AU2019424849B2

AU2019424849B2 - External motor drive system for window covering system with continuous cord loop

Info

Publication number: AU2019424849B2
Application number: AU2019424849A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Marc Rashad BISHARA; Alan Cheng; Trung Duc PHAM
Original assignee: Ryse Inc
Current assignee: Ryse Inc
Priority date: 2019-01-23
Filing date: 2019-05-24
Publication date: 2025-04-10
Anticipated expiration: 2039-05-24
Also published as: WO2020150805A1; EP3914801A1; EP3914801A4; AU2019424849A1; CA3126950A1; CN113677867A

Abstract

A motor driven system for raising and lowering a window covering executes motor ramp trajectory speed control. The motor ramp trajectory limits acceleration of an external motor from the idle (stationary) state to full operating speed, and limits deceleration of the motor from full operating speed back to the idle state. This function reduces stresses on a continuous cord loop drive mechanism. A control system manages solar heating effects in response to sunlight entrance conditions such as system sensor outputs, external weather forecasts, and other data sources. The system automatically opens or close the window covering to increase or decrease admitted sunlight under appropriate conditions. The input interface of the control system includes a visual display and input axis, which are aligned vertically if the window covering mechanism raises and lowers the window covering, and are aligned horizontally if the window covering mechanism laterally opens and closes the window covering.

Description

EXTERNAL MOTOR DRIVE SYSTEM FOR WINDOW COVERING SYSTEM WITH CONTINUOUS CORD LOOP TECHNICAL FIELD

[1] The present disclosure relates to a system for spreading and retracting window

coverings that use continuous cord loops, and more particularly to an external motor drive device

for a system for spreading and retracting window coverings.

BACKGROUNDART

[2] It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does

not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the

art, in Australia or any other country.

[3] Window covering systems for spreading and retracting coverings for architectural

openings such as windows, archways and the like are commonplace. Systems for spreading and

retracting such window coverings may operate for example by raising and lowering the coverings,

or by laterally opening and closing the coverings. (Herein the terms spreading and retracting,

opening and closing, and raising and lowering window coverings are all used, depending on

context). Such window covering systems typically include a headrail or cassette, in which the

working components for the covering are primarily confined. In some versions, the window

covering system includes a bottom rail extending parallel to the headrail, and some form of shade

material which might be fabric or shade or blind material, interconnecting the headrail and bottom

rail. The shade or blind material is movable with the bottom rail between spread and retracted

positions relative to the headrail. For example, as the bottom rail is lowered or raised relative to

the headrail, the fabric or other material is spread away from the headrail or retracted toward the

headrail so it can be accumulated either adjacent to or within the headrail. Such mechanisms can

include various control devices, such as pull cords that hang from one or both ends of the headrail. 1 21562352_1(GHMtters) P116804.AU

The pull cord may hang linearly, or in the type of window covering systems addressed by the

present invention, the pull cord may assume the form of a closed loop of flexible material such as

a rope, cord, or beaded chain, herein referred to as a continuous cord loop, or alternatively as

chain/cords.

[4] In some instances, window covering systems have incorporated a motor that

actuates the mechanism for spreading and retracting the blind or shade material, and controlling

electronics. Most commonly, the motor and controlling electronics has been mounted within the

headrail of the window blinds, or inside the tubes (sometimes called tubular motors), avoiding the

need for pull cords such as a continuous cord loop. Using such motor-operated systems or devices,

the shade or blind material can be spread or retracted by user actuation or by automated operation

e.g., triggered by a switch or photocell. Such window covering systems in which the motor and

controlling electronics has been mounted within the headrail are sometimes herein called an

"internal motor," "internal motor device," or "internal motor system."

151 The drive system of the present invention incorporates a motor and controlling electronics mounted externally to the mechanism for spreading and retracting the blind or shade

material. Such drive system is herein called an "external motor," "external motor device," or

"external motor system," and alternatively is sometimes called an "external actuator." External

motor systems are typically mounted externally on the window frame or wall and engage the cords

or chains (continuous cord loop) of window coverings in order to automate opening and closing

the blind.

[61 In both internal motor systems and external motor systems (herein sometimes called

collectively, motorized systems), automated drive systems incorporate controlling electronics to

control operation. Commonly, motorized systems have been controlled through user control

mechanisms that incorporate an RF (radio frequency) controller or other remote controller for

wireless communication with a drive system associated with the motor. Such remote user control

2 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU systems have taken various forms such as a handheld remote control device, a wall-mounted controller/switch, a smart-home hub, a building automation system, and a smart phone, among others. The use of such remote control devices is particularly germane to internal motor systems in which it is difficult or impossible to integrate user control devices within the internally mounted drive system.

[7] In the external motor drive system of the present disclosure, since the external actuator is separated from the headrail or other window coverings mechanism, this opens up new

possibilities for integrating user controls in the external actuator itself. These integrated control features are herein sometimes called "on-device control." On-device control of external motor

systems offers various advantages, such as simplicity of operation, and convenience in accessing

the control device and in executing control functions. Such on-device control of external motor

systems can be integrated with automated control systems through appropriate sensors, distributed

intelligence, and network communications.

[81 Automated control over window covering systems can provide various useful control functions. Examples of such automated window control functions include calibrating the

opening and closing of blinds to meet the preferences of users, and controlling multiple blinds in

a coordinated or centralized fashion. There effectively is a need to integrate various automated

window control functions in on-device control for external actuators.

SUMMARY

191 The embodiments described herein include a motor drive system for operating a mechanism for spreading and retracting window coverings. The motor drive system includes a

motor operating under electrical power and a drive assembly. The motor drive system advances a

continuous cord loop in response to positional commands from a controller. An input-output

device for the controller includes an input interface that receives user inputs along an input axis,

and a visual display aligned with the input axis of the input interface. In an embodiment, the input

3 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU output device includes a capacitive touch strip that receives user inputs along an input axis, and an

LED strip aligned with the input axis.

[10] In an embodiment, the input-output device extends vertically on the exterior of a

housing for the motor drive system, and the housing supports input buttons. In an embodiment,

buttons on the housing include a group mode module and a set control module. In another

embodiment, the housing supports an RF communication button.

[11] In an embodiment, a group mode module communicates the positional commands

to other motor drive systems within an identified group to operate respective of other mechanisms

of the other motor drive systems. In an embodiment, the group mode module causes an RF

communication module to communicate the positional commands to other motor drive systems.

In an embodiment, the other motor drive systems within the identified group operate the respective

other mechanisms in accordance with a calibration of a respective top position and a respective

bottom position for each of the other motor drive systems.

[12] In an embodiment, a set control module enables user calibration of a top position

and a bottom position of travel of the window covering. In an embodiment, during calibration the

user moves the window covering respectively to the top position and the bottom position with the

input interface, and presses a set button to set these positions.

[13] In an embodiment, the drive assembly comprises a driven wheel configured for

engaging and advancing the continuous cord loop coupled to the mechanism for raising and

lowering the window covering, and an electrically powered coupling mechanism coupling the

driven wheel to the output shaft of the motor and configured for rotating the driven wheel in first

and second senses. Rotation of the driven wheel in a first sense advances the continuous cord loop

in the first direction, and rotation of the driven wheel in a second sense advances the continuous

cord loop in the second direction. The controller provides the positional commands to the motor

4 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU and the electrically powered coupling mechanism to control the rotation of the driven wheel in the first and second senses.

[14] In an embodiment, in addition to providing positional commands to the motor and

the drive assembly, and other control commands, via external motor device on-device controls,

such commands may be provided by input-output (I/O) devices separate from the external motor

device on-device control, such as mobile user devices. In an embodiment, the control system

includes a web application that can emulate various one-axis input and one-axis display features

of external motor on-device controls.

[15] In an embodiment, the external motor device is configured to raise or lower the

window covering, such as in roller shades and Roman shades, via vertical position control. In an

embodiment, the external motor device is configured to open or close the window covering

laterally (e.g., across the window frame), such as in vertical blinds or curtains, via horizontal

position control. In an embodiment, the control system includes a graphical user interface

configured to display an input control that extends either vertically or horizontally, depending on

the type of window covering system that is driven by the external motor.

[161 In an embodiment, a motor drive system comprises a motor configured to operate

under electrical power to rotate an output shaft of the motor, wherein the motor is external to a

mechanism for raising and lowering a window covering; and a drive assembly configured for

engaging and advancing a continuous cord loop coupled to the mechanism for raising and lowering

the window covering. Advancing the continuous cord loop in a first direction raises the window

covering, and advancing the continuous cord loop in a second direction lowers the window

covering. The motor drive system includes a controller for providing positional commands to the

motor and the drive assembly to control advancing the continuous cord loop in the first direction

and advancing the continuous cord loop in the second direction. An input-output device for the

controller includes an input interface that receives user inputs along an input axis to cause the

5 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU controller to provide the positional commands to the motor and the drive assembly, and a visual display aligned with the input axis of the input interface.

[17] In various embodiments, the external motor drive executes a speed control procedure during transition of the motor from an idle state to full operating speed, and during

transition of the motor from full operating speed back to the idle state. The motor drive system

includes a controller that provides positional signals, and a motor controller for powering the

motor. The controller and motor controller are configured to execute a motor ramp trajectory speed

control that limits acceleration of the motor from the idle state to full operating speed, and that limits deceleration of the motor from full operating speed back to the idle state. Ramp trajectory

control of motor speed is observed to reduce or avoid stresses on the continuous cord loop drive

system that can stretch, weaken, or otherwise damage the continuous cord loop such as a rope,

cord, or beaded chain.

[18] In an embodiment, the control system for external motor drive of window coverings includes a subsystem for managing solar heating effects. In various embodiments, this control

subsystem coordinates with system sensors such as a light sensor and temperature sensor, external

data sources, and other data sources to regulate window covering position control based on a

plurality of sunlight entrance conditions. Sunlight entrance conditions include, e.g., light and

temperature sensor outputs, weather conditions, time-of-day, location of the window coverings,

and other parameters that can affect solar heat gain. In an embodiment, in the event the control

system determines that a plurality of sunlight entrance conditions received by the controller

corresponds to one or more window cover criteria, the controller causes the drive assembly to

spread the window covering, In the event the control system determines that a plurality of sunlight

entrance conditions received by the controller corresponds to one or more window uncover criteria,

the controller causes the drive assembly to retract the window covering.

6 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU

[19] In an embodiment, a drive system for use with a window covering system including a headrail, a mechanism associated with the headrail for spreading and retracting a window

covering, and a continuous cord loop extending below the headrail for actuating the mechanism

for spreading and retracting the window covering, comprises a motor configured to rotate an output

shaft of the motor; a drive assembly configured for engaging and advancing the continuous cord

loop coupled to the mechanism for spreading and retracting the window covering, wherein

advancing the continuous cord loop in a first direction spreads the window covering, and

advancing the continuous cord loop in a second direction retracts the window covering; a controller for providing positional commands to the motor and the drive assembly to control the advancing

the continuous cord loop in the first direction and the advancing the continuous cord loop in the

second direction; and an input-output device for the controller, including an input interface that

receives user inputs along an input axis to cause the controller to provide the positional commands

to the motor and the drive assembly, and further including a visual display aligned with the input

axis of the input interface; wherein the drive assembly and the controller operate in one of a vertical

mode and a horizontal mode; wherein in the vertical mode the drive assembly is configured for

advancing the continuous cord loop in the first direction to lower the window covering and is

configured for advancing the continuous cord loop in the second direction to raise the window

covering, and the visual display and the input axis of the input interface are aligned vertically; and

wherein in the horizontal mode the drive assembly is configured for advancing the continuous cord

loop in the first direction to laterally close the window covering and is configured for advancing

the continuous cord loop in the second direction to laterally open the window covering, and the

visual display and the input axis of the input interface are aligned horizontally.

[20] In another embodiment, a drive system for use with a window covering system including a mechanism for spreading and retracting a window covering, and a continuous cord

loop extending below the mechanism for spreading and retracting the window covering, comprises

a motor configured to rotate an output shaft of the motor; a drive assembly configured for engaging

7 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU and advancing the continuous cord loop coupled to the mechanism for spreading and retracting the window covering, wherein advancing the continuous cord loop in a first direction spreads the window covering, and advancing the continuous cord loop in a second direction retracts the window covering; a temperature sensor communicatively coupled to the controller for providing positional commands to the motor and the drive assembly, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to provide a temperature output representative of a temperature in the vicinity of the drive system; a light sensor communicatively coupled to the controller for providing positional commands to the motor and the drive assembly, wherein the light sensor is configured to provide a light output representative of intensity of ambient light in the vicinity of the drive system; a controller for providing positional commands to the motor and the drive assembly to control the advancing the continuous cord loop in the first direction and the advancing the continuous cord loop in the second direction; wherein the controller receives a plurality of sunlight entrance conditions including the temperature output and the light output, wherein in the event the plurality of sunlight entrance conditions received by the controller corresponds to one or more window cover criteria, the controller causes the drive assembly to advance the continuous cord loop in the first direction to spread the window covering, and in the event the plurality of sunlight entrance conditions received by the controller corresponds to one or more window uncover criteria, the controller causes the drive assembly to advance the continuous cord loop in the second direction to retract the window covering.

[21] In another embodiment, a method for controlling a motor-driven device comprises receiving, by a processor via a graphical user interface of a computing device, a request for

selecting a window covering mechanism from at least one vertical window covering mechanisms

configured for raising and lowering a window covering via a motor-driven device and at least one

horizontal window covering mechanisms configured for laterally opening and closing the window

covering via the motor-driven device; displaying, by the processor via the graphical user interface

of the computing device, a graphical representation of the at least one vertical window covering

8 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU mechanisms and the at least one horizontal window covering mechanisms, and receiving a selection of one of the at least one vertical window covering mechanisms and the at least one horizontal window covering mechanisms; in response to the receiving the selection of the one of the one of the at least one vertical window covering mechanisms and the at least one horizontal window covering mechanisms, if the selected window covering mechanism is one of the at least one vertical window covering mechanisms, displaying via the graphical user interface a position control visual display with an input axis, wherein the input axis is aligned vertically; if the selected window covering mechanism is one of the at least one horizontal window covering mechanisms, displaying via the graphical user interface a position control visual display with an input axis, wherein the input axis is aligned horizontally; and in response to receiving a position control input via the position control visual display with the input axis, outputting to the motor-driven device, by the processor, a position control command based on the position control input.

[22] In a further embodiment, a motor drive system, comprises a motor configured to operate under electrical power to rotate an output shaft of the motor, wherein the motor is external

to a mechanism for raising and lowering a window covering; a drive assembly configured for

the window covering, wherein advancing the continuous cord loop in a first direction raises the

window covering, and advancing the continuous cord loop in a second direction lowers the window

covering; a controller for providing positional commands to the motor and the drive assembly to

control the advancing the continuous cord loop in the first direction and the advancing the

continuous cord loop in the second direction; wherein the drive assembly comprises an electrically

powered coupling mechanism coupling the drive assembly to the output shaft of the motor and

configured for rotating the driven wheel in first and second senses, and a motor controller for

powering the electrically powered coupling mechanism; wherein the controller and motor

controller are configured to execute a motor ramp trajectory speed control that limits acceleration

9 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU of the motor from an idle state to full operating speed, and limits deceleration of the motor from full operating speed back to the idle state.

[23] In an embodiment, a drive system for use with a window covering system including a headrail, a mechanism associated with the headrail for spreading and retracting a window

loop coupled to the mechanism for spreading and retracting the window covering, wherein advancing the continuous cord loop in a first direction spreads the window covering, and

advancing the continuous cord loop in a second direction retracts the window covering; a controller

configured to provide positional commands to the motor and the drive assembly to control the

advancing the continuous cord loop in the first direction and the advancing the continuous cord

loop in the second direction; and an input-output device for the controller including a graphical

user interface configured to receive user inputs to cause the controller to control the positional

commands to the motor and the drive assembly at a selected speed of the advancing the continuous

cord loop in a selected one of the first direction or the second direction, wherein in a first speed

control mode the input-output device causes the controller to control the speed of the advancing

the continuous cord loop at a selected percentage within a range of speeds from stationary to a

maximum speed, and in a second speed control mode the input output device causes the controller

to control the speed of the advancing the continuous cord loop at a selected one of a limited number

of predetermined speed levels.

[24] In an embodiment, a motor drive system comprises a first motor configured to operate under electrical power to rotate an output shaft of the motor, wherein the first motor is

external to a first mechanism for raising and lowering a window covering; a drive system

configured for engaging and advancing a continuous cord loop coupled to the first mechanism for

raising and lowering the window covering, wherein advancing the continuous cord loop in a first 10 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU direction raises the window covering, and advancing the continuous cord loop in a second direction lowers the window covering; a controller for providing positional commands to the first motor and the first electrically powered drive system to control the advancing of the continuous cord loop in the first direction and the advancing of the continuous cord loop in the second direction; an RF communication module operatively coupled to the controller for controlling RF communication of the positional commands to a network of other motor drive systems for operating respective other mechanisms for raising and lowering respective other window coverings; and a group mode module, for identifying one or more of the other motor drive systems included in a user-selected group, and for causing the RF communication module to communicate the positional commands to the identified one or more of the other motor drive.

[251 In an embodiment, a motor drive system comprises a motor configured to operate under electrical power to rotate an output shaft of the motor, wherein the motor is external to a

mechanism for raising and lowering a window covering; a drive assembly configured for engaging

and advancing a continuous cord loop coupled to the mechanism for raising and lowering the

window covering, wherein advancing the continuous cord loop in a first direction raises the

control the advancing of the continuous cord loop in the first direction and the advancing of the

continuous cord loop in the second direction to control the raising and lowering the window

covering; and a set control module for user calibration of a top position and a bottom position of

the window covering, wherein following the user calibration the controller limits the raising and

lowering the window covering between the top position and the bottom position.

[26] Additional features and advantages of an embodiment will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description. The objectives and

other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed

11 21562352_1(GHMtters) P116804.AU out in the exemplary embodiments in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

[27] In an embodiment, a motor drive system can comprise a motor configured to operate under electrical power to rotate an output shaft of the motor. The motor can be external to

a mechanism for spreading and retracting a window covering. A drive assembly can be configured

for engaging and advancing a continuous cord loop coupled to the mechanism for spreading the

window covering. Advancing the continuous cord loop in a first direction spreads the window

covering, and advancing the continuous cord loop in a second direction retracts the window covering. A controller can provide positional commands to the motor and the drive assembly to

continuous cord loop in the second direction. An input-output device for the controller can include

an input interface that receives user inputs along an input axis to cause the controller to provide

the positional commands to the motor and the drive assembly, and can further include a visual

display aligned with the input axis of the input interface. The drive assembly can comprise an

electrically powered coupling mechanism coupling the drive assembly to the output shaft of the

motor and configured for rotating the driven wheel in first and second senses. A motor controller

can power the electrically powered coupling mechanism. The controller and motor controller can

be configured to execute a motor ramp trajectory speed control that limits acceleration of the motor

from an idle state to full operating speed and limits deceleration of the motor from full operating

speed back to the idle state. The drive assembly and the controller can operate in one of a vertical

mode and a horizontal mode. In the vertical mode the drive assembly can be configured for

covering. The visual display and the input axis of the input interface can be aligned vertically. In

the horizontal mode the drive assembly can be configured for advancing the continuous cord loop

in the first direction to laterally close the window covering and is configured for advancing the

12 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU continuous cord loop in the second direction to laterally open the window covering. The visual display and the input axis of the input interface can be aligned horizontally.

[28] In an embodiment, a drive system can be for use with a window covering system

including a headrail. A mechanism associated with the headrail can be for spreading and retracting

a window covering. A continuous cord loop can extend below the headrail for actuating the

mechanism for spreading and retracting the window covering. The drive system can comprise a

motor configured to rotate an output shaft of the motor. A drive assembly can be configured for

engaging and advancing the continuous cord loop coupled to the mechanism for spreading and

retracting the window covering. Advancing the continuous cord loop in a first direction spreads

the window covering. Advancing the continuous cord loop in a second direction retracts the

window covering. A controller can be configured to provide positional commands to the motor

and the drive assembly to control the advancing the continuous cord loop in the first direction and

the advancing the continuous cord loop in the second direction. An input-output device for the

controller can include a graphical user interface configured to receive user inputs to cause the

controller to control the positional commands to the motor and the drive assembly at a selected

speed of the advancing the continuous cord loop in a selected one of the first direction or the second

direction. In a first speed control mode the input-output device can cause the controller to control

the speed of the advancing the continuous cord loop at a selected percentage within a range of

speeds from stationary to a maximum speed. In a second speed control mode the input output

device can cause the controller to control the speed of the advancing the continuous cord loop at a

selected one of a limited number of predetermined speed levels. The drive assembly and the

controller can operate in one of a vertical mode and a horizontal mode. In the vertical mode the

drive assembly can be configured for advancing the continuous cord loop in the first direction to

lower the window covering and can be configured for advancing the continuous cord loop in the

second direction to raise the window covering. The visual display and the input axis of the input

interface can be aligned vertically. In the horizontal mode the drive assembly can be configured

13 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU for advancing the continuous cord loop in the first direction to laterally close the window covering and can be configured for advancing the continuous cord loop in the second direction to laterally open the window covering. The visual display and the input axis of the input interface can be aligned horizontally.

[29] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation

of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[30] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures which are schematic and are not intended to

be drawn to scale. Unless indicated as representing the background art, the figures represent

aspects of the disclosure.

[31] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an external motor device.

[32] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of disassembled components of an external motor device, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[33] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an external motor device with sprocket cover in an opened position, according to an embodiment.

[34] FIG. 4 is an elevational view of an external motor device as seen from the rear, in a section taken through the sprocket, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[35] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a window covering system with an external motor system installed on a flat wall, according to an embodiment.

14 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU

[361 FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an installed external motor system for a window

covering system, according to the embodiment of FIG. 5.

[37] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a control system architecture of an external motor

device for a window covering system, according to an embodiment.

[381 FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of monitored and controlled variables of an external

motor control system for a window covering system, according to an embodiment.

[391 FIG. 9 is an elevation view of disassembled motor drive components for an external

motor system, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[40] FIG.10 is a flow chart diagram of a calibration routine for an external motor control

system, according to an embodiment.

[41] FIG. 11 is a flow chart diagram of a shade control routine, according to an

embodiment.

[42] FIG. 12 is a flow chart diagram of a group mode routine, according to an

embodiment.

[43] FIG. 13 is a flow chart diagram of a grouping mesh routine, according to an

embodiment.

[44] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of an external motor device, according to a further

embodiment.

[45] FIG. 15 is a front view of a graphical user interface displayed on an electronic

device that presents a position control screen of an external motor control application, according

to an embodiment.

15 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU

[461 FIG. 16 is a front view of a graphical user interface displayed on an electronic

device that presents a window covering type setup screen of an external motor control application,

according to an embodiment.

[47] FIG. 17 is a front view of a graphical user interface displayed on an electronic

device that presents a window covering device selection screen of an external motor control

application, according to an embodiment.

[48] FIG. 18 is a front view of a graphical user interface displayed on an electronic

to an embodiment.

[49] FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a solar heat gain management system, according to

an embodiment.

[50] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of motor ramp trajectory state machines, according

to an embodiment.

[51] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of an external motor device, according to a further

embodiment.

[52] FIG. 22 is a front view of a graphical user interface displayed on an electronic

device that presents a speed control screen of an external motor control application, according to

an embodiment.

16 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[531 The present disclosure is here described in detail with reference to embodiments

illustrated in the drawings, which form a part here. Other embodiments may be used and/or other

changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The

illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description are not meant to be limiting of the

subject matter presented here. Furthermore, the various components and embodiments described

herein may be combined to form additional embodiments not expressly described, without

departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

[54] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the

drawings, and specific language will be used here to describe the same. It will nevertheless be

understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and

further modifications of the inventive features illustrated here, and additional applications of the

principles of the inventions as illustrated here, which would occur to one, skilled in the relevant

art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

[55] The present disclosure describes various embodiments of an external motor device

for controlling the operation of a window covering system. In various embodiments, the external

motor device employs on-device control, employs a separate control device (e.g., a mobile

computing device), or both. As used in the present disclosure, a "window covering system" is a

system for spreading and retracting or raising and lowering a window covering. In an embodiment

as shown at 200 in FIG. 5, the window covering system includes a headrail 202, and a mechanism

(not shown) associated with the headrail (i.e., a mechanism within the headrail or adjacent the

headrail) for spreading and retracting a window covering. In this embodiment, the window

covering system 200 includes a continuous cord loop 220 extending below the headrail for

actuating the mechanism associated with the headrail, to spread and retract the window covering.

As used in the present disclosure, "headrail" is a broad term for a structure of a window covering

17 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU system including a mechanism for spreading and retracting the window covering. The window covering system further includes an external motor 210. Continuous cord loop 220 operatively couples the window covering mechanism associated with headrail 202 to the external motor 210 to raise and lower a window shade (fabric, or blind) 204. As seen in FIG. 6, external motor 210 is mounted to the wall 206 adjacent to the window, which is covered by shade 204 in this view.

For example, external actuator may be mounted to wall 206 using hardware such as bolts 214, or

using a mounting fixture such as bracket 194 in FIG. 2.

[56] In the present disclosure, "window covering" includes any covering material that

may be spread and retracted to cover a window or other architectural opening using a continuous

cord loop system (i.e., system with a mechanism for spreading and retracting the window covering

using a continuous cord loop). Such window coverings include most shades and blinds as well as

other covering materials, such as: roller shades; honeycomb shades; horizontal sheer shades,

pleated shades, woven wood shades, Roman shades, Venetian blinds, Pirouette@ shades (Pirouette

is a trademark of Hunter Douglas N.V., Rotterdam, Germany), and certain systems for opening

and closing curtains and drapery. Window covering embodiments described herein refer to blind

or blinds, it being understood that these embodiments are illustrative of other forms of window

coverings.

[57] As used in the present disclosure, a "continuous cord loop" is an endless loop of

flexible material, such as a rope, cord, beaded chain and ball chain. Continuous cord loops in the

form of loops of cord are available in various types and ranges of diameter including for example

D-30 (1 1/8" - 1 1/4"), C-30 (1 3/16" - 1 7/16"), D-40 (1 3/16" - 17/16"), and K-35 (1 1/4" - 1

1/2"). Additionally, various types of beaded chain and ball chain are commonly used as continuous

cord loops for window covering systems. A typical ball chain diameter is 5 mm (0.2 inch). In a

common window covering system design, the continuous cord loop includes a first loop end at the

headrail engaging a mechanism associated with the headrail for spreading and retracting the

window covering, and includes a second loop end remote from the headrail. Continuous cord 18 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU loops come in different cord loop lengths, i.e., the length between the first loop end and the second loop end, sometimes rounded off to the nearest foot. In one embodiment, e.g., in a roller blinds system, the continuous cord loop extends between the headrail and the second loop end, but does not extend across the headrail. In this embodiment, the first loop end may wrap around a clutch that is part of the mechanism spreading and retracting the blind. In another embodiment, e.g., in a vertical blinds system, a segment of the continuous cord loop extends across the headrail. In an embodiment, the continuous cord loop extends below the headrail in a substantially vertical orientation. When retrofitting the present external motor device to control a previously installed window coverings system, the continuous cord loop may be part of the previously installed window coverings mechanism. Alternatively, the user can retrofit a continuous cord loop to a previously installed window coverings mechanism.

[581 The continuous cord loop system may spread and retract the window covering by raising and lowering, laterally opening and closing, or other movements that spread the window

covering to cover the architectural opening and that retract the window covering to uncover the

architectural opening. Embodiments described herein generally refer to raising and lowering

blinds either under control of an external motor system or manually, it being understood that these

embodiments are illustrative of other motions for spreading and retracting window coverings.

External actuator 210 incorporates a motor drive system and controlling electronics for automated

movement of the continuous cord loop 220 in one of two directions to raise or lower the blind 204.

In one embodiment of window covering system 200, the continuous cord loop 220 includes a rear

cord/chain 224 and a front cord/chain 222. In this embodiment, pulling down the front cord raises

(retracts) the blind, and pulling down the rear cord lowers (spreads) the blind. As used in the

present disclosure, to "advance" the continuous cord loop means to move the continuous cord loop

in either direction (e.g., to pull down a front cord of a continuous cord loop or to pull down a back

cord of a continuous cord loop). In an embodiment, the blind automatically stops and locks in

position when the continuous cord loop is released. In an embodiment, when at the bottom of the

19 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU blind, the rear cord of the continuous cord loop can be used to open any vanes in the blind, while the front cord can be used to close these vanes.

[59] As seen in the isometric view of FIG. 1, an external motor 100 generally corresponding to the external motor 210 of FIGS. 5, 6 may include a housing 102 that houses a

motor, associated drive mechanisms, and control electronics. External actuator 100 includes

various on-device controls for user inputs and outputs. For example, external actuator 100 may

include a touch strip 104 (also called slider or LED strip). In the illustrated embodiment, touch

strip 104 includes a one-axis input device and a one-axis visual display. External actuator 100 further includes various button inputs including power button 106 at the front of the housing, and

a set of control buttons 110 at the top of the housing. In an embodiment, control buttons 110

include an RF button 112, a Set button 114, and a Group button 116.

In an embodiment, buttons 106, 110 are physical (moveable) buttons. The buttons may be recessed within housing 102 or may project above the surface of housing 102. In lieu of or in addition to the touch strip and the physical buttons seen in FIG. 1, the input controls may include any suitable input mechanism capable of making an electrical contact closure in an electrical circuit, or breaking an electrical circuit, or changing the resistance or capacitance of an electrical circuit, or causing other state change of an electrical circuit or an electronic routine.

[601 In various embodiments, alternative or additional input devices may be employed, such as various types of sensor (e.g., gesture sensor or other biometric sensor, accelerometer, light,

temperature, touch, pressure, motion, proximity, presence, capacitive, and infrared sensors). Other

user input mechanisms include touch screen buttons, holographic buttons, voice activated devices,

audio triggers, relay input triggers, or electronic communications triggers, among other

possibilities, including combinations of these input mechanisms. FIG. 14 shows an alternative

external motor 1000 that includes input devices 1004, 1006, 1012, 1014, and 1016 generally

corresponding to input devices of motor 100. Additionally, the external motor 1000 includes a

two-dimensional screen 1008 located on the front face of external motor 1000 above the LED strip

20 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU

1004 and below the power button 1006. Two-dimensional screen 1008 may be a touch screen,

and may provide various input/output functions such as a virtual keypad, an alphanumeric display,

and a graphical user interface, among others.

[61] Referring again to FIG. 1, an input interface of external motor 100 may recognize various user input gestures in generating commands for opening or closing window coverings, and

other system functions. These gestures include typing-style gestures such as touching, pressing,

pushing, tapping, double tapping, and two-finger tapping; gestures for tracing a pattern such as

swiping, waving, and hand motion control; as well as multi-touch gestures such as pinching specific spots on the capacitive touch strip 104. In the cases of a two-dimensional user interface

such as touch screen 1008 of FIG. 14, additional user gestures may employed such as multi-touch

rotation, and two dimensional pattern tracing. In an embodiment, a two-dimensional input

interface 1008 can include a one-axis control that receives user inputs along an input axis.

[62] The on-device controls of the present external motors incorporate a shade positional control input-output (I/O) device such as slider 104. Slider 104 extends vertically on housing 102

along an input axis of the I/O device. The verticality of slider 104 naturally corresponds to physical

attributes of shade positioning in mapping given inputs to shade control functions in a command

generator, providing intuitive and user-friendly control functions. Examples of shade control 1/0

positional functionality via slider 104 include, among others:

[63] (a) A gesture at a given slider position between the bottom and top of slider 104 corresponds to given absolute position (height) of the blind as measured by an encoder or other

sensor;

[64] (b) A gesture at a given position between the bottom and top of slider 104 corresponds to given relative position of the blind relative to a calibrated distance between a set

bottom position and a set top position (e.g., a gesture at 25% from the bottom of slider 104

21 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU corresponds to a blind position 25% of the calibrated distance from the set bottom position to the set top position);

[65] (c) Gestures at the top and bottom of the slider 104 can execute different shade control functions depending on the gesture. Pressing and holding the top of the slider 104 is a

command for the blind to move continuously upward, while pressing and holding the bottom of

the slider 104 is a command for the blind to move continuously downward. Tapping the top of the

slider 104 is a command for the blind to move to its top position, while tapping the bottom of the

slider 104 is a command for the blind to move to its bottom position.

[66] (d) Upward and downward dynamic gestures (e.g., swiping) on slider 104 can be assigned different functions such as "up" and "down," or "start" and "stop."

[67] Slider 104 provides a versatile input-output device that is well suited to various control functions of a window coverings motor drive system. Various shade control functions may

be based on a one-axis quantitative scheme associated with the touch strip 104, such as a

percentage scale with 0% at the bottom of the touch strip and 100% at the top of the touch strip

104. For example, the slider 104 can be used to set blind position at various openness levels, such

as openness levels 0% open (or closed), 25% open, 50% open, 75% open or 100% (fully) open,

via pre-set control options. A user can command these openness levels via slider 104 by swiping,

tapping, or pressing various points on the slider. In addition, the slider command scheme can

incorporate boundary positions for state changes. For example, a slider input below the one

quarter position of the slider can command the window covering to close from 25% open to 0%

open.

[68] Various functions of slider 104 may employ a combination of the one-axis input sensing and one-axis display features of the slider. For example, the LED strip 140 can illuminate

certain positions along the touch strip 104, with these illuminated positions corresponding to

boundaries along the slider for state changes in a shade command structure. 22 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU

[691 In the external motor device 2100 of FIG. 21, the vertical touch strip input device

is replaced by capacitive touch buttons 2110, 2120, 2130 for various motion states. Touch button

2110 actuates up motion, touch button 2120 actuates down motion, and touch button 2130 actuates

an idle (stationary) motion state. For example, pressing an up button or down button may cause

continuous up or down movement, tapping a button may cause window covering position to move

up or down to a next set position, and double tapping a button may cause the window covering

position to move to the top or bottom calibrated position.

[70] The input-output principles described above for external motor device on-device

controls can be applied to various types of shade positional control input-output (I/O) devices

separate from the external motor device on-device control, such as mobile user devices. In various

embodiments, the web application emulates the one-axis input sensing and one-axis display

features of the external motor on-device controls described above. In various embodiments, the

web application utilizes mobile device input technologies such as touch-screen inputs, gesture

based inputs, and GPS location sensing. For example, the web application control may accept

inputs such as dragging, tapping, double tapping, multi-touch inputs, and gestures such as tracing

a pattern, swiping, waving, and hand motion control. In various embodiments, a two-dimensional

I/O device such as a 2D touch screen can be configured to act upon user input along a single axis,

e.g., along a vertical axis or a horizontal axis of the touch screen.

[71] FIGS. 15-18 and FIG. 22 are front views of a graphical user interface displayed on

an electronic device 1505 (e.g., a mobile electronic device), which present various screens of an

external motor control application. The window covering application position control screen 1500

of FIG. 15 includes a vertical slider control 1530 with a bar 1540 that can be set at a desired

vertical position via touch screen input. In addition, graphical user interface 1500 includes up

button 1510 and down-button 1520 controls, which may receive various types of touch screen

input. For example, pressing a button may cause continuous up or down movement, tapping a

button may cause window covering position to move up or down to a next set position (e.g., set 23 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU position of 75%), and double tapping may cause the window covering position to move to the top or bottom calibrated position.

[72] The window covering application setup screen 1600 of FIG. 16 is used for setting

up the external motor control application depending on what type or types of window covering

devices are installed with external motor control. Window covering device type options include

roller shades 1610, vertical blinds 1620, curtains or drapes 1630, and Roman shades 1640. Roller

shades 1610 and Roman shades 1640 are characterized by vertical position control, i.e., the

external motor device raises or lowers the roller shades or Roman shades. Vertical blinds 1620

and curtains or drapes 1630 are characterized by horizontal position control, i.e., the external motor

device opens or closes the vertical blinds or curtains laterally, e.g., across the window frame.

[73] As seen in the window covering application selection screen 1700 of FIG. 17, the

external motor control application may be set up to control two or more external motor control

devices, e.g., in different rooms or multiple devices in a given room. Following set-up, the user

may select one of these devices for control via device selection screen 1700. In the exemplary

embodiment, the user has set up two external motor window control devices: a roller shades device

1730 in Bedroom 1 and a curtains or drapes device 1740 in Bedroom 2. The user has selected

device 1730 via radio button 1710 for control using the window covering application.

Alternatively, the user can select device 1740 via radio button 1720. In various embodiments, in

the event an external motor control device selected at the select screen 1700 is associated with

roller shades 1610 or Roman shades 1640, the window covering application will display a position

control application screen configured for vertical position control. In various embodiments, in the

event an external motor control device selected at the select screen 1700 is associated with vertical

blinds 1620 or curtains or drapes 1630, the window covering application will display a position

control application screen configured for horizontal position control.

24 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU

[741 In an example of use of the window covering application position control screen

1500 of FIG. 15, the control application has displayed position control screen 1500 following user

selection of device location 1710 at selection screen 1700, as shown in window covering device

header 1560, "Bedroom 1." For controlling raising and lowering of roller blind 1730, the position

control screen 1500 displays a vertical slider control 1530.

[751 The window covering application position control screen 1800 of FIG. 18 includes

a horizontal slider control 1830 with a bar 1840 that can be set at a desired horizontal position via

touch screen input. Horizontal slider control 1830 is divided into ten segments of horizontal

position indicated by vertical bars 1850, and the user can precisely move the window covering

device to one of these preset positions via touch screen input (e.g., a position of 80%, where 100%

is the right-most position). Position control screen 1800 also includes left-button 1810 and right

button 1820, which can be used respectively to cause movement of the window covering device

toward the left or the right. In an example of use of the window covering application position

control screen 1800 of FIG. 18, the control application has displayed position control screen 1800

following user selection of device location 1720 at selection screen 1700, as shown in window

covering device header 1860, "Bedroom 2." For controlling horizontal opening and closing of

curtains or drapes 1740, the position control screen 1800 includes a horizontal slider control 1830.

[76] In addition to window covering application position control screens such as vertical

position screen 1500 of FIG. 15 and horizontal position screen 1800 of FIG. 18, the window

covering application can include one or more speed control screens. A speed control screen can

include a control for setting an absolute value of motor speed as well as a direction of window

covering velocity (e.g., up or down, or left or right). Additionally, a speed control screen can

include controls to select one of several preset speed settings, such as a radio button control to

select one of settings Idle; Low; Medium; and High.

25 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU

[771 The mapping of given user gestures to given shade control commands, herein also

called "positional commands," can distinguish between commands applicable only to the local

external motor 100, versus commands applicable to multiple external motors. In an example,

double tapping the top of a capacitive touch slider design commands the system to provide 100%

openness for all window coverings in a pre-set group of window blinds, rather than just the local

blind. In another example, two-finger tapping commands the system to open all the window

coverings connected within the network.

[78] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the components of the external actuator 100. Starting

with the components at the front of the device at lower left, a front bezel 130 includes a power

button glass plate that covers the power button 106. A front lid glass plate 134 includes an aperture

for the power button. Front lid 136 houses the power button 106 and serves as a transparent cover

plate for the touch strip 104. Visual display components of the one-axis strip 104 include LED

strip (also called LEDs) 140 and diffuser 138. The input sensor for one-axis strip 104 is a

capacitive touch sensor strip 142. These components serve as an input-output device for the

external motor 100, including an input interface that receives user inputs along an input axis, and

a visual display aligned with the input axis. When fully assembled, the input-output device extends

vertically on the exterior of the housing 102.

[79] Other input/output components include a connector for communications and/or

power transfer such as a USB port 146, and a speaker (audio output device) 144. The LEDs and

audio outputs of external motor 100 can be used by state machines of external motor 100 to provide

visual and/or audio cues to signal an action to be taken or to acknowledge a state change. Visual

cue parameters of the LEDs 140 include, for example: (a) different positions of the LEDs indicators

(blocks of LEDs) along slider 104; (b) different RGB color values of the LED lights; and (c) steady

or flashing LED indicators (including different rates of flashing).

26 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU

[801 In examples of visual cues involving the group mode function.(incomplete

sentence) In an embodiment, the user can press Group Mode button 116 once to cause external

motor devices in the network to light up their LED display, informing the user which devices will

be controlled. When a user successfully presses the Group Mode 116 button to program external

motor 100 to control multiple external motors in its network, the LED strip 140 of all external

motors being controlled will change color from steady blue to steady green.

[81] In examples of visual cues involving the Set function, when a user initiates the

calibration procedure by pressing and holding the Set button, the LED strip 140 will change to red

and blue to inform the user that the external motor 100 is in calibration mode. When the user

successfully completes the calibration procedure, the LED strip 140 will flash green to indicate

that the shade is now calibrated.

[82] In a visual cue example involving setting position, when a user taps a finger at a

particular position along the capacitive touch strip 104, the LED strip 140 illuminates a block of

LEDs at this last known position. This indicator informs the user of the position to which the

shade will open or close.

[831 In an example of audio cues, an audio alarm sounds to signal a safety issue. In a

further example, the speaker 144 broadcasts directions to the user for a shade control function.

[84] Motor drive components are housed between the main body 150 of housing 102

and a back lid 170. The motor components include motor 152 (e.g., a 6V DC motor), and various

components of a drive assembly. Components of the drive assembly include a worm gear 154 that

is driven by the motor rotation and coupled to a multi-stage gear assembly 160, and a clutch (not

shown in FIG. 2). Gear assembly 160 includes helical gear 162 (first-stage gear), a first spur gear

164 (second-stage gear) rotatably mounted on sleeve bearings 156, and a second spur gear 166

(third-stage gear). Printed circuit board 148 houses control electronics for the external motor

device 100. 27 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU

[851 Spur gear 166 is coupled via a clutch (not shown) to a sprocket 184, also called

driven wheel, mounted at the rear of back lid 170. Continuous cord loop (chain) 120 is threaded

onto sprocket 184 so that the motion of the drive components, if coupled to the driven wheel 184

by a clutch, advances the continuous cord loop 120.

[861 The drive assembly is configured for engaging and advancing the continuous cord

loop coupled to a mechanism for raising and lowering the window covering. The drive assembly

includes driven wheel 184 and a coupling mechanism (152, 160, clutch) coupling the driven wheel

184 to the output shaft of the motor. The coupling mechanism is configured for rotating the driven

wheel 184 in first and second senses. Rotation of the driven wheel in a first sense advances the

continuous cord loop in the first direction, and rotation of the driven wheel in a second sense

advances the continuous cord loop in the second direction.

[87] Structural components at the back of external motor 100 includes a back lid cover

178, sprocket cover 190, back lid glass plate 180, and sprocket lid glass plate 188. These

components are covered by back bezel 192, which is coupled to a bracket 194 that serves as a

mounting fixture for the external motor 100.

[881 FIG. 9 is an elevation view of structural components and assembled working

components from a motor driven subassembly 500, as seen from one side. Front housing 514 and

rear housing 516 envelop the drive train and other operational components of the drive system

500, but are shown here separated from these components. DC motor 520, under power and

control from printed circuit board 532 and battery pack 528, has a rotating output shaft. For

example, batteries 528 may be nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, or lithium-ion polymer

(LiPo) batteries. Battery pack 528 can be located within the front housing 514 and rear housing

516 as shown, or can be external to these housings. A multi-stage gear assembly 524 includes a

gear 526 in line with the motor output shaft, and a face gear 528. The face gear 528 is coupled to

driven wheel 508 by clutch system 512. Clutch 512 is a coupling mechanism that includes an

28 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU engaged configuration in which rotation of the output shaft of the motor 520 (as transmitted by the multi-stage gear assembly) causes rotation of the driven wheel 508; and a disengaged configuration in which the driven wheel 508 is not rotated by the output shaft of the motor. In an embodiment, clutch 512 is an electrically operated device that transmits torque mechanically, such as an electromagnetic clutch or a solenoid. In another embodiment, clutch 512 is a two-way mechanical only clutch that does not operate under electrical power.

[891 Successive presses of the power button 504 toggle the drive assembly between

engaged and disengaged configurations of the clutch system 512. Power button 504 corresponds

to power button 106 in the external actuator embodiment 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2. In an embodiment,

Power Button 106 turns on or off the device by engaging and disengaging the driven wheel or

sprocket 508 respectively with the clutch system 512. In another embodiment, pressing the Power

Button 106 triggers power-on and power-off of the external actuator 100.

[90] In one embodiment utilizing a two-way mechanical-only clutch, when Power

Button 106 is pressed in an 'on' position, the mechanical clutch will engage the driven wheel with

the motor's output shaft and gear assembly. This is a tensioned position in which the mechanical

clutch will not allow the driven wheel to be operated by manually pulling or tugging on the front

chain/cords 122 or back chain/cords 124. In this engaged configuration, when the external motor

100 receives a shade control command from the on-device controls or another device, it will

energize the motor to turn the output shaft and gear, which in turn will turn the driven wheel.

When the Power Button 106 is pressed in an 'off position, the mechanical clutch will disengage

the driven wheel from the output shaft and gear, allowing for manual operation of the front

chain/cords 122 or back chain/cords 124. In the disengaged configuration, if a shade control

command is sent when the clutch is not engaged, the driven wheel will not turn.

[91] In another embodiment, the clutch system is an electromagnetic clutch in which the

driven wheel is always engaged with the output shaft and gear assembly. The electromagnetic

29 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU clutch allows for manual operation of the front chain/cords 222 or back chain/cords 224. This clutch does not lock the driven wheel to the output shaft and gears, but when electrically energised will engage the driven wheel and output shaft and gears.

In a further embodiment, when external motor 100 is turned 'on' or engaged with the driven wheel via the Power Button 106, the system will recognize user tugging on the front chain/cords or the back chain/cords. In one embodiment, when a user tugs on the front chain/cord 122 while the external motor is tensioned, the LEDs associated with the touch strip 104 will flash to notify the user that she can control the device with the capacitive touch strip instead.

[92] In another embodiment, when the external motor is turned 'on' or engaged with the

driven wheel via the Power Button 106 and a user tugs on the chain/cord while the drive assembly

is tensioned, external actuator 100 will recognize the user's action using sensors and/or encoders,

and automatically lower or raise the blinds or take other action based on a command associated

with the particular tugging action. The actions mentioned can include tugging on the front

chain/cord 122 or the back chain/cord 124.

[931 In an embodiment, a sensor and/or encoder of external motor 100 measures the

manual movement of the cords via a "tugging" or pulling action of the cord by a user. Mechanical

coupling of the sprocket 184 to the gear assembly 160 includes a certain amount of slack, such that

user's tugging on the continuous cord loop 120 will cause a certain amount of movement of the

sprocket and this movement will be recognized by a sensor or encoder (e.g., encoder 322, FIG.

7). Based upon the sensor or encoder output, a shade control command structure can include

various shade control actions, and engage the motor to execute a given action. Tugging the cord

while the external motor 100 is engaged and opening or closing the blind can send various

commands, such as stopping the blind from opening/closing.

[94] Examples of tug actions engaging the motor to execute shade control commands:

30 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU

[95] (a) Downward tugging sensed, engaging the DC motor in the same direction.

For example, if the user tugs down the front chain/cords 122, the motor would operate and lower

the window shade;

[96] (b) Downward tugging sensed, disengaging the DC motor. For example, if the

user tugs down the back chain/cords 124 while the motor is raising or lowering the window shade,

the motor will disengage and stop the shade at that position.

[97] (c) Downward tugging sensed, engaging the DC motor in an opposite direction.

For example, if the user tugs down the back chain/cords 124, the motor will operate and raise the

window shade.

[98] Referring again to FIG. 1, The RF button 112 is used to pair or sync the external

motor to a mobile phone via radio-frequency chips (RF) including, but not limited to BLE

(Bluetooth Low Energy), WiFi or other RF chips. The RF button 112 can be used to pair or sync

to third party devices such smart thermostats, HVAC systems, or other smart-home devices by

means of forming a mesh network utilizing RF chips including various protocols. Protocols

include but are not limited to BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) mesh; ZigBee (e.g., ZigBee HA 1.2);

Z-Wave, WiFi, and Thread.

[99] FIG. 13 is a flow chart diagram of a Grouping Mesh routine executed by an external

motor in response to a grouping call received at 902. For example, a grouping call may be triggered

at 806 in the Group Mode routine of FIG. 12. Upon receiving the grouping call, the external motor

initiates BLE mesh mode, thereby communicating messages to other external motors in the group

(BLE mesh) using a Bluetooth Low Energy protocol. For external motor networks that use another

protocol 330 (FIG. 7) for RF communications, such as ZigBee, Z-Wave, WiFi, or Thread, the

grouping call routine would be modified at 804 to initiate communications with other external

motors in the group based upon the applicable protocol. Similarly, the grouping call routine can

31 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU be modified to adapt to different mesh topologies of the external motor network, such as hub-and spoke (star topology).

[100] The Set button 114 is used for calibrating or pre-setting the maximum opening and closed position of the blind. After the user mounts/installs the external motor 100, the user can

calibrate the device to manually set positions at which the blind is fully opened or fully closed.

The user then presses the top portion of the capacitive touch slider 104 to raise the blinds all the

way up. When the blind has reached the top position, the user again presses the Set button 114 to

save the top position. The user then presses the bottom position of the capacitive touch slider control 104 to lower the blinds. When the blind has reached its bottom position, the user again

presses the Set button to save the bottom position. The top and bottom positions set by a user can

reflect preferences of the user and may vary from one external motor to another.

[101] FIG. 10 is a flow chart diagram of a calibration routine executed by an external motor 100. The calibration routine commences with a calibration command 602, which can be

effected by pressing and holding the Set button 114 of an external motor, or in some other way,

e.g., input at a mobile device. At 604 the system passes control to the Shade Control state machine

and to the Calibration state machine. The Shade Control state machine is discussed below with

reference to FIG. 11. The Calibration state machine controls the command structure for LED

indicators; calculates top and bottom positions selected by the user based on encoder pulse data;

saves these top and bottom positions when confirmed by the user; and calculates distance between

top and bottom positions to scale shade control commands to the calibrated positions. In these

routines, the user can execute various motor control commands to move the blind to a desired top

position. At 606 the system detects whether the user has selected and confirmed the top position

by pressing the Set button. If so, the routine saves (calibrates) the top position at 608. At 610 the

system again passes control to the Shade Control state machine and to the Calibration state

machine. At 621 the system detects whether the user has selected and confirmed the bottom

32 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU position by pressing the Set button and, if so, saves (calibrates) the bottom position at 614. Upon the user's final confirmation of calibration at 614, the system exits the calibration routine.

[102] In the illustrated embodiment, the calibration procedure sets the top position

followed by setting the bottom position. In an alternative embodiment, instead of setting the top

position followed by calibrating the bottom position, the calibration procedure sets the bottom

position followed by setting the top position.

[103] In another calibration embodiment, the user presses and holds the Set button 114

for a limited period of time to reverse the direction of motion. In this embodiment, if the user

presses the top part of the capacitive touch slider control 104 with the intent to raise the blinds, but

external motor 100 instead lowers the blind, the user can press and hold Set 114 within a specified

timeframe to reverse this direction. The user then presses the top portion of the capacitive touch

slider control 104 to completely raise the blinds, and then presses the Set button 114 to set the top

position. The user will then press the bottom portion of the capacitive touch slider control 104 to

lower the blinds, and then press the Set button 114 to set the bottom position.

[104] In a further calibration embodiment, the user can press Set for auto-calibration.

During auto-calibration, the external motor determines top and bottom positions via predetermined

sensor measurements.

[105] FIG. 11 is a flow chart diagram of a Shade Control routine executed by an external

motor 100. At 702 the system receives a command to pass control to the Shade Control state

machine. At 704 the system passes control to motor control routines. Motor control routines start

and stop the motor; move the motor in a selected direction (up/down); move the motor to a selected

position; and regulate the speed of the motor. Motor control routines are typically triggered by

user commands, but can also be automated, e.g., upon sensing a condition affecting safety. At 706,

the system detects whether Group Mode is active for the external motor. If yes, the external

motor's control system broadcasts 708 a shade control message to other motors in the group for 33 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU execution. Shade control commands executed in response to the message 708 may vary among different external motors in a group. For example, shade control commands based on calibrated positions will vary depending on the top and bottom positions calibrated for each external motor.

If the Group Mode is not active, the external motor exits the shade control routine at 706; otherwise

it exits the routine at 708 after broadcasting the shade control message.

[1061 In various embodiments, the Shade Control routine executed by external motor 100

is configured to limit acceleration of the motor from an idle (stationary) state to full operating

speed, and to limit deceleration of the motor from full operating speed back to the idle state. In

various embodiments, the Shade Control routine causes the external motor 100 to ramp up speed

from the idle state to full speed, and causes the external motor 100 to ramp down speed from full

speed back to the idle state. These functions of ramping up motor speed from the idle state, and

ramping down motor speed back to the idle state, are also called ramp trajectory speed control in

the present disclosure. For example, ramp trajectory speed control may provide linear ramp-up or

ramp-down of motor speed. The Applicant has observed that ramp trajectory speed control reduces

or avoids stresses on the continuous cord loop in the window covering drive system that can occur

due to excessive accelerations, and that these stresses can stretch, weaken, or otherwise damage

the continuous cord loop such as a rope, cord, or beaded chain.

[107] In an embodiment, a motor ramp trajectory procedure includes control commands

that can be received by the control system via wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth control),

touch-screen control, or automated schedule entry, among other possibilities. The command

structure is described, for example, in the following pseudocode:

cmdcode.data.shadepos

This command has values from OxOO and 0x64 corresponding to 0-100% motor position control.

cmdcode.data.motorpwm

34 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU

This command selects between a slow mode or a fast mode of motor ramp trajectory, by assigning 1 or 0 values respectively.

cmd-code.cmd

CTRLPROTOPOS value of this command indicates that a command should be sent to a top control state machine (also herein called the top state machine).

topSM-task

In addition to the top control state machine, there are various subsidiary state machines. topSM-task runs a gear-topsmdoStep task to manage distribution of control and commands to subsidiary state machines for calibration, touch LED, motor control, and other functions.

[1081 A scheduler runs the top state machine and other tasks on periodic schedules. In an exemplary embodiment, a basic timer interval is 8ms, so all tasks are run in multiples of 8ms.

The top state machine is run every 24ms. A motor trajectory control task (motorTrajectorySM-task)

is run every 104ms. As described in the following pseudocode, a gear-topsm-doStep state

machine called shadesm-doStep. This state transitions to idle if the state machine returns a ''complete" value.

Case GEARSM-STATEPOSITIONING: //UartPrintf ("POSITIONING"\R\N"); Complete = shade-sm-doStep(st); break

shadesm-doStep

[109] In the following pseudocode, the shadesmdoStep command takes the position command and calculates a heightSelect value using the heightcalcPos(shade-pos) function.

HeightSelect is the encoder value corresponding to the height percentage received from the

35 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU command structure. A motordoPos function determines the direction of movement when initiating motor rotation, and selects motorpwm (a Pulse Width Modulation value) based on this determination:

Case SHADESMCTRLPOS:

if (transition)

{ heightSelect = height calcPos (st-+shadepos);

posfdbk[2]= st-+shade-pos; /assign feedback pos UartPrintf("SMPOS:");PrintNum(st-+shadepos); OnDeviseMesh(st-+shadepos); mtrcmd.mtrpos = st-+shadepos; complete = motordoPos(st-+motorpwm);

} break;

[110] The motordoPos function creates the following command structure to be used solely for motor trajectory control by the motor-trajectory-sm-doStep state machine. This state

machine is run by the motorTrajectorySM-task.

mtr-cmd.mtr-dir = takes either a MOTOR UP value or MOTOR DOWN value

mtrcmd.mtrmod= PWM (pulse width modulation) mode

mtr-cmd.mtr-cmd =takes a 1 value for a new command

[111] The motor-trajectorysm-doStep state machine grabs the above command

structure in its next execution cycle to begin operation of ramp control. This state machine

manages motor ramp control from motor a stationary (idle) state, as well as any command

36 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU interrupting a running motor. The state machine includes the following ramp trajectory functions, among others: (a) ramps up from an idle state; (b) when the motor is in a running state, causes the motor to slow down and stop; (c) when the motor is in a running state, causes the motor to ramp in opposite direction, in response to a command requiring opposite movement; and (d) when the motor is in a running state, causes the motor to continue running to a new position, in response to a command requiring movement in the same direction as current movement. The ramp trajectory functions are described in the following pseudocode: typedef enumattribute_ ((_packed_))

{ MOTORPROFILEIDLE, MOTORPROFILEDIRECTION, MOTORPROFILEWAIT, MOTORPROFILESTOP, MOTORPROFILERAMPUP, MOTORPROFILERUN, MOTORPROFILERAMPDOWN

}motor profile states t;

[112] FIG. 20 is a state flow graph of motor ramp trajectory state machines, which are

built upon the following finite state machine flow:

S1: MOTORPROFILEIDLE - 2010

S2: MOTORPROFILEDIRECTION - 2020

S3: MOTORPROFILEWAIT - 2030

S4: MOTORPROFILESTOP - 2040

S5: MOTORPROFILERAMPUP - 2050

S6: MOTORPROFILERUN - 2060

37 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU

S7: MOTORPROFILERAMPDOWN - 2070

[1131 The state transitions for these finite state machines are shown in FIG. 20. New commands are denoted by mtrcmd, which creates a transition from any state to

MOTORPROFILEDIRECTION state S2 2020. MOTORPROFILEDIRECTION state S2

2020 decides whether to stop the motor or to ramp up, based on the current position and the motor

running state. Once a state has completed its function, the process flow progresses with a complete

transition flowing back to the MOTORPROFILEIDLE state Si 2010, to await new commands.

[114] In an exemplary implementation, the motor ramp trajectory state machine

increments the motor PWM from 0 to 200 in steps of 20. With the motor ramp trajectory state

machine running every 104ms, incrementing PWM requires about 1 second to ramp up. In an

embodiment, the motor ramps PWM down from 200 to 0 in one step. Since the motor naturally

ramps down due to inertia, this ramp time has been observed to be sufficient to avoid undue stress

on continuous cord loop beaded chains. In an embodiment, motor ramp trajectories are determined

automatically by the control system. In an embodiment, the user can modify default motor ramp

trajectories during system set-up.

[115] The Group button (FIG. 1; also herein called Group Mode button) 116 adds multiple external motors 100 within a network into groups in order to control these external motors simultaneously. In one embodiment, Group Mode allow a user to control all external motors

within the group from one external motor 100. In an embodiment, to add additional external

motors into a group, the user presses and holds the Group button 116 to enter pairing mode. The

LED lights of touch strip 104 will flash orange to indicate the device is in pairing mode. In one

embodiment, the user presses and holds, within a specified timeframe, the Group buttons of all

external motors of the network she wants to add into the group. The LEDs color will turn from

orange to green for all external motors that have been added to the group to indicate that pairing

is successful. In another embodiment, the user can press the Group button 116 once to remove a

38 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU device that is currently in the group, so that the Group button executes a toggle function to add or subtract the external motor from the group. In an embodiment, the user presses the Set button 114 to complete the pairing and linking of the external motors in the group.

[116] To control a group of external motors that are linked or synced together, the user

can activate group control by pressing the Group button 116. In an embodiment, this changes the

LEDs on the capacitive touch slider 104 to a different color. All external motors in this group will

light or flash the same LED color to indicate that the external motors are now in group control

mode. The user can then set the position of the blind by using the capacitive touch slider control

104 to control all linked devices.

[117] FIG. 12 is a flow chart diagram of a Group Mode routine executed by an external

motor 100. The group mode routine triggers shade control actions by other external motors within

a group in response to a shade control command at the given external motor, once the user has set

up the group. At 802 the routine commences upon pressing the Group button. Alternatively, the

Group Mode routine may commence upon receipt of a Group Mode command from another device

recognized by the external motor, such as a smartphone, smart hub, or third party device. At 804

the system determines whether the external motor has been calibrated. If the external motor has

not been calibrated, the external motor's LED strip displays a flashing red error code. This notifies

the user that the external motor must be calibrated before sharing shade control commands

(positional commands) with other external motors in the group. If the external motor has been

calibrated, the system allows all shade control commands to be broadcast to other external motors

in the group on the network (e.g., BLE mesh). The system exits the Group Mode routine after

flashing an error code, or after broadcasting the positional commands.

[1181 FIG. 7 is a diagram of a motor driven control system 300 for continuous cord loop

driven window covering systems. Control system 300 includes DC motor 302, gear assembly 304,

and clutch 306. DC motor 302 and clutch 306 are both electrically powered by a motor controller

39 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU

308. Power sources include battery pack 312. Users may recharge battery pack 312 via power

circuit 314 using a charging port 316, or a solar cell array 318.

[119] The central control element of control system 300 is microcontroller 310, which

monitors and controls power circuit 314 and motor controller 308. Inputs to microcontroller 310

include motor encoder 322 and sensors 324. In an embodiment, sensors 324 include one or more

temperature sensors, light sensors, and motion sensors. In an embodiment, control system 300

regulates lighting, controls room temperature, and limits glare, and controls other window covering

functions such as privacy.

[120] In an embodiment, microcontroller 310 monitors current draw from the motor

controller 308, and uses this data to monitor various system conditions. For example, using current

draw sensing, during calibration the control system 300 can lift relatively heavy blinds at a slower

speed, and relatively lighter blinds at a faster speed. In another embodiment, microprocessor 310

monitors the current draw of the motor to determine displacements from the constant current draw

as an indication of position of the window covering and its level of openness. For example,

assuming the blind is fully closed (0% openness), if the current draw is at an average of 1 amp

while raising the window covering, the current draw may spike to 3 amps to indicate that the fabric

is rolled up and the window blind is in a fully open position (100% openness).

[121] In another embodiment, monitored current draw measurements are analyzed to

determine the direction of the driven wheel, and thereby to determine the direction in which the

window blind is opening or closing. In an example, the external motor drive rotates the driven

wheel one way, then the opposite way, while monitoring current draw. The direction that produces

the larger current draw indicates the direction in which the blind is opening. This method assumes

that more torque (and greater current draw) is needed to open a window, and less torque (and lower

current draw) is needed to close a window.

40 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU

[1221 In addition, microcontroller 310 may have wireless network communication with

various RF modules via radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) 330. RFIC 330 controls two

way wireless network communication by the control system 300. Wireless networks and

communication devices can include local area network (LAN) which may include a user remote

control device, wide area network (WAN), wireless mesh network (WMN), "smart home" systems

and devices such as hubs and smart thermostats, among numerous other types of communication

device or system. Control system 300 may employ standard wireless communication protocols

such as Bluetooth, WiFi, Z-Wave, ZigBee and Thread.

[1231 Output interface 340 controls system outputs from microprocessor 310 to output

devices such as LEDs 342 and speaker 344. Output interface 340 controls display of visual cues

and audio cues to identify external motor control system states and to communicate messages.

Input interface 350 controls system inputs from input devices such as capacitive touch device 352

and buttons 354. Input interface 350 recognizes given user inputs that can be mapped by

microprocessor 310 to shade control functions in a command generator. For example, input

interface 350 may recognize given user finger gestures at a touch strip or other capacitive touch

device 352.

[124] In an embodiment, encoder 322 is an optical encoder that outputs a given number

of pulses for each revolution of the motor 302. The microcontroller 310 advantageously counts

these pulses and analyzes the pulse counts to determine operational and positional characteristics

of the window covering installation. Other types of encoders may also be used, such as magnetic

encoders, mechanical encoders, etc. The number of pulses output by the encoder may be

associated with a linear displacement of the blind fabric 204 by a distance/pulse conversion factor

or a pulse/distance conversion factor. For example, with reference to FIG. 5, when the window

blind 204 is at a fully closed position (0% openness), a button of external motor 210 can be pressed

and held to have the window blind raise to the top of the window frame, and the button can be

released once at the top. The external motor 210 is able to measure this travel as the total length 41 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU

(height) of the fabric 204 and thus determine its fully open position, fully closed position, and

levels of openness in between.

[125] In an embodiment, control system 300 monitors various modes of system operation

and engages or disengages the clutch 306 depending on the operational state of system 300. In

one embodiment, when DC motor 302 is rotating its output shaft under user (operator) control, or

under automatic control by microcontroller 310, clutch 306 is engaged thereby advancing

continuous cord loop 320. When microcontroller 310 is not processing an operator command or

automated function to advance the continuous cord loop, clutch 306 is disengaged, and a user may

advance continuous cord loop manually to operate the windows covering system. In the event of

power failure, clutch 306 will be disengaged, allowing manual operation of the windows covering

system.

[126] FIG. 8 is an input/output (black box) diagram of an external motor control system

400. Monitored variables (inputs) 410 of external motor control system 400 include: a user input

command for blind control (e.g., string packet containing command) 412; distance of current

position from top of blind (e.g., in meters) 414; rolling speed of the blind (e.g., in meters per second)

416; current charge level of battery (e.g., in mV) 418; temperature sensor output (e.g., in mV) 420;

light sensor output (e.g., in mV) 422; motion sensor output (e.g., in mV) 424; smart-home hub

command (e.g., string packet containing command) 426; smart-home data (e.g., thermostat

temperature value in degrees Celsius) 428; and current draw of the motor 302 (e.g., in A) 430.

[127] Controlled variables (outputs) 440 of external motor control system 400 include:

intended rolling speed of the blind at a given time (e.g., in meters per second) 442; intended

displacement from current position at a given time (e.g., in meters) 444; feedback command from

the device for user (e.g., string packet containing command) 446; clutch engage/disengage

command at a given time 448; and output data to smart-home hub (e.g., temperature value in

degrees Celsius corresponding to temperature sensor output 420) 450.

42 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU

[1281 In an embodiment, external motor control system 400 sends data (such as sensor outputs 432, 434, and 436) to a third party home automation control system or device. The third

party system or device can act upon this data to control other home automation functions. Third

party home automation devices include, for example, "smart thermostats" such as the Honeywell

Smart Thermostat (Honeywell International Inc., Morristown, New Jersey); Nest Learning

Thermostat (Nest Labs, Palo Alto, California); Venstar programmable thermostat (Venstar, Inc.,

Chatsworth, California); and Lux programmable thermostat (Lux Products, Philadelphia,

Pennsylvania). Other home automation devices include HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) systems, and smart ventilation systems.

[129] In another embodiment, external motor control system 400 accepts commands, as well as data, from third-party systems and devices and acts upon these commands and data to

control the windows covering system.

[1301 In an embodiment, the external motor control system 400 schedules operation of the windows covering system via user-programmed schedules.

[1311 In an embodiment, sensor outputs of motion sensor 424 are incorporated in a power saving process. Sensor 424 may be a presence/motion sensor in the form of a passive infrared

(PIR) sensor, or may be a capacitive touch sensor, e.g., associated with a capacitive touch input

interface of the external motor. In this process, the external motor system 400 hibernates/sleeps

until the presence/motion sensor detects motion or the presence of a user. In an embodiment, upon

sensing user presence/motion, an LED indicator of the external motor device lights up to indicate

that the device can be used. In an embodiment, after a period of inactivity, the device enters a low

power state to preserve energy.

[132] In a further embodiment, external motor control system 400 controls multiple windows covering systems, and may group window covering systems to be controlled together as

described above relative to Group Mode controls. Examples of groups include external motors 43 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU associated with windows facing in a certain direction, and external motors associated with windows located on a given story of a building.

[1331 In another embodiment, external motor control system 400 controls the windows covering system based upon monitored sensor outputs. For example, based upon light sensor

output 422, the window covering system may automatically open or close based upon specific

lighting conditions such as opening blinds at sunrise. In another example, based upon motion

sensor output 424, the system may automatically open blinds upon detecting a user entering a room.

In a further example, based upon temperature sensor output 420, the system may automatically open blinds during daylight to warm a cold room. Additionally, the system may store temperature

sensor data to send to other devices.

[134] In an embodiment, a window covering application can control the direction and speed of advancing and retracting a window covering. Speed control screen 2200 of FIG. 22 is

used to set the direction (open/close) and speed of movement of a window covering, In the

illustrated embodiment, the user has selected a roller blind at the window covering device selection

screen of FIG. 17, and speed control screen 2200 controls the vertical direction and rolling speed

(e.g., in meters per second) of the roller blind. Open/Close control 2210 displays down-arrow

2214 and up-arrow 2218 icons that respectively cause the window blind controller to lower (open)

and raise (close) the roller blind. Speed control screen includes two different modes 2220, 2230

for the user to select blind rolling speed, and normally only one of these modes is used at a time.

Set Speed Level mode 2200 includes a control 2224 that selects a percent value between 0% (roller

blind stationary, or idle state) and 100% (maximum speed), inclusive. In various embodiments,

percentage control 2224 may select a percent value within a continuous range, or may select a

percent value from a range of discrete values, For example, as shown percentage control selects a

percent value with one decimal place, i.e., 58.5% of maximum speed. Preset Speeds mode 2230

includes several radio buttons, of which one can be chosen to select one of a limited number of

predetermined roller blind rolling speeds. Here, the predetermined speeds include a low 2232, 44 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU

Medium 2234, and High 2236 speeds. In an embodiment, the maximum speed in mode 2220 and

the preset speeds in mode 2230 are default speeds. In an embodiment, the maximum speed in

mode 2220 and the preset speeds in mode 2230 are set by the user during device set-up..

[135] FIG.19 is a diagram of a subsystem (also called system) 1900 that coordinates with

the external motor window covering drive system, external data sources, and sensors to manage

solar heating effects. Subsystem 1900 automates positional control of the window covering based

on weather conditions (e.g., public weather data), time-of-day, location of the window coverings,

and other conditions that can affect solar heat gain.

[136] Windows provide occupants with daylight, direct sunlight, visual contact with the

outside and a feeling of openness. Since solar energy is comprised of light and heat this energy is

not easy to control and for this reason, lighting and heat effects have to be considered at the same

time. While it is desirable to introduce sunlight for natural lighting over a given constant level,

the radiation heat of the sun has to be determined whether or not to allow passage of sunlight into

the building interior according to various conditions. In the present disclosure, conditions for

determining whether or not to allow passage of sunlight into the building interior are referred to

as sunlight entrance conditions, also called sunlight entrance condition data. In various

embodiments, sunlight entrance conditions can be detected, calculated, or stored by various

elements of the system 1900 for managing solar heating effects.

[137] A principal factor for determining whether or not to allow passage of sunlight is

external weather conditions. Seasonality also can involve significant sunlight entrance conditions.

The radiation heat from the sun reduces the heating load in the winter season but increases the

cooling load during the summer season. During times of peak solar gain, it can be desirable to

cover windows (e.g., lower roller blinds) in order to reduce cooling loads and overheating. Under

cloudy conditions, or in winter, it can be desirable to uncover windows (e.g., raise roller blinds) to

45 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU allow daylight and useful solar gains to enter the building, so that the building can reduce its dependence on electric lighting and heating.

[138] Locations of windows that includes solar orientation can represent significant sunlight entrance conditions. As a rule, north-facing rooms have good daylight most of the day;

have solar gain for most of the day throughout the year; may require window covering to prevent

overheating in summer; and have good passive solar gain in winter. As a rule, east-facing rooms

have good morning light; have solar gain in the morning throughout the year to provide initial

warming; and will be cooler in the late afternoon. As a rule, west-facing rooms have limited morning light; have good afternoon daylight; for much of the year may require window covering

to prevent excessive heating and glare in the late afternoon; and provide good direct solar gain for

thermal mass heating of living spaces in the evening. As a rule, south facing rooms have lower

levels of daylight during parts of the year, and have little or no heat gain.

[139] Location of windows including solar orientation, in combination with time-of-day, often represent a significant combination of sunlight entrance conditions. For example, it may be

desirable to cover windows located on the eastern front on a building during the morning as the

sun rises, in order to block out solar heat gain and reduce the need for artificial cooling in the

building. It may be desirable during daylight hours to uncover windows located on the western

front of the building, in order to capture natural daylight and reduce the need for artificial lighting.

[140] Sunlight entrance conditions also can include interior illuminance, and room temperature, as measured for example by light and temperature sensors in the vicinity of the device

for opening and closing the window covering. Another consideration is whether the building or a

room of the building is occupied, as measured for example by occupancy sensors.

[141] As used in the present disclosure, one or more window uncover criteria are a set of sunlight entrance conditions received by the drive system controller that cause the drive system to

retract or open a window covering. In various embodiments, window uncover criteria may cause 46 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU the drive system to fully retract or uncover the window covering, or to partially retract or open the window covering (e.g., to a given decreased level of openness). As used in the present disclosure, one or more window cover criteria are a set of sunlight entrance conditions received by the drive system controller that cause the drive system to spread or close a window covering. In various embodiments, window cover criteria may cause the drive system to fully spread or cover the window covering, or to partially spread or close the window covering (e.g., to a given increased level of openness).

[142] In an embodiment, window uncover criteria and window cover criteria are scores

calculated by the drive system controller based on the set of sunlight entrance conditions received.

In another embodiment window uncover criteria and window cover criteria are maximum and

minimum thresholds based on sunlight entrance conditions. Processes for determining window

uncover criteria and window cover criteria can include weighting of sunlight entrance conditions,

and combinations of related sunlight entrance conditions such as combinations of window location

(solar orientation) with time-of-day.

[143] In the block diagram of FIG. 19, Control/App module 1910 may represent various

types of control devices. Control/App module 1910 may be designed for use with a commercial

building window covering control system. In other embodiments, a simplified control system may

be designed for use with a home window covering control system. In various embodiments, the

control device 1910 may be implemented in a mobile device application, or desktop application.

In a preferred network arrangement, the system is controlled over IP (internet protocol) to the

"cloud." Control system 1910 provides user and management level control, monitoring, setup,

and override system operation.

[144] In various embodiments, cloud 1940 is a back-end system that handles overall

system intelligence, controls algorithms, and the decision engine. The system handles inputs from

various sensors, and includes deployment-specific and usage preferences. A weather systems API

47 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU makes decisions on which window shades should be fully open, fully closed, or at a given intermediate level of openness. In various embodiments, cloud 1940 incorporates machine learning algorithms. In an embodiment, cloud 1940 is implemented in AMAZON@ AWS@ web services (AWS is a registered trademark of Amazon Technologies, Inc., Seattle, WA for

Application Service Provider services).

[145] AXIS Cloud 1960 is a back-end system that collects anonymous usage data and statistics used to improve algorithmic models. In various embodiments, this data is used in

ongoing training and improvement of the system 1900.

[146] Weather/solar API 1920 extracts weather data and solar data from resources such as openweathermap.org and geotoolkit.org. Openweathermap.org is an online service that

provides weather data, including current weather data, forecasts, and historical data to developers

of web services and mobile applications. The openweathermap service is based on the VANE

Geospatial Data Science platform. Geotoolkit.org is a free, Java language library for developing

geospatial applications.

[147] Sensors/BMS module 1930 includes sensors of the external motor window covering control system such as light, temperature, and occupancy sensors. In some embodiments,

sensors/BMS module is integrated with building management systems such as BACnet, which can

interface with Bridge 1950 over Ethernet. BACnet is a communications protocol for Building

Automation and Control (BAC) networks that leverage ASHRAE, ANSI, and ISO 16484-5

standard protocols. In various embodiments, sensors/BMS 1930 communicate with other system

elements via communication protocols such as ZigBee, Bluetooth, and WiFi. Outputs of the

sensors/BMS module are used to control decision algorithms for solar heat gain, and in related

control functions such as integrated control of ambient temperatures.

[148] Bridge 1950 is a central conduit for wireless connectivity to the external motor window covering drive systems, and to sensors, BACnet, and IP connectivity to the Cloud 1940 48 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU and to Control/App module 1910. In an exemplary commercial implementation, a Bridge device

1950 is placed on each floor of an office building according to coverage and range. In certain

embodiments, Bridge 1950 runs certain control and failure mode algorithms upon detecting loss

of connectivity to Cloud 1940.

[149] External motor drive systems 1970 are installed at window covering systems and

provide shade position data and solar data at specific window locations. In some embodiments,

external motor drive systems 1700 are controlled directly by control system 1900.

[150] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed, other aspects and

embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed are for purposes

of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by

the following claims.

[151] The foregoing method descriptions and the interface configuration are provided

merely as illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that the steps of the various

embodiments must be performed in the order presented. As will be appreciated by one of skill in

the art the steps in the foregoing embodiments may be performed in any order. Words such as

"then," "next," etc. are not intended to limit the order of the steps; these words are simply used to

guide the reader through the description of the methods. Although process flow diagrams may

describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel

or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be rearranged. A process may

correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process

corresponds to a function, its termination may correspond to a return of the function to the calling

function or the main function.

[152] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps

described in connection with the embodiments disclosed here may be implemented as electronic

hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability 49 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention.

[153] Embodiments implemented in computer software may be implemented in software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. A code segment or machine-executable instructions may represent a procedure, a function, a

subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any

combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment may be

coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information,

data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memory sharing,

message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.

[154] The actual software code or specialized control hardware used to implement these systems and methods is not limiting of the invention. Thus, the operation and behavior of the

systems and methods were described without reference to the specific software code, being

understood that software and control hardware can be designed to implement the systems and

methods based on the description here.

[155] When implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium.

The steps of a method or algorithm disclosed here may be embodied in a processor-executable

software module which may reside on a computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium.

A non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable media includes both computer storage

50 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU media and tangible storage media that facilitate transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory processor-readable storage media may be any available media that may be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such non-transitory processor readable media may comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other tangible storage medium that may be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a computer or processor. Disk and disc, as used here, include compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers.

Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

Additionally, the operations of a method or algorithm may reside as one or any combination or set

of codes and/or instructions on a non-transitory processor-readable medium and/or computer

readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

[156] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except

where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word

"comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to

specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further

features in various embodiments of the invention.

51 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A motor drive system, comprising: a motor configured to operate under electrical power to rotate an output shaft of the motor, wherein the motor is external to a mechanism for spreading and retracting a window covering; a drive assembly configured for engaging and advancing a continuous cord loop coupled to the mechanism for spreading the window covering, wherein advancing the continuous cord loop in a first direction spreads the window covering, and advancing the continuous cord loop in a second direction retracts the window covering; a controller for providing positional commands to the motor and the drive assembly to control the advancing the continuous cord loop in the first direction and the advancing the continuous cord loop in the second direction; an input-output device for the controller, including an input interface that receives user inputs along an input axis to cause the controller to provide the positional commands to the motor and the drive assembly, and further including a visual display aligned with the input axis of the input interface; wherein the drive assembly comprises an electrically powered coupling mechanism coupling the drive assembly to the output shaft of the motor and configured for rotating the driven wheel in first and second senses, and a motor controller for powering the electrically powered coupling mechanism; wherein the controller and motor controller are configured to execute a motor ramp trajectory speed control that limits acceleration of the motor from an idle state to full operating speed and limits deceleration of the motor from full operating speed back to the idle state,

wherein the drive assembly and the controller operate in one of a vertical mode and a horizontal mode;

wherein in the vertical mode the drive assembly is configured for advancing the continuous cord loop in the first direction to lower the window covering and is configured for advancing the continuous cord loop in the second direction to raise the window covering, and the visual display and the input axis of the input interface are aligned vertically; and 52 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU wherein in the horizontal mode the drive assembly is configured for advancing the continuous cord loop in the first direction to laterally close the window covering and is configured for advancing the continuous cord loop in the second direction to laterally open the window covering, and the visual display and the input axis of the input interface are aligned horizontally.

2. The motor drive system of claim 1, wherein the motor ramp trajectory causes the motor to ramp up from the idle state to the full operating speed and causes the motor to ramp down from the full operating speed to the idle state.

3. The motor drive system of claims 1 or 2, wherein the motor controller outputs pulse width modulation (PWM) signals to the motor to control the rotation of the output shaft of the motor, wherein the motor ramp trajectory comprises a plurality of steps of the PWM signals that cause the motor to ramp up from the idle state to the full operating speed.

4. The motor drive system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the motor controller outputs pulse width modulation (PWM) signals to the motor to control the rotation of the output shaft of the motor, wherein the motor ramp trajectory comprises a single step of the PWM signals that causes the motor to ramp down from the full operating speed to the idle state.

5. The motor drive system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein motor ramp trajectory speed control comprises a finite state machine that includes a motor profile idle state, one or more motor running states, and a plurality of transitions between the motor profile idle state and the one or more motor running states.

6. The motor drive system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the motor ramp trajectory speed control comprises a finite state machine including a top state machine and a plurality of tasks, and further comprises a scheduler that runs the top state machine and the plurality of tasks on periodic schedules.

7. A drive system for use with a window covering system including a headrail, a mechanism associated with the headrail for spreading and retracting a window covering, and a continuous cord loop extending below the headrail for actuating the mechanism for spreading and retracting the window covering, the drive system comprising: a motor configured to rotate an output shaft of the motor; 53 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU a drive assembly configured for engaging and advancing the continuous cord loop coupled to the mechanism for spreading and retracting the window covering, wherein advancing the continuous cord loop in a first direction spreads the window covering, and advancing the continuous cord loop in a second direction retracts the window covering; a controller for providing positional commands to the motor and the drive assembly to control the advancing the continuous cord loop in the first direction and the advancing the continuous cord loop in the second direction; and an input-output device for the controller, including an input interface that receives user inputs along an input axis to cause the controller to provide the positional commands to the motor and the drive assembly, and further including a visual display aligned with the input axis of the input interface; wherein the drive assembly and the controller operate in one of a vertical mode and a horizontal mode; wherein in the vertical mode the drive assembly is configured for advancing the continuous cord loop in the first direction to lower the window covering and is configured for advancing the continuous cord loop in the second direction to raise the window covering, and the visual display and the input axis of the input interface are aligned vertically; and wherein in the horizontal mode the drive assembly is configured for advancing the continuous cord loop in the first direction to laterally close the window covering and is configured for advancing the continuous cord loop in the second direction to laterally open the window covering, and the visual display and the input axis of the input interface are aligned horizontally.

8. The drive system of claim 7, wherein the input-output device for the controller includes a settings interface that is configured to select a mechanism for spreading and retracting the window covering from one of roller shades, Roman shades, vertical blinds and curtains.

9. The drive system of claims 7 or 8, wherein in the event the settings interface selects a mechanism for spreading and retracting the window covering from one of roller shades and Roman shades, the drive assembly and the controller operate in the horizontal mode; and wherein in the event the settings interface selects a mechanism for spreading and retracting the window covering from one of vertical blinds and curtains, the drive assembly and the controller operate in the vertical mode. 54 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU

10. The drive system of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the input interface is a touch screen display of a mobile device with a graphical user interface

11. The drive system of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein in the vertical mode the input interface comprises a vertically aligned touch strip, and in the horizontal mode the input interface comprises a horizontally aligned touch strip.

12. The drive system of any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein in the vertical mode the input interface comprises an up-button and a down-button, and in the horizontal mode the input interface comprises a left-button and a right-button.

13. A method for controlling a motor-driven device, comprising: receiving, by a processor via a graphical user interface of a computing device, a request for selecting a window covering mechanism from at least one vertical window covering mechanisms configured for raising and lowering a window covering via a motor-driven device and at least one horizontal window covering mechanisms configured for laterally opening and closing the window covering via the motor-driven device; displaying, by the processor via the graphical user interface of the computing device, a graphical representation of the at least one vertical window covering mechanisms and the at least one horizontal window covering mechanisms, and receiving a selection of one of the at least one vertical window covering mechanisms and the at least one horizontal window covering mechanisms; in response to the receiving the selection of the one of the one of the at least one vertical window covering mechanisms and the at least one horizontal window covering mechanisms, if the selected window covering mechanism is one of the at least one vertical window covering mechanisms, displaying via the graphical user interface a position control visual display with an input axis, wherein the input axis is aligned vertically; if the selected window covering mechanism is one of the at least one horizontal window covering mechanisms, displaying via the graphical user interface a position control visual display with an input axis, wherein the input axis is aligned horizontally; and in response to receiving a position control input via the position control visual display with the input axis, outputting to the motor-driven device, by the processor, a position control command based on the position control input.

55 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one vertical window covering mechanisms comprise roller shades and Roman shades, and wherein the at least one horizontal window covering mechanisms comprise vertical blinds and curtains.

15. The method of claims 13 or 14, wherein in the event the input axis is aligned vertically the position control visual display comprises a vertically aligned touch strip, and in the event the input axis is aligned horizontally the position control visual display comprises a horizontally aligned touch strip.

16. The method of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein in the event the input axis is aligned vertically the position control visual display comprises an up-button and a down-button, and in the event the input axis is aligned horizontally the position control visual display comprises a left button and a right-button.

17. A drive system for use with a window covering system including a headrail, a mechanism associated with the headrail for spreading and retracting a window covering, and a continuous cord loop extending below the headrail for actuating the mechanism for spreading and retracting the window covering, the drive system comprising: a motor configured to rotate an output shaft of the motor; a drive assembly configured for engaging and advancing the continuous cord loop coupled to the mechanism for spreading and retracting the window covering, wherein advancing the continuous cord loop in a first direction spreads the window covering, and advancing the continuous cord loop in a second direction retracts the window covering; a controller configured to provide positional commands to the motor and the drive assembly to control the advancing the continuous cord loop in the first direction and the advancing the continuous cord loop in the second direction; and an input-output device for the controller including a graphical user interface configured to receive user inputs to cause the controller to control the positional commands to the motor and the drive assembly at a selected speed of the advancing the continuous cord loop in a selected one of the first direction or the second direction, wherein in a first speed control mode the input-output device causes the controller to control the speed of the advancing the continuous cord loop at a selected percentage within a range of speeds from stationary to a maximum speed, and in a second speed control mode the input output device causes the controller to control the speed of the

56 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU advancing the continuous cord loop at a selected one of a limited number of predetermined speed levels, wherein the drive assembly and the controller operate in one of a vertical mode and a horizontal mode; wherein in the vertical mode the drive assembly is configured for advancing the continuous cord loop in the first direction to lower the window covering and is configured for advancing the continuous cord loop in the second direction to raise the window covering, and the visual display and the input axis of the input interface are aligned vertically; and wherein in the horizontal mode the drive assembly is configured for advancing the continuous cord loop in the first direction to laterally close the window covering and is configured for advancing the continuous cord loop in the second direction to laterally open the window covering, and the visual display and the input axis of the input interface are aligned horizontally.

57 21562352_1 (GHMatters) P116804.AU

FIGURE 1 124 122

114

110

116 112

106

102 104