SELECTIVE SMART DIMMING SYSTEM

Organization Name

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION

Inventor(s)

Brian Paul Gaucher of Brookfield CT (US)

Kevin W. Brew of Niskayuna NY (US)

Michael S. Gordon of Croton on Hudson NY (US)

Mattias Fitzpatrick of Mount Kisco NY (US)

SELECTIVE SMART DIMMING SYSTEM - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18189334 titled 'SELECTIVE SMART DIMMING SYSTEM

The patent application describes a method and system for selectively dimming a subset of tiles in a dimmable transparent panel based on the location of an illumination source and the viewer's gaze direction.

The method involves detecting the location of an illumination source using a light source detector and determining the viewer's gaze direction using a head/eye detector.
A panel intersection point is calculated for a light ray extending from the illumination source location along the viewer's gaze direction.
The proper subset of dimmable tiles near the panel intersection point is then selectively dimmed.

Potential Applications: - Smart windows in buildings that adjust transparency based on the position of the sun and occupants' gaze. - Interactive displays that change based on the viewer's focus.

Problems Solved: - Reducing glare and improving visibility in transparent panels. - Enhancing user experience by dynamically adjusting panel transparency.

Benefits: - Improved comfort and visibility in spaces with transparent panels. - Enhanced energy efficiency by optimizing natural light utilization.

Commercial Applications: Smart glass technology for architectural applications, interactive displays for retail and advertising.

Questions about the technology: 1. How does the system differentiate between multiple illumination sources? 2. Can the method be integrated with existing smart home systems for seamless control?

Original Abstract Submitted

A method and related system selectively dims a proper subset of a plurality of tiles (DTPTs) that are a part of a contiguous dimmable transparent panel (DTP). Using a processor and in a real-time continuous feedback loop, the method comprises detecting, using a light source detector with an outward facing sensor, a location of an illumination source within a volume adjacent to an outside surface of the DTP. The method further comprises determining, using a head/eye detector with an inward facing sensor, a viewer's gaze direction within a volume adjacent to an inside surface of the DTP. The method further comprises determining a panel intersection point for a light ray extending from the illumination source location along the viewer's gaze direction. Finally, the method comprises selectively dimming the proper subset of DTPTs proximate the panel intersection point.