[0001] This invention relates to a multi-barrier operator system and relates particularly
but not exclusively to such for sliding gates or swing gates.
[0002] Hitherto, there have been many problems associated with providing operators for multi-barrier
where the multiple barriers are intended to be operated in unison. A typical example
of a multi-barrier installation where barriers are to be operated in unison is a pair
of sliding gates that open and close across a driveway by sliding apart or towards
one another. Another type is a swing gate. Other types of barriers are multiple roller
or sectional or shutter type doors that are required to be operated in unison.
[0003] In known arrangements the barriers are divided into a master barrier, and one or
more slave barriers. Typically an operator is provided at the master barrier and respective
slave operators are provided at the one or more slave barriers. Each slave operator
has its own dedicated motor however, power supply and data exchange is provided from
the master operator by electrical interconnect wiring leads. Typically, such leads
extend across a driveway in which the barriers are to close. The driveway can typically
be concrete or the like which requires that a channel be cut in the concrete in order
to accommodate the wiring. Once the wiring is inserted into the channel, the channel
can be filled. The wiring is then exposed to the movement of the concrete or the like
and rupturing of the wiring can occur. Further, there can be ingress of moisture to
the wiring in the concrete which affects the operation of the system.
[0004] Limit sensor signals are detected locally at each slave operator concerning relative
stop travel positions for the respective barriers but the actual control is from the
master operator.
[0005] There is a real danger with the installations that the electrical wiring is incorrectly
electrically wired to the operators. This, in turn, causes time wastage while the
wiring problems are resolved. In some instances, the electrical components and the
electrical control circuit boards have been destroyed because of incorrect wiring.
In addition, normally the wires are not provided in a kit form owing to the wide variation
in widths of barrier passageways. This, in turn, means that the installers usually
purchase their own wire for this purpose. In some instances, the current carrying
capacity of the wires purchased has been insufficient to allow for the necessary electric
power to be provided to the slave units for the required operation. In some instances,
the wires have been chosen of such small diameter and with an inappropriate number
of strands that the wires break easily.
[0006] A further problem with such installations is that the wire extending across the driveway
opening is of considerable length - perhaps four meters or more. Such wires present
an aerial where induced signals from RF can be received. This, in turn, causes inappropriate
operation of the operators due to the injection of unwanted RF signals which in some
instances can cause dangerous operation of the operators.
[0007] Furthermore, in some installations, the respective operators become out of sync with
each other. In other words, the operators may operate together but not in unison with
an equal speed and distance of travel of one barrier with respect to the other. Such
operation is undesirable.
[0008] Therefore, in accordance with a first broad aspect of the present invention there
is provided a multi-barrier operator system where the barriers can be operated in
unison comprising:
a master operator and one or more slave operators, the master operator and one or
more slave operators each having an independent power supply, an independent motor
for moving the related barrier, an independent communication device having a transmitter
and a receiver, and an independent electric control circuit for controlling the related
motor and barrier operation, the communication devices being configured to allow wireless
control signals to be transmitted between the master operator and the one or more
slave operators to allow the barriers to be opened and closed, and each communication
device permitting data about a current state of operation of a slave operator to be
indicated to the master operator.
[0009] In an embodiment the master operator is configured to provide high level control
instruction to each slave operator and the independent electronic control circuit
of each slave operator is configured to control operation of the related barrier in
response to the high level control instruction from the master operator.
[0010] Embodiments of the system can also comprise a memory related to each electric control
circuit so barrier movement parameters can be stored therein, and wherein barrier
movement parameters set at the master operator and stored in the memory therein can
be promulgated to the one or more slave operators via the communication devices and
stored in the memory therein.
[0011] In an embodiment each operator can be configured to operate as either a master or
slave operator and one operator is designated as the master operator during installation
and the remaining operators are subsequently designated as slave operators. In an
embodiment, the master operator can configure the remaining operators as slave operators
by data communication via the communication devices. In an embodiment one or more
slave operators can be designated as a back up to the master operator and configured
to assume the role of master operator in the event of a fault in the master operator.
[0012] In an embodiment of the system each slave operator is configured to transmit operation
data to the master operator via the communication device and the master operator is
configured to monitor operation of related barriers by each slave operator based on
the received operation data and provide control instructions to the respective slave
operator to control barrier movement.
[0013] In an embodiment the communication devices of one or more operators comprise more
than one type of transmitter and receiver enabling more than one communication path
to be used between operators. The operators can also be configured to use an alternative
communication path in the event of failure of a communication path.
[0014] In an embodiment of the system the communication devices and the electronic control
circuits of the one or more slave operators have a power conserving sleep mode, and
wherein each comprises a polling function where the communication devices poll the
master operator to determine a barrier movement operation of the master operator and
if a movement operation is being invoked to wake the communication devices and the
electric control circuit of the one or more slave operators to replicate the movement
operations of the master operator of the slave operator.
[0015] In an embodiment the communication devices are tuneable to optimise transmission
signal power for each communication path for power conservation.
[0016] In an embodiment the independent power supply of each operator includes a local power
supply module not dependent on mains power, thereby enabling a wire free system installation.
[0017] In an embodiment the respective electric control circuits each comprise a barrier
movement sensor so if a barrier movement does not occur as expected, control signals
of such non occurrence can be exchanged between all operators and appropriate consequential
barrier movement activated at all barriers.
[0018] In an embodiment the master operator is a master for receipt of barrier control signals
sent from a remote control device, and wherein barrier control signals are then sent
from the master operator to the one or more slave operators via the respective communication
devices so all operators perform the same barrier control function.
[0019] In an embodiment one or more slave operators can be configured to receive a barrier
control signal and relay the barrier control signal to the master via the communication
device of the slave operator.
[0020] In order that the invention can be more clearly ascertained reference will now made
to an embodiment as shown in the accompanying drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a multi-barrier operator.
Figure 2 is a schematic block circuit diagram of one embodiment of the invention;
Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 show firmware program steps for some of the functional features
of the embodiment; and
Figure 7 is a flowchart of a transmission power tuning procedure of an embodiment.
[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a multi-barrier operator system with particular
application to a pair of sliding gates. As stated previously, the invention has application
to barriers generally where there are multi-barriers which require to be operated
in unison. Therefore, barriers such as swing gates roller doors, sectional doors,
and tilt doors are all embraced. Other multi-barriers are also included. The invention
can also be used with systems where combinations of different barriers are used in
a coordinated manner, for example a roller door and sliding gate combination. In Figure
1, the installation 100 has a left hand barrier 101 and a right hand barrier 102.
Each barrier is generally a planar type gate that is supported to slide apart or towards
the other by suitable supporting means such as roller wheels on a track and guide
means (not shown), all of which are known in this art. Typically, the barriers 101
and 102 are mounted adjacent a wall 103 that defines a barrier passageway 104. Each
barrier 101, 102 has its own operator 105 and 106. One of the operators, such as operator
105, is designated as a master operator whilst the other operator 106 is dedicated
as a slave. There may be a series of slave barrier operators connected with a single
master barrier operator.
[0022] In known multi-barrier operators, electrical wiring in the form of cables must extend
across the passageway 104 to interconnect the slave operators 106 with the master
operator 105. As discussed previously, such wiring presents many problems. In the
present invention, there is a wireless interconnect between the master operator 105
and the slave(s) operator 106. In this arrangement, electrical power is provided locally
at each of the master operator(s) 105 and the slave operator(s) 106. In some arrangements,
there will be AC mains power provided to each of the operators 105, 106. In some other
installations, AC mains power may be provided to only one of the operators 105/106
whilst the other operators will have their power supplied locally such as from a DC
battery source. Alternatively some or all operators may have a local power supply
module, thus enabling a fully wireless installation embodiment where none of the master
or slave operators are dependent on mains power supply. In some embodiments local
power supply modules may have a DC battery power source. Other embodiments of local
power supply modules may have renewable energy power generator and a power storage
component, for example a local solar power module with photovoltaic cells or panels
for conversion of solar energy to electricity and a battery for power storage and
backup, or a local wind power module having a compact wind turbine and battery for
power storage and backup, combinations and other alternatives are also contemplated.
It should be appreciated that a combination of different power supply modules may
be used for the master and slave operators. The choice of power supply module may
vary depending on location or installation conditions. For example, wind and solar
power supply modules may be highly suitable for use on a farm gate where mains power
is not available or cost prohibitive to provide. Choice of wind or solar could also
be based on local conditions, or a combination of wind and solar may be used to reduce
risk of power failure if renewable energy is solely relied upon. For example, stored
power of a wind power supply module may be exhausted during prolonged still conditions
however, if a combination of wind and solar is used in a single power supply the likelihood
of power failure is reduced. Alternatively if different types of power supplies are
used the likelihood of all power supplies failing simultaneously is reduced, so if
one power supply is exhausted the barrier may still be partially opened by a master
or slave operator having power remaining, which may be sufficient for some purposes
or minimise the manual effort required to fully open the barrier in the case of a
power failure. Power supply modules of different types may be interchangeable to enable
easy adaptation of operators for different installations.
[0023] In most installations however, all the operators will be powered from a mains power
supply, and dedicated electrical power sockets and terminations will be made for each
operator 105/106. In such arrangements there are prescribed regulations by electrical
authorities to control the way mains power is supplied to exposed outside areas such
as where the barriers are to operate. The wiring will be installed by a licensed electrician
according to prescribed regulations. This contrasts with the providing of power to
the operators by non-qualified electricians who may be installing the prior art operator
system where electrical wires/cables are used to be extended across the driveway between
each of the operators 105/106.
[0024] Figure 2 shows an example of an embodiment of the invention that uses a radio duplex
communication system having respective radio communication devices 201 in the master
operator 105 and 202 in the slave operator(s) 106. Figure 2 shows that each operator
105/106 has its own electric DC motor 203, its own electric control circuit 204 for
controlling the operation locally, its own door position control sensing circuit 205
and its own power supply circuit. Each of the above components is independent of the
components in the other operators. Each of the components is interconnected at the
respective operators so the position of the respective barriers will be controlled
locally by the respective operators in this embodiment. Typically each of the components
shown will be provided as a module and there may be a motherboard (not shown) into
which the respective modules can be attached by typically a plug and socket connection
or some other connection such as direct mating contacts on one board into mating socket
contacts on the other board.
[0025] The control circuit 204 may itself comprise the motherboard and have appropriate
sockets for receipt of all other modules and components including a lead for supplying
power to the motherboard electric motor 203. The door position sensing circuit 205
may comprise one of several alternatives types known in the art. Some of these include
limit switches for sensing end positions of travel, angular position sensors for determining
positions of ends of travel of the barrier for stopping the barrier movement at required
set stop positions, and direction of movement sensors that may comprise shaft encoders.
[0026] In operation, a user person wishing to operate the barriers will typically initiate
a signal that will be actioned upon at the master operator 105. Such signal may be
input directly at the master operator 105 or from some remote location via a hard
wire circuit. Alternatively, it may operate via a radio remote control device as is
known in this art. In embodiments of the invention the communication device in each
operator (master and slave) may receive the radio signal from the control device for
operation of the door. In this case slave operators can signal to the mater operator
that they have received the operation signal. In this manner the master can confirm
that all slave operators are ready for operation and coordinate control of barrier
operation. The operation signal can also be relayed to the master operator if it was
not received by the master. For example for a wide barrier the master may be out of
range of a remote control device, or a manual signal may be given at a slave operator
such as pushing a button or scanning an access token/card and the signal received
at the slave operator can be relayed to the master. For example a gate may have an
access scanner/button on the operator on each side to enable a driver to operate the
gate manually for both entry and exit without getting out of the vehicle, in this
case one access scanner/button can be on the master operator and the other on a slave
operator. Once the access scanner/button is activated on the slave operator the operation
request is relayed wirelessly to the master operator by the slave. The relay signal
can include encrypted identification/security information to enable the master operator
to validate the operation request before operation of the barrier is allowed. Alternatively
the access request may be validated at the slave operator.
[0027] In all such cases, the user person will provide a signal to request operation of
the barrier which is either received directly by or communicated to the master operator
105 to coordinate barrier operation. The master operator 105 will, in turn, process
that signal to operate the motor 103 associated with the master operator 105. Simultaneously
or substantially simultaneously, the control circuit 204 which includes a micro controller
processor will process the signal initiating movement of the barrier and provide an
appropriate signal to the communication device 201. The communication device 201 will
then by radio communication transmit a signal to a communication device 202 in the
slave operator(s) 106. This signal will then be fed locally to the control circuit
204 to, in turn, cause the motor 103 at the slave operator 106 to commence barrier
operation in unison with movement initiated at the master operator 105. Accordingly,
for a sliding gate arrangement as shown in Figure 1, the master operator 105 will
cause barrier 102 to move to close the passageway 104 and similarly, the barrier 101
in the slave 106 will also move in unison with barrier 102 to close the passageway
104. When the barrier is opening a similar reverse procedure will occur but again
it will be initiated from the master operator 105. At the completion of travel of
the barriers 102/101, the barriers will stop movement by virtue of the door position
sensing circuit 205 operating locally to switch off the respective motors 103.
[0028] During the above movements, information about the current state position of the barrier(s)
at the slave operator(s) 105 will be transmitted to the master operator 106 via the
duplex communication device 202 so appropriate control instructions can be maintained
to ensure that all barriers 101 and 102 move directly in unison. For example, if barrier
101 is moving too slowly, the master control circuit 204 can be signalled to slow
down so that the two barriers 102 and 102 are moved in unison. Alternatively, the
motor 103 in the slave 106 can be instructed to speed up to maintain an in unison
movement of the barrier 101 relative to barrier 102.
[0029] The signalling between the master and slave operators can take any form suitable
to the functionality of the control circuits of the respective master and slave operators.
For example where the slave operators include a high level of control functionality
and the slave operators perform monitoring of the operation of the slave operators,
the master may provide the slave(s) with high level instruction as to the operation
required which is then interpreted by the slave control circuit to perform appropriate
motor control and slave operator may communicate status information back to the mater
operator. Alternatively the slave operator may be configured to have minimal "intelligence"
and depend on the master operator to determine the control commands required by the
slave operator and communicate the control commands to the slave operator to, in turn,
use to control the motor. In this embodiment the slave operator may be configured
to send to the master operator as status information the outputs of sensors, such
as position sensor data, and motor operating parameters, which are interpreted by
the control circuit of the master operator to determine appropriate control commands
to send to the slave operator. It should be appreciated that all alternative signalling
regimes are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
[0030] In a variation it may be intended through a control signal provided in the master
operator 105 that only one of the barriers 101 or 102 is to operate. A control circuit
204 can control this function by duplex radio communication protocols provided by
the communication devices 201 and 202. For example, where the barrier to be moved
is the barrier operated by the slave operator, then the master operator 105 can signal
the slave operator 106 to open the barrier while maintaining the other barrier stationary.
Where the barrier to be opened is the barrier operated by the master operator 105,
there may be no signalling to the slave operator 106 as this operator is not required
to move its respective barrier.
[0031] An example of partial operation of a barrier is to enable pedestrian access without
fully opening the barrier, this may be known as pedestrian mode. Pedestrian mode can
be configured differently for different barrier types or installations. For example,
pedestrian mode may be configured for full opening of one barrier only, partial opening
of one barrier only, partial opening of two barriers, reversing direction (opening
to closing) after a signal is received from a sensor or user controller before full
opening of the barrier etc, and all possible variations are considered within the
scope of the present invention. In some embodiments the pedestrian mode is indicated
in a signal transmitted from a user controller, for example by pushing a "pedestrian"
button on a hand held radio transmitter. Alternatively an operator may have an interface
(for example a button, keypad or sensor) to enable a person to request pedestrian
access and this may be provided on master or slave operators.
[0032] At the completion of barrier movement, the slave duplex communication device 202
can be put into a "sleep" mode. This will conserve power, and in the case of a battery
source of power will aid in prolonging the time between battery replacement or re-charging.
The communication device 201 at the master 105 can then "poll" the slave(s) 106 periodically
to determine if the slave operators 106 are functioning correctly. For example, the
slaves may periodically wake from the sleep state to communicate status information
to the master. In another embodiment in the "sleep" mode the slave operators are configured
to be able to receive poll signals from the master operator and reply with status
information. This may not require the slave operator to fully transition from "sleep"
mode to a "wake" mode wherein the operator operates the barrier, but rather an intermediate
"semi-awake" mode may enable communication between the master and slave operators
for polling purposes and a "wake" higher power consumption state only entered when
necessary, for example to operate the barrier.
[0033] During polling status information for the slave operator can be communicated to the
master operator. For example, if the power supply 206 in the slaves is a battery DC
voltage source, then the communication devices 201/202 will communicate information
about the battery status to the master controller 105 so that appropriate warnings
can be provided to the user person that the battery may need replacement. The battery
status may be determined by the controller of the slave operator, for example by sensing
charge remaining, and communicated to the master in a status signal. Alternatively
the master operator may determine the battery status based on communication signals
from the slave operator. For example the master operator may assess signal power during
polling or barrier operation and determining drop in signal power below a threshold
level which indicates low battery power. Alternatively during barrier operation barrier
speed may be monitored and slowing of the barrier between successive operations used
as an indication of possible low battery power, or a motor problem. In such instance,
a barrier controlled by a slave may be shut-down as a further visual indicator to
the operator person that the battery may need replacement. In addition, if there are
other circuit malfunctions in the slave operators 106 then appropriate data can be
communicated back to the master operator 105 so that an appropriate alarm can be provided
in order that corrective action may be taken. A problem with any of the operators
can also be indicated to a user for action to be taken. For example, an LCD display
on the master controller may provide a message indicating a problem, (for example,
"low battery operator 2", "motor fault operator 3" or "obstruction detector fault
zone 1"). In some embodiments data may be transmitted to a user remote control device
to draw the user's attention to operator problems. In an example, a fault light may
flash on a user device and the user look at the master operator for fault information.
In another example the user device has a display on which messages may be displayed.
Any fault identifiable by the operator controller may be reported in this manner,
for example low battery, motor operation faults, communication faults, sensor faults/warnings,
obstruction detection faults such as beam misalignment or low signal, etc. Messages
may be displayed for any event that may be of relevant to the user, including faults
and operational events. For example, messages may indicate restoration of correct
operation after power failure, service reminders, manual operation occurrences, reversal
of operation due to obstruction detection etc. In embodiments where messages are transmitted
to remote user devices, the master operator may be configured to store some types
of messages for transmission to a user device one it is in range, for example power
failure and restoration messages or manual operation messages. It should be appreciated
that such events may be of interest to the user but occur while the user controller
is out of range of the operator. A list of messages may be displayed or scrolled where
there is more than one message.
[0034] Other functions concerning states of movement of the barriers can be relayed between
the master and slave operators by means of the communication devices. For example,
if one of the barriers should strike an object during closing and stop due to the
local control circuits being activated to stop the movement, then the communication
devices can communicate that information back to the master operator which will, in
turn, cause all barriers to cease movement. As a variation, the barriers may be stopped
and then reversed in direction when an object is struck by one of the barriers. This
may be replicated at each of the operators.
[0035] It should also be appreciated that the above arrangement provides many advantages
not inherent with a locally hard wired installation which requires hard wiring between
the master operator and the slave operators. For example, control parameters may be
set by an installer person at the master controller and relayed to the slave operators
via the communication devices so they are set at the slave operators as the inherent
default parameters for the slave operators as well. Such information may relate to
barrier states such as an obstruction force threshold setting which is used for detecting
if the barriers strike an object during movement. The barriers are then reversed in
direction when the threshold is reached. The intended speed of travel of the barriers
can be set at the master operator 105 and relayed to the slave operators 106 as a
desired barrier state movement speed. In addition, thresholds for opening and closing
movement times can be set. In addition, particular zones for speeding up or slowing
down movement of the barriers can be set and relayed to the slave operators. In addition,
a start delay for operation of a slave or master operator can be set at the master
operator, and sent to the slave operator(s) so all operators operate with the same
delay. In this way, the parameters that are set at the master can be relayed to the
slave operators and set as defaults for all operators in the system. The ways of sensing
such thresholds and speeds of movement and zones are known per-se in this art for
use with single door barrier operators and have not been replicated herein to aid
brevity.
[0036] In an embodiment all operators may be capable of acting as either a master or slave
operator and the status as master or slave configured on installation. For example,
by setting a parameter value in the operator to be designated master and setting each
other operator as slaves along with transmitting other operating parameters as described
above. Alternatively a manual status selection means may be used such as a switch
or changing a hardware component to distinguish the master from slave operators. It
should be appreciated that having operators adapted to be used as either a master
or a slave can reduce the inventory required for installers. Further, a slave operator
may also be designated as a back-up master and able to switch from the role of a slave
to the role of the master automatically if there is a failure in the master operator,
to enable at least partial operation of the barrier in the case of a fault in the
master.
[0037] In alternative embodiments slave operators may be configured to have limited control
functionality and simply respond to commands of the master operator. In such an embodiment
the slave operators can transmit to the master operator status data from sensors such
as barrier position sensors or motor operation data such as speed and power consumption.
Instead of the slave operator assessing operation of the operator and determining
when speed thresholds of different zones are met, the master operator determines these
from the status information and provides any control instructions required to the
slave operator. In this embodiment the processing required at the slave operators
is simplified which, in turn, can reduce the processing capacity required at the slave
operators enabling the slave units to be cheaper and potentially lower power consumption
than the master operator. This can be advantageous in embodiments where slave units
are powered by battery or solar power supply. Another potential advantage is the software
and firmware required at the slave operators is also simplified. In some cases upgrades
or modification to operating parameters may be made in software of the master operator
but avoided in slave operators, thus simplifying the modification/upgrade.
[0038] In some embodiments the communication device may comprise more than one transmitter
and receiver or transceiver and different modes of transmission may be used. For example,
in an embodiment the communication devices each include both radio frequency (RF)
and optical (for example, infra red (IR) or laser) transceivers. In this embodiment
different transmission modes can be used for different information or at different
times, for example, the slave may be configured to power down the RF transceiver in
"sleep" mode only receive IR signals for polling or to wake. For example, an IR beam
incident on the IR receiver may indicate a poll and status information transmitted
in an IR bean in response. Alternatively, the IR beam may instruct the slave operator
to "wake" and a reply transmitted via the RF transceiver to indicate the wake state
and readiness to operate the barrier. In alternative embodiment one mode of communication
may be used to transmit signals to the slave operators and an alternative mode used
to reply. For example, the slave operator communication device may have an RF receiver
only and communication status information back to the master operator using an IR
transmitter. All alternatives are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
It should be appreciated that, in addition to the advantages for managing power consumption
that may be enabled, using more than one communication mode can provide security advantages.
For example, if instructions are transmitted using one communication mode, say IR,
and acknowledgements of instructions are transmitted using a different mode, say RF
or acoustic signalling, then if an attempt is made to send a false open instruction
to a slave operator, then the acknowledgement of the fraudulent instruction will be
received by the master operator using the second communication mode and appropriate
action taken, for example, an override instruction sent and alarm raised. Further,
redundancy in communication capability allows signalling via a backup mode to at least
operate the barrier to a safe or secure position if there is failure of one communication
mode.
[0039] In an embodiment the communication devices can be configurable to adjust signal power
level in order to optimise power usage. In embodiments where at least some operators
are battery or renewable energy powered there is a risk that the operators may exhaust
their power supply. For example, batteries may go flat or where renewable energy generation
is relied upon and the barrier is operated frequently when power is not being generated
(for example at night for a solar generator) stored energy may be exhausted, so power
conservation is desirable to maximise the duration of operation. In some embodiments
of the invention the signal power of the communication devices can be adjusted to
reduce transmission power in order to reduce power consumption. The signal transmission
power can be adjusted to only that necessary for reception by other operators in the
system using a tuning process. As the communication devices are configured to transmit
and receive the tuning process can utilise handshaking between two operators at different
power levels to determine the lowest power level at which the two operators can reliably
establish communication. In an embodiment the master operator is tuned for reliably
communicate with each slave operator and each slave operator is tuned for reliable
communication with the master operator. In an alternative embodiment slave operators
may be tuned to communicate where at least one of the slave operators is also configured
to relay signals to the master operator. The tuning process can be manually executed
or automatic.
[0040] An example of an embodiment of the tuning process is shown in Figure 7. The tuning
process takes place between two operators, for example a master and slave. The example
of Figure 7 shows the tuning steps executed in one operator only. The tuning process
starts at step 701 where the transmission power level is set to an initial power level.
The initial power level may be the maximum or minimum power level or any power level
therebetween and may be a preset power level. A signal is transmitted using the set
power level at step 702 and the operator then waits to receive a reply or acknowledgement
signal at step 703. A timer may be set for a reasonable time period in which as reply
is expected, for example a 20 millisecond countdown timer. If a reply is not received
at step 704 then it is assumed that the transmission power level was too low to be
received. The power level is then incremented to increase transmission power at step
706 and another signal sent at step 702 and the process repeats from step 702 until
a reply is received.
[0041] When a reply is received at step 704 it is determined whether or not a reply was
received to the previous signal at step 705, if no reply was received previously then
it is determined tat the current power level is the lowest power level that may be
used for the communication path between the two operators. Thus the signal power level
is set at this level at step 708 and the tuning process ends at step 709.
[0042] If this is the first iteration or the previous reply signal was also received at
step 705 it is determined that the power level may be decreased at step 707 and the
process repeated with signal sent at the new power level at step 702. The process
repeats until a reply signal is not received, indicating that the transmission signal
power has dropped too low to be received. The signal power is then incremented and
a final signal can be sent to check that the signal power is sufficient. Alternatively
the signal power can be set to the power of the last successfully received signal.
[0043] An alternative question at step 705 may be whether the power level is being incrementally
increased or decreased. If the power level is being increased and a reply signal is
received this can be set as the power level. If the power level is being decreased,
increments can continue until a reply signal is not received, indicating the power
level is too low. The power level can then be increased to a power level that can
be received as set at that level for continued operation. It should be appreciated
that this configuration of power level can be performed for each operator and each
transmitter/receiver pair between operators. The tuning process may be performed controlled
by software or firmware of the operator. The tuning process may be performed automatically
on installation or in response to a manual command. In some embodiments the operators
may be configured to periodically execute the tuning process to re-tune the communication
devices, for example to compensate for changes in environmental conditions which may
affect communication. For example, the operators maybe configured to retune every
6 months, every one thousand operations, or in response to user commands such as pushing
a button or selecting retune from an operator control menu. Alternatively or additionally
the operator may be configured to retune in response to operational events, such as
battery replacement, after detection of a communication fault etc.
[0044] Once one operator is tuned the process can be repeated with the other operator to
tune the communication device transmission power. Alternatively one operator may be
tuned, say the master operator tuned to determine a minimum power level required for
communication with the slave operator, and the determined power level transmitted
to the slave operator to configure the slave operator to transmit at the same power
level. For example, the power level may be transmitted as signal data to configure
the slave operator.
[0045] The above communication system tuning procedure can be used for any type of communication
path. For example, the tuning procedure may be used to tune optical (IR and laser)
transmitter and receiver pairs or RF transmitter and receiver pairs. It should be
appreciated that the above tuning procedure can be used for tuning wireless receiver
and transmitter pairs for any operator and is not limited to use on the multi barrier
operator system described above.
[0046] In an embodiment the above described tuning system can be used to tune communication
systems used in a wireless obstruction detection system, such as disclosed in Australian
innovation patent no.
2012101044 which relates to a beam protection system and is incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety. In and embodiment of this obstruction detection system a beam transmitter
and beam receiver unit are placed in either side of the access way closed by the barrier
to project an optical beam across the access way during opening or closing of the
barrier and obstruction detection is based on disruption of the beam. The units of
the beam protection system communicate wirelessly with each other and with a controller
of the barrier operator. The above tuning process can use utilised in embodiments
of this beam protection system to tune each communication path to reduce communication
signal power and improve battery life in battery powered units. The power level of
the optical beam used for obstruction detection may also be tuned to optimise power
consumption using this tuning process.
[0047] It should be appreciated that such a beam protection system can be used with a multi-barrier
operator as described above. The communication system of the beam protection system
can communicate wirelessly with the master controller to inform the master controller
of obstruction detection. In this embodiment the communication system of the beam
protection system sends signals to the master operator, for example RF signals receivable
by the communication device of the master operator. Thus the communication system
of the beam protection system can be tuned to optimise the signal power for transmission
to the master operator. The master operator can also transmit signals to the beam
protection system. It should be appreciated that in this embodiment the master operator
will transmit control signals to both slave operators and the beam protection system,
in this case, where there is more than one receiver of signals, the communication
device of the master operator can be tuned to use a signal power sufficient for reception
by all slave operators and the beam protection system. It should be appreciated that
for some operators the signal power may be higher than the minimum required for reception.
In this embodiment the tuning process can be performed between the master operator
and each of the slave operators and beam protection system and the lowest signal power
receivable by all devices selected for use by the master operator. The master operator
may be configured to store the lowest required signal power for each device and select
the highest of these for use. Alternatively during as the tuning process is performed
with each operator the master operator can store a signal power value for a first
tuning in memory and compare the stored signal power with a signal power used for
a second tuning, if the power required for the second tuning is higher, then this
power level can replace the stored power level. Therefore on completion of tuning
for each communication path the stored power level should be the lowest power level
that is receivable by all communication devices. When performing this tuning process
between a plurality of operators, after tuning with the first operator, the initial
signal power may be set to the stored power level and the tuning process move on to
the next operator if a signal at this initial power is successfully received. The
tuning process can be used for any wireless communication between operator components.
[0048] In most circumstances the barrier operators are installed relatively close to each
other, on either side of the access way closed by the barrier for the current embodiment.
In embodiments where a local wireless communication system is used to communicate
with separates modules of a single operator, the transmitter and receiver pairs may
be located even closer. Further most operators are installed in fixed positions so
there is little change in transmission conditions for the wireless communication paths.
It should therefore be appreciated that very low transmission power may be sufficient
for reliable operation. Using lower transmission power can improve battery life.
[0049] In an embodiment the above tuning procedure can be used to configure a communication
path between a barrier operator controller and a wireless user remote control device
configured for two way communication between the operator controller and remote device.
In most installations, although the user remote control device is portable, the user
typically operates the remote control device to open or close the barrier from reasonably
close proximity to the barrier. For example a person will typically press the button
on their remote device to request opening of a garage door or gate as they approach
the driveway in their car, within a range of around 10 meters or less. This is a reasonably
close proximity for communication between the remote device and door operator and
therefore transmitting the open signal by the remote control device at full power
may not be necessary. The above tuning procedure can be used to reduce the transmit
power of the remote control device to conserve energy and improve battery life for
the remote control device.
[0050] In an embodiment the tuning process can be performed during operation of the barrier.
For example, a user will typically hold down the operation button for a second or
so when requesting the barrier to open or close. During this time the remote device
may send a sequence of control signals or signal pulses at decreasing power levels.
Each signal or pulse that is received by the operation can be acknowledged with a
reply signal or pulse. When the transmission signal power becomes too low for reception
by the operator controller nor acknowledging signal will be received. The remote control
device control circuit can record the signal power of the last signal that was acknowledged
and set a transmit signal power based on this minimum power level. For example, the
remote control device transmit power may be set to the minimum power level or to a
level above the minimum power level, for example the minimum power level plus a percentage
of the minimum power level (e.g. 10% or 20%) to provide a tolerance for variation
in distance from the operator at which the remote control device may be activated.
[0051] In an alternative embodiment the tuning process may be performed for each of a set
number of barrier open and close operations and the minimum received power level recorded
for each operation, for example 10 or 15 operations. At the conclusion of this set
number of operations the tuned transmit power level can be set based on the recorded
minimum power levels. For example, configuration rules in software or firmware of
the remote control device may cause the transmit power level to be set to the maximum
of the recorded minimum power levels, at an average power level of the recorded minimum
power levels, a median of the average power levels, the minimum power level plus a
percentage of the minimum power level etc. It should be appreciated that the configuration
rules may vary for different embodiments and the choice of configuration rules may
be based on the type of barrier operator and installation environment. For example
different rules may be used for domestic and industrial operator installations or
based on variations in vehicle size that must be accommodated. For example different
configuration rules may be applied for an installation accommodating both cars and
trucks to a domestic operator accommodating cars only. It should be appreciated that
the tuning of transmit power for remote control devices can be automatic and transparent
to the user. In another embodiment the user may initiate a tuning process, for example
by standing at a distance from the barrier operator where the remote device would
typically be used and pressing a combination of buttons or selecting a menu item to
initiate tuning. The remote control device may also be retuned periodically. Where
power conservation is desirable for the barrier operator or barrier operator component
communicating with the remote device, the transmit power for signals from the barrier
operator controller to the remote device may also be tuned using the above described
tuning process.
[0052] In an embodiment the tuning process using any of the options described above can
be performed by the barrier operator controller to determine the signal power required
for signals to be reliably transmitted between operator and remote control device.
In this embodiment the barrier operator controller transmits a signal to set the transmit
power for the remote control device to the determined tunes signal power. It should
be appreciated that in this embodiment the remote control device software or firmware
need not be configured to perform the tuning process, simply to configure the transmit
signal power in accordance with the instruction from the barrier operator, thus the
programming for the remote control device is simplified.
[0053] It should be appreciated that any variation in initiating tuning is contemplated
within the scope of embodiments of the invention.
[0054] In some embodiments slave operators having local (non-mains) power supplies may be
configured to enable operation under local power supply in the event of mains power
failure. For example, to enable pedestrian access or to reduce manual operation required
if mains power fails. The slave operator may receive an operation signal and identify
the power failure from absence of communication from the master. In some embodiments
an additional user input maybe required to enable the slave to operate the barrier
in absence of control from the mater, for example holding the open button on a remote
transmitter or pushing a manual operation button on the operator. It should be appreciated
that in the prior art when power failure occurs for a multi barrier a user will need
to manually move each barrier to open or close the access way. In embodiments of the
present invention, if some operators are not dependent on main power, then these may
still be operated if there is a failure to mains power to reduce the manual operation
required. If there is more than one slave operator a slave may be configured as a
master back-up for emergency operation. The slaves may be configured in a back up
hierarchy to ensure coordinated operation of barriers. Data from position sensors
in master and slave operators can be used for re-synchronisation of barrier movement
by the master once power is restored.
[0055] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of firmware at the operators
showing operation of the system. Here at step 300 a question is asked if a movement
is occurring at the master. At step 301 an instruction is sent to a slave operator.
The instruction is received at a slave operator at step 302 and the barrier at the
slave is moved according to the instruction at step 303. Note that the movement of
the barrier in step 303 may include exchange of data between the master and slave
operators as each barrier is moved to enable the master to control the position of
each barrier, for example in embodiments where the slave operator has minimal control
functionality. At step 304 the barrier state position is confirmed to all of the operators,
for example confirming all barriers are at a fully open position. At step 305 a question
is asked if there is a need to change the barrier state movement, for example to close
the barriers. If the answer is NO then the process finishes at step 306. If the answer
is YES, the program proceeds to step 307 which requires a change to the barrier state
movement at a slave. Alternatively, if there is a change in the slave barrier state
movement this can be relayed via the communication devices to the master operator
so that the master operator can take appropriate action, for example to stop or reverse
the movement of the barriers if an obstruction is detected. The process finishes at
step 308.
[0056] Figure 4 shows the basics associated with firmware program steps for programming
of an installation. Here, at step 400 an operator installer person will initiate a
programming mode. This is performed at the master operator 105. The program settings
are stored in memory as parameters at the master operator at step 401. The programming
is completed at the master operator at step 402. At step 403 the parameters stored
in memory at the master operator are communicated to the slave(s) and the process
finishes at step 404. When the parameters are relayed to the slave(s) the parameters
are stored at the slave(s) in memory locally resident therein.
[0057] Figure 5 shows process steps associated with firmware steps of a slave recovering
from a "sleep" mode and moving the slave barrier. Here, at step 500 the slave operator
is in a "sleep" mode. At step 501 a poll from the master controller "wakes" the slave
controller. A question is then asked "is master moving" at step 502. If the answer
is NO then the slave is able to go back to sleep at step 503. If the answer is YES,
then the barrier at the slave is moved in accordance with the movement of the barrier
at the master at step 504. At completion of movement of the barrier a slave barrier
movement finish is detected at step 505, and then the slave is able to go back to
sleep at step 506.
[0058] The slaves may also automatically poll the master at regular intervals without being
instructed to "wake" by the master. Data about the state of the slave can then be
sent to the master. This duplex transmission of data between operator devices allows
the master operator to have complete knowledge and therefore control of the whole
system at all times.
[0059] Figure 6 shows an example of operation where an operation command (in this case an
open command) is received by a slave operator. A slave operator received an open command
at step 601. A question is asked at step 602 whether the request is to operate a sing
barrier, for example pedestrian mode, which would be that operated by the slave in
this case. If the answer is NO then the slave operator relays the open request to
the master operator in step 603. At step 604 the master instructs the slaves to move
their respective barriers in accordance with the request. The barriers are operated
605 and barrier state confirmed to the master by each slave operator in step 606 to
finish 607. It should be appreciated that the operation of the barriers under control
of the master can be as discussed above with reference to Figure 3. If the answer
to the question at step 602 is YES and only a single barrier is to be operated, for
example if the open request is a pedestrian mode request made by pushing a button
on the slave operator, then the slave operator operates the barrier at step 608. The
barrier state is reported to the master at step 609 to finish 610. The master may
then control a change in barrier state, for example to instruct the slave operator
to close the barrier after a set time period or in response to a received close request.
It should be appreciated that this is one example of operation and variations are
contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
[0060] It should be appreciated that a photoelectric beam or IR beam circuit or similar
may be associated with the passageway 104 to interact with the master operator. In
this way, if there is an object in the presence of the barriers as detected by interruption
of the beam, then the whole system may be halted with regard to future movement until
the object is removed. The subject matter of our prior Australian innovation patent
no.
2012101044 which relates to a beam protection system is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety. In some embodiments the IR beam may also provide an alternative or backup
communication channel between the master and slave operators.
[0061] It should also be appreciated that any one or more of the inventions disclosed in
our prior patent application may be incorporated herein in the operator system. Details
of such patent applications may be found by searching the IP Australia Patent Office
database records under our name. The subject matter of those specifications is incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
[0062] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein,
such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part
of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.
[0063] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except
where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication,
the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an
inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude
the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.
[0064] These and other modifications may be made without departing from the nature of the
invention as determined from the above description.
1. A multi-barrier operator system where the barriers can be operated in unison comprising:
a master operator and one or more slave operators, the master operator and one or
more slave operators each having an independent power supply, an independent motor
for moving the related barrier, an independent communication device having a transmitter
and a receiver, and an independent electric control circuit for controlling the related
motor and barrier operation, the communication devices being configured to allow wireless
control signals to be transmitted between the master operator and the one or more
slave operators to allow the barriers to be opened and closed, and each communication
device permitting data about a current state of operation of a slave operator to be
indicated to the master operator.
2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the master operator is configured to provide
high level control instruction to each slave operator and the independent electronic
control circuit of each slave operator is configured to control operation of the related
barrier in response to the high level control instruction from the master operator.
3. A system as claimed in claim 2, comprising a memory related to each electric control
circuit so barrier movement parameters can be stored therein, and wherein barrier
movement parameters set at the master operator and stored in the memory therein can
be promulgated to the one or more slave operators via the communication devices and
stored in the memory therein.
4. A system as claimed in claim 3, wherein each operator is configured to operate as
either a master or slave operator and one operator is designated as the master operator
during installation and the remaining operators are subsequently designated as slave
operators.
5. A system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the master operator configures the remaining
operators as slave operators by data communication via the communication devices.
6. A system as claimed in claim 5 wherein one or more slave operators can be designated
as a back up to the master operator and configured to assume the role of master operator
in the event of a fault in the master operator.
7. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein each slave operator is configured to transmit
operation data to the master operator via the communication device and the master
operator is configured to monitor operation of related barriers by each slave operator
based on the received operation data and provide control instructions to the respective
slave operator to control barrier movement.
8. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the communication devices of one or more operators
comprise more than one type of transmitter and receiver enabling more than one communication
path to be used between operators.
9. A system as clamed in claim 8 wherein the operators are configured to use an alternative
communication path in the event of failure of a communication path.
10. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication
devices and the electronic control circuits of the one or more slave operators have
a power conserving sleep mode, and wherein each comprises a polling function where
the communication devices poll the master operator to determine a barrier movement
operation of the master operator and if a movement operation is being invoked to wake
the communication devices and the electric control circuit of the one or more slave
operators to replicate the movement operations of the master operator of the slave
operator.
11. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the communication devices
are tuneable to optimise transmission signal power for each communication path for
power conservation.
12. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the independent power
supply of each operator includes a local power supply module not dependent on mains
power, thereby enabling a wire free system installation.
13. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective electric
control circuits each comprise a barrier movement sensor so if a barrier movement
does not occur as expected, control signals of such non occurrence can be exchanged
between all operators and appropriate consequential barrier movement activated at
all barriers.
14. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the master operator
is a master for receipt of barrier control signals sent from a remote control device,
and wherein barrier control signals are then sent from the master operator to the
one or more slave operators via the respective communication devices so all operators
perform the same barrier control function.
15. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein one or more slave operators
are configured to receive a barrier control signal and relay the barrier control signal
to the master via the communication device of the slave operator.