Hands-Free Barrier Operator
First Claim
1. An apparatus configured to control movement of a barrier, the apparatus comprising:
- a barrier operator configured to move the barrier;
a sensor configured sense an object; and
a controller in operative communication with the sensor;
wherein the controller is configured to determine a direction of movement of the object and a rate of movement of the object, the controller further configured to control the barrier operator based at least in part on the direction of movement of the object and the rate of movement of the object.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A barrier control apparatus and method for controlling movement of a barrier are provided to allow a user the ability to move a barrier without physically contacting the barrier. For example, the barrier control apparatus maintains a defined distance between an object such as a hand and a defined location relative to the barrier such that movement of the barrier follows movement of the object. In this way, a user is able to maintain control of the movement of the barrier throughout the opening and closing process. The barrier control apparatus is further able to detect gestures made by the user and can control movement of the barrier accordingly.
30 Citations
23 Claims
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1. An apparatus configured to control movement of a barrier, the apparatus comprising:
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a barrier operator configured to move the barrier; a sensor configured sense an object; and a controller in operative communication with the sensor; wherein the controller is configured to determine a direction of movement of the object and a rate of movement of the object, the controller further configured to control the barrier operator based at least in part on the direction of movement of the object and the rate of movement of the object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An apparatus configured to control movement of a barrier, the apparatus comprising:
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a barrier operator configured to move the barrier; a sensor configured sense an object; and a controller in operative communication with the sensor; wherein the controller is configured to determine a direction of movement of the object and a rate of movement of the object, the controller further configured to control the barrier operator based at least in part on the direction of movement of the object and the rate of movement of the object to maintain a defined distance between the object and a defined location relative to the barrier; and wherein the controller is further configured to determine an object gesture based at least in part on the direction of movement of the object and the rate of movement of the object, the controller further configured to control the barrier operator to perform a defined object gesture response based at least in part on determining the object gesture. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for controlling movement of a barrier, the method comprising:
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sensing an object at a sensor; determining a direction of movement of the object; determining a rate of movement of the object; and controlling a barrier operator based at least in part on the direction of movement of the object and the rate of movement of the object, wherein the barrier operator is configured to move the barrier. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification