System and method for determining proximity of building structure coverings

Abstract

A system and method for determining proximity of a building structure covering. A user device receives a broadcast signal from each of a plurality of building structure coverings. An ordered list of the plurality of building structure coverings is then maintained based on the broadcast signal. At least a portion of the ordered list is displayed on a display of the user device.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 900,056, filed on September 13, 2019, and entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FORDETERMINING PROXIMITY OF ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURE COVERINGS,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. Background Art

[0003] Building coverings, such as curtains, provide shade and privacy. Some building coverings may be manually operated (e.g., using lift cords), while others may be powered (e.g., by an electric motor). Powered building coverings can be remotely operated. However, in structures with multiple building coverings, user interaction with remotely controlled building coverings is often difficult because it can be difficult to identify the target building covering.

[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 the specific problems identified in the background of this disclosure or elsewhere. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to proximity-based control of building structure coverings. As an example, a user device provides a user interface (UI) to handle operational control and generate control instructions for a covering. The user device detects nearby coverings based on signal strength and generates and / or displays an ordered list of user interface elements of the covering for the user to operationally control. Thus, the user can directly interact with and / or control the covering without having to move around within the covering to identify a control pairing between the user device and the covering.

[0006] This summary is provided to introduce in simplified form some concepts that will be further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Additional aspects, features, and / or advantages of the examples will be set forth in part in the description that follows and will, in part, be apparent from the description or may be learned through practice of the 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 structural covering controller for a building structural covering is shown.

[0010] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary building structure covering system in an installed configuration.

[0011] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a building structure covering system in a configuration based on usage.

[0012] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for determining the proximity of a plurality of building structure coverings during installation configuration.

[0013] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for determining proximity of a plurality of building structure coverings during usage-based configuration.

[0014] Figure 7 is an exemplary user interface that displays information about the current area.

[0015] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating exemplary steps between computing components for determining a current area based on a broadcast signal and information about a group of building structure coverings.

[0016] Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for determining a current zone based on a broadcast signal and information about a group of building structure coverings, and for controlling one or more of the building structure coverings located in the zone.

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

[0018] Building structure coverings are typically placed over building structures, such as, but not limited to, windows, doors, and doorways. The coverings are remotely controlled by a user device, such as, but not limited to, a mobile computing device (e.g., a smartphone or remote control), a tablet, laptop, or desktop computing device, or other electronic device. The user device provides a user interface (UI) for receiving operational control commands (e.g., extending or retracting and / or opening or closing the covering) from the user, which enables movement control commands to be provided to the covering and controls its movement. However, buildings (e.g., houses, businesses, offices, and other similar buildings or structures) often have numerous similar coverings located in different areas. Consequently, it can be difficult for users to install and use remote control systems, as identifying the location of control pairings between the UI and the covering may require navigating through the coverings. Therefore, the systems and methods described herein involve determining the proximity of building structure coverings to the user device. The user device then generates an ordered list based on proximity, allowing the user to quickly pair UI controls with coverings located in the same area. This enables users to more directly interact with and / or control the coverings using previously unavailable techniques. Furthermore, the overall system can be more energy-efficient. Specifically, by improving the identification of location pairs due to proximity and ordered lists on the UI, the trial-and-error process of controlling a specific overlay via the user device is reduced. Consequently, the total amount of signaling between the overlay and the user device is reduced, which in turn reduces overall power consumption. This power efficiency is particularly important when the overlay and / or the user device are battery-powered.

[0019] In one aspect, a system for determining proximity of a plurality of building structure coverings is provided. The system includes at least one processor and a memory encoding computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, perform a method. The method includes receiving a broadcast signal from each of a plurality of building structure coverings, maintaining an ordered list of the plurality of building structure coverings based on the broadcast signal, and displaying at least a portion of the ordered list on a display.

[0020] In another aspect, a method for determining proximity of a plurality of building structure coverings is provided. The method includes receiving, via a user device, a broadcast signal from each of the plurality of building structure coverings. The broadcast signal includes information data of the corresponding building structure covering. An ordered list of each of the plurality of building structure coverings is generated based on the broadcast signal. The ordered list is then displayed on the user device. The ordered list includes a type of each of the plurality of building structure coverings based on the received information data.

[0021] In yet another aspect, a building structure covering system is provided. The system includes a plurality of building structure coverings, each of the plurality of building structure coverings being configured to generate a broadcast signal. A user device is configured to receive the broadcast signal from each of the plurality of building structure coverings. Upon receiving the broadcast signal, the user device generates a list of each of the plurality of building structure coverings based on the broadcast signal. The list includes a first building structure covering that is closer to the user device, listed relative to a second building structure covering that is farther away from the user device. The user device then displays the list on the user device.

[0022] Figure 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 visor 102 configured to extend vertically between a roller assembly 104 and a base rail assembly 106. The visor 102 is generally configured to be in a fully lowered or extended position relative to the roller assembly 104 (e.g., as shown in FIG. Figure 1 108. The visor 102 is vertically moved 108 between a fully raised or retracted position (not shown) and a fully retracted position (not shown). When the building structure covering 100 is in its retracted position, the visor 102 can be configured to expose an adjacent building structure (e.g., a window), and when the covering 100 is in its extended position, the visor 102 can be configured to cover the adjacent building structure. Additionally, the covering 100 is configured to move the visor 102 to any number of intermediate positions defined between the fully retracted position and the fully extended position such that the visor 102 partially covers the adjacent building structure.

[0023] In the examples, it should be understood that, as used herein, the term "vertical" describes the orientation or arrangement of the building structure covering 100 in its extended position, 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 perpendicular to vertical 108 and relative to the side-to-side extension of the covering 100, as indicated by arrow 110. Additionally, the term "lateral" generally describes a direction perpendicular to both vertical 108 and horizontal 110 and relative to the front-to-back extension of the covering 100, as indicated by arrow 111. The various directional references used herein are intended solely to provide context for the illustrated examples and should not be construed as otherwise limiting. For example, some building structure coverings 100 may have their visors 102 configured to extend and retract in a horizontal direction.

[0024] In some examples, the visor 102 may include both 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 visor 102 is moved to its fully extended position (eg, Figure 1114 are generally arranged parallel to one another when viewed from above. Generally, panels 112, 114 are formed from any material suitable for use within the disclosed covering 100, such as textiles, woven fabrics, and / or nonwoven fabrics, and / or the like. However, in some examples, one or both panels 112, 114 may be formed from a transparent fabric or other suitable material that allows at least a portion of the light illuminating the visor 102 to pass from one panel to the other. Furthermore, it should be understood that the front and rear panels 112, 114 can generally be sized as needed or desired for use relative to any suitable architectural structure. For example, the panels 112, 114 define a vertical height 116 and / or horizontal width 118 sufficient to cover a window or other architectural structure. In one example, the front and rear panels 112, 114 may define substantially the same height 116 and / or width 118, such that when the visor 102 is in its fully extended position, the panels 112, 114 are substantially coextensive.

[0025] The visor 102 may also include a plurality of light-blocking members or vanes 120 extending between the front panel 112 and the back panel 114, with the vanes 120 vertically spaced apart from one another along the vertical height 116 of the visor 102. In some examples, each vane 120 may be configured to extend the full depth or lateral direction 111 between the front panel 112 and the back panel 114. For example, each vane 120 may include a front edge coupled to the front panel 112 and a rear edge coupled to the back panel 114 using any suitable means, such as stitching, gluing, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, and / or the like. Furthermore, similar to the panels 112 and 114, the vanes 120 may be formed from any material suitable for use within the disclosed cover 100, such as a textile, a woven fabric, and / or a non-woven fabric, and / or the like. However, in some examples, the vanes 120 may be formed from the material used to form the front panel 112 and the back panel 114. For example, each blade 120 may be formed of a light-blocking material or an opaque material or a translucent material.

[0026] In operation, when the visor 102 is positioned in its fully extended position (eg Figure 1 ), the relative positioning of the front panel 112 and the rear panel 114 can be adjusted so that the blades 120 are tilted to control the amount of light passing through the sunshade 102 as needed or desired. In some examples, the sunshade 102 can be configured so that when the front panel 112 and the rear panel 114 are moved vertically 108 relative to each other (e.g., when the rear panel 114 is raised and the front panel 112 is lowered at the same time or when the rear panel 114 is lowered and the front panel 112 is raised at the same time), the orientation or tilt angle of the blades 120 defined between the front and rear panels is adjusted. For example and as Figure 1As 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 passes directly through the light gaps 124 defined between the blades 120. Alternatively, the blades 120 can be tilted to an at least partially overlapping, substantially vertical position 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 act to prevent all or part of the light illuminating the sunshade 102 from passing through the sunshade 102.

[0027] In addition, the blades 120 can be tilted to any number of intermediate tilted positions defined between the fully open position and the closed position. The orientations of the blades 120 between and including the fully open and closed configurations can also be referred to as see-through positions. It should be understood that in one example, the blades 120 can be spaced apart from each other and / or sized such that when moved to the fully open position, the blades 120 are oriented substantially horizontally 110 between the vertically suspended panels 112, 114, and when moved to the fully closed position, the sunshade 102 has a collapsed configuration in which both the blades 120 and the panels 112, 114 are suspended in a substantially vertical 108 orientation.

[0028] The roller assembly 104 of the building structure covering 100 includes an operating mechanism 126 configured to support the shading panel 102 and control the extension and retraction of the shading panel 102 between its fully extended position and its retracted position. In addition, the operating mechanism 126 controls the tilt of the blades 120 between its fully open position and its closed position. In some examples, the operating mechanism 126 is covered by a curtain or other suitable covering. For example and as Figure 1 As shown, the roller assembly 104 can include a top rail or cover 132 and corresponding end caps 132a, 132b configured to at least partially enclose the operating mechanism 126. Additionally, various other components of the roller assembly 104 can also be configured to be housed within the top rail 132, as needed or desired. In an 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 visor 102 and the opening and closing movement of the blades 120. In other examples of the building structure covering 100, the operating mechanism 126 can have separate components to drive the extension and retraction movement and the opening and closing movement, respectively.

[0029] It should be understood that Figure 1One example of a building structure covering 100 is shown and described. However, the building structure covering 100 can be any type of covering that at least partially covers a building element such as a window, door, opening, wall, or the like. In one example, the building structure covering 100 can be a transparent covering. In one aspect, the sunshade has transparent front and rear panels that extend and retract, and a plurality of light-blocking blades that extend between the panels and tilt to open and close the covering. In another aspect, the sunshade has a single transparent panel that extends and retracts, and a plurality of light-blocking blades attached to the transparent panel that open and close by sliding one end of the blade relative to the panel. In another aspect, the sunshade has a single transparent panel that extends and retracts, and a plurality of light-blocking blades that extend substantially vertically and rotate to open and close.

[0030] In another example, the building structure covering 100 can be a cellular covering. In one aspect, the sunshade has a front panel and a back panel that are connected to each other in a honeycomb pattern (e.g., a honeycomb pattern, a honeycomb pattern of a Roman covering, etc.) and extend and retract in an accordion-like motion. This type of honeycomb pattern typically forms an insulating layer (e.g., air) within the covering.

[0031] In yet another example, building structure covering 100 can be a Roman covering. In one aspect, the sunshade has a single panel with multiple fabric folds that extend and retract via a rolling motion (e.g., rolling the folds) or a stacking motion (e.g., stacking the folds). In another aspect, the sunshade has front and back panels that are connected in a honeycomb pattern as described above and extend and retract. These panels include excess fabric to create Roman folds when the covering is retracted and are not necessarily configured to move in an open and closed direction.

[0032] In yet another example, the building structure covering 100 can be a roll-type covering. In one aspect, the sunshade has front and back panels connected in a honeycomb pattern as described above, but extended and retracted by a rolling motion. In another aspect, the sunshade has a single panel that extends and retracts by a rolling motion. As needed or desired, this type of single panel can be fully or partially light-blocking and not necessarily configured to move in an opening and closing direction. In other examples, the single panel can be a sunshade that blocks ultraviolet rays. In another aspect, the sunshade has front and back panels, each having alternating transparent and light-blocking strips. In this example, the sunshade extends and retracts by a rolling motion and also opens and closes by moving the panels relative to each other.

[0033] Additionally or alternatively, the building structure covering 100 can be a shutter-type covering. In one aspect, the shutter has a plurality of light-blocking louvers 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 can be a slatted covering. In one aspect, the shutter has a plurality of light-blocking blades (e.g., slats) that move relative to one another to extend and retract the covering and tilt or rotate to open and close the covering. These slatted coverings can extend horizontally or vertically as needed or desired. The building structure covering 100 can also be a vertical covering. In one aspect, the shutter has a plurality of light-blocking vertical rods (e.g., blades, plates, or honeycombs) that move horizontally relative to one another to extend and retract the covering and rotate to open and close the covering. Generally, the building structure covering 100 can be any type of covering that is configured to extend, retract, and / or open and close as described herein.

[0034] In an 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 operatively controlling the movement of the shading panels 102 via the motor 128. The circuit boards 136 are in electrical communication with the motor 128 that drives the movement of the shading 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 a controller). Figure 2 The circuit board 136 and / or the motor 128 may be powered by a combination of internal and / or external power cord 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, therefore, the position of the sunshade 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 communication device to facilitate communication with a remote device (e.g., Figure 3 and Figure 4 other interfaces for data exchange with the user device 212).

[0035] In operation, building structure covering 100 receives operating instructions from a remote device and processes the received instructions and responds accordingly. For example, the movement of operating mechanism 126 is controlled to extend or retract and / or open or close visor 102 as needed or desired. In addition, building structure covering 100 generates a broadcast signal for reception by a remote device so that the remote device can determine the type and proximity of covering 100, as further described herein.

[0036] Figure 2 It is a building structure covering 100( Figure 1 In the examples described below, in conjunction with the operating mechanism 126 ( Figure 1 ) depicts the building structure covering controller 142, however, it should be understood that the controller 142 may also 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 implemented on the circuit board 136 ( Figure 1 shown).

[0037] In an 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 the sunshade 102 and / or open and close the blades 120 (both in FIG. Figure 1 shown in ).

[0038] 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 may include, for example, a magnetic encoder, a rotary encoder, a gravity sensor, etc. The position sensor 138 may be used to count pulses or rotations of the motor 128 to track the position 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 shown).

[0039] The action determiner 152 is configured to determine what action the motor 128 will perform based on input from the communication device 140 and / or the position determiner 150 (if any) (e.g., receiving an operating instruction from a remote device). In one example, the communication device is operable to communicate with the remote device via a plurality of different networks or protocols, such as Wi-Fi, a cellular data network, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, etc. For example, if an operating 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 open direction. Similarly, if an operating 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 close direction. In another example, if an operating 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 extend 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 retracting 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 is moved as needed or desired.

[0040] The data repository 154 (e.g., memory) of the building structure cover controller 142 is used to store data as needed or desired. For example, the data repository 154 includes information transmitted from the cover in a broadcast signal, such as cover information data, building identification number, and / or power transmission data, as described below with reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4 Further described.

[0041] Figure 3FIG2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary building structure covering system 200 in an installed configuration. In this example, system 200 includes a building 202 having multiple building structure coverings, e.g., a first building structure covering 204, a second building structure covering 206, a third building structure covering 208, and an nth building structure covering 210. It should be understood that while only four coverings are shown and described, building 202 may have any number of coverings as needed or desired. Furthermore, building structure coverings 204-210 may all be of a similar type (e.g., transparent, Roman, roller, etc.), or one or more of the coverings may be of a different covering type than the others. A user device 212 is coupled to communicate with each of building structure coverings 204-210 and is used to provide operational instructions to the building structure coverings 204-210. The coverings 204-210 receive the instructions from the user device 212, process the received instructions, and respond accordingly, e.g., extending or retracting and / or opening or closing the covering. In one example, the user device 212 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 212 and the coverings 204 to 210 can communicate using any of a variety of mechanisms, including but not limited to infrared or other optical communication, radio or wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, etc.), or wired communication.

[0042] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated example, building 202 is divided into three zones, each containing one or more overlays 204 through 210. For example, first zone 216 includes second overlay 206 and third overlay 208, second zone 218 includes first overlay 204, and nth zone 220 includes nth overlay 210. User device 212 is mobile and, in this example, is located at least partially within first zone 216 of building 202. Zones 216 through 220 may be rooms (e.g., bedrooms, kitchens, dining rooms, etc.), offices, or any other divisions or selections of building 202 as needed or desired. Because overlays 204 through 210 are remotely operable via user device 212, a user may attempt to operate a specific overlay in a specific zone (e.g., second overlay 206 in first zone 216) but end up operating another overlay in a different zone (e.g., first overlay 204 in second zone 218). This causes frustration for the user because the user would then need to move around the building 202 in order to find the control pairing for each of the building structure coverings 204 - 210 .

[0043] Thus, the systems and methods described herein are used to determine the proximity (e.g., distance) of each of the building structure coverings 204-210 to a user device 212. This enables the device 212 to generate and maintain an ordered list 222 of coverings and display the list 222 on a display 224 (e.g., a screen) having a user interface (UI) so that a user can quickly and easily select a nearby covering for operational control thereof. In some examples, the list 222 is sorted by the proximity of the covering to the user device 212. Additionally or alternatively, the list 222 is sorted by type of covering, region, etc.

[0044] Each of the building structure coverings 204 to 210 is configured to generate (e.g., emit) a broadcast signal 226 that is received by the user device 212. Generally, a broadcast signal refers to a signal transmitted at a predetermined interval (or rate) that is unrelated to a request from a remote device for data that the broadcast signal may indicate and is not specifically transmitted to a particular remote device. For example, in the context of packet-based transmission rather than using unicast transmission, the broadcast signal may be broadcast as one or more packets. Broadcasting of packets includes transmitting packets from a single source to all possible end destinations within each of 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. The broadcast signal 226 is generated at predetermined and / or periodic time intervals, such as between approximately four and twelve times per second. In an example, the broadcast signal 226 includes information data of the covering. For example, the information data may include a name or type of the covering. In one example, the name or type of the covering may be an eight-digit code that includes the type of covering (e.g., SIL, The information data may also include a PIR (e.g., a PIR of a user's computer) and a corresponding serial number or portion thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the information data may include a model identification number. The model identification number allows for determination of other characteristics of the type of covering (e.g., operational, functional, structural, etc.), such as, but not limited to, horizontal covering, vertical covering, tilt functionality, blade position, through-view control, left / right direction extension / retraction, etc. Generally, the information data enables the user device 212 to determine the type and model of the covering and display the information to the user on the UI.

[0045] In one example, the user device 212 locally stores a database containing types and models of covers from manufacturers (e.g., Figure 10204 - 210 ) and uses the information data provided by signal 226 to pull and display the overlay's name 230 within the UI. User device 212 can also connect to a remote server (not shown) to receive updates to the database and / or UI. For example, the remote server may be operated by the overlay manufacturer. In another example, user device 212 is configured to push updates to overlays 204 - 210 via the remote server as needed or desired.

[0046] Broadcast signal 226 also includes a building identification number. The building identification number can be a unique number or hash associated with building 202, so that all covers 204 through 210 are linked together. This restricts covers from adjacent buildings (e.g., a neighbor's house) from being included in list 222 on user device 212 (e.g., through a filtering process). The building identification number can also be used for security within system 200 as needed or desired (e.g., through an authentication process). Broadcast signal 226 also includes transmission power data for the signal. For example, first cover 204 and nth cover 210 are positioned more toward the exterior of building 202, and thus, the broadcast signal 226 emitted has increased power, so that the signal can be transmitted and received throughout building 202. For example, the transmission power data is 0, +4, +8, etc.

[0047] The user device 212 selectively scans for broadcast signals 226 (e.g., upon opening a UI application) and receives broadcast signals 226 from each of the building structure covers 204 to 210. The user device 212 then determines the signal strength of the received broadcast signals 226 for each of the covers 204 to 210 in order to determine proximity to the covers 204 to 210. The user device 212 measures the power present in the received signal for each broadcast signal 226 to generate a received signal strength indication (RSSI) value. The RSSI values are then smoothed to obtain relative proximity. For example and as Figure 3 As shown, the proximity of the user device 212 to each of the coverings 204 to 210 (e.g., P1, P2, P3, and P N ) is based on the smoothed RSSI value.

[0048] In an example, smoothing of the RSSI values is performed over a predefined time period or number of broadcast signals 226. For example, the RSSI values may be smoothed over a time period of approximately one to one and a half seconds. In another example, the RSSI values may be smoothed over approximately ten broadcast signals. It should be understood that these time periods and numbers are merely exemplary, and any other predefined values may be used as needed or desired. In one example, smoothing of the RSSI values may include averaging at least a portion of the values.

[0049] Furthermore, the smoothed RSSI value is also based on the transmission power data included in the broadcast signal 226. As the signal power increases, the measured RSSI value correspondingly decreases, allowing proximity determination to be made based on a single baseline power transmission. For example, if the power of the signal 226 doubles from the baseline, the measured RSSI value is reduced by half to be smoothed and compared to other signals transmitted at the baseline power. Alternatively, as the signal power decreases, the measured RSSI value correspondingly increases. By adjusting the measured RSSI value based on the transmission power data, the transmission power of the signal 226 generated or emitted from the covering can be set as needed or desired for a particular building 202 without affecting the proximity determination made by the user device 212.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, user device 212 is in an installed configuration. The installed configuration is the configuration in which a user or installer initially configures user device 212 for operational control and further use of building structure coverings 204 to 210. Once user device 212 determines the signal strength of each of broadcast signals 226, user device 212 generates an ordered list 222 of coverings 204 to 210 based on the information provided by broadcast signals 226. For example, ordered list 222 is based on the signal strength of broadcast signals 226. Ordered list 222 is then at least partially displayed on display 224 of user device 212 and on a UI.

[0051] In the described example, during installation configuration, the ordered list 222 is generated by estimating initial zone groupings 228 for each of the building structure coverings 204 to 210 based on smoothed RSSI values. This estimation may include grouping (e.g., into groups or bins) the coverings based on the smoothed RSSI values. For example, the first covering 204, the second covering 206, and the third covering 208 have similar (e.g., close in value) smoothed RSSI values (and therefore proximity P1, P2, and P3) and are grouped together such that the system 200 estimates that all three coverings are located in the first zone 216. The nth covering 210 is in a different grouping and is estimated to be in the nth zone 220. The groupings may be based on smoothed RSSI value differences, frequencies, percentiles, ranges, patterns, or any other method as needed or desired. The initial zone groupings 228 may be stored locally in a local data repository (e.g., a local data repository) on the user device 212. Figure 10222). In addition, for each overlay, the RSSI value, type, and building identification number may be stored locally to improve the efficiency of the system in maintaining the ordered list 222. In one example, the user device 212 stores logic to convert between RSSI values and proximity. Proximity can be quantitative (e.g., estimated distance) and / or qualitative (e.g., close, medium, far proximity, or some other qualitative estimate). For example, the logic may include a function that correlates RSSI values with proximity. The logic may also or alternatively include a table that stores such correlations. In this way, the user device 212 can group overlays by using RSSI values and / or using logic to estimate proximity based on RSSI values.

[0052] As shown, the initial region grouping 228 is displayed on the UI of the user device 212. In other examples, the initial region grouping 228 may be hidden and not displayed on the UI until the user verifies or edits the initial estimate, as described below with reference to Figure 4 As described above. In this example, ordered list 222 displays the name 230 of each overlay and is sorted by proximity (or RSSI value). User device 212 can estimate the proximity or RSSI value of a region. For example, proximity can be the quantitative proximity (e.g., average distance or some other statistical measure) or the average of the qualitative proximity of the overlays associated with the region. The RSSI value can be the average of the RSSI values of the overlays (or some other statistical measure).

[0053] The ordered list 222 is sorted by the proximity (or RSSI value) of the initial area groupings 228 to the user device 212 and includes a name 230 for each of the overlays grouped therein. For example, the ordered list 222 is sorted with the nearest proximity (or highest RSSI value) initial area grouping (e.g., the first area 216) displayed before another proximity (or lower RSSI value) initial area grouping (e.g., the nth area 220). Additionally, within each initial area grouping 228, the names 230 of the overlays grouped therein are further sorted by the proximity (or RSSI value) of the overlays to the user device 212. For example, within the first area 216, the second overlay 206 is displayed within the UI before the first overlay 204 and the third overlay 208 due to its proximity to the user device 212. In other examples, the names 230 of the overlays are grouped by overlay type so that similar overlays are listed together.

[0054] In another example, during installation configuration, the ordered list 222 is generated by sorting the names 230 of each of the building structure coverings 204 to 210 by proximity based on the smoothed RSSI values, and then listing the estimated initial area groupings 228. Additionally, the ordered list 222 can be a dynamic list that is updated after each broadcast signal 226 is generated or emitted, or based on periodic time periods from when data can be stored locally. This allows the user device 212 to automatically bring the closest initial area groupings or coverings to the top of the list 222 as the user device 212 moves around the building 202 and maintain the list 222 in substantially real time. In some examples, the smoothed RSSI values are Kalman filtered to reduce statistical noise and other inaccuracies, and the dynamic list is smoothed for the user.

[0055] Figure 4 2 is a schematic diagram of a building structure covering system 200 in a usage-based configuration. Certain components are described above and therefore no further description is necessary. The usage-based configuration is the configuration when a user uses a user device 212 to control the operation of the building structure coverings 204 to 210. Once the system 200 generates the initial area groupings 228 (e.g., Figure 3 204 through 210). The final region groupings 232 are then used to display the ordered list 222 of overlays on the user device 212 and increase the ease of use of the system 200 for the user. The information about the regions identified in the final groupings can be personalized based on the user input through the UI (or through another computing service) such that each region can have a specific identifier, description, image, etc. The final region groupings 232 are stored locally in a local data repository (e.g., Figure 101004) on the user device 212 so that it is accessible to the system 200 (e.g., whenever the user device 212 opens the application). Additionally, for each overlay, the RSSI value, estimated proximity, type, and building identification number may be stored locally. In one example, each grouping has a group identifier (ID). The final area groupings 232 may be stored in a data structure (e.g., a table, a matrix, etc.) that includes, for each group, a corresponding group ID and corresponding area data in an entry and data about the overlays belonging to the group (e.g., located in the area) in one or more entries associated therewith (e.g., a row in a table corresponds to a group, where the first cell in the row includes the group ID, and the remaining cells in the row include information about the area and about the grouped overlays). In some examples, some or all of this data is stored remotely on a remote server and tagged by a user identifier. This allows for backing up settings on the user device 212 as needed or desired.

[0056] In the example, during usage-based configuration, when the user device 212 determines the signal strength of each of the broadcast signals 226, the user device 212 generates and maintains an ordered list 222 of the building structure coverings 204 to 210 based on the signal strength of the signals 226 as described above. The ordered list 222 is then displayed at least in part based on the final area groupings 232. In one example, the system 200 determines an average or median RSSI value for each of the final groupings 232 based on the coverings disposed therein. The average or median RSSI value can then be used to determine a list order that displays the closest area first. In another example, the system 200 determines the closest proximity covering to the user device and then includes all coverings in that area in the ordered list 222. By using the final area groupings 232, the group in closest proximity based on the smoothed RSSI value will be displayed on the ordered list 222 with the name 230 before the other proximity groups.

[0057] For example and Figure 3As shown, the ordered list 222 is sorted with the closest proximity final area grouping (e.g., the first area 216) displayed before other proximity final area groupings (e.g., the second area 218 and the nth area 220). Additionally, within each final area grouping 232, the names 230 of the overlays grouped therein are further sorted based on the overlays' proximity (e.g., distance) to the user device 212 and displayed adjacent to one another. For example, within the first area 216, the second overlay 206 is displayed before the third overlay 208 due to its proximity to the user device 212. In this example, the first overlay 204 was placed into the second area 218 based on user input and is therefore displayed after the first area 216. In other examples, the overlays within each area are further grouped by overlay type so that similar overlays are adjacent to one another as needed or desired.

[0058] Additionally, the ordered list 222 is a dynamic list that is updated after each generated or emitted broadcast signal 226 or based on periodic time periods. This allows the user device 212 to automatically bring the closest final area grouping or coverage to the top of the list 222 as the user device 212 moves around the building 202, thereby maintaining the list 222 in substantially real time. In some examples, the smoothed RSSI values are Kalman filtered to reduce statistical noise and other inaccuracies, and the dynamic list is smoothed for the user. In other examples, the ordered list 222 is dynamically updated as the user device 212 moves around the building 202.

[0059] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example described in , user device 212 performs actions to determine the proximity of building structure coverings 204-210 relative thereto. Additionally or alternatively, building structure coverings 204-210 are used to determine the proximity of user device 212 relative thereto as needed or desired. For example, the coverings are used to ping the user device and / or the user device broadcasts a signal from which the covering determines the proximity to user device 212.

[0060] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 300 for determining proximity of a plurality of building structure coverings during installation configuration. The method 300 may be executed by a user device, such as the user device 212 ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 Method 300 begins at operation 302, where a broadcast signal generated from each building structure covering is received. The broadcast signal may be generated or emitted (e.g., broadcast) at predetermined and / or periodic time intervals and include information data, power transmission data, and / or a building identification of the corresponding building structure covering, such as described herein.

[0061] Moving to operation 304, a signal strength of the broadcast signal is determined. In the described example, the signal strength corresponds to the proximity of the building structure covering having a higher signal strength associated with a closer proximity covering. In some examples, determining the signal strength (operation 304) may include measuring a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value of the broadcast signal at operation 306 and smoothing the RSSI value at operation 308. This smoothed RSSI value is used to determine the proximity of the covering relative to the user device (e.g., by inputting the smoothed RSSI value into logic stored on the user device, converting between the RSSI value and the proximity, and outputting the proximity given the input RSSI value). In some aspects, at operation 310, the signal strength is adjusted based on the power transmission of the broadcast signal.

[0062] Once the signal strength is determined (operation 304), at operation 312, one or more initial area groupings are estimated based on the signal strength (or proximity), wherein the initial area groupings correspond to one or more building structure covers located in similar areas. Next, at operation 314, an ordered list of each of the plurality of building structure covers is generated. The ordered list may be based on the proximity of the covers (or smoothed RSSI values) and / or the initial area groupings. At operation 316, the user device may also display the ordered list. In some examples, during generation (operation 314) and / or display (operation 316), method 300 includes, at operation 318, authenticating or filtering the building identifier so that only covers associated with the building are listed. The ordered list may include a type for each of the covers based on the received information data and the estimated group. This process of determining the proximity of the covers may be repeated after each broadcast signal, such that the ordered list is dynamic and is continuously updated at operation 320 so that the list is maintained.

[0063] During the installation configuration, after the ordered list is displayed (operation 316), the user may provide user input and modify and / or edit the initial zone groupings to verify one or more final zone groupings in operation 322. This operation 322 may include associating specific coverings with specific zone groupings and / or naming the zone groupings (e.g., master bedroom, kitchen, etc.). The final zone groupings are saved for reference below. Figure 6 The configuration described is based on usage.

[0064] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 400 for determining proximity of a plurality of building structure coverings during usage-based configuration. The method 400 may be executed by a user device, such as the user device 212 ( Figure 3 and Figure 4Method 400 begins at operation 402, where a broadcast signal generated or emitted (e.g., broadcast) from each building structure covering is received. Moving to operation 404, a signal strength of the broadcast signal is determined. In some examples, determining the signal strength (operation 404) may include measuring a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value of the broadcast signal at operation 406 and smoothing the RSSI value at operation 408. In some aspects, at operation 410, the signal strength is adjusted based on the power transmission of the broadcast signal.

[0065] Once the signal strength is determined (operation 404), at operation 412, an ordered list of each of the plurality of building structure covers is generated based on the final area grouping verified by the user. The ordered list may be based on the smoothed RSSI value or the estimated room proximity, the smoothed RSSI value of the cover, and / or the final area grouping. At operation 414, the user device may also display the ordered list. In some examples, during generation (operation 412) and / or display (operation 414), method 400 includes, at operation 416, authenticating or filtering the building identifier so that only covers associated with the building are listed. Additionally, this process of determining the proximity of the cover may be repeated after each broadcast signal so that the ordered list is dynamic and continuously updated at operation 418 so that the list is maintained.

[0066] In one example, once generated (initially according to Figure 5 Flowchart generation or according to Figure 6 By grouping the user device with the building structure coverings (generated in a configuration based on usage), one or more of the coverings can be controlled via a user device. Specifically, user input for covering operation can be received via a user interface. Based on the user input, the user device sends one or more instructions to at least one building structure covering. The one or more instructions cause the building structure covering to perform an operation. For example, the one or more instructions may be sent as a signal including one or more parameters for the operation. For illustration, the operation may include changing the position of the covering. The one or more instructions may identify the new position.

[0067] Once the building structure covering groupings are defined, subsequent RSSI values and / or proximity can be used to determine that the user device is located within an area, and information about the area can be displayed with selectable options to control the building structure coverings in the area. Specifically, the user device receives broadcast signals from the building structure coverings and processes the broadcast signals over time by at least filtering, aggregating, classifying, and thresholding their radio signal strengths (e.g., RSSI values). Based on the processing, the user device determines a group to which the building structure coverings are most likely to be proximate, and displays the corresponding area in the user interface as the current area (e.g., "current room") within which the user device is located. Optional operations (e.g., "quick actions") are also displayed in the user interface to facilitate user control of the building structure coverings belonging to the group.

[0068] Different constraints can be applied to the processing of broadcast signals to improve the fidelity of current region determination. In one example, broadcast signals are monitored for a predefined time period (e.g., three seconds). Because broadcast signals received from the same building structure covering for a duration longer than the predefined time period indicate a persistent broadcast, they are further processed. Otherwise, the broadcast signal is removed. In addition, a Kalman filter can be applied to remove abnormal RSSI values and reduce noise. Furthermore, for a group of coverings, it may be sufficient to use the broadcast signal of only one of the building structure coverings (e.g., the one with the highest RSSI value or the closest building structure covering) to determine the group and corresponding region. However, higher accuracy can be achieved by processing the broadcast signals of more than one of the building structure coverings in the group (e.g., all or a subset of multiple building structure coverings). To this end, the region corresponding to the group is associated with an aggregated RSSI value (or aggregated proximity) derived from the individual RSSI values (or individual proximities) of the multiple building structure coverings.

[0069] This document describes an example below in conjunction with using RSSI values to determine the current area. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this. Instead, each RSSI value can be converted into proximity, and the proximity can be used to determine the current area. For example, instead of determining an aggregated RSSI value for each area, selecting the area with the highest aggregated RSSI value, and comparing this aggregated RSSI value with an RSSI threshold, the user device can determine the aggregated proximity of each area (e.g., the average distance between the user device and the area, or some other statistical measure of proximity), select the area that is closest (e.g., with the smallest distance), and compare the aggregated proximity of the area with a proximity threshold.

[0070] Figure 7is an exemplary user interface that displays information about the current area. As shown, the user device 700 presents a user interface 710 on the display of the user device 700. The user interface 710 displays user interface elements 720 (e.g., selectable icons or tiles) that identify and provide text and / or graphical information about different areas, each of the user interface elements 720 corresponding to a group of one or more building structure covers and including one or more building structure covers. Figure 7 In the illustration of , three user interface elements 720 are shown ("Room A," "Room B," and "Room C," such as "Studio," "Kitchen," and "Living Room"), but a different number of user interface elements is possible and generally depends on the number of areas containing building structure coverings. Each user interface element 720 is selectable and, when selected, causes user interface 710 to identify the building structure coverings included in the selected area and provide selectable operations for controlling such coverings.

[0071] In addition, user interface 710 displays a current area section 730 that identifies the area in which user device 700 is estimated to be currently located and provides options for controlling building structure coverings located in this current area. In one example, current area section 730 displays a user interface element 732 (e.g., a selectable icon or tile) that identifies and describes the current area (e.g., "Room A"). In addition, current area section 730 displays one or more other user interface elements 734. Each user interface element 734 identifies one or more selectable actions (e.g., open, close, stop, add the current area to favorites, and / or other quick actions) that, when selected, trigger user device 700 to optionally perform the action (e.g., add to favorites) and / or send one or more instructions regarding the action to the building structure covering (e.g., open, close, stop), thereby causing such covering to perform the action.

[0072] In one example, a user device (such as user device 700) receives a broadcast signal transmitted by a building structure covering located in a region. The broadcast signal includes an identifier (ID) of the building structure covering (e.g., the name and / or type of the building structure covering from information data about the covering). The user device can use the ID when searching a data repository containing information about groups of building structure coverings (e.g., a data structure that associates each group ID with information about a region, as well as information about any building structure coverings that belong to a group and are located in the region). Based on the search, the user device can determine the group to which the building structure covering belongs and the corresponding region. Thus, based on the broadcast signal and the stored information about the group, the user device becomes able to determine the possible region in which the user device is currently located.

[0073] In most cases, a building includes multiple zones, and each zone includes one or more covers. The user device may be mobile and therefore may be repositioned between zones by the operator as the operator moves through the building. Due to this environment, the user device may receive multiple broadcast signals from multiple building covers in real time, where these covers may belong to different zones. Based on the received broadcast signals and information about the groups, the user device may determine the zone in which the user device is currently located and display this current zone in the user interface, such as Figure 7 As shown. The determination may rely on the RSSI value of the received broadcast signal (or, as explained above in this document, on the proximity derived from the RSSI value). Specifically, the RSSI value is processed based on the coverage information from the broadcast signal and the information about the grouping to generate an aggregate RSSI value for each area. The area with the highest smoothed average aggregate RSSI value is determined to be the area closest to the user device and is therefore most likely to be the current area. If the aggregate value of the area is greater than a predefined or user-configured RSSI value threshold, this area is set as the current area and is identified on the user interface along with possible optional operations.

[0074] Figure 8 800 is a sequence diagram illustrating exemplary steps between computing components for determining a current zone based on a broadcast signal and information about a group of building structure coverings. The computing components include a user interface 802 of a user device, a proximity monitoring module 804 of the user device, a data repository 806 local or remote to the user device and accessible to the user device via a data network, and a building structure covering 808. In one example, sequence diagram 800 includes multiple stages. In a first stage 810, a trigger is determined to initiate determination of a current zone. In a second stage 820, the broadcast signal is received and processed to determine possible zones (referred to as target zones). In a third stage 830, the most likely zone containing the user device is identified as the current zone (if any). The third stage 830 may be included in the second stage 820, and the steps of the second stage 820 may be performed in a loop over time and across different building structure coverings.

[0075] As shown, in the first stage 810, user input is received via user interface 802 to determine the current zone. For example, the user input may correspond to launching an application on the user device, selecting the application's home button, or selecting a specific option (e.g., an option to show zones), wherein the application is configured to provide user control over building structure coverings 808. Subsequently, a monitor or scan request is sent to proximity monitoring module 804, which responds with an acknowledgement (ACK) of this request. Next, proximity monitoring module 804 performs a search of data repository 806 (e.g., using the user ID), requesting the identification of different zones (shown as "Get Zones"). In response, data repository 806 sends the results of the identified zones (e.g., including the zone ID and the ID of the building structure covering associated with each zone). Although the trigger is shown herein as user input via user interface 802, other triggers are possible. For example, voice input may be received by the user device. The same application, another application, or a process in the user device's operating system may perform natural language processing and understanding to generate a trigger command, which is then received by proximity monitoring module 804. In another example, the trigger is predefined as a time interval.For example, the user device periodically (eg, at a rate corresponding to the predefined time interval) monitors the broadcast signal and the associated area.

[0076] In the second stage 820, the proximity monitoring module 804 receives a broadcast signal from a building structure covering. The broadcast signal may be transmitted from the building structure covering using a packet transmission protocol and may include packets. Specifically, the packets are transmitted at a predefined rate (e.g., eight packets per second). Each packet may include an identifier for the building structure covering (referred to herein as the covering ID). Upon receiving the packet, the proximity monitoring module 804 may generate a timestamp when the packet was received, determine the covering ID from the packet, and determine the RSSI value of the received signal. Packets including the same covering ID are determined to have been broadcast by the same building structure covering. A Kalman filter may be applied to the RSSI value to remove outliers. Furthermore, the proximity monitoring module 804 determines, based on the timestamp, whether the broadcast signal transmitted by the building structure covering continues for a duration longer than a predefined time period (e.g., at least twenty-four packets including the same covering ID are received during the duration). These broadcast signals are further processed by the proximity monitoring module 804. Such processing may include using RSSI values that have not been filtered out by the Kalman filter.

[0077] Next, for each covering ID, the proximity monitoring module 804 performs a lookup in the data repository 806 (e.g., by using the covering ID in a query containing the identification of the area corresponding to the building structure covering). In response, the data repository 806 sends a result identifying the area (e.g., by including the area ID and the covering ID of the building structure covering for each target area). The proximity monitoring module 804 determines that these areas are target areas (e.g., possible or candidate areas where the user device may be located).

[0078] The proximity monitoring module 804 updates the aggregate RSSI value for each of the target areas. Specifically, the cover IDs of the building structure covers located within the area are determined. The RSSI value of the broadcast signals received from each building structure cover and not filtered out during the time period is determined. The average of these RSSI values (or some other statistical measure) is calculated and set as the aggregate RSSI value for the target area. The proximity monitoring module 804 stores the aggregate RSSI value for each target area in the data repository 806 and maintains the values. For illustration, consider an exemplary area containing two building structure covers. In a three-second time period, twenty RSSI values are determined for the first building structure cover, and twenty-two RSSI values are determined for the second building structure cover. The aggregate RSSI value for this area can be the sum of the twenty RSSI values and the twenty RSSI values divided by forty-two. Of course, other statistical measures for determining the aggregate RSSI value are possible.

[0079] In addition, the proximity monitoring module 804 can query the data repository 806 to classify the target areas, and in response, the data repository 806 can return a list of classified areas. The classified areas are target areas sorted in descending order according to their aggregate RSSI values (e.g., the target area with the highest aggregate RSSI value is identified first, followed by the identifier of the target area with the second highest aggregate RSSI value, etc.). The list can also indicate the aggregate RSSI value of each target area.

[0080] In the third stage, the proximity monitoring module 804 determines the target area closest to the user device (e.g., the target area classified first in the list). In addition, the proximity monitoring module 804 compares the aggregated RSSI value of this target area with the RSSI threshold. Depending on the result of the comparison, the proximity monitoring module 804 instructs the user interface 802 to present or hide a portion regarding the current area. Specifically, if the aggregated RSSI value is greater than the threshold, the target area is determined to be the current area. Therefore, the user interface 802 presents a portion that identifies the current area (e.g., including the name of the current area in a user interface element) and optional operations that can be performed. Otherwise, because the current area is not determined, the user interface 802 may hide (e.g., not present) this portion.

[0081] Figure 9 806. FIGURE 9 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 900 for determining a current zone based on a broadcast signal and information about a group of building structure coverings and for controlling one or more building structure coverings located in the zone. The method may be implemented on a user device including, for example, a user interface 802, a proximity monitoring module 804, and optionally a data repository 806.

[0082] In one example, method 900 begins at operation 902, where a user device receives broadcast signals. Each broadcast signal is transmitted by a building structure covering and indicates information about the building structure covering. Operation 902 can be triggered by user input at a user interface of an application executed on the user device requesting control and configured to control the building structure covering; by voice input detected by the application; by another application executed on the user device; or by the user device's operating system; or by monitoring the broadcast signals based on a predetermined interval or schedule.

[0083] At operation 904, the user device determines the target area. For example, an RSSI value is determined from the received broadcast signal and a Kalman filter is applied to it to remove outliers. Next, the user device determines whether the broadcast signal received from the building structure cover persists for longer than a predefined period of time (e.g., a packet including the cover ID and broadcast at a predetermined rate is received for a duration longer than three seconds). If so, the broadcast signal for this cover is further processed. The user device determines the cover ID from the persistent broadcast signal and performs a lookup of a data structure identifying the target areas, each of which is associated with a cover ID.

[0084] At operation 906, the user device updates the aggregate RSSI value for each target area. For example, for each target area, the user device determines the IDs of overlay objects located in the area from the data structure. RSSI values for broadcast signals containing these overlay IDs are determined. The average of these RSSI values (or some other statistical measure) is calculated and corresponds to the aggregate RSSI value for the target area.

[0085] At operation 908, the user device classifies the target areas. For example, the target areas are classified in descending order based on their aggregate RSSI values.

[0086] At operation 910 , the user device compares the maximum aggregate RSSI value with an RSSI threshold. If the maximum aggregate RSSI value is greater than the RSSI threshold, the method 900 proceeds to operation 920 . Otherwise, the method 900 proceeds to step 930 .

[0087] At operation 920, the user device displays the current region. For example, the user device determines that the current region is the target region with the maximum aggregate RSSI value. Information data regarding the region, including, for example, its name, description, image, and the like, and optionally information data regarding building structure coverings, is received from a data structure. Any or all of the information data may be displayed in a user interface element within the current region portion of the user interface. Additionally, the user interface may include optional actions that can be performed by building structure coverings located within the current region.

[0088] At operation 922, the user device receives an operation selection. For example, user input is received through a user interface and a displayed selectable operation is selected. Additionally or alternatively, voice input is received by the user device and corresponds to a selection of a displayed selectable operation, or more generally, corresponds to an operation supported by the building structure covering.

[0089] At operation 924, the user device sends one or more instructions regarding the selected operation to the building structure coverings. For example, the user device determines the building structure coverings belonging to the group corresponding to the current area and instructs these coverings to close, open, or stop.

[0090] At operation 930, the current region is not determined. Therefore, the user device may not present information about such region by hiding the current region portion in the user interface.

[0091] Figure 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary operating environment 1000 in which one or more of the present invention examples may be implemented. For example, a building structure covering controller 142 ( Figure 2 shown) and / or user device 212 ( Figure 3 and Figure 4This is only one example of a suitable operating environment and is not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality. Examples of other well-known computing systems, environments, and / or configurations that may be suitable for use include, but are not limited to, personal computers including any of the above systems or devices, server computers, handheld or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, programmable consumer electronics such as smartphones, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments including any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

[0092] In its most basic configuration, 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 (used to execute instructions for the computer vision robot control operations disclosed herein) may be volatile (such as RAM), non-volatile (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two. Figure 10 1006. Furthermore, environment 1000 includes storage devices (removable 1008 and / or non-removable 1010), including but not limited to magnetic or optical disks or tapes. Similarly, environment 1000 may also have input devices 1014, such as a keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input, and / or output devices 1016, such as a display, speakers, printer, and the like. Environment 1000 also includes one or more communication connections 1012, such as LANs, WANs, point-to-point, and the like.

[0093] The 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 the processing unit 1002 or other devices (including the operating environment). By way of 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 structures, program modules or other data). Computer storage media include: RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical storage device, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, disk storage device or other magnetic storage device, or any other tangible, non-transitory medium that can be used to store the desired information. Computer storage media do not include communication media.

[0094] 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 transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term "modulated data signal" refers to a signal that has one or more characteristics set or changed so as to encode information in the 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.

[0095] Operating environment 1000 can be a single computer that is operated in a networked environment using a logical connection to one or more remote computers. The remote computer can be a personal computer, server, router, network PC, peer device or other public network node, and generally includes many or all of the above-mentioned elements and other elements not mentioned in this way. The logical connection can include any method supported by available communication media. Such networked environments are common in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet.

[0096] For example, various aspects of the present disclosure are described above with reference to block diagrams and / or operational descriptions of methods, systems, and computer program products according to aspects of the present disclosure. The functions / actions indicated in the blocks may not occur in the order shown in any flowchart. For example, two blocks shown in succession may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functions / actions involved.

[0097] The description and explanation 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 details provided in this application. No matter whether it is shown in combination or shown and described separately, various features (both structurally and methodically) are intended to be selectively included or omitted, to produce an embodiment with a specific feature set. Description and explanation of the application have been provided, and those skilled in the art can envision the various variations, modifications and alternative aspects that fall within the spirit of the broader aspects of the general concepts embodied in this application without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A system for determining proximity of 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, configure the system to: receiving a broadcast signal from each of the plurality of building structure coverings, wherein the broadcast signal received from the building structure covering includes information data of the building structure covering; maintaining an ordered list of said plurality of said building structure coverings based on a received broadcast signal, said ordered list being ordered by proximity of said building structure coverings to a user device; and At least a portion of the ordered list is displayed on a display.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the memory stores additional computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, further configure the system to estimate an initial area grouping for each of the plurality of building structure coverings based on the received broadcast signal.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the memory stores additional computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, further configure the system to: receiving verification of the final area grouping for each of the plurality of building structure coverings based on user input; and When displaying at least a portion of the ordered list, a plurality of the plurality of building structure coverings are displayed adjacent to one another in the final area grouping.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the broadcast signal received from a building structure covering includes information data of the building structure covering and a building logo.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises determining a signal strength of the received broadcast signal.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the signal strength is based at least in part on smoothing of received signal strength indication measurements.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein each broadcast signal is generated at periodic time intervals.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the memory stores additional computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, further configure the system to update the ordered list of the plurality of building structure coverings after each generated broadcast signal such that the ordered list is dynamic.

9. A method for determining proximity of a plurality of building structure coverings, the method comprising: receiving, by a user device, a broadcast signal from each of the plurality of building structure coverings, wherein the broadcast signal received from the building structure covering includes information data of the building structure covering; generating, by the user device and based on the received broadcast signal, an ordered list of each of the plurality of building structure coverings, the ordered list being ordered by proximity of the building structure covering to the user device; and The ordered list is displayed by the user device, wherein the ordered list includes a type of each of the plurality of building structure coverings based on the information data.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein one or more initial groups of the plurality of building structure coverings are estimated prior to generating the ordered list.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the one or more initial groups correspond to one or more building structure coverings of the plurality of building structure coverings estimated to be located within an area.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: After evaluating one or more of the initial groups, receiving verification of one or more final groups and one or more building structure coverings of the plurality of building structure coverings included in the one or more final groups; as well as When the ordered list is displayed on the user device, the one or more building structure coverings are displayed adjacent to each other in the one or more final groups.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the broadcast signal is generated at periodic time intervals and includes power transmission data.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising determining a signal strength of the received broadcast signal.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein determining the signal strength of the broadcast signal comprises: measuring a received signal strength indicator value of the broadcast signal; and performing smoothing processing on the received signal strength indicator value.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising updating the ordered list after each broadcast signal such that the ordered list is dynamic.

17. The method of claim 9, wherein the broadcast signal includes a building identification, and wherein the method further comprises authenticating or filtering the building identification.

18. A building structure covering system comprising: a plurality of building structure coverings, wherein each of the plurality of building structure coverings is configured to generate a broadcast signal; A user device, the user device being configured to: receiving the broadcast signal from each of the plurality of building structure coverings, wherein the broadcast signal received from the building structure covering includes information data of the building structure covering; generating an ordered list of each of the plurality of building structure coverings based on the received broadcast signal, the ordered list ordered by proximity of the building structure covering to the user device, wherein the ordered list indicates (i) a first building structure covering and a second building structure covering, and (ii) the first building structure covering having a closer proximity to the user device than the second building structure covering having a farther proximity to the user device; as well as The ordered list is displayed, wherein the ordered list includes a type of each of the plurality of building structure coverings based on the information data.

19. The building structure covering system of claim 18, wherein the list is based on the signal strength of the received broadcast signal.

20. The building structure covering system of claim 18, wherein the list is updated after each generated broadcast signal or based on a periodic timer.

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 first broadcast signal from a first building structure covering and receiving a second broadcast signal from a second building structure covering; determining a group of building structure coverings based on the first broadcast signal and the second broadcast signal, the group including information data about the first building structure covering; as well as A list of building structure coverings generated based on the received broadcast signal is displayed on a user interface, the list indicating that at least the first building structure covering belongs to the group.

22. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 21, wherein the operations further comprise: receiving, via the user interface, user input for operation of the first building structure covering; as well as One or more instructions are sent to the first building structure covering based on the user input, the one or more instructions causing the first building structure covering to perform the operation.

23. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 21 , further comprising: determining a received signal strength indicator value of the first broadcast signal; as well as A first proximity of the device to the first building structure covering is estimated based on the received signal strength indicator value, wherein information data about the first building structure covering is included in the group based on the first proximity.

24. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 23, wherein determining the first proximity further comprises smoothing the received signal strength indicator value.

25. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 21 , wherein the first broadcast signal indicates the information data regarding the first building structure covering, and wherein the operations further comprise: determining the information data from the first broadcast signal; as well as The information data and the association with the group are stored in a data structure.

26. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 21, wherein the operations further comprise: determining a first received signal strength indicator value of the first broadcast signal; determining a second received signal strength indicator value of the second broadcast signal; as well as Second information data about the second building structure covering is added to the group based on the first received signal strength indication value and the second received signal strength indication value.

27. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 26, wherein the group corresponds to a region, and wherein the operations further comprise: determining a first proximity of the apparatus to the first building structure covering based on the first received signal strength indicator value; determining a second proximity of the apparatus to the first building structure covering based on the second received signal strength indicator value; determining that the first proximity is less than the second proximity; as well as The list indicates that (i) the first building structure covering and the second building structure covering belong to the zone, and (ii) the first building structure covering is closer to the device than the second building structure covering based on the first proximity being less than the second proximity.

28. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 21, wherein the group corresponds to a region, and wherein the operations further comprise: receiving a third signal from said first building structure covering; determining an identifier of the first building structure covering based on the third signal; identifying the group from one or more groups based on the identifier; determining that the device is in the area based on the group being identified; as well as An indication that the device is located in the area is displayed on the user interface.

29. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 28, wherein the operations further comprise: Control elements are displayed on the user interface, the control elements being selectable to request one or more operations on building structure coverings belonging to the group.

30. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 28, wherein the operations further comprise: determining, based on the second broadcast signal, that the second building structure covering belongs to the group; receiving a third signal from the first building structure covering and receiving a fourth signal from the second building structure covering; A first signal strength of the third signal and a second signal strength of the fourth signal are determined, wherein determining that the device is in the area is further based on the first signal strength and the second signal strength.

31. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 30, wherein the first signal strength is a first received signal strength indication value, wherein the second signal strength is a second received signal strength indication value, and wherein the operations further comprise: A received signal strength indication value associated with the area is determined based on the first received signal strength indication value and the second received signal strength indication value, wherein determining that the device is in the area is further based on the received signal strength indication value associated with the area.

32. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 31 , wherein the operations further comprise: The received signal strength indicator value is compared to a threshold, wherein determining that the device is in the area is further based on a result of the comparison.

33. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 21 , wherein the group corresponds to a region, and wherein the operations further comprise: receiving a third signal from said first building structure covering; determining a first proximity of the device to the first architectural structure based on the third signal; as well as The device is determined to be in the area based on the first proximity and based on the first building structure covering belonging to the group.

34. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 33, wherein the operations further comprise: receiving user input for overlay operation; determining, based on the device being in the area, that the overlay operation applies only to the group; One or more instructions are sent to the first building structure covering based on the first building structure covering belonging to the group, the one or more instructions requesting the covering to operate.

35. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 34, wherein the operations further comprise: determining that the second building structure covering belongs to the group; as well as The one or more instructions are sent to the second building structure covering.

36. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 34, wherein the user input is a voice input received via a microphone of the device and requesting operation of the covering without identifying any of the area, the group, or the first building structure covering.

37. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 21, wherein the first broadcast signal indicates the information data regarding the first building structure covering.

38. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 37, wherein the first broadcast signal further indicates information data regarding a building in which the first building structure covering is installed.

39. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 38, wherein the first broadcast signal further indicates a transmit power used to send the first broadcast signal.

40. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 21, wherein the first broadcast signal is received by the device as a broadcast signal at predefined time intervals.

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