Movable barrier operator employing mems-based inertial measuring unit for gathering barrier parameter data

Abstract

The invention relates to a movable barrier operator with a microelectromechanical positioning sensor, or a movable barrier operator that employs an inertial measuring unit to receive a signal associated with a barrier position, and communicate that signal to one or more devices. A device in communication with the movable barrier operator may be enabled for receiving information pertaining to the barrier and for providing commands that actuate the barrier at precise barrier parameters. In an exemplary embodiment, a movable barrier such as a swing-arm gate may be accurately controlled without requiring manual positioning mechanisms, or otherwise require physical components to set the gate's open and closed limits. Additionally, accurate information may be communicated to a user device, for monitoring and providing maintenance to the movable barrier system.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A movable barrier operator, comprising:
 a motor;   a gearbox rotatably coupled to the motor, wherein the gearbox is configured to move a barrier in response to activation of the motor;   an arm mechanically coupled to the gearbox and the barrier, in a manner so that moving the arm causes the barrier to move between an open position and a close position; and   an inertial measuring unit coupled to the arm, for generating an output pertaining to one or more parameters of the barrier.   
     
     
         2 . The movable barrier operator of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a user interface for receiving and providing the output generated by the inertial measuring unit.   
     
     
         3 . The movable barrier operator of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more parameters includes an angle at which the barrier is positioned. 
     
     
         4 . The movable barrier operator of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more parameters includes an acceleration at which the barrier is traveling. 
     
     
         5 . The movable barrier operator of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more parameters includes a speed at which the barrier is moving. 
     
     
         6 . The movable barrier operator of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more parameters includes a position of the barrier in relation to a barrier travel limit. 
     
     
         7 . The movable barrier operator of  claim 2 , wherein the user interface further comprises an input device to alter the one or more parameters. 
     
     
         8 . A movable barrier system, comprising:
 a movable barrier;   a motor mechanically coupled to the movable barrier;   a connector, mechanically connecting the motor to the movable barrier so that movement of the motor rotates the connector, and a rotation of the connector causes the movable barrier to move between an open position and a closed position;   an inertial measuring unit coupled to the connector, for generating an output pertaining to one or more parameters of the barrier, wherein the inertial measuring unit is positioned on the connector so that movement of a position of the inertial measuring unit coincides with the position of the barrier; and   a user interface, for providing the output generated by the inertial measuring unit.   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the one or more parameters includes an angle at which the barrier is positioned. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the one or more parameters includes an acceleration at which the barrier is traveling. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the one or more parameters includes a speed at which the barrier is moving. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the one or more parameters includes a position of the barrier in relation to a barrier travel limit. 
     
     
         13 . A movable barrier operator, comprising:
 a motor configured to move a barrier;   a gearbox rotatably coupled to the motor, wherein the gearbox is configured to move a barrier in response to activation of the motor;   an arm mechanically coupled to the gearbox and the barrier, in a manner so that moving the arm causes the barrier to move between an open position and a closed position;   one or more inertial measuring units for generating one or more signals related to one or more parameters of the movable barrier operator; and   a controller, configured to:
 receive the one or more signals from the one or more inertial measuring units, and 
 generate a command to activate or deactivate the motor, based on the one or more signals from the one or more inertial measuring units, in order to start or stop movement of the barrier. 
   
     
     
         14 . The movable barrier operator of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the one or more inertial measuring units is a MEMS-based inertial measuring unit. 
     
     
         15 . The movable barrier operator of  claim 14 , further comprising a user interface for providing data pertaining to the one or more signals from the one or more inertial measuring units. 
     
     
         16 . The movable barrier operator of  claim 15 , wherein the controller is further configured to receive, via the user interface, one or more values pertaining to the one or more parameters, and alter the one or more parameters based on the one or more values received. 
     
     
         17 . The movable barrier operator of  claim 16 , wherein the one or more parameters includes an angle at which the barrier is positioned. 
     
     
         18 . The movable barrier operator of  claim 16 , wherein the one or more parameters includes an acceleration at which the barrier travels. 
     
     
         19 . The movable barrier operator of  claim 16 , wherein the one or more parameters includes a speed at which the barrier is moving. 
     
     
         20 . The movable barrier operator of  claim 16 , wherein the one or more parameters includes a position of the barrier in relation to a barrier travel limit.