Umbrella systems and methods for employing sensors

Abstract

Various embodiments of umbrella systems employing sensors and methods related to such systems are disclosed. One embodiment, among others, comprises an umbrella system, comprising a handle assembly, comprising a handle assembly remote control and a transducer assembly configured to communicate a control signal from the handle assembly remote control to an electronic device.

1 . An umbrella system, comprising:
 a handle assembly, comprising:
 a handle assembly remote control; and 
 a transducer assembly configured to communicate a control signal from the handle assembly remote control to an electronic device. 
   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the transducer assembly is configured to receive an input signal from a separate remote control associated with the electronic device, wherein the input signal is used for programming the handle assembly remote control. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the input signal defines the control signal. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the transducer assembly communicates the control signal using infrared. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the transducer assembly communicates the control signal using radio frequency. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the transducer assembly is configured to communicate a control signal from a handle assembly voice activation device to an electronic device, the handle assembly voice activation device configured to recognize at least one phrase associated with at least one control signal. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a center shaft, wherein the handle assembly is detachably connected to the center shaft. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the handle assembly further comprises a button to control opening the umbrella system. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the center shaft comprises a button to control opening the umbrella system. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the handle assembly further comprises a clip. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a center shaft, wherein the handle assembly comprises a first portion attached to the center shaft and a second portion detachably connected to the first portion. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the button to control opening the umbrella system is located on first portion of the handle assembly. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the button to control opening the umbrella system is located on second portion of the handle assembly. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the handle assembly further comprises a clip, wherein the clip is located on the second portion of the handle assembly. 
   
   
       15 . An umbrella handle assembly, comprising:
 means for remotely controlling an electronic device; and   means for communicating a control signal from the controlling means to the electronic device.   
   
   
       16 . The assembly of  claim 15 , further comprising means for receiving an input signal from a separate remote control associated with the electronic device, wherein the input signal is used for programming the handle assembly remote control. 
   
   
       17 . The assembly of  claim 15 , further comprising means for activating programming of the handle assembly remote control. 
   
   
       18 . The assembly of  claim 15 , further comprising means for indicating when programming of the handle assembly remote control is complete. 
   
   
       19 . The assembly of  claim 15 , further comprising means for detachably connecting the handle assembly to an umbrella. 
   
   
       20 . The assembly of  claim 19 , further comprising means for opening the umbrella.