CN113677867A

CN113677867A - External motor drive system for window covering system with continuous cord loop

Info

Publication number: CN113677867A
Application number: CN201980092944.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 成·多克·范; 艾伦·成; 马克·拉沙德·比沙拉; 克利夫顿·佩雷拉
Original assignee: Reese Co
Current assignee: Reese Co
Priority date: 2019-01-23
Filing date: 2019-05-24
Publication date: 2021-11-19
Also published as: EP3914801A1; WO2020150805A1; AU2019424849A1; EP3914801A4; CA3126950A1

Abstract

A motor drive system for raising and lowering a window covering performs ramp trajectory speed control of a motor. The motor's ramped trajectory limits acceleration of the external motor from an idle (stationary) state to full speed operation and limits deceleration of the motor from full speed operation back to the idle state. This function reduces the stress on the continuous cord loop drive mechanism. A control system for managing the effects of solar heating is responsive to sunlight entering conditions such as the output of system sensors, external weather forecasts and other data sources. Under appropriate conditions, the system will automatically open or close the window covering to increase or decrease the incoming sunlight. The input interface of the control system includes a visual display and an input axis, the visual display and the input axis being vertically aligned if the window covering mechanism raises and lowers the window covering, and horizontally aligned if the window covering mechanism opens and closes the window covering laterally.

Description

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

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a system for deploying and retracting a window covering using a continuous cord loop, and more particularly, to an external motor driving apparatus of a system for deploying and retracting a window covering.

Background

Window covering systems for deploying and retracting coverings for architectural openings such as windows, archways, and the like are common. The system for deploying and retracting the window covering may operate, for example, by raising and lowering the covering, or by opening and closing the covering laterally. (depending on the context, the terms expanding and retracting, opening and closing, raising and lowering the window covering are used herein). The window covering system typically includes a head rail or box in which the working components for the covering are primarily confined. In some variations, the window covering system includes a bottom rail that extends parallel to the head rail, and some form of shade material, which may be a fabric or shade or louvre material, that interconnects the head rail and the bottom rail. Shade or blind material moves with the bottom rail between a deployed position and a retracted position relative to the head rail. For example, as the bottom rail is lowered or raised relative to the head rail, the fabric or other material is deployed from or retracted toward the head rail so that the fabric or other material may collect near or within the head rail. The mechanism may comprise different control devices, such as a pull cord suspended from one or both ends of the head rail. The drawstring may be suspended linearly or, in the type of window covering system to which the invention relates, may take the form of a closed loop of flexible material (e.g. a cord, rope or beaded chain), referred to herein as a continuous string loop, or alternatively as a chain/rope.

In some cases, the window covering system includes a motor that actuates a mechanism for deploying and retracting the blind or shade material and control electronics. Most commonly, the motor and control electronics are mounted within the head rail of the window covering, or within a tube (sometimes referred to as a tubular motor), thereby avoiding the need for a pull cord (e.g., a continuous cord loop). With this motor operated system or device, shade or blind material can be deployed or retracted by user actuation or by automatic operation (e.g., triggered by a switch or photocell). In this window covering system, the motor and control electronics have been mounted within the head rail, sometimes referred to herein as an "internal motor," internal motor apparatus, "or" internal motor system.

The drive system of the present invention includes a motor and control electronics mounted externally to the mechanism for deploying and retracting the shade or blind material. Herein, the drive system is referred to as an "external motor", "external motor device" or "external motor system", or alternatively, sometimes as an "external actuator". An external motor system is typically mounted on the exterior of the window frame or wall and engages a cord or chain (continuous cord loop) of the window covering to automatically open and close the blind.

In both internal and external motor systems (sometimes referred to herein collectively as motorized systems), the automatic drive system includes control electronics to control operation. Typically, the motorized system is controlled by a user control mechanism that includes an RF (radio frequency) controller or other remote control for wirelessly communicating with a drive system associated with the electric machine. The remote user control system takes different forms, such as a handheld remote control device, a wall-mounted controller/switch, a smart home hub, a building automation system, a smart phone, and the like. In particular, the use of such remote control devices is closely related to internal motor systems, wherein it is difficult or impossible to integrate the user control device within an internally mounted drive system.

In the external motor drive system of the present disclosure, since the external actuator is separate from the head rail or other window covering mechanism, this opens up new possibilities for integrating user controls into the external actuator itself. These integrated control features are sometimes referred to herein as "on-device controls". The on-device controls of the external motor system provide different advantages, such as simplicity of operation, and ease of access to the control devices and execution of control functions. The on-device controls of the external motor system may be integrated with the automatic control system through appropriate sensors, distributed intelligence, and network communications.

An automatically controlled window covering system may provide different useful control functions. Examples of such automatic window control functions include calibrating the opening and closing of blinds to meet user preferences, and controlling multiple blinds in a coordinated or centralized manner. In on-device controls for external actuators, there is a need to efficiently integrate different automatic window control functions.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments described herein include a motor drive system for operating a mechanism for deploying and retracting a window covering. The motor drive system includes a motor operating under electrical power and a drive assembly. The motor drive system advances the continuous cord loop in response to a position command from the controller. An input-output device for a controller, the input-output device comprising an input interface that receives user input along an input axis and a visual display aligned with the input axis of the input interface. In an embodiment, an input-output device includes a capacitive touch bar that receives user input along an input axis and an LED bar aligned with the input axis.

In an embodiment, the input-output device extends vertically outside of a housing for the motor drive system, and the housing supports the input buttons. In an embodiment, the buttons on the housing include a group mode module and a settings control module. In another embodiment, the housing supports an RF communication button.

In an embodiment, the group mode module communicates the position command to other motor drive systems within the identified group to operate respective other mechanisms of the other motor drive systems. In an embodiment, the group mode module causes the RF communication module to communicate the position command to the other motor drive system. In an embodiment, the other motor drive systems within the identified group operate the respective other mechanisms according to a calibration of the respective top position and the respective bottom position of each of the other motor drive systems.

In an embodiment, the control module is arranged to enable a user to calibrate the top and bottom positions of travel of the window covering. In an embodiment, during calibration, the user moves the window covering to the top and bottom positions, respectively, using the input interface and presses the set button to set these positions.

In an embodiment, the drive assembly includes a driven wheel configured for engaging and advancing a continuous cord loop coupled to a mechanism for raising and lowering the window covering, and a power coupling mechanism coupling the driven wheel to an output shaft of the motor and configured for rotating the driven wheel in a first orientation (sense) and a second orientation. Rotation of the driven wheel in a first sense causes the continuous cord loop to advance in a first direction, and rotation of the driven wheel in a second sense causes the continuous cord loop to advance in a second direction. The controller provides position commands to the motor and the electric coupling mechanism to control rotation of the driven wheel in the first and second orientations.

In embodiments, in addition to providing position instructions and other control instructions to the motor and drive assembly via on-device controls of the external electromechanical device, these instructions may also be provided by an input-output (I/O) device separate from the on-device controls of the external electromechanical device, such as by a mobile user device. In an embodiment, the control system includes a web application that can simulate various single axis input features and single axis display features of on-device controls of the external motor.

In embodiments, the external motor device is configured to raise or lower the window covering via vertical position control, for example in roll shades and roman shades. In an embodiment, the external electromechanical device is configured to open or close the window covering (e.g., across the window frame) laterally, for example in a vertical blind or curtain, via horizontal position control. In an embodiment, the control system includes a graphical user interface configured to display input controls that extend vertically or horizontally depending on the type of window covering system driven by the external motor.

In an embodiment, a motor drive system includes a motor configured to operate under power to rotate an output shaft of the motor and a drive assembly, wherein the motor is external to a mechanism for raising and lowering a window covering; the drive assembly is configured to engage and advance a continuous cord loop coupled to a mechanism for raising and lowering a window covering. Advancing the continuous cord loop in a first direction raises the window covering and advancing the continuous cord loop in a second direction lowers the window covering. The motor drive system includes a controller for providing position instructions to the motor and drive assembly to control advancement of the continuous cord loop in the first direction and advancement of the continuous cord loop in the second direction. An input-output device for a controller includes an input interface that receives user input along an input axis such that the controller provides position instructions to a motor and drive assembly, and a visual display aligned with the input axis of the input interface.

In various embodiments, the external motor drive executes the speed control routine during a transition of the motor from an idle state to full speed operation and during a transition of the motor from full speed operation back to an idle state. The motor drive system includes a controller that provides a position signal and a motor controller for powering the motor. The controller and the motor controller are configured to perform ramp-trajectory speed control of the motor that limits acceleration of the motor from an idle state to full-speed operation and limits deceleration of the motor from full-speed operation back to the idle state. The ramped trajectory control of motor speed is observed to reduce or avoid stress on the continuous cord loop drive system that may stretch, weaken, or otherwise damage the continuous cord loop (e.g., a cord, rope, or beaded chain).

In an embodiment, a control system for an external motor drive for a window covering includes a subsystem for managing solar heating effects. In various embodiments, the control subsystem coordinates with system sensors (e.g., light and temperature sensors), external data sources, and other data sources to adjust position control of the window covering based on a plurality of sunlight entry conditions. Sunlight-entering conditions include, for example, light and temperature sensor outputs, weather conditions, time of day, location of window coverings, and other parameters that may affect solar heat gain. In an embodiment, the controller causes the drive assembly to deploy the window covering if the control system determines that the plurality of sunlight entry conditions received by the controller correspond to one or more window covering criteria, and causes the drive assembly to retract the window covering if the control system determines that the plurality of sunlight entry conditions received by the controller correspond to one or more window opening criteria.

In an embodiment, a drive system for use with a window covering system includes a head rail, a mechanism associated with the head rail for deploying and retracting a window covering, and a continuous cord loop extending below the head rail for actuating the mechanism for deploying and retracting the window covering, the drive system including a motor configured to rotate an output shaft of the motor, a drive assembly, a controller, and an input-output device for the controller; the drive assembly is configured to engage and advance a continuous cord loop coupled to a mechanism for deploying and stowing the window covering, wherein advancing the continuous cord loop in a first direction deploys the window covering and advancing the continuous cord loop in a second direction retracts the window covering; the controller is configured to provide position instructions to the motor and drive assembly to control advancement of the continuous cord loop in a first direction and advancement of the continuous cord loop in a second direction; the input-output device comprising an input interface that receives a user input along an input axis to cause the controller to provide position commands to the motor and the drive assembly, the input-output device further comprising a visual display that is aligned with the input axis of the input interface; wherein the drive assembly and the controller operate in one of a vertical mode and a horizontal mode; wherein, in the vertical mode, the drive assembly is configured to advance the continuous cord loop in a first direction to lower the window covering and configured to advance the continuous cord loop in a second direction to raise the window covering, and the visual display and the input axis of the input interface are vertically aligned; and wherein, in the horizontal mode, the drive assembly is configured to advance the continuous cord loop in a first direction to laterally close the window covering and is configured to advance the continuous cord loop in a second direction to laterally open the window covering, and the visual display and the input axis of the input interface are horizontally aligned.

In another embodiment, a drive system for use with a window covering system includes a mechanism for deploying and retracting a window covering and a continuous cord loop extending below the mechanism for deploying and retracting the window covering, the drive system including a motor configured to rotate an output shaft of the motor, a drive assembly, a temperature sensor, a light sensor, and a controller; the drive assembly is configured to engage and advance a continuous cord loop coupled to a mechanism for deploying and retracting the window covering, wherein advancing the continuous cord loop in a first direction deploys the window covering and advancing the continuous cord loop in a second direction retracts the window covering; the temperature sensor is communicatively coupled to a controller for providing position instructions to the motor and the drive assembly, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to provide a temperature output representative of a temperature proximate the drive system; the light sensor is communicatively coupled to a controller for providing position instructions to the motor and the drive assembly, wherein the light sensor is configured to provide a light output representative of an intensity of ambient light proximate the drive system; the controller is configured to provide position instructions to the motor and drive assembly to control advancement of the continuous cord loop in a first direction and advancement of the continuous cord loop in a second direction; wherein the controller receives a plurality of sunlight entry conditions including a temperature output and a light output, wherein, in the event that the plurality of sunlight entry conditions received by the controller correspond to one or more window covering criteria, the controller causes the drive assembly to advance the continuous cord loop in a first direction to deploy the window covering, and in the event that the plurality of sunlight entry conditions received by the controller correspond to one or more window opening criteria, the controller causes the drive assembly to advance the continuous cord loop in a second direction to retract the window covering.

In another embodiment, a method for controlling a motor driving apparatus includes: receiving, by a processor via a graphical user interface of a computing device, a request to select a window covering mechanism from at least one vertical window covering mechanism configured to raise and lower a window covering via a motor drive device and at least one horizontal window covering mechanism configured to laterally open and close the window covering via a motor drive; displaying, by a processor via a graphical user interface of a computing device, a graphical representation of at least one vertical window covering mechanism and at least one horizontal window covering mechanism, and receiving a selection of one of the at least one vertical window covering mechanism and the at least one horizontal window covering mechanism; in response to the received selection of one of the at least one vertical window covering mechanism and the at least one horizontal window covering mechanism, displaying, via the graphical user interface, a position control visualization having an input axis, wherein the input axis is vertically aligned, if the selected window covering mechanism is one of the at least one vertical window covering mechanism; displaying, via the graphical user interface, a position control visualization having an input axis if the selected window covering mechanism is one of the at least one horizontal window covering mechanism, wherein the input axis is horizontally aligned; and outputting, by the processor, a position control command based on the position control input to the motor drive apparatus in response to the position control input received via the position control visual display having the input axis.

In another embodiment, a motor drive system includes a motor configured to operate under power to rotate an output shaft of the motor, wherein the motor is external to a mechanism for raising and lowering a window covering; the drive assembly is configured to engage and advance a continuous cord loop coupled to a mechanism for raising and lowering the window covering, wherein advancing the continuous cord loop in a first direction raises the window covering and advancing the continuous cord loop in a second direction lowers the window covering; the controller is configured to provide position instructions to the motor and drive assembly to control advancement of the continuous cord loop in a first direction and advancement of the continuous cord loop in a second direction; wherein the drive assembly includes an electrical coupling mechanism coupling the drive assembly to an output shaft of the motor and configured to rotate the driven wheel in the first and second orientations, and a motor controller for providing power to the electrical coupling mechanism; wherein the controller and the motor controller are configured to perform ramp-trajectory speed control of the motor that limits acceleration of the motor from an idle state to full-speed operation and limits deceleration of the motor from full-speed operation back to the idle state.

In an embodiment, a drive system for use with a window covering system includes a head rail, a mechanism associated with the head rail for deploying and retracting a window covering, and a continuous cord loop extending below the head rail for actuating the mechanism for deploying and retracting the window covering, the drive system including a motor configured to rotate an output shaft of the motor, a drive assembly, a controller, and an input-output device for the controller; the drive assembly is configured to engage and advance a continuous cord loop coupled to a mechanism for deploying and retracting the window covering, wherein advancing the continuous cord loop in a first direction deploys the window covering and advancing the continuous cord loop in a second direction retracts the window covering; the controller is configured to provide position instructions to the motor and drive assembly to control advancement of the continuous cord loop in a first direction and advancement of the continuous cord loop in a second direction; the input-output device includes a graphical user interface configured to receive a user input, cause the controller to control a position command of the motor and the drive assembly in a selected one of a first direction or a second direction to propel the continuous cord loop at a selected speed, wherein in a first speed control mode, the input-output device causes the controller to control the speed of propelling the continuous cord loop at a selected percentage over a range of speeds from a resting speed to a maximum speed, and in a second speed control mode, the input-output device causes the controller to control the speed of propelling the continuous cord loop at a selected one of a limited number of predetermined speed levels.

In an embodiment, a motor drive system includes a first motor configured to operate under power to rotate an output shaft of the motor, wherein the first motor is external to a first mechanism for raising and lowering a window covering; the drive system is configured to engage and advance a continuous cord loop coupled to a first mechanism for raising and lowering the window covering, wherein advancing the continuous cord loop in a first direction raises the window covering and advancing the continuous cord loop in a second direction lowers the window covering; the controller is configured to provide position commands to the first motor and the first electric drive system to control advancement of the continuous cord loop in a first direction and advancement of the continuous cord loop in a second direction; the RF communication module is operably coupled to a controller for controlling RF communication of the position commands to a network of other motor drive systems for operating respective other mechanisms for raising and lowering respective other window coverings; the group mode module is to identify one or more of the other motor drive systems included in the user-selected group and to cause the RF communication module to communicate the position command to the identified one or more of the other motor drive systems.

In an embodiment, a motor drive system includes a motor configured to operate under power to rotate an output shaft of the motor, wherein the motor is external to a mechanism for raising and lowering a window covering; the drive assembly is configured to engage and advance a continuous cord loop coupled to a mechanism for raising and lowering the window covering, wherein advancing the continuous cord loop in a first direction raises the window covering and advancing the continuous cord loop in a second direction lowers the window covering; the controller is configured to provide position instructions to the motor and drive assembly to control advancement of the continuous cord loop in a first direction and advancement of the continuous cord loop in a second direction; the setup control module is for user calibration of a top position and a bottom position of the window covering, wherein after the user calibration, the controller limits raising and lowering of the window covering between the top position and the bottom position.

Additional features and advantages of the embodiments will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings in the exemplary embodiments.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

Drawings

Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are schematic and are not intended to be drawn to scale. Unless indicated to represent background, the drawings represent aspects of the disclosure.

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of an external motor apparatus.

Fig. 2 is an exploded view of exploded components of the external motor apparatus according to the embodiment of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an isometric view of an external motor apparatus with a chain wheel cover in an open position according to an embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a front view of the external motor apparatus, as seen from the rear, in section through the sprocket, according to the embodiment of fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a window covering system with an external motor system mounted on a planar wall according to an embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an external motor system for installation of the window covering system according to the embodiment of fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a block diagram of a control system architecture for an external electromechanical device of a window covering system, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a schematic illustration of monitoring and control variables for an external motor control system for a window covering system, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a front view of an exploded motor drive component for the external motor system according to the embodiment of fig. 1.

Fig. 10 is a flow diagram of a calibration routine for an external motor control system according to an embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart of a shade control routine according to an embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a flow diagram of a group mode routine, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a flow diagram of a packet mesh routine according to an embodiment.

Fig. 14 is an isometric view of an external motor apparatus according to another embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a front view of a graphical user interface displayed on an electronic device presenting a position control screen of an external motor control application according to an embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a front view of a graphical user interface displayed on an electronic device presenting a window overlay type settings screen of an external motor control application, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 17 is a front view of a graphical user interface displayed on an electronic device presenting a window overlay device selection screen of an external motor control application according to an embodiment.

Fig. 18 is a front view of a graphical user interface displayed on an electronic device presenting a position control screen of an external motor control application according to an embodiment.

Fig. 19 is a block diagram of a solar thermal gain management system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of a motor ramp trajectory state machine, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 21 is an isometric view of an external motor apparatus according to another embodiment.

Fig. 22 is a front view of a graphical user interface displayed on an electronic device presenting a speed control screen of an external motor control application according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure is described in detail herein with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, which form a part of the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized, and/or other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description are not meant to limit the subject matter presented herein. Moreover, the various components and embodiments described herein may be combined to form additional embodiments not explicitly described without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

The present disclosure describes various embodiments of an external electromechanical device for controlling operation of a window covering system. In various embodiments, the external electromechanical device employs on-device controls, employs a separate control device (e.g., a mobile computing device), or both. As used in this disclosure, a "window covering system" is a system for deploying and retracting or raising and lowering a window covering. In the embodiment 200 shown in fig. 5, the window covering system includes a head rail 202 and a mechanism (not shown) associated with the head rail (i.e., a mechanism within or adjacent to the head rail) for deploying and retracting the window covering. In this embodiment, window covering system 200 includes a continuous cord loop 220 that extends below the head rail for actuating a mechanism associated with the head rail to deploy and retract the window covering. As used in this disclosure, a "head rail" is a broad term for a structure of a window covering system that includes a mechanism for deploying and retracting a window covering. The window covering system further includes an external motor 210. A continuous cord loop 220 operably couples a window covering mechanism associated with head rail 202 to external motor 210 to raise or lower window shade (fabric or blind) 204. As shown in fig. 6, an external motor 210 is mounted to the wall 206 near the window, which in this view is covered by the shade 204. For example, the external actuator may be mounted to the wall 206 using hardware such as bolts 214 or using a mounting fixture such as the bracket 194 in FIG. 2.

In the present disclosure, "window covering" includes any covering material that can be deployed and retracted to cover a window or other architectural opening using a continuous cord loop system (i.e., a system having a mechanism for deploying and retracting the window covering using a continuous cord loop). The window covering includes most shade and blind materials as well as other covering materials such as: roll shades, cellular shades, horizontal clear shades, pleated shades, woven wood shades, roman shades, Venetian blinds,

Shades (Pirouette is a trademark of hunter douglas, cartes, germany), and some systems for opening and closing curtains and draperies. The embodiments of the window covering described herein refer to one or more louvers, and it is to be understood that these embodiments are illustrative of other forms of window coverings.

As used in this disclosure, a "continuous cord loop" is a continuous loop of flexible material, such as cords, ropes, beaded chains, and ball chains. Cord loops in the form of cord loops come in different types and ranges of diameters including, for example, D-30 (11/8 "-11/4"), C-30 (13/16 "-17/16"), D-40 (13/16 "-17/16"), and K-35 (11/4 "-11/2"). Furthermore, different types of beaded chains and ball chains are commonly used as continuous cord loops for window covering systems. Typically, the diameter of the ball chain is 5mm (0.2 inch). In a typical window covering system design, the continuous cord loop includes a first loop end at the head rail that engages a mechanism associated with the head rail for deploying and retracting the window covering and a second loop end remote from the head rail. The continuous cord loops have different cord loop lengths (i.e., lengths between the first loop end and the second loop end), which are sometimes rounded to the nearest foot. In one embodiment, for example, in a roll-up blind system, the continuous cord loop extends between the head rail and the second looped end, but does not extend across the head rail. In this embodiment, the first ring end may surround a clutch that is part of the mechanism that deploys and retracts the blind. In another embodiment, for example, in a vertical blind system, sections of continuous cord loop extend across the head rail. In an embodiment, the continuous cord loop extends in a substantially vertical orientation below the head rail. When retrofitting a current external motor apparatus to control a previously installed window covering system, the continuous cord loop may be part of a previously installed window covering mechanism. Alternatively, the user may retrofit the continuous cord loop to a previously installed window covering mechanism.

The continuous cord loop system may deploy and retract the window covering by raising and lowering, opening and closing laterally, or by other movements that deploy the window covering to cover the architectural opening and retract the window covering to uncover the architectural opening. The embodiments described herein generally refer to raising and lowering a blind under control of an external motor system or manually, it being understood that these embodiments illustrate other motions for deploying and retracting a window covering. External actuator 210 includes a motor drive system and control electronics for automatically moving continuous cord loop 220 in one of two directions to raise or lower blind 204. In one embodiment of window covering system 200, continuous cord loop 220 includes a rear cord/chain 224 and a front cord/chain 222. In this embodiment, the front cord is pulled down to raise (retract) the blind, and the rear cord is pulled down to lower (deploy) the blind. As used in this disclosure, "advancing" a continuous cord loop means moving the continuous cord loop in either direction (e.g., pulling down the front cord of the continuous cord loop or pulling down the rear cord of the continuous cord loop). In an embodiment, the blind automatically stops and locks into place when the continuous cord loop is released. In an embodiment, when at the bottom of the blind, the rear cord of the continuous cord loop may be used to open any of the slats in the blind, while the front cord may be used to close those slats.

As shown in the isometric view of fig. 1, external motor 100 generally corresponds to external motor 210 of fig. 5, 6, which includes a housing 102 that houses the motor, associated drive mechanism, and control electronics. The external actuator 100 includes various on-device controls for user input and output. For example, the external actuator 100 may include a touch bar 104 (also referred to as a slider bar or LED bar). In the illustrated embodiment, touch bar 104 includes a single axis input device and a single axis visual display. The external actuator 100 further includes various button inputs including a power button 106 located at the front of the housing and a set of control buttons 110 located at the top of the housing. In an embodiment, control buttons 110 include an RF button 112, a Set button 114, and a Group button 116.

In an embodiment, the

buttons

106, 110 are physical (movable) buttons. The button may be recessed within the housing 102 or may protrude above the surface of the housing 102. Instead of or in addition to the touch bar and physical buttons shown in fig. 1, the input controls may include any suitable input mechanism capable of closing electrical contacts in a circuit, or opening a circuit, or changing the resistance or capacitance of a circuit, or causing other state changes of a circuit or electronic routine.

In different embodiments, alternative or additional input devices may be employed, such as different types of sensors (e.g., gesture or other biometric sensors, acceleration sensors, light sensors, temperature sensors, touch sensors, pressure sensors, motion sensors, proximity sensors, presence sensors, capacitive sensors, and infrared sensors). Other user input mechanisms include touch screen buttons, holographic buttons, voice activated devices, audio triggers, relay input triggers, or electronic communication triggers, among other possibilities including combinations of these input mechanisms. Fig. 14 shows an alternative external motor 1000 that includes

input devices

1004, 1006, 1012, 1014, and 1016 that generally correspond to the input devices of motor 100. In addition, the external motor 1000 includes a two-dimensional screen 1008 on the front surface of the external motor 1000, above the LED strip 1004, and below the power button 1006. The two-dimensional screen 1008 may be a touch screen and may provide different input/output functions, such as a virtual keyboard, an alphanumeric display, and a graphical user interface, among others.

Referring again to fig. 1, the input interface of the external motor 100 may recognize different user input gestures to generate instructions for opening or closing the window covering, as well as other system functions. These gestures include typing gestures (e.g., touch, press, push, tap, double tap, two-finger tap), gestures to track patterns (e.g., slide, swipe, and hand motion control), and multi-touch gestures (e.g., pinching a particular point on the capacitive touch bar 104). In the case of a two-dimensional user interface such as the touchscreen 1008 of FIG. 14, additional user gestures may be employed, such as multi-touch rotation and two-dimensional pattern tracking. In an embodiment, the two-dimensional input interface 1008 may include a single-axis control that receives user input along an input axis.

The on-device controls of the present external motor include a shade position control input-output (I/O) device, such as slider bar 104. A slider bar 104 extends vertically on the housing 102 along the input axis of the I/O device. In mapping a given input to a shade control function in the instruction generator, the vertical of slider 104 naturally corresponds to the physical attributes of the shade positioning, providing an intuitive and human-based control function. Examples of shade control I/O positioning functions implemented via slider 104 include:

(a) corresponding a gesture at a given slider position between the bottom and top of slider 104 to a given absolute position (height) of the blind as measured by an encoder or other sensor;

(b) a gesture to be at a given position between the bottom and top of slider 104 corresponds to a given relative position of the louvers relative to a calibrated distance between the set bottom position and the set top position (e.g., a gesture at 25% from the bottom of slider 104 corresponds to a louver position that is 25% of the calibrated distance from the set bottom position to the set top position).

(c) Gestures at the top and bottom of slider 104 may perform different shade control functions depending on the gesture. Holding down the top of slider 104 is an instruction to move the blind continuously upward, while holding down the bottom of slider 104 is an instruction to move the blind continuously downward. Tapping the top of slide bar 104 is an instruction to move the blind to its top position, while tapping the bottom of slide bar 104 is an instruction to move the blind to its bottom position.

(d) Dynamic gestures (e.g., swipes) up and down on slider 104 may be assigned different functions, such as "up" and "down", or "start" and "stop".

Slider bar 104 provides a multi-functional input-output device that is well suited for different control functions of the window covering motor drive system. The different shade control functions may be based on a single axis quantification scheme associated with the touch bar 104, such as a percentage ratio of 0% at the bottom of the touch bar and 100% at the top of the touch bar 104. For example, the slider bar 104, via preset control options, may be used to set the position of the louvers at different opening levels, such as 0% open (or closed), 25% open, 50% open, 75% open, or 100% (fully) open. The user may command these levels of openness via slider 104 by sliding, tapping, or pressing different points on the slider. Further, the slider instruction scheme may include boundary locations for state changes. For example, a slider input below the slider quarter position may command the window covering to open from 25% to 0% to close the window covering.

The different functions of slider 104 may employ a combination of single axis input sensing features and single axis display features of the slider. For example, the LED bar 140 may illuminate locations along the touch bar 104, where the illuminated locations correspond to boundaries along the slider bar for state changes in the shade instruction structure.

In the external motor device 2100 of fig. 21, the vertical touch bar input device is replaced by

capacitive touch buttons

2110, 2120, 2130 for different motion states. Touch button 2110 initiates an upward motion, touch button 2120 initiates a downward motion, and touch button 2130 initiates an idle (stationary) motion state. For example, pressing an up button or a down button may cause a continuous up or down movement, tapping a button may cause a window covering position to move up or down to a next setting position, and double-tapping a button may cause a window covering position to move to a top or bottom calibration position.

The input-output principles described above for on-device controls of an external electromechanical device may be applied to different types of shade position control input-output (I/O) devices, such as mobile user devices, that are separate from on-device controls of the external electromechanical device. In various embodiments, the web application simulates the single axis input sensing feature and the single axis display feature of the on-device controls of the external motor described above. In various embodiments, the web application utilizes mobile device input technologies such as touch screen input, gesture-based input, and GPS location sensing. For example, web application controls can accept input (e.g., drag, tap, double-tap, multi-touch input) and gestures (e.g., trace patterns, slide, swipe, and hand motion control). In various embodiments, a two-dimensional I/O device, such as a 2D touchscreen, may be configured to react to user input along a single axis (e.g., along a vertical or horizontal axis of the touchscreen).

Fig. 15-18 and 22 are front views of a graphical user interface displayed on an electronic device 1505 (e.g., a mobile electronic device) that presents different screens for an external motor control application. The position control screen 1500 of the window covering application of fig. 15 includes a vertical slider bar control 1530 with a wire 1540 that can set the wire at a desired vertical position via touch screen input. In addition, graphical user interface 1500 includes an up button control 1510 and a down button control 1520, which may receive different types of touch screen input. For example, pressing a button may cause a continuous up or down movement, tapping a button may cause a window covering position to move up or down to the next set position (e.g., set position is 75%), and double-clicking a button may cause a window covering position to move to a top or bottom calibration position.

The setting screen 1600 of the window covering application of fig. 16 is an application for setting the external motor control according to one or more types of window covering devices in which the external motor control is installed. Window covering device type options include roll-up shade 1610, vertical blind 1620, curtain or drape 1630, and roman shade 1640. The roller shade 1610 and the roman shade 1640 feature a roller shade or a roman shade that is raised or lowered by vertical position control, i.e., an external motor device. Vertical blind 1620 and curtain or drape 1630 are characterized by horizontal position control, i.e., external electromechanical devices that laterally open or close the vertical blind or curtain, e.g., across the window frame.

As shown in the window covering application selection screen 1700 of fig. 17, the external motor control application may be configured to control two or more external motor control devices, e.g., multiple devices in different rooms or in a given room. After the setting, the user can select one of the devices for control via the device selection screen 1700. In an exemplary embodiment, the user has set two external motor window covering devices: a roll blind device 1730 in the bedroom 1 and a curtain or drapery device 1740 in the bedroom 2. The user has selected device 1730 via radio button 1710 to control using the window covering application. Alternatively, the user may select device 1740 via radio button 1720. In a different embodiment, where the external motor control device selected by the selection screen 1700 is associated with a roll shade 1610 or a roman shade 1640, the window covering application will display a position control application screen configured for vertical position control. In various embodiments, where the external motor control device selected by selection screen 1700 is associated with vertical blind 1620 or curtain or drape 1630, the window covering application will display a position control application screen configured for horizontal position control.

In the position control screen 1500 example of fig. 15 using a window covering application, after the user selects device position 1710 in selection screen 1700, the control application displays position control screen 1500, as shown by "bedroom 1" in window covering device title 1560. The position control screen 1500 shows a vertical slider control 1530 for controlling the raising and lowering of a roller blind 1730.

The position control screen 1800 of the window covering application of FIG. 18 includes a horizontal slider control 1830 with a line 1840, which can set the line at a desired horizontal position via touch screen input. The horizontal slider control 1830 is divided into ten horizontal positions represented by vertical line 1850, and the user can move the window covering device via touch screen input to exactly one of these preset positions (e.g., 80% of the positions, with 100% being the rightmost position). Position control screen 1800 also includes left button 1810 and right button 1820, which are used to move the window covering device to the left or right, respectively. In the use example of position control screen 1800 of the window covering application of FIG. 18, after the user selects device position 1720 in selection screen 1700, the control application displays position control screen 1800 as "bedroom 2" as shown by window covering device title 1860. Position control screen 1800 includes a horizontal slide bar control 1830 for controlling the horizontal opening and closing of a curtain or drape 1740.

In addition to the position control screens of the window covering application of FIG. 15, such as the vertical position screen 1500 and the horizontal position screen 1800 of FIG. 18, the window covering application may include one or more speed control screens. The speed control screen may include controls for setting the absolute value of the motor speed and the direction of the window covering speed (e.g., up or down, or left or right). Further, the speed control screen may include controls for selecting one of a plurality of preset speed settings, such as radio button controls for selecting one of an idle setting, a low speed setting, a medium speed setting, and a high speed setting.

Mapping a given user gesture to a control command for a given shade (also referred to herein as a "position command") may distinguish between commands that are applicable to only a local external motor 100 and commands that are applicable to multiple external motors. In an example, the top command system of the double-tap capacitive touch slider design provides 100% open for all window coverings (not just partial blinds) in a pre-set window blind set. In another example, a two-finger tap instructs the system to open all window overlays connected into the network.

Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the components of the external effector 100. Beginning with the lower left component of the front of the device, the front bezel 130 includes a power button glass plate that covers the power button 106. The front cover glass plate 134 includes an aperture for a power button. The front cover 136 houses the power button 106 and a transparent cover plate as the touch bar 104. The visual display component of the single-axis line 104 includes an LED bar (also referred to as an LED)140 and a diffuser 138. The input sensor for the single-axis line 104 is a capacitive touch sensor bar 142. These components serve as an input-output device for external electric machine 100, which includes an input interface that receives user input along an input axis and a visual display that is aligned with the input axis. When fully assembled, the input-output device extends vertically outside of the housing 102.

Other input/output components include connectors for communication and/or power transfer, such as a USB port 146 and a speaker (audio output device) 144. The LED and audio outputs of the external electric machine 100 may be used by the state machine of the external electric machine 100 to provide visual and/or audio cues to signal an action to be taken or to confirm a change in state. The visual cue parameters of the LED 140 include, for example: (a) different positions of LED indicators (LED blocks) along slider bar 104; (b) different RGB color values of the LED lamp; and (c) steady or blinking LED indicators (including different blink rates).

In an example involving visual cues for group mode functionality. (incomplete sentence) in an embodiment, the user may press the group mode button 116 once to cause the external electromechanical devices in the network to illuminate their LED displays, informing the user which devices are to be controlled. When the user successfully presses the group mode 116 button to program the external motor 100 to control multiple external motors in the external motor network, the color of the LED bars 140 of all the controlled external motors will change from a stable blue to a stable green.

In an example involving a visual cue for the Set function, when the user initiates the calibration procedure by holding the Set button, the LED bar 140 will turn red and blue to inform the user that the external motor 100 is in calibration mode. When the user successfully completes the calibration procedure, the LED bar 140 will flash green to indicate that the shade is now calibrated.

In an example involving setting a visual cue for a location, when the user taps a finger at a particular location along capacitive touch bar 104, LED bar 140 illuminates a piece of LED at that last known location. The indicator informs the user of the position where the shade will open or close.

In the example of an audio prompt, an audio alarm signals a security issue. In a further example, the speaker 144 broadcasts an indication to the user regarding the shade control function.

The motor driving part is accommodated between the main body 150 of the housing 102 and the rear cover 170. The motor components include a motor 152 (e.g., a 6V dc motor) and various components of the drive assembly. The components of the drive assembly include a worm gear 154 that is rotationally driven by a motor and coupled to a multi-stage gear assembly 160 and a clutch (not shown in fig. 2). The gear assembly 160 includes a helical gear 162 (first stage gear), a first spur gear 164 (second stage gear), and a second spur gear 166 (third stage gear), the first spur gear being rotatably mounted on the sleeve bearing 156. The printed circuit board 148 houses control electronics for the external electromechanical device 100.

The spur gear 166 is coupled to a sprocket 184 (also referred to as a driven wheel) mounted at the rear of the rear cover 170 via a clutch (not shown). The continuous cord loop (chain) 120 is threaded onto the sprocket 184 such that the drive member moves, advancing the continuous cord loop 120 if the continuous cord loop (chain) is coupled to the driven pulley 184 by a clutch.

The drive assembly is configured to engage and advance a continuous cord loop coupled to a mechanism for raising and lowering the window covering. The drive assembly includes a driven wheel 184 and a coupling mechanism (152, 160, clutch) that couples the driven wheel 184 to the output shaft of the motor. The coupling mechanism is configured for rotating the driven wheel 184 in a first orientation and a second orientation. Rotation of the driven wheel in a first sense causes the continuous cord loop to advance in a first direction, and rotation of the driven wheel in a second sense causes the continuous cord loop to advance in a second direction.

The structural components at the rear of the external electric machine 100 include a rear cover 178, a sprocket cover 190, a rear cover glass plate 180, and a sprocket cover glass plate 188. These components are covered by a rear rim 192 that is coupled to a bracket 194 that serves as a mounting fixture for the external motor 100.

Fig. 9 is a front view of the structural components and assembled working components of the motor drive subassembly 500 from one side. The front and

rear housings

514, 516 enclose the drive train and other operational components of the drive system 500, but are shown here as being separate from these components. The dc motor 520 has a rotating output shaft under the power and control of the printed circuit board 532 and the battery pack 528. For example, the battery 528 may be a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery or a lithium ion polymer (LiPo) battery. The battery pack 528 may be located within the front and

rear housings

514, 516, as shown, or may be located outside of these housings. The multi-stage gear assembly 524 includes a gear 526 in line with the output shaft of the motor and a face gear 528. Face gear 528 is coupled to driven wheel 508 by clutch system 512. Clutch 512 is a coupling mechanism that includes an engaged configuration in which rotation of the output shaft of motor 520 (transmitted by the multi-stage gear assembly) causes rotation of driven wheel 508, and a disengaged configuration; in the disengaged configuration, the driven wheel 508 is not rotated by the output shaft of the motor. In an embodiment, the clutch 512 is an electrically powered device that mechanically transmits torque, such as an electromagnetic clutch or a solenoid. In another embodiment, the clutch 512 is a bi-directional mechanical clutch that does not operate on electricity.

Continued depression of the power button 504 toggles the drive assembly 512 between the engaged and disengaged configurations of the clutch system. The power button 504 corresponds to the power button 106 in the external actuator embodiment 100 of fig. 1 and 2. In an embodiment, the power button 106 turns the device on or off by engaging and disengaging the driven wheel or sprocket 508 with the clutch system 512, respectively. In another embodiment, pressing the power button 106 triggers the powering on and off of the external actuator 100.

In one embodiment utilizing a bi-directional mechanical clutch, when the power button 106 is pressed in the "on" position, the mechanical clutch engages the driven wheel with the output shaft of the motor and gear assembly. This is a tensioned position in which the mechanical clutch will not be able to run the driven wheel by manually pulling or pulling the front chain/rope 122 or the rear chain/rope 124. In this engaged configuration, when the external motor 100 receives a shade control command from an on-device control or other device, the external motor will energize the motor to rotate the output shaft and gear, and thus the driven wheel. When the power button 106 is pressed in the "off" position, the mechanical clutch disengages the driven wheels from the output shaft and gears, enabling either the front chain/cord 122 or the rear chain/cord 124 to be operated manually. In the disengaged configuration, the driven wheel will not rotate if a shade control command is issued when the clutch is not engaged.

In another embodiment, the clutch system is an electromagnetic clutch in which the driven wheel is always engaged with the output shaft and gear assembly. The electromagnetic clutch enables manual operation of either the front chain/cord 222 or the rear chain/cord 224. The clutch does not lock the driven wheel to the output shaft and gear, but when energized, engages the driven wheel with the output shaft and gear.

In another embodiment, when external motor 100 is turned "on" or engaged with the driven wheel via power button 106, the system will recognize that the user is dragging either the front chain/cord or the rear chain/cord. In one embodiment, when the external motor is tensioned and the user drags the front chain/cord 122, the LED associated with the touch bar 104 will flash to inform the user that the device can be controlled with a capacitive touch bar.

In another embodiment, when the external motor is "on" or engaged with the driven wheel via power button 106, and the user drags the chain/cord when the external motor is tensioned, the external actuator 100 will use sensors and/or encoders to identify the user's action and automatically lower or raise the blind or take other action based on instructions associated with the particular dragging action. The noted action may include towing either the front chain/cord 122 or the rear chain/cord 124.

In an embodiment, the sensor and/or encoder of the external motor 100 measures manual movement of the cord via a user's "drag" or pulling action on the cord. The mechanical coupling of the sprocket 184 to the gear assembly 160 includes an amount of slack such that a user's tug on the continuous cord loop 120 will cause an amount of movement of the sprocket and this movement will be recognized by a sensor or encoder (e.g., encoder 322 of fig. 7). Based on the sensor or encoder output, the shade control instruction structure may include different shade control actions and engage the motor to perform a given action. Dragging the cord while the external motor 100 is engaged and opening or closing the blind may send a different command, such as preventing the blind from opening/closing.

An example of a drag action in conjunction with a motor to execute shade control commands is as follows:

(a) a downward drag is sensed and the dc motor is engaged in the same direction. For example, if the user drags the front chain/cord 122 downward, the motor will run and lower the window shade;

(b) and (4) inducing downward dragging and separating the direct current motor. For example, if the user pulls the rear chain/cord 124 downward when the motor raises or lowers the window shade, the motor will disengage and stop the shade at that position.

(c) A downward drag is sensed and the dc motor is engaged in the opposite direction. For example, if the user drags the rear chain/cord 124 downward, the motor will run and raise the window shade.

Referring again to fig. 1, the RF button 112 is used to pair or synchronize an external motor to the mobile phone via a Radio Frequency (RF) chip including, but not limited to, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), WiFi, or other RF chip. By forming a mesh network using RF chips comprising different protocols, the RF buttons 112 may be used to pair or synchronize to third party devices, such as smart thermostats, HVAC systems, or other smart home devices. Protocols include, but are not limited to, BLE (Bluetooth Low energy) mesh network, ZigBee (e.g., ZigBee HA 1.2), Z-Wave, WiFi, and Thread.

Fig. 13 is a flow diagram of a packet mesh routine executed by an external motor in response to a packet call received at 902. For example, a group call may be triggered at 806 in the group mode routine of FIG. 12. When a packet call is received, the external motor initiates BLE mesh mode, transmitting a message to the other external motors in the group (BLE mesh network) using the bluetooth low energy protocol. For external motor networks (fig. 7) that use other protocols 330 (e.g., ZigBee, Z-Wave, WiFi, or Thread) for RF communication, the packet call routine will be modified at 804 to initiate communication with other external motors in the group based on the applicable protocol. Similarly, the packet call routine may be modified to accommodate different mesh topologies of external electromechanical networks, such as hub-and-spoke (star topology).

The Set button 114 is used to calibrate or preset the maximum open and closed positions of the blind. After the user fixes/installs external motor 100, the user may calibrate the apparatus to manually set the fully opened or fully closed position of the blind. The user then presses the top of capacitive touch slider 104 to raise the louvers all the way up. When the blind reaches the top position, the user presses Set button 114 again to save the top position. The user then presses the bottom position of capacitive touch slider control 104 to lower the blind. When the blind reaches the bottom position, the user presses the Set button again to save the bottom position. The top and bottom positions set by the user may reflect the user's preferences and may vary from one external motor to another.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart of a calibration routine executed by the external motor 100. The calibration routine begins with a calibration instruction 602, which may be implemented by holding the Set button 114 of the external motor or in some other manner (e.g., an input at the mobile device). At 604, the system passes control to the shade control state machine and the calibration state machine. The shade control state machine is discussed below with reference to fig. 11. The calibration state machine controls an instruction structure for the LED indicator; calculating a top position and a bottom position selected by a user based on the encoder pulse data; when the user confirms, saving the top position and the bottom position; and calculates the distance between the top position to the bottom position to scale the shade control instructions to the calibrated position. In these routines, the user may execute different motor control instructions to move the blinds to a desired top position. At 606, the system detects whether the user selected and confirmed the top position by pressing the Set button. If so, the routine saves (calibrates) the top position at 608. At 610, the system again passes control to the shade control state machine and the calibration state machine. At 621, the system detects if the user selected and confirmed the bottom position by pressing the Set button, and if so, saves (calibrates) the bottom position at 614. After the user finally confirms the calibration at 614, the system exits the calibration routine.

In the illustrated embodiment, the calibration routine sets the top position first, followed by the bottom position. In an alternative embodiment, rather than setting the top position first and then the bottom position, the calibration routine sets the bottom position first and then the top position.

In another calibration embodiment, the user holds the Set button 114 for a limited time to reverse the direction of motion. In this embodiment, if the user presses the top of capacitive-touch slider control 104 with the intent of raising the blind, but external motor 100 instead lowers the blind, the user may hold Set 114 down within a specified time frame to reverse the direction. The user then presses the top of capacitive touch slider control 104 to fully raise the blind, and then presses Set button 114 to Set the top position. The user then presses the bottom of capacitive touch slider control 104 to lower the blind, and then presses Set button 114 to Set the bottom position.

In another calibration embodiment, the user may press Set for automatic calibration. During auto-calibration, the external motor determines the top and bottom positions via predetermined sensor measurements.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart of a shade control routine executed by the external motor 100. At 702, the system receives an instruction to pass control to a shade control state machine. At 704, the system passes control to a motor control routine. The motor control routine starts and stops the motor; moving the motor in a selected direction (up/down); moving the motor to a selected position; and adjusts the speed of the motor. The motor control routine is typically triggered by user instruction, but may also be triggered automatically, for example, upon sensing a safety-affecting condition. At 706, the system detects whether a group mode for the external motor is activated. If so, the control system of the external motor broadcasts 708 the shade control information to the other motors in the group for execution. The shade control commands executed in response to the message 708 may vary between different external motors in the group. For example, the calibrated position based shade control command will vary depending on the top and bottom positions calibrated for each external motor. If the group mode is not activated, the external motor exits the shade control routine at 706; otherwise the routine exits at 708 after the shade control information is broadcast.

In various embodiments, the shade control routine executed by the external motor 100 is configured to limit acceleration of the motor from an idle (stationary) state to full speed operation, and to limit deceleration of the motor from full speed operation back to the idle state. In various embodiments, the shade control routine ramps up the speed of the external motor 100 from the idle state to full speed and ramps down the speed of the external motor 100 from full speed to the idle state. These functions of ramping up the speed of the motor from the idle state and ramping down the speed of the motor back to the idle state are also referred to in this disclosure as ramp trajectory speed control. For example, the ramp trajectory speed control may provide a linear ramp up or a linear ramp down of the motor speed. Applicants have observed that ramp trajectory speed control reduces or avoids stresses that may occur on a continuous cord loop in a window covering drive system due to excessive acceleration, and these stresses may stretch, weaken, or otherwise damage the continuous cord loop (e.g., a cord, rope, or beaded chain).

In an embodiment, the ramp trajectory program of the motor comprises control instructions that can be received by the control system via wireless communication (e.g., bluetooth control), touch screen control or automatic scheduling input, among other possibilities. For example, the instruction structure is described in the following pseudo code:

cmd_code.data.shade_pos

the command has a value from 0x00 to 0x64, corresponding to 0% -100% motor position control.

cmd_code.data.motor_pwm

The instructions select a slow mode or a fast mode of the motor ramp trajectory by assigning a value of 1 or 0, respectively.

cmd_code.cmd

The CTRL _ PROTO _ POS value for the instruction indicates that the instruction should be sent to the top control state machine (also referred to herein as the top state machine).

topSM_task

In addition to the top control state machine, there are different auxiliary state machines. the topSM _ task runs the gear _ topSM _ doStep task to manage the controls and instructions assigned to the auxiliary state machine for calibration, touch LEDs, motor control, and other functions.

The scheduler runs the top state machine and other tasks on a periodic schedule. In an exemplary embodiment, the basic timer interval is 8ms, so all tasks run in multiples of 8 ms. The top state machine runs once every 24 ms. The motor trajectory control task (motorTrajectorySM _ task) is run once every 104 ms. As described in the pseudo code below, the gear _ topsm _ doStep state machine is referred to as the shadow _ sm _ doStep. If the state machine returns a "complete" value, then the state transitions to idle.

In the following pseudo code, a shadow _ sm _ doStep instruction takes a position instruction and calculates a height select value using a height _ calcPos (shadow _ pos) function. HeightSelect is the encoder value corresponding to the height percentage received from the instruction structure. The motor _ doPos function determines the direction of movement when starting the motor rotation, and selects motor _ pwm (pulse width modulation value) based on the determination:

the motor _ doPos function creates an instruction structure for motor trajectory control only for the motor _ trajectory _ sm _ dosep state machine. The state machine is run by the motortrajectoryssm _ task.

mtr _ cmd, mtr _ dir is a MOTOR UP value or a MOTOR DOWN value

mtr _ cmd — PWM (pulse width modulation) mode

mtr _ cmd, mtr _ cmd being the new instruction value of 1

The motor _ projector _ sm _ doStep state machine captures the above instruction structure in its next execution cycle to start the operation of the ramp control. The state machine manages the ramp control of the motor from a motor quiescent (idle) state, as well as managing any instructions to interrupt the motor being operated. The state machine includes the following ramp trajectory functions and other functions: (a) a function that ramps up from an idle state; (b) a function that decelerates and stops the motor when the motor is in an operating state; (c) a function of the command to move the motor in response to the command to tilt the motor in the opposite direction when the motor is in operation; and (d) when the motor is in the run state, continuing to run the motor to a new position in response to a function requiring movement in the same direction as the current movement. The ramp trajectory function is described in the following pseudo code:

FIG. 20 is a state flow diagram for a motor ramp trajectory state machine, which builds on the following finite state machine flow:

S1:MOTOR_PROFILE_IDLE-2010

S2:MOTOR_PROFILE_DIRECTION-2020

S3:MOTOR_PROFILE_WAIT-2030

S4:MOTOR_PROFILE_STOP-2040

S5:MOTOR_PROFILE_RAMP_UP-2050

S6:MOTOR_PROFILE_RUN-2060

S7:MOTOR_PROFILE_RAMP_DOWN-2070

the state transitions of these finite state machines are shown in fig. 20. The new instruction, represented by mtr _ cmd, creates a transition from any state to the MOTOR _ PROFILE _ DIRECTION state S22020. The MOTOR _ PROFILE _ DIRECTION state S22020 determines whether the MOTOR is stopped or ramping up based on the current position and the MOTOR operating state. Once the state has completed its function, the process flows through a full transition to flow back to the MOTOR _ PROFILE _ IDLE state S12010 to wait for a new instruction.

In an exemplary embodiment, the motor ramp trajectory state machine increases the motor PWM from 0 to 200 in steps of 20. As the motor ramp trajectory state machine runs every 104ms, increasing PWM takes approximately 1 second to ramp up. In an embodiment, the motor ramps the PWM down from 200 to 0 in one step. Due to the natural ramping down of the motor by inertia, it was observed that this ramping time was sufficient to avoid applying excessive stress to the continuous string loop beaded chain. In an embodiment, the motor ramp trajectory is automatically determined by the control system. In an embodiment, the user may modify the default motor ramp trajectory during system setup.

A Group button (fig. 1; also referred to herein as a Group mode button) 116 adds a plurality of external motors 100 within the network to the Group for simultaneous control of the external motors. In one embodiment, the group mode enables a user to control all external motors within a group from one external motor 100. In an embodiment, to add additional external motors to the Group, the user presses the Group button 116 to enter the pairing mode. The LED light of the touch bar 104 will flash orange to indicate that the device is in pairing mode. In one embodiment, the user holds down the Group button for all external motors of the network that she wants to add to the Group within a specified time frame. For all external motors that have been added to the group, the LED color will change from orange to green to indicate successful pairing. In another embodiment, the user may press the Group button 116 once to remove the devices in the current Group, causing the Group button to perform a toggle function to add or subtract external motors from the Group. In an embodiment, the user presses Set button 114 to complete pairing and linking of the external motors in the group.

To control groups of external motors that are linked or synchronized together, a user may activate a Group control by pressing a Group button 116. In an embodiment, this changes the LEDs on capacitive touch slider 104 to a different color. All external motors in the group will light up or flash the same LED color to indicate that the external motors are now in the group control mode. The user may then set the position of the louvers to control all linked devices by using capacitive touch slider control 104.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart of a group mode routine executed by the external motor 100. Once the user has established the group, the group mode routine responds to the shade control command at a given external motor, thereby triggering shade control actions for other external motors within the group. At 802, the process begins upon pressing the Group button. Alternatively, the group mode routine may begin upon receiving a group mode instruction for another device (e.g., a smartphone, a smart hub, or a third party device) identified by the external motor. At 804, the system determines whether the external motor has been calibrated. If the external motor is not calibrated, the LED bar of the external motor will display a flashing red error code. This informs the user that the external motor must be calibrated before sharing the shade control command (position command) with the other external motors in the group. If the external motor has been calibrated, the system enables all shade control instructions to be broadcast to the other external motors in the group on the network (e.g., BLE mesh network). The system exits the group mode routine after flashing the error code or broadcasting the position instruction.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a motor drive control system 300 for a window covering system driven by a continuous cord loop. The control system 300 includes a dc motor 302, a gear assembly 304, and a clutch 306. Both the dc motor 302 and the clutch 306 are powered by a motor controller 308. The power source includes a battery pack 312. A user may use the charging port 316 or the solar array 318 to charge the battery pack 312 via the power circuit 314.

The central control element of the control system 300 is a microcontroller 310 that monitors the power circuit 314 and the motor controller 308. Inputs to microcontroller 310 include motor encoder 322 and sensor 324. In an embodiment, the sensors 324 include one or more of a temperature sensor, a light sensor, and a motion sensor. In embodiments, the control system 300 adjusts lighting, controls room temperature, limits glare, and controls other window covering functions, such as privacy.

In an embodiment, the microcontroller 310 monitors the current draw from the motor controller 308 and uses this data to monitor various system conditions. For example, using current draw sensing during calibration, the control system 300 may raise relatively heavy blinds at a slower speed and relatively light blinds at a faster speed. In another embodiment, the microprocessor 310 monitors the current draw of the motor to determine the displacement from the constant current draw as an indication of the position of the window covering and its level of openness. For example, assuming the window shade is fully closed (0% open), if the current draw averages 1amp when raising the window covering, the current draw may surge to 3 amps to indicate that the fabric is rolled up and the window shade is in the fully open position (100% open).

In another embodiment, the monitored current draw measurements are analyzed to determine the direction of the driven wheel and, thus, the direction in which the window blind is opened or closed. In an example, an external motor drive rotates the driven wheel in one manner and then rotates the driven wheel in the opposite manner while monitoring current draw. The direction in which the greater current consumption occurs indicates the direction in which the blind is opened. This method assumes that more torque (and higher current consumption) is required to open the window and less torque (and lower current consumption) is required to close the window.

In addition, the microcontroller 310 may communicate with different RF modules over a wireless network via a Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC) 330. RFIC 330 controls two-way wireless network communications through control system 300. Wireless networks and communication devices may include Local Area Networks (LANs), which may include user remote control devices, Wide Area Networks (WANs), Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs), smart home systems, and devices such as hubs and smart thermostats, among many other types of communication devices or systems. The control system 300 may employ standard wireless communication protocols such as bluetooth, WiFi, Z-Wave, ZigBee and Thread.

Output interface 340 controls system output from microprocessor 310 to output devices (e.g., LEDs 342 and speaker 344). Output interface 340 controls the display of visual cues and audio cues to identify the state of the external motor control system and to communicate information. Input interface 350 controls system inputs from input devices (e.g., capacitive touch device 352 and buttons 354). The input interface 350 identifies a given user input that may be mapped by the microprocessor 310 to a shade control function in the instruction generator. For example, the input interface 350 may recognize a given user finger gesture at a touch bar or other capacitive touch device 352.

In an embodiment, encoder 322 is an optical encoder that outputs a given number of pulses for each rotation of motor 302. Advantageously, the microcontroller 310 counts these pulses and analyzes the pulse counts to determine the operational and positional characteristics of the window covering device. Other types of encoders, such as magnetic encoders, mechanical encoders, etc., may also be used. The number of pulses output by the encoder may be correlated to the linear displacement of the shade fabric 204 by a distance/pulse conversion factor or a pulse/distance conversion factor. For example, referring to fig. 5, when window blind 204 is in the fully closed position (0% open), the button of external motor 210 may be pressed to raise the window blind to the top of the window frame, and once at the top the button may be released. The external motor 210 can measure the stroke in terms of the total length (height) of the fabric 204, determining the window blind fully open position, the fully closed position, and the level of openness between the fully open and fully closed positions.

In an embodiment, the control system 300 monitors different system operating modes and engages or disengages the clutch 306 depending on the operating state of the system 300. In one embodiment, when the dc motor 302 is rotated by the output shaft of the dc motor under the control of a user (operator) or under automatic control by the microcontroller 310, the clutch 306 is engaged, thereby advancing the continuous cord loop 320. When the microcontroller 310 does not process the operator's instructions or automatic functions to advance the continuous cord loop, the clutch 306 is disengaged and the user can manually advance the continuous cord loop to run the window covering system. In the event of a power outage, the clutch 306 will be disengaged, enabling manual operation of the window covering system.

Fig. 8 is an input/output (black box) diagram of the external motor control system 400. The monitored variables (inputs) 410 of the external motor control system 400 include: a user input command (e.g., a string packet containing commands) 412 for blind control, a distance (e.g., in meters) from the top of the blind to the current location 414, a rolling speed of the blind (e.g., in meters per second) 416, a current charge level of the battery (e.g., in mV) 418, an output of the temperature sensor (e.g., in mV) 420, an output of the light sensor (e.g., in mV) 422, an output of the motion sensor (e.g., in mV) 424, a smart home hub command (e.g., a string packet containing commands) 426, smart home data (e.g., a temperature value of a thermostat in degrees celsius) 428, and a current draw of the motor 302 (e.g., in a) 430.

The controlled variables (outputs) 440 of the external motor control system 400 include: an expected rolling speed of the blind (e.g., in meters per second) 442 at a given time, an expected displacement from the current position (e.g., in meters) 444 at a given time, user feedback instructions (e.g., a string package containing instructions) 446 from the device, engagement/disengagement instructions 448 of the clutch at a given time, and output data (e.g., a temperature value in degrees celsius corresponding to the output 420 of the temperature sensor) 450 to the smart-home hub.

In an embodiment, the external motor control system 400 sends data (e.g., sensor outputs 432, 434, and 436) to a third party home automation control system or device. The third party system or device may control other home automation functions based on the data. Third party home automation devices include, for example, "smart thermostats" such as the honeywell smart thermostat (honeywell international, morrisston, new jersey), the Nest Learning thermostat (Nest Labs, palo alto, california), the Venstar programmable thermostat (Venstar, charteso village, california), and the Lux programmable thermostat (Lux products, philadelphia, pennsylvania). Other home automation devices include HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) systems and intelligent ventilation systems.

In another embodiment, the external motor control system 400 accepts commands and data from third party systems and devices and controls the window covering system according to these commands and data.

In an embodiment, the external motor control system 400 schedules the operation of the window covering system via a user programmed schedule.

In an embodiment, the sensor output of the motion sensor 424 is incorporated into the power saving process. The sensor 424 may be a presence/motion sensor in the form of a Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor, or may be a capacitive touch sensor associated with a capacitive touch input interface of an external motor, for example. In this process, the external motor system 400 is in a sleep/sleep state until the presence/motion sensor detects motion or presence of the user. In an embodiment, when the presence/motion of a user is sensed, an LED indicator of the external electromechanical device lights up to indicate that the device is available for use. In an embodiment, after a period of inactivity, the device enters a low power state to conserve energy.

In another embodiment, the external motor control system 400 controls multiple window covering systems, and the external motor control system may group window covering systems to be controlled together as described above with respect to the group mode control. Examples of groups include external motors associated with windows facing in a particular direction, and external motors associated with windows located on a given floor of a building.

In another embodiment, the external motor control system 400 controls the window covering system based on the monitored output of the sensor. For example, based on the output 422 of the light sensor, the window covering system may automatically open or close based on particular lighting conditions (e.g., opening blinds at sunrise). In another example, based on the output 424 of the motion sensor, the system may automatically open the blinds upon detecting that the user enters the room. In another example, based on the output 420 of the temperature sensor, the system may automatically open the blinds during the day to warm a cold room. In addition, the system may store data of the temperature sensor for transmission to other devices.

In an embodiment, the window covering application may control the direction and speed of the advancement and retraction of the window covering. The speed control screen 2200 of fig. 22 is used to set a moving direction (opening/closing) and a speed of the window covering, and in the illustrated embodiment, the user has selected the roll blind on the selection screen of the window covering device of fig. 17, and the speed control screen 2200 controls a vertical direction and a scrolling speed (e.g., in meters per second) of the roll blind. The open/close control 2210 displays a down arrow icon 2214 and an up arrow icon 2218 that cause the window blind controller to lower (open) and raise (close) the roller blind, respectively. The speed control screen includes two

different modes

2220, 2230 for the user to select the scrolling speed of the blinds, typically only one of these modes being used at a time. The set speed level mode 2200 includes a control 2224 that selects a percentage value between 0% (roll blind is stationary or in idle state) to 100% (maximum speed), including 0% and 100%. In various embodiments, the percentage control 2224 may select the percentage value from a continuous range or may select the percentage value from a range of discrete values, for example, as shown, the percentage control selects the percentage value with a decimal place, i.e., 58.5% of the maximum speed. The preset speed mode 2230 includes a plurality of radio buttons, one of which may be selected to select one of a limited number of predetermined roll blind rolling speeds. Here, the predetermined speeds include a low speed 2232, a medium speed 2234, and a high speed 2236. In an embodiment, the maximum speed in mode 2220 and the preset speed in mode 2230 are default speeds. In an embodiment, the maximum speed in mode 2220 and the preset speed in mode 2230 are set by the user during device setup.

Fig. 19 is a diagram of a subsystem (also referred to as a system) 1900 that coordinates with an external motor window covering drive system, external data sources, and sensors to manage the solar heating effect. Subsystem 1900 automatically controls the position of a window covering based on weather conditions (e.g., public weather data), time of day, position of the window covering, and other conditions that may affect solar heat gain.

The window provides the occupant with the sensation of sunlight, direct sunlight, visual contact with the outside, and openness. Since solar energy is composed of light and heat, the energy is not easily controlled and therefore both lighting and thermal effects must be considered. Although it is desirable to introduce sunlight at a given constant level for natural lighting, it is necessary to determine whether sunlight is allowed to enter the interior of the building according to different conditions. In the present disclosure, the condition for determining whether sunlight is allowed to enter the interior of the building is referred to as sunlight-entering condition, also referred to as sunlight-entering condition data. In different embodiments, sunlight entry conditions may be detected, calculated, or stored by different elements of system 1900 for managing solar heating effects.

The main factor in determining whether sunlight is allowed to pass is the external weather conditions. Seasonality may also involve significant sunlight entry conditions. Radiant heat from the sun reduces the heating load in winter, but increases the cooling load during summer. During solar gain peaks, it may be desirable to cover the window (e.g., lower the window louvers) to reduce refrigeration loads and overheating. In cloudy conditions, or in winter, it may be desirable to open windows (e.g., raise window blinds) to allow sunlight and useful solar gain to enter the building so that the building can reduce reliance on electrical lighting and heating.

The window position including the sun orientation may represent a significant sunlight entry condition. Generally, a north-facing room has good daylight most of the time of the day; solar gain occurs for most of the year; window coverings may be needed to prevent overheating in summer and good passive solar gain in winter. Generally, eastward rooms have good morning lighting; solar gain in the morning of the year to provide initial warming; it will be cooler later in the afternoon. Generally, westward rooms have limited morning lighting; good sunlight exists in the afternoon; for most of the year, window coverings may be needed to prevent overheating and glare later in the afternoon; and provides good direct gain of solar energy to heat the thermal mass of the living space at night. Typically, the south-facing rooms have low levels of sunlight, with little or no heat gain, during portions of the year.

The position of the window including the sun's orientation (in combination with the time of day) generally represents a significant combination of sunlight entry conditions. For example, in the morning when the sun is rising, it may be desirable to cover windows located east of the building to prevent solar heat gain and reduce the need for artificial cooling in the building. During the day, it may be desirable to open windows in the west of the building in order to capture natural light and reduce the need for artificial lighting.

The sunlight entering conditions may also include interior illuminance and room temperature, as measured, for example, by light and temperature sensors near the device for opening and closing the window covering. Another consideration is whether the building or a room of the building is occupied, which is measured, for example, by an occupancy sensor.

As used in this disclosure, the one or more window opening criteria is a set of sunlight entry conditions received by the drive system controller that cause the drive system to retract or open the window covering. In various embodiments, the window opening criteria may cause the drive system to fully retract or open the window covering, or partially retract or open the window covering (e.g., to a given reduced level of openness). As used in this disclosure, the one or more window covering criteria is a set of sunlight entry conditions received by the drive system controller that cause the drive system to open or close the window covering. In various embodiments, the window covering criteria may cause the drive system to fully deploy or cover the window covering, or partially deploy or close the window covering (e.g., to a given elevated level of openness).

In an embodiment, the window opening criteria and the window covering criteria are scores calculated by the drive system controller based on a received set of sunlight-entry conditions. In another embodiment, the window opening criteria and the window covering criteria are a maximum threshold and a minimum threshold based on sunlight entry conditions. The process for determining the window opening criteria and the window covering criteria may include weighting of the sunlight entering conditions, and combinations of relevant sunlight entering conditions, such as a combination of window position (sun orientation) and time of day.

In the block diagram of fig. 19, the control/application modules 1910 may represent different types of control devices. Control/application module 1910 may be designed as a window covering control system for a commercial building. In other embodiments, the simplified control system may be designed as a window covering control system for a home. In different embodiments, control device 1910 may be implemented in a mobile device application or a desktop application. In a preferred network arrangement, the system is controlled to the "cloud" via IP (internet protocol). Control system 1910 provides a user and administrative level of control, monitoring, setting, and overriding system operations.

In various embodiments, the cloud 1940 is a back-end system that handles overall system intelligence, control algorithms, and decision engines. The system processes input from different sensors and includes deployment and usage specific preferences. The weather system API decides which window shades should be fully open, fully closed, or at a given intermediate open level. In various embodiments, cloud 1940 includes a machine learning algorithm. In an embodiment, cloud 1940 is in

Implemented in web services (AWS is a registered trademark of amazon technologies, seattle, WA, for application service provider services).

The AXIS cloud 1960 is a back-end system that collects anonymous usage data and statistics for improving the algorithm model. In various embodiments, this data is used for ongoing training and improvement of the system 1900.

Weather/solar API 1920 extracts weather data and solar data from resources such as openweather. Org is an online service that provides weather data, including current weather data, forecast data, and historical data, to developers of web services and mobile applications. The openweather map service is based on the VANE Geospatial Data Science platform (VANE Geospatial Data Science platform). Org is a free Java language library for developing geospatial applications.

The sensor/BMS module 1930 includes sensors of the external motor window covering control system, such as light sensors, temperature sensors, and occupancy sensors. In some embodiments, the sensor/BMS module is integrated with a building management system, such as a BACnet, which may be connected to the bridge 1950 via ethernet (interface). BACnet is a communication protocol for Building Automation and Control (BAC) networks that utilize ASHRAE, ANSI, and ISO 16484-5 standard protocols. In various embodiments, the sensor/BMS 1930 communicates with other system elements via communication protocols such as ZigBee, bluetooth, and WiFi. The output of the sensor/BMS module is used to control the decision algorithm for solar thermal gain, and the associated control functions (e.g., integrated control of ambient temperature).

Bridge 1950 is a central conduit for wireless connection to the window covering drive system of the external motor, and to the IP, BACnet and sensors connected to the cloud 1940 and control/application module 1910. In an exemplary commercial embodiment, a bridge device 1950 is placed at each floor of an office building according to coverage. In some embodiments, bridge 1950 runs some control and failure mode algorithms upon detecting a loss of connection with cloud 1940.

An external motor drive system 1970 is mounted on the window covering system and provides shade position data and solar data at specific window positions. In some embodiments, external motor drive system 1700 is controlled directly by control system 1900.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed, other aspects and embodiments are also contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed are for purposes of illustration and not limitation, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

The foregoing method descriptions and interface configurations are provided merely as illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that the steps of the various embodiments must be performed in the order presented. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the steps in the foregoing embodiments may be performed in any order. Words such as "then," "second," etc. are not intended to limit the order of the steps; these words are used only to guide the reader through the description of the method. Although a process flow diagram may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of execution may be rearranged. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a procedure corresponds to a function, the termination of the procedure may correspond to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention.

Embodiments implemented in computer software may be implemented in software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. A code segment or machine-executable instruction may represent any combination of a program, a function, a subprogram, programming, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or instructions, a data structure, or programming statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.

The actual software code or specialized control hardware used to implement the systems and methods does not limit the invention. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and methods have been described without reference to the specific software code — it being understood that software and control hardware may be designed to implement the systems and methods based on the description herein.

When implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium. The steps of a method or algorithm disclosed herein may be embodied in a processor-executable software module, which may reside on a computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium. Non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable media include computer storage media and tangible storage media that facilitate transfer of computer programming from one place to another. Non-transitory processor-readable storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of non-limiting example, the non-transitory processor-readable medium can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other tangible storage medium that can be used to store desired programming code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer or processor. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes Compact Disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. Furthermore, the operations of a method or algorithm may reside as one or any combination or set of codes and/or instructions on a non-transitory processor-readable medium and/or computer-readable medium, and may be incorporated into a computer program product.

Claims

1. A motor drive system, the motor drive system comprising:

a motor configured to operate under electrical power to rotate an output shaft of the motor, wherein the motor is external to a mechanism for deploying and retracting a window covering;

a drive assembly configured to engage and advance a continuous cord loop coupled to a mechanism for deploying the window covering, wherein advancing the continuous cord loop in a first direction deploys the window covering and advancing the continuous cord loop in a second direction retracts the window covering;

a controller for providing position instructions to the motor and the drive assembly to control advancement of the continuous cord loop in the first direction and advancement of the continuous cord loop in the second direction;

wherein the drive assembly includes an electrical coupling mechanism coupling the drive assembly to an output shaft of the motor and configured to rotate a driven wheel in a first orientation and a second orientation, and a motor controller for powering the electrical coupling mechanism; wherein the controller and the motor controller are configured to perform ramp-trajectory speed control of the motor that limits acceleration of the motor from an idle state to full-speed operation and limits deceleration of the motor from full-speed operation back to an idle state.

2. The motor drive system of claim 1, wherein the ramped trajectory of the motor ramps the motor up from idle to full speed operation and ramps the motor down from full speed operation to idle.

3. The motor drive system of claim 1, wherein the motor controller outputs a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal to the motor to control rotation of an output shaft of the motor, wherein the ramp trajectory of the motor includes a plurality of steps of the PWM signal that cause the motor to ramp up from an idle state to full speed operation.

4. The motor drive system of claim 1, wherein the motor controller outputs a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal to the motor to control rotation of an output shaft of the motor, wherein the ramp trajectory of the motor includes a single step of the PWM signal that causes the motor to ramp down from a full speed operation to an idle state.

5. The motor drive system of claim 1, wherein the ramp trajectory speed control of the motor comprises a finite state machine including a motor profile idle state, one or more motor run states, and a plurality of transitions between the motor profile idle state and the one or more motor run states.

6. The motor drive system of claim 1, wherein the ramped trajectory speed control of the motor comprises a finite state machine including a top state machine and a plurality of tasks, and further comprising a scheduler that runs the top state machine and the plurality of tasks on a periodic schedule.

7. A drive system for use with a window covering system, the drive system including a head rail, a mechanism associated with the head rail for deploying and retracting a window covering, and a continuous cord loop extending below the head rail for actuating the mechanism for deploying and retracting the window covering, the drive system comprising:

a motor configured to rotate an output shaft of the motor;

a drive assembly configured to engage and advance the continuous cord loop coupled to the mechanism for deploying and retracting the window covering, wherein advancing the continuous cord loop in a first direction deploys the window covering and advancing the continuous cord loop in a second direction retracts the window covering;

a controller for providing position instructions to the motor and the drive assembly to control advancement of the continuous cord loop in the first direction and advancement of the continuous cord loop in the second direction; and

an input-output device for the controller, the input-output device comprising an input interface that receives user input along an input axis such that the controller provides position instructions to the motor and the drive assembly, and further comprising a visual display aligned with the input axis of the input interface;

wherein the drive assembly and the controller operate in one of a vertical mode and a horizontal mode;

wherein, in the vertical mode, the drive assembly is configured to advance the continuous cord loop in the first direction to lower the window covering and is configured to advance the continuous cord loop in the second direction to raise the window covering, and the visual display and an input axis of the input interface are vertically aligned; and

wherein, in the horizontal mode, the drive assembly is configured to advance the continuous cord loop in the first direction to laterally close the window covering and is configured to advance the continuous cord loop in the second direction to laterally open the window covering, and the visual display and the input axis of the input interface are horizontally aligned.

8. The drive system of claim 7, wherein the input-output device for the controller includes a settings interface configured to select a mechanism for deploying and retracting a window covering from one of a roll shade, a roman shade, a vertical blind, and a window covering.

9. The drive system of claim 7, wherein the drive assembly and the controller operate in a horizontal mode with the settings interface selecting a mechanism for deploying and retracting a window covering from one of a roll shade and a roman shade; and wherein the drive assembly and the controller operate in a vertical mode with the setting interface selecting a mechanism for deploying and retracting the window covering from one of a vertical blind and a window covering.

10. The drive system of claim 7, wherein the input interface is a touch screen display of a mobile device having a graphical user interface.

11. The drive system of claim 7, wherein in the vertical mode, the input interface comprises vertically aligned touch bars, and in the horizontal mode, the input interface comprises horizontally aligned touch bars.

12. The drive system of claim 7, wherein in the vertical mode, the input interface comprises an up button and a down button, and in the horizontal mode, the input interface comprises a left button and a right button.

13. A method for controlling a motor drive apparatus, the method comprising:

receiving, by a processor via a graphical user interface of a computing device, a request to select a window covering mechanism from at least one vertical window covering mechanism configured for raising and lowering a window covering via the motor-driven device and at least one horizontal window covering mechanism configured for laterally opening and closing a window covering via the motor-driven device;

displaying, by the processor via a graphical user interface of the computing device, graphical representations of the at least one vertical window covering mechanism and the at least one horizontal window covering mechanism, and receiving a selection of one of the at least one vertical window covering mechanism and the at least one horizontal window covering mechanism;

in response to receiving a selection of one of the at least one vertical window covering mechanism and the at least one horizontal window covering mechanism,

displaying, via the graphical user interface, a position control visual display having an input axis if the selected window covering mechanism is one of the at least one vertical window covering mechanism, wherein the input axis is vertically aligned;

displaying, via the graphical user interface, a position control visual display having an input axis if the selected window covering mechanism is one of the at least one horizontal window covering mechanism, wherein the input axis is horizontally aligned; and

outputting, by a processor, a position control command based on a position control input to the motor drive apparatus in response to the position control input received via a position control visual display having an input axis.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one vertical window covering mechanism comprises roll-up shades and roman shades, and wherein the at least one horizontal window covering mechanism comprises vertical blinds and blinds.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the position control visual display comprises a vertically aligned touch bar with the input axis vertically aligned and a horizontally aligned touch bar with the input axis horizontally aligned.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein with the input axis vertically aligned, the position control visual display comprises an up button and a down button, and with the input axis horizontally aligned, the position control visual display comprises a left button and a right button.

17. A drive system for use with a window covering system, the drive system including a mechanism for deploying and retracting a window covering and a continuous cord loop extending below the mechanism for deploying and retracting a window covering, the drive system comprising:

a motor configured to rotate an output shaft of the motor;

a temperature sensor communicably coupled to the controller for providing position instructions to the motor and the drive assembly, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to provide a temperature output representative of a temperature proximate the drive system;

a light sensor communicably coupled to the controller for providing position instructions to the motor and the drive assembly, wherein the light sensor is configured to provide a light output representative of an intensity of ambient light in a vicinity of the drive system;

a controller for providing position instructions to the motor and the drive assembly to control advancement of the continuous cord loop in the first direction and advancement of the continuous cord loop in the second direction; wherein the controller receives a plurality of sunlight-entry conditions including the temperature output and the light output,

wherein, in the event that the plurality of sunlight entry conditions received by the controller correspond to one or more window covering criteria, the controller causes the drive assembly to advance the continuous cord loop in the first direction to deploy the window covering, and in the event that the plurality of sunlight entry conditions received by the controller correspond to one or more window opening criteria, the controller causes the drive assembly to advance the continuous cord loop in the second direction to retract the window covering.

18. The drive system of claim 17, further comprising a weather API, wherein the sunlight-entry conditions received by the controller include one or both of weather forecast data and solar forecast data received from the weather API.

19. The drive system of claim 17, further comprising an occupancy sensor, wherein the sunlight-entry condition received by the controller comprises occupancy data provided by the occupancy sensor.

20. The drive system of claim 17, wherein the window covering system is associated with a window having a sun orientation, wherein the sunlight entering conditions received by the controller include window position data for the window, the window position data including the sun orientation.

21. The drive system of claim 17, wherein the sunlight-entry conditions received by the controller include one or both of seasonal data and a time of day.

22. The drive system of claim 17, wherein, in the event that the plurality of sunlight entry conditions received by the controller correspond to one or more window covering criteria, the controller causes the drive assembly to advance the continuous cord loop in the first direction to deploy the window covering to a fully closed position or advance the continuous cord loop in the first direction to deploy the window covering to a partially open position, wherein the level of openness is reduced.

23. The drive system of claim 17, wherein, in the event that the plurality of sunlight entry conditions received by the controller correspond to one or more window opening criteria, the controller causes the drive assembly to advance the continuous cord loop in the second direction to retract the window cover to a fully open position or in the second direction to retract the window cover to a partially open position, wherein the level of opening increases.

24. The drive system of claim 17, wherein the controller is in one of a machine control state, a manual run state, and a user control state at a given time during operation of the drive system; wherein, in the event that the plurality of sunlight entry conditions received by the controller correspond to one or more window covering criteria, the controller causes the drive assembly to advance the continuous cord loop in the first direction to deploy the window covering when the controller is in a machine-controlled state only, and in the event that the plurality of sunlight entry conditions received by the controller correspond to one or more window opening criteria, the controller causes the drive assembly to advance the continuous cord loop in the second direction to retract the window covering when the controller is in a machine-controlled state only.

25. A drive system for use with a window covering system, the drive system including a head rail, a mechanism associated with the head rail for deploying and retracting a window covering, and a continuous cord loop extending below the head rail for actuating the mechanism for deploying and retracting the window covering, the drive system comprising:

a motor configured to rotate an output shaft of the motor;

a controller configured to provide position instructions to the motor and the drive assembly to control advancement of the continuous cord loop in the first direction and advancement of the continuous cord loop in the second direction; and

an input-output device for the controller, the input-output device comprising a graphical user interface configured to receive user input, position commands that cause the controller to control the motor and the drive assembly at a selected speed to advance the continuous cord loop in a selected one of the first direction or the second direction, wherein in a first speed control mode, the input-output device causes the controller to control the speed to advance the continuous cord loop at a selected percentage over a range of speeds from a resting speed to a maximum speed, and in a second speed control mode, the input-output device causes the controller to control the speed to advance the continuous cord loop at a selected one of a limited number of predetermined speed levels.