Automated window-shading system and method adaptable to varying levels of integration with other systems

Abstract

A system for, and method of, automated window-shading which uses predefined hierarchies of information to select the best available information from multiple sources, and thereby supports varying levels of integration with other systems. A preferred embodiment includes enough functionality to perform automated functions on its own, but also includes low-level and high-level interfaces to accept information from external devices and systems to provide additional automated shading functionality. It executes operating steps that include the application of predefined hierarchies to select the best available information in order to select a mode of operation and determine a window-shading setting. In this way, the system is capable of supporting varying levels of integration with other systems, including fully autonomous operation without integration, partial integration via a low-level interface that does not require IT overhead and does not present cybersecurity risks, and full integration with a Building Management System.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.