Movable Barrier Security Protocol Updates Without Hardware Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable barrier operators, such as garage door openers, are unable to update their security protocols without replacing hardware, limiting access to new features and enhanced security capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for updating the security protocol of movable barrier operators and remote controls without replacing hardware, allowing for the transition from an initial to a new security protocol, enabling features like remote multi-user credentialing and temporary PIN access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If security protocol is programmed into controller at manufacturing facility, then security protocol is fixed and reliable, but new security protocols cannot be implemented without hardware replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the security protocol dynamic by enabling it to be updated after manufacturing. The controller can receive and implement new security protocols through firmware updates or reprogramming, allowing the system to adapt to evolving security requirements without hardware replacement. This resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a static, fixed protocol to a dynamic, updatable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of security protocol version by enabling the controller to accept different protocol configurations. Through methods such as receiving update packages, validating new protocols, and switching between protocol versions, the system can modify its security parameters without changing the underlying hardware, thus achieving both reliability and adaptability.
2Reliability
If new garage door operator hardware with updated security protocols is purchased, then enhanced security and new features are obtained, but existing functional operators are replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual update mechanism where new security protocols are copied into the existing controller's memory or firmware. Instead of replacing the physical hardware, the controller receives and stores updated protocol information, allowing enhanced security to be implemented through information copying rather than physical replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the controller universal by designing it to support multiple security protocol versions and configurations. The controller can function with both old and new protocols, accommodating different remote control types (traditional and keyless entry), and adapting to various security requirements, thereby eliminating the need for hardware replacement.
3Device complexity
If security protocol is fixed at manufacture, then device complexity is reduced, but feature updates require new hardware purchases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the controller in advance by pre-configuring it with initial security protocols and updating mechanisms during manufacturing. This preliminary setup includes embedding update capabilities, validation routines, and protocol switching logic, so that future feature updates can be implemented through software rather than hardware changes, maintaining simplicity while enabling adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A proxy device comprising a processor and a communication interface communicatively coupled to the processor. The communication interface configured to transmit information representative of a second security protocol to a remote control. The remote control operable to transmit communications to a movable barrier operator utilizing a first security protocol. In response to transmitting the information representative of the second security protocol to the remote control, the communication interface receives a first acknowledgement communication from the remote control indicating the remote control utilizes the second security protocol.