Apparatus and method for identifying operational status of umbrella, parasol or shading system utilizing lighting elements

An umbrella includes a first lighting element, a second lighting element, a first electrical component associated with the first lighting element, a second electrical component associated with the second lighting element, and a computing device. The computing device includes one or more processors, one or more physical memory devices and computer-readable instructions being executable by the one or more processors to 1) receive first status message or signals from the first electrical component; 2) receive second status message or signals from the second electrical component; 3) generate first light element commands based, at least in part, on the received first status messages and communicate the generated first light element commands to the first light element; and 4) generate second light element commands based, at least in part, on the received second status messages and communicate the generated second light element commands to the second light element.

BACKGROUND

Parasols, umbrellas and shading systems have limited functionality. Outdoor connectivity is important.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of claimed subject matter. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, systems and/or configurations are set forth, for example. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art having benefit of this disclosure that claimed subject matter may be practiced without specific details. In other instances, well-known features may be omitted and/or simplified so as not to obscure claimed subject matter. While certain features have been illustrated and/or described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes and/or equivalents may occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that appended claims are intended to cover any and all modifications and/or changes as fall within claimed subject matter.

References throughout this specification to one implementation, an implementation, one embodiment, embodiments, an embodiment and/or the like means that a particular feature, structure, and/or characteristic described in connection with a particular implementation and/or embodiment is included in at least one implementation and/or embodiment of claimed subject matter. Thus, appearances of such phrases, for example, in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily intended to refer to the same implementation or to any one particular implementation described. Furthermore, it is to be understood that particular features, structures, and/or characteristics described are capable of being combined in various ways in one or more implementations and, therefore, are within intended claim scope, for example. In general, of course, these and other issues vary with context. Therefore, particular context of description and/or usage provides helpful guidance regarding inferences to be drawn.

Likewise, in this context, the terms “coupled”, “connected,” and/or similar terms are used generically. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms. Rather, “connected” is used generically to indicate that two or more components, for example, are in direct physical, including electrical, contact; while, “coupled” is used generically to mean that two or more components are potentially in direct physical, including electrical, contact; however, “coupled” is also used generically to also mean that two or more components are not necessarily in direct contact, but nonetheless are able to co-operate and/or interact. The term “coupled” is also understood generically to mean indirectly connected, for example, in an appropriate context. In a context of this application, if signals, instructions, and/or commands are transmitted from one component (e.g., a controller or processor) to another component (or assembly), it is understood that messages, signals, instructions, and/or commands may be transmitted directly to a component, or may pass through a number of other components on a way to a destination component. For example, a signal transmitted from a motor controller or processor to a motor (or other driving assembly) may pass through glue logic, an amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter, another controller and/or processor, and/or an interface. Similarly, a signal communicated through a misting system may pass through an air conditioning and/or a heating module, and a signal communicated from any one or a number of sensors to a controller and/or processor may pass through a conditioning module, an analog-to-digital controller, and/or a comparison module, and/or a number of other electrical assemblies and/or components.

The terms, “and”, “or”, “and/or” and/or similar terms, as used herein, include a variety of meanings that also are expected to depend at least in part upon the particular context in which such terms are used. Typically, “or” if used to associate a list, such as A, B or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B or C, here used in the exclusive sense. In addition, the term “one or more” and/or similar terms is used to describe any feature, structure, and/or characteristic in the singular and/or is also used to describe a plurality and/or some other combination of features, structures and/or characteristics.

Likewise, the term “based on,” “based, at least in part on,” and/or similar terms (e.g., based at least in part on) are understood as not necessarily intending to convey an exclusive set of factors, but to allow for existence of additional factors not necessarily expressly described. Of course, for all of the foregoing, particular context of description and/or usage provides helpful guidance regarding inferences to be drawn. It should be noted that the following description merely provides one or more illustrative examples and claimed subject matter is not limited to these one or more illustrative examples; however, again, particular context of description and/or usage provides helpful guidance regarding inferences to be drawn.

Also as used herein, one or more parameters may be descriptive of a collection of signal samples, such as one or more electronic documents, and exist in the form of physical signals and/or physical states, such as memory states. For example, one or more parameters may include parameters, such as 1) how much an assembly (e.g., motor assembly) may move or be requested to move; 2) a time of day at which an image was captured, a latitude and longitude of an image capture device, such as a camera; 3) time and day of when a sensor reading (e.g., humidity, temperature, air quality, UV radiation) may be received and/or measurements or values of sensor readings; and/or 4) operating conditions of one or more motors or other components or assemblies in a balcony shading and power system. Claimed subject matter is intended to embrace meaningful, descriptive parameters in any format, so long as the one or more parameters comprise physical signals and/or states.

Some portions of the detailed description which follow are presented in terms of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on binary digital signals stored within a memory of a specific apparatus or special purpose computing device or platform. In the context of this particular specification, the term specific apparatus or the like includes a general purpose computer once it is programmed to perform particular functions pursuant to instructions from program software. In embodiments, a modular umbrella shading system may comprise a computing device installed within or as part of a modular umbrella system, intelligent umbrella and/or intelligent shading charging system. Algorithmic descriptions or symbolic representations are examples of techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the signal processing or related arts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally, considered to be a self-consistent sequence of operations or similar signal processing leading to a desired result. In this context, operations or processing involve physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although not necessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared or otherwise manipulated.

It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to such signals as bits, data, values, elements, symbols, numbers, numerals or the like, and that these are conventional labels. Unless specifically stated otherwise, it is appreciated that throughout this specification discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining” or the like may refer to actions or processes of a specific apparatus, such as a special purpose computer or a similar special purpose electronic computing device (e.g., such as a balcony shading and power system processor, controller and/or computing device). In the context of this specification, therefore, a special purpose computer or a similar special purpose electronic computing device (e.g., a balcony shading and power system processor, controller and/or computing device) is capable of manipulating or transforming signals (electronic and/or magnetic) in memories (or components thereof), other storage devices, transmission devices sound reproduction devices, and/or display devices.

In an embodiment, a controller and/or a processor typically performs a series of instructions resulting in data manipulation. In an embodiment, a microcontroller or microprocessor may be a compact microcomputer designed to govern the operation of embedded systems in electronic devices, e.g., a balcony shading and power system processor, controller and/or computing device or single board computers, and various other electronic and mechanical devices coupled thereto or installed thereon. Microcontrollers may include processors, microprocessors, and other electronic components. Controller may be a commercially available processor such as an Intel Pentium, Raspberry Pi, other Linux-based computers, Motorola PowerPC, SGI MIPS, Sun UltraSPARC, or Hewlett-Packard PA-RISC processor, but may be any type of application-specific and/or specifically designed processor or controller. In an embodiment, a processor and/or controller may be connected to other system elements, including one or more memory devices, by a bus, a mesh network or other mesh components. In embodiments, a processor and/or controller may be connected to other devices also via power buses from either a rechargeable power source and/or a solar charging assembly. Usually, a processor or controller, may execute an operating system which may be, for example, a Windows-based operating system (Microsoft), a MAC OS System X operating system (Apple Computer), one of many Linux-based operating system distributions, a portable electronic device operating system (e.g., mobile phone operating systems), microcomputer operating systems, and/or a UNIX operating systems. Embodiments are not limited to any particular implementation and/or operating system.

The specification may refer to an umbrella, a robotic shading system, or a parasol. In embodiments, each of these devices may be intelligent and/or automated. In embodiments, an umbrella, robotic shading system or a parasol may provide shade and/or coverage to a user from weather elements such as sun, wind, rain, and/or hail in an outdoor environment or outdoor portions of a structure (whether building, office and/or sports complexes). In embodiments, an umbrella, a robotic shading system or a parasol may be an automated, intelligent and/or employ artificial intelligence and/or machine learning. The device and/or apparatus may also be referred to as a sun shade, outdoor shade furniture, sun screen, sun shelter, awning, sun cover, sun marquee, brolly and other similar names, which may all be utilized interchangeably in this application

FIG. 1A, 1B or 1Cillustrates a modular umbrella or shading system according to embodiments. In embodiments, a modular umbrella system100comprises a base assembly or module110, a first extension assembly or module120, a core assembly module housing (or core umbrella assembly)130, a second extension assembly or module150, and an expansion sensor assembly or module (or an arm extension assembly or module)160. In embodiments, a modular umbrella shading system100may not comprise a base assembly or module110and may comprise a table assembly or module180to connect to table tops, such as patio tables and/or other outdoor furniture. In embodiments, a table assembly or module180may comprise a table attachment and/or a table receptacle. In embodiments, a base module or assembly110may comprise a circular base component112, a square or rectangular base component113, a rounded edges base component114, and/or a beach or sand base component115. In embodiments, base components112,113,114, and/or115may be interchangeable based upon a configuration required by an umbrella system and/or user. In embodiments, each of the different options for the base components112,113,114,115, and/or180may have a universal connector and/or receptacle to allow for easy interchangeability.

In embodiments, a first extension assembly or module120may comprise a shaft assembly having a first end121and a second end122. In embodiments, a first end121may be detachably connectable and/or connected to a base assembly or module110. In embodiments, a second end122may be detachably connected and/or connectable to a first end of a core umbrella assembly or module130. In embodiments, a first end121and a second end122may have a universal umbrella connector. In other words, a connector may be universal within all modules and/or assemblies of a modular umbrella system to provide a benefit of allowing backwards capabilities with new versions of different modules and/or assemblies of a modular umbrella shading system. In embodiments, a first extension assembly or module120may have different lengths. In embodiments, different length first extension assemblies may allow a modular umbrella shading system to have different clearance heights between a base assembly or module110and/or a core umbrella assembly or module130. In embodiments, a first extension assembly or module110may be a tube and/or a shell with channels, grooves and/or pathways for electrical wires and/or components and/or mechanical components. In embodiments, a first extension assembly110may be a shaft assembly having an inner core comprising channels, grooves and/or pathways for electrical wires, connectors and/or components and/or mechanical components.

In embodiments, a universal umbrella connector or connection assembly124may refer to a connection pair and/or connection assembly that may be uniform for all modules, components and/or assemblies of a modular umbrella system100. In embodiments, having a universal umbrella connector or connection assembly124may allow interchangeability and/or backward compatibility of the various assemblies and/or modules of the modular umbrella system100. In embodiments, for example, a diameter of all or most of universal connectors124utilized in a modular umbrella system may be the same. In embodiments, a universal connector or connection assembly124may be a twist-on connector. In embodiments, a universal connector124may be a drop in connector and/or a locking connector, having a male and female connector. In embodiments, a universal connector or connection assembly124may be a plug with another connector being a receptacle. In embodiments, universal connector124may be an interlocking plug receptacle combination. For example, universal connector124may be a plug and receptacle, jack and plug, flanges for connection, threaded plugs and threaded receptacles, snap fit connectors, adhesive or friction connectors. In embodiments, for example, universal connector or connection assembly124may be external connectors engaged with threaded internal connections, snap-fit connectors, push fit couplers. In embodiments, by having a universal connector or connection assembly124for joints or connections between a base module or assembly110and a first extension module or assembly120, a first extension module or assembly120and a core assembly module or assembly130, a core assembly module or assembly130and a second extension module or assembly150, and/or a second extension module or assembly150and an expansion sensor module or assembly160, an umbrella or shading object manufacturer may not need to provide additional parts for additional connectors for attaching, coupling or connecting different modules or assemblies of a modular umbrella shading system. In addition, modules and/or assemblies may be upgraded easily because one module and/or assembly may be switched out of a modular umbrella system without having to purchase or procure additional modules because of the interoperability and/or interchangeability.

In embodiments, a core umbrella assembly or module130may be positioned between a first extension assembly or module120and a second extension assembly or module150. In embodiments, core umbrella assembly or module130may be positioned between a base assembly or module110and/or an expansion and sensor module or assembly160. In embodiments, a core umbrella assembly or module130may comprise an upper core assembly140, a core assembly connector or mid-section141and/or a lower core assembly142. In embodiments, a core assembly connector141may be a sealer or sealed connection to protect a modular umbrella system from environmental conditions. In embodiments, a core umbrella assembly or module130may comprise two or more motors or motor assemblies. Although the specification may refer to a motor, a motor may be a motor assembly with a motor controller, a motor, a stator, a rotor and/or a drive/output shaft. In embodiments, a core umbrella assembly130may comprise an azimuth rotation motor131, an elevation motor132, and/or a spoke expansion/retraction motor133. In embodiments, an azimuth rotation motor131may cause a core umbrella assembly130to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about a base assembly or module110or a table connection assembly180. In embodiments, an azimuth rotation motor131may cause a core umbrella assembly130to rotate about an azimuth axis. In embodiments, a core umbrella assembly or module130may rotate up to 360 degrees with respect to a base assembly or module130.

In embodiments, an elevation motor132may cause an upper core assembly140to rotate with respect to a lower core assembly142. In embodiments, an elevation motor130may rotate an upper core assembly140between 0 to 90 degrees with respect to the lower core assembly142. In embodiments, an elevation motor130may rotate an upper module or assembly140between 0 to 30 degrees with respect to a lower assembly or module142. In embodiments, an original position may be where an upper core assembly140is positioned in line and above the lower core assembly142, as is illustrated inFIG. 1B.

In embodiments, a spoke expansion motor133may be connected to an expansion and sensor assembly module160via a second extension assembly or module150and cause spoke or arm support assemblies in a spoke expansion sensor assembly module160to deploy or retract outward and/or upward from an expansion sensor assembly module160. In embodiments, an expansion extension assembly module160may comprise a rack gear and spoke connector assemblies (or arms). In embodiments, a spoke expansion motor133may be coupled and/or connected to a hollow tube via a gearing assembly, and may cause a hollow tube to move up or down (e.g., in a vertical direction). In embodiments, a hollow tube may be connected and/or coupled to a rack gear, which may be connected and/or coupled to spoke connector assemblies. In embodiments, movement of a hollow tube in a vertical direction may cause spoke assemblies and/or arms to be deployed and/or retracted. In embodiments, spoke connector assemblies and/or arms may have a corresponding and/or associated gear at a vertical rack gear.

In embodiments, a core assembly or module130may comprise motor control circuitry134(e.g., a motion control board134) that controls operation of an azimuth motor131, an elevation motor132and/or an expansion motor133, along with other components and/or assemblies. In embodiments, the core assembly module130may comprise one or more batteries135(e.g., rechargeable batteries) for providing power to electrical and mechanical components in the modular umbrella system100. For example, one or more batteries135may provide power to motion control circuitry134, an azimuth motor131, an expansion motor133, an elevation motor132, a camera137, a proximity sensor138, a near field communication (NFC) sensor138. In embodiments, one or more batteries135may provide power to an integrated computing device136, although in other embodiments, an integrated computing device136may also comprise its own battery (e.g., rechargeable battery).

In embodiments, the core assembly130may comprise a separate and/or integrated computing device136. In embodiments, a separate computing device136may comprise a Raspberry Pi computing device, other single-board computers and/or single-board computing device. Because a modular umbrella shading system has a limited amount of space, a single-board computing device is a solution that allows for increased functionality without taking up too much space in an interior of a modular umbrella shading system. In embodiments, a separate computing device136may handle video, audio and/or image editing, processing, and/or storage for a modular umbrella shading system100(which are more data intensive functions and thus require more processing bandwidth and/or power). In embodiments, an upper core assembly140may comprise one or more rechargeable batteries135, a motion control board (or motion control circuitry)134, a spoke expansion motor133and/or a separate and/or integrated computing device136.

In embodiments, a core assembly connector/cover141may cover and/or secure a connector between an upper core assembly140and a lower core assembly142. In embodiments, a core assembly connector and/or cover141may provide protection from water and/or other environmental conditions. In other words, a core assembly connector and/or cover141may make a core assembly130waterproof and/or water resistant and in other environments, may protect an interior of a core assembly from sunlight, cold or hot temperatures, humidity and/or smoke. In embodiments, a core assembly connector/cover141may be comprised of a rubber material, although a plastic and/or fiberglass material may be utilized. In embodiments, a core assembly connector/cover141may be comprised of a flexible material, silicone, and/or a membrane In embodiments, a core assembly connector/cover141may be circular and/or oval in shape and may have an opening in a middle to allow assemblies and/or components to pass freely through an interior of a core assembly connector or cover141. In embodiments, a core assembly connector/cover141may adhere to an outside surface of an upper core assembly140and a lower core assembly142. In embodiments, a core assembly connector/cover141may be connected, coupled, fastened and/or have a grip or to an outside surface of the upper core assembly140and the lower core assembly142. In embodiments, a core assembly connector and/or cover141may be connected, coupled, adhered and/or fastened to a surface (e.g., top or bottom surface) of an upper core assembly and/or lower core assembly142. In embodiments, a core assembly connector/cover141may cover a hinging assembly and/or reparation point, springs, and wires that are present between an upper core assembly140and/or a lower core assembly142.

In embodiments, a core assembly or module130may comprise one or more cameras137. In embodiments, one or more cameras137may be capture images, videos and/or sound of an area and/or environment surrounding a modular umbrella system100. In embodiments, a lower core assembly142may comprise one or more cameras137. In embodiments, a camera137may only capture sound if a user selects a sound capture mode on a modular umbrella system100(e.g., via a button and/or switch) or via a software application controlling operation of a modular umbrella system (e.g., a microphone or recording icon is selected in a modular umbrella system software application).

In embodiments, a core assembly130may comprise a power button to manually turn on or off power to components of a modular umbrella system. In embodiments, a core assembly or module130may comprise one or more proximity sensors138. In embodiments, one or more proximity sensors138may detect whether or not an individual and/or subject may be within a known distance from a modular umbrella system100. In embodiments, in response to a detection of proximity of an individual and/or subject, a proximity sensor138may communicate a signal, instruction, message and/or command to motion control circuitry (e.g., a motion control PCB134) and/or a computing device136to activate and/or deactivate assemblies and components of a modular umbrella system100. In embodiments, a lower core assembly142may comprise a proximity sensor138and a power button. For example, a proximity sensor138may detect whether an object is within proximity of a modular umbrella system and may communicate a message to a motion control PCB134to instruct an azimuth motor131to stop rotating a base assembly or module.

In embodiments, a core assembly or module130may comprise a near-field communication (NFC) sensor139. In embodiments, a NFC sensor139may be utilized to identify authorized users of a modular umbrella shading system100. In embodiments, for example, a user may have a mobile computing device with a NFC sensor which may communicate, pair and/or authenticate in combination with a modular umbrella system NFC sensor139to provide user identification information. In embodiments, a NFC sensor139may communicate and/or transmit a signal, message, command and/or instruction based on a user's identification information to computer-readable instructions resident within a computing device and/or other memory of a modular umbrella system to verify a user is authenticated and/or authorized to utilize a modular umbrella system100.

In embodiments, a core assembly or module130may comprise a cooling system and/or heat dissipation system143. In embodiments, a cooling system143may be one or more channels in an interior of a core assembly or module130that direct air flow from outside a modular umbrella system across components, motors, circuits and/or assembles inside a core assembly130. For example, one or more channels and/or fins may be coupled and/or attached to components, motors and/or circuits, and air may flow through channels to fins and/or components, motors and/or circuits. In embodiments, a cooling system143may lower operating temperatures of components, motors, circuits and/or assemblies of a modular umbrella system100. In embodiments, a cooling system143may also comprise one or more plates and/or fins attached to circuits, components and/or assemblies and also attached to channels to lower internal operating temperatures. In embodiments, a cooling system143may also move hot air from electrical and/or mechanical assemblies to outside a core assembly. In embodiments, a cooling system143may be fins attached to or vents in a body of a core assembly130. In embodiments, fins and/or vents of a cooling system143may dissipate heat from electrical and mechanical components and/or assemblies of the core module or assembly130.

In embodiments, a separate, detachable and/or connectable skin may be attached, coupled, adhered and/or connected to a core module assembly130. In embodiments, a detachable and/or connectable skin may provide additional protection for a core assembly module against water, smoke, wind and/or other environmental conditions and/or factors. In embodiments, a skin may adhere to an outer surface of a core assembly130. In embodiments, a skin may have a connector on an inside surface of the skin and core assembly130may have a mating receptacle on an outside surface. In embodiments, a skin may magnetically couple to a core assembly130. In embodiments, a skin may be detachable and removable from a core assembly so that a skin may be changed for different environmental conditions and/or factors. In embodiments, a skin may connect to an entire core assembly. In embodiments, a skin may connect to portions of an upper core assembly140and/or a lower core assembly142. In embodiments, a skin may not connect to a middle portion of a core assembly130(or a core assembly cover connector141). In embodiments, a skin may be made of a flexible material to allow for bending of a modular umbrella system100. In embodiments, a base assembly110, a first extension assembly120, a core module assembly130, a second extension assembly140and/or an arm extension and sensor assembly160may also comprise one or more skin assemblies. In embodiments, a skin assembly may provide a cover for a majority of all of a surface area one or more of the base assembly, first extension assembly120, core module assembly130, second extension assembly150and/or arm extension sensor assembly160. In embodiments, a core assembly module130may further comprise channels on an outside surface. In embodiments, a skin assembly may comprise two pieces. In embodiments, a skin assembly may comprise edges and/or ledges. In embodiments, edges and/or ledges of a skin assembly may be slid into channels of a core assembly module130. In embodiments, a base assembly110, a first extension assembly120, a second extension assembly140and/or an arm expansion sensor assembly160may also comprise an outer skin assembly. In embodiments, skin assemblies for these assemblies may be uniform to present a common industrial design. In embodiments, skin assemblies may be different if such as a configuration is desired by a user. In embodiments, skin assemblies may be comprise of a plastic, a hard plastic, fiberglass, aluminum, other light metals (including aluminum), and/or composite materials including metals, plastic, wood. In embodiments, a core assembly module130, a first extension assembly120, a second extension assembly150, an arm expansion sensor assembly160, and/or a base assembly110may be comprised of aluminum, light metals, plastic, hard plastics, foam materials, and/or composite materials including metals, plastic, wood. In embodiments, a skin assembly may be provide protection from environmental conditions (such as sun, rain, and/or wind).

In embodiments, a second extension assembly150connects and/or couples a core assembly module130to an expansion assembly sensor module (and/or arm extension assembly module)160. In embodiments, an expansion sensor assembly module160may have universal connectors and/or receptacles on both ends to connect or couple to universal receptacles and/or connectors, on the core assembly130and/or expansion sensor assembly module160.FIG. 1illustrates that a second extension assembly or module150may have three lengths. In embodiments, a second extension assembly150may have one of a plurality of lengths depending on how much clearance a user and/or owner may like to have between a core assembly module130and spokes of an expansion sensor assembly or module160. In embodiments, a second extension assembly or module150may comprise a hollow tube and/or channels for wires and/or other components that pass through the second extension assembly or module150. In embodiments, a hollow tube249(seeFIG. 2A) may be coupled, connected and/or fixed to a nut that is connected to, for example, a threaded rod (which is part of an expansion motor assembly). In embodiments, a hollow tube249may be moved up and down based on movement of the threaded rod. In embodiments, a hollow tube in a second extension assembly may be replaced by a shaft and/or rod assembly.

In embodiments, an expansion and sensor module160may be connected and/or coupled to a second extension assembly or module150. In embodiments, an expansion and sensor assembly or module160may be connected and/or coupled to a second extension assembly or module150via a universal connector. In embodiments, an expansion and sensor assembly or module160may comprise an arm or spoke expansion sensor assembly162and a sensor assembly housing168. In embodiments, an expansion and sensor assembly or module160may be connected to a hollow tube249and thus coupled to a threaded rod. In embodiments, when a hollow tube moves up and down, an arm or spoke expansion assembly162opens and/or retracts, which causes spokes/blades164of an arm extension assembly163. In embodiments, arms, spokes and/or blades164may detachably connected to the arm or spoke support assemblies163.

In embodiments, an expansion and sensor assembly module160may have a plurality of arms, spokes or blades164(which may be detachable or removable). Because the umbrella system is modular and/or adjustable to meet needs of user and/or environment, an arm or spoke expansion assembly162may not have a set number of arm, blade or spoke support assemblies163. In embodiments, a user and/or owner may determine and/or configure a modular umbrella system100with a number or arms, spokes, or blades extensions163(and thus detachable spokes, arms and/or blades164) necessary for a certain function and attach, couple and/or connect an expansion sensor assembly or module160with a spoke expansion assembly162with a desired number of blades, arms or spoke connections to a second extension module or assembly150and/or a core module assembly or housing130. Prior umbrellas or shading systems utilize a set or established number of ribs and were not adjustable or configurable. In contrast, a modular umbrella system100described herein has an ability to have a detachable and adjustable expansion sensor module162comprising an adjustable number of arm/spoke/blade support assemblies or connections163(and therefore a flexible and adjustable number of arms/spokes/blades164), which provides a user with multiple options in providing shade and/or protection. In embodiments, expansion and sensor expansion module160may be detachable or removable from a second extension module150and/or a core assembly module130and also one or more spokes, arms and/or assemblies164may be detachable or removable from arm or spoke support assemblies163. Therefore, depending on the application or use, a user, operator and/or owner may detachably remove an expansion and sensor module or assembly160having a first number of arm/blade/spoke support assemblies163and replace it with a different expansion sensor module or assembly160having a different number of arm/blade/spoke support assemblies163.

In embodiments, arms, blades and/or spokes164may be detachably connected and/or removable from one or more arm support assemblies163. In embodiments, arms, blades, and/or spokes164may be snapped, adhered, coupled and/or connected to associated arm support assemblies163. In embodiments, arms, blades and/or spokes164may be detached, attached and/or removed before deployment of the arm extension assemblies163.

In embodiments, a shading fabric165may be connected, attached and/or adhered to one or more arm extension assemblies163and provide shade for an area surrounding, below and/or adjacent to a modular umbrella system100. In embodiments, a shading fabric (or multiple shading fabrics) may be connected, attached, and/or adhered to one or more spokes, arms and/or blades164. In embodiments, a shading fabric or covering165may have integrated therein, one or more solar panels and/or cells (not shown). In embodiments, solar panels and/or cells may generate electricity and convert the energy from a solar power source to electricity. In embodiments, solar panels may be coupled to a shading power charging system (not shown). In embodiments, one or more solar panels and/or cells may be positioned on top of a shading fabric165. In embodiments, one or more solar panels and/or cells may be connected, adhered, positioned, attached on and/or placed on a shading fabric165.

In embodiments, an expansion sensor assembly or module160may comprise one or more audio speakers167. In embodiments, an expansion sensor assembly or module160may further comprise an audio/video transceiver. In embodiments, a core assembly130may comprise and/or house an audio/video transceiver (e.g., a Bluetooth or other PAN transceiver, such as Bluetooth transceiver197). In embodiments, an expansion sensor assembly or module160may comprise an audio/video transceiver (e.g., a Bluetooth and/or PAN transceiver) In embodiments, an audio/video transceiver in an expansion sensor assembly or module160may receive audio signals from an audio/video transceiver197in a core assembly130, convert to an electrical audio signal and reproduce the sound on one or more audio speakers167, which projects sound in an outward and/or downward fashion from a modular umbrella system100. In embodiments, one or more audio speakers167may be positioned and/or integrated around a circumference of an expansion sensor assembly or module160.

In embodiments, an expansion sensor assembly or module160may comprise one or more LED lighting assemblies166. In embodiments, one or more LED lighting assemblies166may comprise bulbs and/or LED lights and/or a light driver and/or ballast. In embodiments, an expansion sensor assembly or module160may comprise one or more LED lighting assemblies positioned around an outer surface of the expansion sensor assembly or module160. In embodiments, one or more LED lighting assemblies166may drive one or more lights. In embodiments, a light driver may receive a signal from a controller or a processor in a modular umbrella system100to activate/deactivate LED lights. The LED lights may project light into an area surrounding a modular umbrella system100. In embodiments, one or more lighting assemblies166may be recessed into an expansion or sensor module or assembly160.

In embodiments, an arm expansion sensor housing or module160may also comprise a sensor housing168. In embodiments, a sensor housing168may comprise one or more environmental sensors, one or more telemetry sensors, and/or a sensor housing cover. In embodiments, one or more environmental sensors may comprise one or more air quality sensors, one or more UV radiation sensors, one or more digital barometer sensors, one or more temperature sensors, one or more humidity sensors, one or more carbon monoxide sensors, one or more carbon dioxide sensors, one or more gas sensors, one or more radiation sensors, one or more interference sensors, one or more lightning sensors, one or more and/or one or more wind speed sensors. In embodiments, one or more telemetry sensors may comprise a GPS/GNSS sensor and/or one or more digital compass sensors. In embodiments, a sensor housing168may also comprise one or more accelerometers and/or one or more gyroscopes. In embodiments, a sensor housing168may comprise sensor printed circuit boards and/or a sensor cover (which may or may not be transparent). In embodiments, a sensor printed circuit board may communicate with one or more environmental sensors and/or one or more telemetry sensors (e.g., receive measurements and/or raw data), process the measurements and/or raw data and communicate sensor measurements and/or data to a motion control printed circuit board (e.g., controller) and/or a computing device (e.g., controller and/or processor). In embodiments, a sensor housing168may be detachably connected to an arm connection housing/spoke connection housing to allow for different combinations of sensors to be utilized for different umbrellas. In embodiments, a sensor cover of a sensor housing168may be clear and/or transparent to allow for sensors to be protected from an environment around a modular umbrella system. In embodiments, a sensor cover may be moved and/or opened to allow for sensors (e.g., air quality sensors to obtain more accurate measurements and/or readings). In embodiments, a sensor printed circuit board may comprise environmental sensors, telemetry sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, processors, memory, and/or controllers in order to allow a sensor printed circuit board to receive measurements and/or readings from sensors, process received sensor measurements and/or readings, analyze sensor measurements and/or readings and/or communicate sensor measurements and/or readings to processors and/or controllers in a core assembly or module130of a modular umbrella system100.

In embodiments, a modular umbrella shading system100may comprise a lightning sensor. In embodiments, a lightning sensor may be installed on a base assembly110. In embodiments, a lightning sensor may be installed on a core module or core assembly130. In embodiments, a lightning sensor may be installed on a sensor and/or expansion assembly or module160. In embodiments, a lightning sensor may be installed, attached, fastened and/or positioned on a shading fabric, an arm, and/or a blade of an intelligent shading system. In embodiments, a lightning sensor may be installed on and/or within a sensor housing168. In embodiments, a lightning sensor may be installed on and/or connected, adhered or coupled to a skin of an intelligent umbrella and/or shading system. In embodiments, a lightning sensor may detect lightning conditions around an area or in a vicinity of an intelligent umbrella and/or shading system. In embodiments, a lightning sensor may detect an interference signal strength and/or pattern in an atmosphere that corresponds to either intra-cloud lightning conditions and/or occurrences, and/or to cloud-to-ground lightning conditions and/or occurrences. In embodiments, a lightning sensor may have tolerance conditions set. In embodiments, a lightning sensor may also able to measure and/or calculate a distance from a location with an intelligent shading system and/or intelligent umbrella to a location where a lightning event and/or condition has occurred. In embodiments, a lightning sensor may be an Austria Microsystems Franklin AS3935 digital lightning sensor. In embodiments, a lightning sensor may calculate signal measurements, signal strengths, other conditions (e.g., based at least on interference received with respect to lightning conditions) and/or distances, and may communicate signal measurements, signal strengths, other conditions and/or distances to a memory in an intelligent umbrella for storage. In embodiments, lightning sensor signal measurements, strengths, conditions and/or distances may be communicated to a computing device136where one or more processors may execute computer-readable instructions to 1) receive lightning sensor signal measurements, strength measurements, conditions and/or distances, 2) process such measurements and/or conditions; and 3) generate commands, instructions, messages and/or signals to cause actions by other components and/or assemblies in an intelligent umbrella and/or robotic shading system in response to measurements and/or conditions captured and/or received by a lightning sensor. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions fetched from one or more memory modules and executed by a processor of a computing device136may generate and communicate commands to a motion control board134to cause different motor assemblies to move assemblies (e.g., an upper portion of a core assembly and/or are support assemblies to extend arms) of an intelligent umbrella and/or shading system. In embodiments, because portions of an intelligent umbrella and/or shading system are metallic, computer-readable instructions executed by one or more processors may generate and communicate commands, messages, signals or instructions to cause an expansion and sensor assembly160to retract arms and/or spokes164to a rest or closed position and/or to turn off other sensors in a sensor housing to protect sensors from lightning strikes. In embodiments, because portions of an intelligent umbrella and/or shading system are metallic and conductive, computer-readable instructions executed by one or more processors may generate and communicate commands, messages, signals or instructions to cause an expansion and sensor assembly160, a core assembly130and/or a base assembly to turn off or deactivate other components, motors, processors and/or sensors to prevent damage from electrical (voltage and/or current surges) in a sensor housing to protect sensors from lightning strikes. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions executed by a processor of a computing device136(or other processor/controller) may generate and communicate commands, messages, signals and/or instructions to a sound reproduction system (e.g., an audio receiver and/or speaker) to cause an alarm to be activated and/or a warning message to be reproduced and/or generate and communicate commands, messages, signals and/or instructions to a lighting system166to generate lights and/or rays indicating a dangerous situation is occurring or going to occur. In addition, because lightning strikes can damage electrical components, a lightning sensor's measurements, conditions and/or distances may be communicated to a processor and computer-readable instructions executed by one or more processors may generate and communicate commands to a power subsystem (e.g., a rechargeable battery and/or power charging assembly) to power off an intelligent umbrella and/or shading system100and/or to power off and/or deactivate components and/or assemblies susceptible to lightning strikes and large voltage and/or current surges associated therewith. Advantages of having a lightning sensor integrated within an intelligent umbrella and/or shading system100and/or attached, connected or coupled thereto, are that a lightning sensor may identify dangerous conditions, shut down portions of an intelligent umbrella and/or shading system and warn users of a potentially damaging and dangerous situation when a user or operator may not be aware such dangerous conditions are present.

In embodiments, a modular umbrella shading system100may comprise an interference sensor (e.g., a noise sensor and/or a wireless noise or interference sensor or scanner). In embodiments, such an interference sensor may identify sources and strengths of noise and/or interference in a vicinity of an intelligent umbrella and/or robotic shading system100. For example, interference and/or noise may be radio frequency interference, electromagnetic interference, randomly generated noise, impulse noise, acoustic noise, thermal noise, etc. For example, noise and/or interference may be present in certain wireless communication spectrum bands. In embodiments, an interference sensor may be installed or located on a base assembly110. In embodiments, an interference sensor may be installed or located on a core module or core assembly130. In embodiments, an interference sensor may be installed or located on a sensor and/or expansion assembly or module160. In embodiments, an interference sensor may be installed, position, attached, and/or connected to a shading fabric, an arm support assembly and/or an arm or blade of an intelligent umbrella. In embodiments, an interference sensor may be installed on and/or within a sensor housing168. In embodiments, a lightning sensor may be installed on and/or connected, adhered or coupled to a skin of an intelligent umbrella and/or shading system. In embodiments, an interference sensor may detect noise and/or interference conditions around or in a vicinity of an intelligent umbrella and/or shading system. In embodiments, an interference sensor may detect and/or measure an interference signal strength (e.g., interference that may impact operations of wireless transceivers) and/or an interference type that corresponds to noise sources generating noise and interference in an environment or that is projected and/or communicated into an area around an intelligent umbrella and/or shading system. In embodiments, the noise and/or interference may be from natural sources (e.g., electromagnetic waves, sound waves, impulse waves), from mechanical devices, from acoustic devices, and/or other electronic devices (e.g., home security systems, other routers, wireless printers, wireless transmitters and/or receivers, and/or ICs). In embodiments, an interference sensor may have tolerance conditions established and may identify different type of noise and/or interference. In embodiments, an interference sensor may also able to measure and/or calculate a type of noise and/or interference, where a source may be located and how often the noise and/or interference may be detected and/or measured. In embodiments, an interference sensor may calculate signal measurements, signal strengths, and/or other conditions (e.g., is it repetitive and/or randomly occurring and is it based at least on other conditions associated with measured interference). In embodiments, an interference sensor may communicate signal measurements, signal strengths, other conditions and/or locations to a memory for storage. In embodiments, interference sensor signal measurements, strengths, conditions and/or distances may be communicated to a computing device136where one or more processors may execute computer-readable instructions to 1) receive interference sensor signal measurements, strength measurements, and/or conditions; and/or 2) process such measurements and/or conditions. In embodiments, one or more processors (e.g., in a computing device136) in conjunction with computer-readable instructions executed by the one or more processors may generate commands, instructions, messages and/or signals to cause actions by other components and/or assemblies in response to measurements and/or conditions captured and/or received by an interference sensor. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions fetched from one or more memory modules and executed by a processor (e.g., of a computing device136) may generate and communicate commands to a motion control board134(or other circuits or circuit assemblies) to cause different motor assemblies to move assemblies of an intelligent umbrella and/or shading system to different locations and/or positions. In embodiments, interference sensor measurements may identify that cellular communications may not be reliable in an area around an intelligent umbrella because of a high level of interference in a cellular communications frequency band and computer-readable instructions executable by one or more processors may communicate commands and/or signals to a cellular transceiver to deactivate a cellular transceiver195. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions executable by a processor may also not communicate any commands, signals, instructions and/or messages to a cellular transceiver195until interference and/or noise conditions have improved. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions executed by a processor of a computing device136(or other processor/controller) may generate and communicate commands, messages, signals and/or instructions to a sound reproduction system (e.g., an audio receiver and/or speaker) to cause an alarm to be activated and/or a warning message to be reproduced and/or generate and communicate commands, messages, signals and/or instructions to a lighting system and/or sound communication system to generate lights and/or audible alerts indicating a dangerous or problematic situation is occurring or going to occur (e.g., high level of impulse noise or EMI). In addition, because high levels of different types of noise can impact performance of specific electrical components, an interference sensor's measurements, conditions and/or distances may be communicated to a processor and computer-readable instructions executed by one or more processors may generate and communicate commands to a power subsystem (e.g., a rechargeable battery and/or power charging assembly) to power to power off and/or deactivate components and/or assemblies susceptible to noise and/or interference. Advantages of having an interference sensor integrated within an intelligent umbrella and/or shading system100and/or attached, connected or coupled thereto, are that an interference sensor may identify problematic conditions, shut down portions of an intelligent umbrella and/or shading system in response thereto, and/or warn users of a potentially problematic and dangerous situation. In addition, an intelligent umbrella with an interference sensor may operate more efficiently by avoiding certain communication frequency bands having large levels of noise which could impact accuracy of wireless communications.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2Cillustrate a cut-away drawing of mechanical assemblies in a modular umbrella system according to embodiments. In embodiments, a modular umbrella shading assembly200may comprise a base assembly210, a first extension assembly220, a core assembly or module230, a base receptacle213, a force transfer shaft212, an azimuth motor231, and/or an azimuth motor shaft229. In embodiments, a first extension assembly220and a core assembly module230may rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise manner direction (as illustrated by reference number215) with respect to a base assembly210. In embodiments, an azimuth motor231comprises an azimuth motor shaft229that may rotate in response to activation and/or utilization of an azimuth motor231. In embodiments, an azimuth motor shaft229may be mechanically coupled (e.g., a gearing system, a friction-based system, etc.) to a force transfer shaft212. In embodiments, an azimuth motor shaft229may rotate in a clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction and in response, a force transfer shaft212may rotate in a same and/or opposite direction. In embodiments, a force transfer shaft212may pass through a first extension assembly220and may be mechanically coupled to a base receptacle213in a base assembly210. In response to, or due to, rotation of force transfer shaft212in a base receptacle213, a first extension assembly220and/or a core assembly230may rotate with respect to the base assembly210.

In embodiments, a modular umbrella system200may comprise a core assembly230which may comprise a lower core assembly242and an upper core assembly240. In embodiments, a lower core assembly242may comprise an elevation motor232, an elevation motor shaft233, a worm gear234, and/or a speed reducing gear235. In embodiments, a speed reducing gear235may be connected with a connector to a connection plate236. In embodiments, a lower core assembly242may be mechanically coupled to an upper core assembly240via a connection plate236. In embodiments, a connection plate236may be connected to an upper core assembly240via a connector and/or fastener. In embodiments, an elevation motor232may cause rotation (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) of an elevation motor shaft233, which may be mechanically coupled to a worm gear234. In embodiments, rotation of an elevation motor shaft233may cause rotation (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) of a worm gear234. In embodiments, a worm gear234may be mechanically coupled to a speed reducing gear235. In embodiments, rotation of a worm gear234may cause rotation of a speed reducing gear235via engagement of channels of a worm gear234with teeth of a speed reducing gear235. In embodiments, a sped reducing gear235may be mechanically coupled to a connection plate236to an upper core assembly240via a fastener or connector. In embodiments, rotation of a speed reducing gear235may cause a connection plate236(and/or an upper core assembly240) to rotate with respect to a lower core assembly242in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction as is illustrated by reference number217. In embodiments, an upper core assembly240may rotate with respect to the lower core assembly242approximately 90 degrees via movement of the connection plate. In embodiments, an upper core assembly240may rotate approximately 0 to 30 degrees with respect to the lower core assembly242via movement of the connection plate.

In embodiments, an upper core assembly240may comprise an extension expansion motor233and an extension expansion motor shaft247. In embodiments, an expansion motor233may be activated and may rotate an extension expansion motor shaft247. In embodiments, an expansion motor shaft247may be mechanically coupled to a threaded rod246which may be mechanically couple to a travel nut248(e.g., a nut may be screwed onto the threaded rod246). In embodiments, an expansion motor shaft247may rotate a threaded rod246which may cause a travel nut248to move in a vertical direction (e.g., up or down). In embodiments, a travel nut248may be mechanically coupled to a connection rod249. In embodiments, a travel nut248may move in vertical direction (e.g., up or down) which may cause a connection rod249to move in a vertical direction (e.g., up or down) as is illustrated by reference number251. In embodiments, a connection rod249may be partially positioned and/or located within an upper core assembly240and may be partially positioned within a second extension assembly250. In embodiments, a connection rod249and/or a second extension assembly250may have varying lengths based on a desired height of a modular umbrella system200. In embodiments, a connection rod249may be mechanically coupled to an expansion assembly shaft263.

In embodiments, an arm expansion sensor housing or module260may comprise an expansion assembly shaft263, a rack gear265, one or more spoke/arm expansion assemblies262, and a sensor module268. In embodiments, an expansion assembly shaft or hollow tube263may be mechanically coupled to a rack gear265. In embodiments, movement of an expansion shaft or hollow tube263up or down in a vertical direction may move a rack gear265in a vertical direction (e.g., up or down). In embodiments, one or more spoke expansion assemblies262may be mechanically coupled to a rack gear265. In embodiments, gears on one or more spoke/arm expansion assemblies262may engage channels in a rack gear265. In embodiments, a rack gear265may move in a vertical direction (e.g., up or down) which may cause movement of one or more spoke/arm expansion assemblies262from an open position (as is illustrated inFIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C) to a closed position (or vice versa from a closed position to an open position). In embodiments, movement of one or more spoke/arm expansion assemblies262is illustrated by reference number275inFIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C. In embodiments, spokes/arms264may be mechanically coupled to spoke expansion assemblies262. In embodiments, one or more spokes/arms264may be detachable from one or more spoke/arm expansion assemblies262.

Prior art shading systems utilizing at the most one motor to move a shade into a desired position. Shading systems do not utilize more than one motor and this limits movement of a shade system to track the sun and provide protection to users of a shading system. Accordingly, utilizing of two or more motors in a shading system allow movement of a shading element (or multiple shading elements) to track the sun, to protect a user from other weather elements and/or to capture a large amount of solar energy. These are improvements other shading systems which cannot move and/or rotate about more than one axis. Although,FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B, and 2Cdescribe a shading system with three motors, additional motors may be utilized to, for example, rotate a shading system (utilizing a motor in a base system next to a surface), additional motors to deploy additional accessories within a shading system core assembly module (e.g., lighting assemblies, wind turbines, camera mounts), or additional motors to deploy accessories within an expansion and sensor assembly module (e.g., deploy sensors, deploy solar panels, move speakers to different positions or orientations and/or move lighting assemblies to different positions and/or orientations).

FIG. 3illustrates a block diagram power subsystem of a parasol, umbrella or shading system according to embodiments. In embodiments, a power subsystem300comprises one or more solar cells or solar cell panels305, one or more solar charging assemblies310, one or more power buses315, one or more rechargeable batteries320, and one or more electrical or electro-mechanical assemblies324325326327328and329. In embodiments, one or more solar cells or solar cell panels305may generate electrical energy or electrical power from a light source (e.g., the sun). In embodiments, one or more solar cells or solar cell panels305may transfer power or electrical energy to one or more solar charging assemblies310. In embodiments, one or more solar charging assemblies310may be solar charge controllers. In embodiments, one or more solar charging assemblies310may comprise computer interfaces that monitor and control power output from one or more solar cells or solar cell panels. In embodiments, indicators may monitor, control and/or display output power (e.g., one or more LED lighting assemblies may show that power is being supplied and that some power is being output via a solar charging assembly). In embodiments, one or more solar charging assemblies310may also display voltage and/or current being supplied from one or more solar panels or solar cell panels and/or may also display voltage and/or current being output by one or more solar charging assemblies310as well as displaying how much current is being pulled from a load terminal (and thus supplied to a rechargeable power source, components and/or assemblies).

In embodiments, one or more solar charging assemblies310may supply power to one or more rechargeable power sources (e.g., rechargeable batteries)320. In embodiments, one or more solar charging assemblies310may supply power (e.g., voltage and/or current) to a power bus and/or power cables315. In embodiments, the power supplied to a power bus and/or power cables315from one or more solar charging assemblies310may be at an approximate level of 12 volts (or between 11 to 17 volts). In embodiments, one or more solar charging assemblies310may provide power to a rechargeable power source320at a level between 11 and 17 volts (or at approximately 12 volts). In embodiments, a power bus and/or power cables315may supply power (e.g., voltage and/or current) to one or more components, assemblies or apparatuses (e.g., one or more electrical or electro-mechanical assemblies324325326327328and329). For example, component324may be a motor control printed circuit board; reference number325may be a camera; reference number326may be an integrated computing device326; reference number327may be one or more microphones; reference number328may be one or more sensor assemblies or sensors; and reference number329may be one or more lighting assemblies. In embodiments, components such as a motor control PCB324, one or more cameras325, one or more integrated computing devices326, one or microphones327, one or more sensors or sensor assemblies328, and one or more lighting assemblies329may not utilize 12 volts and if not then these components and/or assemblies include a voltage regulate to provide a lower voltage, such as 3.3 Volts and/or 5 volts. In embodiments, one or more renewable power sources (e.g., rechargeable batteries)320may be placed in a battery housing. In embodiments, one or more battery housings may be placed around a center core assembly.

FIG. 4Aillustrates a base assembly including a base stand, a base lower housing and base housing according to embodiments. In embodiments, a base assembly may comprise a base stand450, a base lower housing451and a base upper housing452. In embodiments, a base assembly may be movable. In embodiments, a base stand450may comprise one or more wheel assemblies474, which allow a base stand450(and thus the base assembly and umbrella, parasol or shading system) to be able to move. In embodiments, a base stand may comprise one or more plates461and one or more ball bearings460. In embodiments, one or more ball bearings may be inserted into grooves or channels or one or more plates461. In embodiments, one or more plates461may be circular and/or may comprise one or more concentric circles. In embodiments, a base stand450may comprise a hall sensor476or magnetic detection sensor (although in other embodiments, a base stand450may comprise a magnetic or magnetic assembly475). In embodiments, a base lower housing451may comprise a battery housing401or power source housing401. In embodiments, a shaft470may run through a base lower housing451and a base upper housing452. In embodiments, a base lower housing may comprise a torque limiter420, which is connected and/or coupled to a shaft assembly470. In embodiments, a torque limiter420may keep an umbrella and/or shading system from having base assemblies and/or core assemblies broken or malfunctioning during excessive twisting and/or torque from rotation, pulling or pushing of a core assembly (and/or remainder of umbrella, parasol). In embodiments, excessive torque conditions may be caused by motor malfunctioning or an individual grabbing a core assembly and trying to manually move or rotate a core assembly. In embodiments, if a normal amount of torque is placed on a base assembly, then a torque limiter420is not engaged and rotation is limited. If an excessive amount of torque is present, then a torque limiter420is engaged and a motor assembly is stopped or reduced. In embodiments, a torque limiter may be a clutch or clutch assembly.

In embodiments, a base upper housing452may comprise an amizuth motor assembly472, which may operate in a similar fashion to the azimuth motor assembly472described inFIG. 1A, 1B, or1C. In embodiments, an azimuth motor assembly472may be located in a shaft or tube and may cause a base lower housing451and base upper housing452(and remainder of an umbrella, parasol or shading system) to rotate in an azimuth direction around a base stand450. In embodiments, ball bearings460in plate461allow for smooth rotation of a base lower housing451and base upper housing452with respect to a base stand. In embodiments, a bottom party or floor of a battery housing401may be connected or coupled or touch a plate461and/or one or more ball bearings460. In embodiments, a lower base housing451may comprise a magnet or magnetic assembly475(although in other embodiments, the lower base housing451may comprise a magnetic field sensor of hall sensor476). In embodiments, a magnet or magnetic assembly475and a hall sensor476may be utilized to verify that an umbrella's, parasol's or shading system's umbrella knows an orientation of a base stand450with respect to the rest of the umbrella, parasol or shading system. If the remainder of the umbrella is not aligned (including the base lower housing) with the base stand450, then the umbrella, parasol or shading system may not know an orientation (e.g., what direction an umbrella is facing). This impacts many calculations made by the umbrella during initiation or configuration of the umbrella and throws off the sun tracking features of the umbrella, parasol or shading system. Accordingly, the hall sensor476is verifying that a magnet475is aligned with it and in a position that is known and therefore that the orientation of the umbrella or parasol is known.

FIG. 4Billustrates a rechargeable power source housing according to embodiments. In embodiments, a rechargeable power source housing401may comprise one or more power source holders (e.g., battery holders)405406407, one or more power source tops408409410, a circular plate415, one or more rechargeable power sources418419422421and wiring425coupled to one or more power buses430. In embodiments, each of the one or more power source holders405406407may hold one or more rechargeable power sources418419422421(four may be shown inFIG. 4B), but any number of rechargeable batteries may be utilized. In embodiments, one or more rechargeable power sources418419422421may be connected to wiring425which in turn may be coupled or connected to one or more power buses to provide + or −12 volts. In embodiments, one or more power source tops408409410may be connected to one or more corresponding power source holders405406407via a snap fit connector and/or tabs. In embodiments, a circular plate415may be adhered or connected to the one or more power source holders405406407. In embodiments, a circular plate415and/or power source holders405406407may be an integrated piece and may be manufactured using additive manufacturing or 3D printing techniques. In embodiments, a circular plate415may have a hole416in a middle in order to let a tubular assembly (e.g., a shaft470) to pass through a middle and be able to construct the remainder of the umbrella. In embodiments, a circular plate415may be connected, adhered or fastened to either a base assembly or a core assembly module. In embodiments, a rechargeable power source housing401may be located in a bottom base housing, although it may be located in any portion of a core assembly module (and potentially base assembly). In embodiments, a rechargeable power source housing401may be located in a section of a base assembly

FIG. 4Cillustrates a base assembly include a torque limiter and auger assembly according to embodiments. In embodiments, a base assembly405may comprise a base housing410, one or more shafts470, one or more torque limiters420, one or more connecting assemblies431, one or more gearing assemblies435and/or one or more augers440. In embodiments, one or more base assemblies405may be detachable from a core assembly in order to allow for different assemblies to dig into or burrow into a loose surfaces such as turf, sand, grass, gravel or mud. In embodiments,FIG. 4Cillustrates an auger to burrow into and/or connect to a grass or dirt surface; however different connection assemblies or driving assemblies may be utilized to drill into and/or burrow into the different surfaces. In embodiments, a base assembly405may be detached from a core assembly. In embodiments, a handle445and a connection assembly431may be attached and/or connected to the base assembly405. In embodiments, a connection assembly431may be circular in shape and may fit within a channel of a base assembly405in order to make a fitted connection. In embodiments, friction and/or magnets may allow for better connection between connection assembly431and a base assembly405. In embodiments, a handle445may be permanently attached to a connection assembly431via an adhesive, a connector, a magnetic connector and a screw. In embodiments, a handle445may be detachably attached to a connection assembly431. In embodiments, a handle445may be rotated which may cause a shaft or shaft assembly470to rotate. In embodiments, a handle445may be connected directly to a shaft or shaft assembly470or there may be a gearing assembly or gears placed between the handle445and/or shaft or shaft assembly470. In embodiments, a shaft or shaft assembly470may be connected and/or couple to one or more gearing assemblies435. In embodiments, one or more gearing assemblies435may be coupled or connected to an auger or auger assembly440. In embodiments, rotation of a shaft or shaft assembly470may cause rotation of the one or more gearing assemblies435, which in turn may cause rotation of the auger or auger assembly440. Rotation of the auger and/or auger assembly440causes the auger and/or auger assembly to burrow or drill into the ground surface. In embodiments, this means that the base assembly405may be connected into the ground surface. Then, the base assembly405may be attached to the core assembly and the shading system or umbrella may be provided more stability in loose ground surfaces such as sand, loose dirt, ground, and/or gravel.

In embodiments, a base assembly405may comprise a torque limiter420. In embodiments, a torque limiter420may keep an umbrella and/or shading system from having base assemblies and/or core assemblies broken or malfunctioning during excessive twisting and/or torque from rotation of a core assembly (and remainder of umbrella). In embodiments, excessive torque conditions may be caused by motor malfunctioning or an individual grabbing a core assembly and trying to manually move or rotate a core assembly. In embodiments, if a normal amount of torque is placed on a base assembly, then a torque limiter420is not engaged and rotation is limited. If an excessive amount of torque is present, then a torque limiter420is engaged and a motor assembly is stopped or reduced.

In embodiments, an umbrella, parasol and/or shading system may comprise an intelligence housing (e.g., a brain box) to control a number of functions and/or features of the umbrella, parasol or shading system.FIG. 5Aillustrates a block diagram of an intelligence housing according to embodiments. In embodiments, an intelligence housing500may be manufactured utilizing additive manufacturing techniques (e.g., 3D printing) and may be comprised of plastic, composite materials or a combination thereof. In embodiments, an intelligent housing500may comprise one or more wind sensor assemblies505, one or more motor control assemblies or motion control board510, one or more imaging devices515, one or more integrated computing devices (e.g., Raspberry Pi)520, one or more microphones or line arrays525and one or more proximity sensors530. In embodiments, an intelligence housing500may comprise one or more wireless communication transceivers535. In embodiments, wireless communication transceivers535in an intelligence housing may communicate with a remote computing device (e.g., a server or a cloud-based server), a mobile computing device and/or an audio receiver.

FIG. 5Billustrates a perspective view of an intelligence housing with one side cover removed according to embodiments.FIG. 5Cillustrates a perspective view of an intelligence housing with covers installed according to embodiments. In embodiments, an intelligence housing500may have four sides. In embodiments, one or more sides may have different thicknesses and/or may have a different shape (e.g., may be a rectangle having a specified thickness or may have different channels be formed therein). In embodiments, adjacent sides of the one or more sides of the intelligence housing may be connected to each other at approximately right angles (e.g., approximately 90 degrees) or from 70 degrees to 110 degrees with respect to each other. In embodiments, a space540may be formed or be present in an intelligence housing500(e.g., in a middle of an intelligence or electronics housing to allow for passage of a shaft and/or tubular assemblies of the umbrella, parasol or shading housing). In embodiments, a space540may be utilized to provide air cooling for printed circuit boards or other components of an intelligence housing by utilizing air movement through the space540. In embodiments, one or more components, printed circuit boards or sensors (505,510,515,520,525or530—seeFIG. 5A) may be mounted or installed on outside surfaces of one or more sides of the intelligence housing500.FIG. 5Billustrates side504and side503. Alternatively, some components or assemblies may be mounted on an inside surface of an intelligence housing500. In embodiments, although a specific configuration may be shown in the drawings and discussed in specification below, one or more components and/or assemblies or devices may be installed on a different surfaces and/or sides of an intelligence housing500. Placement of components, assemblies and/or devices may depend on space availability on sides of an intelligence housing500, interference considerations (e.g., noise interference and/or spectrum interference), heat considerations and/or power requirement considerations. In embodiments, a first side of an intelligence housing500may comprise one or more wind sensor assemblies505and one or more proximity sensors530being mounted or installed thereon. In embodiments, a second side of an intelligence housing500may comprise one or more microphone arrays525and/or one or more motor control assemblies or motor control printed circuit boards510. In embodiments, a third side of an intelligence housing500may comprise a single board computer520(e.g., Raspberry Pi—or an integrated computing device) comprising one or more memory devices, one or more processors, and computer-readable/executable instructions stored in the one or more memory devices). In embodiments, a third side of an intelligence housing500may further comprise one or more wireless communication transceivers535. In embodiments, one or more wireless communication transceivers535may be installed on a printed circuit board which is installed on a third surface (or alternatively may be integrated into a chip or integrated circuit which is installed on a third surface of intelligence housing500). In embodiments, a fourth side of an intelligence housing500may comprise one or more microphone arrays525. In embodiments, a fourth side of an intelligence housing500may comprise one or more imaging devices515to capture video of an area surrounding an umbrella, parasol or shading system. In embodiments, one or more imaging devices515may be integrated into a chip or integrated circuit or alternatively, may be mounted onto a printed circuit board. In embodiments, the different one or more microphone arrays515may need to be installed on opposite sides of an intelligence housing500in order to have close to 360 degree coverage for picking up sounds and/or voice commands from a user and/or operator.FIG. 5Cillustrates a cover555attached or connected to a side of an intelligence housing500. In embodiments, cover555includes an opening for to allow for sound waves to reach one or more microphones or microphone arrays.FIG. 5Calso illustrates another side502of an intelligence housing.

FIG. 5Dillustrates a wind sensor assembly according to embodiments. In embodiments, an intelligence housing500may comprise a wind sensor assemblies505. In embodiments, one or more wind sensor assemblies505may comprise one or more fan assemblies506, one or more wind channels507, one or more vents or screens508and/or one or more wind speed sensors509. In embodiments, one or more vents or screens508may be placed over an opening on an intelligence housing500. In embodiments, an opening may comprise a top portion of one or more wind channels507. In embodiments, one or more covers, vents and/or screens505may prevent small or large objects from entering a wind channel507and damaging a wind sensor509. In embodiments, wind entering wind channel may cause one or more fan assemblies506to turn or rotate in proportion to a wind speed. In embodiments, one or more fan assemblies506may be connected or coupled to one or more wind sensors509. In embodiments, one or more wind sensors509may generate wind speed measurements in proportion (or based at least in part) on fan assembly506rotation or turning speed. In embodiments, one or more wind speed sensors509may be Hall or Hall-effect sensors. In embodiments, one or more wind sensors509may be coupled or connected to one or more processors or controllers. In embodiments, one or wind sensors509may communicate generated wind speed measurements to one or more processors or controllers (including but not limited to a processor or controller in a parasol, umbrella or shading system integrated computing device).

FIG. 6Aillustrates a parasol, umbrella or shading system with a magnetic attachment connector or a POGO connector for attaching a drink holder according to embodiments. In embodiments, a bottle or cup cooling attachment may be connected to a body605of a parasol, umbrella or shading system via a magnetic connector610. In embodiments, a bottle or cup cooling attachment may be connected to a body of a parasol, umbrella or shading system via a POGO pin connector620or other magnetic connectors. In embodiments, Spring-Loaded (Pogo Pin) connectors may provide a reliable electrical connection in the most rigorous environments like on a body of a parasol, umbrella or shading system where movement of a body may occur and/or weather or an environment may subject the drink holder615to challenging environmental conditions. In embodiments, POGO pins interconnects620may be used as a stationary unit (e.g., a portion of a body605of a parasol, umbrella or shading system) interface for coupling to assemblies, holders or components. In embodiments, a drink holder may have a magnet or magnetic assembly625to connect or couple to a Pogo pins620or other magnetic connectors and may also have a cooling assembly625to cool the can, bottle or cup placed in the drink holder. In embodiments, a body605of any section of an umbrella, parasol or shading system may comprise one or more magnets and/or magnetic connectors (e.g., pogo pins) so that various attachments with other functionality (e.g., music, lighting, sensors, AI) may be attached to an umbrella, parasol or shading system.

FIG. 6Billustrates an umbrella, parasol or shading system with a wireless charging assembly for mobile computing devices according to embodiments. In embodiments, a wireless charging assembly630may be attached, coupled or connected to a body605of an umbrella, shading system or parasol. In embodiments, a wireless charging assembly630may comprise a housing631, an insertion area632, or an induction plate633. The mobile computing device635(e.g., tablet, mobile or smart phone, wearable computing device) may be inserted into an insertion area or space632and an induction coil634in a mobile computing device635should be placed to rest next to the induction coil or plate633of the wireless charging assembly630. The mobile computing device635may then be powered via wireless charging using inductive charging techniques. In embodiments, an induction coil or plate633of a wireless charging assembly630may receive power either through electrical connectors or through an induction coil636in a body605of an umbrella, parasol or shading system. In embodiments, a body605of an umbrella, parasol or shading system may comprise an internal wireless charging assembly650which operates in the same fashion as discussed before.

In embodiments, an umbrella, parasol or shading system may have multiple sections. In embodiments, an umbrella, parasol or shading system may have a 1) base section or base assembly; 2) a middle section, support section/assembly or core assembly; and/or 3) a top section, an upper section, an arm expansion section or an expansion section. In embodiments, in order to store or disassemble an umbrella, parasol or shading system or to repair an umbrella, parasol or shading system, sections may need to be detached from one another. Accordingly, an umbrella, parasol or shading system may have detachable sections. Thus, umbrella or parasol sections may be detachably connected to other sections of the umbrella, parasol or shading system via magnetic connections, snap fit connections, clamp connections, channel and/or groove connections, and/or friction connections. In embodiments, however, an umbrella, parasol, or shading system may need to be made aware that sections have been detached.FIG. 7illustrates an umbrella, parasol or shading system having more than one sections with magnetic sensing and detachment sensing according to embodiments. AlthoughFIG. 7illustrates an umbrella, parasol or shading system having five detachable sections, an umbrella, parasol or shading system may have one detachable sections, two detachable sections and/or more than four detachable sections.FIG. 7illustrates an umbrella, parasol or shading system with four detachable points (e.g., detachable point705,706,707and708. In embodiments, a first detachable point705may connect a first umbrella section710(e.g., a base section) to a second umbrella section715(e.g, a lower section of a core assembly or support assembly). In embodiments, a second detachable point706may connect a second umbrella section715to a third umbrella section720. In embodiments, a third detachable point707may connect a third umbrella section720to a fourth umbrella section725. In embodiments, a fourth detachable point708may connect a fourth umbrella section725to a fifth umbrella section730. In embodiments, this allows easy upgrade or interchanging of assemblies and/or components for the different sections of the umbrella. For example, a fifth umbrella section730may be an expansion assembly.

In order to detect detachment of different sections of an umbrella, parasol or shading system, a combination of magnets or magnetic assemblies and magnetic sensors (e.g., magnetic field sensors or hall sensors) may be paired and aligned together at various detection points. Thus, if one section is detached from another section, a magnetic or magnetic field sensor may not detect a magnetic field from the magnet and a magnetic field sensor may generate an error condition and communicate an error condition to one or more processors or controllers in an umbrella, parasol or shading system. In In embodiments, for example, if a second umbrella section715is removed or detached from a first umbrella section710, a hall sensor716may detect the lack of the magnetic field generated from the magnet or magnetic assembly717, and the hall sensor716may generate a section detachment or error signal or message and communicate the section detachment or error signal or message to one or more controllers or processors in an umbrella, parasol or shading system. Similar operation can occur at the different detachment points (e.g., magnet721and magnetic field sensor722may detect detachment at connection point706; magnet727and hall sensor726may detect detachment at connection point707; magnetic assembly731and hall sensor or magnetic field sensor732may detect detachment at connection point708). In embodiments, computer-readable instructions executable by one or more processors and/or controllers may receive the detachment or error signal or message and generate a notification message or signal. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions executable by one or more processors or controllers may communicate the notification message or signal to a sound reproduction device (e.g., a speaker); a mobile communication device (e.g., a display or speaker installed therein) and/or an external computing device (e.g., a display or speaker installed therein). In embodiments, a top section at a detachment point may have a magnet or magnetic assembly and a bottom section may have a hall sensor (or a magnetic field sensor) or vice versa (e.g., bottom section at a detachment has magnet or magnetic assembly and top section has hall sensor).

Fan on Top of Tubular Assembly—FIG. 8Aillustrates a cross-section of a core assembly or support assembly of an umbrella, parasol or shading system including an interior fan assembly according to embodiments.FIG. 8Billustrates a cross-section of a core assembly or support assembly of an umbrella, parasol or shading system that includes a cooling system or apparatus of an umbrella, parasol or shading system according to embodiments. In embodiments, a section of an umbrella, parasol or shading system may comprise a cooling system. In embodiments, the section may be a core section or housing, an expansion section or housing, a support section or housing, or other umbrella, parasol or shading system sections. In embodiments, for example, as shown inFIG. 8A, a core assembly or support assembly800may comprise a cooling system802. In embodiments, a cooling system802may comprise one or more fan assemblies805and810, one or more internal temperature sensors815and/or one or more vents820821. In embodiments, this internal temperature sensor815may be in addition to a temperature sensor of an umbrella, parasol or shading system measuring external temperatures. In embodiments, an umbrella, parasol or shading system may comprise a core assembly, wherein a core assembly or support assembly800comprises a circular or cylindrical tubular assembly (or circular tube) in which components and/or assemblies are positioned or installed (e.g., intelligence housing or motor assembly). In embodiments, because these components may comprise integrated computing devices and/or motor assemblies or other printed circuit boards, heat may be generated inside a tubular assembly (or tube). In order for umbrellas, parasols or shading systems to operate efficiently or effectively, an intelligent umbrella, parasol or shading system may monitor temperatures inside a tubular assembly utilizing one or more internal temperature sensors815and generate internal temperature measurements. In embodiments, one or more internal temperature sensors815may communicate generate internal temperature measurements to one or more controllers or processors. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions executable by one or more controllers or processors may generate and communicate commands, instructions, messages or signals to one or more fan blades of fan assemblies805or810. In embodiments, one or more fan assemblies805and/or810may be positioned inside a tubular assembly (e.g., coupled, adhered or connected to sides or inside surfaces of the tubular assemblies with an umbrella body, shading system or parasol). In embodiments, one or more fan assemblies805or810may be positioned or installed near a top portion of a tubular assembly. In embodiments, a top portion of a tubular assembly may have an opening (e.g., an outside surface may have an opening or a top surface of a tubular assembly may have an opening or a vent (e.g., intake vent807) may be present in a top portion of a tubular assembly and/or body of an umbrella). In embodiments, air may be drawn into a tubular assembly or tube via spinning and/or rotation of one or more fan assemblies805or810. In embodiments, rotation of one or more fan assemblies805and/or810may comprise air to move through a tubular assembly (e.g., from top to bottom) as illustrated by air flow reference number822. In embodiments, a bottom portion of a tubular assembly may comprise one or more vents820and/or821to allow moved air to exit a tubular assembly. In embodiments, this may reduce an internal temperature of a tubular assembly. In embodiments, fan assemblies805and/or810may be placed at different or discrete vertical levels in a tubular assembly to improve air movement internally within the tubular assembly. In embodiments, as illustrated byFIG. 8B, a cooling assembly may comprise a liquid cooling assembly that may run down an inside surface and/or an outside surface of one or more tubular assemblies800. In embodiments, a liquid cooling assembly may comprise tubing840or841, a liquid reservoir842, a liquid pump843and/or a refrigeration unit844. In embodiments, a liquid may be present in a reservoir843and a refrigeration unit844may cool liquid within a reservoir842(or may cool liquid as it enters a tubing assembly800). In embodiments, a liquid pump843may draw liquid out of the reservoir842and pump the liquid (which has been cooled by the refrigeration unit844) through one or more plastic tubing hoses840or841which are running down an inside surface of a tubular assembly. In embodiments, the cooled temperature of the liquid may cause a surface of the plastic tubing to be reduced in temperature and thus reduce a temperature of a tubular assembly. In embodiments, a liquid cooling assembly may be continuously running in order to cool a tubular assembly. In embodiments, one or more temperature sensors815(as described above) may monitor internal temperatures in a tubular assembly and a refrigeration unit844and/or a pump assembly843may be activated when a temperature measurement reaches a temperature threshold value (as is discussed above with respect to the fan assembly).

FIG. 9Aillustrates a protective housing or shielding for one or more arm support assemblies and/or linking assemblies according to embodiments. In embodiments, an umbrella, parasol or shading system may comprise a linkage protective housing905to hide and/or protect one or more arm support assemblies, linking assemblies, or shading frames from view and/or from damage from an environment. In embodiments, a linkage protective housing905may also prevent operators or users (or their clothing) from getting caught in the one or more arm support assemblies, linking assemblies and/or shading frames. In embodiments, a linkage protecting housing905may comprise an upper housing906and/or lower housing907. In embodiments, portions of arms or blades may reside outside of linkage protective housing905and may rest on outside surfaces of the linkage protective housing. In embodiments, an upper housing906may be connected via to a lower housing907via a fastener, screw, connector or an adhesive or combination thereof. In embodiments, a linkage protective housing905may be made or manufactured by additive manufacturing techniques (or 3D printing). In embodiments, a linkage protective housing905may be coupled, connected or adhered to an expansion assembly, tubular assembly and/or shaft903.FIG. 9Billustrates a linkage protective housing with a top housing removed according to embodiments. In embodiments, a sensor housing frame or920may be connected to one or more arm support assembly, arm support assembly frame or linking assembly915. In embodiments, a sensor housing frame920may be connected to a linkage protective housing905(e.g., an upper housing906). In embodiments, one or more arm support assemblies or frames or linking assemblies915may be coupled to an actuator, tubular assembly, shaft and/or or hinging assembly903in order to deploy the arms or blades to an expanded, deployed or open position. In embodiments, one or more arm support assemblies or linking assembly915may comprise one or more arm connectors921(e.g., holes or slots. In embodiments, one or more associated arms may be connected to one or more arm support assemblies x15 utilizing one or more arm connectors921(e.g., may be holes or slots). In embodiments, a bottom housing907may comprise one or more arm/blades rests or recesses925. In embodiments, an end portion of an arm/blade may be connected through two arm connectors921(e.g., inserted through holes or slots) and may be installed in or positioned in one or more (e.g., four inFIG. 9B) arm/blade rests or recesses925. In embodiments, the linkage protective housing905prevents the linking assemblies and even portions of the arms/blades from being seen from user or operators, which presents a sleeker design and provides safety benefits. In embodiments, one or more speaker assemblies may be installed onto an outside surface of a linkage protective housing905. In embodiments, four speaker assemblies may be installed on an outside surface of a linkage protective housing905or may be integrated into an outside surface of a linkage protective housing905.

Many umbrellas, parasols and shading systems do not include detachable or separate arms or blades. Instead, they utilize frame systems and/or interconnected ribs, where a shading fabric, such as nylon may be attached and/or connected to various points on the frame systems and/or interconnected ribs. This leads to issues when a shading area needs to be modified or changed and a user or operator is hindered by having a preexisting and non-modifiable umbrella, parasol or shading system.FIG. 10Aillustrates an umbrella, parasol or shading system with multiple arms or blades and/or one or more shading fabrics according to embodiments.FIG. 10Billustrates a side cross-section view of one of the arms or blades according to embodiments.

FIG. 10A illustrates a top view of an umbrella, parasol or shading system with arms/blades and shading fabric according to embodiments.FIG. 10Aillustrates a top view of an umbrella, parasol or shading system with four arms or blades assemblies (e.g., four arm/blade connectors1007and four arms/blades), one or more shading fabrics or shading fabric pieces1010and a center support assembly, linking assembly or expansion support assembly1015. In embodiments, one or more shading fabrics or fabric pieces1010are connected or adhered between two arms or blades assemblies (e.g., arm/blade connectors1007and arm/blades1005). In embodiments, one or more arms or blade assemblies (e.g., arm/blade connectors1007and arm/blades1005) are connected and/or coupled to a center support assembly or expansion support assembly1015through a linking assembly or hinging assembly.

FIG. 10Billustrates a block diagram of components in an arm or blade assemblies according to embodiments. Prior art umbrellas, parasols and/or shading systems may have lights or lighting assemblies hanging from ribs and/or frames and/or jutting out from umbrella ribs and/or frames. This may present a safety hazard if a tall person is underneath the umbrella, parasol or shading system and lights or light assemblies are positioned too low. In addition, in many cases, when folding an umbrella, parasol or shading system, lights may have to be detached from a frame or rib, which is inconvenient. In addition, there is a risk of light assemblies being damaged during installation or during movement of the umbrella, parasol or shading system. In embodiments, one or more lights or lighting assemblies1020may be integrated into an arm or blade assemblies (e.g., arm/blades1005, although one or more lighting elements may be present in an arm/blade connector1007). In embodiments, one or more lights or lighting assemblies1020may be integrated into a bottom surface of an arm or blade assembly (e.g., arm/blades1005). In embodiments, one or more lighting assemblies1020may receive power from one or more cables or wires1030from a solar charging assembly and/or rechargeable power source located within an umbrella, parasol or shading system. In embodiments, one or more solar cells or solar panel assemblies may be integrated into an arm or blade assembly (e.g., arm/blades1005, although solar cells or solar panel assemblies may be integrated into a top surface of an arm/blade connector1007). In embodiments, one or more solar cells or solar panel assemblies1025may be adhered and/or fastened to a top surface of an arm or blade assembly (e.g., arm/blades1005). In embodiments, one or more solar cells or solar panel assemblies1025may provide power to one or more lighting assemblies1020. In embodiments, a battery1040may provide power to one or more lighting assemblies1020. In embodiments, one or more wireless communication transceivers1035may receive commands and/or instructions from one or more controllers or processors in an umbrella, parasol or shading system to activate one or more lighting assemblies1020. In embodiments, upon receipt of commands and/or instructions, one or more wireless communication transceivers1035may communicate a signal or command to one or lighting assemblies1020to activate and/or deactivate the one or more lighting assemblies1020. In embodiments, a controller/processor in an umbrella, parasol, shading system may communicate a command, instruction and/or signal a lighting assembly or lighting elements1020in an arm or blade assembly (e.g., arm/blades1005) via one or more cables and/or wires1030.

In embodiments, umbrellas, parasols and/or shading systems may be in various states of operation. In many cases, it may not be apparent whether or not certain components or electrical assemblies are operational or may be malfunctioning. In many cases, it may not be possible for an umbrella, parasol or shading system to audibly identify that certain assemblies are malfunctioning because the umbrellas, parasols, and/or shading systems may be outdoor and located in a noisy environment. In embodiments, an umbrella, parasol and/or shading system may utilize LED lighting assemblies to identify operating conditions of the device and/or operating conditions of components or assemblies within the umbrella, parasol and/or shading system. In addition, LED lighting assemblies may be synchronized with an audio system so that music playback may be coordinated with lighting assemblies. In embodiments, for example, a certain LED (or LED assembly) lighting up or activating may indicate that a specific component is malfunctioning. In embodiments, a certain LED color may represent operational status of specific components (e.g., blue—component being initialized and/or calibrated; green—component being operational; orange—component reaching a dangerous operating range or condition; red—component malfunctioning). In embodiments, LED assemblies may be located on various portions of an umbrella, parasol and/or shading system.

FIG. 11Aillustrates a power button with a lighting element encircling the power button according to embodiments.FIG. 11Billustrates a lighting element in a core assembly or support, where the lighting element goes around or encircles a core assembly or central support according to embodiments.FIG. 11Cillustrates a plurality of lighting elements for an umbrella, parasol or shading system according to embodiments. In embodiments, a parasol, umbrella or shading system may comprise a power button1110and one or more lighting elements1105, as illustrated inFIG. 11A. In embodiments, when a parasol, umbrella or shading system is turned off, for example, one or more lighting elements1105may be turned off. In embodiments, when a parasol, umbrella or shading system is turned off but in a sleep or low power mode, for example, one or more lighting elements1105may have a muted intensity to indicate non-operation, but that the parasol, umbrella or shading system may be in a ready-to-go mode or sleep mode, where an umbrella, parasol or shading system may have certain components or assemblies powered and operational but other components and/or assemblies in a non-operational state. In embodiments, one or lighting elements1105may have a higher intensity indicating that an umbrella, parasol or shading system is operational and/or ready to do. Similarly, inFIG. 11B, one or more lighting elements1120that encircles a core assembly1122may also be turned off, have a muted intensity, or be lit to full intensity to illustrate operational status of different components and/or assemblies. In embodiments, once a parasol, umbrella or shading system has been activated, one or more lighting elements1105(FIG. 11A) or lighting element1120(FIG. 11B) may illuminate but appear to have the lighting element or light ray circling the power button1110(e.g., in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction) or circling the core assembly1122(e.g., in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction) to indicate that 1) a shading system or umbrella is initiating operation (e.g., turning on) or 2) performing an operation (e.g., executing voice recognition, executing an artificial intelligence process, activating one or more motor assemblies (e.g., azimuth motor, elevation motor, expansion motor). In embodiments, the one or more lighting elements1105(FIG. 11A) or1120(FIG. 11B) may emit different colors of lights to indicate an operational status of an umbrella, parasol, and/or shading system (e.g., initiating, configuring, operational, warning stage or malfunctioning). In embodiments, the one or more lighting elements1105(FIG. 11A) or1120(FIG. 11B) may emit different colors of lights to indicate certain components or assemblies or being utilized, configured or initiated (e.g., blue indicates that AI or voice recognition is being utilized; green indicates that wireless communication transceivers are being utilized; red indicates one or more motor assemblies are being utilized) and thus a user or operator should be cautious because a parasol, umbrella and shading system may be in the process of moving.

FIG. 11Cillustrates a logo that includes one or more lighting elements that may be utilized to indicate operational states of components or assemblies of an umbrella, parasol, and/or shading system. In embodiments, a core assembly, support assembly or other section of an umbrella, parasol or shading system may comprise a number of lighting elements1111,1112,1113,1114,1115,1116,1117and/or1118formed in a logo, for example. In embodiments, this logo may be SHADECRAFT's SUNFLOWER logo. In embodiments, for example, lighting elements1111,1112,1113,1114,1115,1116,1117and/or1118may be illuminated in a staggered, timed, and/or delayed manner in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to identify operational states (e.g., turning on and/or performing an operation) of an umbrella, shading system or parasol. In embodiments, lighting elements1111,1112,1113,1114,1115,1116,1117and/or1118may indicate that certain components, assemblies and/or devices are being utilized, are operational or are malfunctioning. In embodiments, for example, lighting elements may be illuminated in a sequence (e.g., in a clockwise direction) from1111to1112to1113to1114to1115to1116to1117to1118and continue until an umbrella, parasol, or shading system is powered on, an operational state has changed, and/or an operation has completed. One or more colors may be utilized in such sequence. For example, once an umbrella system, parasol or shading system is turned on, the one or more lighting elements1111,1112,1113,1114,1115,1116,1117and/or1118may be illuminated sequentially in a clockwise direction until the umbrella, parasol or shading system is operational and ready. In embodiments, one or more lighting elements1111,1112,1113,1114,1115,1116,1117and/or1118may also be illuminated in a counterclockwise direction. In embodiments, one or more lighting elements1111,1112,1113,1114,1115,1116,1117and/or1118may be illuminated when an umbrella, parasol system is being powered down.FIG. 11Dillustrates one or more arms/blades comprising one or more lighting elements or assemblies according to embodiments. In embodiments, similarly, one or more lighting elements1140or1141-1144and1147-1148in one or more arms or blades1145(seeFIG. 11D) may also be illuminated (at once or in a sequence) to identify that an umbrella, parasol and/or shading system is being activated or turned on and/or is completing an operation (as discussed above or below). In embodiments, illumination of one or more lighting assemblies1140or lighting elements1141-1144and1147-1148in one or more arms or blades1145may occur in addition to and/or alternatively to illumination of one or more lighting elements in a logo (seeFIG. 11C), around a power button (seeFIG. 11A) or around a core assembly or support assembly (seeFIG. 11B).

In embodiments, one or more lighting elements may have different colors and/or intensities in order to indicate information about one or more assemblies, components or devices in an umbrella, parasol or shading system. In embodiments, this information may be operational states or status of a component, assembly or device and/or whether components, assemblies or devices of an umbrella, parasol or shading system are being utilized. In embodiments, for example as illustrated inFIG. 11C, one or more lighting elements may emit a blue light (e.g.,1113) to indicate that one or more PAN transceivers (or other wireless communication transceivers) are being utilized. In embodiments, one or light elements (e.g.,1116) may emit a red light to indicate that a proximity sensor is malfunctioning or generating an error reading. In embodiments, one or more light elements (e.g.,1115) may emit an orange light to indicate that artificial intelligence and/or voice recognition is up and operational and/or being utilized. In embodiments, one or more lighting elements (e.g.,1117) may emit a green light to identify that an imaging device is operational and/or being utilized. In embodiments, one or more lighting elements (e.g.,1112) may emit that a red light or yellow light to identify that motor assemblies are operational and/or being utilized in order to visually warn that these devices are being utilized. In embodiments, one or more lighting elements (e.g.,1111) may emit a yellow light identifying that an integrated computing device is operational and/or being utilized. In embodiments, a user or operator may set up different lighting elements1111-1118to identify operational status for different components or assemblies of an umbrella, a parasol and/or a shading system. In embodiments, for example, lighting elements1111-1118may be preassigned to different assemblies and/or components or devices in an umbrella, parasol and/or shading system. In embodiments, for example, lighting element1111may be assigned to display operational status of an integrated computing device; lighting element1112may be assigned to display operational status of artificial intelligence or voice recognition in an umbrella, parasol and/or shading system; lighting element1113may be assigned to display operational status of a personal area network transceiver; lighting element1114may be assigned to display operational status of a local area network transceiver (or WiFi transceiver); lighting element1115may be assigned to display operational status of a cellular transceiver; lighting element1116may be assigned to display operational status of one or more motor assemblies; lighting element1117may be assigned to display operational status of one or more imaging devices; and/or lighting element1118may be assigned to display operational status of proximity sensors.

In embodiments, as shown inFIG. 11C, a parasol, umbrella and/or shading system may have eight lighting elements1111-1118. However, the inventions equally apply to parasols, umbrellas or shading systems that have more or less lighting elements (e.g., 2, 4, 15, 16, 24 or 30), each which can be assigned to different individual components and/or assemblies, so that operational status may be displayed and/or shown for any number of individual components or assemblies. In embodiments, an attachment may be mechanically and/or magnetically connected to a core assembly, a support assembly and/or a base assembly according to embodiments.FIG. 11Billustrates an attachment comprising one or more lighting elements. In embodiments, an attachment1130may comprise one or more lighting elements1135. In embodiment,FIG. 11Billustrates two lighting elements1135, however, as discussed above, one or more lighting elements may be utilized in an attachment1130. In embodiments, pogo pins may allow attachment or connection of an attachment1130to a core assembly or support assembly1122, expansion assembly, cover or protection assembly and/or base assembly. In embodiments, an attachment1130may be connected, adhered, fastened, and/or coupled to a core assembly or support assembly1122, expansion assembly, cover or protection assembly and/or base assembly. In embodiments, the attachment1130may thus be attached and/or detached at a number of locations on an umbrella, parasol or shading system to allow a user to visually see operational status of a number of functions, or components and/or assemblies from a different number of views. In embodiments, a user can initiate visual indication processes or methods via voice commands. In embodiments, voice recognition and AI engines may receive voice commands and as described in SHADECRAFT patent applications, may communicate with necessary components and/or assemblies to cause a lighting sequence or display to be initiated, started and/or stopping. Thus, in embodiments, an umbrella, parasol or shading system may have three or four connection areas and may utilized connectors and/or fasteners (e.g., pogo pins, magnets, fasteners, snaps) and thus an attachment1130may be moved to different areas based on positions of users and/or operators. In embodiments, although lighting elements are discussed therein, LED numeral assemblies or display assemblies may also be attached to different areas of an umbrella, parasol or shading system and visually display operational status of many components and/or assemblies (utilizing numeral displays and/or alphanumeric displays).

FIG. 11Eillustrates a flowchart of initiating operation of one or more lighting assemblies in an umbrella, parasol or shading system according to embodiments. In embodiments, an umbrella, parasol or shading system may comprise a computing device. In embodiments, a computing device may comprise one or more processors, one or more memory devices and computer-readable instructions executable stored in the one or more memory devices. In embodiments, the computer-readable instructions may be executed by the one or more processors to perform actions or steps such as those detailed below inFIG. 11E. In embodiments, the steps or actions may be performed in different sequences than those set forth inFIG. 11E. In embodiments, a method of initiating an umbrella, parasol or shading system operational status may be started in a variety of fashions. In embodiments, a user may speak a command into one or more microphones and voice recognition software may analyze1155the voice command and generate a corresponding command or instruction based at least in part on the received voice command. Alternatively, in embodiments, a user or operator may press a button or switch1156on an umbrella, parasol or shading system in order to activate a lighting element operational status process. Alternatively, or in addition to, in embodiments, an umbrella, parasol or shading system may receive a command from an external computing device (e.g., a mobile computing device, such as a smartphone) that requests1157that a lighting element operational status be initiated. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions executable by one or more processors may receive1158voice commands, a start command from a button or switch or external computing device commands and may analyze these commands or instructions, and may generate initial lighting element commands, instructions, signals or messages. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions executable by one or more processors may communicate the generated initial lighting element commands, instructions, signals or messages to one or more lighting elements in an umbrella, parasol or shading system. In embodiments, the one or more lighting elements may receive1159the initial lighting element commands, instructions, signals or messages and may illuminate the one or more lighting elements based at least in part on the received initial lighting element commands, instructions, signals or messages. In embodiments, as discussed previously, the one or more lighting elements may be illuminated in different intensities, different colors, to project a certain pattern or a certain effect. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions executable by one or more processors may communicate status requests1160to components of an umbrella, parasol or shading system (e.g., computing device, sensors, cameras, detectors, solar panels or solar chargers) and/or assemblies of an umbrella, parasol or shading system (e.g., an elevation motor assembly, an azimuth motor assembly, and/or an expansion motor assembly) to determine operational stats of the components and/or assemblies. In embodiments, components and/or assemblies of the umbrella, parasol or shading system may generate status indicators, messages or results and may communicate the status indicators, messages or results. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions executable by one or more processors may receive and analyze1161the status results, indicators and/or messages from the umbrella, parasol, or shading system components or assemblies. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions executable by one or more processors may generate and communicate1162updated or revised lighting element commands, instructions, signals or messages, based at least in part on the received status results, indicators or messages. In embodiments, the one or more lighting elements may receive updated or revised lighting element commands, instructions, signals or messages and may illuminate the one or more lighting elements based at least in part on the revised lighting element commands, instructions, signals or messages. In embodiments, this process may continue to occur until an operator requests that the lighting element operational status be stopped, a start-up sequence has ended, the umbrella, parasol or shading system is turned off, or computer-readable instructions executed by a processors receives a command from an external computing device. In the lighting element operational status continues to operate, computer-readable instructions executable by one or more processors may communicate status requests1160to components and/or assemblies of the umbrella, parasol or shading system at predetermined timeframes (e.g., every minute, every 10 minutes and/or every hour) although any timing is possible. In embodiments, as illustrated inFIG. 11E, the process may return to step1160(e.g., communicating status requests). In embodiments, a lighting element operational status process may also be automatically invoked at certain periods of the day or when certain environmental conditions occur. In embodiments, for example, if environmental sensor thresholds are reached, commands and/or instructions may be communicated to begin execution of computer-readable instructions by the processor to initiate determination of operational status or an umbrella, parasol or shading system and to visually provide status indicators through the one or more lighting elements by communicating light element commands, signals, instructions or messages to the one or more lighting elements. In embodiments, lighting elements may be light bulbs, LED lights, fluorescent lights, light tape, light layers of material and/or light paint.

In embodiments, an umbrella includes one or more lighting elements, one or more motor assemblies, one or more electrical components and an integrated computing device. In embodiments, the integrated computing device includes one or more processors, one or more physical memory devices, and computer-readable instructions stored in the one or more physical memory devices. The computer-readable instructions executed by the one or more processors may receive status message or signals from the one or more motor assemblies or the one or more electrical components; 2) generate light element commands, instructions, messages or signals based, at least in part, on the received status messages or signals; and 3) communicate the generated light elements commands, instructions, messages or signals to the one or more lighting elements to indicate status of the one or more motor assemblies or one or more electrical components. The computer-readable instructions executed by the one or more processors may receive status messages from the integrated computing device identifying operational status of the integrated computing device and generate light element commands, instructions, messages or signals based, at least in part, on the received status messages or signals; and communicate the generated light elements commands, instructions, messages or signals to the one or more lighting elements to indicate status of the integrated computing device. In embodiments, the one or more motor assemblies comprising azimuth motor assembly, an elevation motor assembly or an expansion motor assembly. In embodiments, the status messages may indicate whether the one or more electrical components or the computing device is turned off, initializing, activated or malfunctioning. In embodiments, the one or more electrical components may comprise one or more wireless transceivers, one or more environmental sensors, an audio transceiver, one or more proximity sensors, one or more cameras, or one or more directional sensors. In embodiments, the computer-readable instructions may be executable by the one or more processors to 1) receive status messages from an artificial intelligence process identifying operational of the artificial intelligence process; 2) generate light element commands, instructions, messages or signals based, at least in part, on the received status messages or signals regarding the artificial intelligence process; and 3) communicate the generated light elements commands, instructions, messages or signals to the one or more lighting elements to indicate status of the artificial intelligence

In embodiments, an umbrella may include one or more lighting elements; and an integrated computing device, where the integrated computing device includes one or more processors, one or more physical memory devices, and computer-readable instructions stored in the one or more physical memory devices. In embodiments, the computer-readable instructions may be executable by the one or more processors to 1) receive audio files, the received audio files based at least in part on voice commands received by one or more microphones, 2) perform an artificial intelligence process based at least in part on the received audio files, 3) monitor status of the artificial intelligence process and receive status messages with respect to the artificial intelligence process, 4) generate light element messages, commands or instructions regarding the status of the artificial intelligence processor; and 5) communicate the light element messages, commands or instructions to the one or more lighting elements.

In embodiments, an umbrella may include a first lighting element, a second lighting element, a first electrical component where the first lighting element is associated with a status of the first electrical component, a second electrical component where the second lighting element associated with a status of the second electrical component; and an integrated computing device. The integrated computing device may include one or more processors, one or more physical memory devices, and computer-readable instructions stored in the one or more physical memory devices, the computer-readable instructions being executable by the one or more processors. The computer-readable instructions may be executable by the one or more processors to 1) receive first status message or signals from the first electrical component; 2) receive second status message or signals from the second electrical component; 3) generate first light element commands, instructions, messages or signals based, at least in part, on the received first status messages or signals and communicate the generated first light element commands, instructions, messages or signals to the first light element; and 4) generate second light element commands, instructions, messages or signals based, at least in part, on the received second status messages or signals and communicate the generated second light element commands, instructions, messages or signals to the second light element. In embodiments, the umbrella further includes a third lighting element, and a first motor assembly, the third lighting element associated with a status of the first motor assembly, wherein the computer-readable instructions are executable by the one or more processors to receive third status message or signals from the first motor assembly and generate third light element commands, instructions, messages or signals based, at least in part, on the received third status messages or signals and communicate the generated third light element commands, instructions, messages or signals to the third light element. In embodiments, the umbrella, parasol and shading system further includes a third lighting element, the third lighting element associated with a status of the integrated computing device, wherein the computer-readable instructions are further executable by the one or more processors to 1) receive third status message or signals from the integrated computing device; and 2) generate third light element commands, instructions, messages or signals based, at least in part, on the received third status messages or signals from the integrated computing device, and communicate the generated third light element commands, instructions, messages or signals to the third light element. In embodiments, one electrical component may be a wireless transceiver and a second electrical component may be a sensor. In embodiments, the first motor assembly may an azimuth motor assembly, an elevation motor assembly or an expansion motor assembly. In embodiments, the status message received from the first electrical component or mechanical assembly indicates an operational status of powered-off, initiating, activated or malfunctioning. In embodiments, the first light element may illuminate in more than one color or more than one intensity, the more than one color corresponding to an operational state of the first electrical component, wherein the computer-readable instructions are further executable by the one or more processors to generate the first light element commands, instructions, messages or signals, based, at least in part on the operational status of the first electrical component, wherein the first light element commands, instructions, messages or signals cause the first light element to illuminate in a color or illumination intensity corresponding to the received operational status.

In embodiments, one or more speakers or sound reproduction devices may be placed at different areas of an umbrella, parasol or shading system and may audibly communicate operational status of functions, components and/or assemblies to users and/or operators. In embodiments, for example, a speaker and/or sound reproduction device may identify that artificial intelligence is being utilized and/or is operational, that an integrated computing device is available for use, that WiFi connectivity is available and that one or more imaging devices may be operational and/or transmitting images. Thus, lighting elements may be placed on an attachment and the attachment's lighting element may show operational status of an umbrella, parasol or shading system.

FIG. 12illustrates a block diagram of an umbrella, parasol or shading system playing coordinated music and lighting element according to embodiments. In embodiments, a synchronized music playing system in an umbrella, parasol, or shading system may comprise one or more wireless transceivers1215, one or more amplifiers1220, one or more speakers12251226, one or more controllers/processors1230and one or more lighting elements or lighting assemblies12351236. In embodiments, a digital music source may communicate digital music files to a parasol, umbrella or shading system comprising a synchronized music playing system. In embodiments, a digital music source may comprise a mobile communications device1200, an audio receiver1210and a remote computing device1205. In embodiments, the digital music source1200,1205or1210may communicate digital music files to a wireless transceiver1215(e.g., a PAN transceiver such as a Bluetooth or Zigbee transceiver; a WiFi transceiver or a cellular transceiver). In embodiments, a wireless transceiver1215may also comprise a ULE or DECT transceiver. In embodiments, a wireless transceiver1215may communicate digital music files to one or more amplifiers1220. In embodiments, the one or more amplifiers1220may communicate or transfer the received digital music files to the one or more speakers1225or1226. Simultaneously to the transfer of digital music files to the one or more amplifiers, the wireless transceiver1215communicates the digital music files and/or music characteristics (e.g., frequency and/or intensity characteristics) to one or more processors or controllers1230. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions executable by the one or more controller or processors1230may i) analyze the digital music files and/or music characteristics, ii) determine light sequencing characteristics, light frequency characteristics, light intensity characteristics and/or light color characteristics; and iii) communicate lighting sequencing characteristics, light frequency characteristics, and light intensity characteristics to the one or light assemblies1235and1236to control illumination of the one or more lighting assemblies or lighting elements1235(and specifically intensity, frequency, sequencing or color characteristics). In embodiments, this results in music playing via speakers which is coordinated with the illumination and activation of lighting elements in a synchronized manner.

FIGS. 13A and 13Billustrates a block diagram of a modular umbrella system according to embodiments. In embodiments, as is illustrated inFIG. 13A, a modular umbrella shading system1300may comprise a telemetry printed circuit board (PCB) comprising a processor1305, a weather variable PCB comprising a processor1310, a voice recognition PCB and/or engine1315, a rechargeable battery1320, and one or more solar panels and/or solar panel arrays1325. In embodiments, a modular umbrella shading system1300may comprise a power tracking solar charger1330, a power input or power source (e.g., AC adapter assembly)1335, a lighting assembly1370, an audio system1375and/or a computing device1360. In embodiments, a modular umbrella shading system may include an obstacle detection module1355, a motion sensor1345, a proximity sensor1340, a tilt sensor1355, a personal area network communications module or transceiver1365, a first motor controller and motor (azimuth motor and controller)1380, a second motor controller and motor (elevation motor and controller)1385, and a third motor controller and motor (an actuator motor and controller)1390. In embodiments, a weather variable PCB1310may be coupled and/or connected to one or more air quality sensors1311, UV radiation sensors1312, a digital barometer sensor1313, a temperature sensor1314, a humidity sensor1316, and/or a wind speed sensor1317. In embodiments, a wind sensor1317may be a thermistor. In embodiments, a telemetry PCB1305may be coupled and/or connected to a GPS/GNSS sensor1307and/or a digital compass1308. Although at times a modular umbrella shading system, shading object, intelligent umbrella and/or shading charging system may singularly be mentioned, the disclosure herein may be implemented in any of the above-mentioned devices and/or apparatus.

In embodiments, a modular umbrella shading system may comprise one or more printed circuit boards. Although a description may reference a specific printed circuit board, many of features or functions of a modular umbrella shading system may be implemented utilizing components mounted on a single, two or three circuit boards. In addition, one or more components may be mounted on printed circuit boards, which results in a large number of circuit boards within a modular umbrella shading system. In other words, a number of circuit boards may be utilized to provide features and/or functions of a shading object and/or umbrella although embodiments described herein may only describe a specific number. Although the term “circuit board” or “printed circuit board” is utilized, any electronic device allowing installation on and communicate with components may be utilized along with circuit board. As used in this specification, the terms “printed circuit board” and “PCB” are intended to refer generally to any structure used to mechanically support and electrically connect electronic components using conductive pathways, tracks, or signal traces etched from (e.g., copper) sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate. Synonyms for printed circuit boards include printed wiring boards and etched wiring boards.

In embodiments, a shading object, umbrella and/or shading charging system may comprise one or more printed circuit boards. In embodiments, a shading object or umbrella1300may comprise a movement control PCB1395, a shading object computing device or computing device PCB1360, a first motor PCB (azimuth control)1380, a second motor PCB (elevation control)1385, a third motor PCB (actuation/deployment control)1390, a telemetry PCB (location and orientation data/information collection)1305, and/or a weather variable PCB (environmental sensor data/information collection)1310. Descriptions of the various components, boards, assemblies, computing devices, devices listed above may be found in application Ser. No. 15/394,080, filed Dec. 29, 2016, filed Dec. 29, 2016, entitled “Modular Umbrella Shading System,” and application Ser. No. 15/418,380, filed Jan. 27, 2017, entitled “Shading System with Artificial Intelligence Application Programming Interface, the disclosures of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 14illustrates a shading object or umbrella integrated computing device in a modular umbrella system according to embodiments. In embodiments, an integrated computing device PCB1400may comprise a wireless WiFi or LAN wireless transceiver1410(which may or may not operate as a wireless hotspot and/or router), a separate wireless hotspot device1415, one or more audio/video transceivers1420(e.g., PAN transceivers), one or more processors1425, one or more non-volatile memories1430and one or more memory components1435. In embodiments, many of the components may reside on a computing device PCB. In embodiments, a separate PCB may house or have some of the above-listed components (e.g., local area network or WiFi transceiver1410, wireless hotspot device1415) mounted thereon and a shading object computing device may comprise non-volatile memory1430(e.g., a flash drive, a hard drive, a removable disk drive), and a volatile memory1435such as RAM, and on or more processors1425. Descriptions of the various components, boards, assemblies, computing devices, devices listed above may be found in application Ser. No. 15/394,080, filed Dec. 29, 2016, filed Dec. 29, 2016, entitled “Modular Umbrella Shading System,” and application Ser. No. 15/418,380, filed Jan. 27, 2017, entitled “Shading System with Artificial Intelligence Application Programming Interface, the disclosures of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

In embodiments, an integrated computing device1400may store and/or execute shading object or umbrella application software, which may be referred to as SMARTSHADE and/or SHADECRAFT application software. In embodiments, shading object or umbrella application software may be run and/or executed on a variety of computing devices including a computing device integrated within a shading object or umbrella. In embodiments, for example, shading object or modular umbrella application software may include computer-readable instructions being stored in non-volatile memories of a computing device, a portable electronic device (e.g., a smart phone and/or a tablet), an application server, and/or a web application server, all which interact and communicate with each other. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions may be retrieved from memories (e.g., non-volatile memories) of these above-identified computing devices, loaded into volatile memories and executed by processors in the computing device, portable electronic device, application server, and/or mobile application server. In embodiments, a user interface (and/or graphical user interface) for a modular umbrella software application may be presented on a portable electronic device, although other computing devices could also execute instructions and present a graphical user interface (e.g., dashboard) to an individual. In embodiments, modular umbrella application software may generate and/or display a dashboard with different application (e.g., process) selections (e.g., weather, health, storage, energy, security processes and/or application processes). In embodiments, modular umbrella application software may control operation of a modular umbrella, communicate with and receive communications from modular umbrella assemblies and/or components, analyze information obtained by assemblies and/or components of a modular umbrella, integrate with existing home and/or commercial software systems, and/or store personal data generated by the modular umbrella, and communicate with external devices.

In embodiments, a portable electronic device may also comprise a mobile application stored in a non-volatile memory. In embodiments, a mobile application may be referred to as a SHADECRAFT or a SMARTSHADE mobile application. In embodiments, a mobile application (mobile app) may comprise instructions stored in a non-volatile memory of a portable electronic device, which can be executed by a processor of a portable electronic device to perform specific functionality. In embodiments, this functionality may be controlling of, interacting with, and/or communicating with a shading object. In embodiments, mobile apps may provide users with similar services to those accessed and may be individual software units with limited or specific function. In embodiments, applications may be available for download from mobile application stores, such as Apple's App Store. In embodiments, mobile apps may be known as an app, a Web app, an online app, an iPhone app or a smartphone app. In embodiments, a sensor device (or other IoT device) may communicate to a server computing device via a cellular communications network, a wireless communication network, a wired communication network and/or other communication network. In embodiments, a sensor device and/or assembly device may capture sensor measurements, data and/or conditions and may communicate sensor measurements, data and/or conditions to an IoT enabled server, which may analyze, store, route, process and/or communicate such sensor measurements, data and/or conditions. In embodiments, an Internet of Things (IoT) may be a network of physical objects—sensors, devices, vehicles, buildings, and other electronic devices. In embodiments, the IoT may sense and/or control objects across existing wireless communication network infrastructure, an existing cellular communication network, and/or a global communications network infrastructure. In embodiments, integrating of devices via IoT may create opportunities for more direct integration of a physical world into computer-based systems, which may result in improved efficiency, accuracy and economic benefit. In addition, when an IoT device or server is augmented with sensors and actuators, IoT may be integrated or enabled with a more general class of cyber-physical systems, e.g., smart grids, smart homes, intelligent transportation and smart cities. In embodiments, in IoT, for example, may be uniquely identifiable through its embedded computing system but is able to interoperate within the existing Internet infrastructure. In embodiments, a device may have a specific IP address in order to be addressed by other IoT enabled systems and/or devices. In embodiments, an IP address may be provided and/or established by routers and/or Internet service providers. For example, a modular umbrella enabled with IoT capability, because it may incorporate cameras, may be able to communicate with or be integrated into a home or office security system. Further, if an individual has a smart home, an individual may be able to control operation of, or communicate with a modular umbrella shading system as part of an existing smart home software application (either via a smart phone, mobile communication device, tablet, and/or computer). In addition, a modular umbrella shading system, if part of IoT, may be able to interface with, communicate with and interact with an existing home security system. Likewise, a modular umbrella shading system may be able to be an additional sound reproduction device (e.g., via speaker(s)) for a home audio and/or video system that is also on the IoT. In addition, a modular umbrella system may be able to integrate itself with an electronic calendar (stored on a computing device) and become part of a notification or alarm system because it will identify when upcoming meetings are occurring.

In embodiments, a modular umbrella system may be a device on an Internet of Things (IoT). In embodiments, an IoT-enabled device may be one or more cameras, one or more environmental sensors, one or more directional sensors, one or more movement sensors, one or more motor assemblies, one or more lighting assemblies and/or one or more solar panels or cells. These objects and/or IoT-enabled devices may comprise items and/or device may be embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity, which enables these physical objects to detect, collect, process and/or exchange data with each other and/or with computing devices, Shadecraft IoT-enabled servers, and/or third-party IoT enabled servers connected to a modular umbrella system via a global communications network (e.g., an Internet).

In embodiments, IoT devices (e.g., servers, sensors, appliances, motor assemblies, outdoor shading systems, cameras, lighting assemblies, microphones, computing devices, etc.) may communicate with each other utilizing an Internet Protocol Suite. In embodiments, IoT devices may be assigned an IP address and may utilize IPv6 communication protocol. In embodiments where security is important, authentication may be established utilizing OAUTH (e.g., version 2.0) and Open ID Connect protocols (e.g., version 1.0). In addition, in embodiments, the IEEE 802.15.4 radio standard may allow for reduction in power consumption by IoT devices utilizing RF communications. In embodiments where power consumption may need to be decreased, e.g., as in sensors, modular umbrella shading systems, shading systems, cameras, processors), communication with IoT devices may utilize Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) which utilizes TCP for its transport layer and utilizes a central MQTT broker to manage and/or route messages among a MQTT network's nodes. In embodiments, communication with IoT devices may utilize Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP) which utilizes UDP as its transport protocol. In embodiments, CoAP may be a client/server protocol and allows a one-to-one report/request instruction model. In embodiments, CoAP also may have accommodations for multi-cast transmission of messages (e.g., one-to-many report/request instruction model).

Non-volatile storage medium/media is a computer readable storage medium(s) that can be used to store software and data, e.g., an operating system, system programs, device drivers, and one or more application programs, in a computing device or one or more memory devices of a balcony shading and power system processor, controller and/or computing device. Persistent storage medium/media also be used to store device drivers, (such as one or more of a digital camera driver, motor drivers, speaker drivers, scanner driver, or other hardware device drivers), web pages, content files, metadata, playlists, data captured from one or more assemblies or components (e.g., sensors, cameras, motor assemblies, microphones, audio and/or video reproduction systems) and other files. Non-volatile storage medium/media can further include program modules/program logic in accordance with embodiments described herein and data files used to implement one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

A computing device or a processor or controller may include or may execute a variety of operating systems, including a personal computer operating system, such as a Windows, iOS or Linux, or a mobile operating system, such as iOS, Android, or Windows Mobile, Windows Phone, Google Phone, Amazon Phone, or the like. A computing device, or a processor or controller in a balcony shading and power system controller may include or may execute a variety of possible applications, such as a software applications enabling communication with other devices, such as communicating one or more messages such as via email, short message service (SMS), or multimedia message service (MMS), FTP, or other file sharing programs, including via a network, such as a social network, including, for example, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Flickr, or Google+ and/or Instagram provide only a few possible examples. A computing device or a processor or controller in a balcony shading and power system may also include or execute an application to communicate content, such as, for example, textual content, multimedia content, or the like. A computing device or a processor or controller in a balcony shading and power system may also include or execute an application to perform a variety of possible tasks, such as browsing, searching, playing various forms of content, including locally stored or streamed content. The foregoing is provided to illustrate that claimed subject matter is intended to include a wide range of possible features or capabilities. A computing device or a processor or controller in a balcony shading and power system and/or mobile computing device may also include imaging software applications for capturing, processing, modifying and transmitting image, video and/or sound files utilizing the optical device (e.g., camera, scanner, optical reader) within a mobile computing device and/or a balcony shading and power system.

For the purposes of this disclosure a computer readable medium stores computer data, which data can include computer program code that is executable by a computer, in machine-readable form. By way of example, and not limitation, a computer-readable medium may comprise computer readable storage media, for tangible or fixed storage of data, or communication media for transient interpretation of code-containing signals. Computer readable storage media, as used herein, refers to physical or tangible storage (as opposed to signals) and includes without limitation volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for the tangible storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer readable storage media includes, but is not limited to, DRAM, DDRAM, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid state memory technology, CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other physical or material medium which can be used to tangibly store the desired information or data or instructions and which can be accessed by a computer or processor.

For the purposes of this disclosure a system or module is a software, hardware, or firmware (or combinations thereof), process or functionality, or component thereof, that performs or facilitates the processes, features, and/or functions described herein (with or without human interaction or augmentation). A module can include sub-modules. Software components of a module may be stored on a computer readable medium. Modules may be integral to one or more servers, or be loaded and executed by one or more servers. One or more modules may be grouped into an engine or an application.