Sensor Device and Method for Movable Barrier Operator Systems

摘要

In one aspect, an apparatus is provided having a base portion configured to be secured to a mounting surface and a sensor connected to the base portion that is configured to interface with an elongate member and measure one or more characteristics of the elongate member as the elongate member moves y from being wound up on or paid out from a rotatable drive of a movable barrier operator. The one or more characteristics can include, for example, position, velocity, and direction of movement of the elongate member. By measuring the one or more characteristics of the elongate member, corresponding properties of a movable barrier connected to the elongate member can be accurately determined. The apparatus may be also used to supplement an estimate of the properties of the movable barrier obtained from measurement of the rotatable drive and provide a more accurate estimate of the movable barrier properties.

主权项

1. An apparatus for a movable barrier operator having a rotatable drive configured to rotate and cause an elongate member having a length to be wound up on or paid out from the rotatable drive to at least support corresponding movement of a movable barrier connected to the elongate member, the apparatus comprising:
a base portion configured to be secured to a mounting surface; and a sensor connected to the base portion and configured to interface with the elongate member and measure one or more characteristics of the elongate member based on movement of the elongate member in a direction along the length of the elongate member as the elongate member moves from being wound up on or paid out from the rotatable drive.