Method and apparatus for automatically establishing control values for a control device

A method for use with a movable object having a user manipulable force control that has a physical user interface manipulable by a user through a corresponding mechanical setting range having a first physical position corresponding to a lower limit, a second physical position corresponding to an upper limit, and at least one specific intermediate physical position between the first physical position and the second physical position, comprising:

• initiating a learning mode;
• automatically operating a motor for at least a predetermined period of time;
• measuring at least one parameter that corresponds to operation of the motor to provide a parameter value;
• using the parameter value to establish a specific force control value;
• assigning, during the learning mode, the specific force control value to a specific physical position of the physical user interface, the position being within the mechanical setting range for the physical user interface.

A method for use with a barrier controller having a physical user interface manipulable by a user through a corresponding physical setting range having a first physical position corresponding to a first end, a second physical position corresponding to a second end, and at least one specific intermediate physical position between the first physical position and the second physical position, comprising:

• initiating a learning mode;
• automatically operating a device in response to initiating the learning mode;
• automatically measuring at least one parameter that corresponds to operation of the device to provide a parameter value;
• automatically using the parameter value to establish a specific control value;
• automatically assigning, during the learning mode, the specific control value to a specific physical position of the physical user interface, the position being within the physical setting range for the physical user interface;
• concluding the learning mode.

A barrier controller for use with a movable barrier, a motor operably coupled to move the movable barrier in response to commands from the barrier controller, and a sensor for sensing at least one parameter that corresponds to operation of the motor, the barrier controller having a physical user interface manipulable by a user through a corresponding physical setting range having a first physical position corresponding to a first end, a second physical position corresponding to a second end, and at least one specific intermediate physical position between the first physical position and the second physical position, the barrier controller comprising:

• a force control having the physical setting range;
• and
• a programmable controller that is programmed to:
• operate the motor during a learning mode;
• receive information regarding the at least one parameter from the sensor during the learning mode;
• using the information to establish a specific force control value during the learning mode;
• and
• assigning, during the learning mode, the specific force control value to a specific physical position of the physical user interface, the position being within the physical setting range of the physical user interface.

A barrier controller for use with a movable barrier, a motor operably coupled to move the movable barrier in response to commands from the barrier controller, and a sensor for sensing at least one parameter that corresponds to operation of the motor, the barrier controller having a physical user interface manipulable by a user through a corresponding physical setting range having first physical position corresponding to a first end, a second physical position corresponding to a second end, and at least one specific intermediate physical position between the first physical position and the second physical position, the barrier controller comprising:

• force control means having the physical setting range for providing a signal that corresponds to a force control value;
• learning means for initiating a learning mode;
• operation means responsive to the learning means and operably coupled to the motor to cause operation of the motor during the learning mode;
• measurement means responsive to the sensor for measuring the at least one parameter during the learning mode;
• determination means responsive to the measurement means for using at least one measurement of the at least one parameter to establish a specific force control value;
• assignment means responsive to the determination means for assigning at least the specific force control value to a specific physical position of the physical user interface, the position being within the physical setting range of the physical user interface.