Alarm system interaction with a movable barrier operator method and apparatus

• US 20060176171A1
• Filed: 01/27/2005
• Published: 08/10/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/27/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Chamberlain Group LLC
• Original Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc. (The Chamberlain Group LLC)
• Inventors: Fitzgibbon, James J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,482,923 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/531
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/70 with automatic actuation
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/20 involving the use of a pass
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/22 Electrical actuation

Abstract

A secure communication link (24) is provided between a movable barrier operator (23) and a peripheral alarm system (20). Information conveyed via this link is used by one, the other, or both such elements to further inform or direct their respective actions.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

providing a secure communication link between a movable barrier operator and a peripheral alarm system;

effecting at least one communication between the movable barrier operator and the peripheral alarm system using the secure communication link.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the secure communication link comprises at least one of:

an encrypted wireless communication link; and

a non-wireless communication link.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein effecting at least one communication further comprises:

providing data from the movable barrier operator to the peripheral alarm system.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein effecting at least one communication further comprises:

effecting at least one peripheral alarm system action as a function, at least in part, of the data.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein effecting at least one peripheral alarm system action further comprises:

providing an instruction to the movable barrier operator using the secure communication link.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein providing an instruction to the movable barrier operator further comprises providing an instruction regarding subsequent movement of a movable barrier as is controlled, at least in part, by the movable barrier operator.

7. An alarm system comprising:

a movable barrier operator secure communication link interface;

an alarm system controller that is responsive, at least in part, to data from a movable barrier operator as is received via the movable barrier operator secure communication link interface.

8. The alarm system of claim 7 wherein the alarm system controller further comprises an alarm actuator having a corresponding actuation time delay, wherein a first mode of operation of the actuation time delay is alterable, at least in part, in response to reception of data from a movable barrier operator via the movable barrier operator secure communication link interface.

9. The alarm system of claim 8 wherein the alarm actuator comprises an alarm arming actuator and wherein the data comprises information regarding at least one of:

reception by the movable barrier operator of a remotely transmitted command;

a predetermined state of a movable barrier as is controlled by the movable barrier operator.

10. The alarm system of claim 9 wherein the data comprises information regarding both the reception by the movable barrier operator of the remotely transmitted command and the predetermined state of the movable barrier.

11. The alarm system of claim 8 wherein the alarm actuator comprises an alarm disarming actuator and wherein the data comprises information regarding at least one of:

reception by the movable barrier operator of a remotely transmitted command;

a predetermined state of a movable barrier as is controlled by the movable barrier operator.

12. The alarm system of claim 8 wherein the alarm actuator comprises means for controlling at least one of arming and disarming an alarm capability as a function, at least in part, of movable barrier operator system information as is indicated by the data.

13. The alarm system of claim 12 wherein the movable barrier operator system information corresponds to at least one of:

reception of a remotely sourced movable barrier operator command signal;

a current position of a movable barrier;

initiation of movement of the movable barrier;

current movement of the movable barrier;

cessation of movement of the movable barrier;

reversal of movement of the movable barrier;

detection of an obstacle in a pathway of the movable barrier;

unauthorized movement of the movable barrier.

14. The alarm system of claim 7 and further comprising:

a movable barrier operator message transmitter that is operably coupled to the alarm system controller.

15. The alarm system of claim 14 wherein the alarm system controller further comprises means for providing a movable barrier operator message to be transmitted by the movable barrier operator message transmitter, wherein the movable barrier operator message is directed to at least one of:

the movable barrier operator;

a movable barrier operator user.

16. A method for use by an intrusion detection alarm system comprising:

receiving, via a secure communication link, information regarding at least one of operational status and received operational commands as corresponds to a garage door opener;

effecting at least one action in response to receiving the information.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein effecting at least one action further comprises effecting a specific action with respect to at least one of arming and disarming an intrusion detection alarm.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein effecting at least one action further comprises transmitting an external communication.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein transmitting an external communication further comprises transmitting at least one of:

a command to the garage door opener;

an inquiry to the garage door opener;

a command to a peripheral alert mechanism;

a message.

20. The method of claim 16 wherein receiving information via a secure communication link further comprises receiving encrypted information.