Movable Barrier Operator Imminent Motion Notification Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Movable barrier operator systems, such as garage door openers, often incorrectly classify operations as unattended when users control them remotely via networks, leading to unnecessary imminent motion notifications, which can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially for users or delivery personnel who are physically near the barrier.
Innovation Solution
The system introduces a sensor check mechanism to determine if the sensors associated with the movable barrier operator are functioning properly, allowing users to opt-out of imminent motion notifications by completing a sensor check, and the remote server computer communicates different types of state change commands based on this information to inhibit or bypass the imminent motion notification apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system automatically classifies network-based operations as unattended operations, then safety is improved by warning nearby individuals, but user convenience deteriorates due to unnecessary imminent motion notifications
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation mode between attended and unattended based on real-time sensor check status. When sensor checks are enabled, the system operates in attended mode without imminent motion notifications. When sensor checks are disabled or fail, the system automatically switches to unattended mode with notifications, ensuring both safety and convenience are optimized for current conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter (attended vs unattended mode) based on the sensor check configuration. By monitoring whether sensor checks are enabled, the system adjusts the classification of network operations, thereby controlling whether imminent motion notifications are triggered, resolving the contradiction between safety warnings and user convenience
2Reliability
If the system triggers imminent motion notifications for all network-based operations, then safety is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between notification modes based on sensor check status. In attended mode (sensor checks enabled), operations proceed without delays. In unattended mode (sensor checks disabled), imminent motion notifications with delays are activated, optimizing the balance between safety and operational efficiency for each scenario
3Measurement precision
If the system requires sensor checks to be completed, then accuracy of operation classification is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing sensor check mechanism, originally designed for safety purposes, is repurposed to also determine operation classification (attended vs unattended). This multi-functional use of the sensor check system improves classification accuracy without adding separate complexity-dense components, as the same sensor infrastructure serves dual purposes
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a remote server computer is provided for facilitating operation of movable barrier operator systems having imminent motion notification apparatuses. The remote server computer includes a processor, a memory, and a network interface for communicating state change commands to the movable barrier operator systems via a network. The remote server computer is configured to receive a confirmation indicating that a sensor check has been performed to test sensors of those systems. Upon receiving a state change request from a remote control associated with a movable barrier operator system, the processor may determine whether the confirmation has been received for that system, and if so, causes communication of an attended command signal that inhibits operation of an imminent motion notification apparatus of the movable barrier operator system. Otherwise, the remote server computer may communicate an unattended command signal.