Barrier operator control of a camera

A barrier operator apparatus that controls operation of a camera, the barrier operator apparatus comprising:

• a camera operable to obtain visual images;
• and
• a housing comprising:
• a controller configured to move a barrier between open and closed positions;
• a communication module configured to receive communications from one or more peripheral devices, at least one communication comprising an open/close command;
• and
• control circuitry in communication with the controller, the communication module, and the camera, the control circuitry configured to send an open/close instruction to the controller that activates the controller to move the barrier between open and closed positions, and to send a capture instruction to the camera that activates the camera to capture at least one visual image;
• wherein the control circuitry is configured to automatically send a capture instruction to the camera in response to at least one of:
• the communication module receiving an open/close command from a peripheral device,
• the control circuitry determining to activate a light source associated with the controller;
• or
• the control circuitry determining to send the open/close instruction to effect movement of the barrier,
• wherein the control circuitry is configured to automatically send an open/close instruction to the controller in parallel with sending a capture instruction to the camera, and
• wherein the control circuitry and communication module operate to automatically transmit at least one captured visual image captured in response to receiving the capture instruction to a user operated peripheral device.

A method for operating a barrier operator to capture visual images with a camera, the barrier operator operable to move a barrier between open and closed positions, the method comprising:

• receiving a communication comprising an open/close command at the barrier operator;
• in response to receiving the communication comprising an open/close command:
• effecting movement of the barrier between open and closed positions;
• and
• automatically sending a capture instruction from the barrier operator to a camera, the capture instruction activating the camera to capture at least one visual image,
• wherein the effecting movement of the barrier and the automatic sending of capture instructions occur in parallel.

A method for operating a barrier operator to capture visual images with a camera, the barrier operator operable to move a barrier between open and closed positions, the method comprising:

• receiving a communication comprising an open/close command at the barrier operator;
• determining to send an open/close command to the barrier operator;
• and
• in response to determining to send the open/close command to the barrier operator, automatically sending a capture instruction from the barrier operator to a camera, the capture instruction activating the camera to capture at least one visual image,
• wherein the sending of an open/close command to the barrier and the automatic sending of capture instructions occur in parallel.

A method for operating a barrier operator to capture visual images with a camera, the barrier operator operable to move a barrier between open and closed positions and to activate a light source associated with the barrier operator, the method comprising:

• receiving a communication at the barrier operator;
• determining to activate the light source associated with the barrier operator;
• and
• in response to the determining to activate the light source associated with the barrier operator, automatically sending a capture instruction from the barrier operator to a camera, the capture instruction activating the camera to capture at least one visual image,
• wherein the determining to activate the light source and the automatic sending of capture instructions occur in parallel.