Auxiliary Remote Control for Networked Movable Barrier Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remotely controllable movable barrier systems, such as garage door openers, require users to navigate through multiple screens on networked devices to operate and check the status of barriers, which is inconvenient and potentially dangerous, especially for drivers, and lack a convenient way to verify barrier positions without accessing device menus.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a network-enabled host device and an auxiliary remote control device that communicates via short-range radio frequencies, allowing users to control movable barriers with a dedicated remote control device that can be easily accessed and operated without taking eyes off the road, and provides status indicators for barrier positions without navigating through device menus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a networked device is used to control the movable barrier operator, then remote control capability and status monitoring are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring navigation through multiple screens and menus
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two distinct components: a networked host device that provides comprehensive control and status monitoring capabilities, and a separate auxiliary remote control device that provides simple, direct operation. This segmentation allows each device to specialize in its function, with the auxiliary device handling simple barrier control operations while the host device manages complex network communication and status display.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary remote control device acts as an intermediary between the user and the networked host device. When a user presses a button on the auxiliary remote, it transmits a signal to the host device, which then executes the barrier control operation. This intermediary approach allows users to operate the barrier without needing to interact with the complex interface of the host device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a networked device is used to control the movable barrier operator, then remote control capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring multiple screens and navigation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The complex network communication and barrier control logic are extracted from the simple remote control interface and placed entirely within the host device. The auxiliary remote control device contains only the essential transmission function, while all complexity regarding network connectivity, authentication, and control logic resides in the host device, separating concerns effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The host device is designed to be multi-functional, handling both the complex network communication tasks and the barrier control operations. It can receive various types of input signals, process network communications, manage authentication, and control the barrier operator, consolidating multiple functions into a single device while keeping the auxiliary remote simple.
3Ease of operation
If security information is stored on the remote control device, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential unauthorized access if the remote is misplaced or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary remote control device serves as an intermediary that transmits control signals without containing security credentials. When the remote is lost or stolen, it cannot be used to operate the barrier because the actual security information and authentication logic remain securely stored in the host device, which the remote cannot access or replicate.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of storing security information in the remote control device, the system uses a copying approach where the remote merely copies or replicates the transmission function of sending control signals. The authoritative security credentials remain in the host device, and the remote's signals are validated by comparing them against the host's stored security information, preventing unauthorized access.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for use with an auxiliary device for commanding a movable barrier operator, the apparatus having a first communication interface, a processor device, and a second communication interface. The first communication interface being configured to receive a status change request from the auxiliary device. The processor device runs a movable barrier controller application and is configured to generate a control signal for the movable barrier operator in response to receiving the status change request. The second communication interface is configured to send the control signal to the movable barrier operator through a network.