Patent Publication Number: US-2023161214-A1

Title: Electrochromic devices and methods associated therewith

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/593,234, entitled “ ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES AND METHODS ASSOCIATED THEREWITH ,” by Yigang Wang et al., filed Oct. 4, 2019, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/744,017, entitled “ ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES AND METHODS ASSOCIATED THEREWITH ,” by Yigang Wang et al., filed Oct. 10, 2018, which is assigned to the current assignee hereof and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to electrochromic devices and methods associated therewith. 
     RELATED ART 
     Electrochromic devices are frequently used to provide selective variable shading for various uses, including commercial and residential buildings. Installation of electrochromic device is typically performed by installing and commissioning each electrochromic device individually. In such a manner, technicians pair each unit with a channel to properly identify the unit for control. Recently, electrochromic devices have come with an integral identification tag to permit automatic commissioning of the device. The identification tag relays unique information about the electrochromic device to the controller to permit automatic commissioning of the device. 
     The inclusion of identification tags is expensive and time consuming. Industries utilizing electrochromic devices continue to demand improved systems and methods of commissioning and operation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and are not intended to be limited in the accompanying figures. 
         FIG.  1    includes an elevation view of an array including a plurality of electrochromic devices in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    includes a flow chart of a method of mapping a location of an electrochromic device within an array in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    includes a flow chart of a method of determining exact operating conditions of an electrochromic device within the array in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    includes a cross-sectional view of an electrochromic device in accordance with an embodiment as seen along line A-A in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIGS.  5  and  6    include graphs reflecting operation of an electrochromic device based on operating conditions provided by an identification tag and exact operating conditions determined in accordance with an embodiment described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description in combination with the figures is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The following discussion will focus on specific implementations and embodiments of the teachings. This focus is provided to assist in describing the teachings and should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope or applicability of the teachings. However, other embodiments can be used based on the teachings as disclosed in this application. 
     The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present), and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present), and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present). 
     The terms “generally,” “substantially,” “approximately,” and the like are intended to cover a range of deviations from the given value. In a particular embodiment, the terms “generally,” “substantially,” “approximately,” and the like refer to deviations in either direction of the value within 10% of the value, within 9% of the value, within 8% of the value, within 7% of the value, within 6% of the value, within 5% of the value, within 4% of the value, within 3% of the value, within 2% of the value, or within 1% of the value. 
     Also, the use of “a” or “an” is employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one, at least one, or the singular as also including the plural, or vice versa, unless it is clear that it is meant otherwise. For example, when a single item is described herein, more than one item may be used in place of a single item. Similarly, where more than one item is described herein, a single item may be substituted for that more than one item. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. To the extent not described herein, many details regarding specific materials and processing acts are conventional and may be found in textbooks and other sources within the electrochromic device and electrochromic arts. 
     In accordance with an aspect, a method of operating an electrochromic device can include installing the electrochromic device, coupling a logic device to the electrochromic device, applying a voltage to the electrochromic device, receiving a current from the electrochromic device in response to the provided voltage, and, with a logic device, determining an exact operating condition of the electrochromic device from the received current. In an embodiment, the method can further include operating the electrochromic device based at least in part on the exact operating condition of the electrochromic device. In a particular embodiment, the exact operating condition of the electrochromic device can include an ionic resistance of the electrochromic device, a leakage resistance of the electrochromic device, a separate resistance of the electrochromic device or element connected therewith, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the exact operating condition of the electrochromic device can include unit efficiency, unit leakage, unit capacitance, unit areal size, or any combination thereof. In a particular embodiment, the separate resistance can include an ITO resistance, a wire resistance of wires coupled with the electrochromic device, or both. 
     In accordance with another aspect, a method of operating a plurality of electrochromic devices can include adjusting a frequency of voltage applied to the plurality of electrochromic devices, measuring a duration of time required to change tint state of each of the electrochromic devices, and identifying a location of each of the plurality of electrochromic devices in response to the measured duration of time required to change the tint state of each of the electrochromic devices. In a particular embodiment, adjusting the frequency of voltage is performed by adjusting each of the electrochromic devices by a different frequency. In a particular embodiment, adjusting the frequency of voltage is performed simultaneously for all of the plurality of electrochromic devices. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates an array  100  of electrochromic devices including a plurality of electrochromic devices  102  disposed within an opening  104  of a window frame  106 . In an embodiment, the array  100  can be part of a building, such as part of a façade, a wall, or any structure disposed in or around the building. While illustrated as a single, contiguous grouping, the array  100  can include a plurality of spaced apart electrochromic devices. For instance, at least one of the electrochromic devices  102  can be part of a different portion or area of the building spaced apart from the other electrochromic devices  102 . By way of example, at least one electrochromic device  102  can be spaced apart from all other electrochromic devices. 
     In an embodiment, the array  100  can include at least 2 electrochromic devices  102 , at least 3 electrochromic devices  102 , at least 4 electrochromic devices  102 , at least 5 electrochromic devices  102 , at least 10 electrochromic devices  102 , or at least 20 electrochromic devices  102 . In another embodiment, the array  100  can include no greater than 1,000 electrochromic devices  102 , no greater than 100 electrochromic devices  102 , or no greater than 50 electrochromic devices  102 . 
     In an embodiment, all of the electrochromic devices  102  in the array  100  can have a same size, shape, or combination thereof as compared to one another. In another embodiment, at least two of the electrochromic devices  102  can have different sizes, shapes, or combinations thereof as compared to one another. For example, in a particular instance, the array  100  can include a first electrochromic device  102 A with a first size and a second electrochromic device  102 B with a second size different from the first size. In a particular embodiment, the first and second sizes can differ in areal size, width, height, or any combination thereof. 
     In an embodiment, wiring corresponding to each of the electrochromic devices  102  can be coupled with a common port, such as a multi-channel electronic device adapted to be coupled with the plurality of electrochromic devices. 
     In an embodiment, the plurality of electrochromic devices  102  can be installed during a same installation operation, such as during an array installation and commissioning process. Commissioning can include, for example, determining exact operating conditions of at least one of the electrochromic devices  102 , mapping at least one of the plurality of electrochromic devices  102 , or both. 
       FIG.  2    provides an exemplary method  200  of mapping a location of an electrochromic device  102  within the array  100 . In a particular aspect, mapping the location of at least one of the electrochromic devices  102  can allow for individual adjustment of at least a portion of the array  100 . In such a manner, an operator can selectively adjust portions of the array  100 , as necessary. For instance, the operator can specifically tint one or more of the electrochromic devices  102  to a first desired tint while tinting another, or other, of the electrochromic devices  102  to a second desired tint different than the first desired tint. This may be particularly suitable, for example, in arrays  100  operating in environments where operators seek variable transmission rates within the array  100 . 
     In an embodiment, the method  200  can include installing  202  the electrochromic device  102  in a building, connecting  204  the electrochromic device  102  with a power supply (not illustrated), and supplying power  206  to the electrochromic device  102  from the power supply. After supplying power  206  to the electrochromic device  102 , the electrochromic device  102  can be observed  208  by an image capture device. 
     In an embodiment, the image capture device can be adapted to capture images of the array  100 . In a more particular embodiment, the image capture device can include a smart device, a camera, or a video camera. In a particular embodiment, the image capture device can have a refresh rate (sometimes referred to as a frame rate) of at least 0.1 frames per second, at least 0.5 frames per second, at least 1 frame per second, at least 2 frames per second, at least 5 frames per second, at least 10 frames per second, at least 30 frames per second, at least 45 frames per second, or at least 60 frames per second. In another embodiment, the refresh rate can be no greater than 15,000 frames per second, or no greater than 5,000 frames per second. The image capture device can be adapted to capture successive images of the electrochromic device  102 , such as for example, from a same relative position with respect to the electrochromic device  102 . 
     In an embodiment, the image capture device can be disposed at a position spaced apart from the electrochromic device  102 . In an embodiment, the image capture device can be adapted to capture images of at least a portion of the electrochromic device  102 . In a more particular embodiment, the image capture device can be adapted to capture images of the entire electrochromic device  102 . In more particular embodiment, the image capture device can be adapted to capture images of a plurality of electrochromic devices  102 . In yet a more particular embodiment, the image capture device can be adapted to capture images of at least a portion of all of the electrochromic devices  102  in the array  100 . In an even more particular embodiment, the image capture device can be adapted to capture images of all portions of all electrochromic devices  102  in the array  100 . 
     In a particular instance, observing  208  the electrochromic device  102  can include observing a plurality of electrochromic devices  102 . For instance, observing  208  the electrochromic device  102  can include observing at least 2 electrochromic devices  102 , at least 3 electrochromic devices  102 , at least 4 electrochromic devices  102 , at least 5 electrochromic devices  102 , or at least 10 electrochromic devices  102 . 
     In an embodiment, observing  208  the electrochromic device  102  can be performed by the image capture device at a distance of at least 1 inch from the electrochromic device  102 , at least 6 inches from the electrochromic device  102 , at least 1 foot from the electrochromic device  102 , at least 2 feet from the electrochromic device  102 , at least 5 feet from the electrochromic device  102 , at least 10 feet from the electrochromic device  102 , or at least 20 feet from the electrochromic device  102 . In another embodiment, observing  208  can be performed by the image capture device from a distance no greater than 1000 feet from the electrochromic device  102 , no greater than 500 feet from the electrochromic device  102 , or no greater than 100 feet from the electrochromic device  102 . In an embodiment, the image capture device can be handheld. In another embodiment, the image capture device can be mounted, such as for example, on a stand. In a particular instance the stand can include a tripod adapted to remain at a fixed position. 
     In certain instances, observing  208  the electrochromic device  102  can be performed from a stationary (e.g., fixed) position. In other instances, observation  208  can be performed by a mobile or moveable position whereby the image capture device  102  moves relative to the electrochromic devices  102  during observation  208 . 
     In an embodiment, the method  200  can further include adjusting  210  an attribute of power provided by the power supply to the electrochromic device  102 . In a more particular embodiment, adjustment  210  of the power supply can occur during a period of observation  208  by the image capture device. That is, for example, the power provided to the electrochromic device  102  can be adjusted between or during successive images captured by the image capture device. 
     In an embodiment, the electrochromic device  102  can be at a first operating state prior to adjustment  210 . In a more particular embodiment, the electrochromic device  102  can be at a first tint prior to adjustment  210 . The resulting adjustment  210  can modify the electrochromic device  102  to a second operating state, or a second tint state, different than the first operating state or tint state. 
     In a particular instance, the first operating state of the electrochromic device  102  can be random prior to adjustment  210 . That is, for example, adjustment  210  can be performed on the electrochromic device  102  from any initial tint state the electrochromic device  102  was at prior to adjustment  210 . In a particular embodiment, adjustment  210  can be performed from an unknown tint state. In embodiments where a plurality of electrochromic devices  102  are to be mapped, all of the plurality of electrochromic devices  102  can be at random, or even unknown, tint states prior to the adjustment  210 . By performing the adjustment  210  from a random, or even unknown, tint state it may be possible to reduce commissioning time by eliminating the need to pre-adjust the electrochromic device  102  prior to adjusting  210 . 
     In other instances, the first operating state of the electrochromic device  102  can be preselected prior to adjustment  210 . That is, for example, the electrochromic device  102  can be brought to a base line condition from which adjustment  210  can be made. For instance, the electrochromic device  102  can be pre-adjusted to a particular tint state (e.g., 5% tint, or 10% tint, or 15% tint, or 20% tint, etc.) before adjusting  210  the electrochromic device  102  therefrom. 
     In an embodiment, adjustment  210  of the power supply can result in a change to the electrochromic device  102 . For instance, adjustment  210  of the power supply can alter a tint state of the electrochromic device  102 . In an embodiment, adjustment  210  of the power supply includes adjusting a frequency of voltage supplied to the electrochromic device  102 . In another embodiment, adjustment  210  of the power supply can include adjusting a peak voltage, a current, or any combination thereof. One or more of these adjustments can result in a state change, causing the electrochromic device  102  to incur a different observable characteristic, such as a tint change. 
     In an embodiment, adjustment  210  of the frequency of voltage supplied to the electrochromic device  102  can include a frequency adjustment of at least 0.1 Hertz (Hz), at least 0.5 Hz, at least 1 Hz, at least 2 Hz, at least 3 Hz, at least 4 Hz, at least 5 Hz, at least 6 Hz, at least 7 Hz, at least 8 Hz, at least 9 Hz, or at least 10 Hz. In another embodiment, adjustment  210  of the frequency can include a frequency adjustment of no greater than 10,000 Hz, no greater than 2,000 Hz, or no greater than 100 Hz. 
     While adjustment  210  can occur over a wide range of frequencies (e.g., between 0.1 Hz and 10,000 Hz), in certain instances the adjustment in frequency can be small (e.g., less than 10 Hz), such that a time required for detectable change in the electrochromic device  102  in response to the adjusted frequency is short. That is, the greater the frequency adjustment made to the electrochromic device  102 , the greater the duration of time required to complete the adjustment. By adjusting  210  the frequency by small increments it is possible to quickly detect the affect of the frequency adjustment on the electrochromic device  102 . 
     In an embodiment, adjustment  210  of the frequency is performed such that the detectable response of the electrochromic device  102  occurs in a time period less than 1 minute, less than 30 seconds, less than 10 seconds, or less than 1 second. In a more particular embodiment, adjustment  210  of the frequency is performed such that the detectable response of the electrochromic device  102  occurs in a time period less than 0.75 seconds, less than 0.5 seconds, less than 0.25 seconds, less than 0.1 seconds, or less than 0.01 seconds. 
     In an embodiment, adjustment  210  of the frequency of voltage can be performed such that frequency of voltage of at least a few of the plurality of electrochromic devices  102  in the array  100  are adjusted. In a particular embodiment, adjustment  210  of the frequency of voltage is performed such that the frequency of voltage of all of the plurality of electrochromic devices  102  in the array  100  are adjusted. In an embodiment, adjustment  210  of the frequency of voltage can occur simultaneously, or generally simultaneously, for at least two of the plurality of electrochromic devices  102 . In a more particular embodiment, adjustment  210  of the frequency of voltage can occur simultaneously, or generally simultaneously, for all of the plurality of electrochromic devices  102 . 
     In an embodiment, adjustment  210  of the frequency of voltage can be performed such that at least two of the electrochromic devices  102  are adjusted by different frequency amounts. For instance, the first electrochromic device  102 A can be adjusted by a first frequency and the second electrochromic device  102 B can be adjusted by a second frequency different from the first frequency. By way of non-limiting example, the first frequency adjustment for the first electrochromic devices  102 A can be 1 Hz and the second frequency adjustment for the second electrochromic device  102 B can be 2 Hz. In an embodiment, adjustment  210  of the frequency can be performed such that all of the electrochromic devices  102  are adjusted by different frequency amounts. That is, for example, each of the electrochromic devices  102  can be adjusted by a unique frequency amount. 
     In an embodiment, adjustment  210  of the frequencies of the plurality of electrochromic devices  102  is performed randomly. For instance, the power supply, a logic device coupled with the power supply, or a combination thereof can generate a random adjustment for at least two of the plurality of electrochromic devices  102 . The adjusted frequency can be recorded, such as at the power supply, such that the input adjustment amount for each of the plurality of adjusted electrochromic devices  102  is known. 
     In another embodiment, adjustment  210  can be performed using a frequency adjustment guide including a preselected or known adjustment protocol for each of the electrochromic devices  102 . The adjustment protocol can be programmed into a logic device, such as contained within a memory device coupled with the logic device and used to adjust each of the plurality of electrochromic devices  102  by the preselected or known amounts. 
     Using the image capture device, the electrochromic device  102  can be observed  208  following the adjustment  210  to detect a change in attribute of the electrochromic device  102 . If the adjustment  210  is detectable, (i.e., the image capture device can detect a characteristic adjustment of the electrochromic device  102  in response to the adjustment  210 ) the method  200  can further include measuring  212  a duration of time required to complete the adjustment  210 . That is, for instance, the image capture device can detect duration of time between the input of the adjustment  210  to the electrochromic device  102  and the completed transition of the electrochromic device  102  in response to the adjustment  210 . More particularly, the image capture device can capture images of the electrochromic device  102  before the adjustment, during the adjustment, after the adjustment, or a combination thereof such that a time between adjustment is calculable. 
     If the adjustment  210  is not detectable, the method  200  can include further adjusting  210  the electrochromic device  102  a successive time and observing  208  the electrochromic device  102  for the changed attribute. In an embodiment, the successive adjustment  210  can include a same frequency adjustment as previously performed (e.g., the initial adjustment  210  is an adjustment of 1 Hz and the successive adjustment is an adjustment of 1 Hz). In another embodiment, the successive adjustment  210  can include a different adjustment (e.g., the initial adjustment  210  is an adjustment of 1 Hz and the successive adjustment is an adjustment of 1.5 Hz). In a particular instance, the successive adjustment  210  can be randomly performed in a manner as previously described. In another instance, the successive adjustment  210  can be selected from, or occur in response to, the frequency adjustment guide described above. In an embodiment, successive adjustments  210  can be performed until the change is observable  208  by the image capture device. In certain instances, successive adjustments  210  can be performed at a plurality of spaced apart intervals. In a particular instance, successive adjustments  210  can be performed at a plurality of equally spaced apart intervals. The intervals can be either preselected or random. 
     In an embodiment, the detected duration of time required to complete the adjustment  210  can be measured  212  by a logic device coupled with the image capture device. For example, the logic device can include a microprocessor employing a commissioning program adapted to calculate the duration of time required to change the tint state of the electrochromic device  102  based on a plurality of images provided by the image capture device. In certain instances, the logic device can be integral with the image capture device. For instance, the logic device and image capture device can include a same smart device having a camera and a microprocessor employing an application adapted to measure the duration of time. The application can include, for example, an application running on a smartphone. 
     In an embodiment, adjusting  210  the voltage is performed prior to measuring  212  the duration of time required to change tint states. 
     In embodiments where adjustment  210  is performed simultaneously for at least two of the plurality electrochromic devices  102 , measuring  212  the duration of time can be performed at a generally same time, or an exact same time, for the at least two of the plurality of electrochromic devices  102 . In another embodiment, measuring  212  the duration of time can be performed at different times, such as successive or spaced apart time periods. 
     The method  200  can further include identifying  214  the electrochromic device  102  within the array  100  in response to the adjustment time. In an embodiment, the duration of time required for each of the electrochromic devices  102  to transition in response to the changed input performed by adjusting  210  the voltage frequency can be different for all of the adjusted electrochromic devices  102 . More specifically, because each of the plurality of electrochromic devices  102  is adjusted  210  by a different voltage frequency, the duration of time required to transition in response to the adjusted frequency can be different of each of the plurality of electrochromic devices  102 . 
     In an embodiment, identifying  214  the electrochromic device  102  within the array  100  can be performed by a logic device, such as the previously described logic device. 
     In an embodiment, identification  214  of the electrochromic device  102  within the array  100  can include framing  214 A the image(s) captured by the image capture device to frame areas corresponding with each electrochromic device  102  and correlating  214 B at least some of the framed electrochromic devices  102  to the measured  212  duration of times to respond to the adjusted  208  frequency. In certain instances, framing  214 A the image(s) can include automatically framing the images, for example, using a logic device or application adapted to detect borders, edges, or other indicia of an electrochromic device and map edges thereof. In other instances, framing  214 A the image(s) can include at least partially manually framing the image. The edges detecting during framing  214 A can be used to map the position of electrochromic devices  102  within the array  100  without defining the electrochromic devices  102  with respect to the controller or power supply. 
     In certain instances, the logic device measuring  212  the duration of time can also identify  214  the electrochromic device  102 . In another embodiment, identifying  214  the electrochromic device  102  can be performed by a separate logic device, such as by a remote logic device in communication with the image capture device, the previously described logic device, the power supply, or any combination thereof. In certain instances, the remote logic device can be wirelessly coupled with the image capture device, the previously described logic device (which can be on-site), the power supply, or any combination thereof. 
     In an embodiment, the steps of installing  202  the electrochromic device  102  in the building, connecting  204  the electrochromic device  102  with the power supply, supplying power  206  to the electrochromic device  102  from the power supply, and observing  208  the electrochromic device  102  can be performed on-site. As used herein, performance of an action “on-site” refers to the occurrence of the action at the location of the electrochromic device  102 . For instance, “on-site” can refer to the occurrence of the action at the exact location of the electrochromic device  102  (e.g., within the room containing the electrochromic device  102 ), or a general area surrounding the electrochromic device  102  (e.g., within the building containing the electrochromic device  102  or in a nearby area associated with commissioning or building operations). In another embodiment, adjusting  210  the attribute of power provided by the power supply to the electrochromic device  102  can be performed on-site. In a further embodiment, measuring  212  the duration of time required to complete the adjustment  210  can be performed on-site. In yet another embodiment, identifying  214  the electrochromic device  102  within the array  100  in response to the adjustment time can be performed on-site. In such a manner, the entire method  200  of mapping the location of an electrochromic device  102  within the array  100  can be performed on-site. 
     In another embodiment, at least one of adjusting  210  the attribute of power provided by the power supply to the electrochromic device  102 , measuring  212  the duration of time required to complete the adjustment  210 , and identifying  214  the electrochromic device  102  within the array  100  can occur at a remote location. As used herein, performance of an action at a “remote location” refers to occurrence of the action at a location spaced apart from the general area surrounding the electrochromic device  102 . For instance, performance of at least one of adjusting  210 , measuring  212 , and identifying  214  can occur in a different city, state, or country as compared to the step of installing  202  the electrochromic device  102 . 
     In an embodiment, off-site steps can be performed in real time. In another embodiment, off-site steps can be performed at a later time. By way of a non-limiting example, the observed  208  change of the electrochromic device  102  can occur at a first time and the measured  212  duration of time required to complete the adjustment can occur at a second time different from the first time. For instance, observation  208  can occur at a first time (e.g., 12 pm) and measurement  212  can occur at a second time during the same day (e.g., 4 pm). In another instance, observation  208  can occur on a first day and measurement  212  can occur on a second day different from the first day. 
     In certain embodiments, the observed  208  change of the electrochromic device  102  can be recorded  216  and transmitted  218  for analysis (e.g., for measurement  212 ). By way of non-limiting example, recording  216  can occur by storing one or more images associated with the observed  208  change in a memory device, such as a hard drive, removable thumb drive, CD-ROM, remote or local server, cloud storage, another similar storage medium, or any combination thereof. The stored images can be accessed for purpose of measurement  212 . In an embodiment, measurement  212  can occur upon initiation by a human user. In another embodiment, measurement  212  can occur autonomously, such as for example, by a program adapted to automatically measure  212  the duration of time in response to a triggering condition. The triggering condition can include, for instance, recording the one or more images associated with the observed  208  change, uploading or transmitting the one or more images to a specific location, uploading or transmitting a specific file type, selecting an autonomous operating parameter to automatically trigger the performance of measuring  212  the duration of time, another similar triggering condition, or any combination thereof. 
     In certain instances, recording  216  the observed  208  change can occur simultaneously, or generally simultaneously, with the measurement  212  of the duration of time. Thus, for example, the recording can be utilized as a back-up in case of data loss or for later validation. 
     In an embodiment, the method  200  can further include operating  216  at least one particular electrochromic device of the plurality of electrochromic devices  102  after identifying  214  the location of the at least one particular electrochromic device  102 . In a more particular embodiment, operating  216  can be performed by operating  216  the entire array  100 . In an embodiment, operating  216  the array  100 , or at least one of the electrochromic devices  102  of the array  100 , can include adjusting a tint state of at least one of the electrochromic devices  102  within the array  100 . 
       FIG.  3    provides an exemplary method  300  of determining exact operating conditions of electrochromic devices  102 , such as one or more electrochromic devices  102  within the array  100 . As used herein, “exact operating conditions” refer to unique operating characteristics of electrochromic devices such as, for example, unit efficiency, unit leakage, unit capacitance, unit areal size, or any combination thereof. The “exact operating conditions” can correspond to the unique traits of each individual electrochromic device  102 . To the contrary, traditional identification tags used to provide identifying information about electrochromic devices typically contain generic information relating to operating characteristics of the tagged electrochromic device. For instance, electrochromic devices with identification tags typically include generic operating information estimated based on the known attributes of the device, such as size and dimensions. Thus, for example, identification tags coupled with electrochromic devices of particular sizes receive a same identification tag containing generic operating conditions for that sized device. Such generic operating conditions fail to account for unique operating characteristics of the specific electrochromic device having the identification tag, such as unique unit efficiency, unique unit leakage, unique unit capacitance, and unique unit areal size. Thus, for instance, the tagged electrochromic device may be operating at a state different from intended as the tagged electrochromic device may have a slightly or notable characteristic difference from the generic identification tag. This difference can become pronounced in certain arrays  100  where similar sized electrochromic devices are not exactly the same size but include same identification tag operating parameters. For instance, when an operator selectively tints the array  100 , one or more of the electrochromic devices  102  can be off-tint from the remaining electrochromic devices  102 . Moreover, identification tags add cost to manufacturing and typically require interconnects extending through the electrochromic device frame. 
     In an embodiment, the method  300  can include installing  302  the electrochromic device  102  in a building, connecting  304  the electrochromic device  102  with a power supply (not illustrated), and supplying power  306  to the electrochromic device  102  from the power supply. The method  300  can further include coupling  308  a logic device to the electrochromic device  102 . In an embodiment, the logic device can be the same as the logic device described with respect to the method  200  of mapping the location of the electrochromic device  102  within the array  100 . In another embodiment, the logic device can include a unique logic device not previously described herein. In certain instances, the logic device can be coupled  308  with the electrochromic device  102  directly. In other instances, the logic device can be coupled  308  with the electrochromic device  102  indirectly. For example, the logic device can be coupled  308  with the electrochromic device  102  through the power supply. In a more particular embodiment, the step of coupling  308  the logic device to the electrochromic device  102  can be performed by coupling the logic device to the power supply. 
     In an embodiment, supplying power  306  to the electrochromic device  102  can be performed prior to coupling  308  the logic device to the electrochromic device  102 . In another embodiment, supplying power  306  to the electrochromic device  102  can be performed after coupling  308  the logic device to the electrochromic device  102 . In a further embodiment, connecting  304  the electrochromic device  102  with the power supply can be performed prior to coupling  308  the logic device to the electrochromic device  102 . In yet another embodiment, connecting  304  the electrochromic device  102  with the power supply can be performed after coupling  308  the logic device to the electrochromic device  102 . 
     In an embodiment, the method  300  can further include applying  310  a voltage to the electrochromic device  102 . In a particular embodiment, applying  310  the voltage can occur simultaneously, or generally simultaneously, with supplying power  306  to the electrochromic device  102 . That is, for instance, the applied voltage  310  can correspond with an initial voltage associated with powering on the electrochromic device  102 . In another embodiment, applying  310  the voltage can occur after supplying (initial) power  306  to the electrochromic device  102 . For instance, the applied  310  voltage can differ from the voltage provided when initially supplying power  306  to the electrochromic device  102 . By way of non-limiting example, supplying power  306  to the electrochromic device  102  can correspond with supplying a first particular voltage and applying  310  the voltage can correspond with supplying a second particular voltage different than the first particular voltage. 
     In an embodiment, the applied  310  voltage can be the same as the supplied voltage  206 , such as part of a same excitation voltage. In another embodiment, the applied  310  voltage can be the same as the adjusted  210  voltage. In certain instances, the method  200  of mapping the electrochromic device  102  and the method  300  of determining the exact operating conditions of electrochromic device  102  can be part of a same method. In a more particular instance, mapping and determining the exact operating conditions of at least one of the electrochromic devices  102  can occur at a same time. In another particular instance, mapping and determining the exact operating conditions of all of electrochromic devices  102  in the array can occur at a same time. 
     In an embodiment, the excitation voltage for mapping  200  and determining  300  the exact operating conditions can include different signals. The different signals can be generated by the power supply, multi-channel electronic device, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the excitation voltage for mapping  200  and determining  300  the exact operating conditions can be part of one signal, such as one modulated signal. The modulated signal can include information used for mapping  200  and determining  300  the exact operating condition. In certain instances, signal processing techniques such as demodulation or filtering can be used to extract information from observed  208  images or received  312  currents (described below in greater detail) relating to mapping  200  and determining  300  the exact operating condition. In an embodiment, signal processing techniques can be implemented by a logic element (such as one of the logic elements described elsewhere herein or a separate logic element). 
     In certain instances, application  310  of the voltage to the electrochromic device  102  can occur continuously. That is, for example, application  310  of voltage can occur for an uninterrupted duration of time. In an embodiment, application  310  of the voltage can occur for a duration of at least 5 seconds, at least 30 seconds, at least 1 minute, at least 5 minutes, at least 20 minutes, or at least 60 minutes. In another embodiment, application  310  of voltage can occur for at least 120 minutes, at least 180 minutes, at least 200 minutes, at least 240 minutes, at least 300 minutes, at least 360 minutes, at least 420 minutes, or at least 480 minutes. In certain instances, application  310  of voltage can occur continuously over a period of at least one day, or even at least two days. In certain instances, continuous application  310  of voltage can permit observation of the electrochromic device  102  over an array of light conditions, temperature conditions, building ambient conditions, or a combination thereof. 
     Power provided from the power supply can be provided to the electrochromic device  102  through one or more intermediary wires or through a wireless protocol. Referring to  FIG.  4   , an electrochromic device  102  disposed on a substrate  418  in accordance with an embodiment can receive power bus bars  404  and  406 . The electrochromic device  102  may include isolated transparent conductive layer regions  408 A and  408 B, a counter electrode layer  410 , a solid ion conductive layer  412 , an electrochromic layer  414  and a transparent conductive layer  416 . The layers, including regions  408 A and  408 B,  410 ,  412 ,  414 , and  416  can be vapor deposited. In another embodiment, the relative positions of the electrochromic layer  414  and the counter electrode layer  410  may be interchanged. The bus bar  404  can be in contact with only the conductive layer region  408 A, and the bus bar  406  can be in contact with the conductive layer  416 . The bus bars  404  and  406  can be formed by printing a conductive ink or using another technique. The power supply  420  and wires connected to the bus bars  404  and  406  may or may not be part of the electrochromic device  102 . 
     When the power supply  420  is operated to apply an electrical potential across the bus bars  404  and  406 , electrons, and thus a current, flows from the bus bar  404 , across the transparent conductive layer  416  and into the electrochromic layer  414 . Further, ions flow from the counter electrode layer  410 , through the ion conductive layer  412 , and to the electrochromic layer  414 , and a charge balance is maintained by electrons being extracted from the counter electrode layer  410 , and then being inserted into the electrochromic layer  414  via the external circuit. The above-described electrochromic device  102  may be a solid state device. In the tinted state, ambient light may be at least partially prevented from passing through the electrochromic device  102 . In the bleached state, ambient light may generally pass through the electrochromic device  102 , for example, to illuminate an interior space of a building. 
     The deposition and manufacture of the previously described layers, including for example, the counter electrode layer  410 , the ion conductive layer  412 , the electrochromic layer  414 , and the transparent conductive layer  416 , may include defects such as impurities in variable concentration, anomalies resulting from improperly calibrated tooling, or both. These defects and anomalies can result in unique, different-than-ideal performance of electrochromic devices  102 . Additionally environmental factors including temperature and humidity, and job specific conditions such as installation locations may affect performance of the electrochromic devices  102 . 
     Referring again to  FIG.  3   , the method  300  can further include receiving  312  a current from the electrochromic device  102  in response to the applied  310  voltage. In an embodiment, the received  312  current can be received at the power supply. In another embodiment, the received  312  current can be received at the logic device. In yet another embodiment, the received  312  current can be received at an intermediary element in communication with at least one of the power supply and logic device. In a further embodiment, the received  312  current can be received at the power supply and logic device. 
     In an embodiment, one or more defects or anomalies in the electrochromic device  102  can result in a unique, different-than-ideal performance thereof. Accordingly, in a particular instance, the same applied  310  voltage provided to the same manufacturing spec sized electrochromic devices  102  can result in different received  312  currents. 
     In an embodiment, the received  312  current can be used to determine  314  an exact operating condition of the electrochromic device  102 . As previously described, in an embodiment, the exact operating condition can include unique operating characteristics of the electrochromic device  102  such as, for example, unit efficiency, unit leakage, unit capacitance, unit areal size, or any combination thereof. Determining  314  the exact operating condition can include, for instance, determining at least one of an ionic resistance of the electrochromic device  102 , a leakage resistance of the electrochromic device  102 , a separate resistance of the electrochromic device  102  or element connected therewith, or any combination thereof. Ionic resistance can generally define the resistance to flow of current within the electrochromic device. Ionic resistance can occur due to various factors including ion conductivity, ion mobility, layer thickness, defect inclusion rate, contact surface area, and combinations thereof. Leakage resistance can generally define the loss of energy, or unused energy supplied to the electrochromic device  102  but not affecting the performance thereof. Leakage resistance can occur when ions tunnel through insulating layers, subthreshold conduction conditions, transistor impurities and anomalies, and combinations thereof. Separate resistance can refer to other sources of resistance apart from ionic and leakage resistances. Separate resistance can include, for instance, wire resistance between the power supply and electrochromic device  102 . Wire resistance is dependent on numerous factors including wire composition, quality, gauge, length, and contact quality with the electrochromic device  102 . Separate resistance can further include indium tin oxide (ITO) resistance occurring within the electrochromic device  102 . 
     In an embodiment, determining  314  the exact operating condition of the electrochromic device  102  can be performed by a logic device, including any one or more of the previously described devices, another logic device, or any combination thereof. 
     In certain instances, determining  314  the exact operating condition of the electrochromic device  102  can be performed continuously. That is, for example, determining  314  the exact operating condition of the electrochromic device  102  can occur for an uninterrupted duration of time. In an embodiment, determining  314  the exact operating condition can occur for a duration of at least 5 seconds, at least 30 seconds, at least 1 minute, at least 5 minutes, at least 20 minutes, or at least 60 minutes. In another embodiment, determining  314  the exact operating condition can occur for at least 120 minutes, at least 180 minutes, at least 200 minutes, at least 240 minutes, at least 300 minutes, at least 360 minutes, at least 420 minutes, or at least 480 minutes. In certain instances, determining  314  the exact operating condition can occur continuously over a period of at least one day, or even at least two days. 
     In an embodiment, application  310  of the voltage to the electrochromic device  102  and receiving  312  current from the electrochromic device  102  in response to the applied  310  voltage can occur at a same, or generally same, time. In a more particular embodiment, application  310  of the voltage to the electrochromic device  102  and receiving  312  current from the electrochromic device  102  in response to the applied  310  voltage and determining  314  the exact operating condition of the electrochromic device  102  can occur at a same, or generally same time. In another particular embodiment, application  310  of the voltage to the electrochromic device  102  and receiving  312  current from the electrochromic device  102  in response to the applied  310  voltage can occur at a same, or generally same, time and determining  314  the exact operating condition of the electrochromic device  102  can occur at a later time. 
     In certain instances, the received  312  current can be recorded  316  and transmitted  318  for analysis (e.g., to determine  314  the exact operating condition). By way of non-limiting example, recording  316  can occur by storing the received  312  current (or values/indicia associated therewith) in a memory device, such as a hard drive, removable thumb drive, CD-ROM, remote or local server, cloud storage, another similar storage medium, or any combination thereof. The stored data can be accessed for purpose of determining  314  the exact operating condition of the electrochromic device  102 . In an embodiment, determination  314  of the exact operating condition can occur upon initiation by a human user. In another embodiment, determining  314  the exact operating condition can occur autonomously, such as for example, by a program adapted to automatically determine  314  the exact operating condition in response to a triggering condition. The triggering condition can include, for instance, recording the data associated with the received  312  current, uploading or transmitting the data to a specific location, uploading or transmitting a specific file type, selecting an autonomous operating parameter to automatically trigger the performance of determining  314  the exact operating condition, another similar triggering condition, or any combination thereof. 
     In an embodiment, the method  300  can further include operating  320  the electrochromic device  102  at least in part based on the exact operating condition determined in step  314 .  FIG.  5    illustrates a graph reflecting operation of an electrochromic device  102  based on operating conditions  502  provided by an identification tag and exact operating conditions  504  determined  314  in accordance with an embodiment described herein. More particularly,  FIG.  5    illustrates the light transmission percentage (also referred to herein as tint state) as a function of time of an electrochromic device having dimension of 40 inches by 60 inches operated at a temperature of 25° C. The desired tint state sought by the operator for testing was 6% light transmission. At steady state, the electrochromic device operating based on exact operating conditions  504  as measured in accordance with an embodiment described herein had a 5.8% light transmission rate, or a deviation from desired tint state of 3.4%. At steady state, the electrochromic device operating based on the manufacturing spec conditions  502  contained in the identification tag had a 4.2% light transmission rate, or a deviation from desired tint state of 30%. Moreover, steady state was achieved using the exact operating condition in a time of approximately 50 minutes whereas steady state took approximately 65 minutes to achieve using the operating information contained in the identification tag. Accordingly, the electrochromic device was able to achieve steady state 30% faster using techniques in accordance with embodiments described herein as compared to using conditions contained in the attached identification chip including manufacturing-spec information relating to devices having dimensions of 40 inches by 60 inches. 
     In an embodiment, operating  320  the electrochromic device  102  can be performed with a tint fidelity of at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95%. In a particular embodiment, operating  320  the electrochromic device  102  can be performed with a tint fidelity of at least 99%, at least 99.5%, at least 99.9%, at least 99.95%, or at least 99.99%. As used herein, “tint fidelity” refers to a relationship between actual tint, T A , corresponding with the actual tinted state of the electrochromic device, and theoretical tint, T T , corresponding with the intended (or desired) tint state. A tint fidelity of at least 99.5% can mean that T A  is at least 99.5% T T . 
     In an embodiment, one or more electrochromic devices  102  described herein can be adapted to operate with a tint fidelity of at least 99%, at least 99.5%, at least 99.9%, at least 99.95%, or at least 99.99%. 
     Operating arrays with low tint fidelity can be apparent to occupants of a building, particularly when the array is closely arranged such that the occupant can observe the plurality of electrochromic devices of the array under similar ambient or natural light conditions. Low tint fidelity can manifest as arrays with devices having different colors or shades. Thus, in accordance with an embodiment described herein, tint fidelity can be increased and arrays  100  can exhibit more uniform tint states. 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a graph reflecting operation of an electrochromic device  102  based on operating conditions  502  provided by an identification tag and exact operating conditions  504  determined  314  in accordance with an embodiment described herein. More particularly,  FIG.  6    illustrates uniformity (dE) of an electrochromic device  102  having dimensions of 40 inches by 60 inches and operating at a temperature of 25° C. as a function of time. As illustrated, methods described herein for operating the electrochromic device  102  can have a uniformity (dE), as measured by a maximum transmission deviation measured over the entire area of each electrochromic device  102 , no less than electrochromic devices operating based on conditions provided by an identification tag. 
     Embodiment 1. A method of operating an electrochromic device comprising: coupling a logic device to the electrochromic device; applying a voltage to the electrochromic device; receiving a current from the electrochromic device in response to the provided voltage; and with the logic device, determining an exact operating condition of the electrochromic device from the received current. 
     Embodiment 2. The method of embodiment 1, further comprising operating the electrochromic device based at least in part on the exact operating condition. 
     Embodiment 3. The method of embodiment 2, wherein operating the electrochromic device is performed with a tint fidelity of at least 99%, at least 99.5%, at least 99.9%, at least 99.95%, or at least 99.99%. 
     Embodiment 4. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the logic device is disposed at a location spaced apart from the electrochromic device. 
     Embodiment 5. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising installing the electrochromic device at a first location, wherein coupling the logic device to the electrochromic device is performed at a second location spaced apart from the first location. 
     Embodiment 6. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein application of the voltage is continuous. 
     Embodiment 7. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein application of the voltage is performed for a period of at least 5 seconds, at least 30 seconds, at least 1 minute, at least 5 minutes, at least 20 minutes, at least 60 minutes, at least 200 minutes, or at least 480 minutes. 
     Embodiment 8. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein coupling the logic device to the electrochromic device comprises coupling the logic device to a plurality of electrochromic device. 
     Embodiment 9. The method of embodiment 8, wherein applying voltage to the electrochromic device comprises applying the voltage to at least two of the plurality of electrochromic devices. 
     Embodiment 10. The method of embodiment 9, wherein applying voltage to the plurality of electrochromic devices is performed concurrently. 
     Embodiment 11. The method of any one of embodiments 8-10, wherein at least two of the plurality of electrochromic devices are disposed in a same window arrangement. 
     Embodiment 12. The method of any one of embodiments 8-11, wherein at least two of the plurality of electrochromic devices are disposed in different window arrangements. 
     Embodiment 13. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein determining the exact operating condition comprises determining at least one of an ionic resistance of the electrochromic device, a leakage resistance of the electrochromic device, or a separate resistance of the electrochromic device or element connected therewith. 
     Embodiment 14. The method of embodiment 13, wherein the separate resistance comprises an ITO resistance, a resistance of wires coupled with the electrochromic device, or a combination thereof. 
     Embodiment 15. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the exact operating condition comprises unit efficiency, unit leakage, unit capacitance, unit areal size, or any combination thereof. 
     Embodiment 16. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein determining the exact operating condition of the electrochromic device occurs continuously, or generally continuously, for a duration of at least 5 seconds, at least 30 seconds, at least 1 minute, at least 5 minutes, at least 20 minutes, at least 60 minutes, at least 200 minutes, or at least 480 minutes. 
     Embodiment 17. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the electrochromic device is free of an identification tag. 
     Embodiment 18. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising applying an additional voltage different than the applied voltage. 
     Embodiment 19. The method of embodiment 18, further comprising validating the exact operating condition in response to receiving current in response to the additional voltage. 
     Embodiment 20. The method of embodiment 19, further comprising adjusting the exact operating condition in view of the received current in response to the additional voltage. 
     Embodiment 21. An electrochromic device comprising an electrochromic device adapted to operate with a tint fidelity of at least 99%, at least 99.5%, at least 99.9%, at least 99.95%, or at least 99.99%. 
     Embodiment 22. The electrochromic device of embodiment 21, wherein the electrochromic device is free of an identification tag. 
     Embodiment 23. The electrochromic device of any one of embodiments 21 and 22, wherein the electrochromic device is coupled with a power source, and wherein an applied voltage from the power source to the electrochromic device is based on an exact operating condition of the electrochromic device. 
     Embodiment 24. The electrochromic device of embodiment 23, wherein the exact operating condition comprises a unit efficiency, unit leakage, unit capacitance, unit areal size, or any combination thereof. 
     Embodiment 25. A method of operating a plurality of electrochromic devices comprising: adjusting a frequency of voltage applied to the plurality of electrochromic devices, wherein each of the plurality of electrochromic devices is adjusted by a different frequency; measuring a duration of time required to change tint states of each of the electrochromic devices; and identifying a location of each of the plurality of electrochromic devices in response to the measured duration of time required to change the tint states of each of the electrochromic device. 
     Embodiment 26. The method of embodiment 25, further comprising operating at least one particular electrochromic device of the plurality of electrochromic devices after identifying the location of the at least one particular electrochromic device. 
     Embodiment 27. The method of any one of embodiments 25 and 26, wherein adjusting the frequency of voltage is performed simultaneously for all of the plurality of electrochromic devices. 
     Embodiment 28. The method of any one of embodiments 25-27, wherein adjusting the frequency of voltage is performed by a logic device disposed at a location spaced apart from the plurality of electrochromic devices. 
     Embodiment 29. The method of any one of embodiments 25-28, wherein at least one of the plurality of electrochromic devices is at an unknown tint state prior to adjusting the frequency of the voltage. 
     Embodiment 30. The method of any one of embodiments 25-29, wherein all of the plurality of electrochromic devices are at unknown tint states prior to adjusting the frequency of the voltage. 
     Embodiment 31. The method of any one of embodiments 25-30, wherein adjusting the frequency of voltage is performed prior to measuring the duration of time required to change tint states. 
     Embodiment 32. The method of any one of embodiments 25-31, wherein adjusting the frequency of voltage comprises adjusting the frequency of voltage a plurality of times for at least one of the electrochromic devices. 
     Embodiment 33. The method of embodiment 32, wherein adjusting the frequency of voltage occurs at a plurality of equally spaced apart intervals. 
     Embodiment 34. The method of any one of embodiments 32 and 33, wherein the method further comprises measuring the duration of time required between successive adjustments of frequency of voltage. 
     Embodiment 35. The method of any one of embodiments 25-34, wherein adjusting the frequency of voltage is performed by a power source. 
     Embodiment 36. The method of any one of embodiments 25-35, further comprising detecting the tint state of the plurality of electrochromic devices after adjusting the frequency of voltage. 
     Embodiment 37. The method of embodiment 36, wherein detecting the tint state is performed using an image capture device, such as a camera or a video camera. 
     Embodiment 38. The method of any one of embodiments 36 and 37, wherein detecting the tint state is performed a plurality of times at spaced apart intervals. 
     Embodiment 39. The method of embodiment 38, wherein the spaced apart intervals are equally spaced apart. 
     Embodiment 40. The method of any one of embodiments 25-39, wherein the method is part of a commissioning process for an array comprising the plurality of electrochromic devices. 
     Embodiment 41. A system for operating a plurality of electrochromic devices comprising: a power source adapted to supply a voltage to each of the plurality of electrochromic devices, wherein the power source is adapted to provide a plurality of voltage frequencies to the plurality of electrochromic devices; an image capture device adapted to detect a tint state of the plurality of electrochromic devices; a logic device adapted to measure a duration of time required to change tint states of each of the electrochromic devices and identify a location of each of the plurality of electrochromic devices in response to the measured duration of time. 
     Embodiment 42. The system of embodiment 41, wherein the power source is spaced apart from the plurality of electrochromic devices. 
     Embodiment 43. The system of any one of embodiments 41 and 42, wherein all of the plurality of electrochromic devices are free of identification tags. 
     Embodiment 44. The system of any one of embodiments 41-43, wherein the image capture device comprises a camera or a video camera. 
     Embodiment 45. The system of any one of embodiments 41-44, wherein the image capture device comprises a smart phone. 
     Embodiment 46. The system of any one of embodiments 41-45, wherein the image capture device is adapted to capture a first image of the plurality of electrochromic devices when the power source is applying a first voltage frequency to each of the plurality of electrochromic devices and a second image when the power source is applying a second voltage frequency to each of the plurality of electrochromic devices. 
     Embodiment 47. A system for operating a plurality of electrochromic devices comprising: a power source adapted to supply a voltage to each of the plurality of electrochromic devices, wherein the power source is adapted to provide a plurality of voltage magnitudes or frequencies to the plurality of electrochromic devices; an image capture device adapted to detect a tint state of the plurality of electrochromic devices; and a logic device adapted to: measure a duration of time required to change tint states of each of the electrochromic devices and identify a location of each of the plurality of electrochromic devices in response to the measured duration of time, determine an exact operating condition of the electrochromic device from a received current in response to the provided voltage, or both. 
     Note that not all of the activities described above in the general description, or the examples are required, that a portion of a specific activity may not be required, and that one or more further activities may be performed in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which activities are listed is not necessarily the order in which they are performed. 
     Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims. 
     The specification and illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The specification and illustrations are not intended to serve as an exhaustive and comprehensive description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that use the structures or methods described herein. Separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment, and conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination. Further, reference to values stated in ranges includes each and every value within that range. Many other embodiments may be apparent to skilled artisans only after reading this specification. Other embodiments may be used and derived from the disclosure, such that a structural substitution, logical substitution, or another change may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.