Automated Barrier Control System with Zone Detection and Status Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Movable barriers such as garage doors often require manual operation by vehicle drivers, leading to inefficiencies in timing and potential incomplete closure or opening due to driver awareness and signal transmission issues, resulting in wasted time and energy.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system for automatically controlling barrier movement by determining zones and sending control signals based on the vehicle's location and state, allowing remote control and real-time status updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of barrier is used, then driver can control barrier, but driver must wait for barrier to fully open/close causing time and fuel waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines zones associated with the barrier and automatically sends control signals before the vehicle arrives at the barrier or departs from it. This preliminary automated action eliminates the need for the driver to manually operate the barrier and wait for completion, as the system proactively manages the barrier operation based on vehicle location and state.
2Productivity
If driver manually closes barrier quickly, then driver can depart promptly, but barrier may not fully close due to signal transmission range limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously determines the current state of the barrier and provides real-time status updates to the driver. This feedback mechanism ensures the driver is aware of the barrier's actual state (open, closing, closed) even when the vehicle is outside transmission range, allowing the driver to depart confidently without compromising barrier closure reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system sends the barrier control signal to close the barrier at an optimal time before the vehicle exits transmission range, ensuring the signal is received and processed. The system then monitors the barrier state to confirm completion, allowing the driver to depart immediately without waiting or risking incomplete closure.
3Reliability
If driver waits to see barrier fully closed, then barrier closure can be confirmed, but driver loses time and may be forced to stop vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback on the barrier's current state through status updates to the driver. This automated monitoring and communication allows the driver to know the barrier's status without visually confirming it, enabling continuous vehicle operation without stopping to verify closure.
4Loss of time
If automated barrier control is implemented, then driver time and fuel are saved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages existing vehicle components and communication infrastructure to perform multiple functions: determining zones, detecting vehicle state, sending control signals, and providing status updates. By making the system multi-functional and integrating it with existing vehicle systems, the complexity is minimized while achieving automated barrier control.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for automatically controlling movement of a barrier that include determining at least one zone associated with the barrier. The system and method also include determining a current state of the barrier. The system and method additionally include sending a barrier control signal to remotely control movement of the barrier. The system and method further include presenting the current state of the barrier, wherein the current state of the barrier is updated based on remotely controlling the movement of the barrier.