Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of a locking device includes a lock that selectively allows access to an area when the lock is unlocked. A processor is configured to control whether the lock is locked or unlocked. A transceiver is configured to communicate with a communication hub that is remote from the locking device. The processor is configured to cause the transceiver to provide an indication to the communication hub when the lock has been unlocked. The indication includes an instruction that the communication hub should begin monitoring a condition of at least one preselected item within the area.

Abstract: An automated parking garage with one or more novel features described herein. These novel features include a modular design a control system that is operable to move multiple items, such as vehicles, independently so that they can move concurrently or simultaneously, at least one storage space that comprises an electric vehicle charging station, the ability to communicate with autonomous (e.g., self-driving) vehicles to facilitate parking of autonomous vehicles, a pallet cleaning system, and/or can be configured to store containers or other items.

Abstract: A system and method in a building or vehicle for an actuator operation in response to a sensor according to a control logic, the system comprising a router or a gateway communicating with a device associated with the sensor and a device associated with the actuator over in-building or in-vehicle networks, and an external Internet-connected control server associated with the control logic implementing a PID closed linear control loop and communicating with the router over external network for controlling the in-building or in-vehicle phenomenon. The sensor may be a microphone or a camera, and the system may include voice or image processing as part of the control logic. A redundancy is used by using multiple sensors or actuators, or by using multiple data paths over the building or vehicle internal or external communication. The networks may be wired or wireless, and may be BAN, PAN, LAN, WAN, or home networks.

Abstract: A lock module for use with an electronic lock configured to selectively lock a lockable structure includes a communication subsystem configured to be communicatively coupled to a gateway and configured to be communicatively coupled to an electronic lock, wherein the communication subsystem is further configured to send an unlock signal to the electronic lock.

Abstract: A vehicle adapted to be remotely driven via a wireless communication network comprises a capturing unit for capturing live video data of the vehicle's environment, a video encoding unit for video encoding the captured live video data, a transmission unit for transmitting the encoded live video data via the wireless communication network, and a control unit for controlling the video encoding unit and/or the transmission unit. The control unit controls the video encoding unit to optimize the video encoding of the captured live video data and/or to control the transmission unit to optimize the transmission of the encoded live video data. The controlling is based on one, two or all of: (i) pre-determined location information associated with a current location of the vehicle; (ii) real-time driving information associated with current driving parameters of the vehicle, and; (iii) real-time environment information associated with a current environment of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locking device for car doors, especially for car doors without door handles, having an electronic control unit for the authorization of access, which is connected to one or more sensors for a first operating step, i.e. a proximity sensor, a touch sensor etc. and/or an antenna for a wireless communication, i.e. a NFC (near field communication) antenna for NFC-communication with a smart device like a smart card, a mobile phone, a smart watch, a smart key, etc., and a driven mechanical lock/or unlock unit including a latching element for latching the closed door end position. According to the invention, a latching element is provided to block an intermediate position 3 of the car door 1, wherein at least one sensor 5, 5? is accessible and/or active in the intermediate position 3 of the car door 1 for a second operating step and not accessible and/or not, active in the closed end position 2 of the car door.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided that includes a database configured to store one or more vehicle status parameters of a vehicle and one or more secured space status parameters of a secured space. The apparatus further includes a server-based processor operatively coupled or connected to the database and configured to receive one or more of the one or more vehicle status parameters and one or more of the one or more secured space status parameters. The server-based processor is further configured to determine, based on at least one of the one or more vehicle status parameters and at least one of the one or more secured space status parameters whether to change a state of the vehicle.

Abstract: A wireless ultra-low power portable lock may be realized as a lock apparatus including: a locking mechanism having at least locked and unlocked states, the locking mechanism operable to provide physical resistance to being unlocked when in the locked state; an actuator operable to move the locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state in response to a received signal; and a controlling unit configured to control the actuator and to receive one or more signals from one or more devices external to the lock apparatus.

Abstract: Example door control systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a method receives image data from a camera mounted to a vehicle. The image data is analyzed by a door control system to determine whether a user is near the vehicle. If a user is identified near the vehicle, the method determines whether the user intends to open a garage door based on the image data.

Abstract: A parcel-lock system and methods for securely receiving delivery items or parcels. The system has an electronically controllable parcel-lock on a door of an enclosure. The parcel lock stores one or more unlocking codes such as QR codes or barcodes. When the parcel lock receives an access code matching one of the unlocking codes, the parcel lock unlocks the door to allow the deposition of the delivery items, and starts video-recording using a front and a rear camera thereof. The parcel lock also continuously plays a beeping sound during the time the door is open.

Abstract: A remote control system of a vehicle is configured to control a remote device via a first electronic device. The first electronic device is configured to control the transmission of a semi-generic user voice command and the voice command is updated based on one or more spoken words generating an updated voice command. The remote control system comprises a second electronic device in communication with the first electronic device. A controller is configured to prompt the first electronic device to cause the updated voice command to be accessed and transmitted to a remote device controller located remotely from the vehicle in response to the input from a user-input mechanism of the second electronic device. The remote device controller processes the updated voice command, generates a control command based on the updated voice command, and executes the control command.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving, from a vehicle approaching a trust zone, an identifier corresponding to an identity of the vehicle; verifying, by a computing device (e.g., an access server at a gate of the trust zone) and using the identifier, the identity of the vehicle; and comparing the identity of the vehicle with a set of authorized identities stored in a database.

Abstract: Internet of Things (IoT) system and method of interfacing arbitrary non-network connected devices to wireless computer networks. The invention provides a configurable wireless communications module, in either fixed or removable formats, with wireless (e.g. WiFi) network connectivity. The invention uses at least one internal processor, which is configured to operate as a sandbox or virtual machine manner to isolate the code used to operate the arbitrary non-network connected device from the code used to operate the communications module.

Abstract: In one aspect, an in-vehicle computing device is provided for controlling operation of a movable barrier operator. The in-vehicle computing device includes a sensor configured to detect a vehicle characteristic and communication circuitry operable to cause automatic operation of the movable barrier operator by communicating with the movable barrier operator. The in-vehicle device further includes a processor operatively coupled to the communication circuitry, the sensor, and the memory. The processor configured to determine satisfaction of a user account condition and, upon the user account condition not being satisfied, to inhibit the communication circuitry from initiating automatic operation of the movable barrier operator.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling an automation system. Entrance of an authorized person within a geo-fence for an automation system is detected. A determination is made as to whether the authorized person has entered the geo-fence in a registered vehicle. The automation system is controlled to perform at least one operation from a first set of operations in response to a determination that the authorized person has entered the geo-fence in a registered vehicle. The automation system is controlled to perform at least one operation from a second set of operations in response to a determination that the authorized person has not entered the geo-fence in a registered vehicle.

Abstract: A submersible inspection device used for inspection of, for example, liquid cooled electrical transformers can include a number of separate cameras for imaging the internal structure of the transformer. The submersible can be configured to communicate to a base station using a number of wireless transmitters and receivers. Signals transmitted to the submersible include command signals useful to effect an action on the submersible but also a heartbeat signal to indicate health of the transmitted signal. A redundant channel selection logic is provided to switch from a channel which no longer receives a heartbeat to another channel that includes a current heartbeat. Multiple signals can be received and evaluated in software, and another signal received via a firmware radio.

Abstract: A barrier operator feature enhancement device is designed to provide one or more features found in modern barrier operator devices and to incorporate those features into a previously installed barrier operator system. To facilitate ease of use, the barrier operator feature enhancement device can communicate with a large variety of barrier operators. Such communication may be wireless or wired, depending on the communication protocol implemented by a particular previously installed barrier operator. To facilitate the ease of installation, the device is designed to configure itself to operate with the communication protocol of the previously installed barrier operator. Once configured to be able to communicate with the previously installed barrier operator, the feature enhancement device works with the barrier operator to provide one or more additional features to enhance the capabilities of the previously installed barrier operator.

Abstract: A method and system include monitoring to detect a crossing of a first geographic boundary and monitoring to detect a crossing of a second geographic boundary. When a crossing of the first geographic boundary and a crossing of the second geographic boundary are detected in succession, a first barrier system response is initiated. In some examples, when a crossing of the third geographic boundary and a crossing of the second geographic boundary are detected in succession, a second barrier system response is initiated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for securely providing a User ID and/or password to an IoT device.

Abstract: A garage door opener system includes a garage door opener having a motor for moving a garage door and a controller coupled to a wireless communication interface, a user communication interface including a microphone, and a garage door opener accessory. The controller controls the garage door opener motor to move the garage door, detects a command from a user via the microphone, authenticates the command, and generates a responsive control action to control the garage door opener accessory. The user interface may include a speaker that produces an audible response to the user. The accessory may include an object tracker that alerts a user with an audible or illuminating alert. Other accessories may include a video camera, a radio, a music player, a battery charger, an energy storage system, a garage door lock, a hinged lid, an entry door, and a window lock.

Abstract: A passenger communication lighting display on or adjacent a touch bar on a passenger door of a transit vehicle comprises a display that can be controlled to display multiple colors continuous or blinking, and a control means causing the display to be dark when the door is closed, the display to be a first color when the operator has authorized opening, the display to flash a second color when the passenger has requested the door be opened, the display to be blinking the second color when the door is opening, the display to be continuously the second color when the door is resting in the open position, and the display to be blinking a third color while the door is closing.

Abstract: A system for installation in a vehicle and for controlling a remote device includes a trainable transceiver and a remote button module. The trainable transceiver base station configured to be mounted in the vehicle at a first location and the remote button module separated from the base station and configured to be mounted in the vehicle at a second location. The remote button module is configured to wirelessly transmit a command signal to the base station in response to receiving a user input at a user input device, and the base station responds to receiving the command signal by transmitting an activation signal to the remote device, wherein the activation signal is formatted to control the remote device.

Abstract: A remote control device is provided that is configured for use in a load control system that includes one or more electrical loads. The remote control device includes a mounting structure and a control unit, and the control unit is configured to be attached to the mounting structure in a plurality of different orientations. The control unit includes a user interface, an orientation sensing circuit, and a communication circuit. The control unit is configured to determine an orientation of the control unit via the orientation sensing circuit. The control unit is also configured to translate a user input from the user interface into control data to control an electrical load of the load control system based on the orientation of the control unit and/or provide a visual indication of an amount of power delivered to the electrical load based on the orientation of the control unit.

Abstract: A control system for providing Cloud based commands to a garage door includes one or more Cloud servers for receiving commands from at least one mobile web enabled user device. A load balancer is used for receiving communication from a server for distributing commands from at least one web enabled device to the Cloud. A server based garage door opener is used for receiving commands and controlling operation of a garage door from the server. The status of the garage door is determined by measuring a distance of the garage door to the garage floor using a distance measuring device such that distance measuring information is communicated to the server for determining the open or closed status of the garage door before movement.

Abstract: A method performed at a computer system includes: obtaining current location data for a user; obtaining door lock activation data for a door of a dwelling of the user; obtaining current occupancy data for the dwelling; setting a configuration of a controller for the dwelling, based at least in part on two or more of: the current location data for the user, the door lock activation data for the door, or the current occupancy data for the dwelling; the first configuration including for each sensor in a set of sensors coupled to the controller, disabling the sensor or disabling alerts from the sensor.

Abstract: Features are disclosed for accurately and efficiently identifying whether a location is secured after unattended delivery of an item. The features include receiving, from an access control device, information identifying a secured state for the access control device. The features include capturing, via a monitoring device at the physical location, monitoring data of the physical location such as one or more images. The features include determining that the monitoring data includes a representation of at least a portion of a surface indicium such as a one-dimensional barcode. Features are described for transmitting, to at least one communication device, a message identifying an error state for the physical location such as an alert that the physical location may be unsecured.

Abstract: Embodiments are configured for automating security design in IoT systems. The achievable security level for any given IoT system may be assessed based on the capabilities of each of the entities involved in its data path to generate a set of security policies for the IoT system. The capabilities of each entity involved in the IoT data path can be evaluated together with the capabilities of the communication links between entities. Based on these capabilities and user security preferences, the security policies can be generated to achieve a target level security. Based on this approach, security designs of IoT architectures can be developed through automated information collection.

Abstract: A method to modify activation information operatively stored in a remote location, the activation information is configured to be transmitted in an activation transmission generated by an appliance control device of a vehicle for remote activation of one or more appliances, the information modification method conducted through the support of a modification module having aspects incorporated into a mobile computing device, server, and a telematics unit of the vehicle is herein presented. The method includes the steps of: receiving a command to modify the activation information at the mobile computing device; transmitting the command from the mobile computing device to the remotely located server; receiving the command at the server; transmitting the command from the server to the remotely located telematics unit; receiving the command at the telematics unit; and modifying, via the telematics unit, the activation information prior to access by the appliance control device.

Abstract: A multi-network transceiver includes two or more receiver modules for simultaneously monitoring traffic broadcast on different networks, but a shared transmitter that switches between the different networks as needed for transmitting data. The shared transmitter reduces the circuitry that would otherwise be required to transmit on multiple networks while the multiple receiver modules preserve the ability to monitor traffic on multiple networks.

Abstract: A vehicle vision system includes at least one camera disposed at a vehicle and having a field of view exterior of the vehicle, and includes a control having an image processor for processing image data captured by the at least one camera. The control, responsive at least in part to image processing of captured image data by the image processor, is operable to carry out one or more actions based on the detection of selected elements in the image data captured by the at least one camera. The control may control the operation of an additional component in the vehicle aside from the camera. The vision system may include a forward facing camera, a rearward facing camera and/or a sideward facing camera.

Abstract: A wireless access control system includes a remote access device. A plugin device communicates with the remote access device. A lock controls the ability to lock and unlock a door in which the lock is disposed. The lock is in communication with the plug in device. The plug in device determines a distance between the remote access device and the lock and causes the lock to communicate with the remote access device when the remote access device is at a distance less than or equal to a predetermined distance from the lock to enable the lock to be unlocked.

Abstract: A multi-personal area network (PAN) transceiver includes two or more receiver modules for simultaneously monitoring traffic broadcast on different PANs, but a shared transmitter that switches between the different PANs as needed for transmitting data. The shared transmitter reduces the circuitry that would otherwise be required to transmit on multiple PANs while the multiple receiver modules preserve the ability to monitor traffic on multiple networks.

Abstract: An access control method is disclosed in which a lock device provides conditional access to a protected environment by short-range wireless communication with a key device having a key device identifier (KD_ID). In the method, the lock device requests the key device to provide a challenge response to a challenge generated by the lock device based on a challenge code kept by the lock device. The lock device receives the challenge response from the key device. The challenge response is generated by a remote administration server and is based on the key device identifier of the key device. The generated response is sent to the key device and forwarded from the key device to the lock device. The lock device then verifies the received challenge response based on the challenge code and on the key device identifier of the key device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a universal wireless trainable transceiver unit with integrated bidirectional wireless interface functionality, and a method for same. Using a scan, push button or untrained channel mode, a user may enter into a wireless bidirectional interface mode of a trainable transceiver. The interface mode allows a user to select a sub-set of modes that include diagnostics, flash and vehicle interface. Each mode provides the trainable transceiver to communicate wirelessly in a bidirectional manner with another remote device.

Abstract: An at least partially secure communication environment is provided in which accessory devices can be communicated with and controlled in the context of a movable barrier operator system. In one example approach, a gateway device can be configured to coordinate and control such communications in a secure manner. Three example approaches to such a communication environment include: a gateway device's receiving an accessory device control signal and sending a rolling code based accessory command signal to a target accessory device; receiving a rolling code based accessory device control signal and sending a command signal to an accessory device; and receiving a rolling code based accessory device control signal and sending a rolling code based accessory command signal to a target accessory device. Combinations are possible. An integrated system provides for automatic functioning of one device in response to status changes of one or more other devices.

Abstract: A system for mounting to a vehicle including a user interface element and for controlling a transmitter device configured to send an expected transmission to receiving device is provided. The system includes a transceiver. The system further includes an interface for receiving a first signal from the user interface element. The system yet further includes a processor configured to establish a bi-directional data communication link between the transceiver and the transmitter device. The processor is further configured to cause the transceiver to send a second signal to the transmitter device via the bi-directional data communication link based upon the first signal received at the interface. The processor is yet further configured to format the second signal so that the transmitter device will send the expected transmission to the receiving device.

Abstract: Disclosed are alternate embodiments of various components of a barrier operator system. and methods of operation, including of the mechanical drive subsystem with segmented and self-locking rail unit, rail mounting supports, belt and chain drive tensioning, and drive assembly carriage and interface; the electronics and software routines for controlled operation of the various barrier operator functions; wall console communications with the barrier operator; encryption and decryption of access codes; establishment and monitoring of travel limits and barrier speed and force profiles; thermal protection of barrier operator drive motors; and establishment and control of communications from the barrier operator to accessories by way of a wireless adapter.

Abstract: An improved barrier door one way wireless communication system for operating a barrier, such as a garage door, includes the transmission and reception of multibit code hopping data packets in combination with automatic RF channel switching. Packet data is transmitted automatically on more than one RF channels in a switching style while sending two or more redundant multibit code hopping data packets on each of the RF channels. The system also provides for the learning of a transmitter to a receiver where two or more code hopping data packets must be received and decoded by the receiver on all RF channels before a transmitter can be learned to a receiver. Once the transmitter is learned, actuation of the transmitter during a learn mode can open a window for learning of a single channel transmitter.

Abstract: Implementing remote garage door opener functions includes providing, via a computer processor, a graphical user interface on a display device and prompting a user via the graphical user interface to program a garage door opener unit that is in communicative range of a transceiver. The functions also include receiving a response, from the user via an input control of the display device, indicating an acceptance by the user to program the garage door opener unit. Upon determining via the transceiver that the garage door opener unit is in programming mode, the functions include transmitting a request to the transceiver over a vehicle network to initiate synchronization between the vehicle and the garage door opener unit and receiving, from the garage door opener unit upon completion of the synchronization, an acknowledgement of successful synchronization.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for a universal transmitter. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting activation of at least one button of the universal transmitter, by a controller, for a predetermined time, outputting at least one set of signals to a first set of terminals of a switch of the universal transmitter, detecting output on a second set of terminals of the switch and determining position of a switch, by the controller, based, at least in part, on the output detected on the second set of terminals, wherein position of the switch relates to a transmission type. The method can further include detecting activation of a first button to be programmed and programming the first button based on the transmission type.

Abstract: A moveable barrier operator actuates an actuator thereby causing a message to be formed. The message indicates that the user at the moveable barrier operator requires assistance. A communication channel is established between the moveable barrier operator and an assistance center. The message is transmitted to the assistance center over the communication channel. An assistance action is performed to provide assistance to the user at the moveable barrier operator.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a vehicle communication module in the vehicle, a remote start system in the vehicle, and a vehicle processor. The vehicle processor is configured to determine if the vehicle is in a garage, and further configured to receive an indication of a remote start request from the remote start system, receive a garage door status from a garage door opener using the vehicle communication module, and determine, based on the received garage door status, if a garage door is closed. In response to determining that the garage door is closed, the vehicle systems transmits a remote command to the garage door opener formatted to cause the garage door opener to open the garage door.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method conducted by a movable barrier gateway device is disclosed for controlling a movable barrier, comprising receiving, by a communication interface, a remote command from a remote control device to move the movable barrier, the remote command sent over a network, delaying transmission of a signal to a movable barrier controller to move the movable barrier, by a processor, for a predetermined time period after the remote command is received, detecting movement of the movable barrier within the predetermined time period by a barrier movement detector, and ignoring the remote command by the processor in response to detecting movement of the movable barrier within the predetermined time period.

Abstract: An entryway control and monitoring system includes a remote controller to open and close an entryway and a telematics unit. The remote controller and the telematics unit are each disposed in a vehicle. The system further includes any of i) a vehicle bus that operatively connects the remote controller to the telematics unit, or ii) respective short range wireless connection units disposed in each of the remote controller and the telematics unit that selectively operatively connect the remote controller and the telematics unit. Computer readable code embedded on a non-transitory, tangible computer readable medium is executable by a processor of the telematics unit to at least one of control or monitor an operation of the remote controller.

Abstract: A security system may include a plurality of electronic devices, each having a unique identification (ID) associated therewith and configured to generate a temporary security code based upon the unique ID. The system may further include at least one mobile wireless communications device including a first Near-Field Communication (NFC) circuit, and a mobile controller configured to receive the temporary security code from a given electronic device from among the plurality of electronic devices. The system may also include an access control device associated with a personnel access position and including a second NFC sensor and a security controller. The security controller may be configured to receive the temporary security code from the first NFC sensor via NFC communications, selectively grant personnel access based upon the received temporary security code, and determine the unique ID associated with the given electronic device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic door system having a security sensor device and to a method for using said system, in which a controller is connected to a security sensor, the sensor device comprising: a signal emitter for detecting at least one parameter representative of the door; and a receptor of the signal generated by the generator; wherein the controller activates at least the emitter by means of a triggering signal, said triggering signal being a signal independent of the signal to be emitted by the emitter.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a garage door is presented. An alarm system includes an antenna mounted to a garage door. A signal generator logic generates a periodic signal based on a capacitive value of the antenna. The signal generator logic also provides transmit power to the antenna that is radiated away from the garage door. A detection logic detects if there is a change in a characteristic of the periodic signal caused by movement in proximity of the garage door. Amplification logic amplifies the change of the periodic signal. Alarm detection logic determines if the change is an alarm and an alarm response logic will stop a movement of the garage door when the change is an alarm resulting from movement near the door.

Abstract: A communication system and method in which the communication system comprises a first communication module (11) and a second communication module (12). The first communication module (11) is located inside a vehicle (1), and the second communication module (12) is located in a garage door opener (3) and/or a home (2). A first information (11) relating to status information of the vehicle (1) is transmitted wirelessly between the first and second communication modules (11, 12). Additionally or alternatively, a second information is transmitted between the first and second communication modules (11, 12). The second information relates to status information of the garage door opener (3) and/or the home (2).

Abstract: Embodiments of method performed in conjunction with a vehicular garage door control system are provided, as are embodiments of a vehicular garage door control system and a program product executed by a smartphone in communicating with such a garage door control system. The vehicular garage door control system may include an in-vehicle Garage Door Opener (GDO) signal generator, a wireless receiver, and a controller. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving, at the controller via the wireless receiver, a request signal originating from a remote electronic device requesting actuation of a GDO unit that, when actuated, moves a garage door between open and closed positions. In response to receipt of the request signal, a command signal is supplied from the controller to the in-vehicle GDO signal generator commanding the in-vehicle GDO signal generator to generate a GDO actuation signal requesting actuation of the GDO unit.

Abstract: A universal system and method for controlling existing garage doors via existing garage door openers. The system includes a module operable both manually and automatically to control the existing garage door, Wifi communication circuitry to receive instructions wirelessly from a remote, circuitry for automatic and remote control of the garage door and circuitry for pushing garage door status information.