U.S. patent application number 11/699314 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-08 for weather forecasting umbrella.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ambient Devices, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert Dredge, Pritesh V. Gandhi, Nicholas Negroponte, Benjamin I. Resner, David L. Rose.
Application Number | 20070256716 11/699314 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38660126 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070256716 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Resner; Benjamin I. ; et
al. |
November 8, 2007 |
Weather forecasting umbrella
Abstract
A weather forecasting umbrella includes a display device in the
umbrella's handle that provides a visual indication of the day's
weather, such as the probability of precipitation. The display
device may take the form of one or more lamps that emit a color, or
flash at a varying rate, to indicate forecast weather conditions.
The weather forecast that is displayed is preferably obtained using
a wireless receiver built into the umbrella that receives data via
a wireless paging or cell broadcast network. A display screen may
be used to display forecasted information in more detail, including
the likelihood of precipitation and/or the forecast high and low
temperature for the day.
Inventors: |
Resner; Benjamin I.;
(Roxbury, MA) ; Gandhi; Pritesh V.; (Boston,
MA) ; Negroponte; Nicholas; (Boston, MA) ;
Dredge; Robert; (Somerville, MA) ; Rose; David
L.; (Cambridge, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHARLES G. CALL
215 W. HURON ST APT 2
CHICAGO
IL
60610-3331
US
|
Assignee: |
Ambient Devices, Inc.
Cambridge
MA
|
Family ID: |
38660126 |
Appl. No.: |
11/699314 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10247780 |
Sep 19, 2002 |
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11699314 |
Jan 29, 2007 |
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11149929 |
Jun 10, 2005 |
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11699314 |
Jan 29, 2007 |
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10247780 |
Sep 19, 2002 |
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11699314 |
Jan 29, 2007 |
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60763861 |
Jan 31, 2006 |
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60323493 |
Sep 19, 2001 |
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60358272 |
Feb 20, 2002 |
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60398648 |
Jul 25, 2002 |
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60578629 |
Jun 10, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 25/00 20130101;
G01W 1/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/016 |
International
Class: |
A45B 25/00 20060101
A45B025/00 |
Claims
1. An umbrella combined with a display device forming a part of
said umbrella for presenting information on weather conditions to
the user of said umbrella.
2. The umbrella as set forth in claim 1 wherein said display device
is an integral part of the handle of said umbrella.
3. The umbrella as set forth in claim 2 wherein said display device
includes a display screen for displaying images indicative of said
information on weather conditions.
4. The umbrella as set forth in claim 3 wherein said display screen
displays an icon that graphically portrays at least some of said
information on weather conditions.
5. The umbrella as set forth in claim 4 wherein said display screen
further displays an indication of one or more forecasted
temperatures.
6. The umbrella as set forth in claim 4 wherein said display screen
displays an icon that graphically indicates the forecasted
probability of precipitation.
7. The umbrella as set forth in claim 3 wherein said display screen
displays an indication of one or more forecasted temperatures.
8. The umbrella as set forth in claim 7 wherein said one or more
forecasted temperatures include the high and low temperature
forecast for a given day.
9. The umbrella as set forth in claim 2 wherein said display device
includes one or more visible lamps for presenting illumination that
represents at least some of said information on said weather
conditions.
10. The umbrella as set forth in claim 9 wherein at least some of
said lamps emit light of different colors and wherein the
particular color emitted is indicative of at least some of said
information on said weather conditions.
11. The umbrella as set forth in claim 9 wherein at least one of
said lamps emits light periodically to represent at least some of
said information on said weather conditions.
12. The umbrella as set forth in claim 9 wherein at least one of
said lamps emits light periodically at a repetition rate that is
indicative of the forecasted probability of precipitation.
13. The umbrella as set forth in claim 1 wherein said display
device includes a wireless receiver for acquiring said information
from a wireless transmission network and further includes means for
rendering at least selected portions of the information acquired by
said receiver in perceptible form to said user.
14. The umbrella as set forth in claim 13 wherein said display
device includes a wireless receiver for acquiring said information
from a wireless transmission network.
15. The umbrella as set forth in claim 14 wherein said wireless
network is a wireless paging network.
16. The umbrella as set forth in claim 14 wherein said wireless
network employs a cellular phone network to transmit said
information.
17. The umbrella as set forth in claim 16 wherein said information
is transmitted using a cell broadcast protocol.
18. The umbrella as set forth in claim 14 wherein said information
transmitted by said wireless transmission network to said wireless
receiver is dependent upon the geographic location of said wireless
receiver.
19. The umbrella as set forth in claim 18 wherein said information
transmitted by said wireless transmission network to said wireless
receiver includes weather forecast information for a geographic
region that includes said location of said wireless receiver.
20. The umbrella as set forth in claim 13 further including a
manually operated selector for selecting a particular day and means
responsive to said selector for presenting information on weather
conditions forecast for that particular day.
21. The umbrella as set forth in claim 1 wherein said weather
information is acquired by one or more sensors which are carried
with said umbrella.
22. The umbrella set forth in claim 19 wherein said one or more
sensors includes a barometer.
23. The umbrella set forth in claim 20 further including means for
storing previous readings from said barometer and for producing a
precipitation prediction based on changes in said readings over
time.
24. The umbrella set forth in claim 20 wherein one of said sensors
is a thermometer.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a non-provisional of, and claims the
benefit of the filing date of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 60/763,861 filed on Jan. 31, 2006.
[0002] This application is also a continuation in part of, and
claims the benefit of the filing date of, U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/247,780 filed Sep. 19, 2002 and published as U.S.
Patent Application Publication 2003/0076369 on Apr. 24, 2003.
Application Ser. No. 10/247,780 was a non-provisional of
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/323,493, filed Sep. 19, 2001,
Ser. No. 60/358,272, filed Feb. 20, 2002, and Ser. No. 60/398,648
filed Jul. 25, 2002.
[0003] This application is also a continuation in part of, and
claims the benefit of the filing date of, U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/149,929 filed on Jun. 10, 2005 which is a
non-provisional of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/578,629
filed Jun. 10, 2004 and is a continuation in part of the
above-noted U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/247,780.
[0004] The disclosures of the above-identified applications are
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0005] This invention relates to a weather forecasting display
built into an umbrella.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] As used herein, the term "umbrella" refers to handheld
portable devices that are easily unfolded to protect the user from
adverse or unpleasant weather, usually from rain, but also for sun
protection. While some umbrellas are small and portable and can be
reasonably stowed in a backpack, purse, or briefcase, even these
compact umbrellas are sufficiently unwieldy that most people don't
carry them continuously. Instead, umbrellas are often only carried
if the user believes there is going to be a need. Typically, people
decide whether or not to carry an umbrella with them when leaving
home in the morning.
[0007] To aid in this decision, many umbrella users employ various
available weather forecasting services or devices, such as weather
reports on TV, radio, or the Internet, or commercially available
weather forecasting devices that employ local sensors to make
determinations of precipitation likelihood. If any of these trusted
sources of weather prediction information indicate that the user of
an umbrella would be advantageous, the user is more likely to take
an umbrella with them when departing for trip outside.
[0008] Weather Forecasting
[0009] Weather forecasts are typically obtained in one of two ways.
The first utilizes advanced sensing technologies such as real-time
satellite imagery, doppler radar, weather balloons, and powerful
computer processing to predict the weather, of for five to ten days
in advance. These forecasting services often employ a staff of
trained professional meteorologists, and often receive data from
governmental organizations such as the National Weather Service
(NWS) or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA). Users obtain these forecasts from these services by
watching television, listening to the radio, or viewing weather
forecasts on a commercial or government website that makes this
content available. Users can also have this information emailed to
them, or sent as a text message to their cell phone. This first,
advanced method will here be called a "satellite forecasting".
[0010] The second method of obtaining a weather forecast employs a
local sensor to make 12-24 hour weather predictions for that
particular location. One of the simplest such devices is a
barometer, which measures atmospheric pressure. Low pressure and
falling pressure is generally associated with increased likelihood
of storms, while high pressure is a good predictor of fair weather.
Therefore measuring barometric pressure can indicate weather
conditions for the next 12-24 hours. More advanced local weather
forecasting stations may also monitor trends in temperature and/or
humidity when making local forecasts of probable precipitation.
This second method will here be called a "local forecasting".
[0011] The results of local forecasting are displayed to users in a
variety of ways. Barometric, pressure is often displayed as a
needle directly connected to an expanding bladder that responds to
changes in air pressure. Digital barometers typically employ a LCD
display, either with calibrated numbers, or with icons representing
the likelihood of precipitation associated with that particular
barometric pressure. Similarly, temperature is often displayed on a
dial driven by a heat-sensitive bimetallic strip, the fluid level
of a thermometer, or a digital readout on a LCD screen.
[0012] Each type of forecasting technique has advantages and
disadvantages. Satellite forecasting tends to be more accurate,
longer range, and can be obtained for virtually any location in the
world. For example, a person in San Francisco can typically obtain
a forecast for Hong Kong just as easily as the San Francisco
forecast. However, to obtain the results of satellite forecasting,
some form of communication must be provided over some type of
network, such radio or television broadcasting, a wired or cellular
telephone network, or the Internet. Local forecasts, on the other
hand, require no network, are totally self-contained and can work
anywhere in the world. A mechanical barometer does not even require
batteries.
[0013] The Ambient Network
[0014] Information from satellite forecasting is made available for
presentation to a user on a variety of display devices by Ambient
Devices, Inc. of Cambridge, Mass. Ambient operates a server
software platform that parses verbose weather information into
terse packets that are economical to delivery over a
bandwidth-constrained long-range usage-metered wireless network.
These packets display the weather forecast in a glanceable format
on dedicated devices, employing interfaces such as shifts in color,
offsets of a needle of a dial gauge, change of pattern, or a simple
set of numbers. These devices are based on the principle that a
very small amount of information can be very valuable when situated
in the right design context. The Ambient Information Network is
used to provide content to devices such as the "Ambient Orb".TM.
which can change color in response to changes in forecast weather
conditions. The server uses user-defined rules to create a data
packet representing the color the Orb should emit. For example, if
the weather forecast for the city of interest is very hot, the Orb
will glow red. If precipitation is forecast, the Orb will pulse,
with the pulse rate proportional to the likelihood of
precipitation. The Ambient Information Network and various display
devices, including the Ambient Orb, are described in detail the
above-noted U.S. Patent Application Publication 2003/0076369.
[0015] Ambient Devices also manufactures and sells a product known
as the "Five Day Weather Forecaster." This weather forecasting
display device receives user-configurable data over the Ambient
Information Network and displays a five-day weather forecast local
to the region in which the device is located, or some other
selected remote region which the user selects. The Five Day Weather
Forecaster employs an LCD display for presenting a five day weather
forecast using icons to represent the likelihood of precipitation
and a bar chart to represent predicted high and low temperatures.
The Five Day Weather Forecaster is described in detail in the
above-noted U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/149,929.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The following summary provides a simplified introduction to
some aspects of the invention as a prelude to the more detailed
description that is presented later, but is not intended to define
or delineate the scope of the invention.
[0017] The preferred embodiment of the invention is an umbrella
combined with a display device that forms part of said umbrella and
presents information on weather conditions to the user, The display
device may be an integral part of the umbrella, or may take the
form of an aftermarket product which is attached to an existing
umbrella and thereafter carried with the umbrella. The display
device may include a display screen for displaying images
indicative of said information on weather conditions, such as an
icon that graphically portrays at least some of said information on
weather conditions, such as the likelihood of rain. The display
screen may also display an indication of one or more forecasted
temperatures, thereby assisting the user in selecting an
appropriate garment to wear when going outside. The displayed
temperatures may include both the high and low forecasted
temperatures for a selected day. The umbrella may further include a
manually operated selector for selecting a particular day and means
responsive to said selector for presenting information on weather
conditions forecast for that particular day.
[0018] The forecasting umbrella may also, or alternatively, employ
one or more visible lamps, such as LEDs, for emitting illumination
that represents at least some of said information on said weather
conditions. At least one of said lamps, or a group of lamps, may
emit light of different colors where the particular color emitted
is indicative of at least some of weather information.
Alternatively, or in addition, one or more lamps may emits light
periodically to represent at least some of said information on said
weather conditions; for example, a lamp may emits light
periodically at a repetition rate that is indicative of the
forecasted probability of precipitation.
[0019] The forecasting umbrella may acquire the weather forecast
information from a wireless transmission network, and employ means
for rendering at least selected portions of the information
acquired by said receiver in perceptible form to said user. A
wireless receiver forming part of the umbrella acquires said
information from a wireless transmission network such as a wireless
paging network or a cellular phone network using a cell broadcast
protocol. At least some of the information transmitted by the
wireless transmission network to the wireless receiver varies
depending on the geographic location of said wireless receiver; for
example, the weather forecast information for a geographic region
that includes the location of the wireless receiver may be
displayed, allowing the forecasting umbrella to automatically
display forecast information for the region in which it is
currently located, and if it is moved to a new and different
geographic region, to automatically display the forecast to that
new region without requiring any action by the user.
[0020] The forecasting thermometer may acquire displayed data from
one or more local sensors, including a barometer and or a
thermometer. By storing prior barometric readings, the forecasting
umbrella may display a precipitation prediction that is based on
both the current barometric reading and the extent to which the
current atmospheric pressure is rising or falling.
[0021] Thus, umbrella users can use either or both satellite and
local forecasts to assist with informed decision as to whether or
not an umbrella will provide utility in the short term. Embodiments
of the present invention may integrate of these forecasting
technologies into the actual umbrella such that the umbrella itself
informs the user whether or not it is likely to provide utility in
the near term. This removes the need for any external media to
provide forecasting information. A quick look at the umbrella
itself indicates whether or not it should be utilized.
[0022] In one instance, the umbrella includes a wireless receiver
that is capable of receiving a signal indicating the probability of
rain. If the wireless signal indicates rain is likely, the umbrella
may, for example, pulse a LED red, or rotate a wheel with printing
to display an icon depicting a rain cloud. Secondary displays or
user interface could also indicate the weather forecast for days
more in the future. A quick glance at the umbrella would indicate
rain or shine, and the user could plan accordingly.
[0023] This display can be embedded in the umbrella handle, the
shaft, fabric, or tip of the umbrella. The forecasting component
could also be a separate accessory designed to attach to the
umbrella, essentially making the umbrella plus forecaster into a
single unit. This would allow existing umbrella users to add this
functionality to their umbrella.
[0024] In more advanced versions of the wireless forecasting
umbrella, the user may customize the parameters of the weather
indicator. A user could use the website to customize narrowcast
data for that user's umbrella to: [0025] Change the threshold to
trigger the "rain ahead" indicator [0026] Have the indicator
display weather conditions for a non-proximate location (e.g. if
the user is planning a trip, the umbrella displays the weather of
the destination). [0027] Have the indicator display forecast or
current temperature [0028] Have the indicator display forecast or
current humidity, pressure, UV exposure, or any other measurable or
forecastable meteorological phenomena [0029] Have the indicator
display non-weather information such as stocks, traffic, pollen,
sports scores, airport delays, or status of a loved-one.
[0030] The source of the wireless signal would likely be derived
from a satellite based weather forecast, although it could come
from any source the user perceives to be reliable. The forecast
data may include a timecode reference, permitting the umbrella to
include an accurate self-setting clock appropriate for that
particular timezone. The output of the umbrella could include any
of the following items: [0031] LED or other illumination element
where pulse rate and/or color is indicative of weather forecast or
any other content. [0032] LCD panel (or similar) which displays
text and/or iconic information relating to weather or other
content. [0033] Mechanical wheels or panels that physically move to
provide a text or pictorial indication of upcoming weather.
[0034] The server and wireless network operated by Ambient Devices,
Inc is particularly well suited to provide content for this
invention. This network translates verbose weather forecast
information (as well as other content) into terse packets. One
feature of these packets is they are economical to transmit on a
long-range bandwidth-constrained usage-metered network. From the
perspective of the Ambient network, an umbrella looks like any
other product that consumes content from the Ambient Information
Network. The fact that the receiver and associated output device is
housed in an umbrella handle instead of a frosted glass shell or
plastic enclosure does not matter.
[0035] In another mode, the umbrella does not include a long-range
wireless receiver, but uses a local sensor attached to an on-board
processor to make forecast predictions based on local measurable
weather conditions. For example, if the barometric pressure were
falling, the umbrella would indicate a higher likelihood of rain
using any of the interface elements described above. The difference
is that the source of the forecast is a local forecast instead of a
satellite forecast.
[0036] The simplest forecast is obtained simply by embedding a
mechanical thermometer or barometer into the umbrella handle. In
this instance, electrical power is not required.
[0037] Finally, it is possible to create a forecasting umbrella
that combines elements of both satellite forecasting and local
forecasting. For example, the umbrella could display both forecasts
allowing the user to make a determination of reliability. Or the
umbrella could employ an algorithm that combines the two
forecasts.
[0038] These and other features and advantages of the invention may
be better understood by considering the following detailed
description which is presented in connection with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] In the detailed description which follows, frequent
reference will be made to the attached drawings, in which:
[0040] FIG. 1 is a block schematic overview of the Ambient
Information Network (AIN) which, in a preferred embodiment,
provides weather forecast information to a forecasting umbrella and
to other Ambient display devices.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the components of the
preferred embodiment of the forecasting umbrella in more
detail;
[0042] FIG. 3 is block diagram of a self contained forecasting
umbrella which uses local sensors to acquire data for display to
the user; and
[0043] FIG. 4 is a side view of the handle of the forecasting
umbrella, illustrating the user interface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] Overview of the Ambient Information Network (AIN)
[0045] As noted above, the weather forecasting umbrella
contemplated by the present invention may be used in conjunction
with the Ambient Information Network (AIN) that is operated by
Ambient Devices, Inc. of Cambridge, Mass. The AIN employs a
software platform that parses verbose weather information into
terse packets that are economical to delivery over a
bandwidth-constrained long-range usage-metered wireless network.
These packets display the weather forecast in a glanceable format
on dedicated devices that produce visual indications, such as
shifts in color, offsets of a needle of a dial gauge, changes in
shape, or a simple set of numbers. Content sources indicated
generally at 101 in FIG. 1 include a source of weather forecasting
data 103, a source of information describe traffic conditions on
local roadways 105, and a source of information such as an
addressable Internet resource provided by a developer 107, or from
any other source as indicated at 109. Data from these content
sources are delivered to a content aggregator 111 that stores and
caches this content for quick access. A web server seen at 113
provides an web interface allows users to employ a web browser 115
connected to the web server 113 via the Internet to define rules
for displaying different types of content by submitting preference
information on a web form. The "Ambient Compression Scheme" (ACS)
encoder 119 compresses the data into small packets for efficient
wireless transmission by a nationwide wireless network indicated
generally at 120. As described in the above-noted U.S. Patent
Application Publication 2003/0076369. the transmission system may
comprise, for example, a one-way wireless communication system, a
two-way wireless communication system, or a wired system. The
transmission system may optionally comprise a distributed data
network, such as a commercial pager, telephone, wireless data, and
public Internet-based networks. The most popular of these networks
include GSM, FLEX, reFLEX, and Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD).
As discussed below, the FLEX paging network and the Cell Broadcast
protocol used in the GSM network provide particularly useful
mechanisms for distributing weather data to display devices.
Ambient enabled products seen at 122 receive these signals and
display information accordingly. These controlled display devices
include a weather forecasting umbrella 122, an illuminated cube
124, a five day weather forecasting LCD display 126, and an Ambient
Orb.TM. seen at 128.
[0046] A key feature of this network is that products seen at 122
through 128 "work right out of the box". Because these devices use
a long-range nationwide wireless network, they do not need any
connectivity from a local PC, phone, or broadband connection.
Ambient enabled products have similar functionality to FM radios or
television sets in that the user simply provides electrical power
(which may be from an internal battery) and these devices receive
wireless data. A key difference, however, is that Ambient products
can be individually customized by visiting a website hosted by the
web server 113.
[0047] More Detailed View of Ambient Information Network.
[0048] As indicated at 103 in FIG. 1, weather forecasting data is
obtained from an available source and delivered to the content
aggregator 111. On such source is the National Weather Service
(NWS) that collects data from a variety of sensors such as
temperature sensors and satellites. This data is fed into powerful
computers as well as being analyzed by human experts to generate
predictions of meteorological conditions. The NWS makes this
content available in a standardized format such as XML.
Additionally, many private companies, such as Accuweather, Inc. of
State College, Pa., take the NWS data and supplement it with
proprietary sensor data and proprietary forecasting algorithms to
come up with alternative predictions. Like the NWS, this data is
electronically available.
[0049] This formatted electronic data is fed to the content
aggregator 111 and then formatted for use by the destination
devices, such as the forecasting umbrella 122. The formatting
process can be varied to suit the needs of a particular
application, or the preferences of particular user, by submitting
preference data from the Web browser 115 to the Web server 113 to
configure the rules used to format the data that is available in
the content aggregator 111. In addition to the Web interface, the
rules can be configured by telephone or other means. These rules
include parameters which specify, for example, the geographic
location of the umbrella 122. For instance, a user can go online
and use the Web browser 115 to change the location at which weather
is forecast from "Boston, Mass." to "Berkeley, Calif.". When the
umbrella (or other ambient object) is first employed, a default set
of rules is used. Typically, a customer who purchases a forecasting
umbrella would be asked to go online to register the product, and
uses the Web browser to complete an HTML form to identify the
specific umbrella by a unique identification code such as a serial
number which is provided to the customer with the umbrella, and to
specify the geographic location at which weather forecasts will be
used. The supplied serial number and geographic location is then
used to format and address a data packet containing weather data,
such as data indicating the probability of precipitation on that
day at that geographic location. The supplied serial number is
converted into a device address for the specific umbrella that is
used to route specific control signals to that umbrella via the
network 120.
[0050] This data packet is broadcast to the device on a Flex.TM.
paging network depicted at 120 in FIG. 1, a nationwide network
covering over 90% of the population in the United States. The
paging network broadcasts the data on a network of radio towers
spread throughout the United States. This data packet is received
by the "Weather Forecasting Umbrella" device 122 and displayed
appropriately. For example, if the weather forecast data indicates
that a 100% probability of rain on that day, an LED on the handle
of the umbrella 122 can be pulsed to flash 100 times per minute,
and will be pulsed at half the rate if the probability or rain is
50%, and not pulsed at all if no rain is forecast.
[0051] A feature of this network allows different data to be
broadcast to different regions using the same frequency and device
address. This allows easy implementation of a "roaming" feature
where an umbrella always have access to content local to their
proximity without the devices have to "know" where they are
located. For example, when a device is in New York it displays New
York weather, and when the umbrella is used in Boston, it displays
Boston weather. Using a switch (such as a pushbutton) on the
umbrella, the user may alternatively select a specific programmed
location (such as the user's home base) and display a weather
forecast for that location, regardless of where the umbrella is
located.
[0052] This is possible because each broadcast tower or collection
of towers sends different data to the same address. Aggregates of
towers are arranged such that transmission from each group does not
interfere with transmission from an adjacent group. Tower
aggregates that are synchronized to send the same data are called
"simulcast zones". The network currently used by Ambient Devices
has 59 simulcast zones in the United States. The single tower seen
depicted in FIG. 1 for the network 120 is thus representative of a
collection of frequency aligned transmission towers making up a
simulcast zone. Each of the 59 simulcast zones receives content
localized for that region.
[0053] With this system, all the towers in the greater Boston area
broadcast weather for the Boston region. Towers in New York
broadcast weather for the New York region. The receiving device in
the forecasting umbrella 122 does not know where it is located. It
is simply displaying the data it receives. The server and the tower
infrastructure are responsible for sending appropriately
regionalized content to each of these different simulcast zones.
This allows for a very low-cost device that appears to the user as
if it knows where it is located.
[0054] The Ambient Information Network is described in more detail
in the above-noted U.S. Patent Application Publication
2003/0076369. The manner in which weather forecast data is
transmitted to specific forecasting umbrellas essentially the same
as the method employed for the five-day weather forecast displays
(see 126 in FIG. 1) described in detail in the above-noted U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/149,929.
[0055] An alternative wireless data transmission network that can
be used to advantage is provide by an available GSM cellular phone
service that uses a protocol called "Cell Broadcast" which, like a
paging network, is a one-way broadcast technology. Cell Broadcast
allows a text or binary message to be defined and distributed to
all mobile terminals connected to a set of cells. Whereas SMS
messages are sent point-to-point, Cell Broadcast (SMS-CB) messages
are sent point-to-area. This means that one SMS-CB message can
reach a huge number of terminals at once. In other words, SMS-CB
messages are directed to radio cells, rather than to a specific
terminal. SMS-CB is an unconfirmed push service, meaning that the
originator of the message does not know who has received the
message, allowing for services based on anonymity. A Cell Broadcast
Entity (CBE) is a multi-user front-end that allows the definition
and control of SMS-CB messages. A CBE can be located at the site of
a content provider. At the site of the operator a so-called Cell
Broadcast Centre (CBC) is located. The CBC is the heart of the Cell
Broadcast System and acts as a server for all CBE clients. It takes
care of the administration of all SMS-CB messages it receives from
the CBEs and does the communication towards the GSM network. The
GSM network itself takes care of delivering the SMS-CB messages to
the mobile terminals. Thus, weather forecast information may be
broadcast to an SMS-CB receiver in a weather forecasting umbrella
which produces a visual indication of predicted weather to the
user.
[0056] Hardware Description of the Forecasting Umbrella
[0057] The weather forecast data is transmitted to individual
forecasting umbrellas in a manner similar to the manner in which
data is sent to body worn pagers. However, instead of text data
being displayed on a LCD screen, it is preferably displayed through
various interface elements on the umbrella handle or elsewhere on
the umbrella or through an add-on accessory that attaches to the
umbrella.
[0058] An embedded microprocessor seen at 201 in FIG. 2 receives
data from a wireless receiver unit 203. This single microprocessor
performs several functions enabling reduced part count. The
microprocessor may be implemented using a PIC 18LF252 integrated
circuit from Microchip Technology Incorporated of Chandler Ariz. On
this chip, the raw data from the wireless receiver 203 is sent to a
signal decoder 205 that includes clock recovery, de-interleaving,
and error correction processing compliant with the Flex decoding
standard developed by Motorola, Inc of Schaumburg Ill. The long
range Flex wireless data packet transmission network 204 receives
data from the network server 206.
[0059] Decoded incoming packets are compared against a unique
serial number stored in an EEPROM seen at 207 or other non-volatile
memory. A data filter at 209 determines which packets are directed
to this device. If all packets are for other devices, the processor
201 powers off the radio 203 and enters a sleep mode in order to
conserve battery life. If, however, the received address matches a
stored address, the receiver 203 and processor 201 continues to
receive and decode the transmission in order to capture the data
payload. Only the data packets designated for a particular device
is allowed to pass through the data filter 209.
[0060] This Weather Forecasting Umbrella can display a range of
received content. Content data not currently displayed is cached in
the onboard cache 211. The data packet meant for display is sent to
an output controller 213 that drives a LCD display 215 and/or
controls the blink rate of a LED seen at 217
[0061] The Weather Forecasting Umbrella also has three buttons on
its housing which are accessible by and operated by the user of the
umbrella. Two "channel" buttons 221 are used to change the display.
Pressing these buttons cause the I/O controller 225 to take a
different packet from the cache 211 and display it on the LCD
screen 215 and/or LEDs 217. The "reset" button seen at 230 clears
the cache 211 and restores the device to factory original
conditions.
[0062] The entire unit is powered by a single battery (or multiple
batteries in parallel). The power supply seen at 233 raises the 1.5
volts input to 2.7 volts by using a DC-DC voltage booster. The
power supply may be implemented by a TPS61014 voltage booster to
raise the 1.5 volts provided by a single AAA battery to the 2.8
volts required by the PIC18LF252.
[0063] The wireless receiver 203 is a superheterodyne radio
receiver that listens to the 929.6625 MHz frequency and demodulates
the FM signal into one of four frequency deviations. The resulting
2-bit signal is decoded by processor 201 at 205, and precipitation
probability is mapped onto one of three colored LEDs at 217
according to the following schema: TABLE-US-00001 Green: D1 low
probability of rain in next 24 hours Yellow: D2 medium probability
of rain in next 24 hours Red: D4 high probability of rain in next
24 hours
The three colored LEDs may be placed in a translucent dome at the
end of the umbrella handle which glows green, yellow or red to
indicate the likelihood of rain. Alternatively, a single color may
be used and pulsed at a rate which is indicative of the varying
probability of rain.
[0064] If desired, a further switch may be used to provide an
indication of the strength of the data signal being received.
Pressing this switch alters the meaning of the LED color display as
follows. TABLE-US-00002 Green: D1 excellent signal strength Yellow:
D2 medium signal strength Red: D4 no signal strength
Pressing the switch assures the user that the unit is receiving a
weather forecast data signal.
[0065] Given the shape of a typical umbrella, the antennae the
receiver 203 can be fashioned into the shaft, tip, or fabric of the
umbrella. It does not need to be contained in the handle. Superior
wireless reception could be possible by moving the antenna to a
different part of the umbrella.
[0066] User Interface of Umbrella Handle with Local Sensing
[0067] In a simplified implementation of the invention shown in
FIG. 3, the embedded microprocessor 301 may obtain takes readings
from a barometer (pressure sensor 303) also in the handle and
causes the LED 305 in the base to blink when falling barometric
pressure indicates rain. Pressure readings are also translated into
a weather prediction icon seen at 307 displayed on the LCD panel
309. The umbrella handle also has a temperature sensor seen at 311
which allows the current temperature to be displayed on the LCD
panel 308 as seen at 315. The unit is powered by a battery operated
power supply seen at 316.
[0068] The pressure sensor may be implemented using a MS52XX (RoHS)
Surface Mount Device Pressure Sensor available form Intersema
Sesoric SA, Bevaix, Switzerland, The processor 301 stores pressure
readings to determine whether the pressure is rising, steady or
falling. Based on the current barometric pressure, and the manner
in which the pressure is currently changing, rain can be predicted
using the following table: TABLE-US-00003 Pressure to precipitation
prediction table Reading Rising Steady Falling 30.35 and above No
rain No rain No rain 30.00 No rain Probably fine Showers likely
29.75 Showers likely Showers likely Rain likely 29.5 Rain likely
Rain Heavy Rain likely 29.25 and below Heavy rain Heavy rain Heavy
rain
The pressure readings from sensor 303 are converted by the
processor 301 into a rain prediction as seen at 321, and the
resulting prediction is processed by the output controller 323
which controls displays an icon at 307 to indicate the prediction,
and also controls the rate at which the LEDs 305 blink. For
example, a prediction of heavy rain produces a blink rate of 100
pulses per second, a prediction of rain produces 60 pulses per
second, and a prediction of showers 30 pulses per second. The icon
at 307 also changes to provide an indication of the likelihood of
precipitation. It will be understood that barometric pressure alone
provides a weather prediction which, while helpful, is not as
accurate as the prediction provided from a weather service as
described in connection with the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2.
Nonetheless, barometric pressure changes do provide useful guidance
in deciding whether or not to take an umbrella when leaving
home.
[0069] The temperature sensor 311 produces an output signal which
is converted into a digital temperature indication at 327 which is
delivered to the output controller 323 to control the numeric
temperature readout 315 on the LCD panel 309. Note that the
temperature indication indicates the current ambient temperature
where the umbrella is located, and hence will show the inside
temperature when the umbrella is inside. In contrast, the preferred
embodiment obtains a prediction of the day's predicted high and low
outside temperatures, thereby providing useful guidance to the user
leaving home when choosing a garment to wear.
[0070] Simplified implementations can omit some components such as
the LCD screen or blinking LED, and can also replace the electronic
components with mechanical thermometers and/or barometers embedded
in the umbrella or attachable as a separate component. This allows
implementation of a forecasting umbrella that requires no
electrical power. While these simplifications lower cost, they do
so by sacrificing the useful function provided to the user by the
preferred implementation which provides a more accurate
precipitation prediction, as well as an indication of the predicted
outside temperature to be expected on a given day.
[0071] FIG. 4 shows the preferred user interface provided on the
handle of the preferred Weather Forecasting Umbrella with wireless
connectivity to satellite forecast data described above in
connection with FIG. 2. The interface is housed in the handle 401
of an umbrella which is positioned at the distal end of the
umbrella shaft 403.
[0072] A small LCD screen seen at 407 displays additional
information for users interested in more details. The LCD screen
displays the selected day's high temperature at 411 and low
temperature at 413. The forecast conditions are also displayed in
iconic form at 414 on the screen 407. A forward button at 416 and
back button at 418 controls which forecast day is displayed on the
LCD. An array of LEDs at 421 gives the user feedback as to which
day is being displayed (e.g. today, tomorrow, 2 days hence, etc).
Because this implementation receives data from the National Weather
Service (or similar forecasting agency), it is much more versatile
than the self-contained implementation described in FIG. 3. At the
outside end of the umbrella handle housing, a translucent dome
which holds one or more LEDs is strobed at varying pulse rates,
depending on the amount of predicted precipitation. This strobing
light effectively alerts the user when rain is forecast. The
strobing LED consumes very little power, since it is emitting light
for only a small portion of the time, even when it is being pulsed
at the fastest rate when the forecast probability of rain is near
100%.
[0073] It is important to note that in many implementations the
umbrella handle simply receives instructions on how to configure
its user interface. It does not "know" what the data represents and
there are no local decisions about how to display a given set of
user-selected content. The handle is merely acting as a terminal,
displaying data sent by a server according to user preferences.
Note further that simplified implementations of the radio signal
controlled forecasting umbrella can omit some components such as
the LCD screen or the blinking LED.
[0074] The following general statements can be made with respect to
the all embodiments of the forecasting umbrella: [0075] Interface
elements can appear anywhere on the umbrella such as the shaft,
tip, fabric, or frame. They are not restricted to the handle.
[0076] Temperature can be displayed in analog format as a fill bar,
dial, or color shift, and does not have to be displayed as digits.
[0077] The mechanism that provides the weather forecasting
capabilities may be either a manufactured part of the umbrella, or
may be attached to an existing umbrella as an installable
aftermarket product.
CONCLUSION
[0078] It is to be understood that the methods and apparatus which
have been described above are merely illustrative applications of
the principles of the invention. Numerous modifications may be made
by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit
and scope of the invention.
* * * * *