Hashed-Code Network Pairing for Barrier Operators and Transmitters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for pairing movable barrier operators with transmitters are inconvenient and prone to user error, especially when programming vehicle-based transmitters, requiring users to interact with ceiling-mounted garage door openers and follow complex timing protocols.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows movable barrier operators to receive transmitter codes over a network, enabling automatic pairing by comparing hashed versions of fixed codes with those stored in a server, eliminating the need for manual learn mode interactions and complex timing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional manual pairing methods are used, then transmitters can be paired with movable barrier operators, but the process is inconvenient and prone to user error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepairing reliabilityVSAvoidpairing convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A server acts as an intermediary between the movable barrier operator and the transmitter. The server receives the transmitter's identification code, stores it in a database, and provides it back to the barrier operator during operation, eliminating the need for direct manual pairing between the barrier operator and transmitter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmitter's identification code is pre-stored in the server's database before the actual operation occurs. This preliminary storage of pairing information allows the barrier operator to function without real-time manual pairing, improving both convenience and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If manual learn mode interactions are required, then transmitters can be programmed, but complex timing protocols increase user error and reduce efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepairing efficiencyVSAvoidpairing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex timing protocol and learn mode interaction logic is extracted from the movable barrier operator and relocated to the server. The barrier operator simply sends the transmitter code to the server, which handles all the complex pairing logic in the background, significantly reducing device complexity and improving pairing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If ceiling-mounted garage door openers are used, then barrier operation is achieved, but user interaction becomes inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction convenienceVSAvoidpairing success rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service pairing where the transmitter automatically communicates its identification code to the server, and the barrier operator automatically retrieves and uses this code. No manual user intervention is required, making the process convenient and reliable regardless of the barrier's physical location

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250299522A1Movable barrier operator and transmitter pairing over a network

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 THE CHAMBERLAIN GRP INC

AI summary

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a system and method are provided for pairing a network-enabled movable barrier operator with a transmitter. The method may include receiving a pairing request, retrieving a hashed version of the transmitter fixed code, verifying access authorization, and forwarding the hashed version of the transmitter fixed code to a movable barrier operator to allow the movable barrier operator to determine whether a new transmitter is authorized to control the movable barrier operator.