Movable Barrier Operator Prewarning for In-Vehicle Cancellation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle systems for controlling movable barriers like garage doors may inadvertently change states when a user does not desire it, such as when passing by or driving away from a garage, leading to inconvenience or unnecessary operation.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a movable barrier operator with a prewarning mode, allowing users to override or cancel state changes via an in-vehicle device, using a server computer as an intermediary to manage commands and notifications, and providing alerts to those in proximity of the barrier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If automatic state change commands are sent based on vehicle proximity, then the barrier operates automatically without user intervention, but the barrier may change state when the user does not desire it

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic barrier operationVSAvoidintended operation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system sends a prewarning notification to the user device before executing the barrier state change. This preliminary action gives the user advance notice and an opportunity to cancel the command if it was unintended, thereby maintaining automation while improving operational accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the barrier operates automatically based on vehicle location, then user convenience is improved, but unnecessary operations occur when passing by or driving away

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidunnecessary barrier operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback to the user through a notification device in the user device, informing them of the impending barrier state change. This feedback loop allows users to verify whether the automatic operation is intended and to cancel it if necessary, eliminating unnecessary operations while preserving convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Speed

If remote state change commands are executed immediately, then the barrier responds quickly to user requests, but users cannot prevent unintended operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarrier response speedVSAvoiduser control ability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of immediate execution, the system performs a preliminary notification action by sending a prewarning to the user device. The barrier state change is then executed only after the user has had the opportunity to review the command and either confirm or cancel it, thus maintaining quick response while enhancing user control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12435558B2System and methods for controlling a movable barrier operator

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 THE CHAMBERLAIN GRP INC

AI summary

In one respect, a method of controlling a movable barrier operator including receiving, via communication circuitry of an in-vehicle device, a wireless signal indicating communication of a state change request to the movable barrier operator, the state change request configured to cause the movable barrier operator to move a movable barrier from a first state toward a second state; presenting, via a user interface of the in-vehicle device, a notification of the communication of the state change request and an option to cancel the state change request; receiving, via the user interface of the in-vehicle device, a user input to cancel the state change request; and effecting cancelation of the state change request in response to the user interface receiving the user input to the cancel the state change operation.