ADJUSTABLE SUNSHADE SYSTEM

Abstract

Systems, methods, and apparatuses related to a sunshade system are provided herein. The sunshade system includes a plurality of poles. The poles are configured to couple to a ground surface along a row of parking spaces in a parking lot. The sunshade system one or more panels. The one or more panels are configured to extend between the plurality of poles. The one or more panels are configured to be arranged in a vertical orientation when coupled to the plurality of poles.

Claims

1. A sunshade system comprising: a plurality of poles configured to couple to a ground surface along a row of parking spaces in a parking lot; and one or more panels configured to extend between the plurality of poles, the one or more panels configured to be arranged in a vertical orientation when coupled to the plurality of poles.

2. The sunshade system of claim 1, further comprising an actuation device configured to move at least one of (a) the one or more panels or (b) the plurality of poles between the vertical orientation and a pivoted orientation.

3. The sunshade system of claim 2, wherein the actuation device includes a hand crank configured to be engaged by an operator to move the at least one of (a) the one or more panels or (b) the plurality of poles between the vertical orientation and the pivoted orientation.

4. The sunshade system of claim 2, wherein the actuation device includes an electric actuator configured to move the at least one of (a) the one or more panels or (b) the plurality of poles between the vertical orientation and the pivoted orientation.

5. The sunshade system of claim 4, wherein the actuation device includes an operator interface configured to facilitate operator control of the electric actuator.

6. The sunshade system of claim 4, further comprising: a sensor; and a controller configured to acquire data from the sensor and control the electric actuator based on the data.

7. The sunshade system of claim 2, wherein the one or more panels and the plurality of poles are configured to move between the vertical orientation and the pivoted orientation.

8. The sunshade system of claim 2, wherein the one or more panels are configured to move between the vertical orientation and the pivoted orientation, and wherein the plurality of poles are fixed.

9. The sunshade system of claim 8, wherein the one or more panels define a fixed portion extending along a first portion of the plurality of poles and a moveable portion extending along a second portion of the plurality of poles, and wherein the actuation device is coupled to the moveable portion of the one or more panels and to the second portion of the plurality of poles, the actuation device configured to move the moveable portion of the one or more panels between the vertical orientation and the pivoted orientation.

10. The sunshade system of claim 8, wherein the one or more panels are coupled to a bottom end of the plurality of poles, and wherein the actuation device is coupled to at least one of the plurality of poles at a first end and to the one or more panels at a second end, the actuation device configured to move the one or more panels about the bottom end between the vertical orientation and the pivoted orientation.

11. The sunshade system of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of poles includes a hinge, and wherein the actuation device is configured to move the plurality of poles between the vertical orientation and the pivoted orientation via the hinge.

12. The sunshade system of claim 11, wherein the hinge is positioned between a top end and a bottom end of the plurality of poles such that the plurality of poles define (a) a fixed portion between the bottom end and the hinge and (b) a moveable portion between the hinge and the top end, and wherein the actuation device is configured to move the moveable portion between the vertical orientation and the pivoted orientation.

13. The sunshade system of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of anchors configured to couple the plurality of poles to the ground surface, wherein the hinge is positioned between a bottom end of each of the plurality of poles and a respective anchor of the plurality of anchors, and wherein the actuation device is configured to move the plurality of poles about the hinge between the vertical orientation and the pivoted orientation.

14. The sunshade system of claim 1, wherein the one or more panels comprises a wind permeable material.

15. The sunshade system of claim 1, further comprises an electrical device coupled with one or more of the plurality of poles, the electrical device including at least one of a light, a solar panel, a sensor, or a power outlet.

16. The sunshade system of claim 1, further comprising one or more displays coupled to the one or more panels, the one or more displays including a sign or an advertisement.

17. The sunshade system of claim 16, wherein at least one of the one or more displays is an electrically powered display.

18. The sunshade system of claim 1, further comprising one or more cables coupled to the plurality of poles such that the one or more cables extend between the plurality of poles.

19. A sunshade system comprising: a plurality of poles configured to couple to a ground surface; one or more panels configured to couple to the plurality of poles such that the one or more panels extend vertically along a height of the plurality of poles; and an actuation device configured to move at least one of (a) the one or more panels or (b) the plurality of poles between a vertical orientation and a pivoted orientation.

20. A method for installing a sunshade system, the method comprising: coupling a plurality of poles with a ground surface along a row of parking spaces in a parking lot; and coupling one or more panels to the plurality of poles such that the one or more panels extend between the plurality of poles and are arranged in a vertical orientation.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sunshade system in a parking lot, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a side view of a sunshade system in which a paneling is pivoting from a midway point of a pole, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a side view of a sunshade system in which a paneling is pivoting from a bottom point of a pole, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a paneling row, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a side view of a sunshade system in which poles are pivoting at a midway point, according to exemplary embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a side view of the sunshade system in which poles are pivoting from a bottom point, according to exemplary embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a box diagram of a control system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a flow chart for a method for controlling a sunshade system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0016] Referring generally to the FIGURES, the various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a sunshade system, apparatus, and method of operation. The sunshade system includes a plurality of panels that provide shade to an area by at least partially blocking out the sun above. Technically and beneficially, the panels may be adjusted vertically or pivoted to optimize shade based on sun position. The sunshade system may further include a charging infrastructure and lighting systems. The charging infrastructure and lighting system may be powered by the electrical grid, or by solar panels that are integrated in the sunshade system. Advantageously, the sunshade system may offer potential revenue streams by displaying advertisements on the panels of the sunshade system.

[0017] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, a sunshade system 100 is installed in a parking lot. In other embodiments, the sunshade system 100 may be used in any setting the requires the benefit of shade. As shown in FIG. 1, the sunshade system 100 includes panel rows 200 having a plurality of panels 202 extending along a plurality of rows of parking spaces of the parking lot. Each of the plurality of panels 202 is coupled to a respective set of poles 204. The plurality of panels 202 extend vertically along a height of the poles 204. As shown in FIGS. 1-6, each of the poles 204 is fixed to a ground surface using an anchor 206. The poles 204 extend from a top end 207 to a bottom end 208 opposite the top end 207. The anchor 206 is coupled to the bottom end 208 of a respective pole 204. The anchor 206 may be an above ground concrete foundation, a below ground foundation, anchor bolts, rebars, or any similar anchoring means.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 2-6, the anchors 206 contain electrical outlets 210 (e.g., power outlets, power ports, etc.) for device or vehicular charging. The electrical outlets 210 may supply any amount of charge to an electric vehicle, such as 120 v outlet, 240 v outlet, or 480 v fast charger. The electrical outlets 210 may be used to power or charge other types of vehicles, such as scooters, recreational vehicles, large trucks, or trailers.

[0019] In FIG. 1, the panel rows 200 are shown in a vertical position. In some embodiments (see, e.g., FIGS. 2-6), the panel rows 200 or portions thereof are pivotable to provide additional shade relative to the shade provided when the panel rows 200 are in the vertical position. As shown in FIGS. 1-6, in addition to the poles 204, the panel rows 200 are further supported by cables 212. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cables 212 are retractable and cable reels 216 may be used to retract and deploy the cables 212. As shown in FIG. 1, the panel rows 200 are supported by a plurality of the cable 212. In other embodiments, the panel rows 200 are supported by a singular cable 212. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, the cable 212 is coupled to a building 400 or another permanent structure. In this way, the cable 212 may provide perpendicular tensile support to the panel rows 200. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2-4, the cable 212 is not coupled to the building 400. In this way, the panel rows 200 may stand alone without relying on the support of a nearby building. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-6, at least one end of the cable 212 is coupled to the ground. In this way, the cable 212 provides an opposing tensile force to the panel rows 200. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the cables 212 extend from a first end coupled to the building 400 to a second end coupled to the ground. In some embodiments, opposing ends of the cables 212 are coupled to separate buildings 400.

[0020] The cables 212 may be electrical cables, non-electrical support cables, or other material means such as rope or cord. In some embodiments, the cables 212 are configured to transmit electrical power from a power source (e.g., mains power 710) to one or more electrical devices (e.g., electrical devices 211, the electrical outlets 210, displays 221, motors, etc.) positioned about the sunshade system 100. In some embodiments, the poles 204 are coupled to one another by cross beams. The cross beams may be mounted to the top end 207 of the poles 204 and support horizontally aligned poles 204. The panels 202 may be coupled with the cross beams and the poles 204. In this way, the panels 202 may be supported on three sides, rather than relying on horizontal tension alone. The cables 212 may be used in combination with crossbeams to support the panel rows 200.

[0021] In various embodiments, the panels 202 are made of high-density mesh or similar dense cloth that have permeability. In this way, the material comprising the panels 202 accommodates for wind loads due to its permeability. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the panels 202 have or define perforations 218 to accommodate for additional or sudden wind load. The perforations 218 may be vertical slits, horizontal slits, or any shaped opening (e.g., circular cutouts, rectangular cutouts, etc.). The perforations 218 may include a flap that covers or uncovers the openings thereof (e.g., depending on a user's desire, depending on a wind force, etc.).

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, to accommodate pedestrian movement throughout the sunshade system 100, opening(s), passageway(s), or door(s) 219 are added into the panel rows 200, according to exemplary embodiments. The door 219 is positioned at a bottom end of a respective panel 202 (e.g., near the ground). The door 219 allows a user to pass through the respective panel 202.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 7, the sunshade system 100 includes one or more displays 221 disposed along at least one of the panels 202 for providing or displaying additional materials, such as advertisements or signs. The advertisements and signs may be coupled to the panels 202 using grommets, stitching, adhesive, or the like. The advertisements and signs may be made of similarly permeable materials to the mesh of panels 202, or may be other materials, such as vinyl, acrylic, foam board, metal, PVC, LED display, and the like. The displays 221 may be powered (e.g., dynamic, LED screens, light displays, etc.) or unpowered (e.g., static, posters, printed signage, etc.). In some embodiments, flexible solar paneling is coupled to the panels 202 to provide power to motorized and/or electrical devices of the sunshade system 100.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the panels 202 include perforations 218 to accommodate for the higher wind resistance that the additional materials (e.g. signs, advertisements, solar panels, etc.) may add to a panel row 200. In other embodiments, the panels 202 may be made of a more permeable material in rows with advertising or sign materials to accommodate for the additional wind resistance. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the panels 202 are spaced from the ground such that a gap 248 is defined between the ground and the panel 202 of height H. The gap 248 may accommodate additional wind load, according to some embodiments.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1-7, the sunshade system 100 includes one or more electrical devices 211 positioned at the top end 207 of at least one of the poles 204. In some embodiments, one or more of the electrical devices 211 are otherwise positioned (e.g., along the panels 202, along the cables 212, positioned between the top end 207 and the bottom end of the poles 204, etc.). As shown in FIG. 7, the electrical devices 211 include lights 264, solar panels 262, sensors 260, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the solar panels 262 power motorized elements, the lights 264, the sensors 260, the electrical outlets 210, and/or other electrical components of the sunshade system 100. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, the electrical devices 211 and the electrical outlets 210 are additionally or alternatively powered via a mains power 710. The sensors 260 may include sensors that measure sunshade system occupation, light source position (e.g., a solar angle of incidence, artificial light, reflected light), and energy usage to provide data to a controller 700 (shown in FIG. 7). In this way, the sunshade system 100 may be operated in the most efficient manner according to sun position and number of present occupants. Additionally, the data on sun position may be processed by the controller 700 to rotate the solar panels 262 to face the sun, thereby gathering the greatest amount of energy to power the sunshade system 100.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the panels 202 are configured to pivot at a point along the poles 204 (e.g., between the top end 207 and the bottom end 208, at a midpoint, at the bottom end 208, etc.). The sunshade system 100 includes actuation devices 230 coupled to the poles 204. The actuation devices 230 may be or include an electric actuator. For example, the actuation devices 230 include electronically controlled linear actuators. The linear actuator may be coupled to a respective pole 204 at a first end and to a respective panel 202 at a second end. In this way, the linear actuator may operate responsive to receiving an electrical signal to extend or retract. In this way, the panels 202 move in a pivoting motion away from the pole 204 at the point (shown as rotational motion 500). In other examples, the actuation devices 230 include a mechanical device, such as a crank and cable spool, coupled with an actuator cable 228. The actuator cable 228 may be retracted and extended by the actuation device 230. For example, a user may operate the actuation device 230 to extend or retract the actuator cable 228. When the crank is turned, it winds or unwinds the actuator cable 228 around a drum or spool, converting rotational motion into linear movement. In this way, the panels 202 move from a vertical orientation into a pivoted orientation by rotating away from the poles 204 in a pivoting motion at the point (e.g., rotational motion 500). In some embodiments, the cable spool is driven by an electric motor.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the panels 202 include a fixed portion 236 and a moveable portion 240. The moveable portion 240 is coupled to the actuation device 230 and/or the actuator cable 228 such that, during operation, the moveable portion 240 moves while the fixed portion 236 remains immobile or fixed. As shown in FIG. 3, the panels 202 are continuous panels that are pivotably coupled to the poles 204 at or proximate the bottom end 208 of the poles 204, and coupled to the actuation device 230 and/or the actuator cable 228 such that, during operation, the panels 202 accomplish the rotational motion 500 about the bottom end 208.

[0028] Responsive to the sun shifting to a position at which the vertical positioning of the panels 202 no longer provides substantial shade, the panels 202 may be pivoted by an operator interface 244 and/or the controller 700. The operator interface 244 may be a hand crank, motor, or control panel, according to exemplary embodiments. In some embodiments, a user may directly execute pivoting of the panels 202 at the operator interface 244. For example, a user may operate a hand crank to manually pivot the panels 202 by extending or retracting the actuator cable 228. In this way, the hand crank is configured to be engaged by the user. In a different example, a user may operate a control panel (e.g., pushing a button, selecting an option on a graphical user interface, etc.). In such an example, the operator interface 244 supplies a first signal to the controller 700 based on the user input. The controller 700 receives and interprets the first signal and sends a second signal to the actuation device 230, structured as a linear actuator, to extend or retract to pivot panel 202 based on the user input.

[0029] In some embodiments, the controller 700 is configured to operate the actuation device 230 to pivot the panels 202 according to sun position data collected by the sensors 260 in the electrical device 211. The sensors 260 may include sun position sensors, light sensors with position encoders, light level sensors, or the like. The sensors 260 are communicatively coupled to the controller 700, such that the controller may acquire data from the sensors 260. Ideal shading position may be calculated by the controller 700 which may, in turn, order the actuation device 230 to pivot the panels 202 as much as is necessary to provide shade to the surrounding area according to the sun's position. In some embodiments, the entire row of the panels 202 may pivot. In other embodiments, an individual section of paneling in a panel row (e.g., one panel coupled to a pair of poles) may pivot, while the remaining panels stay upright.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the poles 204 of the sunshade system 100 are configured to pivot at a point along the poles 204 (e.g., between the top end 207 and the bottom end 208, at a midpoint, at the bottom end 208, etc.). A hinge 252 is positioned at the point to accommodate the pivoting of the poles 204. In such an embodiment, the panels 202, the actuation device 230, and the electrical device 211 are all coupled to the pole 204, such that, responsive to the pole 204 pivoting at the hinge 252, the panels 202 and the electrical device 211 move with the pole 204.

[0031] In some embodiments, the actuation device 230 is or includes a rotary actuator. The rotary actuator may be mounted at the base or hinge point of the pole 204. The rotary actuator includes an electric motor that drives a rotating shaft. The shaft is coupled to the pole 204, either directly or through an intervening member, such as a bracket, flange, or geared interface. When activated, the rotary actuator rotates the shaft, causing the attached pole 204 to pivot around the hinge 252.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 5, the poles 204 are configured to pivot about the hinge 252 positioned near a midpoint of the pole 204. As shown in FIG. 6, the poles 204 are configured to pivot about the hinge 252 at the point near the bottom end 208.

[0033] To accommodate the motion of the poles 204 pivoting, the cables 212 may be extended or retracted using the cable reels 216. In some embodiments, the cable reels 216 are or replace the actuation device 230. In some embodiments, the cable reels 216 supplement the actuation device 230. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cables 212 extend between a first cable reel 216 and a second cable reel 216. In this way, a first end of the cables 212 is received by the first cable reel 216 and the second end of the cables 212 is received by the second cable reel 216. In some examples, the cable reels 216 may be rotated, for example, by a motor, a hand crank, or the like, to move the poles 204 to pivot around the hinge 252. For example, the first cable reel 216 may rotate to extend the cable 212 from the first end. At the same time, the second cable reel 216 may rotate to retract the cables 212 from the second end. The hinge 252 serves as the rotational axis, while the cables 212 effectively push and pull the pole 204 at its top end 207. This actuation can be powered electrically via a motor attached to one or both reels, or manually through a hand crank, allowing the pole's angular position to be adjusted without directly applying force at the pole 204 itself.

[0034] The operator interface 244 and the controller 700 may be in wired or wireless communication with the cable reel 216 (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LAN, cellular). In some embodiments, the controller 700 is configured to control operation of the pivoting of the poles 204 via the cable reels 216 (e.g. by operating a motor) according to the sun's position and/or based on user inputs provided via the operator interface 244, as previously described.

[0035] FIG. 7 shows a schematic block diagram of a controller system for the sunshade system 100 including the controller 700. The controller 700 may be disposed in any suitable location on the sunshade system 100. The controller 700 is shown to include a circuit, shown as processing circuitry 702, a processor, shown as processor 704, and memory, shown as memory 706, according to an exemplary embodiment. The controller 700 may be implemented as a general-purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a digital-signal-processor (DSP), circuits containing one or more processing components, circuitry for supporting a microprocessor, a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. The processing circuit 702 may include an ASIC, one or more FPGAs, a DSP, circuits containing one or more processing components, circuitry for supporting a microprocessor, a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components (e.g., processor 704). In some embodiments, the processing circuit 702 is configured to execute computer code stored in the memory 706 to facilitate the activities described herein. The memory 706 may be any volatile or non-volatile computer-readable storage medium capable of storing data or computer code relating to the activities described herein. According to an exemplary embodiment, memory 706 includes computer code modules (e.g., executable code, object code, source code, script code, machine code, etc.) configured for execution by the processing circuit 702. The memory 706 includes various actuation profiles corresponding to modes of operation (e.g., extension and retraction of the actuator cable 228, the pole 204 pivoting at the hinge 252, rotation of the cable reels 216), according to an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, the controller 700 may represent a collection of processing devices (e.g., servers, data centers, etc.). In such cases, the processing circuitry 702 represents the collective processors of the devices, and the memory 706 represents the collective storage devices of the devices.

[0036] The controller 700 may operate and/or send commands to the display(s) 221, the actuation device 230, the cable reel(s) 216, the mains power 710, and/or the electrical device 211. For example, the controller 700 may operate the display(s) 221 to display a specific advertisement on an LED screen of the display 221. In another example, the controller 700 may operate the electrical device 211 to turn lights on and off. The controller 700 may order that power be routed from the mains power 710 to the electrical device 211. For example, the mains power 710 may provide power to the electrical outlets 210 shown in FIGS. 1-6. In some embodiments, the controller 700 is configured to route power collected from the solar panels 262 to operate other electrical devices, such as the display 221, the lights 264, the sensors 260, and/or the electrical outlets 210. In some embodiments, the input manager 708 manages how inputs from the operator interface 244 and the electrical device 211 (e.g. the sensors 260) are responded to by the controller 700. For example, the sensors 260 may detect that the sun has set and transmit this information to the controller 700. Responsive to receiving data indicating that the sun has set from the sensors 260, the controller 700 may operate the actuation device 230 to retract the panels 202 into a fully vertical position and operate the lights 264 to turn on in the absence of light.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an example method 800 for controlling a sunshade system 100 having a panel 202 coupled to a pole 204 for support. The method 800 may be performed by the controller 700 according to example embodiments.

[0038] At step 810, the controller 700 receives a user input via the operator interface 244 to move the panel 202 and/or the pole 204 from a first position to a second position. For example, the controller 700 may operate the actuation device 230, when structured as a linear actuator, to extend or retract to move the panel 202 between a first, vertical position or orientation and a second, angled position or orientation. In another examples, the actuation device 230, when structured as a rotary actuator, may rotate to move the pole 204 between the first, vertical position or orientation and the second, angled position or orientation. As noted above, the actuation device 230 may include a crank coupled with an actuator cable 228. In some examples, the crank includes a motor that is communicatively coupled with the controller 700. In this way, the controller 700 can operate the motor to rotate the crank and extend or retract the actuator cable 228 to move the panel 202 between the first, vertical position or orientation and the second, angled position or orientation. The controller 700 is configured to receive a first signal from the operator interface 244 based on user input.

[0039] At step 815, the controller 700 operates the actuation device 230 to move the panel 202 and/or the pole 204 from a first position to a second position. For example, the controller 700 may transmit an electrical signal to the actuation device 230, structured as a linear actuator, to extend the linear actuator to push the panel 202 away from the pole 204 into the second position. Similarly, the controller 700 may transmit a signal to the actuation device 230, structured as a rotary actuator to rotate the pole 204 around the hinge 252 into the second position. As noted above, the controller 700 may operate the motor to rotate the crank and extend or retract the actuator cable 228, thereby moving the panel 202 to the second position. Similarly, the controller 700 may operator the cable reels 216 to the pole 204 around the hinge 252 into the second position.

[0040] As utilized herein, the terms approximately, about, substantially, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

[0041] It should be noted that the term exemplary and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). For example, the sunshade system 100 may be utilized to shield from rain, hail, snow.

[0042] The term coupled and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled to one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If coupled or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of coupled provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., directly coupled means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of coupled provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

[0043] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., top, bottom, above, below) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0044] The hardware and data processing components used to implement the various processes, operations, illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose single- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or, any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor also may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, particular processes and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given function. The memory (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory, and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory is communicably connected to the processor via a processing circuit and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by the processing circuit or the processor) the one or more processes described herein.

[0045] The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.

[0046] Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

[0047] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the sunshade system 100 and components thereof as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein.