Barrier Operator Imminent Motion Notification via Server Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barrier operator systems for remotely controlling garage doors and gates lack a simplified method to provide imminent motion notifications, often requiring complex signaling schemes to determine the source of movement commands and whether to trigger notifications.
Innovation Solution
A barrier operator system configured to receive imminent motion notification commands from a server, perform the notification, send an acknowledgement signal, and then receive and execute barrier movement commands from the server, thereby simplifying the operations and eliminating the need for complex source determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the barrier operator determines the source of each barrier movement command to decide whether to provide an imminent motion notification, then the notification can be selectively provided for remote commands, but the operational complexity of the barrier operator increases
Solution Approach 1:
A server is introduced as an intermediary between the remote user device and the barrier operator. The server receives barrier movement commands from remote user devices, determines whether imminent motion notifications should be provided, and then communicates with the barrier operator accordingly. This transfers the decision-making complexity from the barrier operator to the server, simplifying the barrier operator's operations while maintaining reliable safety notifications.
2Ease of operation
If the barrier operator receives and processes separate imminent motion notification commands and barrier movement commands from a server, then the operational logic is simplified, but the communication protocol and signaling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The command structure is segmented into two distinct types: imminent motion notification commands and barrier movement commands. The server sends these as separate communications to the barrier operator, allowing the barrier operator to process each command type independently through simplified logic. This segmentation clarifies the operational flow while the server manages the overall communication protocol.
3Reliability
If the barrier operator provides imminent motion notifications for all barrier movements regardless of command source, then safety is maximized, but user convenience is reduced due to unnecessary notifications for local commands
Solution Approach 1:
The server receives information about the command source (remote user device or local transmitter) and uses this feedback to determine whether an imminent motion notification should be provided. The server then communicates this determination to the barrier operator, enabling selective notification that balances safety requirements with user convenience by omitting notifications for local commands where the user can visually confirm the barrier path.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for performing an imminent motion notification in relation to movement of a barrier. A barrier operator system includes a barrier operator and a server. The barrier operator includes a motor configured to manipulate a barrier, an alert module, and one or more processors configured to control the motor and the alert module. The server receives a message from a remote user device indicating a request to move the barrier and sends an imminent motion notification command to the barrier operator. The barrier operator performs, in response to receipt of the imminent motion notification command, an imminent motion notification and sends an acknowledgement signal to the server indicating that the imminent motion notification has been performed. The server sends, in response to receipt of the acknowledgement signal, a barrier movement command and the barrier operator operates the motor to execute the barrier movement command.