CA2454503A1 - Movable barrier operator auto-force setting method and apparatus - Google Patents
Movable barrier operator auto-force setting method and apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- CA2454503A1 CA2454503A1 CA002454503A CA2454503A CA2454503A1 CA 2454503 A1 CA2454503 A1 CA 2454503A1 CA 002454503 A CA002454503 A CA 002454503A CA 2454503 A CA2454503 A CA 2454503A CA 2454503 A1 CA2454503 A1 CA 2454503A1
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- force
- movable barrier
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- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 title claims abstract 221
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims 95
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims abstract 2
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 claims 39
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims 37
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 claims 32
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims 31
- 230000000875 corresponding effect Effects 0.000 claims 18
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims 14
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 claims 13
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 claims 13
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 claims 8
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 claims 4
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 230000032683 aging Effects 0.000 abstract 1
Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
- H02H7/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions
- H02H7/08—Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for dynamo-electric motors
- H02H7/085—Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for dynamo-electric motors against excessive load
- H02H7/0851—Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for dynamo-electric motors against excessive load for motors actuating a movable member between two end positions, e.g. detecting an end position or obstruction by overload signal
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- 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
- E05F15/40—Safety devices, e.g. detection of obstructions or end positions
- E05F15/41—Detection by monitoring transmitted force or torque; Safety couplings with activation dependent upon torque or force, e.g. slip couplings
-
- 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
- G05B13/00—Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion
- G05B13/02—Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
- G05B13/0265—Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric the criterion being a learning criterion
-
- 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
- E05F15/40—Safety devices, e.g. detection of obstructions or end positions
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05Y2400/00—Electronic control; Power supply; Power or signal transmission; User interfaces
- E05Y2400/10—Electronic control
- E05Y2400/30—Electronic control of motors
- E05Y2400/31—Force or torque control
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05Y2400/00—Electronic control; Power supply; Power or signal transmission; User interfaces
- E05Y2400/10—Electronic control
- E05Y2400/30—Electronic control of motors
- E05Y2400/31—Force or torque control
- E05Y2400/315—Curve setting or adjusting
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05Y2400/00—Electronic control; Power supply; Power or signal transmission; User interfaces
- E05Y2400/10—Electronic control
- E05Y2400/52—Safety arrangements
- E05Y2400/53—Wing impact prevention or reduction
- E05Y2400/54—Obstruction or resistance detection
- E05Y2400/55—Obstruction or resistance detection by using load sensors
- E05Y2400/554—Obstruction or resistance detection by using load sensors sensing motor load
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05Y2400/00—Electronic control; Power supply; Power or signal transmission; User interfaces
- E05Y2400/10—Electronic control
- E05Y2400/52—Safety arrangements
- E05Y2400/53—Wing impact prevention or reduction
- E05Y2400/54—Obstruction or resistance detection
- E05Y2400/58—Sensitivity setting or adjustment
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05Y2800/00—Details, accessories and auxiliary operations not otherwise provided for
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- 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
- G05B2219/30—Nc systems
- G05B2219/45—Nc applications
- G05B2219/45242—Door, panel, window operation, opening, closing
Abstract
A movable barrier operator having a motor controller (10) and motor (11) that control selective movement of a movable barrier (12) also has an obstacle detector (14) that utilizes an automatically determined excess force threshold value to permit reliable detection of an obstacle under a wide variety of operational circumstances, including changing physical circumstances, aging components, temperature variations, and motor runtime. In a preferred embodiment, a characteristic force value for the system is frequently updated as a function of actual measured force requirements (and further compensated, pursuant to various embodiments, with respect to other conditions such as temperature and motor runtime). This characteristic force value is then utilized to determine the excess force threshold value.
Claims (128)
1. A movable barrier operator for use with a movable barrier, which movable barrier is selectively moved through selective application of force via the movable barrier operator, the movable barrier operator comprising:
- at least one force sensor;
- a movable barrier obstacle detector that is at least partially responsive to the at least one force sensor and to at least one automatically determined excess force threshold value; and - a motor controller operably coupled and responsive to the movable barrier obstacle detector;
wherein the movable barrier operator has no user-initiable dedicated learning mode of operation.
- at least one force sensor;
- a movable barrier obstacle detector that is at least partially responsive to the at least one force sensor and to at least one automatically determined excess force threshold value; and - a motor controller operably coupled and responsive to the movable barrier obstacle detector;
wherein the movable barrier operator has no user-initiable dedicated learning mode of operation.
2. The movable barrier operator of claim 1 wherein the movable barrier operator further has no user-accessible excess force value adjustment interface.
3. The movable barrier operator of claim 1 and further comprising an automatic characteristic force value indicator responsive to the at least one force sensor and having a characteristic force value output that is substantially dependent on a difference between at least one previous characteristic force value output and a substantially present force value that is based, at least in part, on the at least one force sensor, and wherein the at least one automatically determined excess force threshold value is based, at least in part, on the characteristic force value output.
4. The movable barrier operator of claim 1 and further comprising a motor on-time sensor and wherein the at least one automatically determined excess force threshold value comprises an automatically determined motor on-time-compensated excess force threshold value.
5. A method for use with a movable barrier operator that has no user-initiable dedicated learning mode of operation, comprising:
- monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied to a movable barrier to selectively cause the movable barrier to move between at least a first position and a second position;
- automatically changing an excess force threshold value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated excess force threshold value;
- using the updated excess force threshold value and the monitored at least one parameter to determine when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator;
- taking a predetermined action when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator.
- monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied to a movable barrier to selectively cause the movable barrier to move between at least a first position and a second position;
- automatically changing an excess force threshold value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated excess force threshold value;
- using the updated excess force threshold value and the monitored at least one parameter to determine when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator;
- taking a predetermined action when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the method does not comprise receiving user input that corresponds to an adjustment of the excess force threshold value.
7. The method of claim 5 wherein automatically changing an excess force threshold value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated excess force threshold value includes:
- automatically changing a characteristic force value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value as a function of a difference between the characteristic force value and the at least one parameter;
- using an updated characteristic force value to determine a corresponding excess force threshold value.
- automatically changing a characteristic force value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value as a function of a difference between the characteristic force value and the at least one parameter;
- using an updated characteristic force value to determine a corresponding excess force threshold value.
8. The method of claim 5 and further comprising monitoring operation of a motor and wherein automatically changing an excess force threshold value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated excess force threshold value further includes using a motor operation compensation value to automatically change the excess force threshold value.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein monitoring operation of the motor includes monitoring a time duration when the motor is in at least one predetermined operational state.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein monitoring a time duration when the motor is in at least one predetermined operational state includes monitoring a time duration when the motor is in at least one of an on-state and an off state.
11. A movable barrier operator having a user-selectable learning mode of operation and a normal mode of operation for use with a movable burner, which movable barrier is selectively moved through selective application of force via the movable burner operator, the movable barrier operator comprising:
- at least one force sensor;
- an automatically determined excess force threshold value that is determined during the normal mode of operation;
- a movable barrier obstacle detector that is at least partially responsive to the at least one force sensor and to the automatically determined excess force threshold value;
and - a motor controller operably coupled and responsive to the movable barrier obstacle detector.
- at least one force sensor;
- an automatically determined excess force threshold value that is determined during the normal mode of operation;
- a movable barrier obstacle detector that is at least partially responsive to the at least one force sensor and to the automatically determined excess force threshold value;
and - a motor controller operably coupled and responsive to the movable barrier obstacle detector.
12. The movable barrier operator of claim 11 and further comprising an automatic characteristic force value indicator responsive to the at least one force sensor and having a characteristic force value output that is substantially dependent on a difference between at least one previous characteristic force value output and a substantially present force value that is based, at least in part, on the at least one force sensor, and wherein the at least one automatically determined excess force threshold value is based, at least in part, on the characteristic force value output.
13. The movable barrier operator of claim 11 and further comprising a motor on-time sensor and wherein the automatically determined excess force threshold value further comprises an automatically determined motor on-time-compensated excess force threshold value.
14. A method for use with a movable barrier operator having a normal mode of operation and a user-initiable learning mode of operation, comprising:
in the normal mode of operation and regardless of whether the user-initiable learning mode of operation has been previously initiated:
- monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied to a movable barrier to selectively cause the movable barrier to move;
- automatically changing an excess force threshold value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated excess force threshold value;
- using the updated excess force threshold value and the monitored at least one parameter to determine when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator;
- taking a predetermined action when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator.
in the normal mode of operation and regardless of whether the user-initiable learning mode of operation has been previously initiated:
- monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied to a movable barrier to selectively cause the movable barrier to move;
- automatically changing an excess force threshold value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated excess force threshold value;
- using the updated excess force threshold value and the monitored at least one parameter to determine when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator;
- taking a predetermined action when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator.
15. The method of claim 14 and further comprising:
- determining only a single excess force threshold value for the movable barrier operator when the monitored at least one parameter meets a first predetermined criteria;
- determining a plurality of excess force threshold values for the movable barrier operator when the monitored at least one parameter does not meet the first predetermined criteria.
- determining only a single excess force threshold value for the movable barrier operator when the monitored at least one parameter meets a first predetermined criteria;
- determining a plurality of excess force threshold values for the movable barrier operator when the monitored at least one parameter does not meet the first predetermined criteria.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied to a movable barrier to selectively cause the movable barrier to move includes providing a representative function of the at least one parameter.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein determining a plurality of excess force threshold values for the movable barrier operator when the monitored at least one parameter does not meet the first predetermined criteria includes determining the plurality of excess force threshold values as a function, at least in part, of the representative function of the at least one parameter.
18. The method of claim 14 wherein automatically changing an excess force threshold value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated excess force threshold value includes:
- automatically changing a characteristic force value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value as a function of a difference between the characteristic force value and the at least one parameter;
and - using an updated characteristic force value to determine a corresponding excess force threshold value.
- automatically changing a characteristic force value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value as a function of a difference between the characteristic force value and the at least one parameter;
and - using an updated characteristic force value to determine a corresponding excess force threshold value.
19. A movable barrier operator having both a user-initiable dedicated learning mode of operation and a normal mode of operation for use with a movable barrier, which movable barrier is selectively moved through selective application of force via the movable barrier operator, the movable barrier operator comprising:
- at least one force sensor;
- a movable barrier obstacle detector that is at least partially responsive to the at least one force sensor and to at least one automatically determined excess force threshold value that is at least partially determined during the normal mode of operation; and - a motor controller operably coupled and responsive to the movable barrier obstacle detector.
- at least one force sensor;
- a movable barrier obstacle detector that is at least partially responsive to the at least one force sensor and to at least one automatically determined excess force threshold value that is at least partially determined during the normal mode of operation; and - a motor controller operably coupled and responsive to the movable barrier obstacle detector.
20. The movable barrier operator of claim 19 and further comprising an automatic characteristic force value indicator responsive to the at least one force sensor and having a characteristic force value output that is substantially dependent on a difference between at least one previous characteristic force value output as provided during a previous normal mode of operation and a substantially present force value that is based, at least in part, on the at least one force sensor, and wherein the at least one automatically determined excess force threshold value is based, at least in part, on the characteristic force value output.
21. The movable barrier operator of claim 19 and further comprising a motor on-time sensor and wherein the at least one automatically determined excess force threshold value comprises an automatically determined motor on-time-compensated excess force threshold value.
22. A method for use with a movable barrier operator having both a user-initiable dedicated learning mode of operation and a normal mode of operation, comprising:
during the normal mode of operation:
- monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied to a movable barrier to selectively cause the movable barrier to move between at least a first position and a second position;
- automatically changing an excess force threshold value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated excess force threshold value;
- using the updated excess force threshold value and the monitored at least one parameter to determine when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator;
- taking a predetermined action when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator.
during the normal mode of operation:
- monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied to a movable barrier to selectively cause the movable barrier to move between at least a first position and a second position;
- automatically changing an excess force threshold value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated excess force threshold value;
- using the updated excess force threshold value and the monitored at least one parameter to determine when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator;
- taking a predetermined action when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator.
23. The method of claim 22 wherein automatically changing an excess force threshold value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated excess force threshold value includes:
- automatically changing a characteristic force value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value as a function of a difference between the characteristic force value and the at least one parameter;
- using an updated characteristic force value to provide the updated excess force threshold value.
- automatically changing a characteristic force value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value as a function of a difference between the characteristic force value and the at least one parameter;
- using an updated characteristic force value to provide the updated excess force threshold value.
24. The method of claim 22 and further comprising monitoring operation of a motor and wherein automatically changing an excess force threshold value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated excess force threshold value further includes using a motor operation compensation value to automatically change the excess force threshold value.
25. A movable barrier operator for use with a movable barrier, which movable barrier is selectively moved through selective application of force via the movable barrier operator, the movable barrier operator comprising:
- at least one force sensor;
- an automatic characteristic force value indicator responsive to the at least one force sensor and having a characteristic force value output;
-a movable barrier obstacle detector that is at least partially responsive to the at least one force sensor and to the characteristic force value output; and - a motor controller operably coupled and responsive to the movable barrier obstacle detector;
wherein the characteristic force value output is substantially dependent on a difference between at least one previous characteristic force value output and a more current force value that is based, at least in part, on the at least one force sensor.
- at least one force sensor;
- an automatic characteristic force value indicator responsive to the at least one force sensor and having a characteristic force value output;
-a movable barrier obstacle detector that is at least partially responsive to the at least one force sensor and to the characteristic force value output; and - a motor controller operably coupled and responsive to the movable barrier obstacle detector;
wherein the characteristic force value output is substantially dependent on a difference between at least one previous characteristic force value output and a more current force value that is based, at least in part, on the at least one force sensor.
26. The movable barrier operator of claim 25 wherein the characteristic force value output remains substantially unchanged when the difference does not exceed a minimum predetermined range.
27. The movable barrier operator of claim 25 wherein the characteristic force value output substantially comprises the more current force value when the difference is within a first predetermined range, and substantially comprises a previous characteristic force value output as combined with a predetermined amount when the difference is outside the fast predetermined range.
28. The movable barrier operator of claim 25 wherein the characteristic force value output is substantially dependent on a difference between at least one previous characteristic force value output and a more current force value pursuant to a first function when the difference has a first sign and is substantially dependent on a difference between at least one previous characteristic force value output and a more current force value pursuant to a second function, which second function is different than the first function, when the difference has a sign that is opposite of the first sign.
29. The movable barrier operator of claim 25 and further comprising a motor on-time sensor and wherein the automatic characteristic force value indicator is further responsive to the motor on-time sensor and wherein the characteristic force value output comprises a motor on-time-compensated characteristic force value output.
30. A method for use with a movable barrier operator, comprising:
- monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied to a movable barrier to selectively cause the movable barrier to move;
- automatically changing a characteristic force value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value as a function of a difference between the characteristic force value and the at least one parameter;
- using an updated characteristic force value to determine a corresponding excess force threshold value;
- determining when force in excess of the excess force threshold value is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier;
- taking a predetermined action when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier.
- monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied to a movable barrier to selectively cause the movable barrier to move;
- automatically changing a characteristic force value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value as a function of a difference between the characteristic force value and the at least one parameter;
- using an updated characteristic force value to determine a corresponding excess force threshold value;
- determining when force in excess of the excess force threshold value is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier;
- taking a predetermined action when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier.
31. The method of claim 30 wherein when the difference is within a minimum range the updated characteristic force value is substantially identical to the characteristic force value.
32. The method of claim 30 wherein when the difference is within a first range the updated characteristic force value is set to equate to the at least one parameter, and when the difference fails outside the first range the updated characteristic force value comprises the characteristic force value combined with an amount to thereby move the characteristic force value towards, but not attaining, a value that equates with the at least one parameter.
33. The method of claim 30 wherein automatically changing a characteristic force value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value as a function of a difference between the characteristic force value and the at least one parameter includes automatically changing the characteristic force value pursuant to a first alteration function when the difference has a first sign and pursuant to a second alteration function, which second alteration function is different from the first alteration function, when the difference has a sign that is different from the first sign.
34. The method of claim 30 and further comprising monitoring operation of a motor and wherein using an updated characteristic force value to determine a corresponding excess force threshold value includes using an updated characteristic force value and a motor operation compensation value to determine a corresponding motor operation-compensated excess force threshold value.
35. The method of claim 34 wherein monitoring operation of the motor includes monitoring a time duration when the motor is in at least one predetermined operational state.
36. The method of claim 35 wherein monitoring a time duration when the motor is in at least one predetermined operational state includes monitoring a time duration when the motor is in at least one of an on-state and an off-state.
37. The method of claim 30 and further comprising determining that a predetermined operational status likely exists when the at least one parameter that corresponds to force as measured during a predetermined time period that corresponds to initial energization of a motor meets at least one predetermined criteria.
38. The method of claim 37 wherein determining that a predetermined operational status likely exists includes determining that a fault condition likely exists.
39. The method of claim 30 and further comprising:
- determining only a single force value to serve as a characteristic force value for the movable barrier operator when the at least one parameter meets a first predetermined criteria;
- determining a plurality of force values to serve as a plurality of characteristic force values for the movable barrier operator when the at least one parameter does not meet the first predetermined criteria.
- determining only a single force value to serve as a characteristic force value for the movable barrier operator when the at least one parameter meets a first predetermined criteria;
- determining a plurality of force values to serve as a plurality of characteristic force values for the movable barrier operator when the at least one parameter does not meet the first predetermined criteria.
40. The method of claim 39 wherein monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force includes providing a representative function of the at least one parameter.
41. The method of claim 40 wherein determining a plurality of force values to serve as a plurality of characteristic force values for the movable barrier operator when the at least one parameter does not meet the first predetermined criteria includes determining the plurality of force values as a function of the representative function of the at least one parameter.
42. A movable barrier operator for use with a movable barrier, which movable barrier is selectively moved through selective application of force via the movable barrier operator, the movable barrier operator comprising:
- at least one force sensor;
- an automatic characteristic force value indicator responsive to the at least one force sensor and having a characteristic force value output, wherein the automatic characteristic force value indicator includes a characteristic force value updater responsive to a substantially current force measurement and to a substantially current characteristic force value, with the characteristic force value updater having an updated characteristic force value output substantially comprising one of - the substantially current force measurement when a first condition is met;
and - a value that is different than the substantially current force measurement and different than the substantially current characteristic force value when a second condition is met;
- an automatic excess force threshold value indicator responsive to the characteristic force value output and having an excess force threshold value output;
- a movable barrier obstacle detector that is at least partially responsive to at least one force sensor and to the excess force threshold value output; and - a motor controller operably coupled and responsive to the movable barrier obstacle detector.
- at least one force sensor;
- an automatic characteristic force value indicator responsive to the at least one force sensor and having a characteristic force value output, wherein the automatic characteristic force value indicator includes a characteristic force value updater responsive to a substantially current force measurement and to a substantially current characteristic force value, with the characteristic force value updater having an updated characteristic force value output substantially comprising one of - the substantially current force measurement when a first condition is met;
and - a value that is different than the substantially current force measurement and different than the substantially current characteristic force value when a second condition is met;
- an automatic excess force threshold value indicator responsive to the characteristic force value output and having an excess force threshold value output;
- a movable barrier obstacle detector that is at least partially responsive to at least one force sensor and to the excess force threshold value output; and - a motor controller operably coupled and responsive to the movable barrier obstacle detector.
43. The movable barrier operator of claim 42 wherein the first condition comprises a substantially current force measurement that exceeds a first predetermined threshold.
44. The movable barrier operator of claim 43 wherein the second condition comprises a substantially current force measurement that is less than the first predetermined threshold.
45. The movable barrier operator of claim 42 wherein the value that is different than the substantially current force measurement and different than the substantially current characteristic force value at least partially comprises the substantially current force measurement as combined with a predetermined value.
46. The movable barrier operator of claim 42 and further comprising at least one temperature sensor, wherein the characteristic force value updater is response to the at least one temperature sensor, and wherein the characteristic force value updater has an updated characteristic force value output substantially comprising one of - the substantially current force measurement when the first condition is met;
and - a value that is different than the substantially current force measurement and different than the substantially current characteristic force value when a second condition is met, except when a present temperature is substantially different in a predetermined way than a previously measured temperature, in which case the updated characteristic force value output substantially comprises the substantially current force measurement.
and - a value that is different than the substantially current force measurement and different than the substantially current characteristic force value when a second condition is met, except when a present temperature is substantially different in a predetermined way than a previously measured temperature, in which case the updated characteristic force value output substantially comprises the substantially current force measurement.
47 47. The movable barrier operator of claim 46 wherein the predetermined way comprises a present temperature being substantially less than the previously measured temperature.
48. A method for use with a movable barrier operator, comprising:
- monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied to a movable barrier to selectively cause the movable barrier to move;
- automatically changing a characteristic force value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value that substantially equals a first force measurement when a first condition is met;
- automatically changing the characteristic force value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value by incrementing the characteristic force value towards the first force measurement without reaching the first force measurement when a second condition is met;
- using the updated characteristic force value to determine a corresponding excess force threshold value;
- determining when force in excess of the excess force threshold value is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier; and - taking a predetermined action when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier.
- monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied to a movable barrier to selectively cause the movable barrier to move;
- automatically changing a characteristic force value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value that substantially equals a first force measurement when a first condition is met;
- automatically changing the characteristic force value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value by incrementing the characteristic force value towards the first force measurement without reaching the first force measurement when a second condition is met;
- using the updated characteristic force value to determine a corresponding excess force threshold value;
- determining when force in excess of the excess force threshold value is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier; and - taking a predetermined action when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier.
49. The method of claim 48 wherein the first condition is met when the first force measurement exceeds a first threshold.
50. The method of claim 49 wherein the second condition is met when the first force measurement is less than the first threshold.
51. The method of claim 48 wherein incrementing the characteristic force value towards the first force measurement includes incrementing the characteristic force value by a predetermined step size.
52. The method of claim 48 wherein incrementing the characteristic force value towards the first force measurement includes incrementing the characteristic force value by a dynamically calculated step size.
53. The method of claim 48 and further comprising monitoring a temperature and wherein automatically changing the characteristic force value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value by incrementing the characteristic force value towards the first force measurement without reaching the first force measurement when a second condition is met further includes automatically changing the characteristic force value in response to the monitored at' least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value by incrementing a characteristic force value towards the first force measurement without reaching the first force measurement when a second condition is met, except when a present temperature is substantially different in a predetermined way from a previous temperature, in which case the characteristic force value is changed to provide an updated characteristic force value that substantially equals the first force measurement.
54. The method of claim 53 wherein automatically changing the characteristic force value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value by incrementing the characteristic force value towards the first force measurement without reaching the first force measurement when a second condition is met, except when a present temperature is substantially different in a predetermined way from a previous temperature, in which case the characteristic force value is changed to provide an updated characteristic force value that substantially equals the first force measurement includes automatically changing the characteristic force value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value by incrementing the characteristic force value towards the first force measurement without reaching the first force measurement when a second condition is met, except when a present temperature is substantially less than a previous temperature, in which case the characteristic force value is changed to provide an updated characteristic force value that substantially equals the first force measurement.
55. A movable barrier operator for use with a movable barrier, which movable barrier is selectively moved through selective application of force via the movable barrier operator, the movable barrier operator comprising:
- at least one force sensor;
- an automatic characteristic force value indicator responsive to the at least one force sensor and having a characteristic force value output, wherein the automatic characteristic force value indicator includes a characteristic force value updater responsive to a current force measurement and to a current characteristic force value, with the characteristic force value updater having an updated characteristic force value output substantially comprising one of:
- an increased value determined pursuant to a first determination process when the current force measurement is greater than the current characteristic force value; and - a decreased value determined pursuant to a second determination process, which second determination process is different from the first determination process, when the current force measurement is less than the current characteristic force value;
- an automatic excess force threshold value indicator responsive to the characteristic force value output and having an excess force threshold value output;
- a movable barrier obstacle detector that is at least partially responsive to at least one force sensor and to the excess force threshold value output; and - a motor controller operably coupled and responsive to the movable barrier obstacle detector.
- at least one force sensor;
- an automatic characteristic force value indicator responsive to the at least one force sensor and having a characteristic force value output, wherein the automatic characteristic force value indicator includes a characteristic force value updater responsive to a current force measurement and to a current characteristic force value, with the characteristic force value updater having an updated characteristic force value output substantially comprising one of:
- an increased value determined pursuant to a first determination process when the current force measurement is greater than the current characteristic force value; and - a decreased value determined pursuant to a second determination process, which second determination process is different from the first determination process, when the current force measurement is less than the current characteristic force value;
- an automatic excess force threshold value indicator responsive to the characteristic force value output and having an excess force threshold value output;
- a movable barrier obstacle detector that is at least partially responsive to at least one force sensor and to the excess force threshold value output; and - a motor controller operably coupled and responsive to the movable barrier obstacle detector.
56. The movable barrier operator of claim 55 and further comprising a first threshold and a second threshold, and wherein the characteristic force value updater is further responsive to the first threshold and the second threshold.
57. The movable barrier operator of claim 56 wherein the first determination process comprises:
- using the current force measurement as an updated characteristic force value when the current force measurement exceeds the first threshold; and - using a value that results from increasing the current characteristic force value by a first predetermined step value when the current force measurement exceeds the current characteristic force value but is less than the first threshold.
- using the current force measurement as an updated characteristic force value when the current force measurement exceeds the first threshold; and - using a value that results from increasing the current characteristic force value by a first predetermined step value when the current force measurement exceeds the current characteristic force value but is less than the first threshold.
58. The movable barrier operator of claim 57 wherein the second determination process comprises:
using a value that results from decreasing the current characteristic force value by a second predetermined step value, which second predetermined step value is less than the first predetermined step value, when the current force measurement is less than the second threshold.
using a value that results from decreasing the current characteristic force value by a second predetermined step value, which second predetermined step value is less than the first predetermined step value, when the current force measurement is less than the second threshold.
59. A method for use with a movable barrier operator, comprising:
- monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied to a movable barrier to selectively cause the movable barrier to move;
- automatically increasing a characteristic force value pursuant to a first determination process in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value when a first condition is met;
- automatically decreasing the characteristic force value pursuant to a second determination process, which second determination process is different from the first determination process, in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value when a second condition is met;
- using the updated characteristic force value to determine a corresponding excess force threshold value;
- determining when force in excess of the excess force threshold value is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier; and - taking a predetermined action when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier.
- monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied to a movable barrier to selectively cause the movable barrier to move;
- automatically increasing a characteristic force value pursuant to a first determination process in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value when a first condition is met;
- automatically decreasing the characteristic force value pursuant to a second determination process, which second determination process is different from the first determination process, in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value when a second condition is met;
- using the updated characteristic force value to determine a corresponding excess force threshold value;
- determining when force in excess of the excess force threshold value is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier; and - taking a predetermined action when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier.
60. The method of claim 59 and further comprising:
- providing a first threshold; and - providing a second threshold;
and wherein automatically increasing a characteristic force value pursuant to a first determination process in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value when a first condition is met includes:
- automatically providing an updated characteristic force value that substantially equals a current force measurement when the current force measurement exceeds the first threshold; and - automatically providing an updated characteristic force value by incrementing by a first amount the characteristic force value when the current force measurement exceeds the current characteristic force value but does not exceed the first threshold.
- providing a first threshold; and - providing a second threshold;
and wherein automatically increasing a characteristic force value pursuant to a first determination process in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value when a first condition is met includes:
- automatically providing an updated characteristic force value that substantially equals a current force measurement when the current force measurement exceeds the first threshold; and - automatically providing an updated characteristic force value by incrementing by a first amount the characteristic force value when the current force measurement exceeds the current characteristic force value but does not exceed the first threshold.
61. The method of claim 60 wherein automatically decreasing the characteristic force value pursuant to a second determination process, which second determination process is different from the first determination process, in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value when a second condition is met includes automatically providing an updated characteristic force value by decrementing by a second amount, which second amount is different than the first amount, the characteristic force value when the current force measurement is less than the current characteristic force value and less than the second threshold.
62. A movable barrier operator for use with a movable barrier, which movable barrier is selectively moved through selective application of force via the movable barrier operator, the movable barrier operator comprising:
- at least one force sensor;
- at least one temperature sensor;
- an automatic characteristic force value indicator responsive to the at least one force sensor and having a characteristic force value output;
- an automatic excess force threshold value indicator responsive to the characteristic force value output and to the at least one temperature sensor and having a temperature compensated excess force threshold value output;
- a movable barrier obstacle detector that is at least partially responsive to at least one force sensor and to the temperature compensated excess force threshold value output; and - a motor controller operably coupled and responsive to the movable barrier obstacle detector.
- at least one force sensor;
- at least one temperature sensor;
- an automatic characteristic force value indicator responsive to the at least one force sensor and having a characteristic force value output;
- an automatic excess force threshold value indicator responsive to the characteristic force value output and to the at least one temperature sensor and having a temperature compensated excess force threshold value output;
- a movable barrier obstacle detector that is at least partially responsive to at least one force sensor and to the temperature compensated excess force threshold value output; and - a motor controller operably coupled and responsive to the movable barrier obstacle detector.
63. The movable barrier operator of claim 62 wherein the automatic characteristic force value indicator is further responsive to the at least one temperature sensor and wherein the automatic characteristic force value indicator has a temperature compensated characteristic force value output.
64. The movable barrier operator of claim 63 wherein the temperature compensated characteristic force value output comprises a characteristic force value having a predetermined temperature-dependent compensation amount combined therewith when a monitored temperature is less than a predetermined value.
65. The movable barrier operator of claim 64 wherein the predetermined value is approximately zero degrees Celsius.
66. The movable barrier operator of claim 62 wherein the characteristic force value output is substantially dependent on a difference between at least one previous characteristic force value output and a substantially present force value that is based, at least in part, on the at least one force sensor.
67. The movable barrier operator of claim 66 wherein the characteristic force value output remains substantially unchanged when the difference does not exceed a minimum predetermined range.
68. The movable barrier operator of claim 66 wherein the characteristic force value output is set to substantially comprise the substantially present force value when the difference is within a first predetermined range, and is set to substantially comprise a previous characteristic force value output combined with a predetermined amount when the difference is outside the first predetermined range.
69. The movable barrier operator of claim 62 and further comprising a motor on-time sensor and wherein the automatic excess force threshold value indicator is further responsive to the motor on-time sensor and wherein the automatic excess force threshold value indicator has a raptor on-time and temperature compensated excess force threshold value output.
70. A method for use with a movable barrier operator, comprising:
- monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied to a movable barrier to selectively cause the movable barrier to move;
- monitoring a temperature;
- automatically changing a characteristic force value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value;
- using an updated characteristic force value and a temperature compensation value to determine a corresponding temperature compensated excess force threshold value;
- determining when force in excess of the temperature compensated excess force threshold value is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier; and - taking a predetermined action when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier.
- monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied to a movable barrier to selectively cause the movable barrier to move;
- monitoring a temperature;
- automatically changing a characteristic force value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value;
- using an updated characteristic force value and a temperature compensation value to determine a corresponding temperature compensated excess force threshold value;
- determining when force in excess of the temperature compensated excess force threshold value is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier; and - taking a predetermined action when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier.
71. The method of claim 70 wherein using an updated characteristic force value and a temperature compensation value to determine a corresponding temperature compensated excess force threshold value includes adding a temperature-dependent compensation amount to the updated characteristic force value.
72. The method of claim 71 wherein adding a temperature-dependent compensation amount to the updated characteristic force value includes adding the temperature-dependent compensation amount when the temperature is less than a predetermined value.
73. The method of claim 72 wherein adding the temperature-dependent compensation amount when the temperature is less than a predetermined value includes adding the temperature-dependent compensation amount when the temperature is less than approximately zero degrees Celsius.
74. The method of claim 70 wherein automatically changing a characteristic force value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value includes automatically changing the characteristic force value, at least in part, as a function of a difference between the characteristic force value and the at least one parameter.
75. The method of claim 74 wherein when the difference is within a minimum range the updated characteristic force value is substantially identical to the characteristic force value.
76. The method of claim 75 wherein when the difference is within a first range the updated characteristic force value is set to equate to the at least one parameter, and when the difference exceeds the first range the updated characteristic force value comprises the characteristic force value combined with an amount to thereby move the characteristic force value towards a value that equates with the at least one parameter.
77. The method of claim 74 wherein automatically changing a characteristic force value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value as a function of a difference between the characteristic force value and the at least one parameter includes automatically changing the characteristic force value pursuant to a first alteration function when the difference has a first sign and pursuant to a second alteration function, which second alteration function is different from the first alteration function, when the difference has a sign that is opposite to the first sign.
78. The method of claim 70 and further comprising monitoring operation of a motor and wherein using an updated characteristic force value and a temperature compensation value to determine a corresponding temperature compensated excess force threshold value further includes using a motor operation compensation value to determine a corresponding motor and temperature compensated excess force threshold value.
79. The method of claim 70 and further comprising determining that a predetermined status likely exists when the at least one parameter that corresponds to force as measured during a predetermined time period that corresponds to initial energization of a motor meets at least one predetermined criteria.
80. The method of claim 79 wherein determining that a predetermined status likely exists includes determining that a fault condition likely exists.
81. A movable barrier operator for use with a movable barrier, which movable barrier is selectively moved through selective application of force by at least one motor via the movable barrier operator, the movable barrier operator comprising:
- at least one force sensor;
- a motor on-time sensor;
- an automatic characteristic force value indicator responsive to the at least one force sensor and having a characteristic force value output;
- an automatic excess force threshold value indicator responsive to the characteristic force value output and to the motor on-time sensor and having a motor on-time-compensated excess force threshold value output;
- a movable barrier obstacle detector that is at least partially responsive to at least one force sensor and to the motor on-time-compensated excess force threshold value output; and - a motor controller operably coupled and responsive to the movable barrier obstacle detector.
- at least one force sensor;
- a motor on-time sensor;
- an automatic characteristic force value indicator responsive to the at least one force sensor and having a characteristic force value output;
- an automatic excess force threshold value indicator responsive to the characteristic force value output and to the motor on-time sensor and having a motor on-time-compensated excess force threshold value output;
- a movable barrier obstacle detector that is at least partially responsive to at least one force sensor and to the motor on-time-compensated excess force threshold value output; and - a motor controller operably coupled and responsive to the movable barrier obstacle detector.
82. A method for use with a movable barrier operator, comprising:
- monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied via a motor to a movable barrier to selectively cause the movable barrier to move;
- monitoring operation of the motor;
- automatically changing a characteristic force value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value;
- using an updated characteristic force value and a motor operation compensation value to determine a corresponding motor operation compensated excess force threshold value;
- determining when force in excess of the motor operation compensated excess farce threshold value is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier; and - taking a predetermined action when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier.
- monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied via a motor to a movable barrier to selectively cause the movable barrier to move;
- monitoring operation of the motor;
- automatically changing a characteristic force value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated characteristic force value;
- using an updated characteristic force value and a motor operation compensation value to determine a corresponding motor operation compensated excess force threshold value;
- determining when force in excess of the motor operation compensated excess farce threshold value is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier; and - taking a predetermined action when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier.
83. The method of claim 82 wherein monitoring operation of the motor includes monitoring a time duration when the motor is in at least one predetermined operational state.
84. The method of claim 83 wherein monitoring a time duration when the motor is in at least one predetermined operational state includes monitoring a time duration when the motor is in at least one of an on-state and an off state.
85. A movable barrier operator for use with a movable barrier, which movable barrier is selectively moved through selective application of force by a motor via the movable barrier operator, wherein the motor has a corresponding range of output forces, the movable barrier operator comprising:
- at least one force sensor, - a maximum force-setting limit that is not at an extremity of the corresponding range of output forces;
- an excess force threshold determination unit that is responsive to the maximum force-setting limit and having a maximum force-setting limited excess force threshold value output;
- a movable burner obstacle detector that is at least partially responsive to the at least one force sensor and to the maximum force-setting limited excess force threshold value output; and - a motor controller operably coupled and responsive to the movable barrier obstacle detector.
- at least one force sensor, - a maximum force-setting limit that is not at an extremity of the corresponding range of output forces;
- an excess force threshold determination unit that is responsive to the maximum force-setting limit and having a maximum force-setting limited excess force threshold value output;
- a movable burner obstacle detector that is at least partially responsive to the at least one force sensor and to the maximum force-setting limited excess force threshold value output; and - a motor controller operably coupled and responsive to the movable barrier obstacle detector.
86. The movable barrier operator of claim 85 wherein the excess force threshold determination unit comprises an automatic excess force threshold determination unit that is responsive to the maximum force-setting limit and having an automatically determined maximum force-setting limited excess force threshold value output.
87. The movable barrier operator of claim 85 and further comprising a fault-detected force indicia threshold, which fault-detected force indicia threshold exceeds the maximum force-setting limit.
88. The movable barrier operator of claim 85 and further comprising a fault-detected force indicia threshold, which fault-detected force indicia threshold is less than a minimum force needed to cause selective movement of the movable barrier.
89. The movable barrier operator of claim 85 and further comprising:
- a first fault-detected force indicia threshold, which first fault-detected force indicia threshold exceeds the maximum force-setting limit; and - a second fault-detected force indicia threshold, which second fault-detected force indicia threshold is less than a minimum force needed to cause selective movement of the movable barrier.
- a first fault-detected force indicia threshold, which first fault-detected force indicia threshold exceeds the maximum force-setting limit; and - a second fault-detected force indicia threshold, which second fault-detected force indicia threshold is less than a minimum force needed to cause selective movement of the movable barrier.
90. The movable barrier operator of claim 85 wherein the maximum force-setting limit comprises a non-alterable limit.
91. The movable barrier operator of claim 85 wherein the maximum force-setting limit is set during a movable barrier operator learning mode of operation.
92. The movable barrier operator of claim 85 wherein the maximum force-setting limit comprises one of:
- a default preset value; and - a dynamically set value.
- a default preset value; and - a dynamically set value.
93. A method for use with a movable barrier operator that controls a motor having a corresponding range of force values, comprising:
- providing a maximum force-setting limit that is not at an extremity of the corresponding range of output forces of the motor;
- monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied by the motor to selectively cause a movable barrier to move;
- limiting an excess force threshold value such that an updated excess force threshold does not exceed the maximum force-setting limit;
- using the updated excess force threshold value and the at least one parameter to determine when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator;
- taking a predetermined action when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator.
- providing a maximum force-setting limit that is not at an extremity of the corresponding range of output forces of the motor;
- monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied by the motor to selectively cause a movable barrier to move;
- limiting an excess force threshold value such that an updated excess force threshold does not exceed the maximum force-setting limit;
- using the updated excess force threshold value and the at least one parameter to determine when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator;
- taking a predetermined action when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator.
94. The method of claim 93 wherein limiting an excess force threshold value includes automatically changing an excess force threshold value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide the updated excess force threshold value, wherein the updated excess force threshold does not exceed the maximum force-setting limit.
95. The method of claim 93 and further comprising providing a fault-detected force indicia threshold, which fault-detected force indicia threshold exceeds the maximum force-setting limit.
96. The method of claim 93 and further comprising providing a fault-detected force indicia threshold, which fault-detected farce indicia threshold is less than a minimum force needed to cause selective movement of the movable barrier.
97. The method of claim 93 and further comprising providing:
- a first fault-detected force indicia threshold, which first fault-detected force indicia threshold exceeds the maximum force-setting limit; and - a second fault-detected force indicia threshold, which second fault-detected force indicia threshold is less than a minimum force needed to cause selective movement of the movable barrier.
- a first fault-detected force indicia threshold, which first fault-detected force indicia threshold exceeds the maximum force-setting limit; and - a second fault-detected force indicia threshold, which second fault-detected force indicia threshold is less than a minimum force needed to cause selective movement of the movable barrier.
98. The method of claim 93 wherein providing a maximum force-setting limit includes providing a non-alterable maximum force-setting limit.
99. The method of claim 93 wherein providing a maximum force-setting limit includes determining the maximum force-setting limit during a learning mode of operation.
100. The method of claim 93 wherein providing a maximum force-setting limit includes using one of:
- a default preset value; and - a dynamically set value.
- a default preset value; and - a dynamically set value.
101. A movable barrier operator for use with a movable barrier, which movable barrier is selectively moved through selective application of force by a motor via the movable burner operator, the movable barrier operator comprising:
- at least one force sensor;
- an automatically determinedobstacle-detected force indicia threshold;
- a stall-detected force indicia threshold;
- a fault-detected force indicia threshold;
- a movable barrier obstacle detector that is at least partially responsive to the at least one force sensor and to the automatically determined obstacle-detected force indicia threshold; and - a motor controller operably coupled and responsive to the movable barrier obstacle detector and to the at least one force sensor, wherein the motor controller causes the motor to take a specific predetermined action whenever a current measured force exceeds any of the automatically determined obstacle-detects force indicia threshold, the stall-detected force indicia threshold, and the fault-detected force indicia threshold.
- at least one force sensor;
- an automatically determinedobstacle-detected force indicia threshold;
- a stall-detected force indicia threshold;
- a fault-detected force indicia threshold;
- a movable barrier obstacle detector that is at least partially responsive to the at least one force sensor and to the automatically determined obstacle-detected force indicia threshold; and - a motor controller operably coupled and responsive to the movable barrier obstacle detector and to the at least one force sensor, wherein the motor controller causes the motor to take a specific predetermined action whenever a current measured force exceeds any of the automatically determined obstacle-detects force indicia threshold, the stall-detected force indicia threshold, and the fault-detected force indicia threshold.
102. The movable barrier operator of claim 101 wherein the specific predetermined action includes:
- reversing operation of the motor when the current measured force exceeds the automatically determined obstacle-detected force indicia threshold;
- reversing operation of the motor when the current measured force exceeds the stall-detected force indicia threshold; and - stopping operation of the motor when the current measured force exceeds the fault-detected force indicia threshold.
- reversing operation of the motor when the current measured force exceeds the automatically determined obstacle-detected force indicia threshold;
- reversing operation of the motor when the current measured force exceeds the stall-detected force indicia threshold; and - stopping operation of the motor when the current measured force exceeds the fault-detected force indicia threshold.
103. A method for use with a movable barrier operator, comprising:
- monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied by a motor to a movable barrier to selectively cause the movable barrier to move;
- providing an automatically determined obstacle-detected force indicia threshold;
- providing a stall-detected force indicia threshold;
- providing a fault-detected force indicia threshold;
- taking a predetermined corresponding action when the parameter that corresponds to force exceeds any of the automatically determined obstacle-detected force indicia threshold, the stall-detected force indicia threshold, and the fault-detected force indicia threshold.
- monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied by a motor to a movable barrier to selectively cause the movable barrier to move;
- providing an automatically determined obstacle-detected force indicia threshold;
- providing a stall-detected force indicia threshold;
- providing a fault-detected force indicia threshold;
- taking a predetermined corresponding action when the parameter that corresponds to force exceeds any of the automatically determined obstacle-detected force indicia threshold, the stall-detected force indicia threshold, and the fault-detected force indicia threshold.
104. The method of claim 103 wherein taking a predetermined corresponding action when the parameter that corresponds to force exceeds any of the automatically determined obstacle-detected force indicia threshold, the stall-detected force indicia threshold, and the fault-detected force indicia threshold includes:
- reversing operation of the motor when the parameter exceeds the automatically determined obstacle-detected force indicia threshold;
- reversing operation of the motor when the parameter exceeds the stall-detected force indicia threshold; and - stopping operation of the motor when the parameter exceeds the fault-detected farce indicia threshold.
- reversing operation of the motor when the parameter exceeds the automatically determined obstacle-detected force indicia threshold;
- reversing operation of the motor when the parameter exceeds the stall-detected force indicia threshold; and - stopping operation of the motor when the parameter exceeds the fault-detected farce indicia threshold.
105. A method for use with a movable barrier operator, comprising:
- monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied to a movable burner by a motor to selectively cause the movable barrier to move;
- automatically changing an excess force threshold value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated excess force threshold value;
- using the updated excess force threshold value and the monitored at least one parameter to determine when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator;
- taking a predetermined action when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable burner via the movable barrier operator;
- determining that a predetermined status likely exists when the at least one parameter that corresponds to force as measural during a predetermined time period that corresponds to initial energization of the motor meets at least one predetermined criteria.
- monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied to a movable burner by a motor to selectively cause the movable barrier to move;
- automatically changing an excess force threshold value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated excess force threshold value;
- using the updated excess force threshold value and the monitored at least one parameter to determine when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator;
- taking a predetermined action when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable burner via the movable barrier operator;
- determining that a predetermined status likely exists when the at least one parameter that corresponds to force as measural during a predetermined time period that corresponds to initial energization of the motor meets at least one predetermined criteria.
106. The method of claim 105 wherein determining that a predetermined status likely exists includes determining that a fault condition likely exists.
107. The method of claim 105 wherein determining that a predetermined status likely exists includes determining that at least a particular level of operational force has been sensed during the predetermined time period.
108. The method of claim 107 wherein determining that at least a particular level of operational force has been sensed during the predetermined time period includes only using such determination when a monitored temperature is within a predetermined range.
109. The method of claim 108 wherein only using such determination when a monitored temperature is within a predetermined range includes only using such determination when a monitored temperature is less than zero degrees Celsius.
110. A method for use with a movable barrier operator, comprising:
- monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied to a movable barrier by a motor to selectively cause the movable barrier to move;
- automatically changing an excess force threshold value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated excess force threshold value;
- using the updated excess force threshold value and the monitored at least one parameter to determine when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator;
- taking a predetermined action when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator;
- determining that a fault condition exists when the at least one parameter that corresponds to force fails to attain at least a first threshold during a predetermined time period.
- monitoring at least one parameter that corresponds to force as applied to a movable barrier by a motor to selectively cause the movable barrier to move;
- automatically changing an excess force threshold value in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated excess force threshold value;
- using the updated excess force threshold value and the monitored at least one parameter to determine when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator;
- taking a predetermined action when excess force is seemingly being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator;
- determining that a fault condition exists when the at least one parameter that corresponds to force fails to attain at least a first threshold during a predetermined time period.
111. The method of claim 110 wherein the predetermined time period includes a period of time when the motor first becomes energized.
112. The method of claim 111 wherein the predetermined time period is at least one second in duration.
113. The method of claim 110 wherein determining that a fault condition exists when the at least one parameter that corresponds to force fails to attain at least a first threshold during a predetermined time period includes determining that a fault condition exists when the at least one parameter that corresponds to force fails to attain a peak value that exceeds the first threshold during the predetermined time period.
114. A method for use with a movable barrier operator, comprising:
- monitoring force as the movable barrier operator causes a movable barrier to move from a first position to a second position;
- determining only a single force value to serve as a characteristic force value for the movable barrier operator when the monitored force meets a first predetermined criteria;
- determining a plurality of force values to serve as a plurality of characteristic force values for the movable barrier operator when the monitored force does not meet the first predetermined criteria.
- monitoring force as the movable barrier operator causes a movable barrier to move from a first position to a second position;
- determining only a single force value to serve as a characteristic force value for the movable barrier operator when the monitored force meets a first predetermined criteria;
- determining a plurality of force values to serve as a plurality of characteristic force values for the movable barrier operator when the monitored force does not meet the first predetermined criteria.
115. The method of claim 114 and further comprising using whichever one of the characteristic force value and the plurality of characteristic force values has been determined to facilitate detection of excess force as applied to the movable barrier.
116. The method of claim 114 wherein monitoring force as the movable barrier operator causes a movable barrier to move from a first position to a second position includes providing a representative function of the force.
117. The method of claim 116 wherein determining a plurality of force values to serve as a plurality of characteristic force values for the movable barrier operator when the force does not meet the first predetermined criteria includes determining the plurality of force values as a function of the representative function of the force.
118. The method of claim 114 wherein determining a plurality of force values to serve as a plurality of characteristic force values includes representing at least one of the plurality of characteristic force values as a combination of an incremental value and another of the characteristic force values.
119. A movable barrier operator for use with a movable barrier, comprising:
- at least one sensor to sense a parameter that corresponds to force as is apparently applied to at least attempt to move the movable barrier;
a first characteristic force value that has been determined as a function of sensed force as is apparently applied to move the movable barrier front a first position to a second position;
- at least a second characteristic force value that has been determined as a function of sensed force as is apparently applied to move the movable barrier from a first position to a second position;
- an obstacle detector responsive to the at least one sensor and, with respect to at least one of time and position of the movable barrier, to the first and second characteristic force values, and having an obstacle detected output that corresponds to an apparent application of excess force to the movable barrier.
- at least one sensor to sense a parameter that corresponds to force as is apparently applied to at least attempt to move the movable barrier;
a first characteristic force value that has been determined as a function of sensed force as is apparently applied to move the movable barrier front a first position to a second position;
- at least a second characteristic force value that has been determined as a function of sensed force as is apparently applied to move the movable barrier from a first position to a second position;
- an obstacle detector responsive to the at least one sensor and, with respect to at least one of time and position of the movable barrier, to the first and second characteristic force values, and having an obstacle detected output that corresponds to an apparent application of excess force to the movable barrier.
120. The method of claim 119 wherein using the first and second characteristic force values includes representing at least one of the first and second characteristic force values as a combination of an incremental value and another characteristic force value.
121. A method for use with a movable barrier operator, comprising:
- monitoring a parameter that corresponds to force as the movable barrier operator causes a movable barrier to move from a first position to a second position;
- determining at least two values for the parameter as correspond to at least one of - two different times;
- two different positions of the movable barrier; and - a time and a position of the movable barrier;
- determining at least one of a curve fit and a line fit as between the at least two values to provide a parameter curve; and - using the parameter curve to detect when excess force is likely being used.
- monitoring a parameter that corresponds to force as the movable barrier operator causes a movable barrier to move from a first position to a second position;
- determining at least two values for the parameter as correspond to at least one of - two different times;
- two different positions of the movable barrier; and - a time and a position of the movable barrier;
- determining at least one of a curve fit and a line fit as between the at least two values to provide a parameter curve; and - using the parameter curve to detect when excess force is likely being used.
122. The method of claim 121 wherein determining at least one of a curve fit and a line fit includes selecting a particular curve fit from amongst a plurality of candidate curve fits.
123. A movable barrier operator for use with a movable barrier, comprising:
- at least one sensor to sense a parameter that corresponds to force as is apparently applied to at least attempt to move the movable barrier;
- a plurality of characteristic force values that have been at least partially determined as a function of a calculated curve fit between at least two sensed values of the parameter;
- an obstacle detector responsive to the at least one sensor and; with respect to at least one of time and position of the movable barrier, to the plurality of characteristic force values, and having an obstacle detected output that corresponds to an apparent application of excess force to the movable barrier.
- at least one sensor to sense a parameter that corresponds to force as is apparently applied to at least attempt to move the movable barrier;
- a plurality of characteristic force values that have been at least partially determined as a function of a calculated curve fit between at least two sensed values of the parameter;
- an obstacle detector responsive to the at least one sensor and; with respect to at least one of time and position of the movable barrier, to the plurality of characteristic force values, and having an obstacle detected output that corresponds to an apparent application of excess force to the movable barrier.
124. The movable barrier operator of claim 123 wherein the at least two sensed values of the parameter comprise relative peak values of the parameter.
125. The movable barrier operator of claim 123 wherein the calculated curve fit is selected from amongst a plurality of candidate curve fits.
126. A method for use with a movable barrier operator, comprising:
- monitoring a parameter that corresponds to force as the movable barrier operator causes a movable barrier to move from a first position to a second position;
- determining a resonant characteristic of the parameter;
- determining a first and second value for the parameter as located proximal to opposing ends of the resonant characteristic;
- determining at least one curve fit as between the first and second values to provide a parameter curve; and - using the parameter curve to detect when excess force is likely being used.
- monitoring a parameter that corresponds to force as the movable barrier operator causes a movable barrier to move from a first position to a second position;
- determining a resonant characteristic of the parameter;
- determining a first and second value for the parameter as located proximal to opposing ends of the resonant characteristic;
- determining at least one curve fit as between the first and second values to provide a parameter curve; and - using the parameter curve to detect when excess force is likely being used.
127. The method of claim 126 wherein determining the resonant characteristic of the parameter includes determining a ring time for the parameter.
128. A movable barrier operator for. use with a movable barrier, comprising:
- at least one sensor to sense a parameter that corresponds to force as is apparently applied to at least attempt to move the movable barrier;
- a plurality of characteristic force values that have been at least partially determined as a function of a calculated curve fit between a first and second parameter value, wherein the first and second parameter values represent parameter values on either side of when the parameter tends to exhibit substantial resonance;
- an obstacle detector responsive to the at least one sensor and, with respect to at least one of time and position of the movable barrier, to the plurality of characteristic force values, and having an obstacle detected output that corresponds to an apparent application of excess force to the movable barrier.
- at least one sensor to sense a parameter that corresponds to force as is apparently applied to at least attempt to move the movable barrier;
- a plurality of characteristic force values that have been at least partially determined as a function of a calculated curve fit between a first and second parameter value, wherein the first and second parameter values represent parameter values on either side of when the parameter tends to exhibit substantial resonance;
- an obstacle detector responsive to the at least one sensor and, with respect to at least one of time and position of the movable barrier, to the plurality of characteristic force values, and having an obstacle detected output that corresponds to an apparent application of excess force to the movable barrier.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2729357A CA2729357C (en) | 2002-12-31 | 2003-12-30 | Movable barrier operator auto-force setting method and apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10/335,199 | 2002-12-31 | ||
| US10/335,199 US6870334B2 (en) | 2002-12-31 | 2002-12-31 | Movable barrier operator auto-force setting method and apparatus |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2729357A Division CA2729357C (en) | 2002-12-31 | 2003-12-30 | Movable barrier operator auto-force setting method and apparatus |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2454503A1 true CA2454503A1 (en) | 2004-06-30 |
| CA2454503C CA2454503C (en) | 2011-04-26 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| CA2729357A Expired - Lifetime CA2729357C (en) | 2002-12-31 | 2003-12-30 | Movable barrier operator auto-force setting method and apparatus |
| CA2820424A Expired - Lifetime CA2820424C (en) | 2002-12-31 | 2003-12-30 | Movable barrier operator auto-force setting method and apparatus |
| CA2812098A Expired - Lifetime CA2812098C (en) | 2002-12-31 | 2003-12-30 | Movable barrier operator auto-force setting method and apparatus |
| CA2454503A Expired - Lifetime CA2454503C (en) | 2002-12-31 | 2003-12-30 | Movable barrier operator auto-force setting method and apparatus |
Family Applications Before (3)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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| CA2729357A Expired - Lifetime CA2729357C (en) | 2002-12-31 | 2003-12-30 | Movable barrier operator auto-force setting method and apparatus |
| CA2820424A Expired - Lifetime CA2820424C (en) | 2002-12-31 | 2003-12-30 | Movable barrier operator auto-force setting method and apparatus |
| CA2812098A Expired - Lifetime CA2812098C (en) | 2002-12-31 | 2003-12-30 | Movable barrier operator auto-force setting method and apparatus |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
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| US (4) | US6870334B2 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2003271395A1 (en) |
| CA (4) | CA2729357C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE10361698A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2849553A1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MXPA04000085A (en) |
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- 2003-12-30 CA CA2729357A patent/CA2729357C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-12-30 CA CA2820424A patent/CA2820424C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-12-30 DE DE10361698A patent/DE10361698A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2003-12-30 CA CA2812098A patent/CA2812098C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-12-30 CA CA2454503A patent/CA2454503C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-12-31 AU AU2003271395A patent/AU2003271395A1/en not_active Abandoned
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2004
- 2004-01-07 MX MXPA04000085A patent/MXPA04000085A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2004-10-22 US US10/971,242 patent/US7019478B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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2008
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| CA2729357A1 (en) | 2004-06-30 |
| CA2812098A1 (en) | 2004-06-30 |
| CA2454503C (en) | 2011-04-26 |
| FR2849553A1 (en) | 2004-07-02 |
| CA2729357C (en) | 2013-08-13 |
| AU2003271395A1 (en) | 2004-07-15 |
| US20080180050A1 (en) | 2008-07-31 |
| US7679301B2 (en) | 2010-03-16 |
| CA2820424A1 (en) | 2004-06-30 |
| CA2812098C (en) | 2014-02-11 |
| CA2820424C (en) | 2015-10-20 |
| US20050156547A1 (en) | 2005-07-21 |
| US7019478B2 (en) | 2006-03-28 |
| MXPA04000085A (en) | 2005-06-17 |
| US7339336B2 (en) | 2008-03-04 |
| DE10361698A1 (en) | 2004-08-19 |
| US20050082998A1 (en) | 2005-04-21 |
| US20040124801A1 (en) | 2004-07-01 |
| US6870334B2 (en) | 2005-03-22 |
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