Movable Barrier Operator Network Pairing With Hashed Transmitter Codes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for pairing movable barrier operators with transmitters are inconvenient and cumbersome, often requiring users to climb ladders or use broom handles to press buttons on ceiling-mounted garage door openers, and involve complex timing and interaction steps that can lead to unsuccessful programming.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows movable barrier operators to pair with transmitters over a network, using a server to communicate transmitter codes and hash functions to facilitate pairing without manual learn modes, enabling remote setup and management of transmitter codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional manual learn mode pairing is used, then the pairing process can be completed, but it requires users to climb ladders or use broom handles to press buttons on ceiling-mounted operators, making the operation inconvenient and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a smartphone device as an intermediary between the user and the ceiling-mounted operator. The smartphone communicates with the operator via Wi-Fi or other wireless protocols, eliminating the need for direct physical interaction with the operator's learn button. The user interacts with a mobile application on the smartphone, which then facilitates the pairing process remotely, making the operation convenient and eliminating the need to climb ladders or use broom handles.
2Reliability
If conventional manual learn mode pairing is used, then the transmitter can be paired with the operator, but the process involves complex timing and interaction steps that can lead to unsuccessful programming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service pairing where the system automatically completes the pairing process without requiring precise user timing or complex interactions. The mobile application guides the user through simple steps, and the operator automatically learns the transmitter code when prompted, eliminating the need for users to time button presses or perform complex sequences. This automated approach significantly reduces pairing failures and simplifies the process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network-enabled pairing is implemented, then remote setup and management is enabled, but it requires the operator to have network communication capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the operator network-enabled by integrating Wi-Fi or other wireless communication capabilities into the operator system. This allows the operator to function both as a traditional ceiling-mounted device and as a network-connected smart device. The operator can communicate with smartphones, tablets, and other devices over a wireless network, enabling remote pairing, monitoring, and control functions while maintaining backward compatibility with existing transmitter types.
Data Source
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.