Trainable Transmitter Programming for Bidirectional Garage Opener Protocols
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Solution Overview
Problem
Customers with vehicles equipped with trainable transmitters using older communication protocols cannot operate newer garage door openers that employ bidirectional security protocols, as the transmitters are not compatible with the new communication standards.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows a trainable transmitter to learn and operate a movable barrier operator using a different communication protocol by initiating a second security protocol learn mode, facilitated by a remote control previously learned by the operator, which derives and transmits access codes compatible with the operator's protocol, enabling the transmitter to communicate effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a trainable transmitter uses an older communication protocol, then it can operate with legacy garage door openers, but it cannot operate with newer garage door openers that employ bidirectional security protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote control device as an intermediary that bridges the communication between the trainable transmitter and the newer garage door opener. The remote control receives commands from the transmitter, translates them into the required bidirectional security protocol format, and transmits them to the opener, thereby enabling compatibility without modifying the original transmitter
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control device is designed to support multiple communication protocols simultaneously, allowing it to function as a universal adapter. It can communicate with both legacy transmitters using older protocols and newer openers using bidirectional security protocols, making the system adaptable to different security standards
2Reliability
If a garage door opener implements bidirectional security protocols, then security is improved, but compatibility with existing trainable transmitters is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control acts as a security intermediary that implements the bidirectional security protocol on behalf of the trainable transmitter. It handles the secure authentication and communication with the garage door opener while the original transmitter remains unchanged, thus maintaining security requirements while preserving compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control creates a copy or representation of the transmitter's control signals and translates them into the secure bidirectional protocol format. This allows the garage door opener to receive properly formatted secure commands without requiring the original transmitter to understand or implement the new security protocol
3Adaptability or versatility
If a trainable transmitter is programmed to use a different communication protocol, then compatibility with newer openers is achieved, but the programming complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service programming where the remote control automatically detects the transmitter type and configures the appropriate communication protocol translation. The programming process is simplified through automatic detection and configuration, reducing the technical expertise required from the user
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a method for using a remote control to train a trainable transmitter is provided. The method includes receiving a user input at a user interface of the remote control, broadcasting to a controllable device a first radio frequency communication via a first security protocol in response to receiving the user input at the user interface, the first communication including a first fixed code and a first changing code. The method further includes measuring a duration of the user input and broadcasting to the controllable device and the trainable transmitter a second radio frequency communication via a second security protocol different than the first security protocol in response to the measured duration of the user input satisfying a user input duration condition, the second radio frequency communication including the first fixed code and the first changing code.