MXPA06006575A - Integrated system for controlling lights and shades - Google Patents

Abstract

A control system includes a processor transmitting signals to a shade network and a lighting system directing that motorized shades and dimmable loads be set to desired intensity levels. A communication interface having a buffer is connected between the processor and the shade network. The communication interface provides for communication with the processor based on streaming protocol and with the shade network based on event-based protocol. The shade network converts intensity levels into shade positions. The processor may direct the shade network to move a shade in a series of substantially equal steps to simulate a relatively slowly moving shade. The processor may be connected to a timing device for creating a program based on time-based shade position information for directing the shades to be moved to given positions at certain times of day. A computer running user interface software may be be connected to the system to facilitate programming.

Description

INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING LIGHTS AND CURTAINS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to systems for controlling a motorized curtain of a network of curtains. In particular, the present invention relates to an integrated system for controlling both a lighting system and a network of motorized curtains.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Motorized roller curtains include a flexible curtain fabric that is received in a wound manner on a rotatably supported roller tube. The motorized roller curtain also includes a motor drive unit that is driven in a pulsed manner with the roller tube to rotate the tube. It is known to arrange a plurality of motorized curtains to provide communication between the curtains as part of a network of curtains. The communication between the motorized curtains provided by the network arrangement facilitates the centralized control of a plurality of roller curtains included in the network from a convenient centralized location. A known curtain control system includes motorized curtains having electronic drive units (EDU) and wall mounted controllers connected to the network of curtains to control the network from a convenient location. The curtain control system includes microprocessors in each of the motorized curtains and wall mounted controllers connected to the network to transmit control signals and for storage of a database that includes information related to the network. The known curtain control system can be programmed so that the pre-set curtain positions for the motorized curtains can be stored in the system for subsequent selection by a user by actuating a preset actuator provided by the controller mounted on the wall. The curtain control system is also programmed to direct each device connected to the network with a unique identifier to provide network communication between the devices and to provide centralized control of the motorized curtains. The curtain control system is also programmed to assign the EDU of each of the motorized curtains of the system to one of the wall mounted controllers for the control of the EDU from the wall mounted controller. It is known to provide a lighting system that includes multiple dimmable lighting loads controlled from a central location. An example of such a lighting control system is Home Works® of Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. of Coopersburg, PA. The lighting control system includes a central processor connected to loads Dimmable and to wall mounted controllers to control the attenuating loads. The central processor transmits instruction signals that command attenuating loads to be set at particular intensity levels that can range from 0 to 100 percent. It would be convenient to provide an integrated control of the motorized curtains of a network of curtains and of the attenuating loads of a lighting system through a single control system. However, the differences between the construction and operation of known lighting control systems and curtains has made the connection of a curtain system to a known lighting system impractical. The central processor of the lighting system discussed above, for example, controls attenuating loads by transmitting instructions ordering the attenuating loads to be set at "intensity levels". Although this is adequate to control attenuating loads, the concept of "intensity level" loses relevance in the context of the control of motorized curtains that are directed by a network of curtains to place a curtain in a particular curtain position. Additional difficulties in connecting a network of curtains to a lighting control system are presented through the differences in the appropriate or desired communication protocols for the respective systems. In a lighting control system, for example, it may be advisable to provide communication using a channeling protocol system, in which packets are periodically transmitted. information. In contrast, known curtain control systems utilize an event-based communication protocol, in which information is transmitted in response to some event, such as the pressure of a button on a controller, for example. Generally, curtain systems are not expected to be complicated to install, unlike prior art lighting control systems that often include a central processor. In this way, an event-based protocol is better suited for a decentralized curtain system because it allows operation at a lower baud rate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the invention, a control system is provided that includes at least one curtain control network having at least one motorized curtain. The control system also includes a central processor adapted to transmit control signals and database information to the motorized curtains of each curtain control network and receive feedback information therefrom. The control system further includes a communication interface connected between the central processor and each curtain control network to facilitate the transmission of signals and database information therebetween. The communication interface device includes a information buffer to retain the feedback information that comes from the associated curtain control network for independent recovery by the central processor. Preferably, the central processor is also connected to another control network that does not include a motorized curtain, such as a lighting control system. The communication interface of preference is adapted to communicate with the central processor based on a channelization protocol and communicate with the curtain control network to which it is connected. According to another aspect of the invention, a method for controlling lights and curtains is provided. A central processor adapted to adjust a device to a desired intensity level is connected to a lighting system that includes at least one dimmable charge and to a curtain control system that includes at least one motorized curtain. The control signals are transmitted from the central processor to the lighting system and to the curtain control system by ordering the system to respectively adjust the dimmable loads and the motorized curtains to a desired intensity level. The curtain control system is adapted to convert the desired intensity level into a curtain position. According to a preferred method of control, the central processor transmits a sequence of control signals to the curtain control system so that a motorized curtain moves in a series of steps with substantially the same timing to simulate a curtain with Relatively slow movement compared to a normal speed of movement driven for the motorized curtain. According to another preferred method of control, the central processor is connected to a timer device to associate the position of the curtain for the motorized curtain with the time of day. The information based on the time regarding the curtain position is stored and transmitted to the central processor to create a macroprogram which, when executed, will order the motorized curtains to move to certain positions at certain times of the day based on the information based on the time transmitted to the central processor. According to another preferred method of control, the motorized curtains are alternated between first and second preset curtain positions, the first pre-set curtain position is preferably set by default by the central processor to either a fully open or fully closed position. According to another aspect of the invention, a computer is connected to the control system. Preferably, the computer runs user interface software to facilitate the programming of the control system. According to a preferred method for programming the control system, at least a portion of an information database with respect to the curtain control system is transmitted to the curtain control system from the computer and stored in the memory . According to a preferred method, the information database includes a serial number for each of the motorized curtains of a control system of curtains that is entered into the computer. According to another preferred method, the serial numbers for the motorized curtains are stored in a memory external to the computer and subsequently imported from the external memory to the computer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to illustrate the invention, a form that is currently preferred is shown in the drawings; however, it will be understood that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and mediations shown. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an integrated control system according to the present invention for controlling a network of curtains in addition to a lighting system; Figure 2 is a front view of a keyboard controller for an integrated control system in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of an integrated control system in accordance with the present invention for controlling a network of curtains and a lighting system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to the drawings, in which similar numbers identify similar elements, a control system 10 according to the present invention for controlling a network of curtains 12 is shown schematically in FIG. 1. As will be described in more detail, the system Control 10 is an integrated control system capable of controlling a lighting system 14 of a home or facility in addition to controlling the network of curtains 12.

The curtain network The curtain network 12 of the integrated control system 10 of FIG. 1 includes multiple motorized curtains 16 each including an electronic drive unit 18 (EDU) connected to a rotatably supported roller tube that receives in a coiled manner a flexible curtain fabric. The curtain network 12 may also include other devices such as curtain keypad controllers 24 that control the EDUs of the motorized curtains 16. The curtain keypad controllers 24 control motorized curtains assigned 16 by ordering the EDU 18 to raise or lower. the curtain fabric associated with a desired curtain position or, alternatively, moving the curtain fabric to a pre-set curtain position stored in a memory. During the initialization of the curtain network 12, each curtain keypad controller 24 is associated with one or more EDU 18. This procedure is known as EDU assignment. The EDU 18 of the motorized curtains 16, and the curtain keypad controllers 24 of the curtain network 12 are interconnected via wiring 22. The wiring 22 provides signal transmission between the curtain keypad controllers 24 and the EDU 18 for the control of the motorized curtains 16 and for communication of information related to the network. The components and devices of the curtain network 12 are preferably interconnected so that each component or device can communicate with each component or device in the network. A network of curtains suitable for use in the integrated control system of the present invention is shown and described in the patent application of E.U.A. No. 10 / 660,061, filed on September 11, 2003 and titled "Motorized shade control system." As described in that application, a curtain network arrangement that provides communication to and from each component of the network facilitates the addressing of the network components as well as other programming functions such as EDU mapping to keypad controllers. Each of the EDU 18 and curtain keyboard controllers 24 may have a memory storage capacity to provide storage in the device of an information database that includes information related to the network such as device addresses and EDU assignments, for example. Nevertheless, it is not a requirement of the invention that each device of the curtain network 12 be adapted for memory storage. It is conceivable, for example, that the curtain network 12 may include one or more centralized devices capable of memory storage for storage of network-related information in those locations instead of the EDU 18 or curtain keypad controllers 24 of the curtain network 12. In addition to the motorized curtains 18 and curtain keypad controllers 24, the curtain network 12 may include, for example, other devices connected to the network such as contact closure interfaces (CCI). The curtain network 12 shown in Figure 1 and described above includes roller curtains. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to roller blinds and is applicable to networks comprising other types of motorized drapery treatments such as Venetian blinds and blinds. The term "fully open" as used herein, should be understood to refer to a position for a motorized drapery treatment that provides a minimum of light blocking for the curtain area, as defined for example through of a window for which the curtain treatment provides curtains. The term "fully closed" as used herein, should be understood to refer to a position for the motorized curtain treatment that provides a maximum blockage of light to the curtain area through the curtain treatment. From In a similar way, relative terms such as "half open" or "partially open" should be understood with respect to the "fully open" or "fully closed" positions for the drapery treatment.

The lighting system The lighting system 14 of the integrated control system 10 includes dimmable loads 26, such as lamps. In a manner similar to the motorized curtains 16 of the curtain network 12, the attenuating loads 26 of the lighting system 14 are interconnected in a network arrangement that provides for the reception of the required energy through the attenuating loads 26 from the system 14. The lighting system 14 may also include attenuation controllers 28, each adapted to control one or more attenuating loads 26 of the lighting system 14. The use of the curtain keypad controllers 24 in the curtain network 12 and attenuating controllers 28 in the lighting system 14 facilitates the optional programming and operation of the motorized curtains 16 and attenuating loads 26 independently of that provided by the integrated control system. However, it is not a requirement of the invention that the curtain network 12 and lighting system 14 include controllers 24, 28, because the integrated control of both systems from a centralized location is provided by the integrated control system 19 according to discussed later.

The central processor The integrated control system 10 includes a central processor 30. As shown in Fig. 1, the central processor 30 is connected to the curtain network 12 and to the lighting system 14 and is adapted for integrated control of both the network of cortihas 12 as of the lighting system 14. The integrated control system 10 also includes keyboard controllers 32 connected to the central processor 30 to control either the motorized curtains 16 of the curtain network 12 or the attenuating loads 26 of the control system. lighting 14 from a single convenient location, such as for example the location that is mounted on the wall. For example, the central processor 30 functions to transmit control signals, input to one of the keyboard controllers 32, to the lighting system 14 and command the lighting system 14 to modify the supplied current to one of the attenuating loads 26. The Current for attenuating loads 26 is adjusted by the lighting system 14 to a particular intensity level ranging from 0 to 100 percent in response to the command signal from the central processor 30. The intensity levels for the attenuating loads 26 of the lighting system 14 can be raised or decreased by a user to a desired level or, alternatively, can be adjusted to a preset intensity level programmed in the integrated control system 10 for the attenuating load 26.

The keyboard controller Referring to Figure 2, a suitable keyboard controller 32 is shown. Keypad controller 32 preferably includes elevation and decrease actuators 34, 36 to respectively increase or decrease the intensity level for an attenuating load. of the lighting system 14 or raising or lowering the curtain fabric of a motorized curtain 16 in the curtain network 12. The keyboard controller 32 also includes a plurality of preset actuators 38, 40 for ordering the integrated control system 10 that adjust a motorized curtain 16 or dimming load 26, respectively, assigned to the actuator to a preset intensity level (or equivalent curtain position) that has been programmed into the integrated control system 10. The keyboard controller 32 also includes an LED ( Light Emitting Diode) 42 located near each of the preset actuators 38, 40. LEDs 42 provide visual feedback, to indicate to a user if a dimmable load 26 of the lighting system 14 is on or off, for example, or if a motorized curtain 16 of the curtain network 12 is in a first or second preset position as described in more detail below. As described above, the curtain control network 12 is adapted to command the EDUs 18 of the motorized curtains 16 to raise or lower the curtain fabrics associated with a desired curtain position or move the curtain to a pre-set curtain position. what has been programmed in memory storage. The central processor 30 of the integrated system 10, however, as described in the previous paragraph, is adapted to direct signals representing the intensity level, suitable in a lighting system for controlling an attenuating load. In order to provide control of the curtain network 12 through the central processor 30, the command representing the intensity level is converted to a curtain position value more suitable for a curtain control system. The integrated system 10 is adapted to convert the intensity level values transmitted from the central processor 30, in response to user inputs in a keyboard controller 32 for example, in curtain position values such that a level of intensity of 0 is equivalent to a curtain in a fully closed position and an intensity level of 100 percent is equivalent to a curtain in a fully open position. In this way, an existing lighting control system can be modified in an integrated control system capable of controlling curtains and lights receiving only limited changes to the existing lighting system. An example of a lighting control system suitable for modification in this manner is the HomeWorks® control system from Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. of Coopersburg, PA. The keyboard controllers 32 of the integrated control system are preferably mounted on the wall for installation in a convenient location that facilitates access by a user to the integrated control system 10. However, it should be understood that the control system embedded 10 may also include portable infrared transmitters (not shown) that generate infrared signals for reception by an infrared receiver connected to the system 10 within one of the keyboard controllers 32, for example.

PC v GUI software Referring to Figure 3, the central processor 30 of the integrated control system 10 can be connected to a personal computer (PC) 44, through an RS-232 port in the central processor 30 for example. The connection of PC 44 to the integrated control system 10 provides programming and control efficiencies through the use of graphical user interface (GUI) software running on PC 44. Such GUI software provides curtain displays and warnings of User selection to facilitate system programming and other functions such as system diagnostic features for troubleshooting and installation of new systems. Although PC 44, and the GUI software loaded therein, can also facilitate the normal operation of the integrated control system 10 after installation or maintenance of the system, this is not mandatory. It is conceived, for example, that the PC 44 may be connected to the central processor 30 using the RS-232 port of the processor solely for the purpose of programming the central processor 30 with the necessary information to provide the subsequent operation of the integrated system 10 through the keyboard controllers 32. So, after completing the required programming of the central processor 30, the PC 44 can be disconnected from the central processor 30 for normal operation of the integrated system 10 without the PC 44. In the integrated control system 10 shown in figures 1 and 3, it is included a programmable central processor 30 for providing storage in memory of information related to the system and for directing command signals relating to intensity levels to the lighting system 14 and to the network of curtains 12. As described above, a PC 44 can be used. to operate the system 10. The PC 44 may be permanently included in the integrated control system 10 for use of the processor and memory storage capabilities of the PC 44 instead of including a separate central processor 30. However, the use of a separate programmable processor 30 as shown in Figures 1 and 3, provides a more robust and durable construction for the system e integrated control 10.

Clock Recorder and Holiday Mode Referring again to Figure 3, the integrated control system 10 may also include a clock recorder 46 which is associated with the programmable central processor 30. Preferably, the clock recorder 46 is embedded in the central processor 30. The association of the clock recorder 46 with the central processor 30 provides time-based storage in the memory of the central processor 30 with with respect to the position or condition of the motorized curtains 16 of the curtain network 12 and the attenuating loads 26 of the lighting system 14. For example, for the curtain network 12, the central processor 30 can store information with respect to the position of curtain of a motorized curtain determined 16 in a certain hour of the day. Said information based on the time with respect to the curtain network 12 can be subsequently used to create a macroprogram for ordering the curtain network 12 to automatically move the determined motorized curtain 16 to certain curtain positions at different times of the day based on in the historical information based on the time stored in memory by the integral system 10. Once the macroprogram has been created, a user in a residential installation, for example, can activate the program, when he goes on vacation, to provide the automatic control of the curtain system 12 to mimic the occupied use of the residence according to the historical information based on the time with respect to the curtain network 12 stored in memory by the central processor 30.

Curtain operation during warning mode Still referring to Figure 3, the central processor 30 of the integrated control system 10 may also be connected to a security system 48 for the home or facility where the integrated control system is installed. The integrated control system 10 can be programmed to adjust all attenuating loads 26 of the system illumination 14 at full intensity or turning them on quickly, in response to an alert signal transmitted to the central processor 30 by the security system 48. The integrated system 10 can also be programmed to move all the motorized curtains 16 of the curtain network 12 to a fully open position, thereby maximizing the effect produced in an alert mode by the dimmable loads 26 of the lighting system 14. The integrated control system 10 can alternatively be programmed to move the motorized curtains 26 to their fully open positions. and then cycle between the fully open position and a partially closed position to provide an additional warning signal.

Communication interface having a buffer memory Referring again to FIG. 1, the integrated control system 10 includes a communication interface device 50 connected between the central processor 30 and the curtain network 12. The communication interface device 50 includes a buffer for storing retro-information information of the curtain network 12 with respect to the position or condition of the motorized curtains 16 of the network 12.

The storage of the feedback information of the curtain network 12 by the buffer memory facilitates the independent operation of the curtain network 12 from the lighting system 14 for continuous operation of any in case of a failure of the central processor 30, for example.

The inclusion of the communication interface device 50 having a buffer also facilitates the conversion of an existing lighting control system into an integrated system capable of controlling lights and curtains. In a lighting control system, such as that provided by the aforementioned HomeWorks® system, a piping protocol communication system may be convenient. In a communication system based on channeling protocol, information packets are periodically transmitted between interconnected components. This form of communication differs from an event-based protocol communication system, in which information is transmitted in response to an event, such as a command entered through a keyboard controller or feedback information after action by part of a component in response to a command (for example, a motorized curtain confirms movement in response to a command or indicates a fault condition). A pipeline protocol system provides more flexibility in the configuration of a control system. This is particularly advisable in control systems where relatively inexpensive devices are controlled, such as in lighting control systems for example, because the network information can be transmitted from a centralized location without the need for memory storage in each device . The buffer of the interface communication device 50 provides modification of a lighting control system existing one that uses a channeling protocol communication, to add a curtain control system adapted to communicate based on an event-based protocol, requiring limited changes to the lighting control system.

Methods to control the integrated control system 1. Storing pre-set intensity levels in the central processor A variety of methods can be used to control the motorized curtains 16 of a curtain control network 12 through the integrated control system 10. As described above, the central processor 30 is preferably programmable for memory storage of pre-set intensity levels for the motorized curtains 16 of the curtain network 12. According to a control method, the central processor 30 can be programmed to store in memory in the central processor the preset intensity levels for the attenuating loads 26 of the lighting system 14 and for the motorized curtains 16 of the curtain network 12. In response to the actuation of a curtain preset actuator 38 of a keyboard controller 32, the central processor 30 transmits the pre-set intensity level to the curtain network 12. The level of intensity is received by the associated motorized curtain 16 and converted into a position of curtain. The motorized curtain 16 subsequently instructs its EDU 18 to move the curtain fabric to the curtain position equivalent to the intensity level transmitted by the central processor 30. 2. Storing pre-established intensity levels by the curtain network Alternatively, the preset information may be first transmitted to the curtain network 12 as part of the programming of the integrated control system 10. As described above, the curtain system 12 may be adapted to provide memory storage capacity in each motorized curtain 16. Using the PC 44 that has GUI software, it is possible to instruct a user to enter desired pre-set intensity levels for the motorized curtains 16 of the network of curtains 12. Subsequently, a database of preset intensities is compiled by the GUI software of the PC 44 and transmitted by the central processor 30 to the network of curtains 12 for memory storage in each of the motorized curtains 16 of the system 12. According to this alternative control method, the subsequent actuation of a preset actuator 38 of a keypad controller 32 causes the central processor to transmit a "set to preset" command. This differs from the previous method in which the central processor 30 transmitted a signal representing the level of actual intensity to the curtain network 12 based on database information stored in memory in the central processor 30. According to the alternative control method herein, the "adjust to preset" command is transferred to the curtain motorized 16 which accesses the information database stored in the motorized curtain to determine the intensity level associated with the "adjust to preset" command. The motorized curtain 16 subsequently converts the intensity level into an equivalent curtain position and instructs its EDU 18 to move the curtain fabric to the equivalent curtain position. The transmission of an "adjust to preset" command provides the reduction in total communication time because the same "adjust to preset" command can be sent to the motorized curtains instead of sending multiple signals to each motorized curtain including the level of intensity associated with the preset. Although memory storage is preferred in each of the motorized curtains 16 of the curtain system 12 in the alternative control method described in the preceding paragraph, this is not mandatory. It is within the scope of the invention, for example, that the information database that is compiled by the GUI software and supplied to the curtain network 12 by the central processor 30, can instead be stored in one or more centrally located storage devices with respect to the curtain network 12. 3. Alternation Functionality for Adjusting Curtains to Preset Intensity Levels Curtain preset actuators 38 of keyboard controllers 32 may be used to control motorized curtains 16 of curtain network 12 using an alternating functionality in the following manner. It is known for lighting control systems, for example, to use the alternating functionality to switch an attenuating light load between first and second intensity levels by actuating a preset button. A processor associates the first and second intensity levels for dimmable lighting loads with first and second states alternated by the preset button. The activation of the preset button alternates the states between the first and the second states. The processor adjusts the attenuating light load of the first and second intensity levels depending on the state for the preset button. In lighting systems, the first preset intensity level is typically set to zero by default and the second preset intensity level is adjusted to a desired intensity that is not zero. The states associated with the first and second preset intensity levels are, therefore, referred to as the "off" and "on" states. In the integrated control system 10, the central processor 30 can be programmed to alternate a motorized curtain 16 of a network of curtains 12 between first and second curtain positions preset depending on the first and second states alternated by one of the curtain preset actuators 38 of a keyboard controller 32, for example. For the first state, or "off" state, the central processor 30 may be programmed to adjust by default the curtain position associated with a fully open curtain position, or alternatively to a fully closed curtain position. The central processor 30 then alternates the motorized curtain 16 between the first curtain position (i.e. the determined "off" curtain position) and a second preset position stored in memory for the motorized curtain 16 in response to the actuation of the preset actuator. Curtain 38. The ability to alternate between two preset positions can be convenient for a variety of reasons including, for example, privacy issues, lighting factors or facilitating the view from a window. The LEDs 42 adjacent to the preset actuators 38 of the keyboard controllers 32 provide a visual indication to a user with respect to the first and second preset positions to which it is fitted to the motorized curtain 16. The integrated control system 10 may be arranged, for example, to "turn on" and "turn off", respectively, the LEDs when the associated curtain preset actuator 38 is in the "on" and "off" states. 4. Gradual curtain movement to simulate reduced engine speed The EDU 18 for the motorized curtains 16 of a network of curtains 12 are typically adapted to drive the associated roller tubes at a set speed index. However, the integrated control system 10 may be adapted to command a motorized curtain 16 to move a curtain fabric in a gradual manner that simulates a curtain of relatively slow but continuous movement. This can be done through the central processor 30 that transmits, periodically, a sequence of intensity levels that increase or decrease in a substantially equal step with each level of intensity that is transmitted. If the duration of each step, as well as the duration of the intermediate period between steps is sufficiently short, the resulting movement of the curtain will appear continuous but slower than that provided by a curtain that is normally driven by an EDU 18 between two curtain positions. . The inclusion of a PC 44 running GUI software greatly simplifies the programming of the central processor 30 to order the gradual movement of the motorized curtains 16.

. Reduced motor speed by voltage control Instead of simulating a reduced motor speed using the graduated movement at normal speed, the motor speed for the motor motorized curtain 16 of a network of curtains 12 can be reduced by varying the voltage applied to the motor of the motorized curtain 16. In response to a motor speed command coming from the central processor 30, a microprocessor in the EDU 18 for the curtain Motorized 16 applies suitable voltage related to the motor speed command by varying the duty cycle of a pulse width modulated drive signal applied to the motor. The motor speed control for a motorized window curtain in this manner is described in more detail in the U.S. Patents. Nos. 6,100,659 and 6,497,267. The motor speed for the motorized curtains 16 of a curtain network 12 can also be controlled based on other characteristics, such as frequency of a driving signal, for example. 6. Integrated system operating multiple curtain networks The integrated control system 10 of Figure 1 is shown with a single network of curtains 12 connected to the central processor together with a single lighting system 14. However, it should be understood that the integrated system 10 may include multiple curtain networks 12 and multiple lighting systems 14 connected to the central processor 30 for integrated control by the system 10. The inclusion of multiple curtain networks 12 in the integrated control system 10 provides the independent operation of each one of the curtain networks 12 and lighting systems 14 from other networks 12 and systems 14. The provision of connection of multiple networks of curtains 12 to central processor 30 also conveniently provides an increase in the total number of curtains that can be controlled as a whole by the integrated control system 10 in case a desired number of motorized curtains 16 exceeds that which may be connected to a single network of curtains 12, either based on the number of curtains or some other limitation of the network 12, such as for example the maximum cable length.

Methods to program the integrated control system 1. Visual identification of curtain through the "undulation" method The integrated control system 10 is programmed to direct the motorized curtains 16 of a curtain network 12 to the system 10 so that a unique identifier is associated by the system 10 with each curtain motor 16 of the curtain network 12. The above-described PC 44 having a GUI interface can be used to facilitate the addressing of the motorized curtains 16 of a curtain network 12 to the integrated control system 10 according to the following methods . According to one method, a user can enter a routing mode of the curtain system in the GUI software by pressing a key on the keyboard on the PC 44 or through a GUI selection indicated by the system 10. The central processor 30 then orders the network of curtains 12 to raise and lower the curtain fabric of one of the motorized curtains 16 at a short distance (ie, "undulating" the curtain fabric). The undulation of the curtain fabric provides a visual means to identify a particular motorized curtain within the curtain system 12. Subsequently the GUI software invites the user to indicate whether the undulating curtain is the particular curtain that will be addressed by selecting "yes" or not". If the user selects "no", the central processor 30 instructs the curtain network 12 to "wave" the curtain fabric of another motorized curtain 16 of the network 12 and again invites the user to select "yes" or "no" . This procedure is repeated until the desired curtain fabric of the motorized curtain 16 is corrugated by the curtain network 12 and the user selects "yes". 2. Visual identification of curtains using subset reduction According to an alternative method for visually identifying a particular motorized curtain 16 of a curtain network 12 in a curtain addressing programming mode, a subset of motorized curtains 16 initially includes all motorized curtains 16 of the curtain network 12. The central processor 30 instructs the curtain network 12 to move half of the motorized curtains 16 of the current subassembly to a fully open position and the other half of the subassembly to a fully closed position. Subsequently the GUI software invites the user to select "open" or "closed" to identify the position of the desired motorized curtain 16. This procedure is then repeated with half of the selected subset becoming a new subset of motorized curtains 16 and the processor commands the curtain network 12 to move half of the curtains of the new subset to the position fully open and half to the fully closed position. This procedure is repeated until the desired motorized curtain 16 is the only motorized curtain in the sub-assembly. The method of the previous paragraph, in which half of the curtains of the subset move to the fully open position and the half moves to the fully closed position provides a binary system to visually identify a particular motorized curtain 16 of the curtain network 12. However, a binary system is not required. The system 10 may be adapted, for example, to command the curtain network to move 1 / N of the curtains of the current subset to one of the N curtain positions. For example, curtains in a current subset of curtains can be divided into rooms that are respectively moved to fully open, fully closed, raised one quarter and raised three quarters positions. 3. Manual Entry of Curtain Serial Numbers The above methods for uniquely identifying motorized curtains 16 of the curtain network 12 in a curtain addressing programming mode are based on the visual identification of a curtain.

Alternatively, the motorized curtains 16 of a network of curtains 12 can also be directed to the integrated control system 10 based on the serial numbers for the motorized curtains 16, which are unique to each motorized curtain 16. GUI software invites the user to enter the serial number for each of the motorized curtains 16 of a network of curtains 12. After all the serial numbers have been entered into the computer 44, the GUI software subsequently compiles the information to create a database of curtain serial numbers. This information database is subsequently transmitted by the central processor 30 to the curtain network 12. 4. File entry of curtain serial numbers from external storage Alternatively to the method described in the previous paragraph, the serial numbers for each of the motorized curtains 16 of a curtain network 12 can be stored first in a file in an external memory to the PC 44 of the integrated control system 10. The file containing the serial numbers of the curtains is subsequently transferred to the PC 44 of the integrated control system 10, by transmission by electronic mail or by means of a diskette, for example, and is imported to the GUI software through the computer 44. The GUI software then compiles the information from the file to form a database of numbers of series of curtains that is transmitted to the network of curtains 12 through the central processor 30. The foregoing describes the invention in terms of modalities provided by the inventors for which a propitious description was available, although the unsubstantial modifications of the invention, not currently provided, may nevertheless represent equivalent to it.

Claims (29)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A control system comprising: at least one curtain control network including at least one motorized curtain; a central processor for controlling the at least one curtain control network, the central processor is adapted to transmit control signals and database information to the motorized curtains of each curtain control network and to receive feedback information from the same; and a communication interface device for each curtain control network, each of the communication interface devices is connected between the central processor and a curtain control network to facilitate the transmission of signals and database information between the same, the communication interface device includes an information buffer to retain the feedback information of the associated curtain control network for independent recovery by the central processor.

2. The control system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the central processor is further adapted to control at least one control network that does not include a motorized curtain.

3. - The control system according to claim 2, further characterized in that the central processor is adapted to control a lighting control network in addition to the at least one curtain control network.

4. The control system according to claim 2, further characterized in that the communication between each of the communication interface devices and the central processor is based on a channelization protocol and the communication between the interface device and the The associated curtain control network is based on an event-based protocol.

5. The control system according to claim 4, further characterized in that it comprises a plurality of curtain control networks each connected to a communication interface device.

6. A method for controlling lights and curtains comprising the steps of: providing a central processor adapted to transmit control signals to adjust a device connected to the central processor at a desired intensity level; connecting the central processor to a lighting system that includes at least one dimmable load; transmitting control signals from the central processor to the lighting control system to command the lighting control system to adjust the dimmable loads of the lighting system to desired intensity levels; connecting the central processor to a curtain control system that includes at least one motorized curtain; and transmit signals control from the central processor to the curtain control system for ordering the curtain control system to adjust the at least one motorized curtain of the curtain control system to a desired intensity level, the curtain control system is adapted to converting the intensity level transmitted by the central processor into a curtain position for the at least one motorized curtain of the curtain control system.

7. The method according to claim 6, further characterized by further comprising the steps of: transmitting a sequence of control signals from the central processor to the curtain control system so that the curtain control system moves a motorized curtain of the curtain control system in a series of substantially uniformly delayed steps of substantially equal distance to simulate a curtain of relatively slow movement compared to a normal speed of movement driven for the motorized curtain.

8. The method according to claim 6, further characterized in that a motor speed for the at least one motorized curtain of the curtain control system is variable and wherein the method further comprises the step of: transmitting a signal in a manner concurrent with the intensity level that commands the at least one motorized curtain to move to the curtain position associated with a desired speed.

9. A method for controlling lights and curtains comprising the steps of: providing a programmable central processor adapted to store pre-established intensity levels in an information database for devices connected to the central processor; connecting the central processor to a lighting control system that includes at least one dimmable load; connecting the central processor to a curtain control system that includes at least one motorized curtain; programming the central processor to store pre-set intensity levels for the dimmable loads of the lighting control system in the information database; programming the central processor to store a pre-set intensity level for the at least one motorized curtain of the curtain control system in the information database; and transmitting a portion of the information database including the preset intensity level for the at least one motorized curtain of the curtain control system from the central processor to the curtain control system, the curtain control system is adapted to convert pre-set intensity levels into pre-set curtain positions.

10. The method according to claim 9, further characterized by additionally comprising the steps of: connecting a user interface to the central processor, the user interface is adapted to transmit a command signal to the central processor with respect to a level of preset intensity selected for the less a motorized curtain of the curtain control system in response to a user input; and transmitting the command signal with respect to the intensity level selected from the central processor to the curtain control system, the curtain control system commands the at least one motorized curtain to move to the preset curtain position associated with the curtain control system. intensity level selected.

11. The method according to claim 9, further characterized in that a motor speed for the at least one motorized curtain of the curtain control system is variable and wherein the method further comprises the steps of: programming the central processor for storing a desired motor speed associated with the preset intensity level for the at least one motorized curtain of the curtain control system in the information database to command the motorized curtain to move to the preset curtain position associated with the desired engine speed; and transmitting the motor speed with the preset intensity level associated with the curtain control system in the portion of the information database that includes the preset intensity level for the at least one motorized curtain of the curtain control system.

12. A method for controlling at least one motorized curtain, the method comprising the steps of: providing a curtain control network that includes at least one motorized curtain, each motorized curtain is adapted to transmit feedback information with respect to the curtain position or other condition associated with the curtain to the curtain control network; providing a central processor connected to the curtain control network for controlling the motorized curtains of the curtain control network, the central processor is adapted to receive the feedback information that comes from the curtain control network with respect to the condition or position of the motorized curtains; providing a communication buffer connected to the central processor and the curtain control network, the communication buffer is adapted to store in memory feedback information that comes from the curtain control network for independent transmission to the central processor; transmitting feedback information from the motorized curtains of the curtain control system to the communication buffer; and store in memory the feedback information for the motorized curtains in the communication buffer.

13. The method according to claim 12, further characterized in that it further includes the steps of: providing a timer device to associate the curtain position for the motorized curtains with the time of day; transmitting curtain position information from the motorized curtains to the communication buffer; recover the time of day of the timer device; storing in memory the curtain position information for the motorized curtains and the associated time information in the communication buffer; transmit the curtain position information for the motorized curtains and the associated time information from the communication buffer to the central processor; creating a time-based macro program for ordering the motorized curtains of the curtain control network to move to determined positions at certain times of the day based on the information transmitted to the central processor from the communication buffer; and execute the macroprogram based on the time.

14. The method according to claim 12, further characterized in that it further includes the steps of: providing a link between the central processor and the communication buffer adapted to transmit information in cycled information packets based on a pipeline protocol; and transmitting feedback information regarding the motorized curtains of the curtain control network from the communication buffer to the central processor in a consecutive manner using the channelization protocol so that any information packets transmitted to the central processor including feedback information, includes feedback information associated only with one of the motorized curtains.

15. A method for controlling a curtain system that includes at least one motorized curtain, the method comprising the steps of: providing a programmable processor having storage capacity in memory; provide a controller that has an actuator connected to the programmable processor; connect the programmable processor to a motorized curtain that includes a rotatably supported roller tube and a cloth of flexible curtain received in a wound manner by the roller tube; programming the programmable processor for storing in memory a first preset value associated with a first curtain position and a second preset value associated with a second curtain position; and alternating the motorized curtain between the first and second pre-set curtain positions.

16. The method according to claim 15, further characterized in that the programmable processor is connected to a controller having an actuator and wherein the motorized curtain is alternated between the first and second curtain positions in response to actuation of the actuator.

17. The method according to claim 16, further characterized in that the controller includes an LED located adjacent to the actuator to provide visual indication of the curtain position with which the motorized curtain alternates.

18. The method according to claim 17, further characterized in that the programmable processor is programmed to default by adjusting the first curtain position to either the fully open curtain position or the fully closed curtain position.

19. A method for programming a curtain control system that includes at least one motorized curtain, the curtain control system includes a communication network connected to each motorized curtain, the The method comprises the steps of: connecting a computer having user interface capability to the communication network of the curtain control system; transmitting at least a portion of an information database with respect to the curtain control system from the computer to the curtain control system; and storing the portion of the information database received by the curtain control system in a memory in the curtain control system.

20.- The programming method according to claim 19, further characterized in that each of the motorized curtains of the curtain control system has storage capacity in memory, the method further comprises the steps of: connecting a programmable processor between the computer and curtain control system; transmit the entire database of information regarding the curtain control system from the computer to the programmable processor; transmitting at least a portion of the information database from the programmable processor to each of the motorized curtains; storing in memory the portion of the information database in each of the motorized curtains of the curtain control system; transmitting an acknowledgment of the database portion from each of the motorized curtains to the programmable processor; and transmitting a report from the microprocessor to the computer regarding the acknowledgment through the at least one motorized curtain.

21. - The programming method according to claim 20, further characterized by additionally comprising the steps of: connecting a communication interface to the communication network of the curtain control system to facilitate the transfer of information with the curtain control system; and connect the programmable microprocessor with the communication interface.

22. The programming method according to claim 21, further characterized in that the processor is part of an integrated control system, the processor is capable of controlling at least one other control system that includes a lighting control system in addition to the curtain control system.

23. The programming method according to claim 21, further characterized in that it further comprises the steps of: connecting a plurality of communication interfaces to a plurality of curtain control systems, each curtain control system includes at least one motorized curtain and a communication network connected to each of the motorized curtains; and connect the programmable processor to each of the communication interfaces.

24. The programming method according to claim 19, further characterized in that it further comprises the step of: ordering the curtain control system to move the motorized curtains in a consecutive manner in response to a series of inputs of user to provide unique identification of the motorized curtains by the curtain control system.

The method of programming according to claim 19, further characterized in that it additionally comprises the steps of: entering a serial number for each of the motorized curtains of the curtain control system in the computer; store the serial number for each of the motorized curtains in the information database; and transmitting the information database to each motorized curtain.

The method of programming according to claim 19, further characterized in that it further comprises the steps of: storing a serial number for each of the motorized curtains of the curtain control system in a memory external to the computer; import the serial numbers for the motorized curtains of the curtain control network from the external memory to the information database in the computer; and transmitting the information database to each motorized curtain from the computer.

The programming method according to claim 19, further characterized by additionally comprising the steps of: ordering the curtain control system to move the motorized curtains of the curtain control system to provide visual identification of a particular curtain between a reduced number of curtains in a first subset of curtains; further reduce the number of curtains in subsequent subassemblies by repeating the order of instructing the curtain control system to move the motorized curtains with respect to subsequent subsets until a subset is formed that includes only the particular motorized curtain to provide unique identification of the particular motorized curtain by the curtain control system.

28. The programming method according to claim 27, further characterized in that half of the curtains of a given subset moves to form the next subset of curtains that include the particular curtain.

29. The programming method according to claim 19, further characterized in that the curtain control system additionally includes at least one controller connected to the communication network, the controller has storage capacity in memory for storage of information of database with respect to the curtain control system, the method further comprises the steps of: transmitting at least a portion of the information database to each of the controllers of the curtain control system; and storing in memory the portion of the information database in each of the controllers of the curtain control system.