Smartphone-Based Vehicular Garage Door Control System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garage door opener systems require users to carry dedicated remote controls or external keypads for remote access, limiting convenience, especially when users are away from home or engaged in activities like walking or biking, and do not allow control from significant distances.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular garage door control system that uses an in-vehicle signal generator and wireless receiver to receive commands from remote electronic devices like smartphones or keyfobs, enabling remote control and monitoring of garage doors over wireless networks, eliminating the need for dedicated remote controls and allowing access from any distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dedicated GDO remote control is used, then garage door can be remotely actuated, but user must carry the dedicated remote control which is inconvenient during activities like walking, biking, or running
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows a smartphone to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a mobile device for physical activities and a universal remote control for the garage door. The smartphone application provides garage door control functionality without requiring a dedicated GDO remote, enabling users to control their garage door while engaged in activities like walking, biking, or running.
2Ease of operation
If an external keypad is provided, then garage door access is enabled, but control from significant distances (when user is at work or on vacation) is not permitted
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary component - a wireless receiver installed in the garage that communicates with the GDO unit. This receiver receives commands from the smartphone application over wireless networks, enabling control from any distance where network connectivity is available, rather than requiring proximity to an external keypad.
3Ease of operation
If HomeLink wireless control system is used, then in-vehicle GDO control is achieved, but user convenience is not improved when user needs to control garage door while away from home
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from location-based control (requiring presence near the vehicle or garage) to network-based control (enabling access from anywhere in the world). By implementing a smartphone application that communicates over wireless networks, the system adds the dimension of global accessibility, allowing users to control their garage door from work, vacation, or any location with internet connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of method performed in conjunction with a vehicular garage door control system are provided, as are embodiments of a vehicular garage door control system and a program product executed by a smartphone in communicating with such a garage door control system. The vehicular garage door control system may include an in-vehicle Garage Door Opener (GDO) signal generator, a wireless receiver, and a controller. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving, at the controller via the wireless receiver, a request signal originating from a remote electronic device requesting actuation of a GDO unit that, when actuated, moves a garage door between open and closed positions. In response to receipt of the request signal, a command signal is supplied from the controller to the in-vehicle GDO signal generator commanding the in-vehicle GDO signal generator to generate a GDO actuation signal requesting actuation of the GDO unit.