Distributed device network-based control system with decoupled intelligence for smart windows

Abstract

A distributed device control system is provided. The system includes a plurality of windows, each window of the plurality of windows having at least one electrochromic window, a voltage or current driver for the at least one electrochromic window, and a first control system local to the window. The system includes a plurality of window controllers, each window controller configured to couple to one or more of the plurality of windows and having a second control system, for the one or more of the plurality of windows, local to the window controller. The system includes a command and communication device configured to couple to each of the plurality of window controllers, configured to couple to a network, and having a third control system, for the plurality of windows, wherein control of the plurality of windows is distributed across the plurality of windows, the plurality of window controllers, the command and communication device, and a portion of the network.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A distributed device control system, comprising:
 a plurality of electrochromic windows including a voltage driver for each of the electrochromic windows, and a first control system local to respective electrochromic window;   a plurality of window controllers, each window controller configured to couple to one or more of the plurality of electrochromic windows and having a second control system, for the one or more of the plurality of electrochromic windows, local to respective window controller; and   a command and communication device configured to couple to each of the plurality of window controllers, having a third control system, for the plurality of electrochromic windows, wherein a server gathers information from windows in a plurality of buildings and develops profiles, and wherein the distributed control of the plurality of electrochromic windows is based in part on the profiles developed in the server.