Abstract: An apparatus controls the operation of multiple barriers at a common location. The apparatus includes a controller that determines which particular barrier operator among a group of several barrier operators should execute functionality based on certain operating conditions (e.g., location, speed, direction, orientation, etc.) relative to a controller or another component of the apparatus. In response to a user operating an interface in a manner intended to effect a barrier operator function, the apparatus causes the particular barrier operator to execute the function without affecting the other barrier operators among the group.

Abstract: An apparatus controls the operation of multiple barriers at a common location. The apparatus includes a controller that determines which particular barrier operator among a group of several barrier operators should execute functionality based on certain operating conditions (e.g., location, speed, direction, orientation, etc.) relative to a controller or another component of the apparatus. In response to a user operating an interface in a manner intended to effect a barrier operator function, the apparatus causes the particular barrier operator to execute the function without affecting the other barrier operators among the group.

Abstract: A method and system provides conditional allowance of access by operating a movable barrier such that access is not granted unless another condition is met. In one illustrative approach, a first signal is received and, if a second signal is received within a set time frame relative to receipt of the second signal, a movable barrier operator is then activated. By one approach, one of the signals is a long-range transmission, and the other signal is a visual-range transmission.

Abstract: A control circuit, upon detecting a condition of interest, automatically forwards information regarding a recently-captured image to a predetermined recipient. Upon then later receiving an instruction (which instruction was prompted at least on behalf of the predetermined recipient), the control circuit then wirelessly transmits a movable barrier remote control signal to a corresponding barrier movement controller.

Abstract: A door-chime apparatus comprises a door-chime chassis that will permit the apparatus to be installed in a building (such as residence). This door-chime chassis supports other elements including a door-chime user-input interface and a wireless interface, both of which operably couple to a control circuit. The control circuit, in turn, audibilizes a door chime within the building when a user asserts a user input (such as a typical door-bell button) that couples to the door-chime user-input interface. In addition, this control circuit, upon reception of a recognized non-door-chime message via the wireless interface, will cause the audibilization of a message other than a door chime within the building. These teachings will accommodate sourcing the aforementioned non-door-chime message from any of a variety of apparatuses. Examples in these regards include residential utilities, residential appliances, and residential sensors. By one approach the audibilized message can comprise audibilized words.

Abstract: A control circuit, upon detecting a condition of interest, automatically forwards information regarding a recently-captured image to a predetermined recipient. Upon then later receiving an instruction (which instruction was prompted at least on behalf of the predetermined recipient), the control circuit then wirelessly transmits a movable barrier remote control signal to a corresponding barrier movement controller.

Abstract: A method and system provides conditional allowance of access by operating a movable barrier such that access is not granted unless another condition is met. In one illustrative approach, a first signal is received and, if a second signal is received within a set time frame relative to receipt of the second signal, a movable barrier operator is then activated. By one approach, one of the signals is a long-range transmission, and the other signal is a visual-range transmission.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator having thumbprint identification in either a remote radio frequency transmitter, or a receiver/barrier operator system or both is provided. A control circuit with a non-volatile memory receives thumbprint information from a fingerprint detector device and stores the information, identifying an authorized user. On subsequent operation of the fingerprint detector, a fingerprint data set is received in the control circuit and an attempt is made to match the incoming data with previously stored data thus establishing the identify of the user according to highly reliable biometric principles. As an option, a variety of different actions can be taken based upon the perceived identity of a particular individual, as well as the type of device communicating with the receiver/barrier operator.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator having thumbprint identification in either a remote radio frequency transmitter, or a receiver/barrier operator system or both is provided. A control circuit with a non-volatile memory receives thumbprint information from a fingerprint detector device and stores the information, identifying an authorized user. On subsequent operation of the fingerprint detector, a fingerprint data set is received in the control circuit and an attempt is made to match the incoming data with previously stored data thus establishing the identify of the user according to highly reliable biometric principles. As an option, a variety of different actions can be taken based upon the perceived identity of a particular individual, as well as the type of device communicating with the receiver/barrier operator.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling access to a secure region has an audio transducer. A DTMF decoder is connected to the audio transducer. A processor is connected to the DTMF decoder to receive DTMF signals. A memory is connected to the processor storing a code. The processor compares the stored code to the signal from the DTMF decoder and generates an access enable signal in response thereto. A baseband signal output system for connection to a wall control of a garage door operator and for providing a base signal in response to the access enable signal. A radio frequency transmitter provides a radio frequency signal to a radio frequency receiver of the garage door operator in response to the access signal.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator having thumbprint identification in either a remote radio frequency transmitter, or a receiver/barrier operator system or both is provided. A control circuit with a non-volatile memory receives thumbprint information from a fingerprint detector device and stores the information, identifying an authorized user. On subsequent operation of the fingerprint detector, a fingerprint data set is received in the control circuit and an attempt is made to match the incoming data with previously stored data thus establishing the identify of the user according to highly reliable biometric principles. As an option, a variety of different actions can be taken based upon the perceived identity of a particular individual, as well as the type of device communicating with the receiver/barrier operator.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling access to a secure region has an audio transducer. A DTMF decoder is connected to the audio transducer. A processor is connected to the DTMF decoder to receive DTMF signals. A memory is connected to the processor storing a code. The processor compares the stored code to the signal from the DTMF decoder and generates an access enable signal in response thereto. A baseband signal output system for connection to a wall control of a garage door operator and for providing a base signal in response to the access enable signal. A radio frequency transmitter provides a radio frequency signal to a radio frequency receiver of the garage door operator in response to the access signal.