CA2533092A1 - System and method for operating a barrier with a light pointing instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

A light pointing instrument is directed at a moveable barrier operator. The light pointing instrument transmits a narrow and directed beam of light to create a small, visible light region on a light receiver connected to the moveable barrier operator.
The beam of light is received at the receiver of the operator. A moveable barrier is actuated in response to receiving the light from the light pointing instrument at the light receiver.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 79412 SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A BARRIER WITH A LIGHT POINTING
INSTRUMENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The field of the invention relates to moveable barner operators and, more specifically, to actuating moveable barriers using a light producing instrument.
BACKGROUND

[0002] Different types of moveable barrier operators have been sold over the years and these systems have been used to actuate various types of moveable barriers.
For example, garage door operators have been used to move garage doors while gate operators have been used to open and close gates.

[0003] Such barrier movement operators may include a wall control unit, which is connected to send signals to a head unit thereby causing the head unit to open and close the barrier. In addition, these operators often include a receiver unit at the head unit to receive wireless transmissions from a hand-held code transmitter or from a keypad transmitter, which may be affixed to the outside of the area closed by the barrier or other structure.

[0004] In many situations, a barrier or series of barriers may need to be opened. For example, in a warehouse, a forklift that is carrying crates or other items may need to proceed through several doors, gates, or other barners within the warehouse.
Some previous barrier operator systems rely on hand-held transmitters to open the different barriers, but these transmitters transmit radio signals to all operators, which may result in the opening of more than one barrier within the warehouse when only one barner should be opened. Additionally, some previous systems include transmitters that send a unique code to a receiver, thereby requiring that each receiver be trained to each transmitter. In addition, previous transmitter devices are often bulky to carry and handle.
Still other previous systems use key cards or other devices that must be inserted in the barrier entry Attorney Docket No. 79412 system or be in close proximity to the barrier entry system in order to operate. Because of these requirements, it is inconvenient for a forklift or other vehicle user to have to exit the forklift or other vehicle every time the user desires to pass through a barrier.
SUMMARY

[0005] A system for operating a moveable barrier uses a light pointing instrument to transmit a narrow directed beam to a receiver at a moveable barrier operator.
These approaches provides the easy and convenient opening and closing of a single or multiple barriers in a confined space such as a warehouse.

[0006] In many of these embodiments, a light pointing instrument, such as a laser pointer, is directed at a light receiver "target" associated with the moveable barner operator. The light pointing instrument transmits a narrow and directed beam of light that creates a small visible light region on the light receiver connected to the operator. The beam of light is received at the receiver and a moveable barner is actuated in response to receiving the light beam.

[0007] The light beam may be transmitted in a predetermined format. For example, the beam may be modulated with a tone, a fixed code, or a rolling code. In addition, the beam of light may also be turned on for a first predetermined amount of time and turned off for a second predetermined amount of time. One beam of light may be transmitted to open the barrier, and another beam of light may be transmitted to close the barrier.

[0008] In some of these embodiments, the direction of travel of vehicles or other objects through the barrier can be determined. The direction of travel ican be used by the operator to make actuation decisions such as whether to open or close the barrier.

[0009] In others of these embodiments, the barrier may be moved to an open position and maintained in the open position for a pause time. Once the pause time expires, the barrier may be returned to the closed position.

[0010] Thus, a system automatically actuates a barrier by using a light pointing instrument. The system is easy to implement and convenient to use, especially when the Attorney Docket No. 79412 user is at a substantial distance from the operator. The system does not require a vehicle user to exit the vehicle and allows multiple barriers to be actuated exactly when needed by a user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIIE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system for actuating a moveable barrier operator using a light pointing instrument according to the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a light pointing instrument;

[0013] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a moveable barner operator according to the present invention; and [0014] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an approach for actuating a moveable barrier operator according to the present invention.

[0015] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for ease of understanding and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of the various embodiments of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION

[0016] Referring now to the drawings and especially FIG. 1, a system for actuating a moveable barner operator using a light pointing instrument is described. A
light pointing instrument 102 is held by a user operating a moving vehicle 106 in a warehouse 128.
Alternatively, the light pointing instrument 102 may be affixed to the vehicle 106 or attached to the user.

. CA 02533092 2006-O1-16 Attorney Docket No. 79412 [0017] The light pointing instrument 102 is any instrument that transmits a narrow and directed beam of visible light. In one example, the light pointing instrument is a laser pointer. Other examples of light pointing instruments are possible.
Pt~eferably, the beam of light is collimated as it is transmitted from the light pointing instru~ent 102 to produce a beam having substantially parallel components and is visible to the user when it strikes a light receiver.

[0018] The light pointing instrument 102 is directed toward a receiver 110 on a moveable barner operator 108. The receiver 110 is positioned on the operator 108 so that a light beam 104 from the light positioning instrument 102 can be received at the receiver 110. The beam 104 is of sufficient size such that it produces a small, risible region at the receiver 110. This region can be seen at the user on the vehicle 106 and is preferably used by the user to verify that the beam has properly engaged the receiver to open or close the barrier.

[0019] Although of sufficient size to be visible to the user, the size of the region produced by the beam 104 on the receiver 110 is limited such that the light spot cannot strike two receivers simultaneously. In one example of sizing, the spot on a 6 inch wide receiver is limited to be one inch in diameter when the beam 104 is transmitted from a distance of 5 yards from the receiver, thereby allowing a user to see the spot on the receiver, but having a spot of suitable small dimensions so as not to simultaneously strike more than one receiver.

[0020] A moveable barrier 114 is actuated by the moveable barrier operator 108, which also includes another receiver 112. In addition, a second moveable barrier 130 is actuated by a moveable barner operator 118. The moveable barrier operator 118 has two receivers 116 and 120. Although two receivers are shown, it will be understood that a single receiver or more than one receivers can be used depending upon the physical environment of where the operator is positioned.

[0021] The moveable barners 114 and 130 may be any type of barriers, for example, swinging gates, garage doors, swinging doors, or sliding gates. The operators 108 and 118 Attorney Docket No. 79412 and any types of operators used to actuate the barriers 114 and 130 such as gate operators or garage door operators. Other examples of barriers and operators are possible.

[0022] The receivers 110, 112, 116 and 120 may be connected to the operators 108 and 118. For example, they may be physically incorporated into the operators or connected to the operators 112 or 120 by a wire or some other connector. The receivers 110, 112, 116 and 120 are conventual receivers capable of receiving and detecting visible light from a light pointing instrument such as a laser pointer and are large enough to allow a user to observe a light patch created by the light pointing instrument 102.

[0023] The signals from the light source may be coded to permit only selected users to actuate a barrier. Coded signals may be used in an environment where security is a concern. For example, certain barriers at airports may only be permitted to be actuated by personnel having high security clearances, and these barners may require the receipt of specially coded signals in order to be actuated. On the other hand, uncoded signals may be used in other environments where security is not a concern. For example, in a warehouse facility, where all operators of light sources are assumed to be permitted users, uncoded signals may be used to actuate the burners.

[0024] In addition, a receiver may be actuated by one or more codes. For example, a first user may have an associated first code and a second user may have an associated second code. A first barrier may be actuated by only the first code, a second barrier by only the second code, and a third barrier by both the first code and the second codes.

[0025] In one example of the operation of system of FIG. 1, the vehicle 106 moves across the warehouse 128. The vehicle 106 passes through burners 114 and 130 and past positions 122, 124 and 126. At position 122 (or in the vicinity of this position), the light pointing instrument is directed at the receiver 110 and the operator 108. The barrier 114 may then be opened by the operator 108 and the vehicle 106 may pass through the barrier 114. As explained above, coded or uncoded signals may be used to actuate the barrier 114. If a coded signal is used, the system may decode the signal and compare an extracted code to a list of permitted codes. If a match is determined, the burner 114 may be opened Attorney Docket No. 79412 and if no match is determined the barner 114 may remain closed. On the other hand, if no codes are used, the barrier may be responsively opened.

[0026] After passing the barrier 114, the user may point the light pointing instrument 102 at the receiver 112. When the light beam is received at the receiver 112, the operator 108 may close the barner 114, since the vehicle 106 is now past the barrier 114. The vehicle 106 is now at or near the position 124 in the warehouse 128. ;Again, if coded signals are used, the system may decode the signal and compare an extracted code in the signal to a list of permitted codes. If a match is determined, the barrier 114 may be closed and if no match is determined the barrier 114 may remain open. On the other hand, if no codes are used, the barrier may be responsively closed. In another alternative, the barner 114 may remain open for a pause time before being automatically closed at the expiration of the pause time.

[0027] The user at the vehicle 106 now desires to open the barner 130.
Consequently, the user points the light instrument at the receiver 116 of the operator 118, which causes the barrier 130 to be opened. Either coded or uncoded signals can be used as described above.

[0028] The vehicle 106 then passes through the barrier 130 to position 126 and point the light pointing instrument 102 at the receiver 120 of the operator 116. The light is received at the receiver 120, which causes the operator 118 to close the barner 130. Either coded or uncoded signals can be used as described above. The vehicle 106 is now at or near the position 126.

[0029] As mentioned above, the user may open the burner 114 or 130 using the light pointing instrument 102. However, the burner may be held open for a period of time, which may be fixed or variable. Then, the burner may be closed after this period of time expires without using the light pointing instrument to close the barrier. In this case, a timer may be used to determine the expiration of the time period.

[0030] In addition, the direction and/or volume of traffic passing through the barriers 114 and 130 may be determined by placing a sensor or sensors 115 and 125 near the burners 114 and 130. The direction and/or volume of traffic passing through the burners Attorney Docket No. 79412 114 and 130 may be used to make actuation decisions. For instance, once the direction is determined, it can be determined whether to open or close the barrier.

[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, one example of a light poiri~ting instrument 200 and moveable barrier operator 210 is described. The light pointing instrument includes a power source 202, modulator 204, and optical system 206. The operator 210 includes receivers 212 and 216, a controller 214 and a motor system and driver 222.

[0032] The power source 202 may be a battery to create a light beam. The modulator 204 may be used to create a coded light beam or may be removed to have an encoded beam. In another example, the modulator 204 may be a switch and the user may turn this switch on and off for predetermined amounts of time using a button or other actuation device at the light pointing instrument 210. The optical system 206 may contain lenses or other components to create a narrow and directed beam 208. Preferably, the beam 208 is collimated by the optical system 206.

[0033] For many purposes the beam 208 does not require modulation for security reasons and the power source 202 may be connected directly to the optical system 206.
When greater security is required, the modulator 208 may modulate or code the beam 208.
For example, the beam 208 may be amplitude, frequency, or phase modulated or encoded in any other way by a code by the modulator 208.

[0034] The beam 208 is received at the receiver 212 and creates a small and visible spot 218. The visible spot 218, when seen by a user, informs the user that they have successfully contacted the operator 210 with the beam 208. In addition, the receiver 216 is positioned at a separate end of the operator 216. The receiver 216 is positioned to receive light beams originating opposite receiver 212 so that light beams create a small and visible spot 220. In addition, the beam 208 is of sufficiently small size so that it does not simultaneously strike two receivers. Thus, as a user moves out of the range of receiver 212, they can contact the receiver 216 with a light beam.

[0035] Once the beam 208 is received, the receiver 212 extracts any required information being transmitted with the beam 208 and evaluates selected properties of the beam 208 so that an actuation decision can be made when the beam is not modulated or Attorney Docket No. 79412 coded. For instance, when the beam 208 is coded or modulated, the receiver 212 decodes or demodulates the beam 208. The strength and any other properties 4f the beam together with any coded or demodulated information is then sent to the controller 214.
The controller 214 evaluates the information and actuates the motor at~d driver module 222. The motor and driver module 222 contains elements that move a moveable barrier to opened or closed positions. When uncoded beams are used, no decoding is required.

[0036] Although shown as being incorporated with the operator 210, the receivers 212 and 216 may be separate from the operator 210 and connected by a wire or some other connector. In this approach, the placement of the receivers 212 and 216 may be adjusted for special environmental or other conditions. Further, although two receivers are shown in this system, any number of receivers may be used. For example, if properly placed, a single receiver may be used in some situations where the single receiver is visible and accessible from all directions.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 4, one example of using a light pointing instrument to actuate a moveable barner is described. At step 402, the receiver detects a light spot. The spot is of sufficient size so that it is visible to a user, but is not so large as to strike two different receivers. For example, the size of the light spot may be one inch in diameter on a receiver that is 6 inches at a transmitted distance of S yards. Other examples of sizings of the light spot are possible.

[0038] At step 404, it is determined if it is necessary to decode the light beam. For example, in systems where security is a concern, the beam is modulated or coded. In other systems where security is not a concern, the system may not encode or modulate the light beam. If the answer is affirmative at step 404, then at step 406, the light beam is decoded.
If the answer is negative, control continues at step 410.

[0039] At step 408, it is determined whether the decoding has been successful.
For example, the code obtained from the light beam may be compared to a list of codes that are allowed to actuate the barner. If a match is obtained, then the barrier is allowed to be opened, and if no match is obtained, the barrier is not allowed to be opened.
If the answer ,g.

Attorney Docket No. 79412 at step 408 is negative, execution ends. If the answer at step 408 is affirmative, execution continues with step 410.

[0040] At step 410, the moveable burner is opened. At step 412, the receiver receives a second light beam that is sensed and this beam appears as a light spot to the user. At step 414, it is again determined if it is necessary to decode the received light beam. If the answer is negative, execution continues with step 420. If the answer is affirmative, execution continues with step 416.

[0041] At step 416, the signal is decoded. At step 418, it is determined if the decoding has been successful. If the answer at step 418 is negative, execution ends. If the answer at step 418 is positive, execution continues at step 420. At step 420, the barrier is closed.

[0042] Alternatively, steps 412, 414, 416, and 418 may be omitted and the barrier may be held in an open position for a pause time. At the expiration of the pause time, execution may proceed to step 420 where the burner is closed.

[0043] In addition, the decision of whether and under what circumstances to actuate the barrier at steps 410 and 420 may include the performance of other steps. For instance, the system may keep track of the state of the barrier (opened or closed) and any actuation decision will move the barrier to the opposite state of the current state. In another example, a traffic sensor may determine the direction of traffic through the burner and the decision of whether to actuate the barrier may be based upon this information.
Other conditions or readings may also be used to make actuation decisions.

[0044] While there has been illustrated and described particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be appreciated that numerous changes and mpdifications will occur to those skilled in the art, and it is intended in the appended claims to cover all those changes and modifications which fall within the true scope of the presi~nt invention.

Claims (21)

1. A method of operating a movable barrier comprising:
directing a light pointing instrument at a moveable barrier operator and transmitting a narrow and directed beam of light from the light pointing instrument to create a small, visible light region on a light receiver at the moveable barrier operator;
receiving the beam of light from the light pointing instrument connected to the light receiver of the moveable barrier operator; and actuating the moveable barrier in response to receiving the light from the light pointing instrument at the light receiver.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein transmitting the beam of light comprises transmitting the light in a predetermined format.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein transmitting the beam of light in the predetermined format comprises transmitting the light in a format selected from a group comprising: a fixed coded format, a tone format, and a rolling code format.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein transmitting the beam of light in the predetermined format comprises turning the beam light on for a first predetermined time and turning the light beam off for a second predetermined time.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein directing the light pointing instrument comprises transmitting a first beam of light to the moveable barrier operator to open the barrier the barrier and a second beam of light to close the barrier.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein actuating the barrier comprises moving the barrier to an open position, pausing and maintaining the barrier in the open position for a time period and returning the barrier to a closed position at the end of the time period.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising determining a direction of travel of objects through the barrier.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising utilizing the direction of travel through the barrier to make actuation decisions.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein directing a light pointing instrument comprises directing a laser pointer.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein actuating the movable barrier comprises actuating a moveable barrier selected from a group comprising a gate, a garage door, and a swinging door.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the light beam is collimated.

12. A system for actuating a moveable barrier comprising:
a light pointing instrument producing a directed and narrow beam of light;
a moveable barrier; and a moveable barrier operator coupled to the moveable barrier and having a light receiver, the light receiver receiving the light from the light pointing instrument in a small and visible region and responsively actuating the moveable barrier.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein the beam of light comprises light in a predetermined format.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein the light in the predetermined format comprises light in a coded format.

15. The system of claim 12 wherein the moveable barrier operator is programmed to pause the barrier at an open position for a time period.

16. The system of claim 12 further comprising a sensor coupled to the moveable barrier operator for determining a direction of travel of objects through the barrier.

17. The system of claim 12 wherein the operator is programmed to utilize the direction of travel through the barrier to make actuation decisions.

18. The system of claim 12 wherein the light pointing instrument is a laser pointer.

19. The system of claim 12 further comprising a second moveable barrier operator coupled to the first operator and to a second moveable barrier, the second moveable barrier operator also being actuated by the light pointing instrument.

20. The system of claim 12 wherein the moveable barrier is selected from a group comprising a gate, a garage door, and a swinging door.

21. The system of claim 12 wherein the operator is programmed to receive a first beam of light and responsively open the barrier and a second beam of light and responsively close the barrier