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Autonomous, low-cost, automatic window covering system for daylighting applications

  • US 5,663,621 A
  • Filed: 01/24/1996
  • Issued: 09/02/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/24/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of control of a window covering to regulate illumination admitted through a window, said window covering having an adjustable setting, said window having a certain geographic location, a certain orientation, and an outside surface receiving an incident illumination, said incident illumination produced by a sun, said sun having a relative angular position with respect to said window, said relative angular position varying with time of day and day of year, said relative angular position further dependent on said certain geographic location and said certain orientation of said window, said relative angular position uniquely defined by a pair of angular variables, said method including the steps of:

  • a) providing storage means for storing and recalling digital information;

    b) providing time-registering means for registering a current time of day and a current day of year;

    c) predicting a first expected value of at least one angular variable of said pair of angular variables, said first expected value associated with a first arbitrary time of day on a first arbitrary day of year, said predicting step performed prior to said first arbitrary time of day on said first arbitrary day of year;

    d) defining a first digital value as a first predetermined function of a first plurality of quantities, said first plurality of quantities including said first expected value of said one angular variable, said defining step performed prior to said first arbitrary time of day on said first arbitrary day of year;

    e) storing said first digital value in said storage means, said storing step performed prior to said first arbitrary time of day on said first arbitrary day of year;

    f) recalling said first digital value from said storage means;

    g) establishing a desired setting of said window covering as a second predetermined function of a second plurality of quantities, said second plurality of quantities including;

    i) said first digital value,ii) said current time of day and said current day of year, andiii) said first arbitrary time of day and said first arbitrary day of year; and

    h) adjusting said window covering to said desired setting.

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