Security code learning method and apparatus
AssigneeThe Chamberlain Group, Inc.
InventorsMeryldine Domenz, James J. Fitzgibbon
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A barrier movement operator is disclosed which learns wirelessly transmitted access codes during a learn mode and subsequently in an operate mode receives wireless transmissions and determines whether action should be taken by consulting the learned access codes. Methods and apparatus are included which can be used to prohibit the learning of unauthorized access codes.
Claims37
A method for operating a security code system comprising steps of:
- responding to a first signal generated by user interaction by initiating a code learn mode in which access codes are received and stored;
- detecting a predetermined code learn mode terminating event related to storage of the access codes by the access code system;
- and
- prohibiting the initiation of code learn mode after the predetermined code learn mode terminating event is detected in the detecting step.
A method for preventing unauthorized learning of security codes by a security code receiver, comprising steps of:
- activating learn mode of the receiver;
- storing a predetermined number of valid security codes in the receiver;
- and
- blocking the learn mode of the receiver with a restricted access to learn mode re-activation.
A method of protecting a barrier movement operator from unauthorized learning of access codes, comprising steps of:
- activating learn mode for the operator;
- receiving and storing access codes from a predetermined number of transmitters in a memory of the operator;
- and
- blocking the learn mode of the operator,
- wherein the access to re-activation of the learn mode after blocking is restricted and allowable only under predetermined conditions.
A barrier movement operator system, comprising:
- a receiver with an access code memory for receiving, learning and responding to transmitted access codes;
- an activation device for enabling a learn mode of the receiver;
- at least one transmitter having an access code to be trained into the access code memory of the receiver in order to operate the system;
- a controller for operating during a learn mode of the receiver and evaluating availability of the access code memory for storing new access codes;
- apparatus for making learn mode inactive;
- and
- a blocking apparatus to block the learn mode of the receiver to prevent unauthorized activation of the learn mode.
A barrier movement operator for moving a barrier comprising
- a motor apparatus connecting the motor to the barrier for movement thereof;
- a controller, responsive to access codes from a transmitter, for controlling the motor to move and stop the barrier, the controller comprising a learn capability during which access codes from one or more transmitter can be learned;
- and
- learn control apparatus responsive to a predetermined event for prohibiting operation of the learn capability of the controller.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.