NZ599055B - Encrypted communications for a movable barrier environment - Google Patents
Encrypted communications for a movable barrier environment Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ599055B NZ599055B NZ599055A NZ59905512A NZ599055B NZ 599055 B NZ599055 B NZ 599055B NZ 599055 A NZ599055 A NZ 599055A NZ 59905512 A NZ59905512 A NZ 59905512A NZ 599055 B NZ599055 B NZ 599055B
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- rolling code
- accessory devices
- accessory
- control signal
- command signal
- Prior art date
Links
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 124
- 230000006854 communication Effects 0.000 title claims description 71
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 title claims description 70
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 claims description 312
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 87
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 58
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 42
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 27
- 230000011664 signaling Effects 0.000 description 9
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007175 bidirectional communication Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000014509 gene expression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000010354 integration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010200 validation analysis Methods 0.000 description 2
- 241000218652 Larix Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000005590 Larix decidua Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007596 consolidation process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012552 review Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05F15/00—Power-operated mechanisms for wings
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05F15/00—Power-operated mechanisms for wings
- E05F15/60—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators
- E05F15/603—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors
- E05F15/665—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for vertically-sliding wings
- E05F15/668—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for vertically-sliding wings for overhead wings
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
- E05Y2900/10—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for buildings or parts thereof
- E05Y2900/106—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for buildings or parts thereof for garages
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/20—Pc systems
- G05B2219/26—Pc applications
- G05B2219/2628—Door, window
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
- G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
- G07C9/00817—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys where the code of the lock can be programmed
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
- G07C9/20—Individual registration on entry or exit involving the use of a pass
- G07C9/21—Individual registration on entry or exit involving the use of a pass having a variable access code
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
- G08C17/00—Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
- G08C2201/00—Transmission systems of control signals via wireless link
- G08C2201/60—Security, fault tolerance
- G08C2201/62—Rolling code
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
- H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
- H04L12/283—Processing of data at an internetworking point of a home automation network
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
- H04L67/01—Protocols
- H04L67/02—Protocols based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
- H04L67/025—Protocols based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP] for remote control or remote monitoring of applications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L9/00—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols
- H04L9/06—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols the encryption apparatus using shift registers or memories for block-wise or stream coding, e.g. DES systems or RC4; Hash functions; Pseudorandom sequence generators
- H04L9/065—Encryption by serially and continuously modifying data stream elements, e.g. stream cipher systems, RC4, SEAL or A5/3
Abstract
599055 Disclosed is an apparatus for operating a movable barrier (125). The apparatus includes a gateway device (105) and a processing device (not shown). The gateway device (105) is configured to communicate with at least one of a plurality of accessory devices (140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 181, 185, 190, 195, 200, 205 and 210). The accessory devices (140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 181, 185, 190, 195, 200, 205 and 210) are configured to operate in a moveable barrier operator system and to communicate status information regarding the moveable barrier operator system. The gateway device (105) is further configured to communicate with at least one moveable barrier operator (120). The movable barrier operator (120) is configured to be operatively connected to a moveable barrier (125) to move the moveable barrier (125) between an open position and a closed position. The gateway device (105) includes at least one of: an antenna (110) configured to communicate wirelessly with at least one of the plurality of accessory devices (140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 181, 185, 190, 195, 200, 205 and 210); and a port (130) configured to communicate with at least one of the plurality of accessory devices (140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 181, 185, 190, 195, 200, 205 and 210) via a wired connection. The processing device is configured to receive a control signal designed to implement a function of at least one target device. The at least one target device includes at least one of the moveable barrier operator (120) or at least one of the plurality of accessory devices (140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 181, 185, 190, 195, 200, 205 and 210). The processing device (250) is also configured to receive status information comprising a status of at least one other device that is not the target device. The processing device (250) can then determine whether the at least one target device is authorised to implement the function based at least in part on the status of the at least one other device, and trigger sending of a command signal to the at least one target device to effect implementation of the function. , 175, 180, 181, 185, 190, 195, 200, 205 and 210). The accessory devices (140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 181, 185, 190, 195, 200, 205 and 210) are configured to operate in a moveable barrier operator system and to communicate status information regarding the moveable barrier operator system. The gateway device (105) is further configured to communicate with at least one moveable barrier operator (120). The movable barrier operator (120) is configured to be operatively connected to a moveable barrier (125) to move the moveable barrier (125) between an open position and a closed position. The gateway device (105) includes at least one of: an antenna (110) configured to communicate wirelessly with at least one of the plurality of accessory devices (140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 181, 185, 190, 195, 200, 205 and 210); and a port (130) configured to communicate with at least one of the plurality of accessory devices (140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 181, 185, 190, 195, 200, 205 and 210) via a wired connection. The processing device is configured to receive a control signal designed to implement a function of at least one target device. The at least one target device includes at least one of the moveable barrier operator (120) or at least one of the plurality of accessory devices (140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 181, 185, 190, 195, 200, 205 and 210). The processing device (250) is also configured to receive status information comprising a status of at least one other device that is not the target device. The processing device (250) can then determine whether the at least one target device is authorised to implement the function based at least in part on the status of the at least one other device, and trigger sending of a command signal to the at least one target device to effect implementation of the function.
Description
PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Our ref: BFR233942 NZPR
NEW ZEALAND
PATENTS ACT 1953
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
ted communications for a movable barrier environment
We, The Chamberlain Group, Inc. an American company of 845 Larch Avenue
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126, United States of America hereby declare the invention, for which
we pray that ‘a patent may be granted to us and the method by which it is to be performed, to
be particularly described in and by the following ent:
1 (followed by page 1a)
ENCRYPTED COMMUNICATIONS FOR A E BARRIER ENVIRONMENT
CAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to secure communications among devices, and
more particularly, encrypted communications among devices in a movable banier operation.
BACKGROUND
The number of devices that e in the context of a movable barrier, such as a
residential garage or a commercial door setting in a warehouse, is increasing as users seek
onal features to be incorporated into the operation of the movable door. For example, in a
residence garage, e barrier s may operate in conjunction with one or more lighting
systems, safety sensors such as photo-eyes, and motion sensors. In a warehouse setting, even
more devices are ed in conjunction with a movable barrier at a loading dock for a
warehouse.
Many of these devices are operated h the use of separate control devices,
many of which communicate with individual devices through wired or wireless communications.
Given the increased number of devices being controlled and the types of s being
controlled, safety and security risks can increase with the sing amount of information being
transferred among devices and control apparatuses. For instance, an unauthorized ’s
capturing these communications can result in one or more the loss of confidential data, breaches
in facility security, product theft, or the disruption of facility processes. For example, mis—
signaling in a warehouse context could lead to the malfunctioning of one or more devices that are
applied at a truck loading zone with a resulting failure in security.
Alternatively, it is an object to at least provide the public with a useful choice.
[0004A] According to s of the invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set
out in the independent claims.
SUMMARY
Generally speaking and pursuant to these s embodiments, apparatuses and
methods are described herein that provide for an at least partially secure communication
environment in which accessory devices can be communicated with and controlled in the context
of a movable barrier operator . In one e approach, a gateway device can be
configured to coordinate and control such communications in a secure manner. Three example
approaches to such a communication environment include: (1) a gateway device’s receiving an
accessory device control signal and then sending a rolling code based accessory command signal
to a target accessory ; (2) the gateway device’s receiving a rolling code based accessory
device control signal and sending a command signal to an accessory device; and (3) the gateway
device’s receiving a rolling code based ory device control signal and sending a rolling
code based accessory command signal to a target accessory device. Combinations of the above
three described approaches are also le.
The y device may be a separate element located in the context of a
movable barrier environment or may be built in to one or more other devices normally d in
a movable barrier environment. For example, the gateway device may be built into a movable
barrier operator or a separate user interface device disposed near the movable r. In certain
approaches, the gateway device is configured to communicate h a network with a separate
l controller or other controller to ge information. So red, the gateway device
can be provided to retrofit and be combined with a preexisting movable barrier environment or
may be custom built into a newly provided movable barrier environment.
Adding a rolling code based encryption to one or both of the accessory device
control signal and an accessory command signal es increased security and, in some
approaches, increased control over various devices in a movable barrier operator setting. One
such rolling code approach is described in United States Patent Application. No. ,455 filed
on August 9, 2006, which application is incorporated by nce as if fully rewritten herein. In
various approaches, the rolling code can vary at the system level, be specific to a particular
accessory, be specific to each accessory, or be specific to the movable barrier.
So configured, a given movable barrier ion nment can implement one
or more of the above described s to provide varying levels of security and control. For
instance, a newly installed commercial door operation system can be installed whereby every
accessory device associated with the particular door operates using rolling code based control
and command signals. By another approach, a given commercial door system can be retrofitted
y certain portions of the communications between devices in that nment use rolling
code based communications and other portions of the communication systems do not. Even in
such an example, increased security is realized through the implementation of rolling code based
encryption over the portions of the communication system for a given movable barrier
environment.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and claims the terms
“comprise9’ $‘
, comprising” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an
exclusive or exhaustive sense. That is, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above is at least partially met through provision of the encrypted
communications for a movable barrier environment described in the ing detailed
description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings wherein:
FIGURE 1 comprises a perspective View of an example commercial loading dock
with a movable barrier and accessory devices configured in accordance with various
embodiments of the invention;
FIGURE 2 comprises a block diagram of an example gateway device in a
ication environment as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the
invention;
FIGURE 3 comprises a plan View of an example loading dock as configured in
accordance with various embodiments of the invention;
FIGURES 4, 5, and 6 se flow diagrams of example communication flows
as configured in accordance with s embodiments of the invention;
FIGURES 7, 8, 9, and 10 se flow diagrams of s methods as
configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;
Skilled artisans will appreciate the elements and the figures are illustrated for
simplicity and clarity and have not arily been drawn to scale. For example, the
dimensions and/or ve positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be rated
relative to other elements to help improve understanding of various embodiments. Also
common, but well understood elements that are useful or ary in a cially feasible
embodiment are often not depicted to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various
ments. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or
depicted in a particular order of occurrence, while those skilled in the art will understand that
such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that
the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such
terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above, except where
different specific gs have otherwise been set forth herein
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to the drawings, and in particular in to FIGS. 1 and 2, an
illustrative apparatus that is compatible with many of these ngs will now be ted. A
loading dock area 100 includes a gateway device 105 that includes an a 110 configured to
communicate wirelessly with at least one of a plurality of accessory devices 115 associated with
a movable barrier operator 120. Wireless communication can be performed using any reliable
method including, for example, WIFI, WIMAX, LTR, BLUETOOTH, ZIGBEE, or other
proprietary or public wireless communication method. The movable barrier or is
configured to be operatively connected to a movable barrier 125 to move the movable r
125 n an open position and a closed position. The y device 105 includes in lieu of
or in addition to the antenna a port 130 configured to communicate with at least one of the
plurality of accessory devices 115 Via a wired tion 135. The wired connection 135 may
include any reliable method such as, for example, Ethernet, power line based communication
(where communication is'carried out over power lines and potentially superimposed over power
signals), serial communication, or other proprietary or public wired communication method.
The accessory devices 115 can include any device that would e in the
context of a e barrier environment. Non-limiting examples of such accessory devices
include a photoeye 140, safety edge 145, a dock light 150, an exterior controlled light 155, a
lighting control 160, a dock leveler 165, a trailer lock 170, a controlled power outlet 175, one or
more cameras 180 and 181, edge guards or dock seal 185, dock bumper 190, a dock stoplight
195, a microwave sensor 200, an area optical detector 205, and a loop detector 210. The lighting
control 160 may be a separate control device or be incorporated into the movable barrier operator
120, user interface 215, or gateway device 105. The lighting controller 160 is configured to
communicate with one or more lighting appliances to control their on/off and dimming states.
The lighting controller 160 and lights 150 and 155 may be r configured such that the
lighting controller 160 and determine quality information from the lights 150 and 155 such as the
state of the lighting t and When a lighting element will need replacing.
A given movable barrier environment may also include a user interface device
215 that is configured to e control options for a plurality of the accessory devices 115.
The user interface 215 may be configured to be semi or permanently d near a given
e barrier 125 or may be configured to be a portable user interface 220 that can be carried
around a dock area or residence so as to control accessory devices at more than one loading area
or movable barrier. r option includes running a user interface application on a separate
general purpose computing device such as a smart phone or other portable device
Referring again to the gateway device 105, it includes a processing device 230
configured to l communications with the plurality of accessory devices 115. Those skilled
in the art will recognize and appreciate that such a processor can comprise a urpose hard-
wired platform or can comprise a partially or wholly programmable platform. A memory device
232 can be included as well. All of these architectural options are well known and understood in
the art and require no r description here. The y device 105 may also include a
network access device 240 configured to communicatively connect the gateway device 105 to a
central controller 250 over a network 260. The network access device 240 may communicate
with the network 260 over a wire connection or wirelessly through the antenna 110 by
communicating with a transceiver 270 located within the y device 105 and connected to
the antenna 110. The network access device 240 can be any t or hardware/software
combination that enables network communication over an intranet, the internet, or other network,
either over a wired connection or a wireless connection. The l controller 250 can be any
common computing device configured for communication over a network 260 and specially
configured to communicate with the gateway device 105 as described herein.
Those skilled in the art will recognize and understand that such an tus as
the gateway device 105 may be comprised of a plurality of physically ct elements as is
suggested by the illustration shown in It is also possible, however, to View this
illustration as comprising a logical View, in which case one or more of these elements can be
enabled and realized via a shared platform. It will also be understood that such a shared platform
may comprise a wholly or at least partially programmable platform as are known in the art.
With reference to a loading dock area 300 includes multiple loading docks
305, 310, 315, 320, 325, and 330. Loading docks 305, 310, and 315 each have separate
ications hubs 335, 340, and 345. Loading dock 320 includes a communication hub 350
that is wired to a controller or gateway 355. Loading docks 325 and 330 share a communication
hub 360 that is wired to the controller or gateway 355. The ller/gateway 355 in this
example is configured to icate wirelessly with communication hubs 335, 340, and 345.
The communication hubs 335, 340, 345, 350, and 360 channel ications between the
controller/gateway 355 and their respective movable barrier areas. The hubs 335, 340, 345, 350,
and 360 in one example are gateway devices as described herein configured to communicate
with a central controller such as the controller/gateway 355 whereas in other examples the hubs
335, 340, 345, 350, and 360 are merely relays between the movable barrier areas and the
controller/gateway 355. The controller/gateway 355 is located in a room te from the
general loading dock area 300 with a user interface device 225 configured to control the movable
barrier operator and ory devices associated with each of the loading docks 305, 310, 315,
320, 325, and 330. Optionally, the controller or gateway device 355 can communicate with the
network 260 and through the network 260 with a separate controller 370. The separate controller
370 in one aspect is configured to coordinate and monitor two or more loading dock areas.
It is within these various operations and frameworks that the sing device
230 of the gateway device 105 can be red to control ications with the plurality of
accessory devices 115 in a variety of ways as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6. These figures
illustrate example approaches for the gateway device 105 to receive control signals and send
command signals to command one or more accessory devices 115. Referring to a
gateway device 105 receives an accessory device control signal and in turn sends a g code
based accessory device command signal to an accessory device 115. In this example, the
accessory device control signal is not necessarily encrypted using a rolling code encryption
. However, the communication between the gateway device 105 and the accessory
device 115 is encrypted with a rolling code encryption scheme to provide additional security for
that portion of the communication. The rolling code encryption used for an accessory device
d signal may also include addressing schemes to help address command signals to
dual accessory devices to further fy the communication process with the plurality of
accessory s.
With reference to the gateway device 105 receives a g code based
accessory device control signal and in turn sends a d signal to an accessory device 115.
In this example, the d signal that ds the accessory device 115 does not have a
rolling code based encryption scheme, whereas the accessory device control signal received by
the gateway device 105 does have a rolling code based encryption scheme. Generally speaking,
the accessory device control signal may be sent by any of a variety of control devices, such as a
user interface device that is specific to a particular accessory device or is a general user interface
device used to control multiple accessory devices. When using rolling code encryption for the
accessory device control signal, sing schemes may be rolled into the encryption to help the
gateway device 105 securely route command signals to specific ory devices 115.
With nce to the gateway device 105 receives a rolling code based
accessory device control signal and in turn sends a rolling code based accessory device d
signal to one or more accessory devices 115. In this e, both the device control signal
received by the gateway device 105 and the d signal sent by the gateway device 105 to
an accessory device 115 are rolling code encrypted to increase security of communication with
the plurality of accessory devices.
Referring again to FIGS. 1—3, the processing device 230 in one aspect is
configured to control communications with the plurality with accessory devices 115 by receiving
an accessory device control signal designed to implement a function of one of the plurality of
accessory devices 115, and triggering sending a rolling code based accessory command signal to
one of the ity of accessory devices 115 and/or the movable barrier operator 120. This
approach parallels that of In this approach, the one of the plurality of accessory devices
115 is configured to receive the rolling code based accessory command signal and derive a
rolling code from the rolling code based accessory command signal. The one of the plurality of
accessory devices 115 is further configured to determine whether the rolling code is a valid
g code and, in response to determining whether the rolling code is a valid rolling code,
implement the function.
The function to be implemented by the one of the plurality of accessory devices
will vary depending upon the type of accessory device being targeted and the capabilities of that
accessory device. For e, the function may include ing a system d such as
opening or g the barrier, turning on and off dock lights, execute a camera function, or the
like. Other miting examples of system commands are as follows: Barrier operator — open,
Barrier operator — close, Barrier operator — Change state, Barrier operator - Status request,
Barrier operator — Fault request, Photo eye — status request, Photo eye — Fault request, Safety
Edge — status request, Safety Edge —— Fault request, Dock light — turn on, Dock light — turn off,
Dock Light — Status request, Dock light —~ Fault request, Area light ~ turn on, Area light — turn
off, Area Light — Status request, Area light — Fault t, Dock leveler — Status request, Dock
leveler - Weight request, Dock leveler — Fault request, r lock — Status t, Controlled
power outlet — Status request, Camera Status request, Camera Record, Edge guards / Dock seal —
Status request, Dock Bumper - Status request, and Dock Stoplight —— Status request.
Another function to be implemented by an ory device es sending
back status information in response to receiving the command . miting examples of
information to be sent back are as follows: r or ner identification, driver
identification, Current or power used, Barrier operator - number of operations, Barrier operator -
door positional status, Barrier operator ~ failed to complete a command, r operator - forces
to open, Barrier operator — obstructed, Barrier operator - reversed due to t with an
obstruction, Barrier operator - reversed due to non-contact detection of a obstruction, Barrier
operator - internal fault detected, Barrier operator - internal fault identification, Barrier operator
— normal, Photo eye — ction, Photo eye
— Fault, Photo eye — Fault identification, Photo eye
— Obstruction remaining, Photo eye — normal, Safety edge — obstruction, Safety edge
obstruction remaining, Safety edge — Fault, Safety edge - Fault identification, Safety edge —
, Dock Light - Status (on off), Dock Light - Bulb Status (Alive dead), Area lighting -
Status (on Off), Area ng — Bulb Status (all Alive One or more dead need service), Dock
leveler — Set, Dock leveler - Weight detected, Dock leveler — Released, Dock leveler — Set,
Trailer lock — Released, Trailer lock — Set, Controlled power outlet Active, Controlled power
outlet - Deactivated, Camera - not active, Camera - motion activated, Camera — system activated,
Edge guards / Dock seal - Compressed (vehicle detected), Edge guards / Dock seal — Not
Compressed (vehicle absent pulled in wrong), Dock Bumper impacted (check for damage), and
Dock stop-light (Red or Green).
So configured, the gateway device 105 supports unidirectional and bidirectional
communication with the movable barrier operator 120 and any of the accessory devices 115. In
a unidirectional setting, the gateway device 105 sends command signals to the one or more
targeted devices to effect a function without expecting or ing for a response
communication. In a bidirectional communication setting, the gateway device 105 sends
command signals to the one or more targeted devices and is configured to receive return
communications from the targeted s. The gateway device 105 in another aspect can be
configured to receive such communications from the movable barrier operator 120 and ory
devices 115 without having first prompted the communication through sending a command
. For example, certain accessory s can be configured to report certain conditions in
response to detecting such conditions such that the gateway device 105 can then rely such
information to a user interface device 215, 220, or 225 or a central controller 250.
Referring again to FIGS 1 and 2, the user interface 215, 220, or 225 is configured
to receive a user signal regarding the control options and, in response to ing the user signal,
send the accessory device control signal to the gateway device 105. Accordingly, a user can use
the user interface device 215 to review the various fimctions available for the various accessory
devices 115 and select which of the ons to execute. The user interface 215, 220, or 225 in
turn sends the accessory device control signal to the y device 105, which in se to
receiving the accessory device l signal, sends a rolling code based accessory command
signal to the one of the plurality of accessory devices 115.
In one ch, the gateway device 105 stores (for example in the memory
device 232) and updates the rolling code each time the gateway device 105 sends a rolling code
based accessory command signal to the one of the plurality of accessory devices 115. The
rolling code may be updated with each sending of a rolling code based accessory command
signal to any of the plurality accessory devices or, in another approach, separate rolling codes
may be stored wherein each rolling code corresponds to an individual one of the plurality of
accessory devices. In the second approach, the rolling code based accessory command signal
comprises an accessory specific rolling code having a corresponding rolling code number tracked
at the one of the plurality of accessory devices 115.
More specifically, in one example rolling code tion configuration, an
encrypted rolling code, a plurality of differing data bit order patterns, and a ity of differing
data inversion patterns are provided. One s a particular one of each of the bit order patterns
and the data inversion patterns to provide selected patterns and then uses those selected patterns
as ission characteristics when itting at least part of the encrypted g code.
By these teachings, for example, a y device can be provided with data to be
transmitted, where that data comprises, at least in part, at least portions of an encrypted rolling
code and where that data ts with a ular data bit order pattern and a particular data
inversion pattern as a function of a given portion of that rolling code. That data can then be
transmitted in combination with the given portion of the encrypted rolling code wherein that
given portion of the rolling code is not transmitted with any of its bits reordered or inverted as a
function of the given portion itself. Accordingly, a receiver such as a movable barrier operator
120 or accessory device 115 that receives the data can then properly recover the re-
ordered/inverted ns of the encrypted rolling code as a on of the given portion of the
encrypted rolling code. If desired, this process will also optionally accommodate providing a
fixed code. This fixed code can vary with the needs, requirements, and/or opportunities of a
given ation setting, but can, for example, comprise a value that is ntially unique to a
given transmitter and hence comprises a value that will serve to identify that given transmitter.
By another approach, the fixed code may indicate an address for the device for which
accompanying control information is intended.
This encryption configuration also provides a plurality of ing data bit order
patterns. By one approach, for example, this can comprise data bit order patterns that each
comprise a pattern for exactly three bits. As will be shown below, this can be particularly
beneficial when used in conjunction with bit pairs that correlate to corresponding ternary data.
Similarly, this s provides a plurality of different data inversion patterns. As before, if
desired, this can comprise providing patterns that each se a pattern for exactly three bits.
The number of patterns provided in either case can vary as desired. By one approach, however,
this can comprise providing at least nine different bit order ns and nine ent data
inversion patterns.
This encryption configuration then provides for selecting a ular one of each
of the data bit order patterns and the data ion patterns to provide resultant corresponding
selected patterns. There are various ways by which such selections can be made. By one
approach, one may use a predetermined portion of the previously provided encrypted rolling
code to inform the making of these selections. For example, this can comprise using a
predetermined four bit pairs of the encrypted rolling code as a basis for selecting the particular
data bit order pattern and the particular data inversion n. As another example in this regard,
in combination with the foregoing or in lieu thereof, this can comprise using a first
ermined portion of the encrypted rolling code to select a first particular data bit order
pattern and a first data inversion pattern and using a second predetermined portion of the
encrypted rolling code (that is, for example, discrete with respect to the first predetermined
portion of the encrypted rolling code though this is not a fundamental requirement) to select a
second particular data bit order pattern and a second data inversion pattern.
This process then provides for transmitting at least a part of the encrypted rolling
code itself (as well as at least a part of the above-described fixed code when present) using the
aforementioned selected patterns as transmission characteristics. By one approach this can
comprise making such a transmission using Manchester encoding as is known in the art.
So configured, a first portion of a joint message is seen to include a recovery
tor that itself comprises a selected portion of an encrypted rolling code. A second n
of that joint message, in turn, ns data triplets having bits that are arranged in a particular
order and that observe a particular ion pattern as a function of that joint indicator.
Accordingly, it will not be sufficient for an unauthorized party to simply glean, in some fashion,
the basis of the rolling code . Instead, now, this unauthorized party must also now
understand how a particular portion of that rolling code is used to modify the transmission of
other portions of that rolling code in addition to fixed information as may also accompany the
rolling code to be able to steal addressing or substantive information as may be itted.
In one example, the processing device 230 is configured to control
communications with the plurality of accessory devices 115 by validating the accessory device
control signal and in se to validating the accessory device control , triggering
sending the rolling code based accessory command signal to the one of the plurality of ory
devices 115. Validating includes confirming that the accessory device control signal is a valid
signal and determining the requested function to be performed by the particular one or more of
the accessory devices. This process may further include the processing device 230 being further
configured to control communications with the plurality of the accessory devices 115 by
determining an s of the one of the plurality accessory devices 115 based on the accessory
device control signal. When using the address, the processing device 230 of the y device
105 is able to create the rolling code based accessory command signal including a proper address
to trigger the proper function by the correct accessory device.
In another example, the processing device 230 is configured to access the central
controller 250 to receive a rolling code on which the g code based accessory command
signal is based d of determining the rolling code internally to the gateway device 105.
Other functions of the gateway device 105 as described above may be performed in conjunction
with or by the central controller 250. For example, in one aspect, the sing device 230 can
be configured to control communications with the plurality of accessory devices 115 by
accessing the central controller 250 to validate the accessory device l signal and, in
response to validating the accessory device control signal, triggering sending the rolling code
based accessory command signal to the one of the plurality of accessory s 115. In other
words, various aspects of validating the accessory device control signal and creating the rolling
code based accessory command signal may be performed at the gateway device 105 and/or at the
central controller 250.
The processing device 230 of the gateway device 105 may, in addition to being
configured to receive accessory device control signal designed to implement a on of the
one of the plurality of accessory devices, may also be red to control ications with
the plurality of accessory devices by receiving a rolling code based accessory device control
signal design to implement the function of the one plurality of accessory devices. In this
approach, the processing device is further configured to derive a rolling code from the rolling
code based accessory device control signal, to determine whether the rolling code is a valid
rolling code, and, in response to determining r the rolling code is a valid rolling code,
triggering g the rolling code based accessory command signal to the one of the plurality of
accessory devices.
So configured, the gateway device 105 can receive both g code based and
non-rolling code based accessory device control signals and, in response to receiving either type
of accessory device control signal, send a rolling code based accessory command signal to
trigger implementation or execution of the ted function by one or more accessory devices.
In one aspect, the rolling code based accessory device control signal es a movable barrier
specific rolling code having a corresponding rolling number tracked at one of the gateway device
105 or a central controller 250 and specific to the movable barrier 125 with which the plurality of
accessory devices 115 are associated. In this aspect, the movable r specific rolling code
will roll or change with every rolling code based ory device control signal sent to the
gateway device 105 associated with the movable barrier 125.
As discussed above, various ones of the validating, ing, and g aspects
of the gateway device 150 may be performed with other devices or in conjunction with other
devices, such as the central controller 250 or the user interface 215. Such examples include
wherein the processing device 230 is further configured to control communications with the
plurality of accessory s 115 by receiving a rolling code based accessory device control
signal designed to implement the on of the one of the plurality of accessory devices 115
and deriving a rolling code from the rolling code based accessory device control signal. In this
aspect, the processing device 230 accesses the central controller 250 to determine whether the
g code is a valid rolling code and in response to determining that the rolling code is a valid
rolling code, triggering sending the rolling code based accessory command signal to the one of
the plurality of accessory devices 115.
In still another example, the processing device 230 is further configured to control
ications with the ity of accessory devices 115 by ing a rolling code based
accessory device control signal designed to implement a fianction of a second of the plurality of
accessory devices 115 and deriving a rolling code from lling code based accessory
command signal. In this aspect, the processing device 230 ines whether the rolling code
is a valid rolling code and in response, to determining that the rolling code is a valid rolling code,
triggering sending a command signal to the second of the plurality of accessory devices. In this
, the second of the plurality of accessory devices 115 is configured to receive the command
signal and, in response to receiving the d signal, ent the on. In still another
example, the processing device 230 is configured to control communications with the plurality of
accessory devices 115 by ing a rolling code based accessory device control signal designed
to implement a function of a second of the plurality of accessory devices and deriving a rolling
code from the rolling code based accessory command signal. The processing device is r
configured to access the central controller 250 to determine whether the rolling code is a valid
rolling code and, in response to determining that the rolling code is a valid rolling code,
triggering sending a command signal to the second of the plurality of accessory devices 115.
With this aspect, the second of the plurality of accessory control devices 115 is configured to
receive the command signal and, in response to receiving the command signal, ent the
requested function.
The apparatus as described above is configured in the first instance to operate
under the signaling approach described in wherein the system can be modified to, in
addition to such signaling, also m signaling such that described in FIGS. 5 and 6. In other
examples, the apparatus may be configured to operate in the first instance in accordance with the
signaling flows described in either or with further modifications to odate
the other signaling flows. For example, an example gateway device 105 may include a
processing device 230 configured to control ications with the plurality of accessory
devices 115 by receiving a rolling code based accessory device control signal designed to
implement a function of one of the ity of accessory devices 115 and triggering sending a
command signal to the one of the plurality of accessory devices 115 to effect implementation of
the function. This approach can be implemented, for example, in a retrofitted situation where
various accessory devices 115 are not red to operate in response to or receive and
understand rolling code based command signals. Therefore, the security provided by using a
rolling code based encryption can still be implemented in the signaling between a user interface
device and a gateway device 105 wherein the gateway device can then communicate with a
legacy accessory device using the legacy accessory devices particular command ing. In
this example, the gateway device 105 may also communicate with other accessory devices using
a rolling code based accessory device command signal where the target accessory devices are
configured to receive and operate in response to such rolling code based signaling.
So configured, a complicated movable barrier operator environment can operate
ly and in an integrated fashion to improve overall performance of the movable barrier
system. For instance, safety and security are improved through central control and notification
of movable barrier or door status (open, closed, moving), sensor status (such as photo eye, safety
edges, and the like), and other accessory device l including that of the lights, dock leveler,
trailer lock, and the like. All this information can be available to an operator at a user interface
device and stored for operation management. For example, throughput at a loading bay can be
monitored and improved by tracking the time truck was in the bay (from or status,
ity sensors, red light status, seal status, time the door was open, time the door was closed,
time when the dock levelers was moved, or power from aux lights outlet). ty is improved
by integrating access control ts and ation and additional implemented features. For
instance, truck driver identification can be read by microwave sensors or other sensors, container
fication can be read by microwave sensors or other sensors, cameras can be activated in
response to sensing engagement by the safety edge, and lighting and camera activation can be
red in response to sensing certain or any activity by motion detector or other detector.
Other examples include opening the movable barrier in response to sensing g of the
opening by door seals and the lighting can be controlled based on a status of the dock operator.
Maintenance ons can be streamlined by tically receiving status s regarding
device power, device cycle usage, changes in power draw, and the like. All of which can be
communicated to the gateway device for consolidation and trigging responsive actions.
The apparatuses as described above can be configured to perform s
methods including the example methods illustrated in FIGS. 7-10. g to this
example method (which in the first instance corresponds to the approach of includes
receiving 705 at a gateway device 105 from a user interface 215, 220 or 225an accessory device
control signal designed to implement a function of one of the plurality of accessory devices
associated With a movable barrier operator 120. The gateway device 105 is configured to send
control signals to the movable barrier operator 120 to effect movement of a movable barrier 125
n an open position and a closed position. The method also includes determining 710
which of the plurality of accessory devices 115 implements the function. In one aspect, the
y device 105 lling communications with the plurality of accessory devices 115 does
so by determining an address of the one of the plurality accessory devices 115 based on the
accessory device control signal.
The method further includes at 715 sending a rolling code based accessory
command signal to the one of the plurality of accessory devices 115 to effect implementation of
the function. In one aspect, the rolling code based accessory command signal may include an
accessory c g code wehrein the method further includes tracking a corresponding
rolling number at the one of the plurality of accessory devices 115. The method may also
include controlling a second of the plurality accessory devices 115. In this aspect, the method
includes receiving a rolling code based accessory device control signal designed to ent a
function of a second of a plurality of accessory devices 115 and deriving a rolling code from the
g code based accessory command signal. The method also es determining whether
the rolling code is a valid rolling code and, in response determining that the rolling code is a
valid rolling code, sending a command signal to the second of the plurality accessory s.
The method may also include a user interface’s 215, 220 or 225 providing 720
control operations for a plurality of the accessory devices 115 and receiving 725 a user signal
regarding the control options. In response to receiving the user signal, the method includes at
730 sending the accessory device control signal to the gateway device 105. The method may
also e the one of the plurality of ory devices 115 receiving 740 the rolling code
based ory command signal and deriving 745 a rolling code from the rolling code based
accessory command signal. The accessory device 115 determines 750 whether the rolling code
is a valid g code and, in se determining that the g code is a valid rolling code,
implementing 755 the function.
Other optional steps may be included in the method as well. For example, the
method can include validating 760 the ory device control signal and, in response to
validating the ory device control signal, at 715 sending the rolling code based accessory
command signal to one of the plurality accessory devices 115. In another optional aspect, the
gateway device 105 can access 765 a central controller 250 to receive a rolling code on which
the rolling code based accessory command signal is based. Other aspects of the method can be
performed in conjunction with or by the central controller 250. For instance, the gateway device
115 can control communications with the plurality of accessory devices by accessing the central
controller 250 to validate the ory device control signal and, in response to validating the
accessory device control signal, triggering sending the rolling code based accessory command
signal to the one of the ity of ory devices 115. Moreover, accessing the central
controller 250 can be part of communicating with a second one of the plurality of the accessory
devices 115. In this aspect, the gateway device 105 controlling communications with the
plurality of accessory devices 115 does so by receiving a rolling code based accessory device
control signal designed to ent a function of a second of a plurality of accessory devices
115, deriving a g code from the g code based accessory command signal, accessing a
central controller 250 to determine Whether the rolling code is a valid rolling code, and, in
response to determining that the rolling code is a valid rolling code, sending a command signal to
the second of the plurality ory devices 115.
In a still further optional modification of the method of the gateway
device 105 can control communications with the plurality of accessory devices by receiving a
g code based accessory device l signal designed to implement the function of the one
of the plurality of accessory devices 115 as opposed to receiving just an accessory device control
signal that is not rolling code encrypted. In this aspect, the gateway device 105 s a rolling
code from the rolling code based accessory device control signal, determines whether the rolling
code is a valid rolling code, and, in response to determining that the rolling code is a valid rolling
code, sends the g code based accessory command signal to the one of the plurality of
accessory devices. Optionally, the gateway device can access the central controller 250 to
determine whether the rolling code is a valid rolling code, and in another optional modification,
the rolling code based accessory device control signal can e a movable barrier specific
rolling code. In this aspect, the method further includes tracking 770 a corresponding rolling
number at one of the gateway device or the central controller 250 where the corresponding
rolling number is c to the movable barrier with which the plurality of accessory devices
are associated.
With reference to another example method (which in the first instance
corresponds to the approach of includes receiving 805 at a gateway device 105 from a
user interface 215, 220 or 225 a rolling code based accessory device control signal designed to
implement a function of one of the plurality of accessory devices associated with a e
r operator 120. The method also includes determining 810 which of the plurality of
ory s 115 implements the on. In one aspect, the gateway device 105 does so
by determining an address of the one of the plurality accessory devices 115 based on the
accessory device control signal, for example, by reviewing ation included in the accessory
device control signal. In an optional step 812, the gateway device 105 validates the accessory
device control signal. For example, the validation 812 can include checking the rolling code
portion of the rolling code based accessory device control signal. In another approach, the
gateway device controlling communications with the plurality of accessory devices does so by
accessing a central controller to validate the rolling code based accessory device control signal.
In response to receiving the rolling code based accessory device control signal,
and optionally validating the , the method further includes at 815 sending a command
signal to the one of the plurality of accessory devices 115 to effect implementation of the
function. The method may also e controlling a second of the plurality accessory devices
115. In this aspect, the method es receiving a rolling code based accessory device control
signal ed to implement a function of a second of a plurality of accessory devices 115 and
deriving a rolling code from the g code based accessory command . The method also
includes determining Whether the rolling code is a valid rolling code and, in response
ining that the rolling code is a valid rolling code, sending a command signal to the second
of the plurality accessory devices.
The method may also include a user interface’s 215, 220 or 225 providing 820
control operations for a plurality of the accessory s 115 and receiving 825 a user signal
regarding the control options. The user interface device can provide control options by
displaying control options or otherwise communicating control options to a user or other
computing device that can initiate g a user triggered signal to indicate selection of a
control option to be conveyed to a controlled device. In response to receiving the user signal, the
method includes at 830 sending the rolling code based accessory device control signal to the
gateway device 105. The method may also include the one of the plurality of accessory devices
115 receiving 840 the command signal.
Other optional steps may be included in the method as well. Other aspects of the
method can be performed in conjunction with or by the central ller 250. For ce, the
gateway device 115 can l communications with the plurality of accessory devices by
accessing the central controller 250 to te the accessory device control signal and, in
response to validating the accessory device control signal, triggering sending the command
signal to the one of the plurality of accessory s 115. er, accessing the central
controller 250 can be part of communicating with a second one of the plurality of the accessory
devices 115. In this aspect, the gateway device 105 controlling ications with the
plurality of accessory devices 115 does so by receiving a g code based ory device
control signal designed to implement a function of a second of a plurality of accessory devices
115, deriving a rolling code from the g code based accessory command signal, accessing a
central controller 250 to determine whether the rolling code is a valid rolling code, and, in
response to determining that the rolling code is a valid rolling code, sending a command signal to
the second of the plurality accessory devices 115.
In a still further optional modification of the method of the gateway
device 105 can control communications with the plurality of accessory devices by sending a
rolling code based accessory command signal ed to implement the function of the one of
the plurality of accessory s 115 as opposed to sending just a command signal that is not
rolling code encrypted. In this aspect, the rolling code based accessory command signal may
include an accessory c rolling code n the method further includes tracking a
corresponding rolling number at the one of the plurality of accessory devices 115. In still another
aspect the accessory device receives 840 the g code based accessory command signal,
derives 845 a rolling code from the rolling code based accessory command signal, and
ines 850 whether the rolling code is a valid rolling code, and, in response determining that
the rolling code is a valid rolling code, implementing 855 the function. In still another optional
aspect, the gateway device 105 can access a l controller 250 to receive a rolling code on
which the rolling code based accessory command signal is based. Optionally, the rolling code
based accessory device control signal can include a movable barrier specific rolling code. In this
aspect, the method further includes tracking 865 a ponding rolling number at one of the
gateway device or the central controller 250 where the corresponding rolling number is specific
to the movable barrier with which the plurality of accessory devices are associated.
With nce to another example method (which in the first instance
ponds to the approach of includes receiving 905 at a gateway device 105 from a
user interface 215, 220 or 225 a rolling code based accessory device control signal designed to
implement a on of one of the plurality of accessory s associated with a movable
barrier operator 120. The method also includes determining 910 which of the plurality of
accessory devices 115 ents the function. In one aspect, the gateway device 105 does so
by determining an address of the one of the plurality accessory devices 115 based on the
accessory device control signal, for example, by reviewing information included in the accessory
device control . In an optional step 912, the gateway device 105 validates the accessory
device control signal. For example, the validation 912 can include checking the rolling code
portion of the rolling code based accessory device control signal. In another approach, the
gateway device controlling communications with the plurality of accessory s does so by
accessing a central controller to validate the rolling code based accessory device control signal.
In response to receiving the g code based accessory device control signal,
and optionally validating the , the method r includes at 915 sending a command
signal to the one of the plurality of accessory devices 115 to effect implementation of the
function. In one aspect, the rolling code based accessory command signal may include an
accessory ic rolling code n the method further includes tracking a corresponding
rolling number at the one of the ity of accessory s 115. The method may also
include controlling a second of the plurality accessory devices 115. In this aspect, the method
includes receiving a rolling code based accessory device control signal designed to implement a
fill’lCtiOl’l of a second of a plurality of accessory devices 115 and deriving a rolling code from the
rolling code based accessory command signal. The method also es determining whether
the rolling code is a valid rolling code and, in response determining that the rolling code is a
valid rolling code, sending a command signal to the second of the plurality accessory devices.
The method may also include a user interface’s 215, 220 or 225 providing 920
control operations for a plurality of the accessory devices 115 and receiving 925 a user signal
ing the control options. In response to receiving the user signal, the method includes at
930 sending the rolling code based accessory device control signal to the gateway device 105.
The method may also include the one of the ity of accessory s 115 receiving 940 the
command signal and deriving 945 a rolling code from the rolling code based accessory command
. The accessory device 115 determines 950 whether the rolling code is a valid rolling code
and, in response determining that the rolling code is a valid rolling code, implementing 955 the
function.
In an optional modification of the method of the gateway device 105 can
control communications with the ity of accessory devices by ing non-rolling code
encrypted accessory control signals and/or sending a non-rolling code based accessory command
signal designed to implement the function of the one of the plurality of accessory s 115,
which approaches are described above.
So configured, the gateway device 105 allows for nation and integration
among the various devices through securely encrypted and addressed communications. Such
nation provides for system functional integration wherein operation or functioning of
n devices can be made conditional on the status of other devices. This is possible because
ication with each of the accessory devices 115 is performed h the gateway device
105 such that the gateway device 105, or a central controller 250 in communication with the
gateway device 105 or a combination of both, stores the status of each device.
Many examples of coordination among the accessory devices are applicable.
With reference to , one example method of operating devices in a commercial door
nment includes receiving 1010 at a gateway device 105 from a user interface 215, 220 or
225 a device control signal designed to implement a function of at least one of a movable barrier
operator 120 or one of a plurality of accessory s associated with the movable barrier
or 120. The process includes determining 1020 whether the one of the plurality of
accessory devices 115 is authorized to implement the function based at least in part on a status of
at least one of another accessory device or the movable barrier 125. Examples include
determining that the photo eyes 140 are open before authorizing movement of the movable
barrier 125, determining that the dock seal 185 is set and/or that the movable barrier 125 is open
before authorizing unlocking of the trailer lock 170, determining that the light 150 is on before
authorizing opening the movable barrier 125, and ining that the dock leveler is locked
before authorizing turning on a green or go dock stoplight 195. In response to determining that
the target device(s) is authorized to implement the function, sending a g code based
command signal to the target device(s) to effect implementation of the function. If the gateway
device 105 or central controller 250 ines that a particular configuration needed before
executing a function is not present, optionally the y device 105 can send command signals
to the effected devices to create the particular configuration needed to execute the function.
Those skilled in the art will ize that a wide variety of modifications,
alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments
without ing from the scope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, and
combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept.
Claims (52)
1. An apparatus comprising: a gateway device configured to communicate with at least one of a ity of ory devices configured to operate in a moveable barrier operator system and configured to communicate status information regarding the moveable barrier or system, the gateway device further red to communicate with at least one moveable barrier operator configured to be operatively connected to a moveable barrier to move the moveable barrier between an open position and a closed position, the gateway device comprising: at least one of: an antenna configured to communicate wirelessly with at least one of the plurality of accessory devices, or a port configured to communicate with at least one of the plurality of accessory devices via a wired connection; and a processing device configured to: receive a control signal designed to implement a function of at least one target device, the at least one target device comprising at least one of the moveable barrier operator or at least one of the plurality of accessory s, receive status information comprising a status of at least one other device that is not the target device, determine Whether the at least one target device is authorized to implement the function based at least in part on the status of the at least one other device, and trigger sending a d signal to the at least one target device to effect implementation of the function.
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the command signal comprises a rolling code based command signal.
The apparatus of claim 1 n the control signal ses a rolling code based control signal.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 further sing at least one of the e barrier or or one or more of the plurality of accessory devices associated with the movable barrier.
5. The tus of claim 4 wherein the one of the plurality of accessory devices is configured to: receive the rolling code based command signal, derive a rolling code from the rolling code based command signal, determine whether the g code is a valid rolling code, in response to determining that the rolling code is a valid rolling code, implement the function.
6. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims further comprising a user interface red to provide control options for a plurality of the accessory s, receive a user signal regarding the control options, and in response to receiving the user signal, send the l signal to the gateway device.
7. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the gateway device further comprises a network access device configured to icatively connect the gateway device to a central controller over a network.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the processing device is configured to access the central controller to receive a g code on which the rolling code based command signal is based.
9. The apparatus of claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the processing device is further configured to control communications with the plurality of accessory devices by accessing the l controller to validate the control signal and in response to validating the control signal, triggering sending the rolling code based command signal to the one of the plurality of accessory devices.
10. The apparatus of any one of claims 7 to 9 further comprising the central controller.
11. The apparatus of any one of claims 2, and 4 to 8 wherein the processing device is r configured to l communications with the plurality of ory devices by ting the control signal and in response to validating the control signal, triggering sending the rolling code based command signal to the one of the plurality of accessory devices.
12. The apparatus of any one of claims 2 and 4 to 11 wherein the processing device is further configured to control communications with the plurality of accessory devices by: receiving a rolling code based control signal designed to implement the function of the one of the plurality of accessory devices, deriving a rolling code from the rolling code based l signal, determining whether the rolling code is a valid rolling code, and in response to determining that the rolling code is a valid rolling code, triggering sending the rolling code based command signal to the one of the plurality of ory devices.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 n the rolling code based control signal comprises a movable barrier specific rolling code having a corresponding rolling number tracked at one of the gateway device or a central controller and specific to the movable barrier with which the plurality of accessory devices are ated.
14. The apparatus of any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the processing device is further configured to control communications with the plurality of accessory s by: receiving a rolling code based control signal designed to implement the on of the one of the plurality of accessory s, deriving a rolling code from the rolling code based control signal, accessing the central controller to ine whether the rolling code is a valid g code, in response to ining that the rolling code is a valid rolling code, triggering sending the rolling code based accessory command signal to the one of the plurality of accessory devices.
15. The apparatus of any one of claims 2 and 4 to 14 wherein the processing device is fiirther configured to control ications with the plurality of accessory devices by: receiving a rolling code based control signal ed to implement a function of a second of the plurality of accessory devices, deriving a rolling code from the rolling code based command signal, determining whether the rolling code is a valid g code, and in response to determining that the rolling code is a valid g code, triggering sending a command signal to the second of the plurality of accessory devices; wherein the second of the plurality of accessory devices is configured to: receive the command signal, and in response to receiving the command signal, implement the function.
16. The apparatus of any one of claims 7 to 14 n the processing device is further configured to control communications with the plurality of accessory devices by: receiving a rolling code based control signal ed to implement a function of a second of the ity of accessory devices, ng a rolling code from the rolling code based command signal, accessing the central controller to determine whether the rolling code is a valid rolling code, and in se to determining that the rolling code is a valid rolling code, ring sending a command signal to the second of the plurality of accessory devices; wherein the second of the plurality of accessory devices is configured to: e the d signal, and in response to receiving the d signal, implement the function.
17. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein the processing device is further configured to l communications with the ity of accessory devices by determining an address of the one of the plurality of accessory devices based on the control signal.
18. The apparatus of any one of claims 2 and 5 to 17 wherein the rolling code based command signal comprises an accessory specific rolling code having a corresponding rolling number tracked at the one of the plurality of accessory devices.
19. The tus of claim 3 further comprising a user interface configured to provide control options for a plurality of the accessory s, receive a user signal regarding at least one of the control options, and in response to receiving the user signal, send a rolling code based control signal to the gateway device.
20. The apparatus of claim 3 or claim 19 wherein the gateway device further comprises a network access device configured to communicatively connect the y device to a central controller over a k.
21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the processing device is further configured to control communications with the plurality of accessory devices by accessing the central controller to validate the rolling code based control signal and in response to validating the rolling code based control signal, triggering sending the command signal to the one of the plurality of accessory devices.
22. The apparatus of claim 20 or claim 21 wherein the sing device is further configured to control communications with the plurality of accessory devices by: deriving a rolling code from the rolling code based control signal, accessing the central controller to determine r the rolling code is a valid rolling code, in response to determining that the g code is a valid rolling code, triggering sending the command signal to the one of the plurality of accessory devices.
23. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 22 wherein the at least one of a plurality of accessory devices is selected from the group consisting of: a photoeye, a safety edge, a light, a lighting control, a dock leveler, a trailer lock, a controlled power outlet, a camera, an edge guard, a dock seal, a dock bumper, a microwave sensor, an area optical detector, and a loop detector.
24. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 18 n the status information comprises information selected from the group consisting of: trailer identification, ner identification, driver identification, current used, power used, barrier operator — number of operations, barrier operator ~ door onal status, barrier operator — failed to complete a command, barrier operator _ forces to open, barrier operator — obstructed, barrier operator — reversed due to t with an obstruction, barrier operator — reversed due to non-contact ion of an obstruction, barrier operator — al fault detected, barrier operator — internal fault identification, barrier operator — normal, photo- eye — obstruction, photo eye —fault, photo eye — fault identification, photo eye- obstruction remaining, photo eye- normal, safety edge ~ obstruction, safety edge — normal, dock light — status, dock light — bulb status, area lighting — status, area lighting — bulb status, dock leveler — set, dock r —weight detected, dock r — released, dock leveler — set, trailer lock released, trailer lock ~ set, controlled power outlet active, controlled power outlet — deactivated, camera — not , camera — motion activated, camera — system activated, edge guards/dock seal — ssed, edge guards/dock seal — not compressed, dock bumper impacted, and dock stop-light.
25. A method of operating devices in a moveable barrier environment comprising: receiving at a gateway device from a user interface an ory device control signal designed to implement a function of at least one target device, the at least one target device sing at least one of a moveable barrier operator or at least one of a plurality of accessory devices confirgured to operate in a movable barrier operator system and configured to communicate states information regarding the le barrier operator system, the gateway device configured to send control signals to the movable barrier operator to effect movement of a movable barrier between an open position and a closed position; determining which of the at least one target device ents the on; receiving status information comprising a status of at least one other device that is not the target device; determining whether the at least one target device is authorized to implement the on based at least in part on the status of the at least one other device; g a command signal to the at least one target device to effect implementation of the function.
26. The method of claim 25 wherein the command signal comprises a rolling code based command signal.
27. The method of claim 25 wherein the control signal comprises a rolling code based control signal.
28. The method of claim 26 further comprising the user interface providing control options for a plurality of the accessory devices, receiving a user signal regarding the control options, and in se to receiving the user signal, sending the control signal to the gateway device.
29. The method of claim 26 or 28 further comprising the one of the plurality of accessory receiving the rolling code based command signal; deriving a rolling code from the rolling code based command signal; determining whether the rolling code is a valid rolling code; in response to determining that the rolling code is a valid g code, implementing the function.
30. The method of any one of claims 26 and 28 to 30 further sing the gateway device accessing a central controller to receive a rolling code on which the rolling code based command signal is based.
31. The method of any one of claims 26 and 28 to 30 further comprising the y device controlling communications with the plurality of accessory s by accessing a central controller to validate the control signal and in response to validating the control signal, triggering sending the rolling code based command signal to the one of the plurality of accessory devices.
32. The method of any one of claims 26 and 28 to 30 further comprising the gateway device controlling communications with the plurality of ory devices by validating the control signal and in response to validating the control signal, g the rolling code based d signal to the one of the plurality of accessory devices.
33. The method of claim 28 further comprising the gateway device controlling communications with the plurality of accessory devices by: receiving a rolling code based control signal designed to implement the function of the one of the plurality of accessory s, deriving a rolling code from the rolling code based control signal, determining whether the rolling code is a valid rolling code, and in response to determining that the rolling code is a valid rolling code, sending the rolling code based command signal to the one of the plurality of accessory devices.
34. The method of claim 33 wherein the rolling code based control signal comprises a movable barrier specific g code, the method r comprising ng a corresponding rolling number at one of the gateway device or a l controller, the corresponding g number being specific to the movable barrier with which the plurality of accessory devices are associated.
35. The method of claim 28 further comprising the gateway device controlling communications with the plurality of accessory devices by: receiving a rolling code based control signal designed to implement the function of the one of the plurality of accessory devices, deriving a rolling code from the rolling code based control signal, accessing the central ller to determine whether the rolling code is a valid rolling code, in response to determining that the rolling code is a valid rolling code, sending the rolling code based command signal to the one of the plurality of accessory devices.
36. The method of any one of claims 26 and 28 to 35 further comprising the gateway device controlling communications with the plurality of accessory devices by: receiving a rolling code based control signal designed to ent a function of a second of the plurality of accessory devices, deriving a rolling code from the rolling code based command signal, determining that the g code is a valid rolling code, and in response to determining that the rolling code is a valid rolling code, sending a command signal to the second of the plurality of accessory devices.
37. The method of any one of claims 26 and 28 to 35 r sing the gateway device lling communications with the plurality of accessory devices by: receiving a rolling code based control signal designed to implement a function of a second of the plurality of accessory devices, deriving a g code from the rolling code based command signal, accessing the central controller to determine whether the rolling code is a valid rolling code, in response to determining that the rolling code is a valid rolling code, sending a command signal to the second of the plurality of accessory devices.
38. The method of any one of claims 26 and 28 to 37 further sing the gateway device controlling communications with the plurality of accessory devices by determining an address of the one of the plurality of ory devices based on the control signal.
39. The method of any one of claims 26 and 28 to 38 wherein the rolling code based ory d signal comprises an specific rolling code, the method further comprising tracking a corresponding g number at the one of the plurality of accessory devices.
40. The method of claim 27 r comprising the user interface providing control s for a plurality of the accessory s, receiving a user signal regarding the control options, and in response to receiving the user signal, sending the rolling code based control signal to the gateway device.
41. The method of claim 27 or claim 40 r comprising the gateway device controlling ications with the plurality of accessory devices by accessing a central controller to validate the rolling code based control signal and in response to validating the control signal, g the command signal to the one of the plurality of accessory devices.
42. The method of any one of claims 27 and 40 to 41 further comprising the gateway device controlling communications with the plurality of accessory devices by: deriving a rolling code from the rolling code based l signal, determining whether the g code is a valid rolling code, and in response to determining that the rolling code is a valid rolling code, sending the command signal to the one of the plurality of accessory devices.
43. The method of any one of claims 27 and 40 to 41 further comprising the gateway device controlling communications with the plurality of accessory devices by: deriving a rolling code from the rolling code based control , accessing a central controller to determine whether the rolling code is a valid rolling code, in response to determining that the rolling code is a valid rolling code, sending the command signal to the one of the plurality of accessory s.
44. The method of any one of claims 27 and 40 to 43 wherein sending the command signal comprises sending a rolling code based command signal to the one of the ity of accessory devices.
45. The method of claim 44 wherein the g code based command signal comprises an accessory specific rolling code, the method further comprising tracking a corresponding rolling number at the one of the ity of accessory devices.
46. The method of claim 44 or claim 45 further comprising the gateway device accessing a central controller to receive a rolling code on which the rolling code based command signal is based.
47. The method of any one of claims 27 and 40 to 46 r comprising the gateway device controlling communications with the ity of accessory devices by determining an s of the one of the plurality of accessory devices based on the rolling code based control signal.
48. The method of any one of claims 27 and 40 to 47 wherein the rolling code based control signal comprises a movable barrier specific g code, the method further comprising tracking a corresponding rolling number at one of the gateway device or a central controller, the corresponding rolling number being specific to the movable barrier with which the plurality of accessory devices are ated.
49. The method of any one of claims 25 to 48 wherein the at least one of a plurality of ory devices is selected from the group consisting of: a photoeye, a safety edge, a light, a ng control, a dock leveler, a trailer lock, a controlled power , a camera, an edge guard, a dock seal, a dock bumper, a microwave sensor, an area optical detector, and a loop detector.
50. The method of any one of claims 25 to 39 wherein the status information comprises information selected from the group consisting of: trailer identification, container fication, driver identification, current used, power used, barrier operator — number of operations, barrier operator — door positional status, barrier operator — failed to complete a command, barrier operator — forces to open, barrier operator — obstructed, barrier operator —— reversed due to contact with an obstruction, barrier operator— reversed due to ntact detection of an obstruction, barrier operator — internal fault detected, barrier operator — al fault identification, barrier operator — , photo eye— obstruction, photo eye — fault, photo eye — fault identification, photo eye — obstruction remaining, photo eye- normal, safety edge — obstruction, safety edge — obstruction remaining, safety edge — fault, safety edge — fault identification, safety edge — normal, dock light — status, dock light —— bulb status, area lighting — status, area lighting — bulb status, dock leveler — set, dock leveler — weight detected, dock leveler — released, dock leveler — set, trailer lock — released, trailer lock — set, controlled power outlet active, controlled power outlet —deactivated, camera — not active, camera — motion activated, camera — system activated, edge guards/dock seal — ssed, edge guards/dock seal — not compressed, dock bumper impacted, and dock stop —light.
51. An apparatus, sing a gateway device and a processing device, substantially as herein before bed with reference to the accompanying drawings.
52. A method, of operating devices in a movable door environment, substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/078,529 | 2011-04-01 | ||
US13/078,529 US8994496B2 (en) | 2011-04-01 | 2011-04-01 | Encrypted communications for a moveable barrier environment |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ599055A NZ599055A (en) | 2013-08-30 |
NZ599055B true NZ599055B (en) | 2013-12-03 |
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