowest view score for each facade) to
determine the view score for the building. For example, an equation
for calculating the view combined score is illustrated in Equation
26 below.
ViewCombined=(.SIGMA.(ViewPreservSum(Fabric)).sub.1+ . . .
+(ViewPreservSum(Fabric)).sub.n)/n Equation 26:
In Equation 26, the average of the view scores is computed, such
that n equals the total number of view preservation summary scores,
which is equal to the number of facades.
[0146] The fabric selection wizard module 310 may assign each of
the fabric combinations of the combination matrix an overall rating
based on the glare score and/or the daylight score of the
respective fabric combination. The overall rating may comprise, for
example, a star rating between five and zero stars, with five stars
being the best rating. For example, the fabric selection wizard
module 310 may assign the overall ratings to a fabric combination
as follows:
[0147] 5.0 Stars if Glare Score=100% & Daylight Score
.gtoreq.90%;
[0148] 4.5 Stars if Glare Score=100% & Daylight Score
.gtoreq.80%;
[0149] 4.0 Stars if Glare Score=100% & Daylight Score
.gtoreq.70%;
[0150] 3.5 Stars if Glare Score=100% & Daylight Score
.gtoreq.50%;
[0151] 3.0 Stars if Glare Score=100% & Daylight Score
<50%;
[0152] 2.5 Stars if Glare Score=50% & Daylight Score
.gtoreq.90%;
[0153] 2.0 Stars if Glare Score=50% & Daylight Score
.gtoreq.80%;
[0154] 1.5 Stars if Glare Score=50% & Daylight Score
.gtoreq.70%;
[0155] 1.0 Stars if Glare Score=50% & Daylight Score
.gtoreq.50%;
[0156] 0.5 Stars if Glare Score=50% & Daylight Score <50%;
and
[0157] 0 Stars if Glare Score=0%.
[0158] In another example, the fabric selection wizard module 310
may assign the overall ratings to a fabric combination using a
glare score and/or a daylight-view score of each fabric
combination. The daylight-view score may indicate the daylight
score, the view score, or a combination thereof. The daylight-view
score may be based on the space type. For example, when the space
type is a functional area, the daylight-view score may be an
average of the daylight score and the view score. When the space
type is a transition area, the daylight-view score may be equal to
the daylight score. When the space type is a social area, the
daylight-view score may be equal to the view score. For example,
the fabric selection wizard module 310 may assign the overall
ratings to a fabric combination using the daylight-view score as
follows:
[0159] 5.0 Stars if Glare Score=100% & Daylight-View Score
.gtoreq.90%;
[0160] 4.5 Stars if Glare Score=100% & Daylight-View Score
.gtoreq.80%;
[0161] 4.0 Stars if Glare Score=100% & Daylight-View Score
.gtoreq.70%;
[0162] 3.5 Stars if Glare Score=100% & Daylight-View Score
<70%;
[0163] 3.0 Stars if Glare Score >66% & Daylight-View Score
.gtoreq.90%;
[0164] 2.5 Stars if Glare Score >66% & Daylight-View Score
.gtoreq.80%;
[0165] 2.0 Stars if Glare Score >66% & Daylight-View Score
.gtoreq.70%;
[0166] 1.5 Stars if Glare Score >66% & Daylight-View Score
<70%;
[0167] 1.0 Stars if Glare Score >33% & Daylight-View Score
.gtoreq.90%;
[0168] 0.5 Stars if Glare Score >33% & Daylight-View Score
<90%; and
[0169] otherwise, 0 Stars.
[0170] In another example, the fabric selection wizard module 310
may assign the overall ratings to a fabric combination using a
glare score and/or a daylight/view score of each fabric
combination. The daylight/view score may be based on the space
type. For example, when the space type is a functional area, the
daylight/view score may be an average of the daylight score and the
view score. When the space type is a transition area, the
daylight/view score may be equal to two-thirds of the daylight
score added to one-third of the view score. When the space type is
a social area, the daylight/view score may be equal to one-third of
the daylight score added to two-thirds of the view score. For
example, the fabric selection wizard module 310 may assign the
overall ratings to a fabric combination using the daylight/view
score as follows:
[0171] 5.0 Stars if Glare Score=75% & DaylightNiew
Score=MAX(Best);
[0172] 4.5 Stars if Glare Score=75% & DaylightNiew Score
.gtoreq.90V MAX(Best);
[0173] 4.0 Stars if Glare Score=75% & DaylightNiew Score
.gtoreq.80V MAX(Best);
[0174] 3.5 Stars if Glare Score=75% & DaylightNiew Score
<70V MAX(Best);
[0175] 3.0 Stars if Glare Score >75% & DaylightNiew Score
.gtoreq.70V MAX(Best);
[0176] 2.5 Stars if Glare Score >50% & DaylightNiew Score
MAX(Good);
[0177] 2.0 Stars if Glare Score >50% & DaylightNiew Score
.gtoreq.90V MAX(Good);
[0178] 1.5 Stars if Glare Score >50% & DaylightNiew Score
<70V MAX(Good);
[0179] 1.0 Stars if Glare Score >50% & DaylightNiew Score
.gtoreq.70V MAX(Good);
[0180] 0.5 Stars if Glare Score >25% & DaylightNiew Score
Not Applicable
[0181] 0 Stars if Glare Score <25% & Daylight/View Score Not
Applicable
Five to three stars may indicate that the fabric is in the Best
range, while 2.5-1 star may indicate a fabric is in the Good range.
The daylight and view score may be a function of the maximum
daylight and view score in the associated range (e.g., Best, Good).
While scores of 1-100 percent and stars from 0-5 are used herein,
other similar scoring systems may be used.
[0182] Referring again to FIG. 6, at 618, the fabric selection
wizard module 310 may rank the fabric combinations based upon the
overall ratings. If there are multiple fabric combinations having
the same overall rating, the fabric selection wizard module 310 may
rank higher the fabric combinations having the higher spatial
daylight autonomy ratings. Additionally, or alternatively, the
fabric selection wizard module 310 may compute a view score based
on the view rating for each entry in the combination matrix. The
fabric selection wizard module 310 may rank the combinations based
upon one or more of the glare score, the daylight score, and/or the
view score at step 618. For example, the fabric selection wizard
module 310 may rank the fabrics according to glare score and then
either of the view score and/or the daylight score next. The
fabrics with a higher glare score may have a higher rank and then
the view score and/or the daylight score may be used to distinguish
between fabrics having the same glare score. The fabric section
wizard module 310 may rank the combinations based upon the extent
to which one or more of the glare score, the daylight score and/or
the view score satisfy predefined window treatment recommendation
criteria. The predefined window treatment recommendation criteria
may be criteria that affect the amount of energy and/or comfort for
an occupant in a load control environment. The predefined
window-treatment recommendation criteria may be criteria for window
treatments against which the performance of a window treatment may
be compared. For example, the predefined window-treatment
recommendation criteria may be threshold levels for the predefined
predicted performance metrics and/or summary scores. The predefined
window treatment recommendation criteria may be system and/or user
defined. For example, the system and/or the user may select a
threshold value for one or more predefined window-treatment
recommendation criteria.
[0183] If the user has not pre-selected a fabric at step 620 (e.g.,
using the pre-selected fabric input section 510 of the fabric
selection input screen 500 shown in FIGS. 5A-5E), the fabric
selection wizard module 310 may display one or more of the
recommended (e.g., highest ranked) fabric combinations at step 622.
Also, or alternatively, the fabric section wizard module may
display the extent to which one or more of the recommended fabric
combinations satisfy the predefined window treatment recommendation
criteria.
[0184] If the user has pre-selected a fabric at step 620 (e.g.,
using the pre-selected fabric input section 510 of the fabric
selection input screen 500 shown in FIGS. 5A-5E), the fabric
selection wizard software 310 may display another fabric selection
output screen (not shown) at step 624. The alternate fabric
selection output screen may show the performance metrics of the
pre-selected fabric alongside the performance metrics of at least
one of the recommended fabric combinations. A user of the fabric
selection wizard module 310 may compare the performance of the
pre-selected fabric with at least one of the recommended
fabrics.
[0185] With regard to the recommended fabric, the fabric
characteristics may vary. The variation in fabric characteristics
may affect the environment in which the window treatment may be
installed. The openness factor and/or the visible light
transmittance of a fabric T.sub.V-FABRIC may affect the daylight
glare probability value. For example, a fabric with a 5% openness
factor and a 13% visible light transmittance of a fabric
T.sub.V-FABRIC may have a 20% daylight glare probability value. As
the openness factor and/or the visible light transmittance of a
fabric T.sub.V-FABRIC increase or decrease, the daylight glare
probability value may also increase or decrease, respectively. An
occupant of a room may begin to observe daylight glare at about a
35% glare level. The daylight glare may begin to be uncomfortable
to the occupant at about a 45% glare level. As a result, a fabric
may be manufactured that causes a daylight glare probability value
of less than 35%, such as a 33% daylight glare probability value
for example. The openness factor and/or the visible light
transmittance of a fabric T.sub.V-FABRIC may affect the daylight
glare probability value. A fabric may be used that prevents the
daylight glare probability from reaching the 35% daylight glare
probability value, or at least a 45% daylight glare probability
value, to avoid making the occupant uncomfortable.
[0186] Though fabrics may be recommended that may have less than a
35% or a 45% daylight glare probability value, the openness factor
of the fabric may vary. The variation of the openness factor of the
fabric may cause the visible light transmittance of a fabric
T.sub.V-FABRIC and the daylight glare probability value to also
vary. For example, a 1% change in the openness factor of the fabric
may cause up to about a 10% change in the daylight glare
probability value. To prevent the daylight glare probability value
from raising above a level of 35% or 45%, the recommended fabrics
may be manufactured within a tolerance for openness and/or the
recommended fabrics may have a lower maximum daylight glare
probability value to offset the variance in openness. For example,
the fabric's tolerance for openness may be less than 1% for fabrics
that are recommended with less than a 35% daylight glare
probability value to prevent the daylight glare probability value
from raising to 45% due to variance in openness. The fabric's
tolerance for openness may be 0.5% or less to prevent the daylight
glare probability value from coming within 5% of the 45% daylight
glare probability value. The openness tolerance may be more
critical for fabrics with a lower openness. As a result, the
openness tolerance may be selected based on the change in daylight
glare probability value for fabrics with a lower openness (e.g.,
1%-5%).
[0187] Fabric recommendations may limit the openness factor and/or
the visible light transmittance T.sub.V-FABRIC to prevent a
daylight glare probability value from reaching a predefined comfort
limit or maximum daylight glare probability value (e.g., a 35%
maximum daylight glare probability value). For example, a set of
input parameters may lead to a recommended fabric with a rated
openness of 3% and a visible light transmittance T.sub.V-FABRIC of
6%. To prevent the occupant from perceiving glare, the fabric
tolerance may be set to +/-0.5%. An example of tolerances and the
maximum daylight glare probability values that may result from
those tolerances is provided below in TABLE 3.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Tolerance Max DGP Rated Fabric 32.6% +0.5%
openness 37.4% +1% openness 42.2% +1.5% openness 47.1% +2.0%
openness 51.9%
[0188] Recommended fabric may be restricted in openness factor
and/or visible light transmittance T.sub.V-FABRIC, for example, to
prevent the daylight glare probability value from raising above a
level of 35% or 45%. For example, the openness on a recommended
fabric may be restricted to between 1% and 10%, the openness
tolerance may be restricted to 0.5% or less, and the visible light
transmittance T.sub.V-FABRIC may be restricted to between 1% and
30%, which may result in a daylight glare probability value of
approximately 15% to approximately 35%. If the correct limits are
selected for the openness factor, the T.sub.V-FABRIC, and/or the
tolerance, the resulting daylight glare probability value will be
15% to 35%. The resulting daylight glare probability value will
depend on the level of restriction of the openness factor, the
T.sub.V-FABRIC, and/or the tolerance. The maximum daylight glare
probability value for a recommended fabric may also, or
alternatively, be less than 35% to prevent the openness variance
from reaching a noticeable or uncomfortable level for the occupant.
For example, the maximum daylight glare probability value for a
recommended fabric may be about 33%.
[0189] FIGS. 7A-7G show example displays of a fabric selection
output screen 700 that may display recommended fabrics and/or
fabric combinations. For example, the fabric selection wizard
module 310 may display a fabric selection output screen 700, or
portions thereof, through a web browser or other application for
displaying the recommended fabric combinations. As shown in FIGS.
7A and 7B, the fabric selection output screen 700 may comprise a
project information section 710, a recommended fabrics list section
720, a selected recommended fabric information section 730, a
manual shades comparison section 740, and/or a motorized shades
comparison section 750. The fabric selection output screen 700 may
comprise one or more portions, such as an upper portion 702 (shown
in FIG. 7A) and/or a lower portion 704 (shown in FIG. 7B-7G).
[0190] The project information section 710 of the fabric selection
output screen 700 may list information regarding the project for
the building in which the window treatments may be installed, e.g.,
the basic input data 312 received by the fabric selection input
screen 500 shown in FIGS. 5A-5I. The recommended fabrics list
section 720 may list the recommended fabrics and/or fabric
combinations. For example, the recommended fabrics in the
recommended fabrics list section 720 may include the highest
ranking fabric combinations. The recommended fabrics in the
recommended fabric list 720 may be computed based on measure scores
providing the highest ranking objective fabric combinations or
based on subjective variables. The subjective variable may be user
input based on desired levels for glare, daylight, view, solar
control, etc. The subjective variables may be based on user
priorities, such as a user preferring glare to be weighted more
heavily than view. The recommendations may be filtered, such as by
value, sustainability, rank, solar energy allowed, etc. The
selected recommended fabric information section 730 may provide
information regarding a selected recommended fabric combination 722
of the recommended fabrics list section 720. A user may scroll
through a plurality of selected recommended fabric combinations
(e.g., selected recommended fabric combination 722) in the selected
recommended fabric list section 720. The user may scroll through
the plurality of selected recommended fabric combinations in any
direction, such as left to right, up and down, etc. The selected
recommended fabric combination 722 may list an image or
representation of the fabric, the fabric type, the rating of the
fabric (e.g., zero to five stars), the openness ratings or
percentages, and/or other information. The representation of the
fabric may indicate the shade of the fabric and/or the texture of
the fabric.
[0191] The selected recommended fabric information section 730 may
include an image 732 or other representation of the selected
recommended fabric combination 722, such that the user may make
decisions on which fabric to purchase based on the aesthetic
appearance of the fabric. The selected recommended fabric
information section 730 may include a ranking 734 of the selected
recommended fabric combination 722, an openness factor 736 for the
selected recommended fabric combination 722, and/or performance
scores 738 for the selected recommended fabric combination 722. As
indicated in FIG. 7A, the openness factor 736 may be provided for
one or more facade orientations. The performance scores 738 may
include the fabric performance output 320 on which the fabric
ranking 734 may be based. FIG. 7A shows the daylight score of the
selected recommended fabric combination 722, the glare score (e.g.,
visual comfort) of the selected recommended fabric combination 722,
and the view score of the selected recommended fabric combination
722, but other types of fabric performance output 320 may be
provided. For example, the direct glare score may be shown as a
fabric performance output 320.
[0192] Referring to FIG. 7B, the manual shades comparison section
740 and the motorized shades comparison section 750 may each list
the performance metrics from the fabric performance output 320 that
are based the manual control and automated control, respectively,
for the selected recommended fabric combination 722 of the
recommended fabrics list section 720. A user of the fabric
selection wizard module 310 may be able to compare the performance
of the selected recommended fabric combination 722 using manual and
automated control. The user may be able to understand the savings
and advantages of automated control over manual control. The manual
shades comparison section 740 and the motorized shades comparison
section 750 may each list the performance scores for the selected
fabric 722 under manual and automated control, which may include a
daylight score section 760, a glare score section 770, and/or a
view score section 780.
[0193] The daylight score section 760 may display the useful
daylight zone 766 and a daylight score 764. The useful daylight
zone may identify a distance into a room from the window that
includes an amount of useful daylight. The useful daylight zone may
be calculated using the spatial daylight autonomy value and the
depth of the room (e.g., 40 feet). An example equation for
calculating the useful daylight zone may be illustrated in Equation
27 below.
Useful Daylight Zone=sDA*(RoomDepth) Equation 27:
The daylight score section 760 may display a representation of a
room depicting the useful daylight in the room associated with the
selected recommended fabric for manual shades and automated shades.
For example, in FIG. 7B, the manual shades 740 show useful daylight
zone of 10 feet, with a useful daylight zone marker 762a depicting
the position in the room to which the useful daylight will extend.
In FIG. 7B, the automated shades 750 show useful daylight zone of
20 feet, with a useful daylight zone marker 762b depicting the
position in the room to which the useful daylight will extend. The
space between the markers 762a, 762b and the window may be shaded
and the shading may become lighter the further the distance from
the window. The daylight score section 760 may include a map scale
766 that may be used to indicate and measure the relative distance
of the useful daylight zone markers 762a, 762b.
[0194] The glare score section 770 may include a representation of
the glare score level for the manual shades 740 and automated
shades 750. The glare score section 770 may be based on the glare
score. As shown in FIG. 7B, the glare score level representation
may include a meter 772a that indicates the level of visual comfort
for the manual shades comparison section 740 and a meter 772b that
indicates the level of visual comfort for the motorized shades
comparison section 750. The meter 772a, 772b includes equal
sections indicating low, medium, and high levels of glare score,
with a pointer aimed at the glare score level associated with the
selected recommended fabric for manual shades and automated shades.
Low glare score may be indicated when the glare score is a
relatively low, such as a glare score that is based on a daylight
glare probability value of more than one hundred hours of glare per
year. Medium glare score may be indicated when the glare score is
between the low and high thresholds, such as a glare score that is
based on a daylight glare probability value between ten and one
hundred hours of glare per year. High glare score may be indicated
when the glare score is relatively high, such as when the glare
score is less than ten hours of glare per year. Though the glare
score representation is identified as a meter, the glare score
representation may be depicted in another form, such as a glare
score bar or graph. The glare score section 770 may also, or
alternatively, depict the daylight glare probability (e.g., as
shown in FIG. 7F) and/or glare score. The glare score and/or visual
comfort section 770 may also provide an option to expand an
information box that may explain the consequences or potential
results of the daylight glare probability value, and/or glare
score.
[0195] The view score section 780 may include a view score 782, a
visual representation 784 of the shade level, and/or the typical
shade position 786. The visual representation 784 of the shade
level may show the typical shade position 786, from which the view
score 782 may be based. The view score section 780 may include a
view clarity through the fabric (not shown) and/or other
information for both the manual shades 740 and automated shades
750.
[0196] Referring back to FIG. 7A, a user may actuate a filter
button 728. The filters button may include a drop down list or menu
including various filters to apply to the recommended fabric
combinations displayed in the recommended fabrics list 720. For
example, the filters may include, but are not limited to, color,
saved fabrics, thermal reflectance, solar reflectance and/or
certifications, such as PVC Free, GREENGUARD Certified, Recyclable,
Recyclable Content, and/or Cradle to Cradle Certified. The filter
may be used to filter out or include reflective shades that have a
solar reflectance above a predefined threshold, for example.
[0197] The user may actuate the button 729, or a similar function,
to display THEIA.TM. Compliant fabrics. As shown in FIG. 7A, the
button 729 is actuated and THEIA.TM. Compliant Fabrics are
displayed in the recommended fabrics list section 720. Similar
functions may be included in the fabric selection output screen 700
for other fabric filters.
[0198] The user may enlarge a recommended fabric combination and/or
show additional information regarding the fabric combination
displayed in the recommended fabrics list 720. For example, FIG. 7C
shows the enlarged recommended fabric combination section 790 for
the recommended fabric combination 722. The enlarged recommended
fabric combination section 790 may include the category 791, the
part number 792, the fabric details 793, the performance metrics
794, other properties of the fabric 795, a visual representation of
the fabric 796, and/or other information. The fabric details 793
may include the family name for the fabric, the collection name,
the certifications, the color, the openness factor, whether the
fabric is THEIA.TM. compliant, and/or other information. The
performance metrics may include nominal and measured performance
metrics. Nominal metrics, for example, are the numbers provided
directly from a fabric manufacturer with little validation of their
measurement process, and may be considered "approximate". Measured
performance metrics include validation of measurement procedures
and may include tolerance values for performance metrics. For
example, the performance metrics may list the nominal and measured
openness, the measured visible light transmittance
(T.sub.V-FABRIC), a solar absorptance (A.sub.S), a solar
transmittance (T.sub.S), a solar reflectance (R.sub.S), solar heat
gain coefficient SHGC (not shown), and/or combined solar heat gain
coefficient (SHGC.sub.FABRIC-GLASS) (not shown). The performance
metrics may also list a maximum and a minimum for the nominal and
measured openness, the measured visible light transmittance
(T.sub.V-FABRIC), the solar absorptance (As), the solar
transmittance (T.sub.S), the solar reflectance (R.sub.S), the solar
heat gain coefficient (SHGC), and/or the combined solar heat gain
coefficient (SHGC.sub.FABRIC-GLASS). The enlarged recommended
fabric combination section 790 may also include an add to project
button 797, an add to samples button 798, and a generate report
button 799. The user may actuate the add to project button 797 to
add the enlarged recommended fabric combination to a project. If a
user is working on more than one project, the user may be able to
select a project to which the enlarged recommended fabric
combination will be added. The user may actuate the add to samples
button 798 to add the enlarged recommended fabric combination to a
request for a sample. The user may actuate the generate report
button 799 to initiate the generation of a report regarding the
enlarged recommended fabric combination, or to request a report
regarding the enlarged recommended fabric combination.
[0199] Referring again to FIG. 7A, a user may select one or more
fabrics from the recommended fabrics list section 720. For example,
the user may select recommended fabric combination 722, recommended
fabric combination 723, and recommended fabric combination 724. The
user may actuate the compare button 726. The fabric selection
wizard module 310 may display a comparison of the selected
recommended fabric information 731 for the selected recommended
fabric combinations 722, 723, and 724, as shown in FIGS. 7D-7G. The
comparison of the selected recommended fabric information 731 may
compare the fabric information 730 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7D), the
manual control and automated control daylight score 760 (e.g., as
shown in FIG. 7E), the manual control and automated control glare
score or visual comfort 770 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7F), and/or the
manual control and automated control view score 780 (e.g., as shown
in FIG. 7G) for the selected recommended fabric combinations 722,
723, and 724.
[0200] As shown in FIG. 7D, the comparison of the selected
recommended fabric information 731 may include a representation
732a, 732b, and 732c (e.g., an image) of the selected recommended
fabric combinations 722, 723 and 724, respectively, such that the
user may compare the selected recommended fabric combinations 722,
723 and 724 to make decisions on which fabric to purchase based on
the aesthetic appearance of the fabric. The comparison of the
selected recommended fabric information 731 may include an openness
factor 736a, 736b, and 736c for the respective selected recommended
fabric combinations 722, 723, and 724. The comparison of the
selected recommended fabric information 731 may include performance
or summary scores 738a, 738b, and 738c for the respective selected
recommended fabric combinations 722, 723, and 724. As indicated in
FIG. 7A, the openness factor 736 may be provided for one or more
facade orientations. The performance or summary scores 738a, 738b,
and 738c may include the daylight score of the respective selected
recommended fabric combinations 722, 723, and 724, the glare score
of the respective selected recommended fabric combinations 722,
723, and 724, and/or the view score of the respective selected
recommended fabric combinations 722, 723, and 724.
[0201] The comparison of the selected recommended fabric
information 731, may include the categories 791a, 791b, 791c and
part numbers 792a, 792b, 792c for the respective selected
recommended fabric combinations 722, 723, 724. The comparison of
the selected recommended fabric information 731 may provide the
user the option to add one or more of the selected recommended
fabric combinations 722, 723, or 724 to a project or to a sample
request by actuation of the respective request buttons 797a, 797b,
or 797c. The comparison of the selected recommended fabric
information 731 may provide the user the option to generate a
report one or more of the selected recommended fabric combinations
722, 723, or 724 upon actuation of the respective report generating
buttons 799a, 799b, or 799c. The comparison of the selected
recommended fabric information 731 may allow the user to view the
fabric information for one or more of the selected recommended
fabric combinations 722, 723, or 724 by actuating a respective view
fabric info button 739a, 739b, or 739c. If a user actuates the view
fabric info button 739a, 739b, or 739c, the user may be taken to an
enlarged recommended fabric combination section 790 for the
corresponding fabric, for example, as shown in FIG. 7C.
[0202] FIG. 7E depicts another example for illustrating information
in the manual shades comparison section 740 and the motorized
shades comparison section 750. As shown in FIG. 7E, the comparison
of the selected recommended fabric information 731 may display the
useful daylight zone and a percent daylight score for each of the
selected recommended fabric combinations 722, 723, 724. The
daylight score section 760 may display a representation of a room
depicting the useful daylight in the room 774a, 774b, or 774c
associated with the selected recommended fabric 722, 723, or 724
respectively for manual shades and automated shades. For example,
in FIG. 7E, the manual shades 740 show useful daylight zone of 6
feet for each of the selected recommended fabric combinations 722,
723, 724, with a useful daylight zone marker 762a, 762b, 762c
depicting the position in the room to which the useful daylight
will extend for each of the selected recommended fabric
combinations 722, 723, 724, respectively. In FIG. 7E, the automated
shades 750 show useful daylight zone of 17 feet for each of the
selected recommended fabric combinations 722, 723, 724, with a
useful daylight zone marker 762a, 762b, 762c depicting the position
in the room to which the useful daylight will extend for each of
the selected recommended fabric combinations 722, 723, 724,
respectively.
[0203] FIG. 7F depicts another example for illustrating information
in the manual shades comparison section 740 and the motorized
shades comparison section 750. As shown in FIG. 7F, the comparison
of the selected recommended fabric information 731 may include a
representation of the glare score, daylight score, and/or view
score for both the manual shades 740 and automated shades 750. For
example, as shown in FIG. 7F, the daylight glare probability 775a,
775b, or 775c for the selected recommended fabric combinations 722,
723, 724, respectively, may be depicted using a bar indicating the
numbered percentage of the daylight glare probability for both the
automated control shades 750 and manually controlled shades 740. In
FIG. 7F, the bar depicts a range from 30% to 50%, though any range
or percentage may be indicated. A value from 0-35% is considered
low glare, a value from 35%-40% is considered medium glare, a value
from 40%-45% is considered high glare, and a value from 45%-100% is
considered critical glare. The bar may include a tolerance
indicator 777a, 777b, 777c that indicates a daylight glare
probability range. The bar may represent a glare tolerance range.
The tolerance range calculates the daylight glare probability for a
fabric using the worst case values for the daylight glare intensity
and the best case values for the daylight glare intensity. In the
glare score and/or visual comfort section 770 of the comparison of
the selected recommended fabric information 731, an information box
button 776a, 776b, or 776c may be associated with a glare scores
for the selected recommended fabric combinations 722, 723, 724,
respectively. If the user actuates the information box button 776a,
776b, or 776c, an information box (not shown) explaining the
consequences or potential results of the daylight glare
probability, and/or glare score may be displayed. For example, the
information box may be a warning that the glare score is using
direct glare score. The warning may not be present, for example, if
a building is blocking sunlight from the facade. In the manual
control and automated control glare score or visual comfort section
770, the comparison of the selected recommended fabric information
731, may also, or alternatively, include a visual comfort level
representation (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7B) for each of the selected
recommended fabric combinations 722, 723, 724. In the manual
control and automated control glare score and/or visual comfort
section 770, the comparison of the selected recommended fabric
information 731, may also, or alternatively, include an openness
factor 736a, 736b, 736c for the selected recommended fabric
combinations 722, 723, 724, respectively.
[0204] FIG. 7G depicts another example for illustrating information
in the manual shades comparison section 740 and the motorized
shades comparison section 750. As shown in FIG. 7G, the comparison
of the selected recommended fabric information 731 may include a
view score (not shown), a representation of the visual preservation
785a, 785b, and 785c for each of the selected recommended fabric
combinations 722, 723, 724, respectively, the typical shade
position 786a, 786b, or 786c for each of the selected recommended
fabric combinations 722, 723, 724 respectively, view clarity
through the fabric 787a, 787b, and 787c for each of the selected
recommended fabric combinations 722, 723, 724 respectively, and/or
other information for both the manual shades 740 and automated
shades 750 for each of the selected recommended fabric combinations
722, 723, 724. The typical shade position may be determined by
averaging the shade position measured during every daylight hour in
a calendar year.
[0205] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example network
device 800. The network device 800 may be a server, a personal
computer, a laptop, a tablet, a smart phone, and/or other suitable
network communication device (e.g., an Internet-Protocol-enabled
device), for example. The network device 800 may be used to store
and/or execute one or more portions of the fabric selection tool
300 shown in FIG. 3. For example, the network device 800 may
perform the functions of the fabric selection wizard module 310,
perform the functions of the fabric performance engine 316, store
the basic input data 312, store computed fabric performance input
data 314, store the fabric performance output 320, store the fabric
data 318, store recommendation scores, and/or store fabric
recommendations. The network device 800 may comprise a control
circuit 802, which may include one or more of a processor (e.g., a
microprocessor), a microcontroller, a programmable logic device
(PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any suitable processing
device. The control circuit 802 may perform signal coding, data
processing, power control, image processing, input/output
processing, and/or any other functionality that enables the network
device 800 to perform as described herein.
[0206] The control circuit 802 may store information in and/or
retrieve information from the memory 808. The memory 808 may
include a non-removable memory and/or a removable memory for
storing computer-readable media. The non-removable memory may
include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard
disk, and/or any other type of non-removable memory storage. The
removable memory may include a subscriber identity module (SIM)
card, a memory stick, a memory card (e.g., a digital camera memory
card), and/or any other type of removable memory. The control
circuit 802 may access the memory 808 for executable instructions
and/or other information that may be used by the network device
800. The control circuit 802 may store the unique identifiers
(e.g., serial numbers) of the control devices to which the network
device 800 is associated in the memory 808. The control circuit 802
may access instructions in the memory 808 for executing the fabric
selector tool, or portions thereof. The control circuit 802 may
store the basic input data 312, the computed fabric performance
input data 314, the fabric performance output 320, the fabric data
318, the recommendation scores, the fabric recommendations, and/or
other information that may be used by the fabric selector tool in
the memory 808.
[0207] The network device 800 may comprise a network communication
circuit 804, which may be adapted to performed wired and/or
wireless communications (e.g., with the system controller device
110 or another device over a network) on behalf of the network
device 800. The network communication circuit 804 may be a wireless
communication circuit, for example, including an RF transceiver
coupled to an antenna 812 for transmitting and/or receiving RF
signals (e.g., the RF signals 106 shown in FIG. 1). The network
communication circuit 804 may communicate using Wi-Fi, a
proprietary protocol (e.g., the ClearConnect.RTM. protocol),
Bluetooth.RTM., or any other RF communications. The control circuit
802 may be coupled to the network communication circuit 804 for
transmitting and/or receiving digital messages via the RF signals
106, for example.
[0208] The network device may comprise an actuator 806. The control
circuit 802 may be responsive to the actuator 806 for receiving a
user input. For example, the control circuit 802 may be operable to
receive a button press from a user on the network device 800 for
making a selection or performing other functionality on the network
device 800.
[0209] The network device may comprise a display 810. The control
circuit 802 may be in communication with a display 810 for
displaying information to a user. The communication between the
display 810 and the control circuit 802 may be a two way
communication, as the display 810 may include a touch screen module
capable of receiving information from a user and providing such
information to the control circuit 802.
[0210] The network device 800 may comprise a power supply 814 for
generating a DC supply voltage V.sub.CC for powering the control
circuit 802, the network communication circuit 804, the memory 808,
the display 810, and/or other circuitry of the network device 800.
The power supply 814 may be a battery or another source of power
for the network device 800.
[0211] One or more of the components illustrated in the network
device 800 may be similarly included in another remote computing
device, such as a network server for example. The functionality of
the fabric selection tool 300 may be included in the network device
800 and/or may be distributed between the network device 800 and
one or more remote computing devices. For example, the fabric
performance engine 316 may be executed on a remote computing
device, while the fabric selection wizard module 310 may be
executed by the network device 800.
[0212] FIG. 9 is a simplified block diagram of an example wireless
control device 900, which may be deployed as, for example, the
system controller 110 of the load control system 100 shown in FIG.
1. The wireless control device 900 may comprise a control circuit
910, which may include one or more of a processor (e.g., a
microprocessor), a microcontroller, a programmable logic device
(PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any suitable processing
device. The control circuit 910 may perform signal coding, data
processing, power control, input/output processing, and/or any
other functionality that enables the wireless control device 900 to
perform as described herein. The wireless control device 900 may
comprise a network communication circuit 912 that may be coupled to
a network connector 914 (e.g., an Ethernet jack), which may be
adapted to be connected to a wired digital communication link
(e.g., an Ethernet communication link) for allowing the control
circuit 910 to communicate with network devices on a network. The
network communication circuit 912 may be configured to be
wirelessly connected to the network, e.g., using Wi-Fi technology
to transmit and/or receive RF signals (e.g., the RF signals 106
shown in FIG. 1).
[0213] The wireless control device 900 may comprise a wireless
communication circuit 916, for example, including an RF transceiver
coupled to an antenna for transmitting and/or receiving RF signals
(e.g., the RF signals 106 shown in FIG. 1). The wireless
communication circuit 916 may communicate using a proprietary
protocol (e.g., the ClearConnect.RTM. protocol). The control
circuit 910 may be coupled to the wireless communication circuit
916 for transmitting digital messages via the RF signals 106, for
example, to control the load control devices in the load control
system 100 in response to digital messages received via the network
communication circuit 912. The control circuit 910 may be
configured to receive digital messages, for example, from the load
control devices and/or the input devices.
[0214] The control circuit 910 may be responsive to an actuator 920
for receiving a user input. For example, the control circuit 910
may be operable to associate the wireless control device 900 with
one or more control devices of the load control system 100 in
response to actuations of the actuator 920 during a configuration
procedure of the load control system 100. The wireless control
device 900 may comprise additional actuators to which the control
circuit 910 may be responsive.
[0215] The control circuit 910 may store information in and/or
retrieve information from the memory 918. The memory 918 may
include a non-removable memory and/or a removable memory for
storing computer-readable media. The non-removable memory may
include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard
disk, and/or any other type of non-removable memory storage. The
removable memory may include a subscriber identity module (SIM)
card, a memory stick, a memory card (e.g., a digital camera memory
card), and/or any other type of removable memory. The control
circuit 910 may access the memory 918 for executable instructions
and/or other information that may be used by the wireless control
device 900. The control circuit 910 may store the unique
identifiers (e.g., serial numbers) of the control devices to which
the wireless control device 900 is associated in the memory 918.
The control circuit 910 may access instructions in the memory 918
for executing the fabric selector tool, or portions thereof. The
control circuit 910 may store the basic input data 312, the
computed fabric performance input data 314, the fabric performance
output 320, the fabric data 318, the recommendation scores, the
fabric recommendations, and/or other information that may be used
by the fabric selector tool in the memory 918.
[0216] The control circuit 910 may illuminate a visual indicator
922 to provide feedback to a user of the load control system 100.
For example, the control circuit 910 may blink or strobe the visual
indicator 922 to indicate a fault condition. The control circuit
910 may be operable to illuminate the visual indicator 922
different colors to indicator different conditions or states of the
wireless control device 900. The visual indicator 922 may be
illuminated by, for example, one or more light-emitting diodes
(LEDs). The wireless control device 900 may comprise more than one
visual indicator.
[0217] The wireless control device 900 may comprise a power supply
924 for generating a DC supply voltage V.sub.CC for powering the
control circuit 910, the network communication circuit 912, the
wireless communication circuit 916, the memory 918, and/or other
circuitry of the wireless control device 900. The power supply 924
may be coupled to a power supply connector 926 (e.g., a USB port)
for receiving a supply voltage (e.g., a DC voltage) and/or for
drawing current from an external power source.
[0218] One or more of the components illustrated in the wireless
control device 900 may be similarly included in another computing
device, such as the network device 800 or a network server for
example. The functionality of the fabric selection tool 300 may be
included in the wireless control device 900 and/or may be
distributed between the wireless control device 900 and one or more
remote computing devices. For example, the fabric performance
engine 316 may be executed on the wireless control device 900,
while the fabric selection wizard module 310 may be executed by the
network device 800.
[0219] Although features and elements have been described in
relation to particular embodiments, many other variations,
modifications, and other uses are apparent from the description
provided herein. For example, while various types of hardware
and/or software may be described for performing various features,
other hardware and/or software modules may be implemented. The
disclosure herein may not be limited by the examples provided.
* * * * *