Patent Description:
Umbrellas are ubiquitous. Virtually every person owns at least one. Most are of the lightweight portable type that one would carry around to shield themselves from rain or sun. These umbrellas have simple lightweight mechanisms for opening and folding and are generally performed by a user simply moving the structure from one position to the other or pushing a button that utilizes a spring for doing the same. In typical use, the user would open a portable umbrella for a short period of use, and then would close it for storage wherever the user selects, e.g., their car or office.

Another common type of umbrella is the much larger structure one would find at a beach or a pool. These umbrellas, although portable, require a great deal of strength to manage their weight and size. Often times, the installation or placement of these umbrellas is performed by someone who is a staff member or paid worker at one of these beaches or pools. In addition, many times, these umbrellas remain in a fixed position and are rarely moved. For example, it is quite frequent to find a large array of these umbrellas on the beach behind a hotel. Although the same umbrellas can be found at a pool, throughout this application these large umbrellas will be referred to as "beach umbrellas. " The term, as used herein, is intended to also refer to umbrellas used at a pool and other umbrellas of similar structure, i.e., larger than the portable type.

Although there are several reasons to use a beach umbrella, the most common use of a beach umbrella is to shield the user from the sun. Conveniently, these beach umbrellas can be opened and closed as desired by the user or the owner of the beach umbrellas. Typically, the owner of the umbrellas, e.g., the owner of the hotel or pool, will want the umbrellas to be closed during the evening and opened during the day. This is mainly because the umbrellas provide a large resistance to wind when opened and much less resistance when closed. Closing the umbrellas at night greatly reduces the probability that a strong gust of wind will displace the umbrella. Not only can an umbrella displaced by the wind damage the umbrella, they can also damage other objects and people that are in its path. For this reason, it is extremely common for the umbrella owners to close them at night. In addition, the user of the umbrella frequently will close it so that they can get some sun on their skin and will then open it to provide shade or possible protection from rain.

Beach umbrellas are typically rather large structures. With the large structure comes larger weight, which makes it more difficult to open and close than the typical portable type described above. <FIG> shows one example of the underlying structure <NUM> of a prior art beach umbrella <NUM>. More specifically, the prior art beach umbrella <NUM> is supported by a base <NUM>. The base <NUM> can be a foot structure or can be the ground, e.g., the end of the umbrella <NUM> is inserted into beach sand, dirt, or other material that will support the umbrella <NUM>. A purpose of the base <NUM> is to support an upwardly extending support pole <NUM> that ends with a pole cap <NUM>, which protects the end of the support pole <NUM>. Coupled to an upper portion <NUM> of the support pole <NUM> is an upper support ring <NUM>. Although it is referred to herein as a "ring," it is not always ring shaped or round. The upper support ring <NUM> is coupled to a plurality of sunshade support posts <NUM> extending therefrom. The sunshade support posts <NUM>, together form a foundation and are used to couple to and support whatever material is used to provide the barrier between the user of the beach umbrella <NUM> and the sun. This material is typically a canvas material, but other materials are used as well.

The support posts <NUM> have attached at a location near their center <NUM> a corresponding plurality of lift posts <NUM>. Each of the lift posts <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the support posts <NUM> at a first end thereof so that the lift posts <NUM> and the support posts <NUM> can move angularly independently of one another. All of the lift posts <NUM> are attached at a second end thereof to a support pole ring <NUM>. The coupling between the second end of the lift posts <NUM> and the support ring <NUM> it is also a rotatable connection. In operation, when the support pole ring <NUM> is moved along the support pole <NUM> in a direction toward the upper support ring <NUM>, the lift posts <NUM> are moved upwardly. Because the lift posts <NUM> are coupled to the support posts <NUM> at location <NUM>, the upward movement of the lift posts causes a corresponding movement in the support posts <NUM>. The support posts <NUM>, however, are anchored at their upper end by the upper support ring <NUM>. As a result, the ends of the support posts <NUM> opposite the end that is coupled to the upper support ring <NUM> moves upwardly and outwardly, which opens up the umbrella and maximizes the surface area of the sunshade.

There are two main methods for moving the support pole ring <NUM> upwardly toward the upper support ring <NUM>. The first is to simply manually lift the support pole ring <NUM>. Beach umbrellas that are designed for this type of opening typically will have a hole drilled in the support pole <NUM> near its upper end and will supply a pin that can be inserted into said hole. Once the support pole ring <NUM> is lifted above the hole, the pin is inserted and will retain the support pole ring <NUM> in the raised position for as long as desired. The problem with this type of umbrella opening mechanism is that it requires a great deal of physical strength, as the person moving the support pole ring <NUM> upwardly must reach inside of the support posts <NUM>, which will be covered with the sunshade material and typically requires the user to bend down and crawl inside, and lift all of the weight of the support posts <NUM> and sunshade material upwardly. This is not an easy task. Added to this, it is not uncommon for a beach to have dozens if not hundreds of beach umbrellas that need to be opened each morning and closed each evening. Opening the umbrella with sheer human strength is not ideal, particularly in large-scale operations.

A second and probably more popular method for opening large beach umbrellas is through the use of a crank <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The crank <NUM> is located on a location along the support pole <NUM>. Typically, the crank <NUM> is coupled to a cable <NUM> that has a portion that runs inside of the support pole <NUM> and a portion that extends out of support pole <NUM> and is coupled to the support pole ring <NUM>. When the crank <NUM> is turned, the portion of the cable <NUM> that is present inside the support pole <NUM> is either shortened or lengthened, depending on which way the crank <NUM> is being turned. If the umbrella <NUM> is in a closed position, such as that shown in <FIG>, the crank <NUM> will be used to shorten the cable <NUM>. As the cable <NUM> shortened, it pulls the support pole ring <NUM> upwardly along the support pole <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, and causes the support posts <NUM> to expand, as explained in the paragraphs above. Likewise, when the crank <NUM> is turn the opposite direction, the cable will extend and allow the support pole ring <NUM> to move downwardly, away from the upper support ring <NUM>, and will allow the umbrella to close, as is depicted in <FIG>. Although turning the crank is usually a much easier task than manually lifting the support pole ring <NUM>, it is still a time-consuming and arduous task; particularly, in applications where there are dozens to hundreds of umbrellas that need to be opened in the morning and closed at night, not to mention all of the movement of these umbrellas desired by the users of the umbrellas throughout the day. <CIT> discloses an umbrella with remote control.

Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.

Accordingly, the invention is directed to an umbrella control system, comprising:
a plurality of multifunctional end-node beach umbrellas, each one of the plurality of multifunctional end-node beach umbrellas including:.

Furthermore, the invention is directed to an array of wirelessly controllable umbrellas, the array comprising an umbrella control system as defined above.

In addition, the invention relates to a method of activating an umbrella within an array of wirelessly controllable umbrellas as defined above, the method comprising: transmitting via the wireless transceiver a first code that is received by the wireless transceiver of a first umbrella in the plurality of umabrellas;.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes a transceiver coupled to the first umbrella in the plurality of umbrellas and operable to report at least one condition, including at least an open status of the umbrella.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the wireless transceiver is communicatively coupled to the internet and transmits signals initiated over the internet.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, each of the plurality of umbrellas includes a wireless repeater operable to transmit to other umbrellas within the array of umbrellas a copy of a signal received by the wireless receiver.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the wireless repeater is operable to facilitate an internet connection for one or more wireless communication devices proximate to the array of umbrellas.

In accordance with a yet another feature of the present invention, a wind turbine is electrically coupled to and operable to supply power to the power source.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, a camera is coupled to at least one of the plurality of umbrellas and a processor is coupled to the camera and operable determine a match between an image captured by the camera and a pre-stored image of a person.

In accordance with one more feature of the present invention, the processor is operable to cause the umbrella cord length control unit that is coupled to the at least one of the plurality of umbrellas to alter the length of the umbrella cord when a match between the image captured by the camera and the pre-stored image of the person is detected.

In accordance with another feature, a wind detector is operable to sense wind gusts and cause the umbrella cord length control unit that is coupled to the at least one of the plurality of umbrellas to alter the length of the umbrella cord when a wind gust above a predetermined level is detected.

A system of one or more smart umbrellas can be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of having software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of them installed on the system that in operation causes or cause the system to perform the actions. One or more computer programs can be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of including instructions that, when executed by data processing apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the actions. One general aspect includes a method of activating an umbrella within an array of wirelessly controllable umbrellas providing a plurality of umbrellas, each umbrella having a pole engagement member shaped and sized to couple to a distal end of an umbrella pole; an umbrella cord length control unit supported by the pole engagement member and operable to alter a length of an umbrella cord to open and close the umbrella; a wireless receiver operable to receive wireless signals transmitted by the wireless transmitter and cause the umbrella cord length control unit to alter the length of the umbrella cord upon wirelessly receiving an instruction to do so; a decoder coupled to the umbrella cord length control unit and operable to prevent the umbrella cord length control unit from shortening the length of the umbrella cord; a power source electrically coupled to and operable to supply power to the umbrella cord length control unit; and a solar energy collection panel electrically coupled to and operable to supply power to the power source; and a wireless transmitter; and transmitting via the wireless transmitter a first code that is received by the wireless receiver of a first umbrella in the plurality of umbrellas. The method of activating also includes decoding by the decoder of the first umbrella in the plurality of umbrellas the first code. The method of activating also includes causing the first umbrella in the plurality of umbrellas to open; transmitting via the wireless transmitter a second code that is different from the first code and is received by the wireless receiver of a second umbrella in the plurality of umbrellas, decoding by the decoder of the second umbrella in the plurality of umbrellas the second code. The method of activating also includes causing the second umbrella in the plurality of umbrellas to open. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The method may include the steps of reporting, with a first transmitter coupled to the first umbrella in the plurality of umbrellas, at least one condition of the first umbrella, including at least an open status of the first umbrella; and reporting, with a second transmitter coupled to the second umbrella in the plurality of umbrellas, at least one condition of the second umbrella, including at least an open status of the second umbrella. The method where the wireless transmitter is communicatively coupled to the internet and transmits signals initiated over the internet. The method may include the step of transmitting, by a first umbrella within the plurality of umbrellas, a copy of the wireless signals transmitted by the wireless transmitter to at least a second umbrella within the plurality of umbrellas. The method may include the steps of providing a wireless repeater coupled to at least one umbrella in the array of umbrellas; and facilitating, through the at least one wireless repeater, an internet connection for one or more wireless communication devices proximate to the array of umbrellas. The method may include the step of coupling a wind turbine to at least one umbrella in the array of umbrellas, the wind turbine operable to supply power to the power source. The method may include the step of providing a camera coupled to at least one of the plurality of umbrellas; providing a processor coupled to the camera; and determining with the processor a match between an image captured by the camera and a pre-stored image of a person. The method may include causing the umbrella cord length control unit that is coupled to the at least one of the plurality of umbrellas to alter the length of the umbrella cord after the determining step. The method may include detecting, with a wind detector, wind gusts that exceed a predetermined threshold level; and causing the umbrella cord length control unit that is coupled to the at least one of the plurality of umbrellas to alter the length of the umbrella cord. device, system, and method for wirelessly controlling an array of beach umbrellas abstract of the disclosure an array of wirelessly controllable umbrellas includes at least two umbrellas with receivers and with motors operable to open and close the umbrellas. the receivers are operable to wirelessly receive a code and communicate with the motors to open or close the umbrellas based on an authentication of the code being an authorized code and to deny operation of the umbrella based on receipt of an unauthorized code. Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, a method or process, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a device, system, and method for wirelessly controlling an array of beach umbrellas, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term "plurality," as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term "another," as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and/or "having," as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term "coupled," as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term "providing" is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time.

"In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, azimuth or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "up", "down", "left", "right", "inside", "outside", "front", "back", "head", "tail" and so on, are azimuth or positional relationships based on the drawings, which are only to facilitate description of the embodiments of the present invention and simplify the description, but not to indicate or imply that the devices or components must have a specific azimuth, or be constructed or operated in the specific azimuth, which thus cannot be understood as a limitation to the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as "first", "second", "third" and so on are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, terms such as "installed", "coupled", "connected" should be broadly interpreted, for example, it may be fixedly connected, or may be detachably connected, or integrally connected; it may be mechanically connected, or may be electrically connected; it may be directly connected, or may be indirectly connected via an intermediate medium. As used herein, the terms "about" or "approximately" apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term "longitudinal" should be understood to mean a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the mechanical member being referenced. The terms "program," "software application," and the like as used herein, are defined as a sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. A "program," "computer program," or "software application" may include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object method, an object implementation, an executable application, an applet, a servlet, a source code, an object code, a shared library/dynamic load library and/or other sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above-mentioned terms in the embodiments of the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

The present invention provides a novel and efficient device, system, and method for wirelessly controlling an array of beach umbrellas. Embodiments of the invention provide each beach umbrella with an end node wireless receiver and renewable energy source for ensuring each umbrella reliably has sufficient power to receive and interpret wireless signals and to open, close, or perform one of many other functions on command. In addition, embodiments of the invention provide devices that are attractive, durable, and sufficiently sized to protect its users from the sun or other elements.

Referring now to <FIG>, one embodiment of the present invention is shown in a perspective downward-looking view. <FIG> shows several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of a retrofitting umbrella control head <NUM> is shown in <FIG>.

Control head <NUM> includes three main sections. The first section is the pole engagement member <NUM>, which is shaped and sized to fit within and couple to a distal, i.e., upper, end of an umbrella pole. Coupled to the pole engagement member <NUM> is the mechanical gear platform <NUM>, which supports the gearing, motor, and electronics that will all be described below. Finally, a housing <NUM> is coupled to and located on a side of the gear platform <NUM> that is opposite to the pole engagement member <NUM>. The housing <NUM> covers and protects the internal components of the control head <NUM>. Notably, the housing <NUM> includes within it a solar panel <NUM>, which collects power and stores it within an energy storage component housed within the control head <NUM>.

<FIG> provide an illustration of how the control head <NUM> can be used to retrofit an existing umbrella and provide to it all of the advantages of the present invention. The present invention, however, is in no way limited to only retrofitting existing umbrellas and can be provided as a brand new product or part of a brand new product. Looking first at <FIG>, the pole cap <NUM> of an existing umbrella is removed from the upper portion <NUM> of the support pole <NUM>. Once the pole cap <NUM> is removed, it exposes an internal cavity <NUM> within the support pole <NUM>. The pole cap <NUM> is then discarded.

Turning now to <FIG>, the pole engagement member <NUM> of the control head <NUM> is shown being inserted within the internal cavity <NUM> of the support pole <NUM>. The pole engagement member <NUM> has, in one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of engagement fingers 602a-n (where "n" is any number greater than "a") that extend outwardly and place frictional pressure on an internal surface of the sleeve creating the internal cavity <NUM> of the support pole <NUM>. This friction serves to hold and secure the pole engagement member <NUM> as well as the entire control head <NUM>. The engagement fingers 602a-n can be spring biased in order to accommodate internal cavities <NUM> of varying dimensions. In addition, the control head <NUM> can be provided with one or more internal cavity filler sleeves that fill the cavity <NUM> and create tight fit for the lower insertion section <NUM>.

One feature that makes the present invention particularly advantageous is the ease upon which it is attached to an existing umbrella. Because the engagement fingers 602a-n are flexible, they are sized to fit within the support pole <NUM> and then flex outwardly to press against and engage with the interior surface of the support pole in a way that does not allow the control head <NUM> to be removed. This is facilitated with the help of an internal core <NUM> that is shown in <FIG>. The internal core <NUM> is provided with a set of external threads <NUM> that match up to and mate with a set of internal threads <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) within pole engagement member <NUM> (shown in <FIG>, but threads are not illustrated). The threads <NUM> allow the internal core <NUM> to be securely inserted within and through the pole engagement member <NUM>. As the internal core <NUM> is screwed into the pole engagement member <NUM>, a distal end <NUM> of the core <NUM> is increasingly forced into an internal cavity formed by and in between the engagement fingers 602a-n. As the distal end <NUM> of the core <NUM> is inserted further and further into the cavity between the fingers 602a-n, the fingers 602a-n are increasingly spread apart from one another, i.e., are pushed outwardly. This outward travel creates a tight frictional grip between the fingers 602a-n and the internal cavity <NUM> of the support pole <NUM>. The core <NUM> therefore provides a quick, simple, and solid coupling between the fingers 602a-n and the internal cavity <NUM> of the support pole <NUM> that allows the present invention to be quickly and easily installed (mounted or removed) onto most existing umbrellas.

The distal end <NUM> of the core <NUM> can be provided with a first hole <NUM> and a second hole <NUM>. Either of the holes conveniently allow structures to pass from within the control head <NUM> to other parts of the umbrella, namely into the internal cavity <NUM> of the support pole <NUM>. For instance, an umbrella cord <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) can pass through the second hole <NUM> to the gears within the control head <NUM>. Other cords, such as a USB cord <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) can pass through a first hole <NUM>. The USB cord can be used to couple a music player to a speaker <NUM> (also shown in <FIG>), to charge a battery of a user's device, to install software updates to the control head <NUM>, and much more.

Turning now to <FIG>, an umbrella cord <NUM> is shown spanning from a lower movable portion <NUM> of the underlying structure <NUM> of the beach umbrella up and through an entry point <NUM> in the support pole <NUM>. The entry point <NUM> is near the distal end <NUM> of the support pole <NUM>. Not visible in <FIG>, the umbrella cord <NUM> continues upward within the support pole <NUM> and enters an umbrella cord length control unit located within the umbrella control head <NUM>. The umbrella cord <NUM> is coupled to a ring <NUM> at the lower movable position <NUM> of the underlying structure <NUM>. When the umbrella cord <NUM> is shortened, the ring <NUM> is pulled in a direction toward the distal (upper) end of the support pole <NUM>, i.e., toward the entry point <NUM>. As it does this, the underlying structure <NUM> is lifted upward and opens outwardly. Advantageously, the inventive umbrella does not need any stop mechanisms, as internal circuits/software recognize a specified current level and know to stop operation. When the umbrella cord <NUM> is lengthened, the ring <NUM> is allowed to slide in a downward direction along the support pole <NUM>, which causes the underlying structure <NUM> to fold down and inwardly.

<FIG> shows an umbrella cord length control unit <NUM> supported by the mechanical gear platform <NUM>, which is itself supported by/above the pole engagement member <NUM> (not shown in this view). The umbrella cord length control unit <NUM> is operable to alter a length of an umbrella cord <NUM> to open and close the underlying structure <NUM> of the umbrella. The umbrella cord length control unit <NUM> includes three main components, a set of gears <NUM>, a motor <NUM>, and an umbrella cord retraction/extension structure <NUM>. When in operation, the motor <NUM> manipulates the gears <NUM>, which causes the umbrella cord retraction/extension structure <NUM> to rotate in one of two directions.

Looking now to <FIG>, a close-up perspective view of the umbrella cord retraction/extension structure <NUM> is shown. The umbrella cord retraction/extension structure <NUM> includes an umbrella cord winding structure <NUM> that is provided with a set of helical grooves <NUM>. Shown within the helical grooves <NUM> is a portion of the umbrella cord <NUM>. The helical grooves <NUM> provide a seat for the umbrella cord <NUM> as the umbrella cord winding structure <NUM> is rotated and takes up the umbrella cord <NUM>. The mechanical gear platform <NUM> has within it an opening <NUM> through which the umbrella cord <NUM> passes.

<FIG> provides a perspective view of the umbrella cord winding structure <NUM> and illustrates one embodiment for coupling the distal end of the umbrella cord <NUM> to the umbrella cord winding structure <NUM>. In this embodiment, the umbrella cord <NUM> is provided with a securing member <NUM> at its distal end. The securing member <NUM> fits within a seat <NUM> located at a location within the umbrella cord winding structure <NUM>. The location of the seat <NUM> is selected so that upon a rotation of the umbrella cord winding structure <NUM>, the umbrella cord <NUM> will fall within the helical grooves <NUM>. Continued rotation of the umbrella cord winding structure <NUM> will cause the umbrella cord <NUM> to shortened, which in turn, will cause the proximal end <NUM> to pull the ring <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) upward along the support pole <NUM> (also shown in <FIG>) and cause the underlying structure <NUM> (also shown in <FIG>) of the umbrella to raise and open.

<FIG> shows a circuit board <NUM> located on top of the umbrella cord length control unit <NUM>, although it can be located in other places along the umbrella. Placing it in a location as far toward the distal/upper end of the umbrella is advantageous, as the circuit board <NUM> includes a wireless receiver <NUM> operable to receive wireless signals transmitted by a wireless transmitter and cause the umbrella cord length control unit <NUM> to alter the length of the umbrella cord <NUM> upon wirelessly receiving an instruction to do so. The wireless receiver <NUM> can be any receiver capable or receiving wireless, e.g., RF, signals and can interpret one or more wireless protocols, e.g., BLUETOOTH, and other. The interpretation is performed by one or more electronic decoders <NUM> communicatively coupled to the wireless receiver <NUM>. The decoder <NUM> can interpret wireless signals and detect the presence of a code within a wireless communication transmission. The decoder <NUM> is also communicatively coupled to the umbrella cord length control unit <NUM>. When a predesignated and authorized code is detected, the decoder <NUM> communicates with the umbrella cord length control unit <NUM> and causes the umbrella cord length control unit <NUM> to shortening or lengthen the length of the umbrella cord <NUM>, as needed. More specifically, as just one exemplary application, a hotel may have an array of wirelessly controllable umbrellas located around its pool, upon the beach, or other places. Each one of the umbrellas within the array of wirelessly controllable umbrellas can be operated by a unique code. Each umbrella can be operated using a software application from anywhere in the word by use of the hub. That is, the "master" does not need to be in area of umbrellas. Each guest can either purchase or be given the code(s) to one or more umbrellas. Through some electronic application, e.g., a phone app, a tablet app, a kiosk, or any other, the guest can enter the unique code that will activate one umbrella within the array of wirelessly controllable umbrellas. This has a number of advantages. First, it allows guests to activate only their umbrella and they can do so electronically through the present invention, namely the umbrella cord length control unit <NUM>. No longer is it necessary for a guest to manually pull on the cord or turn a crank handle. It also allows hotels to restrict umbrella use to only those that are authenticated. Furthermore, the hotel can have a master code or can send out at the same time or nearly the same time all of the unique codes in order to activate all umbrellas at once, e.g., close them all for the evening or close them if a storm is approaching.

Turning now to <FIG>, an outer cover <NUM> is shown, which can be used to cover and protect all of the components shown in <FIG>. The outer cover <NUM> also includes and supports a solar panel <NUM> which includes a set of wires <NUM> that passed through the outer cover <NUM> and into the interior of the outer cover <NUM>. The solar panel <NUM> is operable to receive and collect solar energy/power from the sun and other light sources. Solar panels are well known in the art and the details of which are not provided here.

<FIG> shows an upward-looking perspective view of the outer cover <NUM> and underside of the gear platform <NUM>. The gear platform <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> that is shaped and sized to receive a power source <NUM>, e.g., one or more batteries, that are electrically coupled to and operable to supply power to the umbrella cord length control unit <NUM> when needed. The wires <NUM> couple the power source <NUM> to the solar panel <NUM> so that the solar panel <NUM> is able to collect solar energy and store it in the power source <NUM>. Because the unit is intended to be atop an umbrella, it will be in the sun most of the time and will advantageously be exposed to the sun all or a majority of the day.

<FIG> shows an array <NUM> of wirelessly controllable umbrellas 1402a-n (n equals any number greater than a). In one embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the umbrellas 1402a-n are equipped with control heads <NUM>. The array <NUM> includes a wireless transceiver <NUM>, which wirelessly communicates with the control heads <NUM> through two-way wireless links 1404an. The wireless transceiver <NUM> can be an internet hub/gateway <NUM> or any device that can transmit or receive across any type of communications network <NUM>. Examples of network types include the World Wide Web and the internet, either of which may be facilitated via various embodiments for radio communications such as a cellular communication network or any other wide area network (WAN), as well as local area networks (LANS), such as an Ethernet LAN. The network can also include a LoRaWAN network. LoRaWAN is a protocol designed for creating large-scale public networks; the technology allows for sensors, such as Internet of Things objects, to talk to the internet without <NUM> or WiFi. Community crowdsourced projects, and aims to provide access to this technology by deploying gateways globally that others can freely connect to. The network <NUM> is not limited to any particular system and method of data communication and may combine any type of system and method for facilitation of data across the network <NUM>.

A wireless mobile device <NUM>, such as a smart phone, can be used to communicate with one or more of the control heads <NUM> through a communication link that includes the internet <NUM> and a wired connection to a wireless transmitter <NUM>, e.g., a wireless access point. A wireless access point is a networking hardware device that allows other Wi-Fi devices to connect to the wired network. The wireless transmitter <NUM> can be connected to a router (via a wired network) as a standalone device, or it can also be an integral component of the router itself.

In another embodiment a wireless device, such as device <NUM> can be used to communicate with one or more of the control heads <NUM>. In this embodiment, device <NUM> can be an Internet capable device, which will communicate with one or more control heads <NUM> through a communication link that includes the internet <NUM> and the wireless transmitter <NUM>. Alternatively, device <NUM> can facilitate a direct connection, e.g., Bluetooth, with the wireless transmitter <NUM> or with one or more of the control heads <NUM>, or both. In this way, a user using device <NUM> can control one of the umbrellas 1402a-n even if an Internet connection is not available. A pair of sunglasses are illustrated as an example of an embodiment of an alternative wireless device <NUM>. In this embodiment, the glasses <NUM> can be provided with a user input, such as a button, that, when pushed, will wirelessly connected, e.g., via BLUETOOTH protocol, to the umbrellas <NUM> and activate the control head <NUM> to open or close the umbrella <NUM>.

In one embodiment, each umbrella 1402a-n is provided with a transceiver <NUM> that is operable to report at least one condition, including at least an open status of the umbrella, i.e., whether the umbrella is opened or closed. In this way, one or more of the umbrellas 1402a-n can automatically report their status to a central communication hub, e.g., a computer run by a hotel, so that the hotel knows that all the umbrellas had been closed for the night or that an unauthorized user has opened an umbrella.

Furthermore, each umbrella 1402a-n can be provided with a wireless repeater <NUM>, which is a transceiver that takes an existing signal from the wireless router or wireless access point <NUM> and rebroadcasts it to create a second network. When two or more umbrellas <NUM> have to be connected with one another, for example, over the IEEE <NUM> protocol, and the distance is too long for a direct connection to be established, the wireless repeater <NUM> can be used to bridge the gap. Here, the wireless repeater in, for instance, a first umbrella 1402a, transmits a signal received by the first umbrella 1402a to a second umbrella 1402b. The second umbrella 1402b can then transmit the signal received from the first umbrella 1402a to a third umbrella 1402c, and on and on. In this way, the wireless repeater is operable to facilitate an internet connection for one or more wireless communication devices <NUM> proximate to the array of umbrellas <NUM> through this new "repeated" network. The repeater <NUM> can be part of the control head <NUM> or can be a specialized stand-alone computer networking device coupled to the control head <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an alternative power generator to the solar panel <NUM> of <FIG>. In this embodiment, the power generator is a wind turbine <NUM> that is electrically coupled to and operable to supply power to the power source <NUM> shown in <FIG>. A wind turbine, or alternatively referred to as a wind energy converter, is a device that converts the wind's kinetic energy into electrical energy. The wind turbine <NUM> can be manufactured in a wide range of vertical and horizontal axis and sizes depending on the desired power generation needs for the application. It can be in addition to or a complete alternative replacement for the solar panel <NUM>. Small turbines are well known in the art and are used for numerous applications that require battery charging where a connection to traditional power grid is unavailable.

The wind turbine <NUM> or any other device that is able to sense wind gusts can be used to cause the umbrella cord length control unit <NUM> that is coupled to the at least one of the array of umbrellas 1402a-n to alter the length of the umbrella cord <NUM> when a wind gust above a predetermined level is detected. This function of the umbrellas 1402a-n prevents the umbrellas 1402a-n from being so susceptible to damage by high winds. This is chiefly because the control unit <NUM> can close them and, thereby, reduce their wind resistance area.

Turning now to <FIG>, the retrofitting umbrella control head <NUM> is shown provided with a camera <NUM>. Inside the retrofitting umbrella control head <NUM> is a processor that is coupled to the camera <NUM>. The processor is operable to receive images captured by the camera <NUM> and interpret them with a combination of software and hardware. Such image interpretation is well known in the art and will not be described in detail herein. The process is able to determine a match between an image captured by the camera <NUM> and a pre-stored image of a person that is either stored in memory coupled to the retrofitting umbrella control head <NUM> or an image that is stored on the internet or other remotely accessible database. The processor is able to cause the umbrella cord length control unit <NUM> to alter the length of the umbrella cord <NUM> when a match between the image captured by the camera <NUM> and the pre-stored image of the person is determined. This ability to identify (though the matching of the images) a person in front of the camera <NUM> can have many uses. For example, in a hotel situation, the guest's picture can be taken at the time of registration and later used to identify that guests by the camera <NUM>. In this example, the guest merely needs to show his face to the camera <NUM> and the umbrella <NUM> will open for him or her. More it will begin accepting voice commands or remote-control commands, i.e., from the user's cell phone, once it confirms that the face belongs to a registered user. An alternative use of the camera <NUM> could be to monitor employees. The cameras <NUM> could keep a record of each time a particular employee came within a specified distance from each umbrella <NUM>. This would allow the owner of the umbrellas <NUM> to ensure that its employees are properly servicing the guests utilizing the umbrellas <NUM>. Yet another use, the camera <NUM> could be used to identify unauthorized users of the umbrellas <NUM> or of the area upon which the umbrellas <NUM> are placed. As just one specific example of this use, if a hotel guest has been permanently banned from the hotel, the cameras <NUM> could be communicatively coupled to a database that includes a picture of the hotel guest. Once the camera <NUM> captures that banned guest's face and matches it to the image in the database, it can then alert the hotel of the banned guest's location.

In some embodiments of the present invention, multiple cameras <NUM> can also be provided to capture multiple users standing at multiple angles around the array of umbrellas 1402a-n. Those skilled in the art will recognize that businesses, municipalities, cities, counties, and the like, are all under extreme financial pressure affecting the level of service provided. By offering digital cameras <NUM> as an integrated option inside the umbrellas 1402a-n, an immediate increase in service and safety can be realized at nominal cost.

Those skilled in the art are also aware that, aside from security and access reasons, facial recognition can be valuable for other purposes. The present invention may integrate facial recognition with advertising functions. One of the goals of advertising is to place content in front of the demographic that is most likely to be interested in the advertising content. For example, it does little good to place an ad for skateboards in front of persons over <NUM> years of age. On the other hand, displaying skateboard ads to males between the age of <NUM> and <NUM> would be very effective. Facial recognition can help place the correct advertisement content in front of the correct viewer. More specifically, the camera <NUM> can be used to identify a type of a person. Images recorded by the camera <NUM> can be run through facial recognition software to determine demographics of the person. For example, the face of a male can usually be readily distinguished from the face of a female. Instantly, certain types of ads can be eliminated and certain types of ads can be chosen to be instantly presented to a user of the umbrella <NUM>. Going further, an estimated age of the viewer can quickly be determined and certain ads can be eliminated and certain ads can be chosen based on the age of the viewer. It is possible to go even further, for example, determining ads based on race, types of clothing, contents of the person's hands, e.g., GUCCI purse, and other indicators of a person's interest. In one embodiment, the control head <NUM> includes a speaker <NUM> that outputs sound. Advertisements or other announcements, e.g., warning of storms, notifications of expiring time under the umbrella, etc., can be audibly broadcast over the speaker <NUM>, as determined appropriate. In some embodiments, the speaker <NUM> emits an audio signal towards the user and a microphone <NUM> receives an audio signal, such as a command or response, from the user.

One exemplary advantageous use of the microphone <NUM> and speaker <NUM> would be to order food and refreshments verbally and remotely while located underneath the umbrella. More specifically, instead of the traditional method of an establishment sending the server to guests under the umbrella and asking them what they want and, hopefully, knowing when they want to be asked, with the present invention, the guest under the umbrella can simply state a command and communicate with the establishment. For example, the guest can order food and drinks or get the server's attention anytime they like. This would be particularly convenient if the guest had reserved the umbrella using a credit card or account number that is known by the establishment. They can then have all charges added to their master account and would not need to bring with them money or credit cards to the pool, beach, or wherever the umbrella is located, which is usually a location that does not have secure storage for money or credit cards.

<FIG> is a block diagram of processing and communication system of the control head <NUM>. The processing and communication system <NUM> includes a processor <NUM> for processing digital data. The components of the wireless communication device may be interconnected via a system bus <NUM> or other known methods of interconnecting device components. The processor <NUM> communicates through the bus <NUM> to control data storage in a memory module <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> can also control the speaker <NUM>, the camera <NUM>, and the microphone <NUM>, which are all connected through the system bus <NUM>. In one embodiment, the control head <NUM> is provided with a display device <NUM> that display graphical information to a user. The display device <NUM> can be a touchscreen that also receives data inputs from a user. Data in the memory <NUM>, for example, the amount of time left to use the umbrella without incurring an additional charge, can be caused by the processor <NUM> to display information on the display device <NUM>, possibly in conjunction with audio being broadcast through the speaker <NUM>.

The processing and communication system <NUM> also includes a wireless communication unit <NUM> and an antenna <NUM>. The wireless communication unit <NUM> and antenna <NUM> form the transceiver <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and operate in conjunction to transmit and receive wireless signals to and from other sources. The wireless exchange of digital information between the processing and communication system <NUM> can be implemented via a network for wireless communication, such as any type of satellite, Wi-Fi, infrared, Near field communication, Bluetooth, or other communication networks.

<FIG> provides a process flow chart illustrating the steps of retrofitting an umbrella in accordance with the present invention. Although <FIG> shows a specific order of executing the process steps, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted in <FIG> for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all of the process steps included in <FIG> can be combined into a single process.

The method of activating an umbrella within an array of wirelessly controllable umbrellas starts with step <NUM> in <FIG> and moves directly to step <NUM> where a plurality of umbrellas is provided by a user. Each umbrella in the plurality of umbrellas includes a pole engagement member shaped and sized to couple to a distal end of an umbrella pole, an umbrella cord length control unit supported by the pole engagement member and operable to alter a length of an umbrella cord to open and close the umbrella, a wireless receiver operable to receive wireless signals transmitted by the wireless transmitter and cause the umbrella cord length control unit to alter the length of the umbrella cord upon wirelessly receiving an instruction to do so, a decoder coupled to the umbrella cord length control unit and operable to prevent the umbrella cord length control unit from shortening the length of the umbrella cord, a power source electrically coupled to and operable to supply power to the umbrella cord length control unit, and a solar energy collection panel electrically coupled to and operable to supply power to the power source. In step <NUM>, a wireless transmitter is provided to the system. In step <NUM>, the transmitter is used to transmit a first code to the wireless receiver of a first umbrella in the plurality of umbrellas. In the next step, <NUM>, a decoder in the first umbrella in the plurality of umbrellas decodes the first code. Next, in step <NUM>, the decoder causes the first umbrella in the plurality of umbrellas to move to an open position, i.e., blocks the sun, rain, etc. The first code does not affect other umbrellas in the plurality of umbrellas because the decoder in the other umbrellas do not recognize, i.e., are not able to decode the first code.

In step <NUM>, the transmitter transmits a second code, which is a different code from the first code. In step <NUM>, that second code is received by the wireless receiver of a second umbrella in the plurality of umbrellas and the decoder decodes the second code. The decoding step causes the second umbrella in the plurality of umbrellas to open in step <NUM>. The second code does not affect the first umbrella in the plurality of umbrellas because the decoder in the first umbrella in the plurality of umbrellas does not recognize, i.e., is not able to decode the second code. The process ends in step <NUM>.

A wirelessly controllable umbrella, which can be created by retrofitting existing umbrellas or by manufacturing a new one from scratch, has been disclosed. The wirelessly controllable umbrellas can be provided and will operate in arrays that are coordinated to all operate uniformly or each can be individually addressable. The wirelessly controllable umbrellas are self-powered and can facilitate a host of features and functions, as described herein.

Claim 1:
An umbrella control system, comprising:
a plurality of multifunctional end-node beach umbrellas, each one of the plurality of multifunctional end-node beach umbrellas including:
a pole engagement member (<NUM>) at a distal end (<NUM>) of an umbrella pole (<NUM>) and an umbrella cord length control unit (<NUM>) supported by the pole engagement member (<NUM>) that controls a length of an umbrella cord (<NUM>) to open and close the umbrella;
a wireless transceiver (<NUM>) operable to transmit and receive wireless signals, and which is operably coupled to the umbrella cord length control unit (<NUM>), wherein the umbrella cord length control unit (<NUM>) is responsive to a first code received by the wireless transceiver (<NUM>) that is intended for the one of the plurality of multifunctional end-node beach umbrellas to change a length of the umbrella cord (<NUM>), and wherein the wireless transceiver (<NUM>) is configured, upon receiving a second code intended for a different one of the multifunctional end- node beach umbrellas to retransmit the second code to another one of the plurality of multifunctional end-node beach umbrellas; and
a hub (<NUM>) configured to transmit the first and second codes to at least one of the plurality of multifunctional end-node beach umbrellas.