PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11505987-B2
Application Number: US-202117235056-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Light transmitting panel with active components

Abstract:
A light transmitting panel assembly includes a first panel, a second panel, a frame, a gap between the first panel and the second panel, and a first active component located between the first panel and the second panel.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A light transmitting panel assembly, comprising:
 a first panel having an outer edge; 
 a second panel having an outer edge that is located inward relative to the outer edge of the first panel; 
 a frame having, a first shoulder that supports the first panel and a second shoulder that supports the second panel, the second shoulder located inward relative to the first shoulder; and 
 a first active component that is located between the first panel and the second panel, 
 wherein when the first panel is supported by the first shoulder and the second panel is supported by the second shoulder, a gap is defined between the first and second panels. 
 
     
     
       2. The light transmitting panel assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first active component is mounted to a surface of the first panel. 
     
     
       3. The light transmitting panel assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second active component that is located between the first panel and the second panel. 
 
     
     
       4. The light transmitting panel assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the second active component is spaced from the first active component. 
     
     
       5. The light transmitting panel assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the first active component is mounted to a surface of the first panel and the second active component is mounted to a surface of the second panel. 
     
     
       6. The light transmitting panel assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the first active component has a controllable light transmission characteristic and the second active component has a controllable light emission characteristic. 
     
     
       7. The light transmitting panel assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the second active component includes lighting devices that are located outward relative to the outer edge of the second panel. 
     
     
       8. The light transmitting panel assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a spacer that is positioned between the first panel and the second panel to at least partially determine a depth of the gap between the first panel and the second panel. 
 
     
     
       9. A light transmitting panel assembly, comprising:
 a first panel that includes a first transparent layer and a first active layer; 
 a second panel that includes a second transparent layer and a second active layer, the second panel attached to the first panel such that a gap is defined between the first and second panels; 
 and 
 a frame having a shoulder that supports both the first and second panels within the frame by engagement of the first panel with the shoulder. 
 
     
     
       10. The light transmitting panel assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the first active layer is positioned adjacent to the gap and the second active layer is positioned adjacent to the gap. 
     
     
       11. The light transmitting panel assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the first transparent layer is positioned adjacent to an exterior space and the second transparent layer is positioned adjacent to an interior space. 
     
     
       12. The light transmitting panel assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the first active layer has a controllable light transmission characteristic. 
     
     
       13. The light transmitting panel assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the second active layer has a controllable light emission characteristic. 
     
     
       14. The light transmitting panel assembly of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a spacer that defines the gap between the first panel and the second panel. 
 
     
     
       15. The light transmitting panel assembly of  claim 9 , wherein an outer edge of the second panel is located inward relative to an outer edge of the first panel. 
     
     
       16. A light transmitting panel assembly, comprising:
 a first panel that includes a first transparent layer and a first active layer; 
 a second panel that includes a second transparent layer and a second active layer; and 
 a frame that supports the first and second panels such that a gap is defined between the first panel and the second panel, 
 wherein the gap is filled with at least one of a liquid or a gel having an index of refraction that is matched to an index of refraction of at least one of the first panel or the second panel. 
 
     
     
       17. The light transmitting panel assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the first active layer is variable between a translucent state and an opaque state. 
     
     
       18. The light transmitting panel assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the first active layer is variable between a translucent state and a reflective state. 
     
     
       19. The light transmitting panel assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the second active layer is an edge lit glass panel that includes lighting devices. 
     
     
       20. The light transmitting panel assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the first active layer is a switchable mirror, the second active layer is a light emitting component, and the switchable mirror, when in a reflective state, is configured to increase an amount of light from the light emitting component that is directed to an interior space by reflection of the light toward the interior space.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/983,152, filed May 18, 2018, and entitled “Light Transmitting Panel with Active Components,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/516,718, filed Jun. 8, 2017, and entitled “Light Transmitting Panel with Active Components,” and which also claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/571,470, filed Oct. 12, 2017, and entitled “Light Transmitting Panel with Active Components.” The contents of the foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The application relates generally to light transmitting panels. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Panels made of glass and some plastics allow transmission of light, and may also allow transmission of heat and sound. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosed embodiments a light transmitting panel assembly. The light transmitting panel assembly includes a first panel, a second panel, a gap between the first panel and the second panel, a first active component located in the gap, and a second active component located in the gap. The first active component has a controllable light transmission characteristic, and the second active component has a controllable light emission characteristic. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a light transmitting panel assembly. The light transmitting panel assembly includes a first laminated panel that includes a first transparent layer and a first active layer, a second laminated panel that includes a second transparent layer and a second active layer, and a gap between the first laminated panel and the second laminated panel. 
     An assembly includes a frame and a light transmitting panel assembly. The light transmitting panel assembly is supported by the frame, has a first portion exposed to an exterior space, and a second portion exposed to an interior space. The light transmitting panel assembly includes a first light transmitting layer, a second light transmitting layer, a switchable mirror component, and a light emitting component, wherein the switchable mirror component is located between the light emitting component and the exterior space. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustration showing an assembly that includes a frame and a panel assembly according to a first implementation. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-section view of the assembly taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 , including a first panel and a second panel of the panel assembly. 
         FIG. 3  is a detail view showing an area designated in  FIG. 2 , including an example of a connection of a first frame portion of the frame to the first panel and the second panel of the panel assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration that shows a first example structure for the first panel of the panel assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration that shows an example of a second layer of the first example structure for the first panel of the panel assembly of  FIG. 1 , including variable light transmission. 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration that shows a second example structure for the first panel of the panel assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is an illustration that shows a third example structure for the first panel of the panel assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is an illustration that shows a first example structure for the second panel of the panel assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is an illustration that shows a second example structure for the second panel of the panel assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is an illustration that shows a third example structure for the second panel of the panel assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  is an illustration that shows a fourth example structure for the second panel of the panel assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 12  is an illustration that shows a cross-section view of a panel assembly according to a second implementation. 
         FIG. 13  is an illustration that shows a cross-section view of a panel assembly according to a third implementation. 
         FIG. 14  is an illustration that shows a cross-section view of a panel assembly according to a fourth implementation. 
         FIG. 15A  is an illustration that shows a cross-section view of a panel assembly according to a fifth implementation. 
         FIG. 15B  is an illustration that shows a cross-section view of a panel assembly according to a sixth implementation. 
         FIG. 16  is a block diagram that shows a lighting system. 
         FIG. 17  is an illustration showing an example of a hardware configuration for a controller. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The disclosure herein is directed to light transmitting panel assemblies, such as windows, that include transparent or translucent panels. The light transmitting panel assemblies include a first laminated panel structure and a second laminated panel structure that are separated by a gap, which may also be referred to as an air gap or a space. 
     In some implementations, the first laminated panel structure and the second laminated panel structure each include active, controllable components. As an example, the first laminated panel structure may incorporate a controllable variable light transmission device, and the second laminated panel structure may incorporate lighting. By laminating the active, controllable components into the first panel structure or the second panel structure, they can be separated from the exterior of the assembly by one or more other layers (e.g., transparent glass or plastic layers) such that the active, controllable components are protected from damage. 
     In other implementations, active, controllable components are disposed in or adjacent to the gap between the first panel and the second panel, without including the components in the laminated structure. This configuration which protects the components from damage while avoiding lamination of them as part of the first panel or the second panel. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustration showing an assembly  100  that includes a frame  102  and a panel assembly  104 . The panel assembly  104  is supported by the frame  102 . In the illustrated example, the panel assembly  104  is surrounded peripherally by the frame  102  so that a peripheral edge of the panel assembly  104  is connected to and is supported by the panel assembly  104 . 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-section view of the assembly  100  taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . The panel assembly  104  extends between a first frame portion  202   a  of the frame  102  and a second frame portion  202   b  of the frame  102 . The panel assembly  104  includes a first panel  206  and a second panel  208 . The first panel  206  is positioned adjacent to a first side  201   a  of the assembly  100 , and the second panel  208  is positioned adjacent to a second side  201   b  of the assembly  100 . In a typical implementation, an exterior space is located on the first side  201   a  of the assembly  100  and an interior space is located on the second side  201   b  of the assembly  100 . The interior space may be, as examples, an interior of a building or a passenger compartment of a vehicle. 
     As will be described further herein, active components are included in the first panel  206  and the second panel  208  to control transmission of light from the first side  201   a  of the assembly  100  to the second side  201   b  of the assembly  100 . In particular, the first panel  206  has a variable light transmission characteristic, and the second panel  208  has a variable light emission characteristic. As an example, the first panel  206  may incorporate a variable light transmission technology to alter an amount of ambient light (e.g., sunlight) that passes from the first side  201   a  of the assembly  100  to the second side  201   b  of the assembly  100 , and the second panel  208  may incorporate a lighting device that provides illumination to the space on the second side  201   b  of the assembly  100 . Variable light transmission may also include switchable mirrors that change states between transparent and reflective. The active components can be controlled to provide illumination of a desired light intensity and light quality by mixing artificial light and natural light. As one example, by positioning a switchable mirror layer or component outward from a light emitting device, more light can be directed into an interior space. As one example, by positioning a variable tint layer or component outward from a light emitting device, less emitted light is directed to an exterior space. As one example, by positioning a variable tint layer or component outward from a light emitting device, ambient light can be blocked to allow control of light intensity and characteristics in the interior space. 
       FIG. 3  is a detail view showing an area designated in  FIG. 2 , including an example of a connection of the first frame portion  202   a  of the frame  102  to the first panel  206  and the second panel  208  of the panel assembly  104 . The first frame portion  202   a  of the frame  102  includes connecting structures that are engaged with edges of the first panel  206  and the second panel  208 . In the illustrated example, a channel  310  is formed on a side surface of the first frame portion  202   a  and extends inward. A sealing structure  312  is disposed in the channel  310 . The sealing structure  312  supports the first panel  206  and the second panel  208  relative to the first frame portion  202   a . The sealing structure  312  may prevent passage of air and liquids, and may also cushion the first panel  206  and the second panel  208  relative to the first frame portion  202   a  of the frame  102 . 
     The first panel  206  and the second panel  208  are supported such that a lower surface of the first panel  206  is spaced from an upper surface of the second panel  208 . As an example, the frame  102 , including the first frame portion  202   a  and the sealing structure  312 , can be configured to maintain a desired spacing between the first panel  206  and the second panel  208 . Thus, the frame  102  serves as a support structure that supports the first panel  206  with respect to the second panel  208 , and the sealing structure  312  serves as a spacer to define a gap  314  between the first panel  206  and the second panel  208 . The gap  314  is a space by which the first panel  206  and the second panel  208  are separated. The gap  314  may eliminate contact between the first panel  206  and the second panel  208  to reduce transmission of heat and sound between the first panel  206  and the second panel  208 . In some implementations, the gap  314  is evacuated. In some implementations, the gap  314  is filled with a gas, such as argon or another noble gas, or a mixture of gases, such as air. In some implementations, the gap  314  may be filled with a liquid or gel, which may have an index of refraction that is matched to the first panel  206  and/or the second panel  208 . In addition to the frame  102 , spacers may be included adjacent to the frame to support the first panel  206  relative to the second panel  208  and to define the gap  314 . 
     For example, separate channels can be formed in the frame  102  and/or the sealing structure  312  to space the first panel  206  from the second panel  208 . The spacing between the first panel  206  and the second panel  208  defines the gap  314  between the first panel  206  and the second panel  208 . As an example, the width of each of the first panel  206  and the second panel  208  may be between 2.0 mm and 8.0 mm, and the gap  314  may have a width between 2.0 mm and 12.0 mm. In one implementation, the gap  314  has a nominal width of 4.0 mm subject to manufacturing variations and deflections resulting from self-weight and/or external forces acting of the first panel  206  and the second panel  208 . In some implementations, the width of the gap  314  is less than the width of the first panel  206  and the width of the gap  314  is also less than the width of the second panel  208 . In some implementations, the width of the gap  314  is less than the width of at least one of the first panel  206  or the second panel  208 . In some implementations, the width of the gap  314  is less than a combined width of the first panel  206  and the second panel  208 . 
     In some implementations, the sealing structure  312  defines an airtight seal of the gap  314 , such that outside air does not enter the gap  314 . In embodiments in which the gap  314  is sealed relative to outside air, the gap  314  may be filled with air at atmospheric pressure, or a controlled atmosphere may be defined in the gap  314 . In one implementation, the gap  314  is substantially evacuated and the pressure in the gap  314  is significantly less than atmospheric pressure. In other implementations, a gas or gas mixture other that ambient air may be present in the gap  314 , such as substantially pure nitrogen. The gas or gas mixture that is present in the gap  314  may be selected to enhance noise and thermal insulation properties that are attributable to the gap  314 . 
     The assembly  100  may be configured such that no intervening structures are present between the first panel  206  and the second panel  208  at locations inward from the frame  102 . In such implementations, the gap  314  is continuous and uninterrupted at all locations inward from the frame  102 . In other implementations, transparent spacers are positioned between the first panel  206  and the second panel  208  at locations inward from the frame  102 . As one example, the spacers can be a layer of transparent material having limited longitudinal and lateral extents. As another example, the spacers can be elongate in the lateral or longitudinal directions. As another example, the spacers can include elongate lateral portions and elongate longitudinal portions that intersect each other in a grid. In such implementations, the gap  314  is disposed around and between the spacers, and may be divided into unconnected portions. 
     The first panel  206  is connected to a first electrical connection  316 . The first electrical connection  316  is connected to a power source and/or to a controller to provide electrical power and/or control signals to one or more active components that are incorporated in the first panel  206 . 
     A light source  318  is supported by the first frame portion  202   a  adjacent to the edge of the second panel  208 . The light source  318  can extend along all or part of the periphery of the second panel  208 . The light source  318 , in combination with the structure of the second panel  208 , as will be described herein, is an edge lighting assembly that directs light into the second panel  208  such that the light is carried through the second panel  208 , and is emitted in a controlled manner, as will be discussed further herein. The light source  318  is connected to a second electrical connection  320 . The second electrical connection  320  is connected to a power source and/or to a controller to allow the light source  318  to be activated and deactivated, to control an intensity of the light source  318 , and/or to control a color of the light source  318 . Other electrical connections may be provided to the second panel  208  in implementations in which other active components are included in the second panel  208 . 
       FIG. 4  is an illustration that shows a first example structure for the first panel  206 . The first panel  206  is a laminated panel formed from layers that are transparent or translucent, or are capable of being transparent or translucent subject to control of active components, as will be described. In this implementation, the first panel  206  includes, in top-to-bottom order, a first layer  422 , a first interlayer  423 , a second layer  424 , a second interlayer  425 , and a third layer  426 , which are joined together in a lamination process, for example, including application of heat and pressure. 
     The first layer  422  and the third layer  426  are transparent layers. The first layer  422  and the third layer  426  may be free from active components. As one example, the first layer  422  and the third layer  426  may be formed from silicate glass, such as soda-lime glass. As another example, the first layer  422  and the third layer  426  may be formed from a transparent or translucent polymer or a transparent or translucent polycarbonate. 
     The second layer  424  incorporates a variable light transmission technology. The second layer  424  is controllable by a control signal that is provided to the second layer  424  using the first electrical connection  316  to modify a degree of light transmission through the first panel  206 . For example, the degree of light transmitted through the first panel  206  may be controllable by a voltage of the control signal delivered to the second layer  424  by the first electrical connection  316 . The first electrical connection  316  may incorporate transparent electrodes, such as indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes, to allow control of the variable light transmission properties of the second layer  424 . 
     The control signal may cause the second layer  424  to modify a current light transmittance characteristic such that, in response to the control signal, the second layer  424  is modified from having a first light transmittance value to having a second light transmittance value. Technologies that may be used to implement the second layer  424  include suspended particle devices, electrochromic devices, polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PLDC) devices, guest host liquid crystal (GHLC) devices, and switchable mirror devices. Some of these technologies are implemented in the form of a film, and in such implementations, the second layer  424  includes a variable light transmission film on a transparent structure such as glass or polycarbonate. As one example, the second layer  424  may include a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) film, which is a voltage-controllable film containing liquid crystals dispersed in a polymer material. The PDLC film is transparent when a voltage above a threshold value is applied by the first electrical connection  316 , and varies between transparent and opaque in correspondence to the voltage value below the threshold value. As another example, the second layer  424  may be a switchable mirror layer or include a switchable mirror film that is able to change states between a transparent or translucent state, and a reflective state. As an example, the state change can be induced by application of or cessation of application of a voltage to at least a portion of the second layer  424 . As one example, the second layer  424  can incorporate a transition-metal hydride electrochromic device having reflective hydrides that change states between transparent or translucent and reflective upon application of a voltage. Other technologies can be used to implement a switchable mirror in the second layer  424 . 
     The first layer  422  is bonded to the second layer  424  by the first interlayer  423 , and the second layer  424  is bonded to the third layer  426  by the second interlayer  425 . The first interlayer  423  and the second interlayer  425  may be transparent adhesive layers that bond adjacent panels together. Examples of materials that can be used as the first interlayer  423  and the second interlayer  425  include polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). Other materials suitable for the first interlayer  423  and the second interlayer  425  include thermoset EVA, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and polyester (PE). 
       FIG. 5  is an illustration that shows an example of the second layer  424  of the first example structure for the first panel  206  of  FIG. 4 , which includes variable light transmission. In the illustrated example, the second layer  424  includes a translucent or transparent material,  524   a , such as glass or plastic. A variable light transmission film  524   b  and an electrode layer  524   c  are disposed on one of an upper surface (as illustrated) or a lower surface of the transparent material  524   a . The variable light transmission film  524   b  may be a PDLC film, as previously described. The electrode layer  524   c  includes or is formed from a material that is able to conduct electricity to change the variable light transmission characteristic of the variable light transmission film  524   b . The electrode layer  524   c  may include, for example, transparent electrodes, such as indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes 
       FIG. 6  is an illustration that shows a second example structure for the first panel  206 . The first panel  206  is a laminated panel formed from layers that are transparent or translucent, or are capable of being transparent or translucent subject to control of active components, as will be described. In this implementation, the first panel  206  includes, in top-to-bottom order, a first layer  622 , a first interlayer  623 , a second layer  624 , a second interlayer  625 , and a third layer  626 , which are joined together in a lamination process, for example, including application of heat and pressure. 
     The first layer  622  and the second layer  624  are transparent layers of glass or plastic (e.g., polycarbonate), as described with respect to the first layer  422  and the third layer  426  of  FIG. 4 . The third layer  626  is an active layer having a variable light transmission characteristic, as described with respect to the second layer  424  of  FIG. 4 . The third layer  626  is controllable by a control signal that is provided to the third layer  626  using the first electrical connection  316  to modify a degree of light transmission through the first panel  206 . The implementation of  FIG. 6  differs from the implementation in  FIG. 4  in that the layer including the active component is an outer layer of the laminated structure. 
     The first layer  622  is bonded to the second layer  624  by the first interlayer  623 , and the second layer  624  is bonded to the third layer  626  by the second interlayer  625 . The first interlayer  623  and the second interlayer  625  are as described with respect to the first interlayer  423  and the second interlayer  425 . 
     In addition to the examples given in  FIGS. 4, 6, and 7 , other configurations of transparent panels that incorporate variable light transmission can be utilized for the first panel  206 , including laminated panels and unlaminated panels. 
       FIG. 7  is an illustration that shows a third example structure for the first panel  206 . The first panel  206 , in this example, is a non-laminated panel that is transparent or translucent, or is capable of being transparent or translucent subject to control of active components. The first panel  206  includes a first layer that is connected to and controlled by the first electrical connection  316 . 
     The first layer  722  is an active layer having a variable light transmission characteristic, as described with respect to the second layer  424  of  FIG. 4 . The first layer  722  is controllable by a control signal that is provided to the first layer  722  using the first electrical connection  316  to modify a degree of light transmission through the first panel  206 . The implementation of  FIG. 7  differs from the implementation in  FIG. 4  in that the layer including the active component is not part of a laminated structure that includes multiple translucent or transparent layers of glass and/or plastic. 
       FIG. 8  is an illustration that shows a first example structure for the second panel  208 . The second panel  208  is a laminated panel formed from layers that are transparent or translucent. In this implementation, the second panel  208  includes, in top-to-bottom order, a first layer  822 , a first interlayer  823 , a second layer  824 , a second interlayer  825 , and a third layer  826 , which are joined together in a lamination process, for example, including application of heat and pressure. 
     The first layer  822  and the third layer  826  are transparent layers of glass or plastic (e.g., polycarbonate), as described with respect to the first layer  422  and the third layer  426  of  FIG. 4 . The second layer  824  is an active layer that emits light. 
     The first layer  822  is bonded to the second layer  824  by the first interlayer  823 , and the second layer  824  is bonded to the third layer  826  by the second interlayer  825 . The first interlayer  823  and the second interlayer  825  are as described with respect to the first interlayer  423  and the second interlayer  425 . 
     The second layer  824  is an edge-lit layer (e.g., a light guide plate) that receives light from an edge of the second panel  208 . In the illustrated example, the light source  318  shines light into the edge of the second layer  824  of the second panel. As examples, the light source may be a light-emitting diode (LED) or an optical fiber that carries light from a remotely-located LED or laser. Other layers of the second panel  208  may be covered at their edges by a mask  819  such that the light emitted by the light source  318  does not enter them. The light emitted by the light source  318  is carried through the second layer  824  by total internal reflection or near-total internal reflection as a result of differing refractive indexes of the second layer  824  as compared to adjacent layers, such as the first interlayer  823  and the second interlayer  825 . Features, such as edges, grooves, etching, surface patterning, or particles, may be formed in or disposed in the second layer  824  to direct the light out of the second layer  824  toward the third layer  826  in a desired manner. 
       FIG. 9  is an illustration that shows a second example structure for the second panel  208 . The second panel  208  is a laminated panel formed from layers that are transparent or translucent. In this implementation, the second panel  208  includes, in top-to-bottom order, a first layer  922 , a first interlayer  923 , a second layer  924 , a second interlayer  925 , and a third layer  926 , which are joined together in a lamination process, for example, including application of heat and pressure. 
     The first layer  922  and the second layer  924  are transparent layers of glass or plastic (e.g., polycarbonate), as described with respect to the first layer  822  and the third layer  826  of  FIG. 8 . The third layer  926  is an active layer that emits light. 
     The first layer  922  is bonded to the second layer  924  by the first interlayer  923 , and the second layer  924  is bonded to the third layer  926  by the second interlayer  925 . The first interlayer  923  and the second interlayer  925  are as described with respect to the first interlayer  823  and the second interlayer  825  of  FIG. 8 . 
     The second layer  924  is an edge-lit layer that receives light from an edge of the second panel  208 . In the illustrated example, the light source  318 , which may be a light-emitting diode (LED), shines light into the edge of the second layer  924  of the second panel. Other layers of the second panel  208  may be covered at their edges by a mask  919  such that the light emitted by the light source  318  does not enter them. The third layer  926  is similar to the second layer  824  of  FIG. 8  and may be configured and implemented in the same way. The implementation of  FIG. 9  differs from the implementation in  FIG. 8  in that the layer including the active component is an outer layer of the laminated structure. 
       FIG. 10  is an illustration that shows a third example structure for the second panel  208 . The second panel  208 , in this example, is a non-laminated panel that is transparent or translucent. The second panel  208  includes a first layer  1022  that is connected to and controlled by the first electrical connection  316 . 
     The first layer  1022  is an active layer that emits light, as described with respect to the second layer  824  of  FIG. 8 . The first layer  1022  can be an edge-lit layer that receives light from an edge of the second panel  208  such as from the light source  318 , with a mask  1019  covering the light source  318  to prevent light emitted by the light source from entering the first layer  1022  or other structures other than through the edge of the first layer  1022 . The implementation of  FIG. 10  differs from the implementation in  FIG. 8  in that the layer including the active component is not part of a laminated structure that includes multiple translucent or transparent layers of glass and/or plastic. 
       FIG. 11  is an illustration that shows a fourth example structure for the second panel  208 . The second panel  208  is a laminated panel formed from layers that are transparent or translucent. In this implementation, the second panel  208  includes, in top-to-bottom order, a first layer  1122 , a first interlayer  1123 , a second layer  1124 , a second interlayer  1125 , and a third layer  1126 , a third interlayer  1127 , a fourth layer  1128 , a fourth interlayer  1129 , and a fifth layer  1130 , which are joined together in a lamination process, for example, including application of heat and pressure. 
     The first layer  1122  and the fifth layer  1130  are transparent layers of glass or plastic (e.g., polycarbonate), as described with respect to the first layer  822  and the third layer  826  of  FIG. 8 . The second layer  1124 , the third layer  1126 , and the fourth layer  1128  are active layers that have controllable properties that affect transmission and/or emission of light. 
     The second layer  1124  is a switchable mirror layer that is able to change states between a transparent or translucent state, and a reflective state. As an example, the state change can be induced by application of or cessation of application of a voltage to at least a portion of the second layer  1124 . As one example, the second layer  1124  can incorporate a transition-metal hydride electrochromic device having reflective hydrides that change states between transparent or translucent and reflective upon application of a voltage. Other technologies can be used to implement a switchable mirror in the second layer  1124 . 
     The third layer  1126  is an active layer that emits light. As examples, the second layer may be a transparent light-carrying layer, an edge-lit layer, a transparent or translucent OLED display device, or a transparent or translucent micro-LED device. 
     The first layer  1122  is bonded to the second layer  1124  by the first interlayer  1123 , the second layer  1124  is bonded to the third layer  1126  by the second interlayer  1125 , the third layer  1126  is bonded to the fourth layer  1128  by the third interlayer  1127 , and the fourth layer  1128  is bonded to the fifth layer  1130  by the fourth interlayer  1129 . The first interlayer  1123 , the second interlayer  1125 , the third interlayer  1127 , and the fourth interlayer  1129  are as described with respect to the first interlayer  823  and the second interlayer  825  of  FIG. 8 . 
     It should be understood that details of the various implementations herein can be combined in various ways. For example, the panel assembly  104  can be implemented using any of the example implementations of the first panel  206  (e.g., as in  FIGS. 4-7 ) in combination with any of the example implementations of the second panel  208  (e.g., as in  FIGS. 8-11 ). Additional examples of controllable, light emitting panel structures that can be utilized as the second panel  208  can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/366,686, filed on Dec. 1, 2015, which is entitled “Transparent Structure with Controllable Lighting,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
       FIG. 12  is an illustration that shows a cross-section view of a panel assembly  1204  according to an alternative implementation. The panel assembly  1204  is similar to the panel assembly  104 , except as noted herein. For example, the panel assembly  1204  can be incorporated in the assembly  100 , including connection to the frame  102 , in the manner described with respect to the panel assembly  104 . 
     The panel assembly  1204  includes a first panel  1206 , a second panel  1208 , spacers  1212 , a gap  1214 , a first active component  1232 , and a second active component  1234 . The first panel  1206  is positioned adjacent to a first side  1201   a  of the panel assembly  1204 , and the second panel  1208  is positioned adjacent to a second side  1201   b  of the panel assembly  1204 . In a typical implementation, an exterior space is located on the first side  1201   a  and an interior space is located on the second side  1201   b.    
     The first panel  1206  and the second panel  1208  may each include a single layer of glass or plastic, or may be a laminated structure that includes multiple layers that are joined together in a lamination process, for example, including application of heat and pressure. 
     The spacers  1212  separate the first panel  1206  from the second panel  1208  to define the gap  1214 , and may be positioned at the outer periphery of the panel assembly  1204  or may be positioned inward from the outer periphery of the panel assembly  1204 . The gap  1214  may be evacuated or filled with a gas or gas mixture. The spacers  1212  may be configured such that they act as sealing structures to seal the space inside the gap  1214  from the exterior of the panel assembly  1204 . 
     The first active component  1232  and the second active component  1234  are located in the gap  1214 . A first electrical connector  1233  for the first active component  1232  and a second electrical connector  1235  for the second active component  1234  may extend out of the panel assembly  1204 , for connection to a controller or other system. The first active component  1232  and the second active component  1234  each have a controllable characteristic. The first active component  1232  and the second active component  1234  may each be, for example, a variable light transmission device or a lighting device. Examples of variable light transmission devices include suspended particle devices, electrochromic devices, polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices, and guest host liquid crystal devices. Examples of variable lighting devices include edge lit panels (e.g., light guide plates), LED panels, micro LED panels, and display panels (e.g., translucent OLED panels). 
     The first active component  1232  is mounted on a lower surface (facing the gap  1214  of the first panel  1206 . As an example, the first active component  1232  may be connected to the first panel  1206  by a conventional adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). The first active component  1232  is not part of a laminated structure of the first panel  1206 . In implementations in which the first panel  1206  is laminated, the lamination process is performed (e.g., including application of heat and pressure to bond multiple layers using interlayers), and the first active component  1232  is subsequently mounted to the first panel  1206 . 
     The second active component  1234  is mounted on an upper surface (facing the gap  1214  of the second panel  1208 . As an example, the second active component  1234  may be connected to the second panel  1208  by a conventional adhesive. The second active component  1234  is not part of a laminated structure of the second panel  1208 . In implementations in which the second panel  1208  is laminated, the lamination process is performed (e.g., including application of heat and pressure to bond multiple layers using interlayers), and the second active component  1234  is subsequently mounted to the first panel  1206 . 
     Although the example shown in  FIG. 12 , includes both the first active component  1232  and the second active component  1234 , it should be understood that the panel assembly  1204  could include only one of the first active component  1232  or the second active component  1234 , and omit the other. 
       FIG. 13  is an illustration that shows a cross-section view of a panel assembly  1304  according to an alternative implementation. The panel assembly  1304  is similar to the panel assembly  104 , except as noted herein. For example, the panel assembly  1304  can be incorporated in the assembly  100 , including connection to the frame  102 , in the manner described with respect to the panel assembly  104 . 
     The panel assembly  1304  includes a first panel  1306 , a second panel  1308 , spacers  1312 , a gap  1314 , and a first active component  1332 . The first panel  1306  is positioned adjacent to a first side  1301   a  of the panel assembly  1304 , and the second panel  1308  is positioned adjacent to a second side  1301   b  of the panel assembly  1304 . In a typical implementation, an exterior space is located on the first side  1301   a  and an interior space is located on the second side  1301   b.    
     The first panel  1306  and the second panel  1308  may each include a single layer of glass or plastic, or may be a laminated structure that includes multiple layers that are joined together in a lamination process, for example, including application of heat and pressure. 
     The spacers  1312  separate the first panel  1306  from the second panel  1308  to define the gap  1314 , and may be positioned at the outer periphery of the panel assembly  1304  or may be positioned inward from the outer periphery of the panel assembly  1304 . The gap  1314  may be evacuated or filled with a gas or gas mixture. The spacers  1312  may be configured such that they act as sealing structures to seal the space inside the gap  1314  from the exterior of the panel assembly  1304 . 
     The first active component  1332  is located in the gap  1314 . A first electrical connector  1333  for the first active component  1332  may extend out of the panel assembly  1304 , for connection to a controller or other system. The first active component  1332  has a controllable characteristic. The first active component  1332  may be, for example, a variable light transmission device or a lighting device. Examples of variable light transmission devices include suspended particle devices, electrochromic devices, polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices, and guest host liquid crystal devices. Examples of variable lighting devices include edge lit panels (e.g., light guide plates), LED panels, micro LED panels, and display panels (e.g., translucent OLED panels). 
     The first active component  1332  is mounted in the gap  1314  between the first panel  1306  and the second panel  1308 . The first active component  1332  may be spaced from the first panel  1306  and the second panel  1308 . In the illustrated example, spacers  1312  include support structures, such as grooves  1313 , that engage the first active component  1332  and suspend it within the gap  1314 . Other support structures and/or spacers may alternatively be used to suspend the first active component  1332  in the gap  1314 . 
     Although the example shown in  FIG. 13 , includes the first active component  1332  and does not depict other active components, it should be understood that additional active components (e.g., a second active component) could be disposed in the gap  1314  and supported similarly. 
       FIG. 14  is an illustration that shows a cross-section view of a panel assembly  1404  according to an alternative implementation. The panel assembly  1404  is similar to the panel assembly  1304 , except as noted herein. The panel assembly  1404  includes a first panel  1406 , a second panel  1408 , spacers  1412 , a gap  1414 , a lighting device  1418 , a first active component  1432 , which in the illustrated example is an edge lit panel (e.g., a light guide plate), and a first electrical connector  1433  for the first active component  1432 . The first panel  1406  is positioned adjacent to a first side  1401   a  of the panel assembly  1404 , and the second panel  1408  is positioned adjacent to a second side  1401   b  of the panel assembly  1404 . In a typical implementation, an exterior space is located on the first side  1401   a  and an interior space is located on the second side  1401   b.    
     The spacers  1412  separate the first panel  1406  from the second panel  1408  to define the gap  1414 , and may be positioned at the outer periphery of the panel assembly  1404  or may be positioned inward from the outer periphery of the panel assembly  1404 . The first active component  1432  extends through or between the spacers  1412 , such that the first active component  1432  is suspended between the first panel  1406  and the second panel  1408 . The lighting device  1418 , such as an LED or a remotely-illuminated optical fiber, is located outward from the spacers  1412 . The outer edge of the first active component  1432  is located outward from an outer edge of the first panel  1406  and/or the second panel  1408 , and therefore may be located outside of the gap  1414 . 
     In an alternative implementation, the first active component  1432  could be adjacent to (e.g., mounted with adhesive) one of the first panel  1406  or the second panel  1408 , with the spacers  1412  located on the opposite side of the first active component  1432  to define the gap  1414 . 
       FIG. 15A  is an illustration that shows a cross-section view of a frame  1502  and a panel assembly  1504  according to an alternative implementation. The panel assembly  1504  is similar to the panel assembly  1304 , except as noted herein. The panel assembly  1504  includes a first panel  1506 , a second panel  1508 , spacers  1512 , a gap  1514 , a lighting device  1518 , and a first active component  1532 , which in the illustrated example is an edge lit panel (e.g., a light guide plate), a first electrical connector  1533 , a second active component  1534 , such as a variable light transmission device, and a second electrical connector  1535 . The first panel  1506  is positioned adjacent to a first side  1501   a  of the panel assembly  1504 , and the second panel  1508  is positioned adjacent to a second side  1501   b  of the panel assembly  1504 . In a typical implementation, an exterior space is located on the first side  1501   a  and an interior space is located on the second side  1501   b.    
     The spacers  1512  separate the first panel  1506  from the second panel  1508  to define the gap  1514 , and may be positioned at the outer periphery of one of the first panel  1506  or the second panel  1508  or may be positioned inward. The first active component  1532  extends past the spacers  1512 , and is located between the spacers  1512  and the second panel  1508  in the illustrated example. The lighting device  1518 , such as an LED or a remotely-illuminated optical fiber, is located outward from the spacers  1512 , and therefore may be located outside of the gap  1514 . The second active component  1534  is mounted (e.g., by adhesive) to a lower surface of the first panel  1506 . The second active component  1534  is connected to the second electrical connector  1535 , which extends past the spacers  1512 , and may incorporate a bus bar that is mounted to or formed on the lower surface of the first panel  1506 . 
     An outer edge of the first panel  1506  extends outward further than the second panel  1508  and the first active component  1532 . At its outer edge, the first panel  1506  is supported by the frame  1502 , such as by a first shoulder  1503   a , and may be engaged with the first shoulder  1503   a  through a lateral seal  1536   a  and/or a vertical seal  1536   b . An outer edge of the second panel  1508  may be located inward relative to the first panel  1506  and the first active component  1532 , and may be supported by a second shoulder  1503   b  of the frame  1502  and a vertical seal  1536   c . In some implementations, the second shoulder  1503   b  is omitted, and the panel assembly  1504  is suspended from the first shoulder  1503   a.    
     The lighting device  1518  may be disposed in an open area defined between the frame  1502  and the panel assembly  1504 , below the first shoulder  1503   a  and the second shoulder  1503   b . An encapsulating material (not shown) may be provided on the outer periphery of the panel assembly  1504 . 
     As alternatives, the first active component  1532  may be in contact with a lower surface of the first panel  1506  or an upper surface of the second panel  1508  (e.g., bonded by adhesive) with the spacers  1512  located on the opposite side of the first active component  1532  in order to define the gap  1514 . 
       FIG. 15B  is an illustration that shows a cross-section view of the frame  1502  and the panel assembly  1504  according to an alternative implementation in which the frame  1502  omits the second shoulder  1503   b  and the panel assembly  1504  is instead supported solely or primarily by supporting the first panel  1506  using the first shoulder  1503   a.    
       FIG. 16  is a block diagram that shows a lighting system  1640 . The lighting system  1640  may include a controller  1642 , a user interface device  1644 , lighting devices  1646 , and variable light transmission devices  1648 . The controller  1642  coordinates operation of the various components of the lighting system  1640  by communicating electronically (i.e., wired or wireless communications) with the user interface device  1644 , the lighting devices  1646 , and the variable light transmission devices  1648 . The controller  1642  may receive information (e.g., signals and/or data) from the user interface device  1644  and/or from other components of the lighting system  1640 . The lighting system  1640  may be used in connection with and include components of the assembly  100 . 
     The user interface device  1644  allows a user to modify aspects of the operation of the lighting system  1640 , and to set a desired state for the lighting system  1640 . The user interface device  1644  can allow modification of operating parameters of the lighting devices  1646  and the variable light transmission devices  1648 . 
     The lighting devices  1646  may be electric lighting devices that are controllable by the controller  1642 . For example, controller may output a signal to turn on, turn off, change intensity, or change color of the lighting devices  1646 . 
     The variable light transmission devices  1648  utilize variable light transmission technologies to transmission of light through a structure that otherwise allows transmission of light, such as a glass panel. The variable light transmission devices  1648  may be operated by a control signal, such as a signal from the controller  1642 . The control signal may cause the variable light transmission devices  1648  to modify a current light transmission characteristic, for example, from a first light transmission value to having a second light transmission value that is different than the first light transmission value, or from a light transmitting state to a light reflecting (mirror) state. Technologies that may be used to implement the variable light transmission devices  1648  include suspended particle devices, electrochromic devices, polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices, and guest host liquid crystal devices. 
       FIG. 17  shows an example of a hardware configuration for a controller  1750  that may be used to implement the controller  1642  and/or other portions of the lighting system  1640 . In the illustrated example, the controller  1750  includes a processor  1752 , a memory  1754 , a storage device  1756 , one or more input devices  1758 , and one or more output devices  1760 . These components may be interconnected by hardware such as a bus  1762  that allows communication between the components. The processor  1752  may be a conventional device such as a central processing unit, and is operable to execute computer program instructions and perform operations described by the computer program instructions. The memory  1754  may be a volatile, high-speed, short-term information storage device such as a random-access memory module. The storage device  1756  may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a hard drive or a solid-state drive. The input devices  1758  may include any type of human-machine interface, such as buttons, switches, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen input device, a gestural input device, or an audio input device. The output devices  1760  may include any type of device operable to provide an indication to a user regarding an operating state, such as a display screen or an audio output.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20210420
Publication Date: 20221122
Grant Date: 20221122
Priority Date: 20170608
Inventors: MAZUIR, Clarisse
da Silveira Magalhaes, Marcelo B.
Masschelein, Peter F.
COHOON, GREGORY A.
Scott, Derek C.
Kingman, David E.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G02F2203/01", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133615", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/1334", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/0088", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B3/6722", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/0091", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/13439", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B3/6612", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B3/66", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133615", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/1523", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B3/6617", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B3/6617", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133565", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/0088", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B9/24", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B3/6612", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B3/6715", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/009", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/0091", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/19", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B3/56", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B3/6715", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133565", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B9/24", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F2203/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B3/66376", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/137", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B3/56", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/1334", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/1339", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B7/28", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B3/66", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/009", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B3/66376", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/137", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F2203/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/009", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B3/6617", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B3/66376", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/19", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/1523", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/1334", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B3/6612", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B3/6715", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B9/24", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B3/6722", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133565", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133615", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B3/56", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/13439", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F2203/01", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/1339", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B7/28", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E06B3/66", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/0091", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/0088", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 64902586