In-Vehicle Device Automating Movable Barrier Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle devices for controlling movable barriers lack efficient automation and adaptability, requiring manual intervention and failing to consider user-specific conditions and environmental factors for seamless operation.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes an in-vehicle device communicating with a movable barrier operator via RF signals or a remote server, using vehicle parameters and user account conditions to automate the operation of movable barriers, with obstacle detection and adaptive selection of barrier operators based on behavior profiles and real-time data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual intervention is required to control movable barriers, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to repeated manual actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting vehicle approach in advance and automatically actuating the movable barrier before the user needs to manually operate it. The processor monitors vehicle proximity sensors and triggers the barrier operator automatically, eliminating the need for repeated manual intervention while maintaining simple device architecture.
2Extent of automation
If automated control is implemented using vehicle proximity detection, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by integrating the processor to handle multiple tasks: monitoring vehicle proximity sensors, determining vehicle arrival based on sensor data, communicating with the movable barrier operator, and controlling the barrier actuation. This consolidation of multiple functions into a single processor minimizes device complexity while maximizing automation extent.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting vehicle arrival through proximity sensors and triggering barrier operation without requiring user input. The processor autonomously monitors sensor data, determines when the vehicle has arrived, and actuates the barrier independently, reducing the need for manual control interfaces and associated complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system adapts to user-specific conditions and environmental factors, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensing and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamics by making the barrier operation adaptive rather than fixed. The processor continuously monitors vehicle proximity sensor data and adjusts the timing and execution of barrier actuation based on real-time conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to varying user behaviors and environmental factors without requiring complex pre-programming for every scenario.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless, automated control of movable barriers, enhancing user convenience by adapting to vehicle proximity, speed, and environmental conditions, while ensuring secure and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
A system that includes an in-vehicle device communicating with a movable barrier operator via RF signals or a remote server
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, an in-vehicle device is provided that includes a sensor configured to detect a vehicle characteristic indicative of the vehicle being in proximity to a location associated with a movable barrier operator. The in-vehicle device includes communication circuitry to communicate an open command to the movable barrier operator that causes the movable barrier operator to open a movable barrier connected to the movable barrier operator. A memory is configured to store a vehicle arrival condition indicative of whether the vehicle arrived at the location associated with the movable barrier operator. A processor is configured to determine satisfaction of the vehicle arrival condition and, upon the vehicle arrival condition not being satisfied, cause the communication circuitry to communicate a close command to the movable barrier operator that causes the movable barrier operator to close the movable barrier.