WO2020049486A1

WO2020049486A1 - Digital data flow process automation and optimization method for a shade/screen building system

Info

Publication number: WO2020049486A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/057457
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Cooley; Nikki FETTIG; Sujin WALKER; Monica LALAN; Michael Braithwaite
Original assignee: U.S. Screen Corporation
Priority date: 2018-09-04
Filing date: 2019-09-04
Publication date: 2020-03-12

Abstract

This disclosure describes a digital data flow process automation and optimization for a shade and screen building system (250) that includes: an application (600) executing on a mobile computing device (1100) that executes the following steps: initializing a new shade/screen project (602); adding a room with one or more windows in the room (606); adding a shade/screen for each selected window (608); selecting the fabric and color (610, 612, 618) and the style and color (614, 616) for the shade/screen; acquiring an image of each window in the room (620) using the camera of the mobile computing device; acquiring the physical dimensions for each selected window (620); selecting a motorized or manual roll (628, 626) for the shade/screen; adding the selected shade/screen selections to the shade/screen project (644); previewing the selected shade/screen selections for each selected window (649); finishing the shade/screen project and sending it for fulfillment (652).

Description

Digital Data Flow Process Automation and Optimization Method for a Shade/Screen Building System

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority and the benefits of the earlier filed Provisional Application USAN 62726844, filed 09/04/2018, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes into this specification.

This disclosure relates to the deployment of shades and similar products. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a digital data flow process automation and optimization method for a shades, draperies, screens, and other type of shade/screen building system.

Roller shades or roller blinds are common forms of window coverings used in both residential and commercial applications. Most roller shades utilize a winding tube retained within a frame or housing. The winding tube has wound thereon a shade that rolls upon itself as the winding tube rotates in one direction and rolls down to cover a desired portion of the window when the winding tube rotates in the opposite direction.

Designing a roller shade, drapery, or screen system has been a complex and time-consuming endeavor. Many steps are required when specifying these types of projects and several points in the process are prone to human error. The process commonly starts with the desired environmental attributes such as keeping the light level to a set level or reducing glare to reducing UV levels within the room(s). Adjustment of the ambient temperature to a more desirable level and or for energy conservation as well as offering different levels of privacy.

Often the next step is to capture the measurements of each window that is to be part of the system. Great care and attention to details are normally required in this step for both the method of measurement as well as the notation and documentation methodologies used. A common nomenclature and a scientific centric with a high-level of precision are two important keys to maintaining data integrity for high quality and optimal fit. This attention to detail will minimize errors in both the construction, annotation or data capture and in the ultimate manufacturing. It has been commonplace to find these errors later in the process which results in re-manufacturing, and possibly sending materials back to the factory to be remade. This also means longer lead times, less efficiency from the manufacturer, longer deployment or multiple job site visits which adds to both time loss and higher costs which are either absorbed by the integration firms or paid by the end customer none of which provides a world class service or experience.

Motorized roller shade systems include an electric motor coupled to the winding tube. The motor may be located inside or outside the winding tube and is connected to a simple wall switch, or, in some implementations, to a radio frequency (RF) or infrared (IR) transceiver that controls the activation of the motor and the rotation of the shade tube from user controls or from automation systems programming such as events or conditions. Conditions can include sensory detection, time of day such as ISO 8601, positional astronomy or by way of services via Internet (such as from relational databases or clustered weather nodes) or by location ambient conditions.

In some implementations, the motor is powered by local storage arranged in or close to the winding tube. Unfortunately, the set up and replacement of the batteries is cumbersome because it is generally necessary to disassemble the entire system to be able to change the batteries. To address this problem, some motorized roller shade systems employ rechargeable battery packs. And in more advanced embodiments the internal storage would be powered and recharged by harvesting such as solar panel or quantum dot methodologies or receive an RF transmission designed with a nantenna or rectenna to allow for inductive power methodologies.

The typical data flow process would be that the customer contacts an integration or design firm to describe the basic details of the project. The integrator then typically would go on site to review customer requirements. Sometimes, the house has not yet been built. For these cases, it is common that the customer would provide some floor plans or wall plans that the integrator/designer would review with the customer to capture the user requirements and needs. If the house is already built, then it is common that the integrator/designer would “walk” the house and capture the user requirements and needs. Sometimes, this is also where the integrator/designer would also capture measurements of the windows. In other cases, this step is captured after some agreements of service have been agreed to.

In the case that the structure is not currently built, the measurement step is usually not performed until the walls and windows have been built and in place. Sometimes this is done twice, once before sheetrock, and another after sheetrock and finishing have been completed.

In all the above listed cases, the common methodology used to capture the window size measurements has been to have a person use some type of measurement tool such as a tape measure, or more advanced laser-based tools.

The person or another person would have a way to notate this data such as a large order pad or computer spreadsheet. They would systematically go throughout the structure and notate the dimensions of the window casing, and if this step is performed in conjunction with the initial site visit then, they may also capture additional data such as the room/zone name of this shade and a unique identifier, which fabric color, the type of enclosure roll or box, the enclosure color, motor type, control type, motor side, and any additional spacer or other notes as well as other critical data for that window including additional accessories.

Next step typically is to extract the data captured and create a complete design with possible design options and present to the customer in a proposal format for agreement and option selections.

After the customer acceptance the next step typically would be to schedule installation labor, create purchase orders for all the parts ordered, and issue purchase orders with all the vendors.

The vendors would then receive the purchase orders and start the manufacturing of the shades/screens and place these work orders into their production queue. Once the shade/screens had been manufactured they would then be sent to integrator/designer.

Once the Integrator/designer received the products they would then schedule time for the shade/screens to be installed and for the controls to be programmed and tested.

If any of the measurement data was incorrect and or something changed on the job site, the integrator/designer would then notate the changes needed and send back to the vendor for re-sizing. In some rare cases and depending on the shade/screen type such as an open roll, the integrator/designer could do some of the modifications on site and then re-install the shade/screen.

If the shade was not made correctly, then the vendor would make any necessary modifications and then re-send the shade/screen back to the integrator and then the integrator/designer would go back on-site and re-install the updated shade/screen.

Next the integrator/designer will configure or program the controls and test the system and finally they will train the end customer on how to use the controls and shades/screens.

The current technology is described in these references:

PLT1: USPN 10037492 to Lutron. Title: Selecting a window treatment fabric. This patent teaches how to use a scoring method, which is based on the two main manufactures of fabric to create the recommendations. The disclosed embodiments do not use a scoring method for the recommendations. Additionally, this patent teaches using geometric data and location-based automation to control light levels and minimizing glare using a combination of data, and window direction with ambient light level sensors to control the lighting inside a building. The disclosed embodiments do not claim any kind of automated system using geometric or sensors. None of the disclosed embodiments use any scoring or manufacture scoring. This reference is incorporated by reference for all purposes into this disclosure.

Technical Problem

The current technology results in a high rate of return of shades/screens for re-sizing that results in lost time in finishing the job and lost profits due to the vendor or integrator/designer for incorrect measurements.

Solution to Problem

This disclosure describes an embodiment that streamlines and improves the speed and quality for the design, procurement, and deployment of a shade, drapery, or screen and its included control system that results in greater profits and finishing more jobs on-time and on-budget.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The ability to simplify the ease of the design, provide augmented measurement data capture methods of high precision and accuracy and automation of order processes, including creation of bill of materials (BOM’s) with customer options, environment requirements and automated and user control methodologies. One embodiment of this disclosure provides an automated process flow allowing integrators and designers to save time and labor and to conduct projects at the expert level even if they are relatively new to the shade/screen business.

This disclosure describes an apparatus and method of an embodiment of an invention that is a digital data flow process automation and optimization for a shade/screen building system that includes: an application executing on a mobile computing device that connects to the internet and that connects to one or more back-end database services for order fulfillment, where the application executes the following steps initiated by the user: initializing a new shade/screen project; adding a room with one or more windows in the room to the project; adding a shade/screen for each selected window in the room; selecting the fabric and color for the shade/screen for each selected window in the room, and selecting the style and color for the shade/screen for each selected window in the room; acquiring an image of each window in the room using the camera of the mobile computing device; acquiring the physical dimensions for each selected window in the room using one of the following: using the camera and measurement functionality of the mobile computing device, using a digital laser measurement tool, or using image processing on the image of the selected window; selecting a motorized or manual roll for the shade/screen for each selected window in the room, if the motorized roll is selected then select the motor type for the motorized roll; adding the selected shade/screen selections to the shade/screen project; previewing the selected shade/screen selections for each selected window in the room creating a virtual window using the image of the window and overlaying the shade/screen selections on to the image where the composite image simulates the virtual window with the view and the amount of light as seen through the selected shade/screen selections; finishing the shade/screen project and sending it for fulfillment.

The above embodiment of the invention may include one or more of these additional embodiments that may be combined in any and all combinations with the above embodiment. One embodiment of the invention describes where the application acquires the physical dimensions of the selected window using the camera and measurement functionality of the mobile computing device. One embodiment of the invention describes where the application acquires the physical dimensions of the selected window using a digital laser measurement tool connected to the mobile computing device. One embodiment of the invention describes where the application acquires the physical dimensions of the selected window using in-field calibration tools when acquiring the image of the selected window and then extracting the physical dimensions from the image. One embodiment of the invention describes where the application acquires the physical dimensions of the selected window by creating a virtual 3D space using the image and then extracting the physical dimensions from the virtual 3D space.

Additionally, this disclosure describes an apparatus and method of an embodiment of an invention that is a digital data flow process automation and optimization for a shade/screen building system that includes: an application executing on a mobile computing device that connects to the internet and that connects to one or more back-end database services for order fulfillment, where the application executes the following steps initiated by the user: means for initializing a new shade/screen project; means for adding a room with one or more windows in the room to the project; means for adding a shade/screen for each selected window in the room; means for selecting the fabric and color for the shade/screen for each selected window in the room, and means for selecting the style and color for the shade/screen for each selected window in the room; means for acquiring an image of each window in the room using the camera of the mobile computing device; means for acquiring the physical dimensions for each selected window in the room using one of the following: means for using the camera and measurement functionality of the mobile computing device, means for using a digital laser measurement tool, or means for using image processing on the image of the selected window; means for selecting a motorized or manual roll for the shade/screen for each selected window in the room, if the motorized roll is selected then select the motor type for the motorized roll; means for adding the selected shade/screen selections to the shade/screen project; means for previewing the selected shade/screen selections for each selected window in the room creating a virtual window using the image of the window and overlaying the shade/screen selections on to the image where the composite image simulates the virtual window with the view and the amount of light as seen through the selected shade/screen selections; means for finishing the shade/screen project and sending it for fulfillment.

The present disclosure further describes an apparatus and method of an embodiment of the invention as further described in this disclosure. Other and further aspects and features of the disclosure will be evident from reading the following detailed description of the embodiments, which should illustrate, not limit, the present disclosure.

The drawings accompanying and forming part of this specification are included to depict certain aspects of the disclosure. A clearer impression of the disclosure, and of the components and operation of systems provided with the disclosure, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings, where identical reference numerals designate the same components. Note that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The following is a brief description of the accompanying drawings:

Fig.1

illustrates an overview of the Making Shades FLOW™ shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure

Fig.2

illustrates an embodiment of a block diagram of a process for building shades and screens for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 3

discloses a common workflow representation of the prior art shade design system.

Fig. 4

illustrates an embodiment of a simplified system block diagram for system users and work orders for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 5

illustrates an embodiment of a simplified system block diagram of the submit command and the automated workflows for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 6

illustrates an embodiment of the shade and screen building workflow process for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 7

illustrates an embodiment of the submit workflow process for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 8

illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder system running on a mobile computing device such as a tablet according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 9

illustrates an embodiment of a sample fabric kit for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig.10

illustrates an embodiment of a hardware sample kit that includes various hardware samples for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 11

illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment for a mobile computing device for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 12

illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder project name page for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 13

illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder room editing page for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 14

illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder room name page for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 15

illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder shade page 1500 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 16

illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder shade pop-up name page for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 17

illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder fabric wizard page for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 18

illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder needs analysis page for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 19

illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder Roll/Box color selection page for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 20

illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder fabric width page(s) for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 21

Fig. 22

illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder motor selection page for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 23

illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder room summary and preview page for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 24

illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder accessories pop-up page(s) for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 25

illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder add accessories page(s) for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 26

illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder accessories page(s) for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 27

Fig. 28

illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder room(s) listing page for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 29

illustrates an embodiment of the control and power options page for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 30

illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder room summary with parts, labor, and shipping page for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 31

illustrates an embodiment of the client and customer details page for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 32

illustrates an embodiment of the project details page for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 33

illustrates an embodiment of the project summary page for the shade and screen building system according the present disclosure.

The disclosed embodiments should describe aspects of the disclosure in sufficient detail to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized, and changes may be made without departing from the disclosure. The following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the present invention is defined only by the included claims.

Specific implementations shown and described are only examples and should not be construed as the only way to implement or partition the present disclosure into functional elements unless specified otherwise in this disclosure. a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that an embodiment may be able to be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, components, systems, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the invention. While the invention may be illustrated by using a particular embodiment, this is not and does not limit the invention to any particular embodiment and a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional embodiments are readily understandable and are a part of this invention.

In the following description, elements, circuits, and functions may be shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. And block definitions and partitioning of logic between various blocks are exemplary of a specific implementation. It will be readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced by numerous other partitioning solutions. A person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof. Some drawings may illustrate signals as a single signal for clarity of presentation and description. It will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that the signal may represent a bus of signals, where the bus may have a variety of bit widths and the present disclosure may be implemented on any number of data signals including a single data signal.

The illustrative functional units include logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. The functional units may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described in this disclosure. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A general-purpose processor may be considered a special purpose processor while the general-purpose processor is configured to fetch and execute instructions (e.g., software code) stored on a computer-readable medium such as any type of memory, storage, and/or storage devices. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

In addition, the illustrative functional units described above may include software or programs such as computer readable instructions that may be described in terms of a process that may be depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. The process may describe operational acts as a sequential process, many acts can be performed in another sequence, in parallel, or substantially concurrently. Further, the order of the acts may be rearranged. In addition, the software may comprise one or more objects, agents, threads, lines of code, subroutines, separate software applications, two or more lines of code or other suitable software structures operating in one or more software applications or on one or more processors. The software may be distributed over several code segments, modules, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated in this disclosure within modules and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices.

Elements described in this disclosure may include multiple instances of the same element. These elements may be generically indicated by a numerical designator (e.g. 310) and specifically indicated by the numerical indicator followed by an alphabetic designator (e.g., 310A) or a numeric indicator preceded by a “dash” (e.g., 310-1). For ease of following the description, for the most part, element number indicators begin with the number of the drawing on which the elements are introduced or most discussed. For example, where feasible elements in Fig. 1 are designated with a format of 1xx, where 1 indicates Fig. 1 and xx designates the unique element.

It should be understood that any reference to an element in this disclosure using a designation such as “first,” “second,” and so forth does not limit the quantity or order of those elements, unless such limitation is explicitly stated. Rather, these designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. A reference to a first and second element does not mean that only two elements may be employed or that the first element must precede the second element. In addition, unless stated otherwise, a set of elements may comprise one or more elements.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Appearances of the phrases “one embodiment”, “an embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the illustrations, which form a part of the present disclosure, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the present disclosure. However, other embodiments may be utilized, and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the true scope of the present disclosure. The illustrations in this disclosure are not meant to be actual views of any particular device or system but are merely idealized representations employed to describe embodiments of the present disclosure. And the illustrations presented are not necessarily drawn to scale. And, elements common between drawings may retain the same or have similar numerical designations.

It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. Additionally, any signal arrows in the drawings/figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically noted. The scope of the present disclosure should be determined by the following claims and their legal equivalents.

As used in this disclosure, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, product, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, product, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the term “or” as used in this disclosure is generally intended to mean “and/or” unless otherwise indicated. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present). As used in this disclosure, a term preceded by “a” or “an” (and “the” when antecedent basis is “a” or “an”) includes both singular and plural of such term, unless clearly indicated otherwise (i.e., that the reference “a” or “an” clearly indicates only the singular or only the plural). Also, as used in the description in this disclosure, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

To aid any Patent Office and any readers of any patent issued on this disclosure in interpreting the included claims, the Applicant(s) wish to note that they do not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.

One embodiment of this disclosure provides an automated process flow allowing integrators and designers to save time and labor and to conduct projects at the expert level even if they are relatively new to the shade/screen business.

Fig. 1 illustrates an overview of the Making Shades FLOW™ shade and screen building system 100 according to the present disclosure. Making Shades FLOW™ is a trademark of the Applicant, U.S. Screens Corporation. The logo for Making Shades FLOW™ is based on the classical infinity symbol and this system is infinitely scalable. There are three main components to this system 100: The first component is the hardware and software 125 that saves integrators and designers time and also provide guidance were needed as well as prevent design conflicts and virtually eliminate fabric specification errors such as ordering the wrong fabric, or even ordering fabric that is no longer manufactured, all told that will at a basic level help integrators and designers with the control options available and build the required parts for a bill of material. The second component is automation 150 by acquiring the dimensions of the shade/scale in without a human physically measuring the dimensions that reduces the human error factor. This component also includes the ability to preview the finished product so that the customer can see expected view of the selections and how much light is reduced or blocked through the shade/screens. Finally, the last part is innovation 175 that this system brings to the shade/screen building process that will speed up the ordering process and will greatly reduce the number of returns of the shades/screens because of improper measurements or wrong expectations of the selected choices.

Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a block diagram of a process 200 for building shades and screens for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. The homeowner, customer, or end user 202 talks with a designer or system integrator 210 (i.e., the system user), about the needs they have for their home or building for such things as protection from ultraviolet light, or controlling the temperature in a room, the privacy in a room, reducing glare, or controlling light levels in a room. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the system as disclosed can also be set up for end users (i.e., customers) to operate the system as a system user. The system user inputs 207 the user requirements into the shade and screen building system 250. One skilled in the art will appreciate that a mobile computing device can host the shade/screen building system 250 and can be for example an iPad, Surface, other tablets, or even a laptop computer with appropriate attachments. The hardware requirements for a mobile computing device typically includes a processor, memory, display screen, input method (such as the display screen on an iPad), wireless networking connections that includes cellular, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, and a built-in camera. The system user creates end user requirements 212 based from these needs as well as esthetic considerations for fabric options 214 that include hardware colors, fabric colors and view-through or light block levels. In addition, the system user 210 also discusses with the end user 202 other options such as how to control the shades/screens 216.

One advantage of the building system 250 is that it provides for precision data acquisition 240 of the window measurements through techniques such as an external measurement or calibration tools 244. One embodiment uses a digital laser measurement tool 1030 (Fig. 10) that is placed in the window casing and uses a laser to continually measure in a plurality of directions and connects to system 250 using Bluetooth or other similar connecting techniques. Another embodiment allows the manual entry 242 of window measurement information into the system 250. And, another uses the built-in camera 246 of the mobile to device to acquire an image of the window that is used in preview mode and further used in various image processing techniques to extract the window measurements. One image processing embodiment uses in-field calibration tools 1160, 1145 (Fig. 11) that are placed in the window casing and provide scale and help anchor the image processing to create the X, Y, and Z dimensions to encode a 3D model of the window and casing. Using digital measurement techniques for the window measurements not only removes the human error in the shade and screen building process, but it also provides the highest level of precision in the dimensioning of the shades and screens and generates true to live previewing data.

As the system user processes the end-user through the system, the client side of the shade and screen building system executing on the mobile computing device uses its internet connection to the hosted cloud based back-end system to provide the users with the latest information about fabrics, colors, styles, motors, and other items and accessories.

In one embodiment, the system user would generally be on-site with the end user and walk through each location and or room for each project as applicable by starting with the project name 1205 (Fig. 12) and more specifically to the room, starting with adding a service such as adding a room (Fig. 13). Next, the system user would add the room or location name (Fig. 14). Once a room or location name is entered, the system user has the option to add services such as adding a shade (Fig. 15) and giving a name to the service or shade (Fig. 16). The shade and screen builder application will auto generate and increment the label and number for this service or shade. The system user can accept this automated name and indicator or can change the name or indicator as needed. One note here is that these labels and indicators are used later in the automated processes such as generating the bill of materials 230 and also in the labeling of products produced for identification and also for unpacking labeling and automated instructions and punch lists for the deployment of the completed system so having a standard nomenclature is desirable as a best practice and to help expedite the installation process.

The shade and screen building system provides a fabric wizard (Fig. 17) to simplify and guide the process of selecting fabric. The system also provides a bypass to this step if there is a specific fabric intended for use for this project. If the system user bypasses the fabric wizard, the system will ask for the information to be entered manually from the selection of fabrics and colors.

If using the fabric wizard, it first asks the kind of fabric to be used for this shade such as a sunscreen which is a transparent screen fabric and filters the incoming light, reducing heat gain, glare and harmful UV rays. Sunscreens however do not offer privacy so if this is a user requirement then another fabric type should be selected.

Another fabric type is light filtering that uses translucent fabrics to reduce heat and UV rays, but allow diffused light in. Translucent fabrics eliminates the closed-in feeling commonly associated with blackout fabric types and differ from sunscreen fabric in that they do not offer a clear view but do provide limited privacy. The best way to determine if the privacy of a desired fabric is adequate would be to use a sample fabric from the fabric sample kit (Fig. 9) and candle the fabric at the window to see if it is suitable.

Blackout fabrics stop light from penetrating the material, creating complete privacy. These fabrics offer a neutral white color to the outside of the structure or home, regardless of the interior color selected. A varied color palette for the interior of the shade or screen makes interior color coordination easy to achieve. Some perimeter light bleed should be expected during the day unless accompanying shy tracking is optionally used to completely block out light.

Once a fabric type is selected, the system will help by offering easy to use sliders (Fig. 18) that allow the system user to simply and easily apply the end user requirements by adjusting the heat controls, view-through, UV, and Glare. Below these sliders are the automated results showing fabric choices based on the selections. Making one adjustment also changes other sliders as some choices are mutually exclusive. The Pros and Cons of the settings are listed first, and then the fabric results are displayed below for best and good matches. The best fabric matches are only displayed if these fabrics meet all user requirements. If a fabric meets some but not all user requirements they can show up at the bottom as a good choice. If a fabric does not meet any of the user requirements it will not be shown as an option.

The system user next acquires an image of the selected window 600 (Fig. 6) using the camera of the mobile computing device. The image will be used for previewing the selections. The system user additionally acquires the measurements of the physical dimensions for each selected window 620 where the measurements include the width 622 and height 624. The system user may acquire the physical dimensions for each selected window in the room using one of the following: using the camera and measurement functionality of the mobile computing device, using a digital laser measurement tool connected to the device, or using image processing on the image of the selected window. Embodiments for extracting physical dimensions of a selected window from an image include: using in-field calibration tools when acquiring the image of the selected window and then extracting the physical dimensions from the image; or by creating a virtual 3D space using the image combined with in-field calibration tools for extracting X, Y, and Z measurements and then extracting the physical dimensions from the virtual 3D space. The system user can always manually enter the physical dimensions of the selected windows (see Fig. 21) although this is not a preferred method.

Next, the system user selects the measurement type, inside, outside or fabric width. If the inside type is selected, then the shade automated work orders would deduct 1/8” from the width data. If the outside type is selected, then the shade automated work orders will be made to the exact width data. If the fabric width type is selected, then another data point is necessary. Does the window have any obstructions? If no obstructions, then the automated work orders would only use the fabric width. With obstruction(s), both the window width and desired fabric width to avoid the obstruction will need to be captured.

Next, the system user selects the style of the shade such as an open roll or a box roll, or other options. The roll is an end user option and is subjective based on the taste or styling of the interiors. Open roll simply means the fabric on the roll is visible, whereas the box roll means the fabric on the roll is hidden inside the box. The brackets for the open roll and the entire box color can be customized to any color selected using a color sample ring 1040 (Fig. 10) located in the hardware sample kit 1020 (Fig. 10) and in the shade and screen building application (Fig. 19), or optionally as any custom color. The system user then selects the Roll or Box size from 275, 375 or 475. In general, 275 sizes can accommodate up to 8’ widths, and 375 sizes can accommodate up to 10’ widths, and 475 sizes can accommodate up to 15’ widths. The system user next selects the roll type from standard or reverse. When selecting a reverse roll type, the system user needs to ensure that the window is deep enough to contain the fabric within the opening.

Next, the system user selects between manual and motorized operations. For a motorized operation, a control method is also required. Based on the end user requirements, the control method can include infrared, radio frequency, wired connection, or any combination can be used. Once the control type is selected, then a motor type needs to be selected (Fig. 22). Several motor types are available including local storage types such as DC battery, DC low voltage types such as RS-485, or PoE versions, and AC line level types. The system user can in some cases select the side the motor is placed. This may be important for pre-wiring or retrofit wiring situations.

The shade and screen building system does not allow incompatible selections based on the measurements of the selected choices. Thus, spacers may be required to ensure that the shade and screen will properly fit into the selected window.

If this is the last window in the room or location, then a pop-up screen will ask if there are any accessories to add to this room (Fig. 24). The shade and screen building system provide options based on the end user requirements and room services or shades selected (Fig. 26). Selecting any of these options will bring up additional options (Fig. 25). The system user can add additional accessories or review the current order (Fig. 27).

Once all of the fabric and roll options are selected, the system user can preview the selection shade or screen on an image the selected window (Fig. 23) to illustrate the view-through level (if any).

The system user will now add this shade or screen to the room or location and the system will ask if this is the last or final window in the room or location. If this is not the last window in the room, you will be able to add another shade.

Another labor savings part of the system is the shade duplication feature (Fig. 28). The system user can duplicate everything that was designed on a particular shade or screen with a simple command and all design elements are replicated and the other additional data needed would be the physical dimensions of the selected windows.

Reviewing the order before submitting will cause a pop-up to select controls and power (Fig. 29) which may be required depending on the options selected. To complete the project, the system will recommend the power supplies, cabling, data panels or any other parts needed. The system user can now add in the recommended and required parts that were auto selected as well as add in any additional accessories that may be necessary based on the end user requirements. The system user will now have a project detail view with a list of all rooms or locations (Fig. 32) and can add more items or continue to the services and review page. The system user can review the shade or screen, accessory, labor and shipping costs and any surcharges as applicable and the next step is for the delivery review. The system user can now download a PDF of the project and provide this to the end user as appropriate. This is also where the shipping address, construction date(s) and end user information can be provided (Fig. 31). This is also were the quote can be saved and converted to a purchase order to begin the automated sales order and work

orders

232, 236 for manufacturing. The system user can now select the submit to place order action and the system will proceed until the completed projected 234 has been shipped.

Fig. 3 discloses a common workflow representation of the prior art shade design system 300 that typically uses a form for manually entering information. The form includes: the project name 310, room and or shade name 312, fabric type 314, roll or box type 316, hardware color options 318, measurement type 320, the

dimensions

322 and 324, standard or reverse roll 326, manual or motorized 328, control type 330, motor type 332, motor side 334, roll size 336, and spacer blocks 338. This type of system is typically seen in paper form, or electronic form.

Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a simplified system block diagram 400 for system users and work orders for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. The system 400 illustrates multiple system users concurrently submitting workflow orders using the shade and screen building system 450. Each system user 410 through 410-n is using a mobile computing device to execute the client-side shade and screen building application that in turns communicate with the hosted cloud based back-end of the shade and screen building system 450 for order fulfillment, order processing, and manufacturing. The shade and screen building system 450 can concurrently process multiple sales orders, automated bill of materials (BOM), associated workflows, and automated manufacturing 430 to 430-n to support the multiple system users.

Fig. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a simplified system block diagram 500 of the submit command and the automated workflows for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. In this embodiment, once the submit 507 to place purchase order action has been performed by the system user 505, the submit order command 510 will perform a quality control review 512 to determine the order is a standard or custom order. A custom order requires additional data 514 and or approvals that requires intervention and additional consultation 516 and then afterwards proceeds to the shade and screen building workflow 553. A standard order 518 directly proceeds 520 to the shade and screen building workflow 553. After the shade and screen building workflow 553 receives the order, the order proceeds 522 to a sales order process 524. A further verification 526 occurs before and after the bill of materials 528 is created and a plurality of

work orders

530, 532, 534 that includes fabric work order 530 that starts an automated fabric build 550 with automated delivery 552; enclosure work order 532 that starts an automated enclosure build 540 with automated delivery 542; motor work order 534 that starts an automated motor assembly 560 with automated delivery 562; and includes additional work orders 536 that starts an automated control provisioning 570 with automated delivery 572.

Fig. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the shade and screen building workflow process 600 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the order of the following steps is not limiting and can be done in a variety of sequences to accomplish the true spirit of this disclosure. The system user initializes and starts the new shade and screen building project 602 with naming the project 604. The next step is to add a room 606 to the project and add one or more windows in the room for receiving the shade. The system user adds a shade and or screen 608 to the project for each window in the room. The system user next selects the fabric and color 610 of the shade and or screen for each selected window. The system user can manually choose the fabric and color 612 from the selection in the system or use the system wizard 618 to help guide in the selection. The system user selects a box or roll style 614 and style color 616 for each selected window in the room. The system user next acquires an image of the selected window 620 using the camera of the mobile computing device. The image will be used for previewing the selections. The system user additionally acquires the measurements of the physical dimensions for each selected window 620 where the measurements include the width 622 and height 624. The system user may acquire the physical dimensions for each selected window in the room using one of the following: using the camera and measurement functionality of the mobile computing device, using a digital laser measurement tool connected to the device, or using image processing on the image of the selected window. Embodiments for extracting physical dimensions of a selected window from an image include: using in-field calibration tools when acquiring the image of the selected window and then extracting the physical dimensions from the image; or by creating a virtual 3D space using the image combined with in-field calibration tools for extracting X, Y, and Z measurements and then extracting the physical dimensions from the virtual 3D space. When getting the width 622 of the selected window, a selection needs to be made on whether the width is the inside or outside measurement of the window or alternatively, the width of the selected fabric 623. The system user selects the roll type 626. Based on the end user requirements, the system provides the system user the choice of operation of the roll either manual roll or motorized roll 628. If a motorized roll operation 630, then following selections occur: control type 632, motor type 634, motor size 636, roll/box size 640. The next step is whether spacer blocks are needed 642. If the manual operation of the roll is selected 638, then the next step is selecting whether spacer blocks are needed 642. The finished shade and or screen is added to the room 644. The system prompts the system user to whether any accessories need to be added 646, and if so, provides the system user with a selection of accessories 648. The system then provides the system user with a preview 649 of the selected shade on the selected window. The system the provides the system user with the option to add another room or shade 650 or whether to finish the project 652. After finishing the project 652, the system user can submit the order for fulfillment for order processing and manufacturing.

Fig. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the submit workflow process 700 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. Once the system user is finished with the project 702, they then submit 704 the project through the shade and screen building system 250 (Fig. 2) through the internet connection to a cloud based back-end order processing system 700 that processes the order and begins the manufacturing process. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other order workflow process is possible. Additionally, other embodiments that use a client server approach or a hybrid server cloud approach can also be used to deliver the back-end order processing system. The back-end system converts 706 the project to a sales order. The system sends a confirmation email 708 to system user acknowledging receipt of the project. A process quality team 710 checks the sales order to see if there are any issues 714 regarding the order or possible manufacturing issues. If process quality team detects an issue 712, then process quality team contacts the system user for corrections. If there are no issues and or corrections are finished, the process quality team approves 716 the sales order for production by manufacturing. The system creates work orders 718 based on the approved sales orders. The various work orders 720 are then assigned to one or production stations based on the purchased product(s). The purchased product(s) are passed through each production stations 724 and are manufactured. After manufacturing, the system marks the work order(s) 726 complete. The process team then reviews the status of the sales order(s) and updates 728 the sales order(s) to fulfilled/billed and starts the shipment tracking process 730. The system sends the shipping notification 732 to the system or end user, and the order(s) are shipped which finishes 734 the order workflow process. One skilled in the art will appreciate that artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to completely automate this process replace the one or more of the teams with one or more AI bots and intelligent and automated production stations.

Fig. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder system 800 running on a mobile computing device such as an iPad and or a tablet according to the present disclosure. One embodiment of the system helps provides the system user with easy to use sliders to simply and easily apply the end user requirements by selecting choices for the heat controls 802, view-through 804, UV control 806, and glare control 808. After making these selections, the system displays the best match fabric choices that meet the selection requirements (not shown in this figure but see 1814 of Fig. 18). The system also provides a Pro selection 810 choice that brings up a pop-up screen that gives the advantages of the selected choices and a Con selection 812 choice that brings up a pop-up screen that gives the disadvantages of the selected choices.

Fig. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a sample fabric kit 900 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. One skilled in the art will appreciate that there are a variety of ways to stock a fabric sample kit. In this embodiment, the sample fabric kit 900 lets the system user and end user visually use a sample fabric 904 with its light blocking rating 902 and observe the light blocking capabilities in a selected window.

Fig.10 illustrates an embodiment of a hardware sample kit 1000 that includes various hardware samples for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. One skilled in the art will appreciate that there are a variety of ways to stock and configure a hardware sample kit 1020. In this embodiment, the system user can show the end user the style of shade such as an open roll 1002 or a box roll 1004 or other options not shown. The style of shade is an end user option and is subjective based on the taste or styling of the interiors. Open roll simply means the fabric on the roll is visible, whereas the box means the fabric on the roll is hidden inside the box. If the choice is box roll 1004, then the

end caps

1006 and 1008 come in a variety of sizes and colors. The brackets for the open roll and the entire box color and end caps can be customized to any color selected using a selection from the color sample ring 1040 or optionally any custom color. In addition, this embodiment of the hardware sample kit 1000 may include a digital laser measurement tool 1030 to measure the physical dimensions of a selected window that the mobile computing device can wirelessly use to acquire the physical dimensions into the shade and screen building system.

Fig. 11 illustrates a block diagram 1100 of an embodiment for a mobile computing device 1101 for the shade and screen building system 250 according to the present disclosure. One skilled in the art will appreciate that a mobile computing device 1101 can host the shade and screen building system 250 (Fig. 2) and can be for example an iPad, Surface, other tablets, or even a laptop computer with appropriate attachments. The hardware requirements for a mobile computing device typically includes a processor 1120, memory 1130, display screen and the input method 1151 (such as the display screen on an iPad), wireless networking connections that includes cellular, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, and image sensors 1140 (such as built-in camera on the iPad), microphone 1150. The mobile computing device 1101 connects to the hosted backend servers 1190 through the internet 1192 via connection 1194 that can be a wired connection (such as ethernet), or a wireless networking connection. The mobile computing device 1101 connects to wireless networking connections for cellular, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth using internal antenna 1110 and RF transceiver 1102. The mobile computing device 1101 additional includes a hardware connection 1103 such as a Lightening connector, USB-C connector, or other similar type of connection. The hardware connection is suitable for connecting a variety of peripherals to the mobile computing device 1101 such as networking connectors, flash drives, cameras, measurement tools, and other such similar to devices.

As discussed elsewhere, the mobile computing device 1101 for the shade and screen building system 250 uses the image sensors 1140 (such as built-in camera) to take an image or picture of the selected window. The image is used for previewing the selected shade and screen selections for each selected window in the room creating a virtual window using the image of the window and overlaying the shade and screen selections on to the image of the window where the composite image simulates the virtual window with the view and the amount of light as seen through the selected shade and screen selections. Additionally, the image can be used to extract the physical dimensions of the window using image processing.

As discussed elsewhere, the mobile computing device 1101 for the shade and screen building system 250 uses the wired connection or the wireless connectors to connect to additional devices that include: measurement tools 1160 (with antenna 1111) for measuring the physical dimensions a window; in-field calibration tools 1145 (with antenna 1112) that are placed in the window casing and provide scale and help anchor image processing to create an X,Y, and Z dimensions for creating a 3D model of the window and casing. The measurement tools could be for example a digital laser measurement tool. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of measurement tools can be used. Additionally, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of tools that are capable of encoding 3D information can be used.

One embodiment that acquires the physical dimensions of the selected window uses the built-in camera and measurement functionality of the mobile computing device. For example, the iPhone and iPad by Apple has a built-in measurement ability using its camera and depth sensors that allows a user to use the mobile computing device as a virtual tape measure for measuring physical dimensions such as a window.

One embodiment that acquires the physical dimensions of the selected window uses extracting of the physical dimensions of the window from an image using image processing. This embodiment uses the image that also includes built-in depth information from the depth sensors. This allows the mobile computing device to extract the physical dimensions of the selected window from the image. One skilled in the art will appreciate that they are numerous methods for extracting this information from an image.

One embodiment that acquires the physical dimensions of the selected window uses extracting of the physical dimensions of the window from an image using image processing and is used in conjunction with a calibration tool that is placed in the selected window. The calibration tool provides scale for the image processing that in turn increases the accuracy of the extracted physical dimensions of the selected window. In another embodiment, the calibration tool can also include active processing and location stamping ability to assist in the image capture and processing. In another embodiment, the mobile computing device connects to local or online databases for deep learning to identify the manufacturer and model of the selected window to compare with the captured on-site physical dimensions.

One embodiment that acquires the physical dimensions of the selected window uses creating a virtual 3D space to extract the information. The mobile computing device uses its built-in image sensor(s) to capture multiple images of the selected window where each image of the selected window is captured at slightly different angles and distances. The mobile computing device can then use the multiple images to build points on polygons and connect the slightly different coordinates of their vertices to create a basic 3D structure that provides not only the measurements of an object such as a window but the surrounding encasement and deployment for the purpose of providing precise measurements for window treatment systems including motorized shades, side channels, and device projection. In another embodiment, the mobile computing device connects to local or online databases for deep learning to augment and validate the captured on-site metadata.

Fig. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder project name page 1200 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. The system user is typically on-site with the end user and walks through each room or location as applicable and starts a new project initially by entering the project name 1205. When in each room or location, the system guides the system user in asking questions to the end user and assist in the gathering and reporting of this data starting with adding a room 1302 (Fig. 13) and room name 1400 (Fig. 14) to the project. Once a room or location name is entered you have the option to add services such as adding a shade 1502 (Fig. 15), and then you would also add a name to the service or shade 1600 (Fig. 16). Another end user consideration is the budget for the project. The system includes a Budget Builder 1220 that allows the system user to create a budget for the project based on the end user’s financial requirements.

Fig. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder room editing page 1300 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. The system user is typically on-site with the end user and walks through each room or location as applicable. When in each room or location, the system guides the system user in asking questions to the end user and assist in the gathering and reporting of this data starting with adding a room 1302 to the project.

Fig. 14 illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder room name page 1400 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. This page allows the system to name the room selected in room editing page 1300.

Fig. 15 illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder shade page 1500 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. Once a room or location name is entered, the system provides the option to add services such as adding a shade 1502.

Fig. 16 illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder shade pop-up name page 1600 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. Once a room or location name is entered, the system gives the system user the option to add services such as adding a shade (see Fig. 15) and add a name to the service or shade.

Fig. 17 illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder fabric wizard page 1700 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. The system allows the system user to choose fabrics from a selection or allow the system user to bypass this step if working with an interior decorator or someone who has a specific fabric for use on this project. If the system user uses the bypass method, the system will ask for the style and color to be entered. The fabric wizard 1700 offers choices for sunscreens 1702, light filtering 1704, and blackout 1706. One skilled in the arts will appreciate that other fabric choices are possible.

Fig. 18 illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder needs analysis page 1800 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. Once a fabric type is selected, the system helps the system user by offering easy to use sliders to simply and easily apply the end user requirements by adjusting the heat controls 1802, view-through 1804, UV control 1806, and glare control 1808. After making these selections, the system displays the best match fabric choices 1814 that meet the selection requirements. The system also provides a Pro selection 1812 choice that brings up a pop-up screen that gives the advantages of the selected choices and a Con selection 1810 choice that brings up a pop-up screen that gives the disadvantages of the selected choices.

Fig. 19 illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder Roll/Box color selection page 1900 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 20 illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder fabric width page(s) 2000 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 21 illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder fabric width page(s) 2100 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. This embodiment is used for the manual entry of the window measurement data.

Fig. 22 illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder motor selection page 2200 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. The system user selects between manual and motorized operations. A motorized operation requires an additional control method selection. Based on the end user requirements, infrared, radio frequency, a wired connection, or a combination are available for selection. Once a control type is selected, then an appropriate motor type needs to be matched with the control type.

Fig. 23 illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder room summary and preview page 2300 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. Once an option is selected, the system user will be on the configuration page with the selected fabric and a graphical preview of a window 2302 and the fabric type selected 2310 to illustrate the view-through level of the selected shade or screen with the photo image of the window (with its background) 2304. The overlay of the shade or screen on the window image allows the end user and the system user to estimate the view through level of the selected shade or screen.

Fig. 24 illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder accessories pop-up page(s) 2400 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. If this is the last window in the room or location, then a pop-up screen will ask if there are any additional accessories to this room. The system will now populate options based on the user requirements and room services or shades selected (see Fig. 26). Selecting any of these options will bring up additional information and image(s) of the product (see Fig. 25). The quantity of the product can be added to the room or location.

Fig. 25 illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder add accessories page(s) 2500 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. If this is the last window in the room or location, then a pop-up screen will ask if there are any accessories to this room (see Fig. 24). If so, the system will populate options based on the user requirements and room services or shades selected (see Fig. 26). Selecting any of these options will bring up additional information and image(s) of the product. The quantity of the product can be added to the room or location.

Fig. 26 illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder accessories page(s) 2600 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. If this is the last window in the room or location, then a pop-up screen will ask if there are any additional accessories to this room (see Fig. 24). If so, the system will populate options based on the user requirements and room services or shades selected. Selecting any of these options will bring up additional information and image(s) of the product (see Fig. 25). The quantity of the product can be added to the room or location.

Fig. 27 illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder add accessories page(s) 2700 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. The system user can add additional accessories or review the current order on this page.

Fig. 28 illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder room(s) listing page 2800 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. This figure illustrates another labor savings part of this disclosure by showing the shade duplication feature. The system can duplicate everything that was designed on a particular shade or screen with a simple command and all design elements are replicated then the system user can just acquire the window measurements and window image if necessary.

Fig. 29 illustrates an embodiment of the control and power options page 2900 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. In one embodiment, reviewing the order will cause a pop-up to select controls and power that may be required depending on the options selected. To complete the order, the system will recommend the power supplies, cabling, data panels or any other parts needed.

Fig. 30 illustrates an embodiment of the shade builder room summary with parts, labor, and shipping page 3000 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 31 illustrates an embodiment of the client and customer details page 3100 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. The system user can now download a PDF of the order and provide this to the end user as appropriate. Additionally, end user information including shipping address, construction date(s) and other end user information is provided. And, a project quote can be saved and converted to a purchase order to begin the sales ordering process such as the automated manufacturing orders illustrated in 233, 230, 234, and 236 of Fig.2.

Fig. 32 illustrates an embodiment of the project details page 3200 for the shade and screen building system according to the present disclosure. The system user has a project detail view with a list of all rooms or locations and can add more items or continue to the services and review page.

Fig. 33 illustrates an embodiment of the project summary page 3300 for the shade and screen building system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The shade and screen building system provide system users with additional capabilities such as the status of quotes, open orders, and completed order. In addition to order status and control, the system user also has profile information and more importantly a profitability setting screen that allows automated sales tax based on location or jurisdiction, labor rates, shipping rates, and gross profit. Sales tax can be adjusted to be apply on installation per unit, shipping charges, difficult access to the project, window height above 12 ft., after hours/ Weekend rates, and other miscellaneous expense settings. The profitability settings can be adjusted for users with differing access privileges such as for end users or staff employees.

While the present disclosure has been described in this disclosure regarding certain illustrated and described embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize and appreciate that the present disclosure is not so limited. Rather, many additions, deletions, and modifications to the illustrated and described embodiments may be made without departing from the true scope of the invention, it’s spirt, or its essential characteristics as claimed along with their legal equivalents. In addition, features from one embodiment may be combined with features of another embodiment while still being encompassed within the scope of the invention as contemplated by the inventor. The described embodiments are to be considered only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. Disclosing the present invention is exemplary only, with the true scope of the present invention being determined by the included claims.

Claims

A digital data flow process automation and optimization for a shade/screen building system, comprising:
an application executing on a mobile computing device that connects to the internet and that connects to one or more back-end database services for order fulfillment, where the application executes the following steps initiated by the user:
initializing a new shade/screen project;
adding a room with one or more windows in the room to the project;
adding a shade/screen for each selected window in the room;
selecting the fabric and color for the shade/screen for each selected window in the room, and selecting the style and color for the shade/screen for each selected window in the room;
acquiring an image of each window in the room using the camera of the mobile computing device;
acquiring the physical dimensions for each selected window in the room using one of the following: using the camera and measurement functionality of the mobile computing device, using a digital laser measurement tool, or using image processing on the image of the selected window;
selecting a motorized or manual roll for the shade/screen for each selected window in the room, if the motorized roll is selected then select the motor type for the motorized roll;
adding the selected shade/screen selections to the shade/screen project;
previewing the selected shade/screen selections for each selected window in the room creating a virtual window using the image of the window and overlaying the shade/screen selections on to the image where the composite image simulates the virtual window with the view and the amount of light as seen through the selected shade/screen selections;
finishing the shade/screen project and sending it for fulfillment.
The claim according to Claim 1 where the application acquires the physical dimensions of the selected window using the camera and measurement functionality of the mobile computing device.
The claim according to Claim 1 where the application acquires the physical dimensions of the selected window using a digital laser measurement tool connected to the mobile computing device.
The claim according to Claim 1 where the application acquires the physical dimensions of the selected window using in-field calibration tools when acquiring the image of the selected window and then extracting the physical dimensions from the image.
The claim according to Claim 1 where the application acquires the physical dimensions of the selected window by creating a virtual 3D space using the image and then extracting the physical dimensions from the virtual 3D space.
A method to manufacture a digital data flow process automation and optimization for a shade/screen building system, comprising:
providing an application executing on a mobile computing device that connects to the internet and that connects to one or more back-end database services for order fulfillment, where the application executes the following steps initiated by the user:
initializing a new shade/screen project;
adding a room with one or more windows in the room to the project;
adding a shade/screen for each selected window in the room;
selecting the fabric and color for the shade/screen for each selected window in the room, and selecting the style and color for the shade/screen for each selected window in the room;
acquiring an image of each window in the room using the camera of the mobile computing device;
acquiring the physical dimensions for each selected window in the room using one of the following: using the camera and measurement functionality of the mobile computing device, using a digital laser measurement tool, or using image processing on the image of the selected window;
selecting a motorized or manual roll for the shade/screen for each selected window in the room, if the motorized roll is selected then select the motor type for the motorized roll;
adding the selected shade/screen selections to the shade/screen project;
previewing the selected shade/screen selections for each selected window in the room creating a virtual window using the image of the window and overlaying the shade/screen selections on to the image where the composite image simulates the virtual window with the view and the amount of light as seen through the selected shade/screen selections;
finishing the shade/screen project and sending it for fulfillment.
The claim according to Claim 6 where the application acquires the physical dimensions of the selected window using the camera and measurement functionality of the mobile computing device.
The claim according to Claim 6 where the application acquires the physical dimensions of the selected window using a digital laser measurement tool connected to the mobile computing device.
The claim according to Claim 6 where the application acquires the physical dimensions of the selected window using in-field calibration tools when acquiring the image of the selected window and then extracting the physical dimensions from the image.
The claim according to Claim 6 where the application acquires the physical dimensions of the selected window by creating a virtual 3D space using the image and then extracting the physical dimensions from the virtual 3D space.
A method to use a digital data flow process automation and optimization for a shade/screen building system, comprising:
using an application executing on a mobile computing device that connects to the internet and that connects to one or more back-end database services for order fulfillment, where the application executes the following steps initiated by the user:
initializing a new shade/screen project;
adding a room with one or more windows in the room to the project;
adding a shade/screen for each selected window in the room;
selecting the fabric and color for the shade/screen for each selected window in the room, and selecting the style and color for the shade/screen for each selected window in the room;
acquiring an image of each window in the room using the camera of the mobile computing device;
acquiring the physical dimensions for each selected window in the room using one of the following: using the camera and measurement functionality of the mobile computing device, using a digital laser measurement tool, or using image processing on the image of the selected window;
selecting a motorized or manual roll for the shade/screen for each selected window in the room, if the motorized roll is selected then select the motor type for the motorized roll;
adding the selected shade/screen selections to the shade/screen project;
previewing the selected shade/screen selections for each selected window in the room creating a virtual window using the image of the window and overlaying the shade/screen selections on to the image where the composite image simulates the virtual window with the view and the amount of light as seen through the selected shade/screen selections;
finishing the shade/screen project and sending it for fulfillment.
The claim according to Claim 11 where the application acquires the physical dimensions of the selected window using the camera and measurement functionality of the mobile computing device.
The claim according to Claim 11 where the application acquires the physical dimensions of the selected window using a digital laser measurement tool connected to the mobile computing device.
The claim according to Claim 11 where the application acquires the physical dimensions of the selected window using in-field calibration tools when acquiring the image of the selected window and then extracting the physical dimensions from the image.
The claim according to Claim 11 where the application acquires the physical dimensions of the selected window by creating a virtual 3D space using the image and then extracting the physical dimensions from the virtual 3D space.
A non-transitory program storage device readable by a computing device that tangibly embodies a program of instructions executed by the computing device to perform a method to use a digital data flow process automation and optimization for a shade/screen building system, comprising:
using an application executing on a mobile computing device that connects to the internet and that connects to one or more back-end database services for order fulfillment, where the application executes the following steps initiated by the user:
initializing a new shade/screen project;
adding a room with one or more windows in the room to the project;
adding a shade/screen for each selected window in the room;
selecting the fabric and color for the shade/screen for each selected window in the room, and selecting the style and color for the shade/screen for each selected window in the room;
acquiring an image of each window in the room using the camera of the mobile computing device;
acquiring the physical dimensions for each selected window in the room using one of the following: using the camera and measurement functionality of the mobile computing device, using a digital laser measurement tool, or using image processing on the image of the selected window;
selecting a motorized or manual roll for the shade/screen for each selected window in the room, if the motorized roll is selected then select the motor type for the motorized roll;
adding the selected shade/screen selections to the shade/screen project;
previewing the selected shade/screen selections for each selected window in the room creating a virtual window using the image of the window and overlaying the shade/screen selections on to the image where the composite image simulates the virtual window with the view and the amount of light as seen through the selected shade/screen selections;
finishing the shade/screen project and sending it for fulfillment.
The claim according to Claim 16 where the application acquires the physical dimensions of the selected window using the camera and measurement functionality of the mobile computing device.
The claim according to Claim 16 where the application acquires the physical dimensions of the selected window using a digital laser measurement tool connected to the mobile computing device.
The claim according to Claim 16 where the application acquires the physical dimensions of the selected window using in-field calibration tools when acquiring the image of the selected window and then extracting the physical dimensions from the image.
The claim according to Claim 16 where the application acquires the physical dimensions of the selected window by creating a virtual 3D space using the image and then extracting the physical dimensions from the virtual 3D space.