Abstract: The method of operation applies to a self-powered home automation sensor device for detecting the existence of and/or for measuring the intensity of a first physical phenomenon, comprising a means of converting an effect of a second physical phenomenon into electrical energy and a means of determining the instantaneous power of this second physical phenomenon that can be converted into electrical energy, wherein a normal, first mode of operation of the device or an energy-saving second mode of operation of the device is activated according to a value defined on the basis of the determination of the instantaneous power that can be converted into electrical energy.

Abstract: The position and speed and, in some embodiments, direction of rotation of a motor for turning the rod of an object such as a window covering is determined by placing a braking magnet next to the motor and a piezoelectric element between the braking magnet and motor. As the motor rotates, the piezoelectric element generates a signal that can be used to determine the speed of rotation and also the position of the motor (and, hence, the position of the object being moved). The magnet brakes the motor from turning under the weight of the object when the motor is deenergized.

Abstract: It is proposed that the utilization period of the awning be increased in connection with automatic or manual manual control means in that the awning is preferably incrementally retracted as a function of the magnitude of the wind velocity, as determined through measurement, with the wind velocity being determined in corresponding graduations, and, as a function thereof, in that the control unit for the awning drive motor moves the awning to intermediate awning positions which have priority over all other control influences. In addition to the limit switches, which are present anyway and which indicate the "fully retracted" or "fully extended" positions, a plurality of intermediate sensors, corresponding to the number of desired increments, are disposed to determine the intermediate positions, with the signals output by the intermediate sensors, which indicate the actual position of the awning being compared with wind-velocity-determined awning setpoint position signals.