System and method for controlling configuration of installed building structure coverings

Abstract

Systems and methods for configuring a user device to remotely control multiple building structure coverings are described. The user device receives multiple broadcast signals from multiple building structure coverings. Each individual broadcast signal is associated with an individual building structure covering and relays location information for the individual building structure covering. Each broadcast signal is also associated with an individual entry in a list of entries displayed on a user interface of the user device. Each entry includes: a representation of the building structure covering having a display position that matches the location information from the broadcast signal; and a location control for controlling the physical position of the associated building structure covering. When the user adjusts the position via the location control, an adjusted position instruction is sent to the associated building structure covering. When the user device observes the broadcast location data from the building structure covering, the display position of the representation on the UI is changed to reflect the change in the physical location of the building structure covering.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 900,028, filed on September 13, 2019, and entitled “Systems And Methods For Control Configuration For Installed Architectural Structural Coverings,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Background Art

[0003] Building structure coverings (such as blinds, shades, roller blinds, drapes) provide shade and privacy for buildings (such as office buildings, multi-unit dwellings, and houses). Some building structure coverings may be manually operable (e.g., by using lift chords), while other building structure coverings may be motorized (e.g., by electric motors). Motorized building structure coverings may be remotely operated by a user device (e.g., a remote control, a mobile device, a keyboard). However, it is often difficult to configure a user device for remote operation because it is difficult to determine which controls / buttons are initially connected to which building structure coverings. Typically, this process is accomplished by trial and error, i.e., by trying each control individually to see which building structure covering it activates. In buildings with multiple rooms and / or buildings with a large number of building structure coverings that need to be configured for remote control, it can be more difficult and time consuming to perform this process.

[0004] The aspects disclosed herein have been made with respect to these and other general considerations. Also, although relatively specific problems may be discussed, it should be understood that the examples should not be limited to solving specific problems identified in the background or elsewhere in this disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0005] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to setting / configuring a user interface of a user device to directly control a desired building structure covering and organize user interface controls as desired by the user. As an example, a user device provides a user interface (UI) to process operable controls and generate control instructions for coverings. The user device detects coverings in the vicinity based on a broadcast signal from each covering. The broadcast signal provides a live update (e.g., real-time information) that includes a covering ID and one or more location IDs synchronized with a user interface on the user device. The UI includes a representation of the covering having a position that matches the position of the actual covering to which it is paired. As the position of the actual covering changes, the position of the representation of the covering also changes in real time. Therefore, users and installers can easily identify the pairing of each specific covering with its representation on the user interface and set controls for multiple coverings of the user device to meet the needs of the user and installer. In various aspects, a combination control can be used to simultaneously change the position of multiple building coverings and the position of their associated representations in the UI to immediately identify and configure remote control of multiple building structure coverings. In this way, the user is able to more directly interact with and / or control the covering without having to move around the entire building to identify the control pairing between the user device and the covering. In various aspects, the user can then change the pairing so that a specific control is paired with a specific building structure covering as the user desires.

[0006] The present invention summary is provided to introduce a series of concepts in a simplified form, and this series of concepts will be further described in the following detailed description. The present invention summary is neither intended to identify the key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Additional aspects, features and / or advantages of each example will be partially set forth in the following description, and in part will be apparent from the description, or can be learned through the practice of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following figures.

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary building structure covering in an open and extended configuration.

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A block diagram of an exemplary building structure covering controller for a building structure covering is shown in FIG.

[0010] Figure 3 is an exemplary building structure covering system in a usage-based environment.

[0011] Figure 4An exemplary broadcast functionality according to an aspect of an exemplary building structure covering system is shown.

[0012] 5A and 5B are exemplary building structure covering systems in a setting based environment.

[0013] Fig. 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C is an exemplary building structure covering system in a setting-based environment.

[0014] Figure 7 is an exemplary building structure covering system in a setting-based environment.

[0015] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for configuring a user device to remotely control a plurality of installed building structure coverings.

[0016] Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for configuring a user device to remotely control a plurality of installed building structure coverings.

[0017] Fig.10 is a block diagram of an exemplary operating environment in which one or more of the examples of the present invention may be implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Building structure coverings are typically placed on building structures, such as but not limited to windows, doors, doorways, etc. The covering is remotely controlled by a user device, such as but not limited to a mobile computing device (e.g., a smart phone or remote control), a tablet computing device, a laptop computing device, or a desktop computing device, as well as other electronic devices. The user device provides a user interface (UI) for receiving operable control instructions from a user (e.g., extending or retracting and / or opening or closing the covering or blades within the covering), which causes the covering to be provided with movement control instructions and controls its movement. Buildings (e.g., houses, commercial buildings, offices, and other similar buildings or structures) typically have a large number of similar types of coverings placed in different areas. Therefore, it is difficult for users to set up and use remote control systems because identifying the location of a control pair between the UI and the covering may require moving back and forth between the area and the covering. Therefore, the systems and methods described herein involve providing a broadcast signal that matches the location of each covering with a representation of the covering associated with the user interface of the user device. The location information is updated in real time. The real-time updating of the position pairs between the actual overlay and the UI representation allows the user to easily identify which overlays match which UI representation. The user can then use this information to set up the user device by reorganizing the UI representation of the overlay to meet their needs. Therefore, the user is able to set up the user device more to enable it to directly interact with and / or control the overlay using previously unavailable technologies. Additionally, the entire system can be more efficient. More specifically, by improving the identification of position pairs caused by broadcasting location data and corresponding representations in real time on the UI, the trial and error of controlling a specific overlay via the user device is reduced. Therefore, the total amount of signaling between the overlay and the user device is reduced, and in turn, the overall power consumption is reduced. This power efficiency is particularly important in the case where the overlay and / or the user device is powered by a battery.

[0019] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary building structure covering 100 in an open and extended configuration. The building structure covering 100 includes a shade panel 102 configured to extend vertically between a roller assembly 104 and a bottom rail assembly 106. The shade panel 102 can generally be configured to be in a fully lowered or extended position relative to the roller assembly 104 (e.g., as shown in FIG. Figure 1108. Shield panel 102 is configured to be moved vertically 108 between a fully raised or retracted position (not shown) and a fully raised or retracted position (not shown). When building structure covering 100 is in its retracted position, shield panel 102 is configured to expose an adjacent building structure (e.g., a window), and when covering 100 is in its extended position, shield panel 102 is configured to cover the adjacent building structure. Additionally, covering 100 is configured to move shield panel 102 to any number of intermediate positions defined between the fully retracted position and the fully extended position such that shield panel 102 partially covers the adjacent building structure.

[0020] In this example, it should be understood that, as used herein, the term "vertical" describes the orientation or arrangement of the covering 100 in its extended position (e.g., closed) and such as when the covering 100 is installed for use relative to an adjacent building structure, as indicated by arrow 108. Similarly, the term "horizontal" generally describes a direction that is perpendicular to the vertical direction 108 and extends to the sides relative to the covering 100, as indicated by arrow 110. Additionally, the term "lateral" generally describes a direction that is perpendicular to both the vertical direction 108 and the horizontal direction 110 and extends forward and backward relative to the covering 100, as indicated by arrow 111. The various directional references used herein are intended only to provide context for the examples shown, and therefore should not be construed as otherwise limiting. For example, some building structure coverings 100 may have their shading panels 102 configured to extend and retract in a horizontal direction.

[0021] In some examples, the shield panel 102 includes a front panel 112 and a rear panel 114, wherein the front panel 112 and the rear panel 114 are configured to be in the vertical direction 108 and when the shield panel 102 is moved to its fully extended position ( Figure 1 100). Generally, the panels 112, 114 may be formed of any material suitable for use in the disclosed covering 100, such as textiles, woven fabrics and / or nonwoven fabrics, etc. However, in some examples, one or both of the panels 112, 114 are formed of transparent fabrics or other suitable materials that allow at least a portion of the light irradiated to the shading panel 102 to be transmitted from one panel to another. Additionally, it should be understood that the front panel 112 and the rear panel 114 can generally be sized as needed or desired to be used relative to any suitable architectural structure. For example, the panels 112, 114 define a vertical height 116 and / or a horizontal width 118 sufficient to cover a window or other architectural structure. In one example, the front panel 112 and the rear panel 114 may define substantially the same height 116 and / or width 118, so that when the shading panel 102 is in its fully extended position, the panels 112, 114 extend substantially simultaneously.

[0022] The shielding panel 102 also includes a plurality of light shielding members or blades 120 extending between the front panel 112 and the rear panel 114, wherein the blades 120 are vertically spaced apart from each other along the vertical height 116 of the shielding panel 102. In some examples, each blade 120 is configured to extend in the entire depth or lateral direction 111 between the front panel 112 and the rear panel 114. For example, each blade 120 includes a front edge coupled to the front panel 112 and a rear edge coupled to the rear panel 114 using any suitable means (such as stitching, adhesion, adhesive, mechanical fasteners, etc.). Additionally, similar to the panels 112, 114, the blades 120 are formed of any material suitable for use in the disclosed cover 100, such as textiles, woven fabrics and / or nonwoven fabrics, etc. However, in some examples, the blades 120 are formed of the materials used to form the front panel 112 and the rear panel 114. For example, each blade 120 is formed of a light shielding or opaque material or a translucent material.

[0023] In operation, when the shade panel 102 is positioned in its fully extended (eg, closed) position ( Figure 1 108 ), the relative positions of the front and rear panels 112, 114 can be adjusted such that the blades 120 are tilted as needed or desired to control the amount of light passing through the shielding panel 102 (and to allow viewing through the shielding panel). In some examples, the shielding panel 102 is configured such that when the front and rear panels 112, 114 are vertically moved 108 relative to each other (e.g., when the rear panel 114 is raised while the front panel 112 is simultaneously lowered, or when the rear panel 114 is lowered while the front panel 112 is simultaneously raised), the orientation or tilt angle of the blades 120 defined between the front and rear panels is adjusted. For example, and as Figure 1 As shown, the blades 120 are moved to a substantially horizontal position between the panels 112, 114, such that a vertical light gap 124 is defined between each pair of adjacent blades 120, and the blades 120 are in a fully open configuration. In this "open" position, light can pass directly through the light gap 124 defined between the blades 120. Optionally, the blades 120 are tilted to an at least partially overlapping, substantially vertical position (not shown) between the panels 112, 114, such that the blades 120 are in a fully closed configuration (not shown). In this closed position, the overlapping blades 120 are used to prevent all or part of the light that impinges on the shielding panel 102 from passing therethrough.

[0024] Additionally, the blades 120 may be tilted to any number of intermediate tilted positions defined between the fully open position and the fully closed position. The orientation of the blades 120 between and including the fully open position and the fully closed position may also be referred to as a through-viewing position. It should be appreciated that in one example, the blades 120 are spaced apart from each other and / or dimensioned so that when moved to the open position, the blades 120 are oriented substantially horizontally 110 between the vertically suspended panels 112, 114, and when moved to the closed position, the shielding panel 102 has a collapsed configuration in which both the blades 120 and the panels 112, 114 are suspended in a substantially vertical 108 direction.

[0025] The roller assembly 104 of the building structure covering 100 includes an operating mechanism 126 that is configured to support the shade panel 102 and control the extension and retraction of the shade panel 102 between its fully extended position and its fully retracted position. In addition, the operating mechanism 126 controls the tilting of the blades 120 between its fully open position and its fully closed position. In some examples, the operating mechanism 126 is covered by a valance or other suitable covering. For example, as Figure 1 As shown, the roller assembly 104 includes a head rail or cover 132 and corresponding end caps 132a, 132b that are configured to at least partially surround the operating mechanism 126. In addition, various other components of the roller assembly 104 may also be configured to be housed within the head rail 132 as needed or desired. In this example, the operating mechanism 126 includes a single component (e.g., a motor 128 and a controller 130) that drives the extension and retraction movement of the shading panel 102 and the opening and closing movement of the blades 120. In other examples, the operating mechanism 126 may have separate components to drive the extension and retraction movement and the opening and closing movement, respectively. The building structure covering 100 may also include a separate rear panel 1100, such as a blackout shade, whose extension (closed) / retraction (open) position is controlled separately from the covering 100. As shown in FIG. Figure 1 , the shade 1100 is shown in a partially retracted position. The roller assembly 104 of the building structure covering 100 includes a lift assembly 1102 configured to control extension and retraction of the shade 1100 between its extended and retracted positions.

[0026] It should be understood that Figure 1An example of a building structure covering 100 is shown and described in the accompanying drawings. However, the building structure covering 100 may be any type of covering that at least partially covers a building element (such as a window, door, opening, wall, etc.). In one example, the building structure covering 100 may be a transparent covering. In one aspect, the shielding panel has transparent front and rear panels that extend and retract, and a plurality of shading blades extending between the panels, the shading blades tilting to open and close the covering. In another aspect, the shielding panel has a single transparent panel that extends and retracts, and a plurality of shading blades attached to the transparent panel, the shading blades opening and closing by sliding one end of the blade relative to the panel. In yet another aspect, the shielding panel has a single transparent panel that extends and retracts, and a plurality of shading blades that extend substantially vertically and rotate to open and close.

[0027] In another example, building structure covering 100 can be a honeycomb covering. In one aspect, the shielding panels have front and back panels connected to each other in a honeycomb pattern (e.g., a honeycomb pattern, a Roman pattern, etc.) and extend and retract in an accordion-like motion. This type of honeycomb pattern forms an insulating layer (e.g., air) within the covering.

[0028] In yet another example, the building structure covering 100 can be a Roman covering. In one aspect, the shielding panel has a single panel with multiple fabric pleats that extend and retract via a rolling motion (e.g., rolling pleats) or a stacking motion (e.g., stacking pleats). In another aspect, the shielding panel has front and rear panels that are connected in a honeycomb pattern and extend and retract as described above. The panels include excess fabric to create Roman pleats when the covering is retracted, and are not necessarily configured to move in an open and closed direction.

[0029] In yet another example, the building structure covering 100 may be a roller covering. On the one hand, the shielding panel has a front panel and a rear panel connected in a honeycomb pattern as described above, but the front panel and the rear panel extend and retract via a rolling motion. On the other hand, the shielding panel has a single panel that extends and retracts in a rolling motion. As needed or desired, a single panel of this type can be completely or partially shading, and is not necessarily configured to move in an open and closed direction. In other examples, the single panel may be a UV-blocking blind. On the other hand, the shielding panel has a front panel and a rear panel, each of which has alternating transparent bands and light-blocking bands. In this example, the shielding panel extends and retracts by a rolling motion, and is also opened and closed by moving the panels relative to each other.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, the building structure covering 100 may be a roll-up type covering. In one aspect, the shade panel has a plurality of shade blades that tilt to open and close the covering and are not necessarily configured to move in an extension and retraction direction. The building structure covering 100 may be a slatted covering. In one aspect, the shade panel has a plurality of shade blades (e.g., slats) that move relative to each other to extend and retract the covering and tilt to open and close the covering. The building structure covering 100 may also be a vertical type covering. In one aspect, the shade panel has a plurality of shade blades (e.g., panels or louvers) that move relative to each other in a horizontal direction to extend and retract the covering and rotate to open and close the covering. In general, the building structure covering 100 may be any type of covering that enables extension and retraction and / or opening and closing as described herein.

[0031] In this example, the operating mechanism 126 is electronic and motorized so that the building structure covering 100 can be remotely operated as needed or desired. The controller 130 of the operating mechanism 126 includes one or more printed circuit boards 136 for operably controlling the movement of the shade panels 102 via the motor 128. The circuit boards 136 electronically communicate with the motor 128 that drives the movement of the shade panels 102 via wired or wireless communication, and include electrical components for operating the building structure covering 100 (e.g., a building structure covering controller, such as Figure 2 The circuit board 136 and / or motor 128 may be powered by a combination of internal and / or external power wiring connections, batteries, fuel cells, solar panels, wind turbines, and / or any other power source as needed or desired. The circuit board 136 includes one or more sensors 138 to determine the position of the operating mechanism 126 and, thereby, the position of the shade panel 102 (e.g., extended / retracted and / or open / closed position). Additionally, the circuit board 136 includes a communication device 140, such as a transmitter, receiver, transceiver, and / or other interface, to facilitate communication with a remote device (e.g., Figure 3 and Figure 4 data exchange with the user device 212).

[0032] In operation, the building structure covering 100 receives operational instructions from a remote device and processes and responds to the received instructions accordingly. For example, the user device may control the operating mechanism 126 ( Figure 1100) to extend or retract and / or open or close the shade panel 102 and controls the movement of the lifting assembly 152 to extend or retract the shade panel 152. In addition, the building structure covering 100 generates a broadcast signal for reception by a user device so that the user device can determine the type, proximity, identification, location, etc. of the covering 100, as further described herein.

[0033] Figure 2 It is a building structure covering 100( Figure 1 ) is a block diagram of an exemplary building structure covering controller 142. In the example described below, in conjunction with the operating mechanism 126 ( Figure 1 100) is used to describe the building structure covering controller 142, however, it should be understood that the controller 142 can be used to control any other components of the building structure covering 100 as needed or desired. In some aspects, the building structure covering controller 142 is on the circuit board 136 ( Figure 1 ) is implemented as shown in FIG.

[0034] In this example, the building structure covering controller 142 includes a motor controller 144 that controls one or more motors 128 of the assembly based on one or more commands. For example, the motor controller 144 controls the rotation direction of the output shaft of the motor 128, the speed of the output shaft, and / or other operations of the motor to extend and retract and open and close the shade panel 102 ( Figure 1 ).

[0035] The building structure covering controller 142 also includes a position sensor interface 148 that receives signals from the position sensor 138. The position sensor 138 includes, for example, a magnetic encoder, a rotary encoder, a gravity sensor, etc. The position sensor 138 is used to count pulses or rotations of the motor 128 when the covering is driven to move (e.g., by a rotating member or any other driving member) to track the rotation of the rotating element (e.g., the output shaft, the roller assembly 104 ( Figure 1 The position sensor interface 148 processes the signal from the position sensor 138, and the position determiner 150 determines the position of the building structure covering 100 ( Figure 1 ) position as shown in FIG.

[0036] The action determiner 152 is used to determine which action (if any) will be performed by the motor 128 based on input information from the communication device 140 (e.g., receiving an actionable instruction from a remote device) and / or the position determiner 150. In an example, the communication device is operable to communicate with the remote device via a number of different networks or protocols (such as via Wi-Fi, a cellular data network, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, etc.). For example, if an actionable signal is received by the communication device 140 to open the cover, the action determiner 152 sends a signal to the motor controller 144 to activate the motor 128 in the opening direction. Similarly, if an actionable signal is received by the communication device 140 to close the cover, the action determiner 152 sends a signal to the motor controller 144 to activate the motor 128 in the closing direction. In another example, if an actionable signal is received by the communication device 140 to extend the cover, the action determiner 152 sends a signal to the motor controller 144 to activate the motor 128 in the extension direction. Similarly, if an operational signal is received by the communication device 140 to retract the cover, the action determiner 152 sends a signal to the motor controller 144 to activate the motor 128 in the retract direction. Based on the received operational control signal, the action determiner 152 and the position determiner 150 can selectively use the motor controller 144 to command the motor 128 in one direction or the other so that the cover moves as needed or desired.

[0037] The data storage 154 (e.g., memory) of the building structure covering controller 142 is used to store data as needed or desired. For example, the data storage 154 includes information sent in a broadcast signal from the covering, such as covering information data, building identification number, and / or power transmission data, as described below with reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4 Further described.

[0038] Figure 3An exemplary building structure covering system 300 is shown. In this example, the system 300 includes a building structure 301 divided into four building areas 320, 330, 356, 370, each of which includes one or more windows or doors, wherein there is one or more building structure coverings on each window or door. For example, the first building area 320 includes a window 322 with a first covering 324, the second building area 330 includes a door 332 with a second covering 336, a window 338 with a third covering 344, a window 346 with a fourth covering 350, and a window 352 with a fifth covering 356, the third building area 356 includes a window 358 with a sixth covering 363 and a window 364 with a seventh covering 362, and the nth building area 370 includes a window 372 with an nth covering 378. It should be understood that although only eight coverings are shown and described, the building 301 can have any number of coverings as needed or desired.

[0039] The user device 312 is communicatively coupled to each of the building structure coverings 324, 336, 344, 350, 356, 362, 363, and 378 and can be used to provide operational instructions thereto. The coverings 324, 336, 344, 350, 356, 362, 363, and 378 can receive instructions from the user device 312 and process and respond to the received instructions accordingly. For example, the instructions include extending or retracting and / or opening or closing the covering. In one example, the user device 312 can be a mobile computing device, a tablet computing device, a laptop computing device, or a desktop computing device, as well as other electronic devices including remote control devices. The user device 312 and the coverings 324, 336, 344, 350, 356, 362, 363, and 378 can communicate using any of a variety of mechanisms, including but not limited to infrared or other optical communications, radio or wireless communications (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.), or wired communications.

[0040] Building areas 320, 330, 356, 370 may be rooms (e.g., one or more bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining room, etc.), offices, or any other division or selection of building structure 402 as needed or desired. Since coverings 324, 336, 344, 350, 356, 362, 363, and 378 are remotely operable via user device 312, a user may attempt to operate a particular covering in a particular area (e.g., second covering 336 in second area 330), but end up operating another covering in a different area (e.g., first covering area 324 in second area 320). This may frustrate the user because the user will then need to move around building 301 in order to find the control pairing for each of the building structure coverings 324, 336, 344, 350, 356, 362, 363, and 378.

[0041] Each of the building structure coverings 324, 336, 344, 350, 356, 362, 363, and 378 is configured to transmit broadcast signals 326, 334, 340, 348, 354, 360, 361, and 371 that are received by user device 312, such as at Figure 4 The broadcast signal may also include information about the power / strength of the signal. For example, the first cover 324 and the nth cover 378 are positioned more toward the outside of the building 301, and thus the transmitted broadcast signals 326, 374 may have their transmission power increased so that the signal can be transmitted and received throughout the building 301.

[0042] In one example, the user device 312 may locally store a database containing types and models of coverings (e.g., Fig.10 306) and uses the information data provided by signals 326, 334, 340, 348, 354, 360, 361, and 371 to pull and display the name of the overlay within the UI on the user device 312. The display names can be system generated or user generated. If they are system generated, they can be changed by the user. The user device 312 can also connect to the local server 304 and / or the remote server 308 to send and receive information to the database and / or UI. For example, the remote server 306 can be operated by the overlay manufacturer. In another example, the user device 312 can be used to push updates to the overlays 324, 336, 344, 350, 356, 362, 363, and 378 via the local gateway server 304 and / or the remote server 308 as needed or desired.

[0043] Figure 4Broadcast signals 410, 420, 430, and 440 for each of the overlays 404, 414, 424, and 434, respectively, are shown according to the exemplary system 400. Generally, a broadcast signal represents a signal transmitted at a predetermined interval (or rate), which is independent of a request from a remote device for data that the broadcast signal may indicate and does not need to be specifically transmitted to a specific remote device. For example, in a context of packet-based transmission rather than using unicast transmission, a broadcast signal may be broadcast as one or more packets. Broadcasting of packets includes transmitting packets from a single source to all possible final destinations within a network (e.g., a WiFi network, a Bluetooth network, a Bluetooth low energy network, etc.). In contrast, unicasting of packets includes transmitting packets from a single source to a single destination. Broadcast signal 426 may be transmitted (e.g., broadcast) as packets sent at predetermined time intervals (e.g., between about four and twelve transmissions per second). In this example, broadcast signals 410, 420, 430, and 440 include headers and information data of the overlay. For example, the information data may include the name or type of the overlay. In one example, the name or type of the overlay may be an eight-digit code that includes the overlay type (e.g., Silhouette TM SIL, Pirouette TM The information data may include a PIR of a user device 412, a corresponding serial number or a portion thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the information data may include a model identification number. The model identification number allows further characteristics of the type of covering to be determined, such as, but not limited to, horizontal covering, vertical covering, tilt function, blade position, opacity control, left and right extension / retraction, etc. In general, the information data enables the user device 412 to determine the type and / or model of the covering and display the information to the user on the UI.

[0044] The broadcast signal 426 also includes information for identifying each unique covering in the building, such as a building or house identification number (e.g., a house identifier (ID)) and a covering identification number (e.g., a covering ID). The house ID can be a unique ID or hash code associated with the building structure 402 so that the coverings 404-410 can be associated with the building. This prevents coverings from adjacent building structures (e.g., a neighbor's house) from being included in the list 422 on the user device 412. The house identification number can also be used for security within the system 400 as needed or desired. The covering identification number allows each covering to be uniquely identified within the building 401.

[0045] Additionally, the broadcast signal also includes location information of each cover to identify each possible location of each cover in real time. Figure 1The covering 100 in includes three types of position information, which include the extended / retracted position of the shading panel 102, the tilted position of the blades 120, and the extended / retracted position of the shading panel 150. Although three types of position information are discussed, any number and type of position information is sent in the broadcast signals 410, 420, 430, and 440. As another example, coverings 404, 414, 424, and 434 have two types of position information. The first position identifier is the extension / retraction of the shading panel. The second position identifier is the tilt angle of the blades within the shading panel. The position information is reported to the user device 440 as a percentage of light transmission. For example, the position 1 identifier of the covering 404 is 100% because the covering panel is transmitting 100% of the possible light through the window 405. The position 2 identifier of the blind 404 is 100% because the blades are perpendicular to the covering panel and then allow 100% of the available light to pass through that portion of the covering. As another example, the position 1 identifier of the blind 414 is 66% because the covering panel is retracted 66% and thereby allows 66% of the available light to pass through the door 415. The position 2 identifier of the covering 414 is 100% because the blades are tilted at 410 degrees and thereby allow 100% of the light to pass through that portion of the covering. The position information in the broadcast signal is updated in real time so that whenever any position information of any covering changes, the information of the change is sent out in the next broadcast packet. In this example, the covering may store logic for transforming between the extended / retracted position of the shading panel, the tilted position of the blades, and the extended / retracted position of the shading panel and the light transmittance percentage. For example, the logic may include a function that correlates the position data with the light transmittance. The logic may also include or optionally include a table that stores such a correlation. In this way, the covering may report position data or light transmittance percentage. The covering may also receive instructions to move to a certain position, wherein the instructions may include position data or light transmittance percentage. In the latter case, the light transmission percentage is input to the logic to determine specific position data as an output of the logic and control the movement of the shade panels, vanes and / or shading panels. Although up to three types of position information are discussed, it should be understood that any number of position information is collected and included in the broadcast signals 410, 420, 430, 440. In addition, although the position information is transmitted as a light transmission percentage, the position information can be recorded in any number of ways, including, for example, length, degree, etc.

[0046] The broadcast signal may also include a media access control (MAC) address, battery strength (eg, battery charge), and such additional information that may help identify each overlay 404 , 414 , 424 , and 434 .

[0047] The user device 412 may selectively scan the broadcast signal 426 (e.g., when opening a UI application) and receive broadcast signals 410, 420, 430, 440 from each of the building structure coverings 404, 414, 424, and 434. The user device 440 may then determine the location of each of the coverings from which it receives the signal. The user device may then create a representation of each covering and its location in real time in the user interface, the representation having location information that matches the location of the actual covering. As the location information of the covering changes, the location information in the broadcast signal also changes accordingly, causing the user device to display a representation of the covering in real time in the user interface of the user device using the changed information. In this way, the location information of the actual covering matches the location information of the representation of the covering on the user interface, thereby helping the user identify which coverings match which UI representations, as discussed in more detail in the following figures.

[0048] The user device may also determine the signal strength of the broadcast signals 410, 420, 430, 440 for each of the coverings 404, 414, 424, 434 in order to determine the proximity to the covering. For each broadcast signal, the user device 440 measures the power present in the received signal to generate a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value. The RSSI values ​​are then smoothed to obtain a relative proximity value to other building structure coverings.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B , the user device 528 is in a setup mode to configure a UI for an unassociated covering in a building 500. The building 500 has four areas 502, 504, 506, and 508, and there are eight coverings 510 to 524. The setup configuration may be used when a user or installer initially configures the user device 528 for operable control of the building structure coverings 510 to 524 and for further use. Once the user device 528 determines the signal strength of each of the broadcast signals from the coverings 510 to 524, the user device 528 may then configure the UI based on the signal (such as the signal strength of the signal). Figure 4 524) to generate an ordered list 541 of entries 542-556 corresponding to overlays 510-524 on UI 532 based on the signal strength of broadcast signals 444 and 448 in the broadcast or advertisement grouping. Ordered list 541 can then be at least partially displayed on UI 523 of user device 528. In some aspects, user device 528 limits the ordered list to those overlays that include the same premises ID within the broadcast or advertisement grouping, and excludes any overlays with premises IDs that do not match other premises IDs.

[0050] The UI has standard controls such as back control 536, undo control 533, and "Next" control 534 (discussed later). If all coverings in the building do not fit in UI 532, scroll control 582 allows the user to scroll down to view all coverings that have been detected by user device 528. For example, entry 556 is only partially displayed, but can be fully displayed by selecting scroll control 582.

[0051] The setup UI 532 includes options for assigning certain overlays to certain zones. For example, the UI 532 displays an option 538 to select an overlay for Zone 1, which includes a free next field to allow the user to name Zone 1 as he or she chooses. For example, the user can change "[Zone 1]" to "Family Room" or any other description of the user's choice.

[0052] Each entry 542 to 546 in list 541 includes a selection control 558, an identifier 560, an optional jog control 562, and a representation 564 of its associated covering. The identifier 560 includes the covering name and / or the covering type (e.g., blinds, shades, roller blinds). The [Name] field in identifier 560 can be a free text box that allows the user to give a name (e.g., Living Room 1) and can be automatically populated using the area name plus indexing. Optionally, the name field includes a selection control that allows the user to select a number to identify the area and / or a number to identify the covering. The positions of the covering representations 564 to 580 match the actual positions of the coverings 510 to 524 with which they are associated.

[0053] The type of covering of each representation 564-580 in UI 532 matches the actual covering it is associated with. For example, covering 524 is a light blocking shade and its representation 580 is also a light blocking shade. Covering 522 is a bottom-up shade and is represented as such in entry 554. Similarly, the position of each covering is updated in real time in the representations 564-580 on the UI 532 of the user device 528 so that they are always the same as shown by comparing the coverings 510-524 with the representations 564-580. In this way, it is easier and faster for the user and / or installer to configure the user device 528 to remotely operate the coverings 510-524. For example, coverings 518, 520 are associated with Figure 1 50. The representations 572, 574 of the coverings match their type. In addition, the positions of the coverings 518, 520 are 100% extended / retracted, and the blades are 100%. The representations 572, 574 of the coverings match their type.

[0054] Ordered list 543 may be sorted by the proximity (e.g., distance) of each overlay to user device 528, and include a name 560 and / or type of each of the overlays grouped therein. For example, since user device 528 is located in region 502, it may be represented at the beginning of the ordered list by overlays 510 to 514 in that region. Overlay 522 in region 506 is farthest from user device 528, so it is located last on list 543. However, it is still difficult to determine which list entry 542 to 548 corresponds to which overlay 510 to 514. This is especially true if all overlays are retracted as shown in region 502.

[0055] One way to determine which overlay matches which UI overlay representation is to select a jog control 562, which causes the overlay 510 to extend / retract in a cycle, as shown by arrows 511 in FIG. 5A. The cyclic movement of the actual position of the overlay 510 causes its representation 564 to also extend / retract in the same manner as the overlay 510 by using the advertisement packets sent in real time, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 In this way, the user will be able to see that overlay 510 matches entry 542 because both move in the same way at the same time. In fact, the actual position of overlay 510 and representation 564 will be the same during the jog, so that when overlay 510 is at 100%, so is representation 564. When overlay 510 is at 100%, so is representation 546. In addition, representation 564 will move in the same way and at the same time as overlay 510. This is achieved by broadcasting information about the Figure 4 Once the user or installer understands that overlay 510 matches representation 564, and therefore entry 542, the user / installer can select a name for overlay 510, such as the number 2. These operations are repeated for entries 544, 546, and 548, where the user can choose to name the overlays 1 to 4 from left to right on the bottom row and then from left to right on the top row.

[0056] Once the user has determined that the overlays 510-514 are in the zone 502 and named the [zone] field 538, the user may select the selection control 558 for the entries 542-548 to assign the overlays 510-516 to the zone 502 on the UI 532. The user may then select the "next" control 534 to repeat the process for each zone in the building 500. Thereafter, the user may remotely control the overlays 510-516 using the overlay names and zone names created through the setup UI 532.

[0057] Fig. 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6CAn alternative setup user interface 620 for a user device 625 is shown to configure the UI 620 for unassociated coverings in a building 600. The building 600 has four coverings 602, 604, 606, 608. The setup configuration may be used when a user or installer initially configures the user device 625 for operable control of the building structure coverings 602, 604, 606, 608 and further use. Once the user device 625 determines the signal strength of each of the broadcast signals from the coverings 602, 604, 606, 608, the user device 625 generates an ordered list 625 of entries 625, 627, 629, 631 corresponding to the coverings 602, 604, 606, 608 on the UI 620.

[0058] The UI 620 may have different menu options 622, such as a "Rooms" menu that allows the user to select a room and control the overlay in the selected room (once the overlay has been configured), a "Scene" menu that allows the user to program different behavior modes for each of the configured overlays (such as "Morning", "Evening", "Movie Time", etc.), and a "Schedules" menu that allows the user to configure a schedule for each of the configured overlays.

[0059] The setup UI 620 includes options for assigning certain overlays to certain areas. For example, the UI 620 displays an option 624 to configure an overlay for a first area (such as a living room), which includes a free next field to allow the user to name the area (e.g., living room) as he or she chooses. The UI 620 may be accessed from the "Next" control 534 in FIG. 5B , or may be accessed directly from the "Set up" menu option 622 or from another UI menu, control, or window.

[0060] UI 620 includes an ordered list of UI overlay names 610, 612, 614, 616, which may be identified by numbers in ascending order (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4), or include a text field that allows the user to name the overlay as he or she desires. Below each overlay ID 626, 628, 630, 632 is an overlay entry 625, 627, 629, 631 that is currently associated with the UI overlay name. These associations may change, as described in more detail below.

[0061] Each entry 625, 627, 629, 631 includes a position control for each changeable position of each overlay. The position control can be any type of UI control, such as a slider ( Fig. 6A), a free text box for entering a position value, a scroll control, etc. For example, overlays 602, 604, 606, 608 have two position controls, namely, overlay extension / retraction controls 628, 632, 636, and 640 and blade controls 630, 634, 638, 644. Sliding the control to the right causes the position to transmit more light, and sliding the control to the left causes the position to transmit less light. Fig. 6A As shown, for all overlays 602, 604, 606, 608, the position of the extend / retract control is at 0% (e.g., closed, or transmitting the least amount of light), and for all overlays 602, 604, 606, 608, the position of the blade control is at 100% (e.g., open, or transmitting the most amount of light). Each entry 625, 627, 629, 631 also includes a representation 633, 635, 637, 639 of its associated overlay 602, 604, 606, 608. The position of the overlay representation 633, 635, 637, 639 matches the actual position of its associated overlay 602, 604, 606, 608. These position controls use reference Figure 4 A broadcast method is described for performing live (eg, real-time) updates.

[0062] However, since all four overlays 602, 604, 606, 608 are located in the same position, it is difficult to determine which overlay matches which entry 625, 627, 629, 631. One way to determine which overlay matches which UI overlay representation is to select the cascade control 650, which causes each of the overlays 602, 604, 606, 608 represented in the UI 620 to be changed to a different position, such as Figure 6B As shown in .

[0063] Figure 6B Shows the selection Fig. 6AResult of the cascading control 650 in . Instead of all covers 602, 604, 606, 608 and their representations 633, 635, 637, 639 having a 0% extended / retracted position and a 100% blade position, the extended / retracted position and blade position of all covers and their representations are now different. Cover 602 has a 0% extended / retracted position and a 100% blade position. UI 620 shows that representation 635 of entry 627 matches this position information. From this, the user / installer can determine that cover 602 matches or corresponds to entry 627. Similarly, cover 604 has a 20% extended / retracted position and a 100% blade position. UI 620 shows that representation 633 of entry 625 matches this position information. From this, the user / installer can determine that cover 604 matches or corresponds to entry 625. Cover 606 has a 70% extended / retracted position and a 100% blade position. UI 620 shows that representation 637 of item 629 matches the position information. Thus, the user / installer can determine that cover 606 matches or corresponds to item 629. Cover 608 has a 0% extended / retracted position and a 100% blade position. UI 620 shows that representation 639 of item 631 matches the position information. Thus, the user / installer can determine that cover 608 matches or corresponds to item 631.

[0064] The user can change the order of the items to be arranged as he or she desires by dragging and dropping the items 625, 627, 629, and 631 to connect to the UI overlay names 610, 612, 614, 616. For example, the user may wish to sort the overlays from left / bottom to top / right configuration or any other order the user desires. Once the user has rearranged the pairing of overlay names and items, the user can store this information in the user device 625 by selecting the save control 652.

[0065] Thus, the systems and methods described herein are used to determine the proximity (e.g., distance) of each of the building structure coverings 404-410 to the user device 412. This enables the device 412 to generate an ordered list 422 of coverings and display the list 422 on a display screen 444 with a user interface (UI) so that the user can quickly and easily select a nearby covering for operable control.

[0066] Figure 6CThe result of a user rearranging the association of overlay names with overlay entries in UI 620 to follow a lower right to left, then upper right to left order is shown. Overlay 602 is now identified as Overlay 1 610 (instead of Overlay 2 612), overlay 604 is identified as Overlay 2 612 (instead of Overlay 1 610), overlay 608 is identified as Overlay 3 614 (instead of Overlay 4 616), and overlay 606 is identified as Overlay 4 616 (instead of Overlay 3 614).

[0067] The user / installer can test configuration settings by manipulating the position controls, such as Figure 6C Moving the position control in UI 620 causes the associated overlays 602, 604, 606, 608 to move in real time to match their associated representations 633, 635, 637, 639 as changed by the user's manipulation of the associated position control.

[0068] For overlay 1 610, the position 1 control moves from 20% to 100%, and the position 2 control moves from 100% to 0%. Overlay 602 and its representation 633 move in real time to match the position selected on UI 620. Based on this information, the user can confirm that overlay 1 610 matches overlay 602. For overlay 2 612, the position 1 control does not change, but the position 2 control moves from 100% to 80%. Overlay 604 and its representation 635 move in real time to match the position selected on UI 620. Based on this information, the user can confirm that overlay name 1 612 matches overlay 604. For overlay 3 614, the position 1 control moves from 0% to 100%, and the position 2 control moves from 100% to 0%. Overlay 608 and its representation 635 move in real time to match the position selected on UI 620. Based on this information, the user can confirm that overlay name 3 614 matches overlay 608. For overlay 4 616, the position 1 control moves from 70% to 0%, and the position 2 control does not change. Overlay 606 and its representation 635 move in real time to match the position selected on UI 620. Based on this information, the user can confirm that overlay name 4 614 matches overlay 606. In this way, the real-time nature of the position of the overlay and the position of the UI representation of the overlay makes it easier and faster for the user and / or installer to set up the remote operation configuration of overlays 602, 604, 606, and 608.

[0069] Figure 7An alternative setup user interface 720 for a user device 725 is shown to configure the UI 720 for unassociated coverings in a building 700. The building 700 has four coverings 702, 704, 706, 708. The setup configuration may be used when a user or installer initially configures the user device 725 for operable control of the building structure coverings 702, 704, 706, 708 and for further use. The user device 728 generates a list of entries 718, 720, 722, 724 corresponding to the coverings 702, 704, 706, 708 on the UI 720.

[0070] UI 720 includes a list of UI overlay names 710, 712, 714, 716, which are identified by numbers in ascending order (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4), or include text fields that allow the user to name the overlay as he or she wishes. Below each overlay name is an overlay entry 718, 720, 722, 724 that is currently associated with the UI overlay name. These associations can be changed, as described above in Fig. 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 6C Described in detail in .

[0071] Each entry 718, 720, 722, 724 includes a position control for each changeable position of each overlay. The position control can be any type of UI control, such as a slider ( Fig. 6A ), a free text box for entering position values ​​( Figure 7 ), scroll controls, etc. For example, covers 702, 704, 706, 708 have three position controls, namely, a cover extension / retraction control (labeled as "SHADE" in entries 718, 720, 722, 724), a blade control (labeled as "VANES" in entries 718, 720, 722, 724), and a shield panel control (labeled as "BLACKOUT" in entries 718, 720, 722, 724). The user can enter a numerical value into the text boxes associated with these three types of controls. On the one hand, the user can enter a numeric percentage to represent the amount of light that will be transmitted for each position control. Other options are possible.

[0072] Each entry 718, 720, 722, 724 also includes a representation 726, 728, 730, 732 of its associated overlay 702, 704, 706, 708. The position of the overlay representation 726, 728, 730, 732 matches the actual position of its associated overlay 702, 704, 706, 708. These position controls use reference Figure 4A broadcast method is described for performing live (eg, real-time) updates.

[0073] UI 720 also includes selection controls 734, 736, 738, 740 for each of entries 718, 720, 722, 724, as well as a cascade control 750, a jog control 752, and a save control 754, which are shown in FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, Fig. 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C The selection controls 734, 736, 738, 740 may be used in conjunction with the cascade control 750 and / or the jog control 752 to cause the positions of less than all of the overlay items shown in the UI 720 to cascade or jog. Figure 7 The result of a user selecting items 718 and 720 and then selecting cascading control 750 is shown. This allows the user to determine that overlay 706 is associated with item 718 because the position changes on both the overlay 706 and the representation 726 of item 718 at the same time and ultimately reaches the same position, i.e., where the "Obscuration" position is at 100%, the "Blades" position is at 0%, and the opacity control position is at 100%. Similarly, the user can determine that overlay 704 is associated with item 720 because the position changes on both the overlay 704 and the representation 728 of item 720 at the same time and ultimately reaches the same position, i.e., where the "Obscuration" position is at 0%, the "Blades" position is at 100%, and the "Light Blocking" position is at 100%.

[0074] In the above figures, inching and cascade motion are described. Other motion types, including cyclic and non-cyclic motions, may be defined and used in the same manner. Generally, a covering may receive one or more instructions indicating the motion of the covering from a device. Via one or more motors, or other controls of the covering, motion may be caused and executed. When executing motion, the covering determines new position data and transmits a broadcast signal with new position data. Then, the device receives the broadcast signal, determines new position data, and updates the representation of the covering to reflect the new position data. The covering may store logic that transforms between motion and position data. For motions including multiple points, the logic may define the position data of each point, as well as the timing and / or speed of motion between paired points. For example, the logic may include a table that is associated with an identifier of motion and lists different positions, timings, and / or speeds. The instructions received from the device may include an identifier of motion. The covering inputs the identifier into the logic and determines the position data as the output of the logic (e.g., using the identifier of motion in a lookup table of a table). The position data is then used to control the motion of the shielding panel, blades, and / or light-blocking panels of the covering.

[0075] Figure 88 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 800 for configuring a user interface for remotely controlling a plurality of building structure coverings. The method 300 is performed by a user device, such as the user device 312 ( Figure 3 )、440( Figure 4 )、528(Figure 5)、625( FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C )、725( Figure 7 )、1000( Fig.10 ). Method 300 begins at operations 801 and 808, where broadcast signals 1a 802, 1b 804, 1c 806 are transmitted from building structure covering 1 801, and broadcast signals 2a 810, 2b 811, and 2c 812 are transmitted from building structure covering 2 808. The broadcast signals are transmitted at predetermined time intervals as indicated by ellipses 807, 813 and include information data, location data, power transmission data, and / or a house identification of the corresponding building structure covering as described herein, particularly with reference to Figure 4 As explained herein above, the position data may include the actual position of the panels and / or blades of the covering. Additionally or alternatively, the position data may include a light transmittance percentage, in which case the actual position may be transformed into a light transmittance percentage by the covering.

[0076] Proceeding to operation 814, a broadcast signal from overlays 1 801 and 2 808 is received at a user device 804. At operation 816, based on the overlay ID sent as part of a broadcast packet sent with the broadcast signal as described herein, the user device associates each broadcast signal 1a to 1c and 2a to 2c with an entry in a list of entries (such as the entries shown herein). At operation 818, the broadcast signal associated with overlay 1 is inserted into entry 1. At operation 820, the broadcast signal associated with overlay 2 is inserted into entry 2. More specifically, the position information sent as part of each broadcast packet is used to display a representation of the overlay that matches the overlay ID in the broadcast signal. At operation 822, input is received at a user interface from a user control for changing the position of overlays 1 and 2. The user interface control may be a cascading control ( FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C 650 or Figure 7 750 in FIG. 5B ) or a jog control (562 in FIG. 5B or Figure 7752 in ), or some other position control that allows more than one overlay to be moved at a time. In response to operation 822, operation 824 changes the display position representations in item 1 and item 2. Simultaneously, operation 826 sends instructions to change the physical positions of overlay 1 801 and overlay 2 808 so that the positions of the position representations reflect the physical positions of the associated overlays. As shown by the loop between operation 826 to overlay 801 and operations 826 to 808, each of the overlays receives one or more instructions from the user device 804. The instructions may include an identifier of the motion (e.g., jog, cascade). The identifier may be input to the logic of the overlay, where the logic outputs position data for controlling the overlay.

[0077] Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 900 for configuring a user interface for remotely controlling a plurality of building structure coverings. The method 900 is performed by a user device, such as the user device 312 ( Figure 3 )、440( Figure 4 )、528(Figure 5)、625( FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C )、725( Figure 7 )、1000( Fig.10 ). Method 900 begins at operation 902. Method 900 proceeds to operation 904, where the overlay ID of the first overlay is associated with the first entry in the list of entries in the user interface of the user device, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B and FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C At operation 906, a representation of a first overlay is created and displayed in the first entry using the position information included in the first broadcast signal. Next, at operation 908, a user input is received at a position control within the first entry to change the position of the first overlay. This causes operations 910 and 912 to occur simultaneously. At 910, an adjusted position instruction is sent to the first overlay. At 912, the display position representation in the first entry is changed to reflect the adjusted position of the first overlay.

[0078] At operation 914, the overlay ID of the second overlay is associated with the second entry in the list of entries in the user interface of the user device, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B and FIG. 6A to FIG. 6CAs described. At operation 916, a representation of a second overlay is created and displayed in the second entry using the position information included in the second broadcast signal. Next, at operation 918, a user input is received at a position control within the second entry to change the position of the second overlay. This causes operations 920 and 922 to occur simultaneously. At 920, an adjusted position instruction is sent to the second overlay. At 922, the display position representation in the second entry is changed to reflect the adjusted position of the second overlay. At operation 924, user input is received, such as drag and drop, to switch the first overlay ID to the second entry and the second overlay ID to the first entry.

[0079] Fig.10 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary operating environment 1000 in which one or more of the examples of the present invention may be implemented. For example, the building structure covering controller 142 ( Figure 2 ) and / or user device 312 ( Figure 3 )、440( Figure 4 )、528(Figure 5)、625( FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C )、725( Figure 7 ). This is only one example of a suitable operating environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality. Other well-known computing systems, environments, and / or configurations suitable for use include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, handheld or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, programmable consumer electronics (such as smart phones), network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments including any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

[0080] In the most basic configuration of an operating environment, the operating environment 1000 typically includes at least one processing unit 1002 and memory 1004. Depending on the exact configuration and type of computing device, the memory 1004 (which executes the instructions for the aspects disclosed herein) may be volatile (such as RAM), non-volatile (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two. Fig.10 1006. In addition, the environment 1000 may also include storage devices (removable storage devices 1008 and / or non-removable storage devices 1010), which include but are not limited to magnetic disks or optical disks, or tapes. Similarly, the environment 1000 may also have input devices 1014 (such as keyboards, mice, pens, voice input, etc.) and / or output devices 1016 (such as displays, speakers, printers, etc.). One or more communication connections 1012, such as LAN, WAN, point-to-point, etc., may also be included in the environment.

[0081] Operating environment 1000 typically includes at least some form of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by processing unit 1002 or other devices including operating environment. As an example and not limitation, computer-readable media may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data buildings, program modules or other data). Computer storage media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical storage device, cassette, magnetic tape, disk storage device or other magnetic storage device, or any other tangible non-transient medium that can be used to store desired information. Computer storage media do not include communication media.

[0082] Communication media embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal (such as a carrier wave or other transmission mechanism), and includes any information delivery media. The term "modulated data signal" refers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in a manner that encodes information as a signal. By way of example and not limitation, communication media include wired media (such as a wired network or a direct wired connection) and wireless media (such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media). Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer readable media.

[0083] Operating environment 1000 may be a single computer operating in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers. The remote computer may be a personal computer, server, router, network PC, peer device or other public network node, and typically includes many or all of the above elements and other elements not mentioned. The logical connection includes any method supported by an available communication medium. Such a networked environment is common in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet.

[0084] For example, various aspects of the present disclosure are described above with reference to the block diagrams and / or operational diagrams of the methods, systems, and computer program products according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The functions / actions indicated in the blocks may not occur in the order shown in any flow chart. For example, two blocks shown in succession may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions / actions involved.

[0085] The description and illustration of one or more aspects provided in this application are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the disclosure claimed in any way. The aspects, examples and details provided in this application are considered to be sufficient to convey ownership and enable others to make and use the best mode of the disclosure claimed. The disclosure claimed should not be interpreted as being limited to any aspect, example or detail provided in this application. Whether it is shown and described in combination or individually, various features (in both structure and method) are intended to be selectively included or omitted, to produce an embodiment with a group of specific features. In the case of providing the description and illustration of the application, those skilled in the art can envision falling into the spirit of the broader aspects of the overall inventive concept embodied in this application without departing from the various changes, modifications and alternative aspects of the broader scope of the disclosure claimed.

Claims

1. A system for configuring a user device to remotely control a plurality of building structure coverings, the system comprising: processor; as well as a memory storing computer executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receiving a plurality of broadcast signals from a plurality of building structure coverings, wherein each individual broadcast signal is associated with an individual building structure covering and relays location information of the individual building structure covering; associating the first broadcast signal with a first item in a list of items displayed on a user interface of the user device, wherein the first item comprises: a representation of a first building structure covering, the representation having a display location matching the location information from the first broadcast signal; and a position control for controlling a physical position of the first building structure covering; receiving user input via said position control for said representation of said first building structure covering; Based on the user input, sending an adjusted position instruction to the first building structure covering; and The displayed position of the representation of the first building structure covering is simultaneously changed to reflect the change in the physical position of the first building structure covering.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the memory stores further computer executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receiving a selection from a user of a jog control associated with the first item; In response to the selection, sending instructions to the first building structure covering to move in a cyclic motion; and The displayed position of the representation of the first building structure covering is simultaneously changed to reflect the cyclical movement of the first building structure covering.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the cyclic motion is extension / retraction.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the memory stores additional computer executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive a user selection to add a name to the first entry associated with the first building structure covering.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the location information relayed by the plurality of broadcast signals is measured as a percentage.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the user device is at least one of a mobile device or a proprietary controller.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the building structure covering is a window covering.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first broadcast signal also relays a coverage identifier, and a premises identifier.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of building structure coverings has a same premises identifier.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the memory stores further computer executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: associating the second broadcast signal with a second entry in a list of entries displayed on a user interface of the user device, wherein the second entry comprises: a representation of a second architectural structure covering, the representation having a display location matching the location information from the second broadcast signal; as well as a position control for controlling a physical position of the second building structure covering; receiving user input via said position control for said representation of said second building structure covering; sending an adjusted position instruction to the second building structure covering based on the received user input; as well as The displayed position of the representation of the second building structure covering is simultaneously changed to reflect the change in the physical position of the second building structure covering.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein the first broadcast signal also relays multiple types of location information for the first building structure covering.

12. A method for configuring a user device to remotely control a plurality of building structure coverings, the method comprising: receiving a first broadcast signal from a first building structure covering, the first broadcast signal indicating a first covering identifier and first location information of the first building structure covering; receiving a second broadcast signal from a second building structure covering, the second broadcast signal indicating a second covering identifier and second location information of the first building structure covering; associating the first broadcast signal with a first entry in a list of entries displayed in a user interface of the user device based on the first covering identifier, wherein the first entry includes: a first position control for controlling a first position of the first building structure covering; and a representation of the first building structure covering having a display position that matches the position information from the first broadcast signal; associating the second broadcast signal with a second entry in the list of entries displayed in the user interface of the user device based on the second covering identifier, wherein the second entry includes: a second position control for controlling a second position of the second building structure covering; and a representation of the second building structure covering, the representation matching the position information from the second broadcast signal; receiving user input to a third location control displayed in the user interface of the user device; Based on the user input, the following operations are performed simultaneously: transmitting a first adjusted position to the first building structure covering; transmitting a second adjusted position to the second building structure covering, wherein the first adjusted position is different from the second adjusted position; changing the displayed position of the representation of the first building structure covering to reflect a change in the physical position of the first building structure covering; and The displayed position of the representation of the second building structure covering is changed to reflect the change in the physical position of the second building structure covering.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first position information of the first building structure covering is measured as a percentage.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the first position information of the first building structure covering indicates at least one of: an extension or retraction of a panel of the first building structure covering, or a tilt of blades of the first building structure covering.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the first adjusted position transmitted to the first building structure covering adjusts the tilt of the first building structure covering.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the first adjusted position transmitted to the first building structure covering adjusts extension / retraction of a panel of the first building structure covering.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising: User input is received to change the first overlay identifier to be associated with the second entry and to change the second overlay identifier to be associated with the first entry. The method of claim 17 , wherein the user input comprises dragging and dropping.

19. A method for configuring a user device to remotely control a plurality of building structure coverings, the method comprising: receiving a plurality of broadcast signals from a plurality of building structure coverings, wherein each individual broadcast signal is associated with an individual building structure covering and relays location information of the individual building structure covering; associating the first broadcast signal with a first item in a list of items displayed on a user interface of the user device, wherein the first item comprises: a representation of a first building structure covering, the representation having a display location matching the location information from the first broadcast signal; and a position control for controlling a physical position of the first building structure covering; receiving user input via said position control for said representation of said first building structure covering; Based on the user input, sending instructions to the first building structure covering to cycle the physical position of the first building structure covering; and The displayed position of the representation of the first building structure covering is simultaneously changed to reflect the cycling of the physical position of the first building structure covering.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein said cycling of said physical positions comprises changing the pitch of blades in said first building structure covering.

21. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed on a device, configure the device to perform operations comprising: receiving a signal from a building structure covering indicative of a first position of the building structure covering; associating the signal with a list of building structure coverings, the list being displayable on a user interface of the apparatus, wherein the user interface comprises: a representation of the building structure covering, the representation having a first display position corresponding to the first position indicated by the signal; and a position control for controlling the building structure covering; receiving a user input via the position control, the user input indicating a second position of the building structure covering; sending one or more instructions to the building structure covering indicating the second position; and The first display position of the representation is changed to a second display position corresponding to the second position of the building structure covering.

22. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 21, further comprising: Another signal is received from the building structure covering and subsequent to sending the one or more instructions indicating the second position of the building structure covering, wherein the first display position is changed to the second display position based on the another signal.

23. A covering, comprising: Masking panels; a motor configured to position the shielding panel; A controller storing instructions that, when executed on the controller, configure the controller to: storing an identifier of the overlay; sending a first broadcast signal, wherein the first broadcast signal includes the identifier; determining a first position of the covering; as well as transmitting a second broadcast signal including the identifier and first position data indicating the first position of the cover; wherein the second broadcast signal is transmitted to one or more devices, the user interface of the device including a representation of the overlay, the representation having a display position matching a physical position of the overlay; Wherein, the execution of the instruction further configures the controller to: receiving an adjusted position instruction from the device; The physical position of the overlay is changed based on the adjusted position instructions, and another broadcast signal is sent to the device to change the displayed position of the representation of the overlay to reflect the change in the physical position of the overlay.

24. The covering of claim 23, wherein said execution of said instructions further configures said controller to: receiving one or more instructions from a device indicating a second position of the covering; changing the first position to the second position via the motor based on the one or more instructions; as well as A third broadcast signal is transmitted to the device and after changing the first position to the second position, the third broadcast signal including the identifier and second position data indicating the second position of the cover.

25. The covering of claim 24, wherein the one or more instructions indicative of the second position of the covering are received in response to selection of a motion from a user interface of the device.

26. The covering of claim 24, further comprising a position sensor, wherein the second broadcast signal is sent to one or more devices, and wherein the execution of the instructions further configures the controller to: receiving sensor data from the position sensor; and The second location is determined based on the sensor data, wherein the third broadcast signal is sent based on the second location being determined.

27. The covering of claim 23, wherein said execution of said instructions further configures said controller to: receiving one or more instructions from a device indicative of movement of the covering, the movement being at least one of a cyclical movement or a cascading movement; causing the covering to perform the movement via the motor based on the one or more instructions; determining a second position of the covering, wherein the second position is a change in the first position in response to the movement; as well as A third broadcast signal is sent to the device, the third broadcast signal including the identifier and second position data indicating the second position of the cover.

28. The cover of claim 23, wherein the first broadcast signal and the second broadcast signal are transmitted to the device at predefined times during setting of the cover via the device.

29. The cover of claim 23, wherein the second broadcast signal is sent as a data packet including the identifier and the first position data.

30. The covering of claim 29, wherein the identifier in the data packet indicates at least one of: a type of the covering, a model number of the covering, or a serial number of the covering.

31. The covering of claim 29, further comprising blades and a shading panel, wherein the first position data in the data group comprises at least one of: extension or retraction of the shading panel, tilting of the blades, or extension or retraction of the shading panel.

32. The covering of claim 29, wherein the first position data in the data packet indicates a light transmittance percentage of the covering.

33. The covering of claim 29, wherein the data packet further includes a battery charge of the covering.

34. The cover of claim 29, wherein the data packet further includes transmit power data indicating a transmit power used to transmit the second broadcast signal.

35. The covering of claim 29, wherein the data packet further includes a media access control (MAC) address and a battery level of the covering.

36. The covering of claim 23, wherein said execution of said instructions further configures said controller to: An identifier of a building where the covering is installed is stored, wherein the second broadcast signal further includes the identifier of the building and transmission power data indicating a transmission power used to send the second broadcast signal.

37. A controller for a covering, the controller storing instructions that, when executed on the controller, configure the controller to: storing an identifier of the overlay; sending a first broadcast signal, wherein the first broadcast signal includes the identifier; determining a first position of the covering; as well as transmitting a second broadcast signal including the identifier and first position data indicating the first position of the cover; wherein the second broadcast signal is transmitted to one or more devices, the user interface of the device including a representation of the overlay, the representation having a display position matching a physical position of the overlay; Wherein, the execution of the instruction further configures the controller to: receiving an adjusted position instruction from the device; The physical position of the overlay is changed based on the adjusted position instructions, and another broadcast signal is sent to the device to change the displayed position of the representation of the overlay to reflect the change in the physical position of the overlay.

38. The controller of claim 37, wherein said execution of said instructions further configures said controller to: receiving one or more instructions from a device indicating a second position of the covering; changing the first position to the second position via a motor of the cover based on the one or more instructions; as well as A third broadcast signal is transmitted to the device and after changing the first position to the second position, the third broadcast signal including the identifier and second position data indicating the second position of the cover.

39. The controller of claim 38, wherein the second broadcast signal is sent as a broadcast signal to one or more devices, and wherein the execution of the instructions further configures the controller to: receiving sensor data from a position sensor of the covering; and The second location is determined based on the sensor data, wherein the third broadcast signal is sent based on the second location being determined.

40. The controller of claim 37, wherein said execution of said instructions further configures said controller to: receiving one or more instructions from a device indicative of movement of the covering, wherein the movement corresponds to user input via a user interface of the device; causing the covering to perform the movement via a motor based on the one or more instructions; determining a second position of the covering based on sensor data from a sensor of the covering, wherein the second position is a change in the first position in response to the movement; as well as A third broadcast signal is sent to the device, the third broadcast signal including the identifier and second position data indicating the second position of the cover.

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