U.S. patent application number 16/181170 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-09 for marine vessel with shading system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Shadecraft, Inc.. Invention is credited to Armen Sevada Gharabegian.
Application Number | 20190135381 16/181170 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62708808 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-09 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190135381 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gharabegian; Armen Sevada |
May 9, 2019 |
Marine Vessel with Shading System
Abstract
A marine vessel intelligent shading system, including a marine
vessel deck surface, a mounting assembly attached to the marine
vessel deck surface, a base assembly having a first end attached to
the mounting assembly, a first telescoping module connected to a
base assembly, the first telescoping module being adjustable to a
plurality of heights, and a core assembly module coupled to the
first telescoping module. The marine vessel intelligent shading
system further includes an expansion sensor module coupled to the
core assembly module and the expansion sensor module includes one
or more arm support assemblies, one or more arms and a shading
fabric. The one or more arms are connected to the one or more arm
support assemblies, and the shading fabric is coupled to the one or
more arms.
Inventors: |
Gharabegian; Armen Sevada;
(Glendale, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Shadecraft, Inc. |
Pasadena |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62708808 |
Appl. No.: |
16/181170 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15436749 |
Feb 17, 2017 |
10118671 |
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16181170 |
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15418380 |
Jan 27, 2017 |
9839267 |
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15436749 |
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15394080 |
Dec 29, 2016 |
9951541 |
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15418380 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 2200/1027 20130101;
G08B 21/12 20130101; G08B 13/19602 20130101; G08C 17/02 20130101;
A45B 25/165 20130101; A45B 2200/1018 20130101; G08B 5/36 20130101;
E04H 15/06 20130101; G08B 25/08 20130101; A45B 17/00 20130101; A45B
2200/1009 20130101; B63B 17/02 20130101; G08B 15/00 20130101; A45B
25/006 20130101; A45B 2023/0025 20130101; G06F 3/167 20130101; H04N
7/18 20130101; A45B 2200/1036 20130101; G06N 20/00 20190101; G10L
15/22 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B63B 17/02 20060101
B63B017/02; G08B 5/36 20060101 G08B005/36; G08B 13/196 20060101
G08B013/196; G08B 25/08 20060101 G08B025/08; G06F 3/16 20060101
G06F003/16; A45B 25/16 20060101 A45B025/16; G08B 21/12 20060101
G08B021/12; G08C 17/02 20060101 G08C017/02; A45B 17/00 20060101
A45B017/00; E04H 15/06 20060101 E04H015/06; A45B 25/00 20060101
A45B025/00 |
Claims
1. A marine vessel intelligent shading system, comprising: a marine
vessel deck surface; a mounting assembly attached to the marine
vessel deck surface; a base assembly attached to the marine vessel
deck surface at a first end; a first telescoping module connected
to a base assembly, the first telescoping module being adjustable
to a plurality of heights; and a core assembly module coupled to
the first telescoping module.
2. The marine vessel intelligent shading system of claim 1, further
comprising: an expansion sensor module coupled to the core assembly
module; the expansion sensor module comprising one or more arm
support assemblies, one or more arms and a shading fabric, the one
or more arms connected to the one or more arm support assemblies,
and the shading fabric couple to the one or more arms.
3. The marine vessel intelligent shading system of claim 2, further
comprising a second telescoping module, a first end of the second
telescoping module connected to a core assembly module and a second
end of the second telescoping module connected to the expansion
sensor module, the second telescoping module being adjustable to a
plurality of heights.
4. The marine vessel intelligent shading system of claim 1, the
base assembly comprising an azimuth motor assembly, the azimuth
motor assembly causing rotation of the first telescoping module and
a core assembly about a base assembly.
5. The marine vessel intelligent shading system of claim 2, further
comprising a marine vessel upper deck or windshield, the core
assembly module further comprising an upper core assembly, a lower
core assembly, and an elevation motor, the elevation motor causing
an upper core assembly to rotate about a lower core assembly,
wherein a height of the marine vessel shading system is lower than
a height of the marine vessel windshield to reduce wind drag when
the elevation motor rotates the upper assembly to a rest position
with respect to a lower assembly.
6. The marine vessel intelligent shading system of claim 1, the
first telescoping module further comprising a telescoping motor,
the telescoping motor adjusting telescoping sections to a selected
height.
7. . The marine vessel intelligent shading system of claim 3, the
second telescoping module further comprising a telescoping motor,
the telescoping motor further adjusting telescoping sections of the
second telescoping module to a selected height.
8-16. (canceled)
17. The marine vessel intelligent shading system of claim 1,
further comprising a wind turbine to capture wind, convert the
captured wind into voltage and/or current, wherein the voltage
and/or current provide power to one or more components of a marine
vessel shading system, the wind turbine connected to an outside
surface of the core assembly module.
18. The marine vessel intelligent shading system of claim 1, the
core assembly further comprising an upper core assembly and a lower
core assembly, the upper core assembly being detachable from the
lower core assembly.
19. The marine vessel intelligent shading system of claim 1,
further comprising one or more environmental sensors positioned on
surfaces of a marine vessel, the one or more environmental sensors
communicating senor measurements to an expansion sensor module.
20. The marine vessel intelligent shading system of claim 1,
further comprising one or more directional sensors positioned on
surfaces or other locations of a marine vessel, the one or more
directional sensors communicating positional information and/or
measurements to an expansion sensor module.
21. The marine vessel shading system of claim 1, further comprising
one or more proximity sensors positioned at associated one or more
positions on the marine vessel to monitor movement.
22. The marine vessel shading system of claim 21, wherein the one
or more proximity sensors are located at entryways on the marine
vessel
23. The marine vessel shading system of claim 1, further comprising
one or more cameras placed at one or more locations on the marine
vessel, the one or more cameras to captured and communicate images
at the one or more locations on the marine vessel.
24. The marine vessel shading system of claim 1, further comprising
one or more speed sensors positioned at one or more locations on
the marine vessel, the one or more speed sensors to captured and
communicate speed measurements to the marine vessel shading system.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and is a divisional of
patent application Ser. No. 15/436,749, filed Feb. 17, 2017,
entitled "Marine Vessel with Intelligent Shading System," which is
a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 15/418,380,
filed Jan. 27, 2017, entitled "Shading System with Artificial
Intelligence Application Programming Interface," which is a
continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 15/394,080,
filed Dec. 29, 2016, entitled "Modular Umbrella Shading System,"
the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0002] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to an umbrella
shading system in a marine vessel and specifically to an
intelligent automated electronic umbrella that can be mounted in a
marine vessel.
2. Information/Background of the Invention
[0003] Conventional sun shading devices and systems usually are
comprised of a supporting frame and an awning or fabric mounted on
the supporting frame to cover a pre-defined area. For example, a
conventional sun shading device or system may be an outdoor
umbrella or an outdoor awning. Marine vessels, large boats, yachts
and/or watercraft are being utilized more for recreation purposes
where operators and/or guests may relax and hold social events on
surfaces and/or decks of the vessels, boats and/or watercraft.
[0004] However, current sun shading devices or systems are not
flexible to provide shade as conditions changes in a water
environment. In embodiments, orientation and/or direction of a
water craft and/or yacht may change as a boat moves about an ocean,
lake or other water. Thus, a shading system on a yacht may provide
protection one minute until a boat or yacht changes direction
and/or orientation and then may not provide protection.
Accordingly, there is a need for a more flexible shading system is
needed to meet changing conditions that are present when a shading
system is mounted on a watercraft and/or marine vessel.
Accordingly, alternative embodiments may be desired.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0005] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive aspects are described with
reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals
refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise
specified.
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a modular umbrella system according to
embodiments;
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a cut-away drawing of mechanical
assemblies in a modular umbrella system according to
embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a method of a modular umbrella system
utilizing directional measuring devices according to
embodiments;
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a modular umbrella
system comprising directional measuring devices according to
embodiments;
[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
according to embodiments;
[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates a modular umbrella system including an
identification system according to embodiments;
[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates use of a web server and/or cloud-based
server for authentication of a user and/or a mobile computing
device utilizing a modular umbrella system;
[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates a mobile point-of-sale system utilizing a
mobile computing device, one or more modular umbrella systems and a
server according to embodiments;
[0014] FIG. 9 illustrates a mobile computing device controlling
operation of one or more modular umbrella systems according to
embodiments;
[0015] FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of a modular umbrella
system with induction and/or wireless charging to provide power to
components and assemblies according to embodiments;
[0016] FIG. 10B illustrates wireless charging between a base
assembly and a core assembly module according to embodiments;
[0017] FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of a process of controlling
a modular umbrella system by an object accordingly to
embodiments;
[0018] FIG. 12 illustrates remote operation of a modular umbrella
system according to embodiments;
[0019] FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram of a modular umbrella
system according to embodiments;
[0020] FIG. 14 illustrates a base surface attachment according to
embodiments;
[0021] FIG. 15 illustrates a clutch system according to
embodiments;
[0022] FIG. 16 illustrates a block diagram of a movement control
PCB according to embodiments;
[0023] FIG. 17 illustrates a power subsystem in a modular umbrella
system according to embodiments;
[0024] FIG. 18 illustrates a shading object or umbrella integrated
computing device in a modular umbrella system according to
embodiments;
[0025] FIG. 19A illustrates a block diagram illustrating a power
down sequences according to embodiments;
[0026] FIG. 19B illustrates a dataflow diagram illustrating power
down sequences according to embodiments;
[0027] FIG. 20A illustrates a shading system including an
artificial intelligence engine and/or artificial intelligence
interface;
[0028] FIG. 20B illustrates a block and dataflow diagram of
communications between a shading system and/or one or more external
AI servers according to embodiments;
[0029] FIG. 21 illustrates an intelligence shading system
comprising a shading housing wherein a shading housing comprises an
AI API;
[0030] FIG. 22 illustrate a modular umbrella shading system
communicating with an loT-enabled server or computing device
according to embodiments;
[0031] FIG. 23 illustrates a smart home or smart office loT-enabled
server communicating and transferring information to a modular
umbrella shading system according to embodiments; and
[0032] FIG. 24 illustrates a loT software application communication
with a plurality of modular shading umbrella systems according to
embodiments;
[0033] FIG. 25 illustrates a block diagram of a wind turbine system
according to embodiments;
[0034] FIG. 26 illustrates a removable and/or re-attachable upper
assembly of a core assembly module according to embodiments;
[0035] FIG. 27 illustrates a wind turbine on a modular umbrella
shading system according to embodiments;
[0036] FIG. 28 illustrates a modular umbrella shading system to be
utilized on a marine vessel according to embodiments
[0037] FIG. 28B illustrates a cooler assembly according to
embodiments;
[0038] FIG. 29 illustrates a modular umbrella shading system on a
marine vessel according to embodiments;
[0039] FIG. 30A illustrates a marine vessel moving in a forward
direction with a marine vessel shading object in a retracted,
storage and/or movement position according to embodiments;
[0040] FIG. 30B illustrates a marine vessel in a resting position
with a shading system deployed according to embodiments;
[0041] FIG. 31 illustrates an intelligent shading system for a
marine vessel according to embodments; and
[0042] FIG. 32 illustrates a base assembly module or mounting
assembly according to embodiments.
DETAI LED DESCRIPTION
[0043] In the following detailed description, numerous specific
details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of
claimed subject matter. For purposes of explanation, specific
numbers, systems and/or configurations are set forth, for example.
However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art
having benefit of this disclosure that claimed subject matter may
be practiced without specific details. In other instances,
well-known features may be omitted and/or simplified so as not to
obscure claimed subject matter. While certain features have been
illustrated and/or described herein, many modifications,
substitutions, changes and/or equivalents may occur to those
skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that
appended claims are intended to cover any and all modifications
and/or changes as fall within claimed subject matter.
[0044] References throughout this specification to one
implementation, an implementation, one embodiment, embodiments, an
embodiment and/or the like means that a particular feature,
structure, and/or characteristic described in connection with a
particular implementation and/or embodiment is included in at least
one implementation and/or embodiment of claimed subject matter.
Thus, appearances of such phrases, for example, in various places
throughout this specification are not necessarily intended to refer
to the same implementation or to any one particular implementation
described. Furthermore, it is to be understood that particular
features, structures, and/or characteristics described are capable
of being combined in various ways in one or more implementations
and, therefore, are within intended claim scope, for example. In
general, of course, these and other issues vary with context.
Therefore, particular context of description and/or usage provides
helpful guidance regarding inferences to be drawn.
[0045] With advances in technology, it has become more typical to
employ distributed computing approaches in which portions of a
problem, such as signal processing of signal samples, for example,
may be allocated among computing devices, including one or more
clients and/or one or more servers, via a computing and/or
communications network, for example. A network may comprise two or
more network devices and/or may couple network devices so that
signal communications, such as in the form of signal packets and/or
frames (e.g., comprising one or more signal samples), for example,
may be exchanged, such as between a server and a client device
and/or other types of devices, including between wireless devices
coupled via a wireless network, for example.
[0046] A network may comprise two or more network and/or computing
devices and/or may couple network and/or computing devices so that
signal communications, such as in the form of signal packets, for
example, may be exchanged, such as between a server and a client
device and/or other types of devices, including between wireless
devices coupled via a wireless network, for example.
[0047] In this context, the term network device refers to any
device capable of communicating via and/or as part of a network and
may comprise a computing device. While network devices may be
capable of sending and/or receiving signals (e.g., signal packets
and/or frames), such as via a wired and/or wireless network, they
may also be capable of performing arithmetic and/or logic
operations, processing and/or storing signals (e.g., signal
samples), such as in memory as physical memory states, and/or may,
for example, operate as a server in various embodiments.
[0048] Computing devices, mobile computing devices, and/or network
devices capable of operating as a server, or otherwise, may
include, as examples, rack-mounted servers, desktop computers,
laptop computers, set top boxes, tablets, netbooks, smart phones,
wearable devices, integrated devices combining two or more features
of the foregoing devices, the like or any combination thereof. As
mentioned, signal packets and/or frames, for example, may be
exchanged, such as between a server and a client device and/or
other types of network devices, including between wireless devices
coupled via a wireless network, for example. It is noted that the
terms, server, server device, server computing device, server
computing platform and/or similar terms are used interchangeably.
Similarly, the terms client, client device, client computing
device, client computing platform and/or similar terms are also
used interchangeably. While in some instances, for ease of
description, these terms may be used in the singular, such as by
referring to a "client device" or a "server device," the
description is intended to encompass one or more client devices
and/or one or more server devices, as appropriate. Along similar
lines, references to a "database" are understood to mean, one or
more databases, database servers, application data servers, proxy
servers, and/or portions thereof, as appropriate.
[0049] It should be understood that for ease of description a
network device may be embodied and/or described in terms of a
computing device and/or mobile computing device. However, it should
further be understood that this description should in no way be
construed that claimed subject matter is limited to one embodiment,
such as a computing device or a network device, and, instead, may
be embodied as a variety of devices or combinations thereof,
including, for example, one or more illustrative examples.
[0050] Operations and/or processing, such as in association with
networks, such as computing and/or communications networks, for
example, may involve physical manipulations of physical quantities.
Typically, although not necessarily, these quantities may take the
form of electrical and/or magnetic signals capable of, for example,
being stored, transferred, combined, processed, compared and/or
otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient, at times,
principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals
as bits, data, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms,
numbers, numerals and/or the like.
[0051] Likewise, in this context, the terms "coupled", "connected,"
and/or similar terms are used generically. It should be understood
that these terms are not intended as synonyms. Rather, "connected"
is used generically to indicate that two or more components, for
example, are in direct physical, including electrical, contact;
while, "coupled" is used generically to mean that two or more
components are potentially in direct physical, including
electrical, contact; however, "coupled" is also used generically to
also mean that two or more components are not necessarily in direct
contact, but nonetheless are able to co-operate and/or interact.
The term "coupled" is also understood generically to mean
indirectly connected, for example, in an appropriate context. In a
context of this application, if signals, instructions, and/or
commands are transmitted from one component (e.g., a controller or
processor) to another component (or assembly), it is understood
that messages, signals, instructions, and/or commands may be
transmitted directly to a component, or may pass through a number
of other components on a way to a destination component. For
example, a signal transmitted from a motor controller or processor
to a motor (or other driving assembly) may pass through glue logic,
an amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog
converter, another controller and/or processor, and/or an
interface. Similarly, a signal communicated through a misting
system may pass through an air conditioning and/or a heating
module, and a signal communicated from any one or a number of
sensors to a controller and/or processor may pass through a
conditioning module, an analog-to-digital controller, and/or a
comparison module, and/or a number of other electrical assemblies
and/or components.
[0052] The terms, "and", "or", "and/or" and/or similar terms, as
used herein, include a variety of meanings that also are expected
to depend at least in part upon the particular context in which
such terms are used. Typically, "or" if used to associate a list,
such as A, B or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in
the inclusive sense, as well as A, B or C, here used in the
exclusive sense. In addition, the term "one or more" and/or similar
terms is used to describe any feature, structure, and/or
characteristic in the singular and/or is also used to describe a
plurality and/or some other combination of features, structures
and/or characteristics.
[0053] Likewise, the term "based on," "based, at least in part on,"
and/or similar terms (e.g., based at least in part on) are
understood as not necessarily intending to convey an exclusive set
of factors, but to allow for existence of additional factors not
necessarily expressly described. Of course, for all of the
foregoing, particular context of description and/or usage provides
helpful guidance regarding inferences to be drawn. It should be
noted that the following description merely provides one or more
illustrative examples and claimed subject matter is not limited to
these one or more illustrative examples; however, again, particular
context of description and/or usage provides helpful guidance
regarding inferences to be drawn.
[0054] A network may also include for example, past, present and/or
future mass storage, such as network attached storage (NAS), cloud
storage, a storage area network (SAN), cloud storage, cloud server
farms, and/or other forms of computing and/or device readable
media, for example. A network may include a portion of the
Internet, one or more local area networks (LANs), one or more wide
area networks (WANs), wire-line type connections, one or more
personal area networks (PANs), wireless type connections, one or
more mesh networks, one or more cellular communication networks,
other connections, or any combination thereof. Thus, a network may
be worldwide in scope and/or extent.
[0055] The Internet and/or a global communications network may
refer to a decentralized global network of interoperable networks
that comply with the Internet Protocol (IP). It is noted that there
are several versions of the Internet Protocol. Here, the term
Internet Protocol, IP, and/or similar terms, is intended to refer
to any version, now known and/or later developed of the Internet
Protocol. The Internet may include local area networks (LANs), wide
area networks (WANs), wireless networks, and/or long haul public
networks that, for example, may allow signal packets and/or frames
to be communicated between LANs. The term World Wide Web (WWW or
Web) and/or similar terms may also be used, although it refers to a
part of the Internet that complies with the Hypertext Transfer
Protocol (HTTP). For example, network devices and/or computing
devices may engage in an HTTP session through an exchange of
appropriately compatible and/or compliant signal packets and/or
frames. Here, the term Hypertext Transfer Protocol, HTTP, and/or
similar terms is intended to refer to any version, now known and/or
later developed. It is likewise noted that in various places in
this document substitution of the term Internet with the term World
Wide Web ('Web') may be made without a significant departure in
meaning and may, therefore, not be inappropriate in that the
statement would remain correct with such a substitution.
[0056] Although claimed subject matter is not in particular limited
in scope to the Internet and/or to the Web; nonetheless, the
Internet and/or the Web may without limitation provide a useful
example of an embodiment at least for purposes of illustration. As
indicated, the Internet and/or the Web may comprise a worldwide
system of interoperable networks, including interoperable devices
within those networks. A content delivery server and/or the
Internet and/or the Web, therefore, in this context, may comprise
an service that organizes stored content, such as, for example,
text, images, video, etc., through the use of hypermedia, for
example. A HyperText Markup Language ("HTML"), Cascading Style
Sheets ("CSS") or Extensible Markup Language ("XML"), for example,
may be utilized to specify content and/or to specify a format for
hypermedia type content, such as in the form of a file and/or an
"electronic document," such as a Web page, for example. HTML and/or
XML are merely example languages provided as illustrations and
intended to refer to any version, now known and/or developed at
another time and claimed subject matter is not intended to be
limited to examples provided as illustrations, of course.
[0057] Also as used herein, one or more parameters may be
descriptive of a collection of signal samples, such as one or more
electronic documents, and exist in the form of physical signals
and/or physical states, such as memory states. For example, one or
more parameters, such as referring to an electronic document
comprising an image, may include parameters, such as 1) time of day
at which an image was captured, latitude and longitude of an image
capture device, such as a camera; 2) time and day of when a sensor
reading (e.g., humidity, temperature, air quality, UV radiation)
was received; and/or 3) operating conditions of one or more motors
or other components or assemblies in a modular umbrella shading
system. Claimed subject matter is intended to embrace meaningful,
descriptive parameters in any format, so long as the one or more
parameters comprise physical signals and/or states, which may
include, as parameter examples, name of the collection of signals
and/or states.
[0058] Some portions of the detailed description which follow are
presented in terms of algorithms or symbolic representations of
operations on binary digital signals stored within a memory of a
specific apparatus or special purpose computing device or platform.
In the context of this particular specification, the term specific
apparatus or the like includes a general purpose computer once it
is programmed to perform particular functions pursuant to
instructions from program software. In embodiments, a modular
umbrella shading system may comprise a computing device installed
within or as part of a modular umbrella system, intelligent
umbrella and/or intelligent shading charging system. Algorithmic
descriptions or symbolic representations are examples of techniques
used by those of ordinary skill in the signal processing or related
arts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the
art. An algorithm is here, and generally, considered to be a
self-consistent sequence of operations or similar signal processing
leading to a desired result. In this context, operations or
processing involve physical manipulation of physical quantities.
Typically, although not necessarily, such quantities may take the
form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored,
transferred, combined, compared or otherwise manipulated.
[0059] It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons
of common usage, to refer to such signals as bits, data, values,
elements, symbols, numbers, numerals or the like, and that these
are conventional labels. Unless specifically stated otherwise, it
is appreciated that throughout this specification discussions
utilizing terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating,"
"determining" or the like may refer to actions or processes of a
specific apparatus, such as a special purpose computer or a similar
special purpose electronic computing device (e.g., such as a
shading object computing device). In the context of this
specification, therefore, a special purpose computer or a similar
special purpose electronic computing device (e.g., a modular
umbrella computing device) is capable of manipulating or
transforming signals (electronic and/or magnetic) in memories (or
components thereof), other storage devices, transmission devices
sound reproduction devices, and/or display devices.
[0060] In an embodiment, a controller and/or a processor typically
performs a series of instructions resulting in data manipulation.
In an embodiment, a microcontroller or microprocessor may be a
compact microcomputer designed to govern the operation of embedded
systems in electronic devices, e.g., an intelligent, automated
shading object or umbrella, modular umbrella, and/or shading
charging systems, and various other electronic and mechanical
devices coupled thereto or installed thereon. Microcontrollers may
include processors, microprocessors, and other electronic
components. Controller may be a commercially available processor
such as an Intel Pentium, Motorola PowerPC, SGI MIPS, Sun
UltraSPARC, or Hewlett-Packard PA-RISC processor, but may be any
type of application-specific and/or specifically designed processor
or controller. In an embodiment, a processor and/or controller may
be connected to other system elements, including one or more memory
devices, by a bus, a mesh network or other mesh components.
Usually, a processor or controller, may execute an operating system
which may be, for example, a Windows-based operating system
(Microsoft), a MAC OS System X operating system (Apple Computer),
one of many Linux-based operating system distributions (e.g., an
open source operating system) a Solaris operating system (Sun), a
portable electronic device operating system (e.g., mobile phone
operating systems), microcomputer operating systems, and/or a UNIX
operating systems. Embodiments are not limited to any particular
implementation and/or operating system.
[0061] The specification may refer to a modular umbrella shading
system (or an intelligent shading object or an intelligent
umbrella) as an apparatus that provides shade and/or coverage to a
user from weather elements such as sun, wind, rain, and/or hail. In
embodiments, the modular umbrella shading system may be an
automated intelligent shading object, automated intelligent
umbrella, and/or automated intelligent shading charging system. The
modular umbrella shading system and/or automated shading object or
umbrella may also be referred to as a parasol, intelligent
umbrella, sun shade, outdoor shade furniture, sun screen, sun
shelter, awning, sun cover, sun marquee, brolly and other similar
names, which may all be utilized interchangeably in this
application. Shading objects and/or modular umbrella shding systems
which also have electric vehicle charging capabilities may also be
referred to as intelligent umbrella charging systems. These terms
may be utilized interchangeably throughout the specification. The
modular umbrella systems, shading objects, intelligent umbrellas,
umbrella charging systems and shading charging systems described
herein comprises many novel and non-obvious features, which are
described in detail in the following patent applications, U.S.
non-provisional application Ser. No. 15/273,669, filed Sep. 22,
2016, entitled "Mobile Computing Device Control of Shading Object,
Intelligent Umbrella and Intelligent Shading Charging System,"
which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. non-provisional application
Ser. No. 15/268,199, filed Sep. 16, 2016, entitled "Automatic
Operation of Shading Object, Intelligent Umbrella and Intelligent
Shading Charging System," which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
non-provisional application Ser. No. 15/242,970, filed Aug. 22,
2016, entitled "Shading Object, Intelligent Umbrella and
Intelligent Shading Charging Security System and Method of
Operation," which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. non-provisional
application Ser. No. 15/225,838, filed Aug. 2, 2016, entitled
"Remote Control of Shading Object and/or Intelligent Umbrella,"
which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. non-provisional patent
application Ser. No. 15/219,292, filed Jul. 26, 2016, entitled
"Shading Object, Intelligent Umbrella and Intelligent Shading
Object Integrated Camera and Method of Operation," which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. non-provisional patent application
Ser. No. 15/214,471, filed Jul. 20, 2016, entitled
"Computer-Readable Instructions Executable by a Processor to
Operate a Shading Object, Intelligent Umbrella and/or Intelligent
Shading Charging System," which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/212,173, filed Jul.
15, 2016, entitled "Intelligent Charging Shading Systems," which is
a continuation-in-part of application of U.S. non-provisional
patent application Ser. No. 15/160,856, filed May 20, 2016,
entitled "Automated Intelligent Shading Objects and
Computer-Readable Instructions for Interfacing With, Communicating
With and Controlling a Shading Object," and is also a
continuation-in-part of application of U.S. non-provisional patent
application Ser. No. 15/160,822, filed May 20, 2016, entitled
"Intelligent Shading Objects with Integrated Computing Device,"
both of which claim the benefit of U.S. provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 62/333,822, entitled "Automated Intelligent
Shading Objects and Computer-Readable Instructions for Interfacing
With, Communicating With and Controlling a Shading Object," filed
May 9, 2016, the disclosures of which are all hereby incorporated
by reference.
[0062] FIG. 1 illustrates a modular umbrella shading system
according to embodiments. In embodiments, a modular umbrella system
100 comprises a base assembly or module 110, a first extension
assembly or module 120, a core assembly module housing (or core
umbrella assembly) 130, a second extension assembly or module 150,
and an expansion sensor assembly or module (or an arm extension
assembly or module) 160. In embodiments, a modular umbrella shading
system 100 may not comprise a base assembly or module 110 and may
comprise a table assembly or module 180 to connect to table tops,
such as patio tables and/or other outdoor furniture. In
embodiments, a table assembly or module 180 may comprise a table
attachment and/or a table receptacle. In embodiments, a base module
or assembly 110 may comprise a circular base component 112, a
square or rectangular base component 113, a rounded edges base
component 114, and/or a beach or sand base component 115. In
embodiments, base components 112, 113, 114, and/or 115 may be
interchangeable based upon a configuration required by an umbrella
system and/or user. In embodiments, each of the different options
for the base components 112, 113, 114, 115, and/or 180 may have a
universal connector and/or receptacle to allow for easy
interchangeability.
[0063] In embodiments, a first extension assembly or module 120 may
comprise a shaft assembly having a first end 121 and a second end
122. In embodiments, a first end 121 may be detachably connectable
and/or connected to a base assembly or module 110. In embodiments,
a second end 122 may be detachably connected and/or connectable to
a first end of a core umbrella assembly or module 130. In
embodiments, a first end 121 and a second end 122 may have a
universal umbrella connector. In other words, a connector may be
universal within all modules and/or assemblies of a modular
umbrella system to provide a benefit of allowing backwards
capabilities with new versions of different modules and/or
assemblies of a modular umbrella shading system. In embodiments, a
first extension assembly or module 120 may have different lengths.
In embodiments, different length first extension assemblies may
allow a modular umbrella shading system to have different clearance
heights between a base assembly or module 110 and/or a core
umbrella assembly or module 130. In embodiments, a first extension
assembly or module 110 may be a tube and/or a shell with channels,
grooves and/or pathways for electrical wires and/or components
and/or mechanical components. In embodiments, a first extension
assembly 110 may be a shaft assembly having an inner core
comprising channels, grooves and/or pathways for electrical wires,
connectors and/or components and/or mechanical components.
[0064] In embodiments, a universal umbrella connector or connection
assembly 124 may refer to a connection pair and/or connection
assembly that may be uniform for all modules, components and/or
assemblies of a modular umbrella system 100. In embodiments, having
a universal umbrella connector or connection assembly 124 may allow
interchangeability and/or backward compatibility of the various
assemblies and/or modules of the modular umbrella system 100. In
embodiments, for example, a diameter of all or most of universal
connectors 124 utilized in a modular umbrella system may be the
same. In embodiments, a universal connector or connection
assemblyl24 may be a twist-on connector. In embodiments, a
universal connector 124 may be a drop in connector and/or a locking
connector, having a male and female connector. In embodiments, a
universal connector or connection assembly 124 may be a plug with
another connector being a receptacle. In embodiments, universal
connector 124 may be an interlocking plug receptacle combination.
For example, universal connector 124 may be a plug and receptacle,
jack and plug, flanges for connection, threaded plugs and threaded
receptacles, snap fit connectors, adhesive or friction connectors.
In embodiments, for example, universal connector or connection
assembly 124 may be external connectors engaged with threaded
internal connections, snap-fit connectors, push fit couplers. In
embodiments, by having a universal connector or connection assembly
124 for joints or connections between a base module or assembly 110
and a first extension module or assembly 120, a first extension
module or assembly 120 and a core assembly module or assembly 130,
a core assembly module or assembly 130 and a second extension
module or assembly 150, and/or a second extension module or
assembly 150 and an expansion sensor module or assembly 160, an
umbrella or shading object manufacturer may not need to provide
additional parts for additional connectors for attaching, coupling
or connecting different modules or assemblies of a modular umbrella
shading system. In addition, modules and/or assemblies may be
upgraded easily because one module and/or assembly may be switched
out of a modular umbrella system without having to purchase or
procure additional modules because of the interoperability and/or
interchangeability.
[0065] In embodiments, a core umbrella assembly or module 130 may
be positioned between a first extension assembly or module 120 and
a second extension assembly or module 150. In embodiments, core
umbrella assembly or module 130 may be positioned between a base
assembly or module 110 and/or an expansion and sensor module or
assembly 160. In embodiments, a core umbrella assembly or module
130 may comprise an upper core assembly 140, a core assembly
connector or mid-section 141 and/or a lower core assembly 142. In
embodiments, a core assembly connector 141 may be a sealer or
sealed connection to protect a modular umbrella system from
environmental conditions. In embodiments, a core umbrella assembly
or module 130 may comprise two or more motors or motor assemblies.
Although the specification may refer to a motor, a motor may be a
motor assembly with a motor controller, a motor, a stator, a rotor
and/or a drive/output shaft. In embodiments, a core umbrella
assembly 130 may comprise an azimuth rotation motor 131, an
elevation motor 132, and/or a spoke expansion/retraction motor 133.
In embodiments, an azimuth rotation motor 131 may cause a core
umbrella assembly 130 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about
a base assembly or module 110 or a table connection assembly 180.
In embodiments, an azimuth rotation motor 131 may cause a core
umbrella assembly 130 to rotate about an azimuth axis. In
embodiments, a core umbrella assembly or module 130 may rotate up
to 360 degrees with respect to a base assembly or module 130.
[0066] In embodiments, an elevation motor 132 may cause an upper
core assembly 140 to rotate with respect to a lower core assembly
142. In embodiments, an elevation motor 130 may rotate an upper
core assembly 140 between 0 to 90 degrees with respect to the lower
core assembly 142. In embodiments, an elevation motor 130 may
rotate an upper module or assembly 140 between 0 to 30 degrees with
respect to a lower assembly or module 142. In embodiments, an
original position may be where an upper core assembly 140 is
positioned in line and above the lower core assembly 142, as is
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0067] In embodiments, a spoke expansion motor 133 may be connected
to an expansion and sensor assembly module 160 via a second
extension assembly or module 150 and cause spoke or arm support
assemblies in a spoke expansion sensor assembly module 160 to
deploy or retract outward and/or upward from an expansion sensor
assembly module 160. In embodiments, an expansion extension
assembly module 160 may comprise a rack gear and spoke connector
assemblies (or arms). In embodiments, a spoke expansion motor 133
may be coupled and/or connected to a hollow tube via a gearing
assembly, and may cause a hollow tube to move up or down (e.g., in
a vertical direction). In embodiments, a hollow tube may be
connected and/or coupled to a rack gear, which may be connected
and/or coupled to spoke connector assemblies. In embodiments,
movement of a hollow tube in a vertical direction may cause spoke
assemblies and/or arms to be deployed and/or retracted. In
embodiments, spoke connector assemblies and/or arms may have a
corresponding and/or associated gear at a vertical rack gear.
[0068] In embodiments, a core assembly or module 130 may comprise
motor control circuitry 134 (e.g., a motion control board 134) that
controls operation of an azimuth motor 131, an elevation motor 132
and/or an expansion motor 133, along with other components and/or
assemblies. In embodiments, the core assembly module 130 may
comprise one or more batteries 135 (e.g., rechargeable batteries)
for providing power to electrical and mechanical components in the
modular umbrella system 100. For example, one or more batteries 135
may provide power to motion control circuitry 134, an azimuth motor
131, an expansion motor 133, an elevation motor 132, a camera 137,
a proximity sensor 138, a near field communication (NFC) sensor
138. In embodiments, one or more batteries 135 may provide power to
an integrated computing device 136, although in other embodiments,
an integrated computing device 136 may also comprise its own
battery (e.g., rechargeable battery).
[0069] In embodiments, the core assembly 130 may comprise a
separate and/or integrated computing device 136. In embodiments, a
separate computing device 136 may comprise a Raspberry Pi computing
device, other single-board computers and/or single-board computing
device. Because a modular umbrella shading system has a limited
amount of space, a single-board computing device is a solution that
allows for increased functionality without taking up too much space
in an interior of a modular umbrella shading system. In
embodiments, a separate computing device 136 may handle video,
audio and/or image editing, processing, and/or storage for a
modular umbrella shading system 100 (which are more data intensive
functions and thus require more processing bandwidth and/or power).
In embodiments, an upper core assembly 140 may comprise one or more
rechargeable batteries 135, a motion control board (or motion
control circuitry) 134, a spoke expansion motor 133 and/or a
separate and/or integrated computing device 136.
[0070] In embodiments, a core assembly connector/cover 141 may
cover and/or secure a connector between an upper core assembly 140
and a lower core assembly 142. In embodiments, a core assembly
connector and/or cover 141 may provide protection from water and/or
other environmental conditions. In other words, a core assembly
connector and/or cover 141 may make a core assembly 130 waterproof
and/or water resistant and in other environments, may protect an
interior of a core assembly from sunlight, cold or hot
temperatures, humidity and/or smoke. In embodiments, a core
assembly connector/cover 141 may be comprised of a rubber material,
although a plastic and/or fiberglass material may be utilized. In
embodiments, a core assembly connector/cover 141 may be comprised
of a flexible material, silicone, and/or a membrane In embodiments,
a core assembly connector/cover 141 may be circular and/or oval in
shape and may have an opening in a middle to allow assemblies
and/or components to pass freely through an interior of a core
assembly connector or cover 141. In embodiments, a core assembly
connector/cover 141 may adhere to an outside surface of an upper
core assembly 140 and a lower core assembly 142. In embodiments, a
core assembly connector/cover 141 may be connected, coupled,
fastened and/or have a grip or to an outside surface of the upper
core assembly 140 and the lower core assembly 142. In embodiments,
a core assembly connector and/or cover 141 may be connected,
coupled, adhered and/or fastened to a surface (e.g., top or bottom
surface) of an upper core assembly and/or lower core assembly 142.
In embodiments, a core assembly connector/cover 141 may cover a
hinging assembly and/or reparation point, springs, and wires that
are present between an upper core assembly 140 and/or a lower core
assembly 142.
[0071] In embodiments, a core assembly or module 130 may comprise
one or more cameras 137. In embodiments, one or more cameras 137
may be capture images, videos and/or sound of an area and/or
environment surrounding a modular umbrella system 100. In
embodiments, a lower core assembly 142 may comprise one or more
cameras 137. In embodiments, a camera 137 may only capture sound if
a user selects a sound capture mode on a modular umbrella system
100 (e.g., via a button and/or switch) or via a software
application controlling operation of a modular umbrella system
(e.g., a microphone or recording icon is selected in a modular
umbrella system software application).
[0072] In embodiments, a core assembly 130 may comprise a power
button to manually turn on or off power to components of a modular
umbrella system. In embodiments, a core assembly or module 130 may
comprise one or more proximity sensors 138. In embodiments, one or
more proximity sensors 138 may detect whether or not an individual
and/or subject may be within a known distance from a modular
umbrella system 100. In embodiments, in response to a detection of
proximity of an individual and/or subject, a proximity sensor 138
may communicate a signal, instruction, message and/or command to
motion control circuitry (e.g., a motion control PCB 134) and/or a
computing device 136 to activate and/or deactivate assemblies and
components of a modular umbrella system 100. In embodiments, a
lower core assembly 142 may comprise a proximity sensor 138 and a
power button. For example, a proximity sensor 138 may detect
whether an object is within proximity of a modular umbrella system
and may communicate a message to a motion control PCB 134 to
instruct an azimuth motor 131 to stop rotating a base assembly or
module.
[0073] In embodiments, a core assembly or module 130 may comprise a
near-field communication (NFC) sensor 139. In embodiments, a NFC
sensor 139 may be utilized to identify authorized users of a
modular umbrella shading system 100. In embodiments, for example, a
user may have a mobile computing device with a NFC sensor which may
communicate, pair and/or authenticate in combination with a modular
umbrella system NFC sensor 139 to provide user identification
information. In embodiments, a NFC sensor 139 may communicate
and/or transmit a signal, message, command and/or instruction based
on a user's identification information to computer-readable
instructions resident within a computing device and/or other memory
of a modular umbrella system to verify a user is authenticated
and/or authorized to utilize a modular umbrella system 100.
[0074] In embodiments, a core assembly or module 130 may comprise a
cooling system and/or heat dissipation system 143. In embodiments,
a cooling system 143 may be one or more channels in an interior of
a core assembly or module 130 that direct air flow from outside a
modular umbrella system across components, motors, circuits and/or
assembles inside a core assembly 130. For example, one or more
channels and/or fins may be coupled and/or attached to components,
motors and/or circuits, and air may flow through channels to fins
and/or components, motors and/or circuits. In embodiments, a
cooling system 143 may lower operating temperatures of components,
motors, circuits and/or assemblies of a modular umbrella system
100. In embodiments, a cooling system 143 may also comprise one or
more plates and/or fins attached to circuits, components and/or
assemblies and also attached to channels to lower internal
operating temperatures. In embodiments, a cooling system 143 may
also move hot air from electrical and/or mechanical assemblies to
outside a core assembly. In embodiments, a cooling system 143 may
be fins attached to or vents in a body of a core assembly 130. In
embodiments, fins and/or vents of a cooling system 143 may
dissipate heat from electrical and mechanical components and/or
assemblies of the core module or assembly 130.
[0075] In embodiments, a separate, detachable and/or connectable
skin may be attached, coupled, adhered and/or connected to a core
module assembly 130. In embodiments, a detachable and/or
connectable skin may provide additional protection for a core
assembly module against water, smoke, wind and/or other
environmental conditions and/or factors. In embodiments, a skin may
adhere to an outer surface of a core assembly.130. In embodiments,
a skin may have a connector on an inside surface of the skin and
core assembly 130 may have a mating receptacle on an outside
surface. In embodiments, a skin may magnetically couple to a core
assembly 130. In embodiments, a skin may be detachable and
removable from a core assembly so that a skin may be changed for
different environmental conditions and/or factors. In embodiments,
a skin may connect to an entire core assembly. In embodiments, a
skin may connect to portions of an upper core assembly 140 and/or a
lower core assembly 142. In embodiments, a skin may not connect to
a middle portion of a core assembly 130 (or a core assembly cover
connector 141). In embodiments, a skin may be made of a flexible
material to allow for bending of a modular umbrella system 100. In
embodiments, a base assembly 110, a first extension assembly 120, a
core module assembly 130, a second extension assembly 140 and/or an
arm extension and sensor assembly 160 may also comprise one or more
skin assemblies. In embodiments, a skin assembly may provide a
cover for a majority of all of a surface area one or more of the
base assembly, first extension assembly 120, core module assembly
130, second extension assembly 150 and/or arm extension sensor
assembly 160. In embodiments, a core assembly module 130 may
further comprise channels on an outside surface. In embodiments, a
skin assembly may comprise two pieces. In embodiments, a skin
assembly may comprise edges and/or ledges. In embodiments, edges
and/or ledges of a skin assembly may be slid into channels of a
core assembly module 130. In embodiments, a base assembly 110, a
first extension assembly 120, a second extension assembly 140
and/or an arm expansion sensor assembly 160 may also comprise an
outer skin assembly. In embodiments, skin assemblies for these
assemblies may be uniform to present a common industrial design. In
embodiments, skin assemblies may be different if such as a
configuration is desired by a user. In embodiments, skin assemblies
may be comprise of a plastic, a hard plastic, fiberglass, aluminum,
other light metals (including aluminum), and/or composite materials
including metals, plastic, wood. In embodiments, a core assembly
module 130, a first extension assembly 120, a second extension
assembly 150, an arm expansion sensor assembly 160, and/or a base
assembly 110 may be comprised of aluminum, light metals, plastic,
hard plastics, foam materials, and/or composite materials including
metals, plastic, wood. In embodiments, a skin assembly may be
provide protection from environmental conditions (such as sun,
rain, and/or wind).
[0076] In embodiments, a second extension assembly 150 connects
and/or couples a core assembly module 130 to an expansion assembly
sensor module (and/or arm extension assembly module) 160. In
embodiments, an expansion sensor assembly module 160 may have
universal connectors and/or receptacles on both ends to connect or
couple to universal receptacles and/or connectors, on the core
assembly 130 and/or expansion sensor assembly module 160. FIG. 1
illustrates that a second extension assembly or module 150 may have
three lengths. In embodiments, a second extension assembly 150 may
have one of a plurality of lengths depending on how much clearance
a user and/or owner may like to have between a core assembly module
130 and spokes of an expansion sensor assembly or module 160. In
embodiments, a second extension assembly or module 150 may comprise
a hollow tube and/or channels for wires and/or other components
that pass through the second extension assembly or module 150. In
embodiments, a hollow tube 249 may be coupled, connected and/or
fixed to a nut that is connected to, for example, a threaded rod
(which is part of an expansion motor assembly). In embodiments, a
hollow tube 249 may be moved up and down based on movement of the
threaded rod. In embodiments, a hollow tube in a second extension
assembly may be replaced by a shaft and/or rod assembly.
[0077] In embodiments, an expansion and sensor module 160 may be
connected and/or coupled to a second extension assembly or module
150. In embodiments, an expansion and sensor assembly or module 160
may be connected and/or coupled to a second extension assembly or
module 150 via a universal connector. In embodiments, an expansion
and sensor assembly or module 160 may comprise an arm or spoke
expansion sensor assembly 162 and a sensor assembly housing 168. In
embodiments, an expansion and sensor assembly or module 160 may be
connected to a hollow tube 249 and thus coupled to a threaded rod.
In embodiments, when a hollow tube moves up and down, an arm or
spoke expansion assembly 162 opens and/or retracts, which causes
spokes/blades 164 of an arm extension assembly 163. In embodiments,
arms, spokes and/or blades 164 may detachably connected to the arm
or spoke support assemblies 163.
[0078] In embodiments, an expansion and sensor assembly module 160
may have a plurality of arms, spokes or blades 164 (which may be
detachable or removable). Because the umbrella system is modular
and/or adjustable to meet needs of user and/or environment, an arm
or spoke expansion assembly 162 may not have a set number of arm,
blade or spoke support assemblies 163. In embodiments, a user
and/or owner may determine and/or configure a modular umbrella
system 100 with a number or arms, spokes, or blades extensions 163
(and thus detachable spokes, arms and/or blades 164) necessary for
a certain function and attach, couple and/or connect an expansion
sensor assembly or module 160 with a spoke expansion assembly 162
with a desired number of blades, arms or spoke connections to a
second extension module or assembly 150 and/or a core module
assembly or housing 130. Prior umbrellas or shading systems utilize
a set or established number of ribs and were not adjustable or
configurable. In contrast, a modular umbrella system 100 described
herein has an ability to have a detachable and adjustable expansion
sensor module 162 comprising an adjustable number of
arm/spoke/blade support assemblies or connections 163 (and
therefore a flexible and adjustable number of arms/spokes/blades
164), which provides a user with multiple options in providing
shade and/or protection. In embodiments, expansion and sensor
expansion module 160 may be detachable or removable from a second
extension module 150 and/or a core assembly module 130 and also one
or more spokes, arms and/or assemblies 164 may be detachable or
removable from arm or spoke support assemblies 163. Therefore,
depending on the application or use, a user, operator and/or owner
may detachably remove an expansion and sensor module or assembly
160 having a first number of arm/blade/spoke support assemblies 163
and replace it with a different expansion sensor module or assembly
160 having a different number of arm/blade/spoke support assemblies
163.
[0079] In embodiments, arms, blades and/or spokes 164 may be
detachably connected and/or removable from one or more arm support
assemblies 163. In embodiments, arms, blades, and/or spokes 164 may
be snapped, adhered, coupled and/or connected to associated arm
support assemblies 163. In embodiments, arms, blades and/or spokes
164 may be detached, attached and/or removed before deployment of
the arm extension assemblies 163.
[0080] In embodiments, a shading fabric 165 may be connected,
attached and/or adhered to one or more arm extension assemblies 163
and provide shade for an area surrounding, below and/or adjacent to
a modular umbrella system 100. In embodiments, a shading fabric (or
multiple shading fabrics) may be connected, attached, and/or
adhered to one or more spokes, arms and/or blades 164. In
embodiments, a shading fabric or covering 165 may have integrated
therein, one or more solar panels and/or cells (not shown). In
embodiments, solar panels and/or cells may generate electricity and
convert the energy from a solar power source to electricity. In
embodiments, solar panels may be coupled to a shading power
charging system (not shown). In embodiments, one or more solar
panels and/or cells may be positioned on top of a shading fabric
165. In embodiments, one or more solar panels and/or cells may be
connected, adhered, positioned, attached on and/or placed on a
shading fabric 165.
[0081] In embodiments, an expansion sensor assembly or module 160
may comprise one or more audio speakers 167. In embodiments, an
expansion sensor assembly or module 160 may further comprise an
audio/video transceiver. In embodiments, a core assembly 130 may
comprise and/or house an audio/video transceiver (e.g., a Bluetooth
or other PAN transceiver, such as Bluetooth transceiver 197). In
embodiments, an expansion sensor assembly or module 160 may
comprise an audio/video transceiver (e.g., a Bluetooth and/or PAN
transceiver) In embodiments, an audio/video transceiver in an
expansion sensor assembly or module 160 may receive audio signals
from an audio/video transceiver 197 in a core assembly 130, convert
to an electrical audio signal and reproduce the sound on one or
more audio speakers 167, which projects sound in an outward and/or
downward fashion from a modular umbrella system 100. In
embodiments, one or more audio speakers 167 may be positioned
and/or integrated around a circumference of an expansion sensor
assembly or module 160.
[0082] In embodiments, an expansion sensor assembly or module 160
may comprise one or more LED lighting assemblies 166. In
embodiments, one or more LED lighting assemblies 166 may comprise
bulbs and/or LED lights and/or a light driver and/or ballast. In
embodiments, an expansion sensor assembly or module 160 may
comprise one or more LED lighting assemblies positioned around an
outer surface of the expansion sensor assembly or module 160. In
embodiments, one or more LED lighting assemblies 166 may drive one
or more lights. In embodiments, a light driver may receive a signal
from a controller or a processor in a modular umbrella system 100
to activate/deactivate LED lights. The LED lights may project light
into an area surrounding a modular umbrella system 100. In
embodiments, one or more lighting assemblies 166 may be recessed
into an expansion or sensor module or assembly 160.
[0083] In embodiments, an arm expansion sensor housing or module
160 may also comprise a sensor housing 168. In embodiments, a
sensor housing 168 may comprise one or more environmental sensors,
one or more telemetry sensors, and/or a sensor housing cover. In
embodiments, one or more environmental sensors may comprise one or
more air quality sensors, one or more UV radiation sensors, one or
more digital barometer sensors, one or more temperature sensors,
one or more humidity sensors, and/or one or more wind speed
sensors. In embodiments, one or more telemetry sensors may comprise
a GPS/GNSS sensor and/or one or more digital compass sensors. In
embodiments, a sensor housing 168 may also comprise one or more
accelerometers and/or one or more gyroscopes. In embodiments, a
sensor housing 168 may comprise sensor printed circuit boards
and/or a sensor cover (which may or may not be transparent). In
embodiments, a sensor printed circuit board may communicate with
one or more environmental sensors and/or one or more telemetry
sensors (e.g., receive measurements and/or raw data), process the
measurements and/or raw data and communicate sensor measurements
and/or data to a motion control printed circuit board (e.g.,
controller) and/or a computing device (e.g., controller and/or
processor). In embodiments, a sensor housing 168 may be detachably
connected to an arm connection housing/spoke connection housing to
allow for different combinations of sensors to be utilized for
different umbrellas. In embodiments, a sensor cover of a sensor
housing 168 may be clear and/or transparent to allow for sensors to
be protected from an environment around a modular umbrella system.
In embodiments, a sensor cover may be moved and/or opened to allow
for sensors (e.g., air quality sensors to obtain more accurate
measurements and/or readings). In embodiments, a sensor printed
circuit board may comprise environmental sensors, telemetry
sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, processors, memory, and/or
controllers in order to allow a sensor printed circuit board to
receive measurements and/or readings from sensors, process received
sensor measurements and/or readings, analyze sensor measurements
and/or readings and/or communicate sensor measurements and/or
readings to processors and/or controllers in a core assembly or
module 130 of a modular umbrella system 100.
[0084] FIG. 2 illustrates a cut-away drawing of mechanical
assemblies in a modular umbrella system according to embodiments.
In embodiments, a modular umbrella shading assembly 200 may
comprise a base assembly 210, a first extension assembly 220, a
core assembly or module 230, a base receptacle 213, a force
transfer shaft 212, an azimuth motor 231, and/or an azimuth motor
shaft 229. In embodiments, a first extension assembly 220 and a
core assembly module 230 may rotate in a clockwise or
counterclockwise manner direction (as illustrated by reference
number 215) with respect to a base assembly 210. In embodiments, an
azimuth motor 231 comprises an azimuth motor shaft 229 that may
rotate in response to activation and/or utilization of an azimuth
motor 231. In embodiments, an azimuth motor shaft 229 may be
mechanically coupled (e.g., a gearing system, a friction-based
system, etc.) to a force transfer shaft 212. In embodiments, an
azimuth motor shaft 229 may rotate in a clockwise and/or
counterclockwise direction and in response, a force transfer shaft
212 may rotate in a same and/or opposite direction. In embodiments,
a force transfer shaft 212 may pass through a first extension
assembly 220 and may be mechanically coupled to a base receptacle
213 in a base assembly 210. In response to, or due to, rotation of
force transfer shaft 212 in a base receptacle 213, a first
extension assembly 220 and/or a core assembly 230 may rotate with
respect to the base assembly 210.
[0085] In embodiments, a modular umbrella system 200 may comprise a
core assembly 230 which may comprise a lower core assembly 242 and
an upper core assembly 240. In embodiments, a lower core assembly
242 may comprise an elevation motor 232, an elevation motor shaft
233, a worm gear 234, and/or a speed reducing gear 235. In
embodiments, a speed reducing gear 235 may be connected with a
connector to a connection plate 236. In embodiments, a lower core
assembly 242 may be mechanically coupled to an upper core assembly
240 via a connection plate 236. In embodiments, a connection plate
236 may be connected to an upper core assembly 240 via a connector
and/or fastener. In embodiments, an elevation motor 232 may cause
rotation (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) of an elevation
motor shaft 233, which may be mechanically coupled to a worm gear
234. In embodiments, rotation of an elevation motor shaft 233 may
cause rotation (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) of a worm gear
234. In embodiments, a worm gear 234 may be mechanically coupled to
a speed reducing gear 235. In embodiments, rotation of a worm gear
234 may cause rotation of a speed reducing gear 235 via engagement
of channels of a worm gear 234 with teeth of a speed reducing gear
235. In embodiments, a sped reducing gear 235 may be mechanically
coupled to a connection plate 236 to an upper core assembly 240 via
a fastener or connector. In embodiments, rotation of a speed
reducing gear 235 may cause a connection plate 236 (and/or an upper
core assembly 240) to rotate with respect to a lower core assembly
242 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction as is illustrated
by reference number 217. In embodiments, an upper core assembly 240
may rotate with respect to the lower core assembly 242
approximately 90 degrees via movement of the connection plate. In
embodiments, an upper core assembly 240 may rotate approximately 0
to 30 degrees with respect to the lower core assembly 242 via
movement of the connection plate.
[0086] In embodiments, an upper core assembly 240 may comprise an
extension expansion motor 233 and an extension expansion motor
shaft 247. In embodiments, an expansion motor 233 may be activated
and may rotate an extension expansion motor shaft 247. In
embodiments, an expansion motor shaft 247 may be mechanically
coupled to a threaded rod 246 which may be mechanically couple to a
travel nut 248 (e.g., a nut may be screwed onto the threaded rod
246). In embodiments, an expansion motor shaft 247 may rotate a
threaded rod 246 which may cause a travel nut 248 to move in a
vertical direction (e.g., up or down). In embodiments, a travel nut
248 may be mechanically coupled to a connection rod 249. In
embodiments, a travel nut 248 may move in vertical direction (e.g.,
up or down) which may cause a connection rod 249 to move in a
vertical direction (e.g., up or down) as is illustrated by
reference number 251. In embodiments, a connection rod 249 may be
partially positioned and/or located within an upper core assembly
240 and may be partially positioned within a second extension
assembly 250. In embodiments, a connection rod 249 and/or a second
extension assembly 250 may have varying lengths based on a desired
height of a modular umbrella system 200. In embodiments, a
connection rod 249 may be mechanically coupled to an expansion
assembly shaft 263.
[0087] In embodiments, an arm expansion sensor housing or module
260 may comprise an expansion assembly shaft 263, a rack gear 265,
one or more spoke/arm expansion assemblies 262, and a sensor module
268. In embodiments, an expansion assembly shaft or hollow tube 263
may be mechanically coupled to a rack gear 265. In embodiments,
movement of an expansion shaft or hollow tube 263 up or down in a
vertical direction may move a rack gear 265 in a vertical direction
(e.g., up or down). In embodiments, one or more spoke expansion
assemblies 262 may be mechanically coupled to a rack gear 265. In
embodiments, gears on one or more spoke/arm expansion assemblies
262 may engage channels in a rack gear 265. In embodiments, a rack
gear 265 may move in a vertical direction (e.g., up or down) which
may cause movement of one or more spoke/arm expansion assemblies
262 from an open position (as is illustrated in FIG. 2) to a closed
position (or vice versa from a closed position to an open
position). In embodiments, movement of one or more spoke/arm
expansion assemblies 262 is illustrated by reference number 275 in
FIG. 2. In embodiments, spokes/arms 264 may be mechanically coupled
to spoke expansion assemblies 262. In embodiments, one or more
spokes/arms 264 may be detachable from one or more spoke/arm
expansion assemblies 262.
[0088] Prior art shading systems utilizing at the most one motor to
move a shade into a desired position. Shading systems do not
utilize more than one motor and this limits movement of a shade
system to track the sun and provide protection to users of a
shading system. Accordingly, utilizing of two or more motors in a
shading system allow movement of a shading element (or multiple
shading elements) to track the sun, to protect a user from other
weather elements and/or to capture a large amount of solar energy.
These are improvements other shading systems which cannot move
and/or rotate about more than one axis. Although, FIGS. 1 and 2
describe a shading system with three motors, additional motors may
be utilized to, for example, rotate a shading system (utilizing a
motor in a base system next to a surface), additional motors to
deploy additional accessories within a shading system core assembly
module (e.g., lighting assemblies, wind turbines, camera mounts),
or additional motors to deploy accessories within an expansion and
sensor assembly module (e.g., deploy sensors, deploy solar panels,
move speakers to different positions or orientations and/or move
lighting assemblies to different positions and/or
orientations).
[0089] FIG. 3 illustrates a method of a modular umbrella system
utilizing directional measuring devices according to embodiments.
FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a modular umbrella system
comprising directional measuring devices according to embodiments.
In embodiments, a core housing 130 may also comprise a gyroscope
425 and an accelerometer 430. In embodiments, an upper core housing
140 may comprise a gyroscope and/or an accelerometer. In
embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a motion control module 420
(e.g., a motion control PCB) in a modular core housing 130 may
comprise one or more processors/controllers 422, one or more memory
modules 423, one or more accelerometers 425 and/or one or more
gyroscopes 430. In embodiments, directional measuring devices may
refer to accelerometers, gyroscopes, compasses, magnetometers
and/or GPS devices. In embodiments, a sensor module 410 may
comprise a compass, a digital compass and/or a magnetometer 406,
one or more GPS transceivers 405, one or more clocks 407, one or
more microcontroller/processor 408, and/or one or more memory
module 409.
[0090] In embodiments, a motion control module 420 may request an
initial desired orientation for different assemblies and/or
components of a modular umbrella shading system and communicate 305
such directional request to a sensor module 410. In embodiments,
one or more gyroscopes 430 may be utilized to determine, calculate
and/or detect 310 an angle of an upper core assembly with respect
to a lower core assembly (e.g., determine a current elevation of a
modular umbrella system). In embodiments, one or more
accelerometers may also be utilized along with one or more
gyroscopes to determine, calculate and/or detect 320 an angle of an
upper core assembly.
[0091] In embodiments, a motion control module 420 may communicate
the directional request to a sensor extension module 410. In
embodiments, a directional measuring device (e.g., compass and/or
magnetometer 406) may determine 330 movement and/or a relative
position of a modular umbrella shading system with respect from a
reference direction. In embodiments, for example, a directional
measuring device (e.g., compass, digital compass and/or
magnetometer 406) may determine relative movement and/or a relative
position with respect to true north. In embodiments, for example, a
compass and/or a digital compass may determine movement and/or a
relative position with respect to true north. In embodiments, such
as illustrated in FIG. 4, these measurements may be referred to as
heading measurements. In embodiments, a directional measuring
device may communicate and/or transfer heading measurements to a
microcontroller 408, where these heading measurements may be stored
in a memory 409.
[0092] In embodiments, in response to a directional orientation
request, a GPS transceiver 405 may measure a geographic location of
a modular umbrella system and may communicate 335 such geographic
location measurement to a microcontroller 408, which may transfer
these heading measurements into a memory 409. In embodiments, a GPS
transceiver 405 may determine latitude and/or longitude coordinates
and communicate such latitude and/or longitude coordinates to a
microcontroller 408. In embodiments, a clock 407 may capture a time
of day and communicate and/or transfer 340 such time measurement to
a microcontroller 408, which may store the time measurement in a
memory 409.
[0093] In embodiments, instructions stored in a memory of an
extension assembly and/or sensor module 410 and executable by a
microcontroller 408 in the extension assembly and/or sensor module
410 may include algorithms and/or processes for determining and/or
calculating a desired azimuth and/or orientation of a modular
umbrella system depending on a time of day. In alternative
embodiments, a microcontroller 408 in an extension assembly and/or
sensor module 410 may communicate heading measurements, geographic
location measurements and or time measurement to a processor 422 in
a motion control module 420. In an alternative embodiment, a
portable computing device executing computer-readable instructions
on a processor (e.g., a SMARTSHADE software app) and located in a
vicinity of a modular umbrella shading system may retrieve
coordinates utilizing a mobile computing device's GPS transceiver
and may retrieve a time from a mobile computing device's processor
clock and provide these geographic location measurements and/or
time to a motion control module 420 (e.g., a microcontroller in a
motion control module) and/or a sensor module 410 (e.g., a
microcontroller in a sensor module).
[0094] In embodiments, computer-readable instructions stored in a
memory (e.g., memory 409) of a sensor module 410 may be executed by
a microcontroller 408 and may calculate 350 a desired modular
umbrella system elevation angle and/or azimuth angle utilizing
received geographic location measurements, heading measurements,
and/or time measurements. In embodiments, a microcontroller may
transfer desired elevation angle measurements and/or azimuth angle
measurements to a motion control module 420. In embodiments,
computer-readable instructions stored in a memory of a motion
control module 420 may compare 360 desired elevation angle
measurements and azimuth angle measurements to a current elevation
angle and azimuth angle of the modular umbrella system (calculated
from gyroscope measurements, accelerometer measurements, and/or
both) to determine movements that a modular umbrella system may
make in order to move to a desired orientation. In embodiments,
executed computer-readable instructions may calculate an azimuth
adjustment measurement to provide to an azimuth motor and/or an
elevation adjustment measurement to provide to an elevation
motor.
[0095] In embodiments, in response to the comparison,
computer-readable instructions executed by a processor 310 may
communicate 370 a command, signal, message, and/or instructions to
an azimuth motor assembly 131 to cause a modular umbrella shading
system 100 to rotate to a desired azimuth orientation by moving a
distance corresponding to and/or associated with an azimuth
adjustment measurement. In embodiments, in response to the
comparison, computer-readable instructions executed by a processor
310 may communicate 380 an elevation adjustment measurement to an
elevation motor assembly to cause an upper core assembly to rotate
with to a desired angle with respect to a lower core assembly
(e.g., a desired elevation angle) by moving a distance
corresponding and/or associated with elevation adjustment
measurement.
[0096] In embodiments, in response to reaching a desired elevation
angle and/or azimuth angle, computer-readable instructions executed
by a processor may start 385 a timer (and/or clock) and after a
predetermined time (or time threshold) may re-initiate 390 the
modular umbrella orientation positioning process described above.
In embodiments, a modular umbrella orientation positioning process
may be reinitiated and/or checked every 5 to 7 minutes. In
embodiments, a modular umbrella orientation positioning process may
be initiated when a modular umbrella system is turned on and/or
reset. In embodiments, adjustments may not be made every time a
modular umbrella orientation positioning process is initiated
because a modular umbrella shading system may not have moved
significantly in a measurement timeframe.
[0097] In embodiments, a modular umbrella system 100 may also
comprise a drone (or unmanned aerial vehicle ("UAV")) system. In
embodiments, a UAV system may comprise a UAV (e.g., drone) device
500 and/or a UAV docking port 501 In embodiments, a UAV system may
depart from a UAV docking port 501 and fly around an area
encompassing and/or surrounding a modular shading system. In
embodiments, a UAV device 500 may have a range of 200 meters from a
modular shading system. In embodiments, a mobile computing device
may communicate with a drone utilizing personal area network
protocols including but not limited to WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee,
etc. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions stored in a
memory of a computing device and executable by a processor of a
computing device (e.g., SMARTSHADE and/or SHADECRAFT software) may
control operations of a UAV device/drone 500. In embodiments,
operations may include guiding movement of a drone, communicating
measurements and/or data from a drone, activating/deactivating
sensors on a drone, and/or activating / deactivating one or more
cameras 575 on a drone. For example, in embodiments, a UAV device
500 may comprise one or more camera devices 575. In embodiments, a
camera device 575 may capture images, video and/or sound of the
environment surrounding a drone/UAV and may transmit and/or
communicate images back to a computing device and/or other
component of a modular umbrella shading system. In embodiments, for
example, an air quality sensor may be installed on a UAV device,
make take measurements during flight of the UAV device and may
transmit and/or communicate captured measurements and/or readings
from an air quality sensor to a sensor printed circuit board,
and/or another component and/or assembly on a modular umbrella
shading system. Placing sensors on a UAV device 500 may allow for
more accurate and comprehensive sensor readings (e.g., measurements
may be taken at a number of locations rather than only an exact
locations at where a modular umbrella system is installed. In
addition, more accurate and comprehensive sensor readings may be
obtained at locations unreachable from a ground location (e.g., at
higher elevations and/or at locations obscured and/or walled off
from a place where an umbrella shading system is installed).
[0098] FIG. 5 illustrates a UAV device and a modular umbrella
system according to embodiments. In embodiments, a UAV docking port
501 may connect to a UAV device through a latching assembly, a
mechanical coupling assembly, and/or through magnetic coupling. In
embodiments, a UAV docking port 501 may provide power to a UAV
device power source 530 (e.g., a rechargeable battery) through an
electrical connection (e.g., wire or connector) and/or through
induction coupling (e.g., wireless charging). In embodiments, a UAV
docking port 501 may be integrated into a sensor housing 168 or may
be integrated into a spoke/arm connection housing 162. In
embodiments, a UAV docking port 501 may be placed on a surface of a
sensor housing 168 and/or a spoke/arm connection housing 162
[0099] In embodiments, a modular umbrella system may comprise a
drone. In embodiments, a drone may be referred to as an unmanned
aerial vehicle. FIG. 5 illustrates an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
according to embodiments. In embodiments, a UAV 500 comprises a
frame, a microcontroller board 510, one or more rotors or motors
515, one or more propellers/blades 520, one or more wireless
transceivers 525, and a power source 530. In embodiments, a UAV 500
may further comprise one or more gyroscopes 535 and/or one or more
accelerometers 540. In embodiments, a UAV may comprise an altimeter
560. In embodiments, a UAV may comprise an electronic speed
controller (ESC) 570. In embodiments, a UAV may comprise a GPS
and/or GLONASS transceiver 565. In embodiments, a UAV may comprise
one or more cameras 575. Operation of a UAV, components and
assemblies are described in detail in patent application Ser. No.
15/418,380, filed Jan. 27, 2017, entitled "Shading System with
Artificial Intelligence Application Programming Interface" and
patent application Ser. No. 15/394,080, filed Dec. 29, 2016,
entitled "Modular Umbrella Shading System," the disclosures of
which are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0100] FIG. 6 illustrates a modular umbrella system including an
identification system according to embodiments. A modular umbrella
system including an identification system is described in detail in
application Ser. No. 15/418,380, filed Jan. 27, 2017, entitled
"Shading System with Artificial Intelligence Application
Programming Interface, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0101] FIG. 7 illustrates use of a web server and/or cloud-based
server for authentication of a user and/or a mobile computing
device utilizing a modular umbrella system. In embodiments, where a
web server or a cloud-based server 670 are utilized for
authenticating users and/or mobile computing devices 650 to
interact with a modular umbrella system 100, authentication devices
and/or modules (e.g., retinal scanners, fingerprint scanners, voice
recognition software, facial recognition software and/or NFC
sensors) may be located within either a modular umbrella system
(e.g., an integrated computing device in a modular umbrella system
or other places) or authentication devices and/or modules (e.g.,
retinal scanners 651, fingerprint scanners 652, microphones 654,
voice recognition software, cameras 653, facial recognition
software and/or NFC sensors 656) may be located within a mobile
computing device 650. In embodiments, authentication may be
performed utilizing web-based servers and/or cloud-based servers
670 to provide more security during the authentication process
(e.g., a third party authentication process may be utilized and/or
a more secure server may be utilized as compared to an integrated
computing device in a modular umbrella system 100). In addition,
utilizing a web-based and/or cloud-based authentication system 670
and/or process may allow one or more modular umbrella systems 100
to utilize a same authentication process and not require
authentication information to be communicated to each modular
umbrella system 100. Further, in embodiments, some modular umbrella
systems 100 may not have integrated computing devices and/or enough
storage on an integrated computing device 100 to be able to handle
authentication requests. In addition, some modular umbrella system
100 may not have authentication software (e.g., facial recognition
software, voice recognition engine, fingerprint and/or retinal
image analyzing software) installed on an integrated computing
device and these processes and/or procedures may be performed on a
web server and/or a cloud-based server 670. In embodiments, for
example captured information (e.g., images from cameras 653 for
facial recognition, retinal scanners 651, fingerprint scans from
finger print scanners 652, audio files from microphones 654 for
voice recognition, authentication information from devices with NFC
sensors 656) may be communicated from a mobile computing device 650
to a web server, an application server, and/or a cloud-based server
670. Operation of a web server and/or cloud-based server for
authentication of a user and/or a mobile computing device utilizing
a modular umbrella system is described in detail in application
Ser. No. 15/418,380, filed Jan. 27, 2017, entitled "Shading System
with Artificial Intelligence Application Programming Interface, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0102] FIG. 8 illustrates a mobile point-of-sale system utilizing a
mobile computing device, mobile computing device application
software, one or more modular umbrella systems and a server
according to embodiments. A mobile point-of-sale system utilizing a
mobile computing device, mobile computing device application
software, one or more modular umbrella systems and a server is
discussed in detail in application Ser. No. 15/418,380, filed Jan.
27, 2017, entitled "Shading System with Artificial Intelligence
Application Programming Interface, the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
[0103] FIG. 9 illustrates a mobile computing device controlling
operation of one or more modular umbrella systems according to
embodiments. FIG. 9 illustrates a mobile computing device 905
communicating with one or more of a plurality of modular umbrella
systems 910, 915, 920 and/or 925. In embodiments, modular umbrella
systems may comprise wireless transceivers 911, 916, 921 and/or 926
for communicating with other modular umbrella systems 910, 915, 920
and/or 925 and/or a mobile computing device 905. In embodiments,
one or more modular umbrella systems 815 820 may comprise
integrated computing devices 817 and 822. In embodiments, wireless
transceivers 906, 911, 916, 921, and/or 926 may operate according
any one or more of a plurality of personal area network, local area
network, or other wireless and/or wired communication protocols,
such as Bluetooth, Near-Field Communication (NFC) protocols,
Zigbee, WiFi, 802.11, and including cellular wireless protocols
such as GSM, CDMA, LTE and/or EDGE. In embodiments,
computer-readable instructions may be stored on memory of a mobile
computing device and executed by a processor to communicate with
and/or control operations of one or more modular umbrella systems
910, 915, 920 or 925. In embodiments, modular umbrella systems 910,
915, 920 or 925 may have computer readable instructions stored in a
memory of an integrated computing device 912, 917, 922 or 927 or
other memory and executable by a processor of the integrated
computing device 912, 917, 922 or 927, which may control operations
of the modular umbrella system 910, 915, 920 or 925 where the
computer-readable instructions are installed. In other words, part
of software may be resident on a mobile computing device 905 and
part of the software may be resident on one or more modular
umbrella systems 910, 915, 920 or 925. In embodiments,
computer-readable instructions executed by a processor of the
mobile computing device 905 may communicate commands and/or
instructions via a wireless transceiver 906 to one or more modular
umbrella systems 910, 915, 920 or 925 via the modular umbrella
system's wireless transceivers 911, 916, 921 or 926. For example, a
mobile computing device 905 may communicate a command and/or
message to turn on LED lights of one or more modular umbrella
systems 910, 915, 920 or 925; to activate one or more motor
assemblies (e.g., azimuth, elevation and/or deployment motors),
and/or to obtain sensor readings from one or more modular umbrella
systems 910, 915, 920 or 925. In embodiments, a mobile computing
device 905 may communicate and/or stream audio, images, and/or
videos (via a wireless transceiver 906) to one or more modular
umbrella systems 910, 915, 920 or 925 via their wireless
transceivers 911, 916, 921 or 926 and utilizing one or more
integrated computing devices 912, 917, 922 or 927. In embodiments,
one or more integrated computing devices 912, 917, 922 or 927 may
receive communicated audio, video and/or images and may communicate
and/or stream the audio, video, images to audio/video transceivers
and/or onto a sound reproduction devices such as speakers and/or to
video displays and/or monitors on one or more modular umbrella
systems 910, 915, 920 or 925.
[0104] In embodiments, a mobile computing device 905 may
communicate commands, instructions and/or messages (or videos,
images, and/or sounds) via a wireless transceiver 906 to a first
modular umbrella system's 910 wireless transceiver 911. In
embodiments, commands, instructions and/or messages (or videos,
images, and/or sounds) may be communicated to an integrated
computing device 912 and/or commands, instructions and/or messages
(or videos, images, and/or sounds) may be transmitted from the
wireless transceiver 911 of a first modular umbrella system 910 to
a second modular umbrella system 915 via a wireless transceiver
912. In embodiments, communication of commands, instructions and/or
messages (or videos, images, and/or sounds) may continue to one or
more modular umbrella systems (e.g., 915, 920 and/or 925) via
respective wireless transceivers 916, 921 or 926.
[0105] In embodiments, a mobile computing device 905 may
communicate (via a wireless transceiver 906) instructions,
messages, and/or audio/video/images to a plurality of modular
umbrella systems 910, 915, 920 or 925 (via respective wireless
transceivers 911, 916, 921 or 926) so that each of the plurality of
modular umbrella systems may receive the same instructions,
messages, and/or audio/video/images at approximately a same and/or
close to same time. In embodiments, a mobile computing device 905
may communicate and/or transfer (via a wireless transceiver 906)
different commands instructions, messages, and/or
audio/video/images to a plurality of modular umbrella systems 910,
915, 920 or 925 via their respective wireless transceivers 911,
916, 921 or 926. For example, a mobile computing device 905 may
communicate one digital music file to a first modular umbrella
system 910, a second music file to a second modular umbrella system
915 and a third music file to a third modular umbrella system 920.
Similarly, a mobile computing device may transmit commands to move
an azimuth motor of a plurality of modular umbrella systems 910 and
915 and/or lights of a different plurality of modular umbrella
systems 920 or 926 In another example, a mobile computing device
905 may generate and/or communicate one or more commands (e.g., the
same commands to one or more of the plurality of modular umbrella
systems 910, 915, 920 or 925) and each of the plurality of modular
umbrella systems may receive the command and/or message and act in
a similar manner. In embodiments, the mobile computing device 905
may broadcast the command and/or message to each of the plurality
of modular umbrella systems 910, 915, 920 or 925 simultaneously
and/or almost at the same time. In embodiments, a mobile computing
device 905 may communicate the message and/or command to a first
modular umbrella system 910 in a plurality of modular umbrella
systems, which in turn may communicate the message to a second
modular umbrella system 915, which in turn may communicate the
message and/or command to a third modular umbrella system 920, and
so on.
[0106] In embodiments, a mobile computing device 905, executing, on
a processor, computer-readable instructions stored in its memory
(e.g., SMARTSHADE software), may generate one or more commands for
one modular umbrella system 910; one or more commands for a second
modular umbrella system 915; and/or one or more commands for a
third modular umbrella system 920. In other words, a mobile
computing device 905 may communicate different commands to each
umbrellas. In embodiments, different commands and/or messages may
be communicated to all of the plurality of umbrellas 910, 915, 920,
or 925 (e.g., broadcast). In this illustrative embodiment, an
identifier may be utilized to identify which modular umbrella
system may receive which command and/or message). In embodiments, a
mobile computing device 905 may communicate a command and/or
message only to a modular umbrella system that is to receive the
command and/or message and perform actions based on the command
and/or message. In embodiments, for example, a mobile computing
device 905 may generate instructions, commands and/or messages to
a) turn on lights on a first modular umbrella system 910, b) rotate
an azimuth motor of a second modular umbrella system 915 and/or c)
extend arm support assemblies to a third modular umbrella system
920. In embodiments, mobile computing devices 905 may communicate
instructions, commands and/or messages simultaneously and/or
serially to a plurality of modular umbrella systems 910, 915, 920
and/or 925. In embodiments, wireless transceivers 906, 911, 916,
921 and/or 926 may operate according to a WiFi protocol and/or any
of the 802.11 wireless communication technology or protocols. In
embodiments, wireless transceivers 906, 911, 916, 921 and/or 926
may operate according to personal area network protocols and/or
technologies such as infrared, ZigBee, Bluetooth and ultrawideband,
or UWB protocols. In embodiments, transceivers 906, 911, 916, 921
and/or 926 may operate according to cellular wireless communication
protocols such as GSM, CDMA, LTE, and/or EDGE.
[0107] FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of a modular umbrella
system with induction and/or wireless charging to provide power to
components and assemblies according to embodiments. In embodiments,
alternating current may be introduced, connected and/or coupled in
a wire loop generated an alternating magnetic field which in turn
induced an alternating current in a nearby secondary coil. By
attaching a load and/or devices to a secondary coil, the induced AC
current could be made to do useful work (for example, charge a
battery and/or provide power for other components in a system or
device (e.g., a modular umbrella shading system). In embodiments,
solar panel cells and/or arrays 1005 may generate electrical power
from sunlight and transfer electrical power to a power converter
1011. In embodiments, a power converter 1011 may be coupled and/or
connected to an expansion module primary coil 1015 (or induction
loop). In embodiments, an expansion module primary coil 1015 may be
magnetically coupled to an extension assembly secondary coil 1016
in order to transfer power (e.g., voltage and/or current) to an
extension assembly secondary coil 1016. In embodiments, an
extension assembly coil (and/or induction loop) may be magnetically
coupled to a core assembly coil 1022 (and/or induction loop) and
may transfer power (e.g., voltage and/or current) to a core
assembly coil 1022) to power components in, for example, a core
assembly 1040. In embodiments, a core assembly coil 1022 may be
connected to a power source 1035 (e.g., a rechargeable battery
1035). In embodiments, a rechargeable battery 1035 may provide
power (e.g., voltage and/or current) to components, assemblies
and/or systems of a core assembly 1040 of a modular umbrella
system. In embodiments, a rechargeable battery 1035 may be coupled
and/or connected to a core assembly coil 1023 (or induction loop)
and may transfer power (e.g., voltage and/or current) to a core
assembly coil 1023. In embodiments, a core assembly coil 1023
(and/or induction loop) may be magnetically coupled to a first
extension module first coil 1024 (and/or induction loop) and
transfer power to a first extension module 1020. In embodiments, a
first extension module first coil 1024 may be coupled and/or
connected to a first extension module second coil 1025 and transfer
power (e.g., voltage and/or current) to a base assembly 1010 (e.g,
a base assembly coil 1026 or induction loop) and may transfer power
to a base assembly coil 1026. In embodiments, a base assembly coil
1026 may be coupled and/or connected to a base battery or power
source 1027. In embodiments, power transfer efficiency may be
approximately 85 to 95% with minimal power loss. In embodiments, a
base induction loop 1026 may be electrically coupled to a
rechargeable battery 1027. In embodiments, power that was
originally generated by solar cells which is not utilized by
components, assemblies, or sensors of a modular umbrella system may
be transferred to and stored in one or a plurality of rechargeable
batteries 1035 and/or 1027. When solar cells are not providing
enough power to operate components, assemblies and/or sensors,
power from a rechargeable battery 1035 and/or 1027 may be utilized.
In embodiments, for example, power may be transferred from the
rechargeable battery 1027 to the base induction loop 1026 to a core
induction loop 1023 (via coils and/or induction loops in a first
extension assembly if a first extension assembly is utilized) and
to a power source 1035, where power (e.g., voltage and/or current)
is provided to components, assemblies and/or sensors that need
power. In embodiments, for example, where two motors are being
utilized at the same time and/or an integrated computing device is
communicating video to an external computer server via a wireless
transceiver, additional power may be needed because solar panels
1005 may not supply all of the current and/or voltage, a
rechargeable battery 1035 and/or 1027 may provide the additional
necessary power.
[0108] In embodiments, wireless charging power transfer between
modules and assemblies may take place utilizing induction loop
technology as described above. In embodiments, wireless charging
power transfer between modules and assemblies may transfer power
between coils operating at resonant or close to resonant
frequencies, which may be determined by the coils' distributed
capacitance, resistance and inductance. In embodiments, an
oscillating magnetic field generated by the primary coil induces a
current in the secondary coil but it takes advantage of the strong
coupling that occurs between resonant coils (e.g., coils operated
at a same resonant frequency--even when a primary coil and a
secondary coil may be separated by tens of centimeters. In
embodiments, energy from a primary coil "tunnels" from a primary
coil to a secondary coil instead of spreading omni-directionally
from the primary coil. In embodiments, although energy may still
attenuates to some degree with distance, the primary source of
attenuation is the Q factor (gain bandwidth) of the coils. In
addition, with resonant couple, energy transfer is not reliant on
the coils being in the same orientation (providing that a secondary
coil presents a large enough cross section to a primary coil so
that in each cycle a secondary coil absorbs more energy than is
lost by the primary). In embodiments, a further advantage of the
technology is its ability to transfer power between a single
primary coil and multiple secondary coils. In embodiments, where a
modular umbrella system is utilizing resonant energy transfer,
primary coils in one module and/or assembly may be placed at a
farther distance from secondary coils in another module or assembly
as compared to inductive coupling. Resonant coupling still has the
benefit of providing power without utilizing wires and therefore
freeing up more space. In addition, more space at connection points
may be freed up if resonant coupling or energy transfer is utilized
due to resonant energy transfer being able to operate at larger
distances. In addition, a core assembly, which comprises many
components and/or assemblies benefits from resonant energy
transfer's ability to have one primary coil and a number of
secondary coils. For example, one secondary coil may provide power
for one motor assembly and another secondary coil may provide power
for another motor assembly. Resonant wireless charging addresses
the main drawback of inductive wireless charging; the requirement
to closely couple the coils which demands precise alignment from
the user.
[0109] FIG. 10B illustrates wireless charging between a base
assembly and a core assembly module according to embodiments. In
embodiments, a core module assembly 130 provides power to a base
assembly 110 (although in other embodiments, this may be reversed
where the base assembly 110 provides power to a core module
assembly 130). In embodiments, a core module assembly 130 may
comprise one or more transmitting inductive or resonance coils
1090. In embodiments, a base assembly 110 may comprise one or more
receiving inductive or resonance coils 1092. In embodiments, one or
more transmitting inductive or resonance coils 1090 may transfer
power to one or more receiving inductive or resonance coils 1092 as
discussed above and provide power to a base assembly 110. In
embodiments, wireless transmission of power is utilized to transfer
power and at a location where a core assembly module 130
disconnects from a base assembly 110. In embodiments, core assembly
module 130 may also rotate about a base assembly 110 utilizing an
azimuth motor (as described above).
[0110] In embodiments, a rechargeable battery may be installed
and/or resident in a base assembly or module 110. In embodiments, a
rechargeable battery in a base assembly or module 110 may generate
power to provide voltage and/or current to motors, printed circuit
boards, assemblies, components and/or an integrated computing
device in a modular umbrella system. In other words, in
embodiments, a rechargeable battery in a base assembly 110 may
provide power for a majority of components, assemblies, devices
and/or motors in a modular umbrella system 100. In embodiments, a
base assembly 110 may comprise one or more rechargeable batteries.
In embodiments, a rechargeable battery in a base assembly 110 may
utilize Lithium-based battery technology, such is Lithium-Ion or
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries. In embodiments,
a weight and/or mass or a rechargeable battery in a base assembly
110 may also provide stability for a modular umbrella system 100.
In embodiments, rechargeable batteries may be placed in a uniform
manner in a base assembly 110 in order to provide an even
distribution of weight. For example, one rechargeable battery may
be placed on a left side of a base assembly 110 and a second
rechargeable battery may be placed in a symmetrical position on a
right side of a base assembly 110. In embodiments, utilization of
one or more rechargeable batteries in a base assembly 110 may allow
for additional weight (or weights) to be removed from a base
assembly 110.
[0111] In embodiments, a modular umbrella system may comprise a
wind sensor 194 and a surface vent. In embodiments, an upper
assembly 140 or a lower assembly 142 of a core assembly or module
130 may be a location for a wind sensor 191 and/or a surface vent.
In embodiments, a wind sensor 191 may be located in an interior
position of an upper assembly and/or a lower assembly. In
embodiments, a surface and/or skin vent may be built into and/or
integrated into an outer surface and/or skin of an upper assembly
140 and/or lower assembly 142 and may be positioned as to allow air
flow into a wind sensor 191. In this embodiment, other external
factors around a modular umbrella system 100 may not be an issue
(e.g., rain or snow or smoke) since a wind sensor 191 may be
protected from environmental factors. In addition, interior
positioning of a wind sensor 191 may keep it being broken and/or
hit from objects and/or individuals around a modular umbrella
system 100.
[0112] In embodiments, a core assembly or module 130 may comprise a
DC power charging port 192. In embodiments, a DC charging port 192
may comprise a USB charging port. In embodiments, a DC charging
port may be positioned at a 45 degree angle with respect to an
outer surface of a core module or assembly 130 (or a first
extension module or assembly 120, a base module or assembly 110, a
second extension module or assembly 150). In embodiments, a DC
charging port 192 may be positioned at between a 10-80 degree angle
with respect to an outer surface of a core module assembly 130 in
order to protect a DC charging port 192 from rain, snow, moisture
and/or other environmental conditions. In other words, by
positioning a DC charging port 192 at an angle, moisture and/or
other environmental conditions may not enter a DC charging port
192. In embodiments, a plastic plug and/or covering may cover
and/or protect a DC charging port 192 and provide further
protection from environmental conditions. In embodiments, more than
one charging ports 192 may be installed on a modular umbrella
system 100.
[0113] In embodiments, a modular umbrella system 100 may transfer
video, images and/or audio to a mobile communication device. In
embodiments, a modular umbrella system 100 may comprise a processor
in an integrated computing device 136, a cellular transceiver 195,
a local area network wireless or WiFi transceiver 196, a personal
area network (e.g., Bluetooth, Zigbee) transceiver 197, a
microphone, and/or a camera 137. In embodiments, a camera 137 may
capture images, video, and/or audio from an environment surrounding
a modular umbrella system 100. In embodiments, a processor may
store captured images in a memory of an integrated computing device
136 (e.g., a memory may be a volatile memory and/or non-volatile
memory) and may transfer and/or communicate captured images, video
and/or audio to a cellular transceiver 195. In embodiments, a
cellular transceiver 195 in a modular umbrella system may transfer
and/or communicate received images, video and/or audio to a
cellular transceiver in one or more mobile computing devices via a
cellular communication network. In embodiments, the captured
images, video and/or audio may not be transferred via a local area
network wireless (e.g., WiFi, 802.11), or via a personal area
network (e.g., Bluetooth) and thus may not be limited to only being
transmitted to devices within certain geographic areas or distance
limitations. This allow remote monitoring of an area surrounding a
modular umbrella system 100 like from areas in different building,
different cities or other remote areas. In embodiments, images,
video and/or audio may be transferred from a cellular transceiver
of a mobile device to a display and/or speaker of a mobile
computing device. In embodiments, images, video and/or audio may be
displayed within a software application being executed by a
processor of a mobile computing device. In these embodiments, the
captured video, audio and images may not pass through and/or
communicated through a packet switched network (e.g., the
Internet).
[0114] FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of a process of controlling
a modular umbrella system by an object accordingly to embodiments.
In embodiments, a user may be able to move a mobile computing
device and a modular umbrella system may move in a same and/or
similar fashion. For example, in embodiments, a user may move a
mobile computing device to in a left direction at a 45 degree angle
and an upper core assembly may move approximately 45 degrees with
respect to a lower upper assembly (e.g., utilizing an elevation
motor assembly). As another illustrative example, a user may spin
and/or rotate a mobile phone approximately 180 degrees, and a core
assembly module 130 and/or a first extension module 120 may rotate
180 degrees about a vertical axis with respect to a base assembly.
In embodiments, rather than utilizing a mobile computing device, a
user may utilize another electronic object to control operation of
modular umbrella system by movement of the electronic device. In
embodiments, an electronic object may be shaped like a hockey puck,
a console, a square, a remote control, or similarly shaped device.
In embodiments, a user may move an electronic object in a direction
and a modular umbrella system may respond by moving in a same
and/or similar direction. In embodiments, for example, a user may
move an hockey puck shaped electronic object in an upward swooping
direction, and a modular umbrella may respond by deploying
arm/spoke support assemblies from a closed to an open position
which results in arms/spokes deploying on a modular umbrella
system. In embodiments, for example, a user may hit or knock an
electronic object twice on a surface, and this movement may result
in lighting assemblies being activated and turning on in a modular
umbrella system.
[0115] In embodiments, a mobile computing device and/or an
electronic object may comprise one or more gyroscopes and/or
accelerometers, one or more processors or controllers, and a
transceiver. In embodiments, a transceiver may be a cellular
transceiver, a personal area network (PAN) transceiver (e.g.,
Bluetooth, Zigbee) and/or a local area network wireless (e.g., WiFi
and/or 802.11) transceiver. In embodiments, movement of a mobile
computing device and/or electronic object may cause one or more
gyroscopes and/or accelerometers to generate 1105 measurements
associated with and/or corresponding to the movement of the mobile
computing device and/or electronic object. In embodiments, one or
more gyroscopes or accelerometers may communicate 1110 generated
measurements to a processor which may communicate and transfer the
generated measurements associated with a mobile computing device's
or an electronic device's movement to a transceiver. In
embodiments, a mobile computing device and/or electronic object's
transceiver may communicate 1115 generated measurements to a
corresponding transceiver in a modular umbrella system. In
embodiments, for example, a PAN (e.g., Bluetooth) transceiver in a
mobile computing device may communicate with a PAN (e.g.,
Bluetooth) transceiver in a modular umbrella system. In
embodiments, a transceiver in a modular umbrella system may receive
1120 generated measurements from one or more gyroscopes and/or
accelerometers in a mobile computing device or electronic device
and may communicate generated measurements to a processor and/or
controller of a modular umbrella system. In embodiments,
computer-readable instructions stored in a memory may be executed
by a processor and/or controller and may analyze 1125 received
generated measurements from the one or more gyroscopes or
accelerometers of, for example, a mobile computing device. In
embodiments, computer-readable instructions stored in a memory may
be executed by a processor or controller and may generate 1130
commands, messages, signals and/or instructions based on the
analyzed received measurements of one or more gyroscopes and/or
accelerometers of a mobile computing device and/or electronic
object. In embodiments, for example, commands and/or messages may
be sent to components, assemblies and/or devices to cause movement
of such. In embodiments, a processor and/or controller may
communicate 1135 generated commands, messages, signals and/or
instructions to components, assemblies and/or devices to cause
movement and/or activation of such components, assemblies, and/or
devices. For example, if a gyroscope and/or accelerometer generates
measurements corresponding to a rotation movement, a processor
and/or controller in a modular umbrella system may communicate
commands and/or messages to an azimuth motor assembly to rotate a
first extension assembly 120 and/or core assembly 130 with respect
to a base assembly 110. While the above-described illustration
utilizes a PAN transceiver, a WiFi and/or cellular transceiver may
also be used to establish communications between a mobile computing
device/electronic device and a modular umbrella system. Utilizing
an electronic object and/or device may be helpful in outdoor
environments where liquids, lotions and/or other substances may be
present. In such embodiments, such liquids, lotions and/or
substances may spill onto and cause a malfunction of a mobile
computing device, wherein an electronic object and/or device may be
outfitted or covered by a more durable surface material that may
resist environmental conditions (e.g., rain, wind, snow, smoke) as
well as liquids, lotions, oils and/or other substances. Thus, a
user that has just applied sunscreen and/or suntan oil may be able
to utilize an electronic object and/or device to control operation
of a modular umbrella system without damaging an electronic
device.
[0116] In embodiments, a user may be able to operate and/or provide
commands to a modular umbrella system 100 from a remote location or
another area separate from an environment in which a modular
umbrella system may be installed. FIG. 12 illustrates remote
operation of a modular umbrella system according to embodiments. In
embodiments, a user may initiate execution 1205 of a modular
umbrella control software (e.g., computer-readable instructions
executable by a processor of a mobile computing device). In
embodiments, a user may initiate execution 1210 of a speech
recognition module, program or subroutine, in a modular umbrella
control software. In embodiments, a user may speak and a mobile
computing device microphone may receive voice command, convert
voice commands into electrical signals (analog and/or digital), and
a voice recognition module may process 1215 the electrical signals
into instructions, commands, and/or messages. In embodiments, a
voice recognition module may be a third party voice recognition
engine running on a mobile computing device (e.g., Dragon voice
recognition engine, etc.), a third party voice recognition module
running on a separate physical computing device (e.g., Amazon Alexa
and Echo), or a voice recognition module running as part of a
shading object control application software. In embodiments, for
example, commands may be rotate umbrella, open up umbrella spokes,
turn on camera, communication video and/or images from camera,
and/or activate solar panel cells, etc. In embodiments, a mobile
computing device (and/or modular umbrella control software
executing on a processor) may communicate 1220 converted voice
instructions, commands and/or messages via a cellular transceiver
of a mobile device to a cellular transceiver of a modular umbrella
system via a cellular communications network. In embodiments, a
modular umbrella system cellular transceiver may receive 1225
communicated instructions, commands and/or messages via a cellular
communications network. In embodiments, received instructions,
commands and/or messages may be communicated 1230 from a cellular
transceiver to a processor in a modular umbrella system. In
embodiments, a modular umbrella system processor may communicate
1235 commands, instructions, messages and/or signals to devices,
components, and/or assemblies of a modular umbrella system (e.g., a
camera, an azimuth motor assembly, a solar cell) to perform actions
requested in the received voice commands. In embodiments, commands,
instructions, messages and/or signals may be communicated through a
processor in a motion control board and/or a processor in an
integrated computing device. In embodiments, devices, components,
and/or assemblies of modular umbrella system may communicate 1240
results, status, captured data and/or malfunctions to a processor
of a modular umbrella system. In embodiments, a processor of a
modular umbrella system may communicate 1245 results, status,
captured data and/or malfunction information to a cellular
transceiver of a modular umbrella system. In embodiments, a
cellular transceiver may communicate 1250 results, status, captured
data and/or malfunction information to a cellular transceiver of a
mobile computing device via a cellular communications network. In
embodiments, received results, status, captured data and/or
malfunction information may be communicated to a mobile application
software application. In embodiments, this allows remote operation
of a modular umbrella system via a cellular network and cellular
communications. In embodiments, a cellular communications network
may operate utilizing GSM, CDMA, LTE and/or EDGE wireless network
protocols. This allows a user to be in a completely different
geographic location and still be able to control operations of a
modular umbrella system. A user may be able to not only control
operation but also to capture environmental information from a
modular umbrella system (e.g., sensors, cameras, etc.) and receive
indications of such captured information.
[0117] In embodiments, a base assembly 110 may comprise a beach
base attachment. In embodiments, a beach base attachment may
comprise an activation assembly, a motor assembly, a gearing
assembly and a shaft assembly. In embodiments, a user may initiate
an activation assembly. In embodiments, an activation assembly may
be a button and/or a switch. In embodiments, an activation assembly
may turn on and/or activate a motor assembly, which may cause a
shaft to rotate and/or turn. In embodiments, a shaft's rotation may
cause a gearing assembly to rotate and/or turn. In embodiments, a
gearing assembly may rotate one or more shafts and/or prongs and
cause one or more shafts and/or prongs to burrow and/or drive
deeper into the sand in order to provide stability to a modular
umbrella system 100. In embodiments, a base assembly 110 may
comprise a grass or ground attachment. In embodiments, a grass or
ground attachment or assembly may comprise an activation assembly,
a motor assembly, a gearing assembly and/or a stake assembly. In
embodiments, a user may initiate or execute an activation assembly.
In embodiments, an activation assembly may be a button and/or a
switch. In embodiments, an activation assembly may turn on and/or
activate a motor assembly, which may cause a shaft to rotate and/or
turn. In embodiments, a shaft's rotation may cause a gearing
assembly to rotate and/or turn. In embodiments, a gearing assembly
may rotate one or more stakes and/or prongs and cause one or more
stakes and/or prongs to burrow into a ground surface. In
embodiments, burrowing into a ground surface may provide greater
stability for a base assembly 110. Prior art umbrella systems may
utilize weights, a heavier base and/or a wider base to provide
stability. However, the apparatus described herein may adjust to
density of a ground surface and/or sand and dig deep enough to
provide necessary stability. In embodiments, a grass or ground
attachment (or beach attachment) may be adjustable depending on
necessary depth needed to provide stability for a modular umbrella
system.
[0118] FIG. 14 illustrates a base surface attachment according to
embodiments. In embodiments, a base attachment 1400 comprises a
power activation button 1410, a motor 1420 and one or more blades
1430. In embodiments, a first extension assembly or module 1440 or
core assembly or module (not shown) may be inserted and/or placed
into an opening of a base surface attachment 1400 and may be placed
in a locked position. In embodiments, when a power activation
button 1410 is pressed, an individual motor 1420 may be activated
and operate in forward and/or reverse. In embodiments, an
individual motor 1420 may drive and/or spin blades 1430 to pull
into grass and/or a beach (or another ground surface). In
embodiments, additional blades 1435 may be screwed into blades 1430
to provide additional support for the base attachment 1400 of a
modular umbrella system 100. In embodiments, additional blades 1435
may be a plastic blade (e.g., or screw) that is attached and/or
corrected to a bottom portion of a blade 1430 to be utilized to dig
into or burrow into a different type for surface (e.g., sand or
loose dirt as opposed to grass and/or compact dirt). In
embodiments, blades 1430 and/or additional blades 1435 may be
comprised of a metal material, a composite materials and/or a
plastic material.
[0119] In embodiments, a modular umbrella system 100 may comprise
an interior umbrella security system. In embodiments, a module or
assembly of a modular umbrella system 100 may comprise an interior
umbrella security system. In embodiments, for example, a core
module or assembly 140 may comprise an interior umbrella security
system. In other embodiments, a base module or assembly 110 and/or
an expansion sensor module 160 may comprise an interior security
system. In embodiments, an interior security system may comprise
one or more sensors, one or more cameras and one or more lighting
assemblies. In embodiments, if an unauthorized user or operator
attempts to open one or more of the umbrella modules (e.g., a base
module, a core module and/or an expansion sensor module) by
removing a skin and/or housing, a sensor attached to a skin or
housing may be tripped and/or activated, and may communicate a
signal, command and/or message to a controller and/or processor in
a modular umbrella system 100. In embodiments, a controller and/or
processor in a modular umbrella system 100 may communicate a
command and/or message to a camera to activate a camera. In
embodiments, a camera may capture images and/or video and
communicate captured images and video to a memory of an integrated
computing device in a modular umbrella system or to a remote
cloud-based server. In embodiments, a processor and/or controller
may communicate a command and/or message to one or more lighting
assemblies to place lighting assemblies in an alarm mode. In
embodiments, lighting assemblies may begin to blink or display a
different color if in alarm mode (indicating that a skin assembly
and/or housing has been breached. In embodiments, this allows a
manufacturer to void a warranty if unauthorized access occurs. In
addition, in embodiments, a user and/or operator may utilize this
feature to determine if an individual or company has accessed an
interior of a module umbrella system and sabotaged the umbrella. In
addition, a manufacturer may also be able, if a camera is utilized,
to store information regarding all individuals who have breached an
interior of a modular umbrella system.
[0120] In embodiments, a modular umbrella system 100 may comprise a
clutch system for manually operating a modular umbrella system.
FIG. 15 illustrates a clutch system according to embodiments. In
embodiments, a user and/or operator may desire to manually position
a modular umbrella system without utilizing any of the motors
(e.g., azimuth motor, elevation motor and/or extension/expansion
motor). In embodiments, a user and/or operator may desire to
manually positon an azimuth location but still allow motors to move
a modular umbrella system to an elevation position and/or an
expansion/extension position (e.g., in other words, utilize manual
movement for one or more positions and motor positioning for other
positions and/or elevations). In embodiments, a button may disable
utilization of one or more motor assemblies (e.g., or a selection
of an item in modular umbrella control software may disable or
deactivate motor assemblies in a modular umbrella system). In
embodiments where one or more motor assemblies are disabled, a
clutch 1500 may be activated and/or utilized to cause a shaft to
move, for example, an cause a core module assembly 130 and/or first
extension assembly 120 to rotate with regard to a base assembly
110. Similarly, a clutch may be activated and/or utilized to cause
a shaft to move an arm/spoke extension support assembly (and thus
attached arms and/or spokes from a closed to an open position (or
vice versa). FIG. 15 illustrates a clutch assembly according to
embodiments. FIG. 15 illustrates a lever or switch 1510 utilized to
engage a clutch to manually mechanically adjust, for example, a
position of a modular umbrella system. In embodiments, a clutch may
electronically adjust a position of a modular umbrella system. For
example, in embodiments, a lever or switch 1510 may manually
retract arm support assemblies of an expansion sensor module or
assembly. In embodiments, for example, a lever or switch 1510 may
manually move an upper support assembly 1515 to a rest position
from an angled position with respect to a lower support assembly
1520. In embodiments, a lever or switch 1510 may allow multiple
positions (e.g., not fully open or closed (e.g., less or more
engaged) for different assemblies of a modular umbrella system.
[0121] In embodiments, a mobile computing device may be
communicatively linked with one or more modular umbrella systems.
In embodiments, mobile computing devices may be communicatively
coupled to one or more modular umbrella systems directly (e.g., via
a personal area network), via wireless local area network wireless
communications (e.g., directly, or via access points, and/or via a
cloud-based server utilizing WiFi or 802.11 communication
protocols) and/or via cellular communication networks. In
embodiments, personal area network wireless communication protocols
may include Zigbee, Bluetooth, RC-5, SIRCS, RC-6, R-Step, NTC101,
etc.).
[0122] FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram of a modular umbrella
system according to embodiments. In embodiments, as is illustrated
in FIG. 13, a modular umbrella shading system 1300 may comprise a
telemetry printed circuit board (PCB) comprising a processor 1305,
a weather variable PCB comprising a processor 1310, a voice
recognition PCB and/or engine 1315, a rechargeable battery 1320,
and one or more solar panels and/or solar panel arrays 1325. In
embodiments, a modular umbrella shading system 1300 may comprise a
power tracking solar charger 1330, a power input or power source
(e.g., AC adapter assembly) 1335, a lighting assembly 1370, an
audio system 1375 and/or a computing device 1360. In embodiments, a
modular umbrella shading system may include an obstacle detection
module 1355, a motion sensor 1345, a proximity sensor 1340, a tilt
sensor 1355, a personal area network communications module or
transceiver 1365, a first motor controller and motor (azimuth motor
and controller) 1380, a second motor controller and motor
(elevation motor and controller) 1385, and a third motor controller
and motor (an actuator motor and controller) 1390. In embodiments,
a weather variable PCB 1310 may be coupled and/or connected to one
or more air quality sensors 1311, UV radiation sensors 1312, a
digital barometer sensor 1313, a temperature sensor 1314, a
humidity sensor 1316, and/or a wind speed sensor 1317. In
embodiments, a wind sensor 1317 may be a thermistor. In
embodiments, a telemetry PCB 1305 may be coupled and/or connected
to a GPS/GNSS sensor 1307 and/or a digital compass 1308. Although
at times a modular umbrella shading system, shading object,
intelligent umbrella and/or shading charging system may singularly
be mentioned, the disclosure herein may be implemented in any of
the above-mentioned devices and/or apparatus.
[0123] In embodiments, a modular umbrella shading system may
comprise one or more printed circuit boards. Although a description
may reference a specific printed circuit board, many of features or
functions of a modular umbrella shading system may be implemented
utilizing components mounted on a single, two or three circuit
boards. In addition, one or more components may be mounted on
printed circuit boards, which results in a large number of circuit
boards within a modular umbrella shading system. In other words, a
number of circuit boards may be utilized to provide features and/or
functions of a shading object and/or umbrella although embodiments
described herein may only describe a specific number. Although the
term "circuit board" or "printed circuit board" is utilized, any
electronic device allowing installation on and communicate with
components may be utilized along with circuit board. As used in
this specification, the terms "printed circuit board" and "PCB" are
intended to refer generally to any structure used to mechanically
support and electrically connect electronic components using
conductive pathways, tracks, or signal traces etched from (e.g.,
copper) sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate. Synonyms
for printed circuit boards include printed wiring boards and etched
wiring boards.
[0124] In embodiments, a shading object, umbrella and/or shading
charging system may comprise one or more printed circuit boards. In
embodiments, a shading object or umbrella 1300 may comprise a
movement control PCB 1395, a shading object computing device or
computing device PCB 1360, a first motor PCB (azimuth control)
1380, a second motor PCB (elevation control) 1385, a third motor
PCB (actuation/deployment control) 1390, a telemetry PCB (location
and orientation data/information collection) 1305, and/or a weather
variable PCB (environmental sensor data/information collection)
1310.
[0125] In embodiments, a telemetry PCB 1305 comprises a processor,
a memory, a GPS receiver and/or transceiver and/or a compass (e.g.
a digital) compass). The GPS receiver and/or compass provides
location and orientation information and/or measurements which may
be transferred to a memory utilizing a processor. In embodiments, a
telemetry PCB processes and conditions the communicated information
and/or measurements. In embodiments, a telemetry PCB 1305
communicates measurements and/or additional information (e.g., in
some cases, measurements are conditioned and processed and in some
cases, measurements are raw data) to a shading object movement
control PCB 1395 which analyzes the received location and/or
orientation information and measurements.
[0126] In embodiments, a weather variable PCB 1310 comprises a
processor, a memory, an air quality sensor, a UV radiation sensor,
a barometer, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and/or a wind
speed sensor. One or more of the listed sensors may generate
environmental and/or weather measurements and/or information, which
may be transferred to a memory utilizing a processor. In
embodiments, a weather variable PCB 1310 processes and conditions
information and measurements from the one or more sensors. In
embodiments, a weather variable PCB 1310 communicates received
environmental and/or weather sensor measurements (e.g., in some
cases conditioned and processed and in some cases raw data) to a
shading object movement control PCB 1395 which analyzes the
received location and/or orientation information and
measurements.
[0127] In embodiments, a core assembly or module 130 may comprise
an umbrella movement control PCB 1395, as well as an integrated
computing device PCB 1360. In embodiments, a movement control PCB
1395 may also be located in a base assembly or module 110. In
embodiments, other terms may be utilized in place of circuit board,
such as printed circuit board, a flexible circuit board, and/or an
integrated circuit. In embodiments, an umbrella movement control
PCB 1395 may consume a low amount of power and may be referred to
as a low-power PCB. In embodiments, this may prove to be a benefit
as compared to prior-art umbrellas which utilized a large amount of
power and thus needed to have power from a power source and could
not be powered by an array of solar cells providing power to a
solar power charger 1330. In embodiments, a solar array may provide
enough provide power to power components on an umbrella movement
control PCB 1395. In this case, for example, components and
associated activities controlled by an umbrella movement circuit
PCB 1395 may not consumer large amounts of power because these
activities do not require continuous operation and may only receive
information or measurements on a periodic basis. As an example, an
intelligent shading object 1300 may not be rotating and/or tilting
frequently. Thus, in embodiments, therefore, sensors providing
these measurements (e.g., a tilt sensor or sunlight sensor), and a
movement control PCB communicating these measurements may not need
to be in an active state at all times, which results in significant
power usage savings for a shading object and/or controller.
[0128] In embodiments, a motion control PCB 1395 may comprise a
processor, a non-volatile memory, a volatile memory, and many other
components described above and below. In embodiments, for example,
computer-readable instructions may be fetched from a non-volatile
memory, loaded into a volatile memory, and executed by a processor
to perform actions assigned to, controlled and/or commanded a
motion control PCB 1395. In embodiments, non-volatile memory may be
flash memory, ASIC, ROMs, PROMs, EEPROMs, solid state memory, CD,
DVD, persistent optical storage or magnetic storage media.
[0129] In embodiments, as a further example, modular umbrella
shading system motors, e.g., a first motor (azimuth movement
motor), a second motor (elevation movement motor), and/or a third
motor (articulation or actuator movement motor) may not be utilized
frequently, so there does not need to be a large amount of power
utilized by these motors within a shading object. In embodiments,
when motors and/or motor assemblies are operating, the motors may
require 2 to 3 amps. If system is idle and for example, the shading
computer is not operating, an intelligent shading object may only
require 180 milliamps. If an audio system is operating, e.g., music
is playing and the amplifier and speakers are being utilized, only
400-500 milliamps, In addition, motor controllers may not be
utilized frequently since the motor controllers may not be driving
and/or sending commands, instructions, and/or signals to motors
frequently. Thus, a low-power movement control PCB 1395 may provide
a shading object owner with power usage savings and efficiency.
[0130] In embodiments, readings and/or measurements from sensors
may cause a movement control PCB 1395 to transmit commands,
instructions, and/or signals to either a first motor control PCB
1380 (azimuth movement), a second motor control PCB 1385 (elevation
movement), and/or a third motor control PCB 1390 (actuation
movement), in order to cause specific movements of different
assemblies of a modular umbrella shading system. For example, in
embodiments, a GPS transceiver 1306 may receive GPS signals and
provide GPS measurements (e.g., values representative of a
longitude, latitude, and/or an altitude reading) to a movement
control PCB 1395. In embodiments, a movement control PCB 1395 may
analyze the GPS measurements and determine that a shading object,
umbrella, and/or shading charging system should be moved to a
specific elevation. In other words, in embodiments, a movement
control PCB 1395 may utilize GPS generated measurements to direct a
second motor assembly to move to a proper elevation. In
embodiments, GPS measurements (coordinates and time) identify a
proper elevation of the sun based on a geographic location. In
embodiments after a core assembly of module 130 may be moved to a
position identified by GPS measurements, arm/spoke support
assemblies 163 may be extend and the arms and/or blades 164 may be
fully deployed. In embodiments, a movement control PCB 1396 may
communicate commands, instructions, and/or signals to a second
motor control PCB 1385 to cause an upper core assembly 140 of a
core assembly 130 to rotate or move approximately 45 degrees in a
downward direction with respect to a lower core assembly 142 of the
center support assembly. In embodiments, a movement control PCB
1395 may communicate commands, instructions, and/or signals to a
third motor control PCB to fully extend arm/blade support
assemblies 163 (e.g. articulating blades/assemblies) and also
arms/blades 164.
[0131] In embodiments, a digital compass 1307 may generate a
heading and/or orientation measurement and a telemetry PCB 1305 may
communicate a heading and/or orientation measurement to a movement
control PCB 1395. In embodiments, a movement control PCB 1395 may
analyze a heading measurement and generate and/or communicate
commands, instructions, and/or signals to a first control PCB 880
to rotate a first extension assembly 120 and a core assembly or
module 130 to face or move the shading object towards a light
source (e.g., a sun). In embodiments, digital compass measurements
may be utilized as directional input for an azimuth (or first
motor). In embodiments, a movement control PCB 1395 may calculate
counts and/or limits for motors to properly orient an intelligent
shading object based on GPS measurements and/or digital compass
measurements. Continuing with this embodiment, a movement control
PCB 1395 may generate and/or communicate commands, instructions,
and/or signals to a third motor controller PCB 890 to cause arm
support assemblies 163 to be extended or deployed along with
arms/blades 164.
[0132] In embodiments, a wind speed sensor 1317 may generate
measurements and a variable weather PCB 1310 may communicate
measurements to a shading object movement control PCB 1395. In
embodiments, a movement control PCB 1395 may analyze and/or compare
communicated measurements to a threshold in order to determine if
unsafe conditions are present. In embodiments, for example, if a
wind speed threshold is reached or exceeded, identifying an unsafe
condition, a movement control PCB 1395 may communicate commands,
instructions, and/or signals to move shading object assemblies to a
rest position. Continuing with this illustrative example, a
movement control PCB 1395 may communicate commands or instructions
or signals to a second movement control PCB to cause an upper core
assembly 140 to move to an original position (e.g., at rest
position), which may be where an upper core assembly 140 is a
vertical extension of a lower assembly 142. In embodiments, a
movement control PCB 1395 may communicate instructions, commands
and/or signals to a third motor control PCB 1390 to move arm/spoke
support assemblies 163 back into an upper assembly and/or retract
arm/spoke support assemblies 163 into channels of an upper assembly
140. In embodiments, a movement control PCB 1395 may communicate
commands, instructions and/or signals to a sound reproduction
system 1375 and/or a display device to warn a user of unsafe wind
conditions. Although the description above corresponds to a modular
umbrella shading system of FIGS. 1 and 2, the description applies
to similar components in the intelligent shading charging system,
intelligent umbrellas, and/or shading objects.
[0133] In embodiments, a first motor control PCB 1380, a second
motor control PCB 1385, a third motor control PCB 1390 and a
movement control PCB 1395 may be connected to each other via wires
and/or traces and instructions may, commands and/or signals may be
communicated via wires and/or traces. In embodiments, the motor
control PCBs 1380, 1385 and 1390 may communicate with a movement
control PCB 895 via a personal area network communications
protocol, e.g., Bluetooth. In embodiments, a weather variable PCB
1310 and/or a telemetry PCB 1305 may communicate with a movement
control PCB 1395 via wires, traces, integrated circuits, and/or
interfaces and communicate instructions, commands or signals. In
embodiments, a weather variable PCB 1310 and a telemetry PCB 1305
may communicate with a movement control PCB 1395 via personal area
network protocols (utilizing a PAN transceiver--e.g., a Bluetooth
transceiver). In embodiments, motor control PCBs 1380 1385 1390 may
communicate directly (either via wires or a wireless communication
protocol) with a weather variable PCB 1310 and/or a telemetry PCB
1305 without utilizing a computing device 1360 and/or a movement
control PCB 1395.
[0134] In embodiments, as described above, a modular umbrella
shading system may comprise a computing device PCB (e.g., a single
board computer or a system on a chip), which may comprise a
computing device 1360 in a shading object, intelligent umbrella
and/or shading charging system. In embodiments, a modular umbrella
shading system may comprise a computing device 1360 which is not
installed and/or mounted on a computing device PCB. In embodiments,
a computing device 1360 and/or a computing device PCB may consume a
larger amount of power (with respect to movement control PCB 1395)
due to activities it is responsible for executing being performed
more frequently and/or with a higher data throughput. In
embodiments, an integrated computing device 1360 may be responsible
for camera control, video and/image processing, external Wi-Fi
communication, e.g., such as operating as a hot spot, as well as
running various software applications associated with the modular
umbrella shading system. The computing device 1360, because of
operating and being responsible for more data intensive features
and/or functions, may require more processing power due to extended
operation and continuous data throughput. In embodiments, a
computing device may be integrated into a core assembly or module
130. In embodiments, a computing device may be integrated into a
base assembly or module 110. In embodiments, a computing device may
be incorporated into an expansion sensor module or assembly
160.
[0135] FIG. 16 illustrates a block diagram of a movement control
PCB according to embodiments. Returning back to discussion of a
movement control PCB, in embodiments, a movement control PCB 895
may comprise a processor/controller 1605, a proximity sensor 1610,
a motion sensor 1615, a tilt sensor 1620, a personal area network
transceiver 1630, an audio receiver 1635 (optional), one or more
speakers 1640, and/or a memory 1650 having modular umbrella or
shading object control software (e.g., executable instructions
stored in a non-volatile memory 1651 and executable by a processor
1605). In embodiments, an umbrella movement control PCB 1395 may
comprise a USB transceiver 1360. In embodiments, an umbrella
movement control PCB 1395 may comprise sensor interface subsystem
1655 for communicating sensor measurements to an umbrella movement
control PCB 1395 and communicate commands and/or signals from and
two to external sensors. In embodiments, a sensor interface
subsystem 1655 may be located, or may also be located on a
telemetry PCB 1305, a weather variable PCB 1310, and/or first,
second, or third motor control PCBs 1380, 1385, and 1390. For
example, in embodiments, a modular umbrella shading system may also
include a signal conditioning subsystem which may also be referred
to as a sensor interface system and the terms may be utilized
interchangeably throughout the specification. In embodiments, an
intelligent shading object, umbrella and/or shading charging system
(and the signal conditioning subsystem) may further comprise one or
more reference signal modules, one or more signal conditioning
modules, and one or more analog-to-digital converters. In an
embodiment, one or more sensors (e.g., air quality sensor 1611, UV
radiation sensor 1612, wind speed sensor 1617, motion sensor 1645,
and/or tilt sensor 1655) may receive communicated analog signals
and may transmit analog signals to signal conditioning modules
1655. In embodiments, a signal conditioning module 1655 may process
and/or condition communicated analog sensor signals. Although
signals are described as being analog, the description herein
equally applies to digital signals. In embodiments, one or more
signal conditioning modules may communicate and/or transfer
processed and/or conditioned signals to one or more A-to-D
converters. In embodiments, one or more signal reference modules
may be a non-volatile memory, or other storage device, that stores
and/or retrieves signal values that the communicated signal values
may be compared to in order to determine if threshold conditions
may be met. In embodiments, a comparison of communicated signal
values to reference signal values may allow the signal conditioning
system to understand if normal conditions are being experienced by
a modular umbrella shading system or if a modular umbrella shading
system may be experiencing abnormal conditions, (e.g., high
humidity, high movement, high wind, and/or bad air quality).
[0136] FIG. 16 illustrates an umbrella movement control PCB
according to embodiments. In embodiments, an umbrella movement
control PCB 1395 may comprise a proximity sensor 1340. In
embodiments, a proximity sensor 1340 may be able to detect a
presence of nearby objects, (e.g., people or other physical
objects) without any physical contact between a sensor and an
object. In embodiments, a proximity sensor 1340 be located on
and/or mounted on a movement control PCB 1395. In embodiments, a
proximity sensor 1340 may be located on and/or mounted on other
printed circuit boards or may be a standalone component in a
shading object system. In embodiments, a proximity sensor 1340 may
be located within a core assembly or module 130. In embodiments, a
proximity sensor 1340 may generate measurements and/or signals,
which may be communicated to a processor/controller 1605 in a
movement control PCB 1395. In embodiments, an umbrella movement
control board 1605 may store communicated measurements and/or
signals, which has instructions stored thereon. In embodiments,
proximity sensor software instructions, which are fetched from
memory 1650 and executed by a processor 1605, may perform and/or
execute a proximity process or method. In embodiments, for example,
a proximity process may comprise receiving measurements and/or
signals from a proximity sensor 1340 indicating an object and/or
person may be located in an area where a shading object is
deployed, going to be deployed and/or extended, and/or towards
where a component of a shading object may be moving. For example,
if an individual is located in an area where arm support assemblies
may be deployed and/or extended, a proximity sensor 1340 may
transmit a signal or measurement indicating an object may be an
obstruction to, for example, a movement control PCB 1395. In
embodiments, a processor/controller 1605 in a movement control PCB
may receive and/or analyze a proximity measurement and determine an
object may be an obstacle. In embodiments, a proximity signal
and/or command may also identify a location of an object (e.g.,
obstacle) in relation to a proximity sensor 1340 and/or some
reference location. In embodiments, a processor of a movement
control PCB may generate and/or communicate a driving signal,
command, and/or instruction that instructs a shading object not to
deploy and/or open. In embodiments, for example, a
processor/controller 1605 in a movement control PCB 1395 may
communicate a signal and/or commands to a third motor controller to
cause the third motor to stop moving the arm/blade support assembly
163 due to an obstacle detection. In embodiments, for example, a
movement control PCB 81395 may communicate a signal and/or commands
to a second motor controller a second motor (articulating and/or
elevation motor) to cause a second motor to stop moving an gearbox
assembly and/or actuator and prevent an upper core assembly 140 of
a core assembly or module from moving into an area where an
obstacle is detected. In embodiments, this may also work in the
opposite direction, where if a proximity sensor 1340 does not
determine that an object is within a modular umbrella shadin system
area, then a proximity sensor signal may not be communicated to the
processor/ controller 1605 in a movement control PCB 1395.
[0137] In embodiments, an umbrella movement control PCB 1395 may
comprise a motion sensor 1345. In embodiments, a motion sensor 1345
may generate a signal and/or measurement indicating that an
individual, a living organism, or an object is within an area
covered by a motion sensor 1345. For example, a motion sensor 1345
may generate a signal if an individual and/or object is approaching
a modular umbrella shading system, is within 5 or 10 feet of an
umbrella, or is moving within a shading area. In embodiments, a
motion sensor 1345 may be located on and/or mounted on a movement
control PCB 1395. In embodiments, a motion sensor 1345 may be
located on and/or mounted on other printed circuit boards or may be
a standalone component in a shading object system. In embodiments,
a motion sensor 1345 may be located within a core assembly or
module 130. In embodiments, a motion sensor 1345 may generate
measurements and/or signals, which may be communicated to a
processor/controller 1605 in a movement control PCB 1395. In
embodiments, an umbrella movement control board 905 may store
communicated measurements and/or signals, in a memory 1650. In
embodiments, motion sensor software instructions, may be fetched
from memory 1650 and executed by a processor 1605, and may cause a
processor 1605 to perform and/or execute a motion detection process
or method.
[0138] FIG. 17 illustrates a power subsystem in a modular umbrella
system according to embodiments. In embodiments, a modular umbrella
shading system may comprise a power tracking solar charger 1330. In
embodiments, a core module assembly 130 of a modular umbrella
shading system may comprise and/or house a power tracking solar
charger 1330. Continuing with this illustrative embodiment, a power
tracking solar charger 1330 may be located in and/or on an upper
core assembly 140 of a core module assembly 130, or alternatively
in or on a bottom core assembly 142 of a core module assembly 130.
In embodiments, a power tracking solar charger 1330 may be
connected to one or more solar cells 1710, a rechargeable battery
1320, and/or an AC adapter 1335 or 1720. In embodiments, a
photovoltaic (PV) cell, or "solar cell" may be a smallest
semiconductor element that converts sunlight into electricity. In
embodiments, a semiconductor silicon may be treated so that silicon
generates a flow of electricity when a light shines on it. In
embodiments, a PV array or cells may be an interconnected system of
PV cells that may function as a single electricity-producing unit.
In embodiments, a PV array 1710 may comprise one of more of the
strips of solar cells. In embodiments, a PV array 1710 may comprise
one solar cell strip. In embodiments, one or more solar cells 1710
(e.g., a PV array 1710) may provide power directly to a power
tracking solar charger 1330 and/or a rechargeable battery 820. In
embodiments, one or more solar cells 1710 (or solar arrays) may
provide power to motor assemblies, components, printed circuit
boards, and/or other assemblies 1797 in a modular umbrella shading
system.
[0139] In embodiments, a power tracking solar charger 1330 may be
coupled and/or connected to a rechargeable battery 1320. In
embodiments, a power tracking solar charger 1330 may be coupled
and/or connected to an AC adapter 1335 (or DC power adapter), which
is coupled and/or connected to a power source. In embodiments, a
charging assembly 1330 may be coupled to one or more solar cells
1710 or solar arrays. In embodiments, a power tracking solar
charger 1330 may include a control panel 1775, a controller 1780, a
non-volatile memory 1785 and a volatile memory 1790, the
non-volatile memory 1785 comprising computer-readable and
computer-executable instructions, which are fetched and loaded into
volatile memory 1790 for execution by a controller or processor
1280 to perform a power monitoring, tracking and distribution
process. In embodiments, a power monitoring, tracking and/or
distribution process may monitor power levels and/or power
conditions of different components of a shading object (e.g., a
motion control PCB 1395, arrays of solar cells 1710), a
rechargeable battery 1320). In embodiments, a power tracking and
monitoring process may communicate information regarding power
levels and/or power conditions of a solar charger 1330 (and other
shading object components) to a control panel 1775 and/or to a
portable electronic device to display to a user and/or owner.
[0140] In embodiments, a power tracking solar charger 1330 may
transfer incoming power (e.g., voltage and/or current) generated by
the solar cells to one or more converters (e.g., a DC-to-DC
converters) 1795. In embodiments, a rechargeable battery 1320 may
provide power (e.g., voltage and/or current) to a DC-to-DC
converter 1795. In embodiments, one or more DC-to-DC converters
1795 may transfer voltage and/or current to one or more PCBs,
components, motor assemblies, and/or other assemblies of a shading
object. In embodiments, a DC-to-DC converter 1795 may be utilized
to provide lower operating voltages, e.g., 3.3 VDC or 5.0 VDC or
other voltages, to components, boards and/or assemblies 1797
operating on a lower DC voltage. In embodiments, rechargeable
battery 1320 may transfer incoming power (e.g., voltage and/or
current) to one or more converters 1795, and a power charger 1330
may monitor power distribution and power levels. In embodiments, a
rechargeable battery 1320 may provide power to shading object or
umbrella motor assemblies, PCBs, components, and/or assemblies
1797. If high power requirements are existing due to operating
conditions (e.g., motors running), a rechargeable battery 1320 and
solar cells or solar cell arrays may both provide power to one or
more PCBs, components, motor assemblies, and/or other assemblies of
a shading object.
[0141] In embodiments, a modular umbrella shading system may
comprise a voice recognition engine 1315. In embodiments, a shading
object motion control PCB 1395 may have a voice recognition engine
1315 mounted and/or located thereon. A voice recognition engine is
described in detail in U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser.
No. 15/160,856, filed May 20, 2016, entitled "Automated Intelligent
Shading Objects and Computer-Readable Instructions for Interfacing
With, Communicating With and Controlling a Shading Object," and
U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/160,822, filed
May 20, 2016, entitled "Intelligent Shading Objects with Integrated
Computing Device, the disclosure of both applications being hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0142] In embodiments, a modular umbrella shading system may
comprise one or more digital cameras 1357 and/or other analog-based
cameras. In embodiments, one or more cameras 1357 may comprise an
optical system and/or an image generation system. In embodiments,
digital cameras 1357 may display images on a screen immediately
after being captured. In embodiments, one or more digital cameras
1357 may store and/or delete images from a memory associated with a
digital camera. In embodiments, one or more digital cameras 857 may
capture, record and/or moving videos with or without sound. In
embodiments, digital cameras 1357 may also incorporate
computer-readable and computer-executable instructions which, which
when retrieved from a non-volatile memory, loaded into a memory,
and executed by a processor, may crop and/or stitch pictures,
and/or potentially perform other image editing on captured images.
For example, image stitching or photo stitching is the process of
combining multiple photographic images with overlapping fields of
view to produce a segmented panorama and/or high-resolution image.
In embodiments, image stitching may be performed through the use of
computer software embodied within a digital camera. In embodiments,
a digital camera may also internally perform video stitching. In
embodiments, other devices, components and/or assemblies may
perform image stitching, video stitching, cropping and/or other
photo editing. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions
loaded into a memory of a movement control PCB 1395 and/or
integrated computing device 1360, may be executable by a processor
to perform image stitching, video stitching, cropping and/or other
photo editing. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions may
be loaded into a memory located within a modular umbrella shading
system and executable by a processor to perform the
above-identified photo editing.
[0143] In embodiments, cameras may capture images of an area
around, surrounding, and/or adjacent to shading objects,
intelligent umbrellas, and/or intelligent shading charging systems.
In embodiments, a stem assembly 106 and/or a central support
assembly 107 may comprise a camera 857. In embodiments, a stem
assembly 106 and/or center support assembly 107 may rotate (e.g.,
up to 360 degrees) about a vertical axis with respect to a base
assembly 105--FIGS. 1A and 1B) (or a lower support assembly 187
and/or an upper support assembly 191 may rotate about and/or around
a housing and/or enclosure 182--FIG. 1C) and this may allow a
camera to capture images, videos and/or sound corresponding to 360
degrees of an area surrounding, around and/or adjacent to a shading
object, intelligent umbrella and/or intelligent shading charging
system. In embodiments, a camera 857 and/or other components or
assemblies (as discussed above) may stich or combine images and/or
videos to provide a panoramic image of the area. The ability of a
shading object to rotate allows a benefit of panoramic image
capture and not just an area where a camera is initially oriented.
In embodiments, a camera 857 may have one or more images
resolutions (e.g., 1 Megapixel (MP), 3MP, 4MP, 8MP, 13MP and/or 38
MP) that are selectable and/or adjustable.
[0144] FIG. 18 illustrates a shading object or umbrella integrated
computing device in a modular umbrella system according to
embodiments. In embodiments, an integrated computing device PCB
1800 may comprise a wireless WiFi or LAN wireless transceiver 1810
(which may or may not operate as a wireless hotspot and/or router),
a separate wireless hotspot device 1015, one or more audio/video
transceivers 1820 (e.g., PAN transceivers), one or more processors
1825, one or more non-volatile memories 1830 and one or more memory
components 1835. In embodiments, many of the components may reside
on a computing device PCB. In embodiments, a separate PCB may house
or have some of the above-listed components (e.g., local area
network or WiFi transceiver 1810, wireless hotspot device 1815)
mounted thereon and a shading object computing device may comprise
non-volatile memory 1830 (e.g., a flash drive, a hard drive, a
removable disk drive), and a volatile memory 1835 such as RAM, and
on or more processors 1825.
[0145] In embodiments, computer-readable and/or computer-executable
instructions may be stored in non-volatile memory, fetched by one
or more processors 1825, loaded into RAM 1835, and executed by one
or more processors 1825 to perform data intensive functions,
execute processes such as a healthcare process (e.g., selecting a
healthcare option from a dashboard of a mobile application), a
security process (e.g., selecting a security option from a
dashboard of a mobile application), an energy process or
application (e.g., selecting an energy option from a dashboard of a
mobile application), a weather application or processor (e.g.,
selecting a weather option from a dashboard of a mobile
application), and/or communicating with external devices (e.g.,
wireless access points, portable electronic devices, servers,
networks). In embodiments, an integrated computing device 860
and/or a computing device PCB may consume more power due to higher
data throughput and higher utilization time. Having a computing
device integrated into an intelligent shading object or umbrella,
provides a benefit, as to prior art shading objects or umbrellas,
of allowing an intelligent shading object to run software
applications, communicate with data intensive devices, such as
cameras and/or audio system, utilize WiFi or other wireless
communication transmissions, operate as a WiFi hotspot (or other
wireless communication hub) and communicate with external computing
devices to transfer data obtained by the intelligent shading
object.
[0146] In embodiments, an integrated computing device 1800 may
communicate with application servers, mobile applications servers,
proxy servers, and/or other computing devices on a global
communications network (e.g., the Internet). In embodiments, a
computing device may handle data and/or command communications
between external devices and a shading object. In embodiment, an
integrated computing device 1360 may handle intra-shading object
communications requiring more extensive processing power and/or
higher data transfer rates. In embodiments, a core module assembly
130 may house an integrated computing device. In embodiments, a
core module assembly 130 may also house a computing device PCB to
which a computing device 1360 may be attached to and/or
connected.
[0147] In embodiments, an integrated computing device 1360 or 1800
may be a Linux-based computing device (e.g., Raspberry PI) although
other operating systems and/or other processor types may be
utilized. In embodiments, a shading object may comprise one or more
transceivers to communicate with wireless access points utilizing a
wireless communication protocol. In embodiments, one or more
wireless transceivers may communicate voice and/or data
communications to an access point, which in turn may communicate
received voice and/or data communications to a packet-switched
network (e.g., a global communications network such as the
Internet, an intranet, or a private network) or a circuit-switched
network (such as existing telecommunications system).
[0148] In embodiments, an integrated computing device may comprise
a WiFi (or wireless LAN) transceiver 1810 which may also operate as
a hotspot and/or personal wireless access point. In embodiments, an
integrated computing device 860 may comprise a separate and/or
additional wireless hotspot 1815. In embodiments, a wireless
hotspot may be operate as an wireless access point providing
network and/or Internet access to portable electronic devices
(e.g., smartphones, music players) or other electronic devices
(personal computers and/or laptops) in public locations, where
other wireless access points are not located (or being utilized for
different purposes). If a computing device 1360 comprises a
wireless hotspot 1815 (or a wireless transceiver 1810 is operating
as a hotspot), wireless communication devices (e.g., laptops,
tablets, smartphones) may utilize a shading object as a
communications hub. This may be beneficial in remote locations
where no wireless access points are located, or in locations where
wireless data or voice communications have been interrupted. In
addition, if a shading object computing device and thus a shading
object includes a wireless hotspot, image or video streaming,
face-timing, application downloads, or other data intensive
functions and/or applications may execute and be completed in a
shorter amount of time then when using a PAN transceiver 1365.
[0149] In embodiments, an integrated computing device 1360 or 1800
may store and/or execute shading object or umbrella application
software, which may be referred to as SMARTSHADE and/or SHADECRAFT
application software. In embodiments, shading object or umbrella
application software may be run and/or executed on a variety of
computing devices including a computing device integrated within a
shading object or umbrella. In embodiments, for example, shading
object or modular umbrella application software may include
computer-readable instructions being stored in non-volatile
memories of a computing device, a portable electronic device (e.g.,
a smart phone and/or a tablet), an application server, and/or a web
application server, all which interact and communicate with each
other. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions may be
retrieved from memories (e.g., non-volatile memories) of these
above-identified computing devices, loaded into volatile memories
and executed by processors in the computing device, portable
electronic device, application server, and/or mobile application
server. In embodiments, a user interface (and/or graphical user
interface) for a modular umbrella software application may be
presented on a portable electronic device, although other computing
devices could also execute instructions and present a graphical
user interface (e.g., dashboard) to an individual. In embodiments,
modular umbrella application software may generate and/or display a
dashboard with different application (e.g., process) selections
(e.g., weather, health, storage, energy, security processes and/or
application processes). In embodiments, modular umbrella
application software may control operation of a modular umbrella,
communicate with and receive communications from modular umbrella
assemblies and/or components, analyze information obtained by
assemblies and/or components of a modular umbrella, integrate with
existing home and/or commercial software systems, and/or store
personal data generated by the modular umbrella, and communicate
with external devices.
[0150] In embodiments, a portable electronic device may also
comprise a mobile application stored in a non-volatile memory. In
embodiments, a mobile application may be referred to as a
SHADECRAFT or a SMARTSHADE mobile application. In embodiments, a
mobile application (mobile app) may comprise instructions stored in
a non-volatile memory of a portable electronic device, which can be
executed by a processor of a portable electronic device to perform
specific functionality. In embodiments, this functionality may be
controlling of, interacting with, and/or communicating with a
shading object. In embodiments, mobile apps may provide users with
similar services to those accessed and may be individual software
units with limited or specific function. In embodiments,
applications may be available for download from mobile application
stores, such as Apple's App Store. In embodiments, mobile apps may
be known as an app, a Web app, an online app, an iPhone app or a
smartphone app. In embodiments, a sensor device (or other loT
device) may communicate to a server computing device via a cellular
communications network, a wireless communication network, a wired
communication network and/or other communication network. In
embodiments, a sensor device and/or assembly device may capture
sensor measurements, data and/or conditions and may communicate
sensor measurements, data and/or conditions to an loT enabled
server, which may analyze, store, route, process and/or communicate
such sensor measurements, data and/or conditions. In embodiments,
an Internet of Things (loT) may be a network of physical
objects--sensors, devices, vehicles, buildings, and other
electronic devices. In embodiments, the loT may sense and/or
control objects across existing wireless communication network
infrastructure, an existing cellular communication network, and/or
a global communications network infrastructure. In embodiments,
integrating of devices via loT may create opportunities for more
direct integration of a physical world into computer-based systems,
which may result in improved efficiency, accuracy and economic
benefit. In addition, when an loT device or server is augmented
with sensors and actuators, loT may be integrated or enabled with a
more general class of cyber-physical systems, e.g., smart grids,
smart homes, intelligent transportation and smart cities. In
embodiments, in loT, for example, may be uniquely identifiable
through its embedded computing system but is able to interoperate
within the existing Internet infrastructure. In embodiments, a
device may have a specific IP address in order to be addressed by
other loT enabled systems and/or devices. In embodiments, an IP
address may be provided and/or established by routers and/or
Internet service providers. For example, a modular umbrella enabled
with loT capability, because it may incorporate cameras, may be
able to communicate with or be integrated into a home or office
security system. Further, if an individual has a smart home, an
individual may be able to control operation of, or communicate with
a modular umbrella shading system as part of an existing smart home
software application (either via a smart phone, mobile
communication device, tablet, and/or computer). In addition, a
modular umbrella shading system, if part of loT, may be able to
interface with, communicate with and interact with an existing home
security system. Likewise, a modular umbrella shading system may be
able to be an additional sound reproduction device (e.g., via
speaker(s)) for a home audio and/or video system that is also on
the loT. In addition, a modular umbrella system may be able to
integrate itself with an electronic calendar (stored on a computing
device) and become part of a notification or alarm system because
it will identify when upcoming meetings are occurring.
[0151] In embodiments, a modular umbrella system may be a device on
an Internet of Things (loT). In embodiments, an loT-enabled device
may be one or more cameras, one or more environmental sensors, one
or more directional sensors, one or more movement sensors, one or
more motor assemblies, one or more lighting assemblies and/or one
or more solar panels or cells. These objects and/or loT-enabled
devices may comprise items and/or device may be embedded with
electronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity, which
enables these physical objects to detect, collect, process and/or
exchange data with each other and/or with computing devices,
Shadecraft loT-enabled servers, and/or third-party loT enabled
servers connected to a modular umbrella system via a global
communications network (e.g., an Internet).
[0152] In embodiments, loT devices (e.g., servers, sensors,
appliances, motor assemblies, outdoor shading systems, cameras,
lighting assemblies, microphones, computing devices, etc.) may
communicate with each other utilizing an Internet Protocol Suite.
In embodiments, loT devices may be assigned an IP address and may
utilize IPv6 communication protocol. In embodiments where security
is important, authentication may be established utilizing OAUTH
(e.g., version 2.0) and Open ID Connect protocols (e.g., version
1.0). In addition, in embodiments, the IEEE 802.15.4 radio standard
may allow for reduction in power consumption by loT devices
utilizing RF communications. In embodiments where power consumption
may need to be decreased, e.g., as in sensors, modular umbrella
shading systems, shading systems, cameras, processors),
communication with loT devices may utilize Message Queuing
Telemetry Transport (MQTT) which utilizes TCP for its transport
layer and utilizes a central MQTT broker to manage and/or route
messages among a MQTT network's nodes. In embodiments,
communication with loT devices may utilize Constrained Application
Protocol (CoAP) which utilizes UDP as its transport protocol. In
embodiments, CoAP may be a client/server protocol and allows a
one-to-one report/request instruction model. In embodiments, CoAP
also may have accommodations for multi-cast transmission of
messages (e.g., one to many report/request instruction model).
[0153] FIG. 22 illustrates a modular umbrella shading system
communicating with an loT-enabled server or computing device
according to embodiments. If a modular umbrella system is
integrated into loT, for example, a modular umbrella system 2250
and/or loT-enabled devices integrated or installed thereon may be
part of a smart home, a smart office and/or a smart city. For
example, a smart home may already include one or more loT-servers
2270 (e.g., a NEST server may have a computing device and/or
server) for controlling operations of loT devices (alarms,
appliances, lights) installed within a smart home, office or
building. In embodiments, one or more modular umbrella systems 2250
(and one or more loT-enabled devices) may be incorporated into such
a smart home, office or buiding. For example, one or more
environmental sensors (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, UV
radiation, wind speed sensors, and/or a digital barometer) may
capture and communicate measurements and/or status readings to an
loT-enabled smart home server 2270. In embodiments, measurements
and/or status readings may be communicated using a smart home API
2247 (instructions executed by a processor) through a modular
umbrella system transceiver 2257 (e.g., local area network wireless
(or WiFi) transceiver, cellular transceiver, PAN transceiver) to an
loT-enabled smart home server 2270. In embodiments, temperature
and/or humidity measurements from a temperature and/or humidity
sensor 2251 may be communicated to the loT-enabled smart honme
server, where the loT-enabled smart home server 2270 may analyze
the temperature and/or humidity measurements and may adjust
commands, instructions and messages transmitted to cooling and/or
heating systems 2280 in a smart home. In embodiments, UV radiation
sensor measurements and/or air quality sensor measurements from a
radiation sensor or air quality sensor 2252 may be communicated to
an loT-enabled smart home server 2270, the UV measurements may be
utilized as input for a personal health software application 2273
(e.g., recommend sunscreen or period of sun exposure recommended
for a home resident) and/or may be stored for later reporting
and/or analyzation. In embodiments, air quality sensor measurements
may be utilized 1) as input for a personal health software
application (e.g., recommend whether to take asthma medication,
whether to where mask due to large amount of allergens in air); 2)
to trigger alarm conditions within a smart home (e.g., carbon
monoxide or other gas readings too high); and/or 3) by the smart
home server to communicate with emergency service provider servers
or computing devices 2282 (e.g., utility companies, fire
departments, police departments) due to over threshold and
dangerous sensor measurements. In embodiments, barometer
measurements from a barometer 2253 may be utilized by loT-enabled
smart home servers 2270 as input for a weather software application
2274 as one of a plurality of factors utilized for determining
and/or predicting weather conditions.
[0154] In embodiments, solar cells and/or cells 2254 (and/or a
solar charger assembly) may communicate solar panel status and/or
solar power measurements to a smart home server 2270 via a smart
home application programming interface (API) 2247 utilizing a
transceiver 2257. In embodiments, a smart home server 2270 may
receive solar panel (or cell) status and determine whether to alert
a solar cell maintenance computing device as to a potential service
call. In embodiments, a smart home server 2270 may receive solar
panel or cell power generation measurements and utilize these to
identify solar power generated by user of smart home (e.g., add it
to any green power generated by smart home). In embodiments, a
smart home server 2250 may receive solar power generation
measurements as well as unused solar power measurements and
identify whether or not to draw excess power from a modular shading
umbrella system.
[0155] In embodiments, sensors on one or more motor assemblies (or
motor assemblies themselves (if loT enabled)) 2255 may communicate
motor assembly status and/or motor assemblies failure codes to an
loT-enabled smart home server 2270 via a smart home API 2247
utilizing a transceiver 2257. In embodiments, a smart home server
2270 may receive communicated motor assembly status and/or failure
codes and may contact a maintenance computing device 2283 to set up
a service call and/or order parts.
[0156] In embodiments, one or more loT-enabled motion sensors 2256
may communicate motion sensor status and/or motion sensor
measurements through a smart home/office API 2247 resident within
one or more memory modules 2246 on a modular umbrella system. In
embodiments, a smart home server 2270 may receive communicated
motion sensor status and/or motion sensor measurements and analyze
status and/or measurements to identify when and/or where motion has
been detected in the area around the smart home and/or office. In
embodiments, for example, in response to motion detection
measurements, a smart home server 2270 may communicate signals,
messages, instructions and/or commands to other assemblies 2280
connected via loT to a smart home. For example, a smart home server
may communicate a message and/or command to one or more lighting
assemblies in a smart home in an area where a smart umbrella motion
sensor has detected movement. Similarly, in embodiments, a smart
home server may communicate a message and/or instruction to an
audio receiver and/or speaker 2280 to emit an alarm and/or spoken
phrase in an area where motion has been detected. In embodiments, a
smart home server 2270 may communicate a message, instruction,
and/or messages to a modular umbrella system via a smart home API
2247 to initiate and/or activate one or more cameras to capture
video, images and/or audio from an area where motion has been
detected. In such embodiments, for example, one or more cameras may
transmit and/or communicate video, audio and/or images to a smart
home server via a smart home API. In embodiments, a smart home
server 2270 may communicate received images, video and/or audio to
a home or office security system or computing device 2283 for
monitoring by security personnel or residents of a smart home,
office and/or building. In embodiments, received images, video
and/or audio may be stored in memory 2271 of a smart home server
2270. In embodiments, a smart home server 2270 may be located
within a smart home or office, or may be located in a remote and/or
third-party location (e.g., a cloud-based server).
[0157] FIG. 23 illustrates a smart home, smart office or smart
building loT-enabled server communicating and transferring
information to a modular umbrella shading system according to
embodiments. In embodiments, a smart home, office and/or building
loT-enabled server 2330 may also communicate with an loT-enabled
modular umbrella system 2320 and/or one or more loT-enabled devices
within a modular umbrella system 2320. For example, in embodiments,
a smart home, office or building server and/or computing device
2330 software application (e.g., computer-readable instructions
2331 stored in one or more memory modules 2332 executable by one or
more processors 2333) may communicate audio files or streams, video
files or streams, executable software files, software updates
and/or revisions, and/or alarm/emergency conditions to a modular
umbrella system 2320. For example, a smart home or office server or
computing device 2330 and/or software application may receive a
selection from a user to play a specific digital music playlist
from a the smart home or smart office server 2330 or a third party
cloud-based server (e.g., such as iTunes) or a digital music
repository 2335. In embodiments, digital and/or audio files may be
communicated and/or transferred from a third-party cloud-based
server and/or from a smart home server to a modular umbrella system
2320 via a transceiver 2321 (and/or smart home application
programming interface (API) or digital music API 2322). In
embodiments, one or more processors 2324 may communicate audio
and/or video files to an audio receiver and/or speaker 2323. In
embodiments, a modular umbrella system 2320 audio receiver and/or
speaker 2323 may reproduce sound communicated and/or streamed in
digital and/or analog audio from a smart home server 2330 and/or
cloud-based server 2335. In embodiments, video files and/or images
files may also be communicated to a modular umbrella shading system
2320 and presented on a display and/or monitor of a modular
umbrella shading system 2320.
[0158] In embodiments, a smart home, office and/or building server
2330 and/or application software stored in one or more memory
modules 2332 may transfer and/or communicate software updates
and/or revisions to a computing device, a circuit board, a
microcontroller, a processor and/or electronic computer assemblies
2327 in a modular umbrella shading system 2320. In embodiments, the
software revisions and/or updates may be communicated via a smart
home, office or building API 2322 resident in memory 2326 of a
modular umbrella shading system 2320.
[0159] In embodiments, a modular umbrella system 2320 may also be
an additional node of a smart, office or building that may be
utilized to communicate with emergency service providers and/or
first responders in case of emergency. For example, in embodiments,
if a smart home, office or building API 2322 does not receive
communications and/or messages from a smart home server 2330 for a
predetermined period of time (e.g., one minute, 30 minutes, and/or
one hour), a smart home, office and/or building API 2322 may
generate a message to be communicated to a mobile communication
device 2340 associated with an owner or dweller of a smart home,
office or building. In embodiments, a smart home API 2322 may
utilize whichever modular umbrella shading system transceiver 2321
may still be operational, e.g., (utilize one or more of a cellular
transceiver, a PAN transceiver and/or a local area network (WiFi or
802.11) transceiver 2321 to communicate message). In embodiments,
if a mobile computing device 2340 of an owner and/or dweller does
not respond to the smart home, office or building API 2322 (and/or
processor 2324) within a predetermined period of time, a smart
home, office or building API 2322 (and/or processor 2324) may
transmit and/or communicate an alert message to an internal or
third party security server (or computing device) and/or emergency
service provider servers and/or computing devices (e.g., police
department, or fire department) 2341 in order to notify of a
potential emergency situation. In embodiments, an emergency and/or
crime may be occurring in a certain area of a home and a certain
part of a smart home or smart office system may not be accessible.
For example, a robbery may be occurring and a user may not want to
utilize devices inside an office or residence to communicate with
emergency service personnel. In these situations, for example, a
user may communicate with a smart home server 2330 (utilizing a
mobile computing device, a remote device, and/or other electronic
devices 2340) which may communicate with a smart home, office or
building API 2322 in a modular umbrella system 2320 and request a
message and/or command be communicated to an emergency service
provider via a cellular transceiver, a local area network wireless
(WiFi) transceiver, and/or a PAN transceiver. Further, a user may
communicate with a smart home/office API 2322 in a modular umbrella
shading system to turn on and/or activate components and/or
assemblies 2327 of a modular umbrella system 2320 (e.g., a speaker
may be activated and/or utilized to generate an alarm; a lighting
system may be activated to surprise or startle an intruder; a
camera may be activated to capture videos from an outside of an
office, home or building).
[0160] FIG. 24 illustrates an loT software application
communication with a plurality of modular shading umbrella systems
according to embodiments. In embodiments, one or more people or
entities may communicate with a plurality of modular shading
systems located within a specified geographic area (e.g., a
neighborhood, a city, a county, a state and/or a region). In
embodiments, an loT software application (e.g., computer-readable
instructions 2403 stored in one or more memory modules 2401 and
executed by one or more processors 2402 on a network server, a
cloud-based server and/or a Shadecraft distributor server 2400 may
communicate with a plurality of geographically distributed
loT-enabled modular umbrella shading systems 2406 2407 2408 2409
and/or 2410 and may receive information, status and measurements
from a modular umbrella shading systems 2406 2407 2408 2409 and
2410 and/or loT enabled sensors, devices and/or assemblies. For
example, an owner, renter and/or user of modular shading systems
may communicate with a number of modular umbrella shading systems
(e.g., 2-150 modular umbrella shading systems) that may be coupled
and/or connected as loT nodes or devices. In embodiments, for
example, a server or computing device 2400 executing loT
instructions and/or software 2403 may request and/or receive
information from sensors located on one or more modular umbrella
systems. The server or computing device 2400 executing loT
instructions and/or software 2403 may store received environmental
sensor measurements for the one or more modular umbrella shading
systems 2406 2407 2408 2409 and 2410. Additional analysis
instructions executing on the server or computing device 2400 may
generate reports presenting sensor readings, geographic locations
for the one or more modular umbrella shading systems 2406 2407 2408
2409 and 2410; may identify environmental sensor measurements
exceeding specified thresholds; or lack of sensor measurements (or
out-of-range sensor measurements) which may identify sensor
malfunctions.
[0161] In embodiments, a server and/or computing device 2400
executing loT instructions (or software application 2403) may
receive captured barometer measurements from barometers installed
on and/or integrated into more than one modular umbrella shading
systems 2406 2407 2408 2409 and 2410. In embodiments, weather
reporting/predicting instructions executed by a processor 2402 of a
server and/or a computing device 2400 may analyze received
barometer measurements and location measurements or orientations
and utilize these measurements in determining and/or predicting
weather for geographic locations near and/or surrounding the more
than one modular umbrella shading systems 2406 2407 2408 2409 and
2410.
[0162] In embodiments, a server and/or computing device 2400
executing loT instructions or software 2403 may receive captured
solar power generation measurements, solar cells or solar panels
status, and/or solar power consumption measurements for more than
one modular umbrella shading systems. In embodiments, solar panels
and/or cells and/or a modular umbrella shading system may be loT
enabled. In embodiments, reporting instructions executed by one or
more processors 2402 of a server and/or computing device 2400 may
present solar power generation measurements and/or solar power
consumption measurements for a selected number of modular umbrella
shading systems. In addition, instructions executed by one or more
processors 2402 of a server and/or computing device 2400 may
compare and analyze solar power generation measurements and/or
solar power generations measurements between different modular
umbrella shading systems and may identify, for example, if certain
modular umbrella shading systems 2406 2407 2408 2409 and 2410 are
not operating at peak capacity and/or consuming larger amounts of
solar power. In addition, instructions executed by one or more
processors 2402 of a server and/or computing device 2400 may
receive solar panel status indicators and assist in identifying
whether solar panels or cells are malfunctioning. In embodiments,
instructions executed by one or more processors of a server and/or
computing device may also analyze whether a number or a group of
solar panels or cells are experiencing a same failure and/or
malfunction.
[0163] In embodiments, a server and/or computing device 2400
executing loT instructions or software 2403 may receive captured
shading system motor assembly status indicators and/or operating
parameters and/or captured shading system computing device status
indicators and/or operating parameters for more than one modular
umbrella shading systems 2406 2407 2408 2409 and 2410. In
embodiments, motor assemblies and/or computing devices (e.g., a
Raspberry Pi), or a modular umbrella shading system may be loT
enabled. In embodiments, reporting instructions executed by one or
more processors 2402 of a server and/or computing device 2400 may
present 1) motor assembly status indicators and/or operating
parameters along with a geographic location for a selected number
of modular umbrella shading systems 2406 2407 2408 2409 and 2410
and/or 2) computing device status indicators and/or operating
parameters along with a geographic location for a selected number
of modular umbrella shading systems 2406 2407 2408 2409 and 2410.
In addition, instructions executed by one or more processors 2402
of a server and/or computing device 2400 may receive motor assembly
status indicators and/or operating parameters, and/or computing
device status indicators and/or operating parameters to and assist
in identifying whether motor assemblies and/or computing devices in
a group of modular umbrella shading systems 2406 2407 2408 2409 and
2410 are malfunctioning. In embodiments, instructions executed by
one or more processors 2402 of an loT server and/or computing
device 2400 may also analyze whether a number of motor assemblies
and/or computing devices are experiencing a same failure and/or
malfunction.
[0164] In embodiments, instructions executed by one or more
processors 2402 on a server and/or computing device 2400 may be
utilized to provide software updates, fixes and/or new versions to
assemblies, devices and/or other components of one or more modular
umbrella shading system. In embodiments, assemblies, devices and/or
other components (e.g., computing devices, microcontrollers,
processors, sensors, printed circuit boards) and/or a modular
umbrella shading system may be loT-enabled. In embodiments,
instructions 2403 executed by the one or more processors 2402 on a
server and/or computing device 2400 may transfer and/or communicate
a software update to selected components on all of a number of
modular shading systems. In embodiments, instructions executed by
the one or more processors 2402 on a server and/or computing device
2400 may transfer and/or communicate software revisions to selected
assemblies on a selected number of modular umbrella shading
systems. This feature may allow a modular umbrella shading system
to quickly provide software revisions and/or modifications to
owners of modular umbrella shading systems 2406 2407 2408 2409 and
2410. In addition, additional software-based features, e.g., such
as image recognition, may be provided quickly to purchasers.
[0165] In embodiments, a modular umbrella system 100 may comprise a
backup battery and/or also a memory. In embodiments, a modular
umbrella system may further comprise a power sensor. If a sensor
(e.g., a voltage sensor, a current sensor, a fuse, or other power
sensor) determines that a power outage has occurred and/or power
has been discontinued from a modular umbrella system 100, a sensor
may communicate a signal, message and/or command to a backup
battery to provide power to components and/or assemblies of a
modular umbrella system 100. In embodiments, a backup battery may
provide power (e.g., voltage and/or current) to a processor and/or
controller, and the processor and/or controller may communicate
commands, messages, instructions and/or signals to shut down and/or
retract components and/or assemblies to an original and/or storage
position. In embodiments, a memory may also receive a signal from a
sensor and/or backup battery, and a memory may load and/or
communicate emergency shutdown computer-readable instructions to a
processor and/or a controller for execution. For example, emergency
shutdown computer-readable instructions may cause a processor
and/or controller to communicate commands and/or instructions to
first, second and/or third motor assemblies to move rotate to a
starting position, retract arm support assemblies and/or move an
upper support assembly to a vertical position (or rest position)
with respect to a lower support assembly. In embodiments, shutdown
computer-readable instructions may cause a processor and/or
controller to communicate commands and/or instructions to a camera
and/or sensors to turn off and/or deactivate these components.
[0166] FIG. 19A illustrates a block diagram illustrating a power
down sequences according to embodiments. FIG. 19B illustrates a
dataflow diagram illustrating power down sequences according to
embodiments. In embodiments, a core housing 130 may also comprise a
gyroscope 1925 and an accelerometer 1930. In embodiments, an upper
core housing 140 may comprise a gyroscope and/or an accelerometer.
In embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 19B, a motion control module
1920 (e.g., a motion control PCB) in a modular core housing 130 may
comprise a processor/controller 1922, a memory 1923, one or more
accelerometer 1925 and/or one or more gyroscopes 1930. In
embodiments, directional measuring devices may refer to
accelerometers, gyroscopes, compasses, magnetometers and/or GPS
devices. In embodiments, a sensor module 1910 may comprise a
compass, a digital compass and/or a magnetometer 1906, a GPS
transceiver 1905, a clock 1907, a microcontroller 1908, and/or
microcontroller memory 1909.
[0167] In embodiments, an emergency shut down button may be
depressed 1951 to quickly and/or immediately shut down an umbrella
shading system. In embodiments, motion control circuitry or module
1920 (e.g., a motion control PCB) may receive 1952 an emergency
shut down signal or message communicated via an emergency shut down
button. In embodiments, motion control circuitry or module 1920 may
communicate 1953 instructions to a rechargeable battery and/or
solar power charging assembly to turn off power to components,
assemblies, circuitry and parts of a modular umbrella shading
system. In embodiments, on next power activation of a modular
shading umbrella system, motion control circuitry or module 1920
may communicate instructions, commands, messages and/or signals to
an elevation motor assembly to a specified motor position and/or
communicate instructions, commands, messages and/or signals to an
expansion to close arm support assemblies (and arms) and to begin
initiation of a sun tracking sequence (as described above with
respect to FIGS. 3 and/or 4 of the present application.
[0168] In embodiments, a power button may communicate and/or
transmit 1955 a signal to motion control circuitry or module 1920
to initiate a power on sequence of a modular umbrella shading
system. In embodiments, motion control circuitry and/or module 1920
may initiate 1956 a default and/or beginning sun tracking sequence.
In embodiments, a sun tracking sequence may operate according to a
method or process describe in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0169] In embodiments, motion control circuitry or module 1920 may
receive 1961 automatic shut-down conditions from one or more
assemblies and/or sensors. In embodiments, for example, motion
control circuitry or module 1920 may receive a high wind sensor
measurement from a wind sensor and/or sensor module. In
embodiments, for example, motion control circuitry may receive a
high and/or extreme temperature measurement from a temperature
sensor and/or sensor module. In embodiments, for example, motion
control circuitry 1920 may receive an unacceptable air quality
measurement from an air quality sensor and/or sensor module. In
embodiments, for example, motion control circuitry may receive a
lower than threshold power reading from a rechargeable battery 1934
and/or solar power charging assembly 1935. In embodiments, motion
control circuitry or module 1920 may retrieve 1962 automatic
shut-down conditions from a memory of motion control circuity (or
another memory of a modular shading system). In embodiments, these
instructions and/or position measurements may be for an elevation
motor, an azimuth motor and/or an expansion motor. In embodiments,
these instructions may be to communicate with a rechargeable
battery 1934 and/or a solar power charging assembly 1935. In
embodiments, motion control circuitry (or module) 1920 may
communicate 1963 instructions, commands, signals and/or messages to
an elevation motor assembly to cause a modular umbrella shading
system to move to a specified safe position (e.g., such as a 90
degree elevation). In embodiments, motion control circuitry (or
module) 1920 may communicate 1964 instructions, commands, signals
and/or messages to an expansion motor assembly to move arm support
assemblies (and arms) to a specified position (e.g., a closed
position) that is safe in extreme weather and/or power situations.
In embodiments, motion control circuitry (or module 1920) may
communicate 1965 instructions, commands, signals, and/or messages
to a rechargeable battery 1934 and/or a solar power charging
assembly 1935 to turn off power (and/or shut down power) to
assemblies, components and/or devices of a modular umbrella shading
system. In embodiments, motion control circuitry (or module 1920)
may communicate instructions, commands, signals and/or messages to
an azimuth motor assembly to move to a safe position although this
may be optional. This is an improvement over existing umbrella
systems which are not able to move a modular umbrella shading
system to a safe elevation motor setting and to close arms
utilizing an expansion motor assembly when dangerous and/or
threatening conditions are occuring.
[0170] FIG. 20A illustrates a shading system including an
artificial intelligence engine and/or artificial intelligence
interface. A shading system including artificial intelligence (AI )
2000 include a shading element or shade 2003, a shading support
2005 and a shading device housing 2008. In embodiments, a shading
element or shade 2003 may provide shade to keep a shading device
housing 2008 from overheating. In embodiments, a shading device
housing 2008 may be coupled and/or connected to a shading support
2005. In embodiments, a shading support 2005 may be coupled to a
shading device housing 2008. In embodiments, a shading support 2005
may support a shade or shading element 2003 and move it into
position with respect to a shading device housing 2008. In this
illustrative embodiment of FIG. 20, a shading device housing 2008
may be utilized as a base, mount and/or support for a shading
element or shade 2003. In embodiments, a shading support may be
simplified and may not have a tilting assembly (as in FIGS. 1 and 2
where an upper housing of a core module assembly is rotated about
(or moved about) a lower housing of a core module assembly). In
embodiments, a shading support may be simplified and not have a
core assembly. In embodiments, a shading support 2005 may also not
include an expansion and sensor assembly. Illustratively, in
embodiments, a shading support 2005 may not comprise an integrated
computing device and/or may not have sensors. In embodiments, a
shading element or shade 2003 or a shade support 2005 may comprise
one or more sensors (e.g., environmental sensors). For example, in
embodiments, sensors may be a temperature sensor, a wind sensor, a
humidity sensor, an air quality sensor, and/or an ultraviolet
radiation sensor. In embodiments, a shading support may not include
an audio system (e.g., a speaker and/or an audio/video transceiver)
and may not include lighting assemblies. In embodiments, a shading
housing 2008 may not include one or more lighting assemblies.
[0171] In embodiments, a shading device housing 2008 may comprise a
computing device 2020. In embodiments, a shading device housing
2008 may comprise one or more processors/controllers 2027, one or
more memory modules 2028, one or more microphones (or audio
receiving devices) 2029, one or more PAN transceivers 2030 (e.g.,
Bluetooth transceivers), one or more wireless transceivers 2031
(e.g., WiFi or other 802.11 transceivers), and/or one or more
cellular transceivers 2032 (e.g., EDGE transceiver, 4G, 3G, CDMA
and/or GSM transceivers). In embodiments, the processors, memory,
transceivers and/or microphones may be integrated into a computing
device 2020, where in other embodiments, a single-board computing
device may not be utilized. In embodiments, one or more memory
modules 2028 may contain computer-readable instructions, the
computer-readable instructions being executed by one or more
processors/controllers 2027 to perform certain functionality. In
embodiments, the computer-readable instructions may comprise an
artificial intelligence API 2040. In embodiments, an artificial
intelligence API 2040 may allow communications between a shading
device housing 2008 and a third party artificial intelligence
engine housed in a local and/or remote server and/or computing
device 2050. In embodiments, an AI API 2040 may be a voice
recognition AI API, which may be able to communicate sound files
(e.g., analog or digital sound files) to a third party voice
recognition AI server. In embodiments, a voice recognition AI
server may be an Amazon Alexa, Echo, Echo Dot and/or a Google Now
server. In embodiments, a shading device housing 2008 may comprise
one or more microphones 2029 to capture audio (and specifically)
audible and/or voice commands spoken by users and/or operators of
shading systems 2000. In embodiments, computer-readable
instructions executed by one or more processors 2027 may receive
captured sounds and create analog and/or digital audio files
corresponding to spoken audio commands (e.g., open shading system,
rotate shading system, elevate shading system, select music to play
on shading system, turn one lighting assemblies). In embodiments,
an AI API 2040 may communicate audio files to an external AI server
2050. In embodiments, a shading device housing 2008 may communicate
generated audio files to external AI servers 2050 via or utilizing
one or more PAN transceivers 2030, one or more wireless local rea
network transceivers 2031, and/or one or more cellular transceivers
2032. In other words, communications with an external AI server
2050 may occur utilizing PAN transceivers 2030 (and protocols).
Alternatively, communications with an external AI server 2050 may
occur utilizing a local area network (802.11 or WiFi) transceiver
2031. Alternatively, or in combination with, communications with an
external AI server 2050 may occur utilizing a cellular transceiver
2032 (e.g., utilizing 3G and/or 4G or other cellular communication
protocols). In embodiments, a shading device housing 2008 may
utilize more than one microphone 2029 to allow capture of voice
commands from a number of locations and/or orientations with
respect to a shading system 2000 (e.g., in front of, behind a
shading system, and/or at a 45 degree angle with respect to a
support assembly 2005).
[0172] FIG. 20B illustrates a block and dataflow diagram of
communications between a shading system and/or one or more external
AI servers according to embodiments. A shading system 2070 may
communicate with an external AI server 2075 and/or additional
content servers 2080 via wireless and/or wired communications
networks. In embodiments, a user may speak 2091 a command (e.g.,
turn on lights, or rotate shading system) which is captured as an
audio file and received. In embodiments, an AI API 2040 may
communicate and/or transfer 2092 an audio file (utilizing a
transceiver--PAN, WiFi/802.11, or cellular) to an external or
third-party AI server 2075. In embodiments, an external AI server
2075 may comprise a voice recognition engine or module 2085, a
command engine module 2086, a third party content interface 2087
and/or third party content formatter 2088. In embodiments, an
external AI server 2075 may receive 2092 one or more audio files
and a voice recognition engine or module 2085 may convert received
audio file to a device command (e.g., shading system commands,
computing device commands) and communicate 2093 device commands to
a command engine module or engine 2086. In embodiments, if a voice
command is for operation of a shading system 2000, a command engine
or module 2086 may communicate and/or transfer 2094 a generated
command, message, and/or instruction to a shading system 2000. In
embodiments, a shading system 2000 may receive the communicated
command, communicate and/or transfer 2095 the communicated command
to a controller/processor 2071. In embodiments, the
controller/processor 2071 may generate 2096 a command, message,
signal and/or instruction to cause an assembly, component, system
or devices 2072 to perform an action requested in the original
voice command (open or close shade element, turn on camera,
activate solar panels).
[0173] In embodiments, a user may request actions to be performed
utilizing a shading system's microphones and/or transceivers that
may require interfacing with third party content servers (e.g.,
NEST, e-commerce site selling sun care products, e-commerce site
selling parts of umbrellas or shading systems, communicating with
online digital music stores (e.g., iTunes), home security servers,
weather servers and/or traffic servers). For example, in
embodiments, a shading system user may request 1) traffic
conditions from a third party traffic server; 2) playing of a
playlist from a user's digital music store accounts; 3) ordering a
replacement skin and/or spokes/blades arms for a shading system. In
these embodiments, additional elements and steps may be added to
previously described method and/or process.
[0174] For example, in embodiments, a user may speak 2091 a command
or desired action (execute playlist, order replacement
spokes/blades, and/or obtain traffic conditions from a traffic
server) which is captured as an audio file and received at an AI
API 2040 stored in one or more memories of a shading system housing
2070. As discussed above, in embodiments, an AI API 2040 may
communicate and/or transfer 2092 an audio file utilizing a shading
system's transceiver to an external AI server 2075. In embodiments,
an external AI server 2075 may receive one or more audio files and
a voice recognition engine or module 2085 may convert 2093 received
audio file to a query request (e.g., traffic condition request,
e-commerce order, retrieve and stream digital music playlist).
[0175] In embodiments, an external AI server may communicate and/or
transfer 2097 a query request to a third party server (e.g.,
traffic conditions server (e.g., SIGALERT or Maze), an e-commerce
server (e.g., a RITE-AI D or SHADECRAFT SERVER, or Apple iTunes
SERVER) to obtain third party goods and/or services. In
embodiments, a third party content server 2080 (a communication and
query engine or module 2081) may retrieve 2098 services from a
database 2082. In embodiments, a third party content server 2080
may communicate services queried by the user (e.g., traffic
conditions or digital music files to be streamed) 2099 to an
external AI server 2075. In embodiments, a third party content
server 2080 may order requested goods for a user and then retrieve
and communicate 2099 a transaction status to an external AI server
2075. In embodiments, a content communication module 2087 may
receive communicated services (e.g., traffic conditions or streamed
digital music files) or transaction status updates (e.g.,
e-commerce receipts) and may communicate 2101 the requested
services (e.g., traffic conditions or streamed digital music files)
or the transaction status updates to a shading system 2070. Traffic
services may be converted to an audio signal, and an audio signal
may be reproduced utilizing an audio system 2083. Digital music
files may be communicated and/orstreamed directed to an audio
system 2083 because there is no conversion necessary. E-commerce
receipts may be converted and communicated to speaker 2083 for
reading aloud. E-commerce receipts may also be transferred to
computing device in a shading system 2070 for storage and
utilization later.
[0176] In embodiments, computer-readable instructions in a memory
module of a shading system may be executed by a processor and may
comprise a voice recognition module or engine 2042 and in this
embodiment, voice recognition may be performed at an intelligent
shading system 2000 without utilizing a cloud-based server. In
embodiments, a shading system 2070 may receive 2103 the
communicated command, communicate and/or transfer 2104 the
communicated command to a controller/processor 2071. In
embodiments, the controller/processor 2071 may generate and/or
communicate 2096 a command, message, signal and/or instruction to
cause an assembly, component, system or device 2072 to perform an
action requested in the original voice command
[0177] Referring back to FIG. 20A, in embodiments, a mobile
computing device 2010 may communicate with a shading system with an
artificial intelligence capabilities. In embodiments, a user may
communicate with a mobile computing or communications device 2010
by a spoken command into a microphone. In embodiments, a mobile
computing or communications device 2010 communicates a digital or
analog audio file to a processor 2027 and/or AI API 2040 in a
shading device housing. In embodiments, a mobile computing or
communications device 2010 may also convert the audio file into a
textual file for easier conversion from an external or integrated
AI server or computing device 2050.
[0178] FIGS. 20A and 20B describe a shading system having a shading
element or shade, shading support and/or shading housing. A shading
housing such as the one described above may be attached to any
shading system and may provide artificial intelligence
functionality and services. In embodiments, a shading system may be
an autonomous and/or automated shading system having an integrated
computing device, sensors and other components and/or assemblies,
and may have artificial intelligence functionality and services
provided utilizing an AI API stored in a memory of a shading
housing.
[0179] FIG. 21 illustrates an intelligent shading system comprising
a shading housing wherein a shading housing comprises an AI API. In
embodiments, a shading system 2100 comprises an expansion module
160, a core module 130 and a shading housing 2110. In embodiments,
an expansion module 160 may comprise one or more spoke support
assemblies 163, one or more detachable arms/spokes 164, one or more
solar panels and/or fabric 165, one or more LED lighting assemblies
166 and/or one or more speakers 167. In embodiments, an expansion
module 160 may be coupled and/or connected to a core assembly
module 130. In embodiments, a coupling and/or connection may be
made via a universal connection. In embodiments, a core module
assembly 130 may comprise an upper assembly 140, a sealed
connection 141 and/or a lower assembly 142. In embodiments, a core
module assembly 130 may comprise one or more rechargeable batteries
135, a motion control board 134, an expansion motor 133 and/or an
integrated computing device 136. In embodiments, a core module
assembly 130 may comprise one or more transceivers (e.g., a PAN
transceiver 197, a WiFi transceiver 196 and/or a cellular
transceiver). In embodiments, a core module assembly 130 may be
coupled and/or connected to a shading housing 2110. In embodiments,
a universal connector may be a connector and/or coupler between a
core module assembly 130 and a shading housing 2110.
[0180] In embodiments, a shading housing 2110 may comprise a
shading system connector 2113, one or more memory modules 2115, one
or more processors/controllers 2125, one or more microphones 2133,
one or more transceivers (e.g., a PAN transceiver 2130, a wireless
local area network (e.g., WiFi) transceiver 2131, and/or a cellular
transceiver 2132), and an artificial intelligence ("AI")
Application programming interface ("API") 2120. In embodiments, one
or more microphones 2133 receives a spoken command and
captures/converts the command into a digital and/or analog audio
file. In embodiments, one or more processors/controllers 2125
interacts and executes AI API 2120 instructions (stored in one or
more memory modules 2115) and communicates and/or transfers audio
files to a third party AI server (e.g., an external AI server or
computing device). In embodiments, an AI API 2120 may communicate
and/or transfer audio files via and/or utilizing a PAN transceiver
2130, a local area network (e.g., WiFi) transceiver 2131, and/or a
cellular transceiver 2132. In embodiment, an AI API may receive
communications, data, measurements, commands, instructions and/or
files from an external AI server or computing device (as described
in FIGS. 21 and 22) and perform and/or execute actions in responses
to these communications.
[0181] In embodiments, a shading system and/or umbrella may
communicate via one or more transceivers. This provides a shading
system with an ability to communicate with external computing
devices, servers and/or mobile communications device in almost any
situation. In embodiments, a shading system with a plurality of
transceivers (e.g., a PAN transceiver, a local area network (e.g.,
WiFi) transceiver, and/or a cellular transceiver) may communicate
when one or more communication networks are down, experiencing
technical difficulties, inoperable and/or not available. For
example, a WiFi wireless router may be malfunctioning and a shading
system with a plurality of transceivers may be able to communicate
with external devices via a PAN transceiver and/or a cellular
transceiver. In addition, an area may be experiencing heavy rains
or weather conditions and cellular communications may be down
and/or not available (and thus cellular transceivers may be
inoperable). In these situations, a shading system with one or more
transceivers may communicate with external computing devices via
the operating transceivers. Since most shading systems may not have
any communication transceivers, the shading systems described
herein is an improvement over existing shading systems that have no
communication capabilities and/or limited communication
capabilities.
[0182] In embodiments, a base assembly or module may also a base
motor controller PCB, a base motor, a drive assembly and/or wheels.
In embodiments, a base assembly may move to track movement of the
sun, wind conditions, and/or an individual's commands. In
embodiments, a shading object movement control PCB may send
commands, instructions, and/or signals to a base assembly
identifying desired movements of a base assembly. In embodiments, a
shading computing device system (including a SMARTSHADE and/or
SHADECRAFT application) or a desktop computer application may
transmit commands, instructions, and/or signals to a base assembly
identifying desired movements of a base assembly. In embodiments, a
base motor controller PCB may receive commands, instructions,
and/or signals and may communicate commands and/or signals to a
base motor. In embodiments, a base motor may receive commands
and/or signals, which may result in rotation of a motor shaft. In
embodiments, a motor shaft may be connected, coupled, or indirectly
coupled (through gearing assemblies or other similar assemblies) to
one or more drive assemblies. In embodiments, a drive assembly may
be one or more axles, where one or more axles may be connected to
wheels. In embodiments, for example, a base assembly may receive
commands, instructions and/or signal to rotate in a
counterclockwise direction approximately 15 degrees. In
embodiments, for example, a motor output shaft would rotate one or
more drive assemblies rotate a base assembly approximately 15
degrees. In embodiments, a base assembly may comprise more than one
motor and/or more than one drive assembly. In this illustrative
embodiment, each of motors may be controlled independently from one
another and may result in a wider range or movements and more
complex movements.
[0183] In embodiments, a base assembly 110 and/or first extension
assembly 120 may be comprised of stainless steel. In embodiments, a
base assembly 110 and/or first extension assembly 120 may be
comprised of a plastic and/or a composite material, or a
combination of materials listed above. In embodiments, a base
assembly 110 and/or first extension assembly 120 may be comprised
and/or constructed by a biodegrable material. In embodiments, a
base assembly 110 and/or first extension assembly 120 may be
tubular with a hollow inside except for shelves, ledges, and/or
supporting assemblies. In embodiments, a base assembly 110 and/or
first extension assembly 120 may have a coated inside surface. In
embodiments, a base assembly 110 and/or first extension assembly
120may have a circular circumference or a square circumference.
[0184] In embodiments, a core module assembly 130 may be comprised
of stainless steel. In embodiments, a core module assembly 130 may
be comprised of a metal, plastic and/or a composite material, or a
combination thereof. In embodiments, a core module assembly 130 may
be comprised of wood, steel, aluminum or fiberglass. In
embodiments, a shading object center support assembly may be a
tubular structure, e.g., may have a circular or an oval
circumference. In embodiments, a core module assembly 130 may be a
rectangular or triangular structure with a hollow interior. In
embodiments, a hollow interior of a core module assembly 130 may
have a shelf or other structures for holding or attaching
assemblies, PCBs, and/or electrical and/or mechanical components.
In embodiments, for example components, PCBs, and/or motors may be
attached or connected to an interior wall of a shading object
center assembly.
[0185] In embodiments, a plurality of spokes/arms/blades 164 and/or
spoke/arm support assemblies 163 may be composed of materials such
as plastics, plastic composites, fabric, metals, woods, composites,
or any combination thereof. In an example embodiment,
spokes/arms/blades 164 and/or spoke/arm support assemblies 163 may
be made of a flexible material. In an alternative example
embodiment, spokes/arms/blades 164 and/or spokes/arm support
assemblies 163 may be made of a stiffer material.
[0186] FIG. 26 illustrates a removable and/or re-attachable upper
assembly of a core assembly module according to embodiments. In
embodiments, a modular umbrella system 2600 may comprise at least a
base assembly 2610, a core assembly 2640, and/or an expansion
sensor assembly module 2650. In embodiments, a core assembly module
2640 may comprise a lower assembly 2642 and/or an upper assembly
2641. In embodiments, an upper assembly 2641 may be detachable from
a lower assembly 2642 of the core assembly module 2640. In
embodiments, an upper assembly 2641 may comprise a cover 2680 and a
connection assembly 2682. In embodiments, when the lower assembly
2642 is not connected to an upper assembly 2640, a cover 2680 may
be closed and lay flat about a surface of an upper assembly 2641.
In embodiments, when a lower assembly 2642 is connected to an upper
assembly 2641, (as shown in FIG. 28), a connection assembly 2682
may be a latch, a receptacle, a snap fit housing, and hole that
receives a connector from a lower assembly housing 2642. In
embodiments, as described above with respect to FIG. 2, a lower
assembly 2642 may comprise an elevation motor, an elevation motor
shaft, a worm gear, and/or a speed reducing gear 2635. In
embodiments, a speed reducing gear 2635 may be connected with a
connector to a connection plate 2636. In embodiments, a lower core
assembly 2642 may be mechanically detachably coupled to an upper
core assembly 2640 via a connection plate 2636. In embodiments, a
connection plate 2636 may be detachably connected to an upper core
assembly 2641 via a connector that is inserted, connects to,
couples to, magnetically couples to, or is snapped into a
connection assembly 2682. In embodiments, an elevation motor may
cause rotation (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) of an
elevation motor shaft, which may be mechanically coupled to a worm
gear. In embodiments, rotation of an elevation motor shaft may
cause rotation (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) of a worm gear
and rotation of a worm gear may cause rotation of a speed reducing
gear 2635 via engagement of channels of a worm gear with teeth of a
speed reducing gear 2635. In embodiments, a sped reducing gear 2635
may be mechanically coupled to a connection plate 2636 to an upper
core assembly 2641 via a fastener or connector. In embodiments,
rotation of a speed reducing gear 2635 may cause a connection plate
2636 (and/or an upper core assembly 2641 when it is connected or
attached to a lower core assembly 2642 via a connection assembly
2682) to rotate with respect to a lower core assembly 2642 in a
clockwise or counterclockwise direction as is illustrated by
reference number 2617. In embodiments, a plug or plug assembly 2684
may be coupled, connected and/or attached to a lower core assembly
2642 and a receptacle 2685 may be coupled, connected and/or
attached to an upper core assembly 2641. In embodiments, if an
upper core assembly 2641 is detached from a lower core assembly
2642, a plug 2684 may be detached or unplugged from a receptacle
2685. In embodiments, if an upper core assembly 2641 is connected
and/or attached to a lower core assembly 2641, a plug 2684 may be
inserted or attached to a receptacle 2685.
[0187] FIG. 27 illustrates a wind turbine on a modular umbrella
shading system according to embodiments. In embodiments, a modular
umbrella shading system may have one or more wind turbine housings
2700 to generate power from wind in an environment around the
modular umbrella shading system. In embodiments, for example, a
modular umbrella shading system may have four wind turbine housings
2700 placed at a same height and approximately 90 degrees with
respect to each other on a modular umbrella core assembly module
and/or a modular umbrella expansion sensor module. In embodiments,
an approximate 90 degree placement with respect to each other
allows wind turbine housings 2700 to capture wind from almost any
direction. In embodiments, a wind turbine housing may comprise one
or more blades and/or propellers 2725. In embodiments, a wind
turbine housing 2700 may comprise a fin assembly 2710, one or
openings 2720 and/or one or more connectors and/or connection
assemblies 2705. In embodiments, a fin assembly 2710 may connect to
a body of a modular umbrella shading system via connectors and/or
connection assemblies 2705 (e.g., a snap fit connector, a magnetic
connector, a latch assembly, etc.). In embodiments, one or more
blades and/or propellers 2725 may be positioned within one or more
openings 2720 in order to capture wind moving around and/or about a
modular shading system. In embodiments, an opening 2720 may be
covered by a mesh or other loose material to protect from large
impediments but to allow blades and/or propellers 2725 to still
capture wind.
[0188] FIG. 25 illustrates a block diagram of a wind turbine system
according to embodiments. In embodiments, one or more blades and/or
propellers 2725 may be attached to a rotor 2730. In embodiments,
wind hitting one or more blades and/or propellers 2725 may turn
and/or spin the one or more blades and/or propellers 2725 which
causes a shaft 2735 in a rotor 2730 to turn or rotate. In
embodiments, one or more blades/propellers 2725 may be connected to
a single rotor 2730. In embodiments, a single blade/propeller 2725
may be connected to a single rotor 2730. In embodiments, one or
more rotors 2730 (and shafts 2735) may be connected and/or coupled
to one or more generators 2740. In embodiments, one or more rotors
2730 (and shafts 2735) may be coupled to more than one generators
2740 (e.g., three rotors may be connected and/or coupled to each
generator). In embodiments, a rotor 2730 may be connected to a
shaft 2735 which rotates or spins. In embodiments, a shaft 2735 may
be connected to a generator 2740 and a spinning of the shaft 2735
causes a generator 2740 to generate and/or create electricity or
power (e.g., current and/or voltage). In embodiments, the generator
2740 may be connected and/or coupled to a power source 2745 in a
modular umbrella system. In embodiments, power (e.g., voltage
and/or current) generated by a wind turbine 2700 may provide power
(alternatively to and/or in addition to) power supplied by solar
cells and/or arrays. In embodiments, a generator 2740 and/or a
rotor 2730 (and shaft 2735) may be housed in an interior of a
modular umbrella shading system. In embodiments, a generator 2740
and/or a rotor 2730 (and shaft 2735) may be housed within a wind
turbine assembly 2700.
[0189] FIG. 28 illustrates an intelligent umbrella shading system
for mounting on a marine vessel according to embodiments. In
embodiments, a marine vessel umbrella shading system 2800 may
comprise a marine vessel base assembly 2810, a first telescoping
module 2820, a core module assembly 2830, a second telescoping
module 2850, and/or an expansion sensor module 2860. In
embodiments, a marine vessel base assembly 2810 may comprise a
marine vessel base 2812 and a connector 2813. In embodiments, a
marine vessel base 2812 may be mounted to a surface of a marine
vessel. In embodiments, a marine vessel base 2812 may be mounted
via a connector, screws, an adhesive, nuts and bolts, or other
connectors and/or attachments. In embodiments, a marine vessel base
2812 may be connected and/or coupled to a first telescoping module
2820 via a marine vessel connector 2813. In embodiments, a marine
vessel base 2812 may be detachably connected to a first telescoping
module 2880 to allow for interchangability with different marine
vessel bases 2812.
[0190] In embodiments, a first telescoping module 2820 may have a
number of different sections 2821 2822 and/or 2823. In embodiments,
a number of different sections 2821 2822 and/or 2823 may configure
a marine vessel shading system to have a number of different
heights. In embodiments, for example, a first telescoping module
2820 may have three different sections 2821 2822 or 2823, or may
have two or more telescoping sections. In embodiments, because a
telescoping module is adjustable, a first telescoping module 2820
may have more than three potential heights available. For example,
a first section 2821 may be fully deployed or expanded, a second
section 2822 may be 40% deployed or expanded and a third section
2823 may not be deployed or expanded.
[0191] In embodiments, a first telescoping module 2820 may be
coupled, connected and/or attached to a core assembly module 2830.
In embodiments, a core assembly module 2830 may comprise an upper
core assembly 2840 and a lower core assembly 2842. In embodiments,
an upper core assembly 2840 may comprise a PAN transceiver 2897, a
WiFi transceiver 2896, a cellular transceiver 2895, one or more
rechargeable batteries 2835, motion control circuitry (or a motion
control PCB) 2834, an integrated computing device 2836, and/or an
expansion motor assembly 2833. In embodiments, a lower core
assembly 2842 may comprise one or more cameras 2837, an elevation
motor 2832, one or more wind sensors 2894, an elevation motor 2831,
a cooling system 2843, one or more charging ports 2892, a power
button 2844, one or more NFC sensors 2839, and/or one or more
proximity sensors 2838. In embodiments, operation and/or
functionality of the above-identified assemblies, sensors, motors,
and/or assemblies are described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and
2. In embodiments, a second telescoping module 2850 may connect,
attach and/or couple a core assembly module 2830 to an expansion
sensor module 2860. In embodiments, a second telescoping module
2850 may have two or more components and/or sections. For example,
in an illustrative embodiment as shown in FIG. 28, a second
telescoping module 2850 may have three telescoping sections 2851
2852 and 2853. In embodiments, because a second telescoping module
is adjustable, a second telescoping module 2850 may have more than
a fully deployed height of each of the sections available potential
heights available. For example, a first section 2851 may be fully
deployed or expanded, a second section 2852 may be 60% deployed or
expanded and a third section 2823 may be 10% deployed or
expanded.
[0192] In embodiments, an expansion sensor module 2860 may comprise
one or more spoke support assemblies 2863, one or more lighting
assemblies 2866, one or more speakers 2867, a spoke connection
housings 2862, a sensor housing 2868, one or more solar panels
and/or fabrics 2865, and/or one or more detachable spokes 2864. In
embodiments, operation and/or functionality of the above-identified
assemblies, sensors, motors, and/or assemblies are described above
with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0193] FIG. 28B illustrates a cooling/heating assembly for a
shading system according to embodiments. In embodiments, a cooling
assembly may comprise a detachable cooler unit 2872 and/or
connectors or attachment assembly 2873. In embodiments, a
detachable cooler unit 2872 may be coupled, attached and/or
connected to a base assembly module 110 and/or a core assembly
module 130 utilizing an attachment assembly 2873. In embodiments, a
cooler assembly may be replaced by a heating assembly which may be
designed in a similar fashion.
[0194] FIG. 28C illustrates a block diagram of sensors in a marine
vessel and marine vessel shading systems according to embodiments.
In embodiments, a marine vessel 2801 (e.g., a yacht, a boat, a
cruiser, a speedboat, watercraft, or other water vessel) may have
one or more compasses 2880, one or more GPS receivers 2881, one or
more barometers 2882, and/or one or more environmental sensors
2885. In embodiments, the one or more environmental sensors 2885
may comprise one or more air quality sensors, one or more UV
radiation sensors, one or more digital barometer sensors, one or
more temperature sensors, one or more humidity sensors, and/or one
or more wind speed sensors. In embodiments, these sensors on the
marine vessel 2801 may be utilized alternatively to, or in addition
to sensors on marine vessel shading system 2800 (e.g., in a sensor
module on a marine vessel shading system). Advantages of having
alternative sensors and/or additional sensors on a marine vessel
2801 in that marine vessel sensors may be designed to operate in
harsher environments that are experienced by marine vessels (e.g.,
weather on a body of water, salt water or other corrosive
materials, more direct sunlight (including light directed from the
body of water), higher wind conditions due to movement of a marine
vessel, etc.). In addition, due to a larger footprint of a marine
vessel, marine vessel sensors 2880 2881 2882 2885 may be able to
provide information not only at a location of an umbrella shading
system but also at different areas of a marine vessel 2801. For
example, one or more proximity sensors and/or motion detectors 2886
may be placed at different entrance points of a marine vessels
(docks, ladders, decks) to monitor movement all around a marine
vessel. For example, in embodiments, one or more cameras 2887 may
be placed at different areas and/or different heights in order to
capture images at a number of different points around a marine
vessel. In embodiments, one or more speedometers and/or speed
sensors 2888 may be located on a marine vessel 2801. and may
communicate measurements to a marine vessel shading system 2800
[0195] In embodiments, a sensor housing 2868 in a marine vessel
shading system 2800 may comprise sensor communication circuitry
2890. In embodiments, sensor communication circuitry 2890 may
communicate with sensors (telemetry and/or environmental sensors)
internal to a marine vessel shading system 2800 and/or may
communicate with sensors located elsewhere on a marine vessel
(e.g., environmental sensors 2885). In embodiments, sensor
communication circuitry 2890 may communicate with one or more
telemetry sensors internal to a marine vessel shading system 2800
and/or one or more GPS receivers 2881, digital compasses 2880
and/or barometers 2882 and/or located elsewhere on a marine vessel.
In embodiments, environmental sensors 2885 and telemetry sensors
2880 2881 or 2882 located external to a marine vessel shading
system may further comprise wireless transceivers 2887 to
communicate measurements to wireless transceivers 2888 that are
internal to a marine vessel shading system 2800 and further to
sensor communication circuitry 2890, an integrated computing device
2836, and/or motion control circuitry 2891. In embodiments, sensor
communication circuitry 2890 may receive these readings from
sensors (e.g., receive measurements and/or raw data), process the
measurements and/or raw data and communicate sensor measurements
and/or data to motion control circuitry (e.g., a motion control
printed circuit board) 2891 (e.g., including controller) and/or a
computing device 2836 (e.g., including a controller and/or
processor). In embodiments, a marine vessel shading system 2800
and/or an integrated computing device 2836 may comprise additional
memory due to a larger number of sensors (due to more sensors
and/or additional sensors being positioned on a marine vessel 2801
that are reporting data in addition to sensors located internal to
a marine vessel shading system 2800). External sensor measurements
may be utilized in a similar manner as the sensor measurements from
internal sensors as is described above with respect to FIGS. 1-4,
16, 18, 19A, 19B, 22-24. In embodiments, for example, external
sensors 2880 2881 2882 2885 may provide sensor measurements for loT
systems as described in FIGS. 22-24. In addition, external
telemetry sensors (e.g., GPS sensors 2881 and/or digital compasses
2880) on a marine vessels may provide measurements (e.g., location
and/or orientation measurements) to a marine vessel shading system
2800 and specifically to motion control circuitry 2891. In
embodiments, motion control circuitry 2891 (e.g., a processor
and/or controller) may communicate with a motor assembly in a
shading system 2800 to cause movement of the shading system based
on received and/or captured sensor measurements. For example, a
received GPS measurement from external GPS receiver 2881 may be
communicated to a marine vessel shading system 2800 and motion
control circuitry 2891 may communicate commands, messages or
instructions to cause an elevation motor 2832 to orient and move an
upper core assembly 2842 based at least in part on the received GPS
measurement. Wireless transceivers 2887 and/or 2888 may be personal
area network (PAN) transceivers (Zigbee, BlueTooth), LAN
transceivers (IEEE 802.11), and/or cellular transceivers.
[0196] In embodiments, as discussed above, proximity sensors 2886
may be positioned and/or installed on various locations of a marine
vessel 2801 (e.g., ladders, back of a boat, bridge, cabins, etc.)
to detect movement and/or presence of individuals and/or objects.
In embodiments, one or more proximity sensors 2886 may communicate
a command, signal, message and/or instruction directly with a
marine vessel shading system 2800 and may utilize a wireless
transceiver 2887 to communicate a marine vessel shading system. In
embodiments, a proximity sensor signal, command and/or message may
be received by motion control circuitry (e.g., a motion control
module or PCB) 2891 and/or an integrated computing device 2836. In
embodiments, motion control circuitry 2891 may communicate with one
or more motor assemblies 2831 2832 2833 (see FIG. 28) to cause
movement of different assemblies in a marine vessel shading system
based at least in part on the received proximity sensor signal
and/or command. In embodiments, an integrated computing device 2836
may communicate with one or more shading system components or
assemblies to initiate and/or deactivate these components or
assemblies. In embodiments, for example, an integrated computing
device 2836 (e.g., a processor or controller in an integrated
computing device) may initiate operation of a shading system camera
2837 and/or audio/video receiver and/or speakers 2867 based at
least in part on a received proximity sensor signal, command and/or
message.
[0197] In embodiments, a marine vessel 2801 may have one or more
cameras 2889 positioned at different locations and/or orientations
on a marine vessel 2801. In embodiments, these cameras 2889 may be
external cameras (e.g., external to a marine vessel shading system)
and located on surfaces or other areas of a marine vessel 2801. In
embodiments, images, sounds and/or video captured by one or more
external cameras 2889 may be communicated to a marine vessel
shading system 2801. In embodiments, one or more external cameras
2889 may utilize a wireless transceiver 2887 to communicate
captured images, videos and/or sounds to a wireless transceiver
2888 in a shading system (e.g., a WiFi and/or cellular transceiver)
and further to an integrated computing device 2836 in a shading
system. In embodiments, received images, video and/or sounds from
one or more external cameras may be utilized by an integrated
computing device 2836 and/or a shading system as discussed
above.
[0198] In embodiments, a marine vessel 2801 comprises a speed
sensor and/or a speed odometer to measure acceleration and/or
deceleration of a marine vessel 2801. In embodiments, a speed
sensor may communicate a speed measurement and/or a directional
measurement to a marine vessel shading system 2800 and further to
motion control circuitry (e.g., a motion control PCB) 2891. In
response to a received speed sensor measurement and/or directional
heading, motion control circuitry (e.g., a processor or controller)
may communicate one or more signals, commands, instructions or
messages to one or more motor assemblies to cause a shading system
2800 to move. For example, in embodiments, motion control circuitry
2891 may communicate commands, instructions and/or messages to
deploy a shading system 2800 in response to speed sensor
measurements that a marine vessel 2801 has deaccelerated and/or
stopped. For example, in embodiments, motion control circuitry 2891
may communicate commands, instructions and/or messages to cause a
shading system 2800 to fold to a position with a better wind
resistance profile in response to a speed sensor reading that a
marine vessel is accelerating.
[0199] FIG. 29 illustrates a marine vessel intelligent umbrella
shading system comprising an additional hinging assembly according
to embodiments. In embodiments, a marine vessel umbrella shading
system 2900 may comprise a marine vessel base assembly 2910, a
first tilting assembly or module 2920, a core module assembly 2930,
a second tilting assembly or module 2950, and/or an expansion
sensor module 2960. In embodiments, a marine vessel base assembly
2910 may comprise a marine vessel base 2912 and a connector 2913.
In embodiments, a marine vessel base 2912 may be mounted to a
surface of a marine vessel. In embodiments, a marine vessel base
2912 may be mounted via a connector, screws, an adhesive, nuts and
bolts, or other connectors and/or attachments. In embodiments, a
marine vessel base 2912 may be connected and/or coupled to a first
tilting assembly or module 2920 via a marine vessel connector 2913.
In embodiments, a marine vessel base 2912 may be detachably
connected to a first tilting assembly or module 2980 to allow for
interchangability with different marine vessel bases 2912 that may
be suited for different marine vessels or deck surfaces.
[0200] In embodiments, a first tilting assembly or module 2920 may
have a plurality of sections and a tilting and/or hinging assembly.
In embodiments, a first titling assembly or module 2920 may
comprise a tilting or hinging assembly 2924, a lower section 2921,
and an upper section 2922. In embodiments, a tilting or hinging
assembly 2924 may cause a lower section 2921 to rotate with respect
to an upper section 2922. In embodiments, for example, an upper
section 2922 may rotate in a counterclockwise direction, as is
illustrated by an arrow having reference number 2923 (or
alternatively a clockwise direction) about a lower section 2921 via
the tilting or hinging assembly 2924. In embodiments, a tilting or
hinging assembly 2924 may be a simple hinge connected to an upper
section 2922 and a lower section 2921 that allows an upper section
2922 to rotate between 0 to 180 degrees with respect to a lower
section 2921. In embodiments, a tiling or hinging assembly 2924 may
comprise a motor assembly, a shaft, a first gear, a second gear
and/or a connection plate which is attached to an upper section
2922. In embodiments, a lower section 2921 may be mechanically
coupled to an upper section 2922 via a connection plate. In
embodiments, a motor assembly may rotate a shaft, which in turn
rotates a connected first gear. In embodiments, a first gear
rotates a second gear (to which it may be coupled), which causes
rotation of a connection plate, which in turn rotates an upper
section 2923. In embodiments, a tilting or hinging assembly 2924
may comprise a motor assembly, a motor shaft (with which the motor
assembly is coupled or connected), one or more gears (connected or
coupled to a shaft), a threated rod assembly (which may be
connected to and/or coupled to one or more gears), and/or a travel
nut (which is connected, attached or coupled to threaded rod
assembly at one end) and a second section 2922 at another end. In
embodiments, a motor may be activated, energized or initiated, and
a shaft. In embodiments, a shaft cause a threaded rod to rotate
(either via gears or no gears), which in turn causes a travel nut
to move, which causes a second section 2922 of a tilting module
2920 to rotate and move in a vertical upwards direction with
respect to a lower section. In embodiments, although a motor is
discussed, the operation of a tiling module 2920 and rotation of
tilting and/or hinging assembly 2924 may occur or be initiated
manually. In embodiments, a first tilting module 2920 allows a
marine vessel shading system to be rotated that a core assembly
module 2930 and/or an expansion sensor module 2960 is not exposed
to elements and not in an upright position. In embodiments, a core
assembly module 2930 and/or expansion sensor module 2960 may be
latched, attached or connected to mounting elements on a deck or
surface of a marine vessel. This is an improvement in that a core
assembly module 2930 and/or expansion sensor module 2960 may be
protected, for example, when a boat is moving. In embodiments,
these assemblies may not cause drag and resistance to a marine
vessel moving. In embodiments, utilizing a first titling module
2920 does not require that a marine vessel shading system has to be
completely disassembled or removed, and instead may only need to be
rotated to protect it from wind and spray that is caused my
movement of a marine vessel.
[0201] In embodiments, a first tilting module 2920 may be coupled,
connected and/or attached to a core assembly module 2930. In
embodiments, a core assembly module 2930 may comprise an upper core
assembly 2940 and a lower core assembly 2942. In embodiments, an
upper core assembly 2940 may comprise a PAN transceiver 2997, a
WiFi transceiver 2996, a cellular transceiver 2995, one or more
rechargeable batteries 2935, motion control circuitry 2934, an
integrated computing device 2936, and/or an expansion motor
assembly 2933. In embodiments, a lower core assembly 2942 may
comprise one or more cameras 2937, an elevation motor 2932, one or
more wind sensors 2994, an elevation motor 2931, a cooling system
2943, one or more charging ports 2992, a power button 2944, one or
more NFC sensors 2939, and/or one or more proximity sensors 2938.
In embodiments, operation and/or functionality of the
above-identified assemblies, sensors, motors, and/or assemblies are
described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0202] In embodiments, a second tilting module 2950 may connect,
attach and/or couple a core assembly module 2930 to an expansion
sensor module 2960. In embodiments, a first tilting assembly or
module 2920 may have a plurality of sections and a tilting and/or
hinging assembly. In embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 29, a
second titling assembly or module 2950 may comprise a tilting or
hinging assembly 2953, a lower section 2951, and an upper section
2952. In embodiments, a tilting or hinging assembly 2953 may cause
a lower section 2951 to rotate with respect to an upper section
2952. In embodiments, for example, an upper section 2952 may rotate
in a counterclockwise direction, as is illustrated by an arrow
having reference number 2954 (or alternatively a clockwise
direction) about a lower section 2951 via the tilting or hinging
assembly 2953. In embodiments, a tilting or hinging assembly 2953
may be a simple hinge connected to an upper section 2952 and a
lower section 2951 that allows an upper section 2952 to rotate
between 0 to 180 degrees with respect to a lower section 2951. In
embodiments, a tiling or hinging assembly 2953 may comprise a motor
assembly, a shaft, a first gear, a second gear and/or a connection
plate which is attached to an upper section 2952. In embodiments, a
lower section 2951 may be mechanically coupled to an upper section
2952 via a connection plate. In embodiments, a motor assembly may
rotate a shaft, which in turn rotates a connected first gear, which
rotates a second gear, which causes rotation of a connection plate,
which in turn rotates an upper section 2952. In embodiments, a
tilting or hinging assembly 2953 may comprise a motor assembly, a
motor shaft (to which the motor assembly is coupled or connected),
one or more gears (connected or coupled to a shaft), a threated rod
assembly (which may be connected to and/or coupled to one or more
gears), and/or a travel nut (which is connected, attached or
coupled to threaded rod assembly at one end) and a second section
2952 at another end. In embodiments, a motor may activate or
energize a shaft. In embodiments, a shaft cause a threaded rod to
rotate (either via gears or no gears), which in turn causes a
travel nut to move, which causes a second section 2952 of a tilting
module 2950 to rotate and move in a vertical upwards direction with
respect to a lower section. In embodiments, although a motor is
discussed, the operation of a tiling module 2950 and rotation of
tilting and/or hinging assembly 2953 may occur or be initiated
manually. In embodiments, a second tilting module 2950 allows a
marine vessel shading system to be rotated that an expansion sensor
module 2960 is not exposed to elements and not in an upright
position. This is an improvement in that an expansion sensor module
may be protected, for example, when a boat is moving. Utilizing a
second titling module 2950 does not require that a marine vessel
shading system has to be completely disassembled and instead may
only need to be rotated to protect it from wind and spray that is
caused my movement of a marine vessel.
[0203] In embodiments, an expansion sensor module 2960 may comprise
one or more spoke support assemblies 2963, one or more lighting
assemblies 2966, one or more speakers 2967, a spoke connection
housings 2962, a sensor housing 2968, one or more solar panels
and/or fabrics 2965, and/or one or more detachable spokes 2964. In
embodiments, operation and/or functionality of the above-identified
assemblies, sensors, motors, and/or assemblies are described above
with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0204] FIG. 31 illustrates a marine vessel shading system mounted
on a vessel according to embodiments. FIG. 32 illustrates a
mounting assembly In embodiments, a base module assembly 3110
comprises a base 3112 mounted to a vessel body or surface 3114, and
a connector 3113 to connect to a tilting module 3120 and/or a core
assembly module 3130. In embodiments, a tilting module 3120 may
comprise a first connector or housing 3121, a first tilting hinging
assembly 3126, a tilting shaft or housing 3124, a second tilting
hinging assembly 3125, and a second connector or housing 3122. In
embodiments, a first tilting hinging assembly 3126 may be manually
moved and/or automatically activated (via a motor) and cause a
first tilting shaft or housing 3126 to rotate with respect to a
base module 3110. In embodiments, a tilting shaft or housing 3124
may rotate clockwise with respect to a base module assembly 3110.
In embodiments, a second tilting hinging assembly 3125 may be
manually moved and/or automatically activated (via a motor) and
cause a second tilting hinging assembly 3125 to rotate with respect
to a core module assembly 3130 and/or expansion sensor module
assembly 3160 (in addition to rotating with respect a tilting shaft
or housing 3124). In embodiment, a second tilting hinging assembly
3125 may cause a core module assembly 3130 to rotate in a
counterclockwise direction with respect to a tilting shaft or
housing 3124 (which may be opposite to a rotation direction cause
by a first tilting hinging assembly 3126). In embodiments,
utilization of two hinging assemblies (or tilting hinging
assemblies) 3125 3126 allows for a marine vessel shading system to
be collapsed to a lower height profile than other single hinging
assembly shading systems which reduces drag and/or resistance
during movement of a marine vessel. In addition, a marine vessel
shading system with two hinging assemblies between a base assembly
3110 and a core assembly 3130 reduces an amount of space required
to store and/or collapse a marine vessel shading system (and
specifically reduces a height of a stored and/or collapsed marine
vessel shading system). In embodiments, a marine vessel shading
system with two hinging assemblies allow a shading system to remain
connected to a marine vessel and not to require disassembly. In
embodiments, a core assembly module 2130 or 3130 and sensor
expansion module 2160 or 3160 may operate and be structured as is
discussed in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0205] FIG. 30A illustrates a marine vessel moving in a forward
direction with a marine vessel shading object in a retracted,
storage and/or movement position according to embodiments. In
embodiments, a marine vessel 3000 is moving in a first direction
(e.g., a forward direction) as is illustrated by reference number
3002. In embodiments, a marine vessel 3000 may comprise a marine
vessel shading system 3003 installed and/or mounted on a surface
and/or deck of a marine vessel 3000. In embodiments, a marine
vessel shading system 3003 may comprise a base assembly 3112, a
first hinging or tilting assembly 3126, a first tilting module
housing 3124, a second hinging or tilting assembly 3125, a core
assembly 3140 and/or an expansion sensor module assembly 3160. In
embodiments, when a marine vessel is moving in direction 3002, it
may be preferable for a marine vessel shading system 3003 to be
placed (automatically and/or manually) in a storage, movement
and/or retracted position as illustrated in FIG. 30A. In
embodiments, a first tilting or hinging assembly 3126 may be
rotated and cause a first tilting module tube/housing 3124 to
rotate clockwise so that a first tilting housing 3124 may move in
an opposite direction to direction 3002 (e.g., and/or in a
clockwise direction) which causes a first tilting housing 3124 to
rotate and lay back in a position moving towards a back of a marine
vessel 3000. In embodiments, a second tilting or hinging assembly
3125 may rotate in a similar or same direction to direction 3002.
In embodiments, a second tilting or hinging assembly 3125 may
rotate in an opposite direction as compared to a first tilting or
hinging assembly 3126. In embodiments, a second tilting or hinging
assembly 3125 may rotate a core assembly module 3140 and/or an
expansion sensor assembly module 3160 in a counterclockwise
direction and/or towards a front portion of a marine vessel 3000.
In embodiments, this may be referred to as double-jointed hinging.
In embodiments, having a first tilting or hinging assembly 3126
and/or second tilting or hinging assembly 3125 may allow a marine
vessel shading system to be placed in a position that reduces drag,
resistance or interference with a marine vessel's movement. In
embodiments, a marine vessel shading system 3003 is placed in a
position that is below a profile of an operation portion of a
marine vessel 3000 (e.g., steering wheel, captain's chair, bridge),
as illustrated in FIG. 30A, which further reduces drag and/or
resistance. In addition, because a marine vessel shading system
3003 does not have to be dissembled in order to minimize drag, a
marine vessel shading system 3003 does not have to be reassembled
to be deployed which is an improvement over prior shading systems.
In embodiments, a core module assembly 3140 or an expansion sensor
module assembly 3160 may operate in manners described in FIGS. 1
and 2.
[0206] FIG. 30B illustrates a marine vessel in a resting position
with a shading system deployed according to embodiments. In
embodiments, a marine vessel 3000 has a shading system 3003. In
embodiments, a shading system 3003 comprises a base assembly 3112,
a first hinging assembly 3126, a tilting module shaft 3124, a
second hinging assembly 3125, a lower core assembly 3142, an upper
core assembly 3142, an elevation motor assembly, a sensor expansion
module 3160 and/or a shading fabric 3165. In embodiments, as
discussed previously with respect to FIGS. 1 and/or 2, an upper
core assembly 3142 may rotate about a lower core assembly 3140
utilizing a hinge, a hinging assembly, (a motor, a shaft, one or
more gears and/or a connection plate as is described above in FIG.
2). In embodiments, a sensor expansion module 3160 may deploy a
shading fabric 3165 as is described in FIG. 2. In embodiments, a
tilting module 3120, a core module assembly 3130 and/or an
expansion sensor module 3160 may rotate about a base assembly
module assembly 3110 utilizing an azimuth motor assembly as is
described in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 32 illustrates a base assembly
module 3110 according to embodiments. In embodiments, a base module
assembly 3110 is mounted (e.g., may be detachably mounted) to a
surface and/or a deck of a marine vessel 3000. In embodiments, a
base 3112 is mounted to a vessel body. In embodiments, a base 3112
may be mounted via an adhesive or connector to a vessel body 3114
(e.g., deck or surface). In embodiments, a connector 3113 connects
and/or couples to a tilting module 3120 and/or a core module
assembly 3130. In embodiments, a tilting module 3120 and/or a core
module assembly 3130 may be removable from a connector of a base
module assembly 3110.
[0207] Some discussions may be focused on single shading objects,
intelligent umbrellas, and/or intelligent shading charging systems.
However, descriptions included herein may be applicable to multiple
shading objects, intelligent umbrellas and/or intelligent shading
charging systems. In addition, while discussions may be directed to
a software application or process executing on a computing device
of a shading object, intelligent umbrella and/or intelligent
shading charging system and controlling one shading object,
intelligent umbrella and/or intelligent shading charging system,
the descriptions also apply to controlling and/or communicating
with multiple shading objects, intelligent umbrellas and/or
intelligent charging systems.
[0208] A computing device may be a server, a computer, a laptop
computer, a mobile computing device, a mobile communications
device, and/or a tablet. A computing device may, for example,
include a desktop computer or a portable device, such as a cellular
telephone, a smart phone, a display pager, a radio frequency (RF)
device, an infrared (IR) device, a Personal Digital Assistant
(PDA), a handheld computer, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a
set top box, a wearable computer, an integrated device combining
various features, such as features of the forgoing devices, or the
like.
[0209] Internal architecture of a computing device includes one or
more processors (also referred to herein as CPUs), which interface
with at least one computer bus. Also interfacing with computer bus
are persistent storage medium/media, network interface, memory,
e.g., random access memory (RAM), run-time transient memory, read
only memory (ROM), etc., media disk drive interface, an interface
for a drive that can read and/or write to media including removable
media such as floppy, CD-ROM, DVD, etc., media, display interface
as interface for a monitor or other display device, keyboard
interface as interface for a keyboard, mouse, trackball and/or
pointing device, and other interfaces not shown individually, such
as parallel and serial port interfaces, a universal serial bus
(USB) interface, and the like.
[0210] Memory, in a computing device and/or a modular umbrella
shading system, interfaces with computer bus so as to provide
information stored in memory to processor during execution of
software programs such as an operating system, application
programs, device drivers, and software modules that comprise
program code or logic, and/or computer-executable process steps,
incorporating functionality described herein, e.g., one or more of
process flows described herein. CPU first loads computer-executable
process steps or logic from storage, storage medium/media,
removable media drive, and/or other storage device. CPU can then
execute the stored process steps in order to execute the loaded
computer-executable process steps. Stored data, e.g., data stored
by a storage device, can be accessed by CPU during the execution of
computer-executable process steps.
[0211] Non-volatile storage medium/media is a computer readable
storage medium(s) that can be used to store software and data,
e.g., an operating system and one or more application programs, in
a computing device or storage subsystem of an intelligent shading
object. Persistent storage medium/media also be used to store
device drivers, such as one or more of a digital camera driver,
monitor driver, printer driver, scanner driver, or other device
drivers, web pages, content files, metadata, playlists and other
files. Non-volatile storage medium/media can further include
program modules/program logic in accordance with embodiments
described herein and data files used to implement one or more
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0212] A computing device or a processor or controller may include
or may execute a variety of operating systems, including a personal
computer operating system, such as a Windows, iOS or Linux, or a
mobile operating system, such as iOS, Android, or Windows Mobile,
Windows Phone, Google Phone, Amazon Phone, or the like. A computing
device, or a processor or controller in an intelligent shading
controller may include or may execute a variety of possible
applications, such as a software applications enabling
communication with other devices, such as communicating one or more
messages such as via email, short message service (SMS), or
multimedia message service (MMS), including via a network, such as
a social network, including, for example, Facebook, Linkedln,
Twitter, Flickr, or Google+, to provide only a few possible
examples. A computing device or a processor or controller in an
intelligent shading object may also include or execute an
application to communicate content, such as, for example, textual
content, multimedia content, or the like. A computing device or a
processor or controller in an intelligent shading object may also
include or execute an application to perform a variety of possible
tasks, such as browsing, searching, playing various forms of
content, including locally stored or streamed content. The
foregoing is provided to illustrate that claimed subject matter is
intended to include a wide range of possible features or
capabilities. A computing device or a processor or controller in an
intelligent shading object may also include imaging software
applications for capturing, processing, modifying and transmitting
image files utilizing the optical device (e.g., camera, scanner,
optical reader) within a mobile computing device.
[0213] Network link typically provides information communication
using transmission media through one or more networks to other
devices that use or process the information. For example, network
link may provide a connection through a network (LAN, WAN,
Internet, packet-based or circuit-switched network) to a server,
which may be operated by a third party housing and/or hosting
service. For example, the server may be the server described in
detail above. The server hosts a process that provides services in
response to information received over the network, for example,
like application, database or storage services. It is contemplated
that the components of system can be deployed in various
configurations within other computer systems, e.g., host and
server.
[0214] For the purposes of this disclosure a computer readable
medium stores computer data, which data can include computer
program code that is executable by a computer, in machine-readable
form. By way of example, and not limitation, a computer-readable
medium may comprise computer readable storage media, for tangible
or fixed storage of data, or communication media for transient
interpretation of code-containing signals. Computer readable
storage media, as used herein, refers to physical or tangible
storage (as opposed to signals) and includes without limitation
volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media
implemented in any method or technology for the tangible storage of
information such as computer-readable instructions, data
structures, program modules or other data. Computer readable
storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM,
EEPROM, flash memory or other solid state memory technology,
CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic
tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or
any other physical or material medium which can be used to tangibly
store the desired information or data or instructions and which can
be accessed by a computer or processor.
[0215] For the purposes of this disclosure a system or module is a
software, hardware, or firmware (or combinations thereof), process
or functionality, or component thereof, that performs or
facilitates the processes, features, and/or functions described
herein (with or without human interaction or augmentation). A
module can include sub-modules. Software components of a module may
be stored on a computer readable medium. Modules may be integral to
one or more servers, or be loaded and executed by one or more
servers. One or more modules may be grouped into an engine or an
application.
[0216] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods and
systems of the present disclosure may be implemented in many
manners and as such are not to be limited by the foregoing
exemplary embodiments and examples. In other words, functional
elements being performed by single or multiple components, in
various combinations of hardware and software or firmware, and
individual functions, may be distributed among software
applications at either the client or server or both. In this
regard, any number of the features of the different embodiments
described herein may be combined into single or multiple
embodiments, and alternate embodiments having fewer than, or more
than, all of the features described herein are possible.
Functionality may also be, in whole or in part, distributed among
multiple components, in manners now known or to become known. Thus,
myriad software/hardware/firmware combinations are possible in
achieving the functions, features, interfaces and preferences
described herein. Moreover, the scope of the present disclosure
covers conventionally known manners for carrying out the described
features and functions and interfaces, as well as those variations
and modifications that may be made to the hardware or software or
firmware components described herein as would be understood by
those skilled in the art now and hereafter.
[0217] While certain exemplary techniques have been described and
shown herein using various methods and systems, it should be
understood by those skilled in the art that various other
modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted,
without departing from claimed subject matter. Additionally, many
modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation to the
teachings of claimed subject matter without departing from the
central concept described herein. Therefore, it is intended that
claimed subject matter not be limited to the particular examples
disclosed, but that such claimed subject matter may also include
all implementations falling within the scope of the appended
claims, and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *