Patent Application
20200169092
This invention relates to solar-powered energy and how its usage can be optimized.
Solar power has become a popular source of sustainable energy. When a solar panel provides a charge to a battery, energy is produced at no incremental cost. It is also convenient in certain home settings, when this self-recharging solar battery can serve as a power source to an automated device and no new wiring is required to provide energy. A limitation of solar power, though, is that a solar panel and its accompanying battery can only produce and hold so much energy, and this amount varies significantly based on how much sunlight the solar panel is exposed to in a given day. The variation is caused by things such as the season, weather conditions, placement of the solar panel in relation to objects around it, as well as the orientation of the solar panel.
One solution to the problem of predicting how much energy, e.g. measured in watt hours, will be generated by a solar panel that is currently in practice is relying on available weather data. Some systems use their own satellites to monitor weather conditions, while others use third party information from an online source to predict how the weather conditions will affect how much sunlight will get to the solar panels to generate energy. Additionally, since the amount of sunlight filtering through the atmosphere to a fixed location on the Earth due to seasonal variation is known, this information is also tied in with the live weather data to make an accurate prediction for a solar panel that has maximum sunlight exposure. This method is used now mainly in commercial solar farms.
Automated window-covering systems are a natural fit for a home use of solar power. They are exposed to sunlight, and unless a home was built with the wiring for automated windows, the use of a solar panel and battery can be more convenient to the user than supplying all the windows in the house with wiring or using a battery that needs to be regularly replaced or recharged. Automated window-covering systems that use a solar panel and battery for energy are already commercially available, such as the system sold by MySmartBlinds with the available solar-powered option (see also US Patent Publication Number US 2018/0030781).
One aspect of the invention is a solar power system adapted to predict the amount of energy available from the solar power system on a particular day, or any other designated window of time. The solar power system includes a solar panel adapted to generate energy, a sensor adapted to generate signals indicating amount of current and voltage generated by the solar panel, a battery adapted to be charged by the solar panel, and a controller adapted to regulate the charging of the battery. A feature of this solar power system is a processor that is adapted to monitor the charge of the battery and to predict the amount of energy that will be available from the battery. The processor receives signals from the sensor which is adapted to sense the amount of energy over predetermined periods of time on separate days in different seasons, to thereby generate individualized sample data on the amount of energy generated by the solar panel system in different seasons. The processor includes non-transitory memory for storing this sample data and uses the stored sample data to predict how much energy will be generated. This solar power system may be used to generate energy to operate a number of automated devices, including but not limited to: window covering systems, automated windows, security cameras, motion sensors, and pool filtration devices.
A second aspect of the invention is a solar-powered automated window system. The automated window system may be a sliding window, a hinged window, or any window covering, each with an automated component with an actuator and a controller that controls that actuator. The solar powered automated window system includes a solar panel, adapted to generate energy for the one or more automated window components, a battery that is charged by the energy generated by the solar panel, and a second controller to regulate charging of the battery. Additionally, the system includes a sensor adapted to generate signals indicating the amount of energy generated by the solar panel, as well as a processor to monitor the charge of the battery and to predict the amount of energy that will be available from the battery. As in the first aspect of the invention, the processor receives signals from the sensor over predetermined periods of time on separate days in different seasons, in order to generate individual sample data on the amount of energy generated by the solar panel in different seasons. The processor utilizes non-transitory memory for storing the sample data and uses the stored sample data to predict the amount of energy available from the battery on a particular day or any other designated period of time. The automated window system also features a user interface, which receives information about the predicted amount of energy available for one or more automated window components.
A third aspect of the invention is that the solar-powered home automation devices may be fitted with sensors designed to alert the user to certain conditions, and in some cases automate the device in response to a stimulus without user interaction. Examples include a sensor sensing the presence of carbon monoxide and sending a signal to an actuator to open a sliding window automatically, or a sensor receiving an alert from a connected smoke detector and sending a signal to an actuator to open a hinged window.
The following drawings are provided to illustrate certain embodiments described herein. The drawings are merely illustrative, are not intended to limit the scope of claimed inventions and are not intended to show every potential feature or embodiment of the claimed inventions. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; in some instances, certain elements of the drawing may be enlarged with respect to other elements of the drawing for purposes of illustration.
The following description recites various aspects and embodiments of the inventions disclosed herein. No particular embodiment is intended to define the scope of the invention. Rather, the embodiments provide non-limiting examples of various compositions, and methods that are included within the scope of the claimed inventions. The description is to be read from the perspective of one of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, information that is well known to the ordinarily skilled artisan is not necessarily included.
The following terms and phrases have the meanings indicated below, unless otherwise provided herein. This disclosure may employ other terms and phrases not expressly defined herein. Such other terms and phrases shall have the meanings that they would possess within the context of this disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some instances, a term or phrase may be defined in the singular or plural. In such instances, it is understood that any term in the singular may include its plural counterpart and vice versa, unless expressly indicated to the contrary.
As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to “a substituent” encompasses a single substituent as well as two or more substituents, and the like.
As used herein, “for example,” “for instance,” “such as,” or “including” are meant to introduce examples that further clarify more general subject matter. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, such examples are provided only as an aid for understanding embodiments illustrated in the present disclosure and are not meant to be limiting in any fashion. Nor do these phrases indicate any kind of preference for the disclosed embodiment.
As used herein, “solar panel” is meant to refer to a panel that absorbs the sun's rays as a source of energy for generating electricity. Each solar panel is typically comprised of an array of photovoltaic cells, mechanically and electrically connected to provide electrical energy as a unit.
As used herein, “processor” is an electronic device for storing and processing data, according to instructions given to in a variable program.
As used herein, “non-transitory memory” is meant to refer to computer-readable media that stores data for short periods or in the presence of power such as a memory device or Random Access Memory, known in computer science terms as RAM.
As used herein, “user interface” is meant to refer to a device dedicated to the purpose of operating home automated devices, or a smart device utilizing an app that is adapted to operate home automated devices.
As used herein, “smart device” is meant to refer to such items as a tablet, smart phone, or tv-connected device that is adapted to run apps. In the figures, a smart phone is depicted, but a smart device may include the prior listed items and others.
As used herein, “online weather data” is meant to refer to real time weather data and weather forecast data that is provided by one or more available weather forecasting services via the Internet.
As used herein, “cloud-based network” is meant to refer to any kind of network that connects smart devices, computers, wireless routers, modems, and/or otherwise connected home automation devices and their controllers to each other and, in some instances, the Internet.
As used herein, “home automation device” is meant to refer to an object in the home that requires electric power to automate, and that may be connected to a cloud-based network and be controlled via a controller, user interface, smart device, or similar.
As used herein, “automated window system” is meant to refer to a system of windows that are automated to open and close. They function like any home automation device defined above.
As used herein, “actuator” is meant to describe the moving mechanism of the home automation device; it is the part of the invention that functions upon receiving a signal to move and requires a source of energy to do so.
As used herein, the term “energy” is meant to refer to electrical energy and can be measured with various units, such as watt hours or Joules. The typical units for measurement of energy generated by a solar power system is watt hours.
As used herein, the term “season” and “seasons” are intended to have relatively broad meaning, referring to different times of year, and not necessarily limited to the four traditional seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
In some instances, features represented by numerical values, such as dimensions, quantities, and other properties that can be represented numerically, are stated as approximations. Unless otherwise stated, an approximate value means “correct to within 50% of the stated value.” Thus, a length of approximately 1 inch should be read “1 inch+/−0.5 inch.” Similarly, other values not presented as approximations have tolerances around the stated values understood by those skilled in the art. For example, a range of 1-10 should be read “1 to 10 with standard tolerances below 1 and above 10 known and/or understood in the art.”
Commonly owned U.S. Patent Publication US 2017/0107758, entitled CONSOLIDATED GEARBOX CONTROLLER IN A WINDOW COVERING WITH EXTERNAL SENSOR INPUT discloses, among other things, an automated window cover system that is powered by a solar power system, comprising a relatively small solar panel that is attached to the headrail of the window covering, i.e. blinds. The system is controllable from a remote device, such as a smart phone running an app and is also programmable. For example, the blinds can be programmed to open in the morning, close in the bright afternoon, opening in the evening and close again at night. The program can be more sophisticated, with partial openings and partial closings to provide different levels of sunlight and/or privacy at different times of day.
In order to determine the watt hour estimate for a solar power system, preferably three factors are involved. One is online weather data, as it is made available via a cloud-based network. Weather predictions for sunshine or thick cloud cover and weather conditions in between will affect how much energy a solar panel can absorb, and consequently will affect how much energy the processor will predict the solar panel system will generate that day.
The second factor that may be used by the processor to predict the energy to be generated that day is the day of the year and geographic location of the solar panel system. The amount of sunlight that reaches a point on the Earth on a given day at an exact location is a known constant and may be computed by the processor and factored into its predictive algorithm.
The third factor that the processor will rely on to predict the energy to be generated is a data sampling of how much energy that individual solar power system has generated in the past. This data will be stored in non-transitory memory. The processor receives signals from the solar power system's sensor over predetermined periods of time on separate days in different seasons, to thereby generate individualized sample data on the amount of energy generated by that particular solar panel in different seasons.
In solar power systems that provide energy for small appliances, such as window coverings or window openers; the size of the solar panel will be kept as small as possible, for aesthetic reasons and to keep costs down. Naturally, the amount of energy produced by smaller solar panels will be limited and the batteries charged thereby will have a limited charge to operate the appliance between daily recharging from the solar panel. Consequently, it is important to manage the use of that limited charge to enhance the user's experience. For example, it would be helpful to give the user some indication of how much charge he can expect from that battery on any given day. Also, if the appliance is the type that can be programmed for multiple actions in a day, it would be helpful to let the user know if the charge needed for the number or type of actions being programmed was going to exceed the charge available from the battery on that given day. In a simpler system, the appliance could be configured to not allow the user to utilize a program that will require more energy than the solar panel will be capable of generating that day. Also, because one aspect of this invention can control the openings and closings of windows, it is helpful if the automatic programming saves enough energy to last through the night time, as well as enough for one use, e.g. to open the window, in the case of an emergency.
If the user relied on a sensor that only showed how much charge the battery presently has, he or she would not see an accurate depiction of how much charge the battery is going to have throughout the day and into the night, and therefore the user is not able to take into account how many times the battery can be relied upon to power the home automation device, be it a window covering, window, pool electronics, etc., when programming the device.
Motor assemblies 406 may contain a motor, and one or more: gears; gearbox; transmission; worm drive; processor, or combinations thereof. Gear tracks 504 may be affixed to the top and bottom horizontal members 514 and 516, as they are depicted in this embodiment. The gears 502 mesh with the teeth of the gear tracks 504. The motors 404 and 406 turn the gears in a first direction, causing the gears 502 to walk along the gear tracks 504, causing the slidable segment 506 to slide towards this vertical member. Rotation in the opposite direction walks the gears the other direction, pulling the slidable segment the other direction.
Additionally, located alongside the motor within the fixed motor assembly 406 is a processor. The processor may receive user data from one or more user input devices, or “user interfaces” as defined within this application. The processor may include one or more communication systems, including Bluetooth communication chips, Internet Wi-Fi transceivers, network transceivers, a wireless mesh network device such as Z-Wave network transceiver, or a combination thereof. The one or more communication systems may communicate with at least one of an external controller and a cloud-based network. The one or more communication systems may receive instructions from the controller, generate signals instructing a second motor 404 on the opposite track to rotate in a direction, receive signals from the second motor 404 regarding a status of the second motor, and generate a signal informing the user interface of the status of the second motor 404.
Also included on
Regarding other configurations and options for configuring a solar-powered automated window, the motor assembly may include a transmission that drives the one or more gears, wherein the transmission locks the slidable segment to at least one gear track when the transmission is not driven by the motor.
The slidable segment may be slidably mounted by being between tracks on the first horizontal member of the frame and a second horizontal member of the frame, the tracks allowing the slidable frame to freely move side to side.
The frame may also have a latching device that mates to a latching receiver attached to the slidable segment, wherein mating prevents movement of the slidable segment. The latching receiver may also include a communication device that generates a signal when the latching device is mated and transmits that signal to the controller, which generates a control signal that deactivates the motor. The latching device may also have a release mechanism configured to automatically release the first gear from the first gear track, thereby allowing the slidable frame to be moved to an open position by the user, in response to an emergency condition as detected by at least one of the one or more sensors.
It will be noted that while the drawings depict a window that opens and closes in a horizontal orientation, the motor is capable of functioning with a window that slides in a vertical orientation. In the vertical orientation the motor or motors will be affixed to the side vertical members instead of the upper and lower horizontal members. The gear track will also be attached to the side vertical members. In the vertical orientation coordinating the motors becomes especially important so the sliding segment will raise and lower. When the motor or motors are not coordinated there is a greater chance of the sliding segment tilting or canting and binding up so the sliding segment will stick and no longer move. The motor connected to a vertically oriented sliding window will retain all the characteristics of the motor connected to a horizontally sliding window.
In some embodiments of automated windows, the battery from the solar power system will be used to provide energy to an actuator that automates a window in ways beyond opening and closing it along a geared track. The actuator may include one or more of electric motors, gearboxes and one or more mechanical means of incrementally opening, closing, tilting, turning, twisting, sliding, pushing, pulling, or rotating one or more components of the actuated device.
Controller 604 and transceiver 605 may be any of a variety of off-the-shelf and/or custom manufactured devices. For example, in some embodiments, transceiver 605 is one or more of a WiFi transceiver, Bluetooth transceiver, Zigbee transceiver, or Z-wave transceiver. In some embodiments, transceiver 605 is a SureFi transceiver. SureFi is a long-range, low data wireless spread spectrum frequency hopping protocol on the 902-928 MHz ISM band.
As shown, motor 608 drives gears 602 coupled to output shaft 610. Output shaft 610 drives a tilt rod, not shown. In the depicted embodiment, output shaft 610 extends the length of motor 608 and gearbox 602. Output shaft 610 includes a through-channel 612, extending the length of the output shaft 610, to enable the tilt rod to pass therethrough. In some embodiments, the output shaft rides on bearing surfaces at each end of the motor and gearbox.
All of the above components depicted in
Referring to
The user interface, as shown in
An essential aspect of the invention is the tailored information it provides to users who rely on solar power to run their home automation devices. As such, many of the benefits and usefulness of the invention are realized when the mechanical features are connected with the programmable user interface, as well as an option for integration with safety sensor and real-time weather data.
Two embodiments of a user interface described below are for the operation and programming of a system of automated windows, and automated window coverings. However, a user interface may also be used to operate and program other devices that are powered by the solar power system in the invention, such as security lights, front door cameras, pool filters, and others.
The user interface is an important feature of the preferred embodiment. In certain preferred embodiments, the user interface is configured to run as an app on a user's mobile device, such as a tablet or smart phone.
Within the user interface, there may be a learning module programmed to analyze patterns of the user, drawing from available data, including but not limited to user behavior, weekly or daily patterns, and room by room variation. As depicted in
Similarly, motor assembly 406 contains a processor which not only receives data but communicates data to the processor on motor assembly 404, and to the user interface. Example data that motor assembly 406 could transmit is the functioning of motor assembly 404 or 406, synchronization of motor assemblies 404 and 406, and user behavior regarding any patterns in the operation of the automated window.
The programming may provide additional information regarding how the user uses the windows or window covering in a certain room. For example, if a user sets up a window covering in a west facing room, the processor in the system may direct the function of that window covering to close every Summer afternoon to reduce heat loading. However, if the learning module determines that a specific user always opens the blinds on a Summer afternoon when they enter the room, the program can “learn” to automatically open the window coverings to let the sun in whenever that user enters the room. The user always has priority over the stored settings for a present time of use. The system may be set up to implement permanent user settings after X number of overrides by a specific user. Not only will the user always have the option to turn on or off this ‘learned’ automation, but, in accordance with the energy monitoring nature of the invention, the programming will automatically block any self-automated openings or closures when the predicted energy remaining for the day is approaching a level insufficient to run the user-programmed options, and operate appropriately in response to connected sensors or in case of emergency.
An additional programming feature takes into account the placement of windows throughout the home, which streamlines the process for the user. Different window coverings or automated windows may be located in more than one room in a building having different orientation or facings. As seen in
Referring to
In
Referring again to
As an example, a button from 902 may be selected to configure an automated window or a group of automated windows to operate in accordance with a defined schedule. For example, a user may want a window or a group of windows to open and/or close at designated times. In certain embodiments, different open/close times may be established for different days of the week. Selecting the button may open up a page that enables the user to configure the windows to operate in accordance with the established schedule. One embodiment of such a page is illustrated in
Referring to
In certain embodiments, each time line may have a status bar associated therewith. As illustrated in
Not shown, a button may be provided to configure a window or group of windows to automatically close at sunset. A schedule may be automatically determined based on a time of year and/or location or orientation of a motorized window or automated window covering. For example, a user may schedule a motorized window to open at sunrise and close at sunset. The user interface may draw information from the cloud-based network to determine sunrise and sunset times for the motorized window based on the motorized window's location and the time of year and schedule opening and closing time accordingly. These opening and closing times may be adjusted throughout the year as the position of the sun changes.
There are other programming options that are enabled with the addition of sensors, that will be further explained in the text below. These can include opening a window when a room gets to a certain temperature that is uncomfortably hot, or using a light sensor located outside to determine when to open and close a window covering.
As is illustrated in
The user may avoid seeing this alert too often, however, by viewing the “Battery Charge” page illustrated in
Features of the user interface beyond programming and operating of windows or window coverings are designed to set up user accounts, monitor any connected devices within the cloud-based network, and add other users.
After using an embodiment such as the Rooms page depicted in
Another feature of the user interface is that it is adapted to act as a hub for other home devices connected via the cloud-based network. One example of how this could be achieved is a “setup accessories” button may be provided to set up accessories related to a window covering or a group of windows. Such accessories may include, for example, a temperature sensor connected to a window covering, a security sensor connected to an automated window, or the like. A “setup accessories” button may enable a user to configure expansion ports or devices connected to expansion ports of the window covering. For example, in certain embodiments, sensors such as temperature sensors, security sensors, or the like, may be connected to various expansions ports of a window covering to allow the window covering to provide additional features and functions. The button may present a screen or page that allows these expansion ports or devices to be configured.
In certain embodiments, the opening and closing of window coverings may be coordinated with the turning on or off of lights in a room or space. For example, if lights in a room are turned off, the window coverings may be opened to compensate for the reduced amount of light. This allows natural light to replace artificial light and creates opportunities for conserving energy. In certain embodiments, lights may be automatically turned off and window coverings may be automatically opened to replace artificial light with natural light when conditions allow. In such embodiments, information regarding whether the light switch being on or off would need to be transmitted via the cloud-based network to the user interface. Additionally, real-time information regarding weather conditions outside could be collected from the Internet and also be used to determine when it is appropriate to open the window coverings to replace the interior lights. As with all automatic programming options, the user could override this feature, or permanently disable it. Also, the amount of energy available to the window coverings would have to be taken into account by the processor.
The controller, or user interface, may also receive and process information from online sources or to communicate with a user as appropriate. This communication may be via a user's smart device running an app. The user interface is able to communicate more than controls to the home automated devices, however. The user interface may be able to alert the user automatically in response to a signal from at least one of the sensors and warn the user.
For optimal functioning of the invention, the processor within the user interface acquires data from various sources. Some of these sources are home devices powered by the solar power system, such as a front-door security camera 220, as seen in
The processor may communicate with a cloud-based network and mirror the stored settings and calendar data with the cloud-based network by sending and receiving system data to and from the cloud-based network. The system data may include all data in the non-transitory memory.
The remote data may include weather data, and the remote data from the remote sensors and remote systems. This data may be relayed to the actuation device via the cloud-based network.
The processor within the user interface may determine a remote command based on at least one of the remote data, the stored settings, calendar data, and as directed by predefined user settings, or combinations thereof. The processor may transmit the remote command to the controller. The processor may further monitor usage data of the actuator and provide the usage data to a disparate device. A simple explanation of this is that, if the processor receives information via the cloud-based network that a severe thunderstorm warning is in effect, it may send an alert to the screen of the user interface, and close all automated windows that are open, without any input from the user.
The user interface may wirelessly communicate to the controller of the home automation device, and the user interface may also receive and process information from online sources.
Regarding the automated window, in the preferred embodiment there is a communication system within the fixed motor assembly. The one or more communication systems may receive instructions from the external controller, which is the user interface, generate signals instructing the first motor to rotate in a direction, receive signals from the first motor regarding a status of the first motor, and generate a signal informing the external controller, or user interface, of the status of the first motor.
The automated window mechanism may include a network device connecting the automated window mechanism to one or more additional automated window mechanisms forming a system of networked mechanisms.
The user's smart device may be connected to each network device of the one or more automated window mechanisms, as the user interface may be adapted to run on a smart device as an app; and the cloud-based network may include Bluetooth, WIFI, mesh network or similar wireless protocol. The cloud-based network may be a wireless Bluetooth mesh connecting the one or more motorized windows and may enable the automated window mechanisms to be fully functional and able to operate all system functions based on stored settings and sensor data from the two or more sensors without input from the user or external data sources.
The stored settings may include factory presets, calendars, charts, user input data, sensor data and scheduled data. The two or more sensors may include at least one of a remote sensor and a local sensor. The local sensor may be in close proximity to the automated window mechanism, within two feet of it. The remote sensor may be located outside the building or at location more than two feet from the automated window mechanism.
The processor may receive a user input from the one or more user interfaces. The processor may determine the control command based on the sensor data, the stored settings, the remote data, and the user input; and store system data and user input data in the non-transitory memory. The processor may mirror the stored settings with the cloud-based network by sending and receiving data to and from the cloud-based network. The processor may also receive command signals from the cloud-based network; transmit the sensor data to the cloud-based network; and transmit system data to the cloud-based network.
What this means, in effect, is that while the processor within the user interface is capable of all of the auto-programming options, and allowing the user to create weekly custom schedules, it does not only work by sending out a signal when a window should be open or closed. Each automated window or window covering may have a processor embedded within its motor that has non-transitory memory. In this case, the processor on the automated window is adapted to store the programming information for the other networked windows, as well as has the ability to receive and respond to information from local and remote sensors, as well as any other home automation devices that are connected via the cloud-based network.
The cloud-based network may have a wired or wireless connection to each network device of the one or more motorized windows; and the wireless connection may include Bluetooth, WIFI, mesh network or similar wireless protocol. The one or more motorized windows may be connected via the wireless Bluetooth mesh; and the automated window system may be fully functional and able to operate all system functions based on the stored settings and sensor data without input from the user or the cloud-based network.
The user settings changed by a user on one user interface of the one or more user interfaces during a time period when another user interface is out of range of the cloud-based network may be stored in internal non-transitory memory of the one user interface for upload to the system once the user is within range of either the cloud-based network or the network device.
Primary control of the individual network device may be based on local control by the controller of the individual network device. Secondary control may be from the cloud-based network. Direct user control supersedes both the primary control and the secondary control.
The system may be controlled by or via the cloud-based network. The processor may create a passkey based on the one or more user inputs. The passkey may restrict levels of permission for a specific user to allow only control actions and only settings changes specified by a master user. The stored settings may further include factory presets, calendars, charts and scheduled data informing the processor.
Real-time data including weather data, and sensor data from the remote sensors and remote systems may be relayed via the cloud-based network to the system. The real-time data may modify and update the calendars, the charts and the scheduled data. The real-time data may also be used to control the system as directed by predefined user settings and the stored settings.
A Wi-Fi or Bluetooth enabled communication module may enable communication between the motorized window and external devices. The communication module may also, in certain embodiments, act as a repeater to repeat signals to other devices. This may allow the communication module (and associated window covering) to form part of a mesh network of interconnected devices. In some cases, a window covering may originate signals that are used to control other devices.
A light sensor may sense light levels at or around a window covering. Various types of light sensors, including photovoltaic cells, cameras, photo diodes, proximity light sensor, or the like, may be used depending on the application. In certain embodiments, a light sensor may sense light external to a window. This may allow a window covering to open or close in response to lighting conditions outside a building. For example, a window covering may be configured to open at sunrise and close at sunset. Alternatively, or additionally, a window covering may be configured to open (either fully or partially) when conditions are overcast, thereby letting more light into a room or space, and close (either fully or partially) in response to detecting full sunlight, thereby letting less light into a room or space. In certain embodiments, a light sensor may be used to determine a total amount of light energy entering a room or space through a window. This information may be used to adjust a window blind or window covering or adjust HVAC system parameters.
The automated window device has a solar panel adapted to charge the batteries. The sensors, if any, may consist of at least one of carbon monoxide; carbon dioxide; smoke; fire; humidity; moisture; dust; pollen; environmental; motion; electromagnetic; electrochemical; electric current; electric potential; magnetic; radio; air flow; accelerometers; pressure; electro-acoustic; camera; electro-optical; photoelectric; electrostatic; thermoelectric; radio-acoustic; air quality; motion; attempted movement of the slidable segment; intrusion; sunlight and noise; and combinations thereof. The controller may receive signals from the two or more sensors and operate the first motor to move the slidable frame to an open or closed position as appropriate without input from a user.
A motorized window or group of motorized windows may be configured to open or close in response to changing detected motion, detected noise, detected security situations, detected safety situations, or the like. These conditions may be conditions inside a building, outside a building, or a combination thereof.
A light sensor may also be configured to sense light levels internal to a window, such as within a room or interior space. This may allow a window blind to be adjusted based on interior light levels. For example, a window blind may be opened in response to lower levels of interior light and closed in response to higher levels of interior light. In certain embodiments, various algorithms may be used to adjust window blinds in response to both exterior and interior light levels, as opposed to just one or the other. Thus, in certain embodiments light sensors may be provided to sense both exterior and interior light levels.
Real-time data including weather data, and sensor data from the remote sensors and remote systems may be relayed via a cloud-based network to the system. The real-time data may modify and update the calendars, the charts and the scheduled data. The real-time data may also be used to control the system as directed by predefined user settings and the stored settings.
Each automated window mechanism within the system may be fully autonomous and operational without any connection to other automated window mechanisms in the system.
Sensor data from all automated window mechanisms within the system of networked mechanisms may be reported to the controller of each automated window mechanism in the system, and to one processor adapted to analyze the data from all of the sensors.
The processor may receive sensor data from the one or more sensors; receive remote data from a cloud-based network; determine a control command based on the sensor data, the stored settings, and the remote data. The processor may transmit the control command to the controller.
Each network device and each mobile device within the mesh network may broadcast global data to all network devices within the network. The global data may include data applicable to all network or mobile devices within the mesh network, and may be organized in one or more data groups, each data group including data specific to each individual network or mobile device. Monitoring and control of each individual network or mobile device may only respond to only the specific data associated with that individual network or mobile device.
There are uses for sensors in automated home devices beyond motorized windows. Recall that the solar power system may also be used to power alarm systems, outdoor security cameras, and lights. Various security sensors may be configured to work together in certain embodiments. For example, a motion sensor may, upon sensing motion, trigger operation of a camera, microphone, or other data gathering sensor. In
In certain embodiments, the user device interfaces with one or more other home electronic automated devices, including cameras and outdoor lights intended for security purposes. Linked by a cloud-based network, various sensors inform the controller regarding conditions that may influence the operation of the device. For example, an entry sensor that senses an intrusion notifies the user interface that in turn alerts a security camera, and possibly, additional security features within the home. The entry sensor may include a window or door switch, or a glass breaking sensor. The controller may further notify the home owner via the cloud-based network that there has been an intrusion. Thus, when a sensor embedded within the window transmits that the window has been broken and someone may have unlawfully entered the user's home, the user may get a flashing alert to warn them on their mobile device, as well as have their connected security camera and outdoor flood lights turn on, if the user has these two items, security camera and outdoor flood lights, and they are connected to their cloud-based network of home automated devices.
An automated motorized window in accordance with the invention may also be configured to interface with external sensors. Although various sensors (as previously discussed) may be located in the motorized window or in close proximity to the motorized window, other sensors may be located external to the motorized window and, in some cases, be far removed from the motorized window. For example, a smoke detector sensor located in one part of a building may be used to trigger operation of motorized windows in other parts of the building. In other cases, readings from multiple sensors located throughout a building may be used to influence operation of a motorized window or a group of motorized windows. In certain cases, data may be gathered from external sensors and wirelessly communicated to a motorized window or group of motorized windows.
One of the features of the preferred embodiment is that the processor is adapted to save enough battery charge for the operation of the motorized window to be able to work in an emergency situation. Certain emergency situations may be determined by the user, such as when an intruder is in the home and they desire an additional exit route. Another emergency scenario, though, is sensed and acted on automatically via certain sensors and controllers within the automated window. Users may choose what sensors they wish to have in their home. The processor within the solar power system always saves enough energy to open and close the motorized window one time, in case of such events. The minimum amount of energy required is to provide power to the actuator; one or more sensors, if present, each configured to generate signals related to a different environmental condition; and a controller adapted to receive the signals from the one or more sensors and operate the actuator to move the slidable window to an open or closed position as appropriate.
Outfitting motorized windows with such sensors may provide a large number of sensors at prime locations throughout a home or business, while at the same time eliminating or reducing the need to equip a home or business with separate independent sensors. In certain embodiments, alerts or notifications may be sent to a user or first responder when smoke, carbon monoxide, or other critical substances or gases have been detected.
The sensors listed above are only an example of the sensors that could be utilized by the user interface and cloud-based network of home automation devices to improve home security and safety. And the following is a non-limiting list of output devices, or devices that can be connected to the cloud-based network to provide a response to certain threats picked up by the sensors, other than the windows. Output devices may include, for example, LEDs, alarms, speakers, or devices to provide feedback to a user. Such output devices may be triggered, for example; when motion has been detected by an automated window or window covering (in embodiments where a motion sensor is incorporated into the window blind); when connectivity is enabled, disabled, or lost between the automated window or window covering and other devices; when the window or window covering has experienced an error or other fault condition; when the sensor has detected smoke, carbon monoxide, or other gases (in the event a smoke or gas detector is incorporated into the window or window covering); when a security event is detected, or the like. Such output devices may, in certain embodiments, be incorporated into a headrail of the window blind, a solar panel attached to the window, or the like.
Although particular reference has been made herein to motorized windows, automated window coverings, and actuators, various features and functions of the disclosed embodiments of the invention may equally apply to other associated systems such as automated shutters, curtains, shades, etc. The disclosed features and functions may also be applicable to other related systems. For example, different features and functions disclosed herein may be used to automatically raise and lower the slats of motorized windows, along with adjusting the tilt of the slats. Thus, where applicable, the disclosed features and functions may be used with other systems.
Additionally, repeated mention has been made of “home automation devices” and connected security systems for the home. Neither the invention nor its embodiments is limited, however, to usage in a residential setting. All of the described features of the invention and its embodiments are equally applicable in commercial and industrial settings.
The apparatus and methods disclosed herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from their spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
All patents and published patent applications referred to herein are incorporated herein by reference. The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. Nevertheless, it is understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention.
