Intelligent window covering incorporating security features
View Patent ↗An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a gearbox assembly configured to electromechanically operate a window covering. A controller, incorporated into the window covering, is provided to control the gearbox assembly. A security device, such as a camera, motion sensor, audio sensor, proximity sensor, impact sensor, or the like, communicates with the controller and is configured to monitor security at a window associated with the window covering. Such a security sensor may, for example, monitor opening and/or closing of the window, breaking of the window, or the like. In certain embodiments, operation of the window covering is triggered in response to conditions sensed by the security device. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.
1. An apparatus comprising:
a gearbox assembly configured to electromechanically operate a window covering;
a controller, incorporated into the window covering, to control the gearbox assembly;
an external motion sensor that detects motion immediately outside a window associated with the window covering and communicates with the controller to lower the window covering to cover the window when the motion is detected; and
an impact sensor that detects an extent of force on the window, wherein touching the window triggers a low priority alert notification, and wherein breaking the window triggers a high priority alert notification.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a camera, wherein the impact sensor detects a force on the window and triggers the camera to gather camera footage at or near the window.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an audio sensor.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a proximity sensor.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the proximity sensor is configured to detect at least one of opening or closing of the window.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller communicates motion detected by the motion sensor to a security monitoring system.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the motion sensor is mounted to a headrail of the window covering.