U.S. patent application number 15/188683 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-03 for menu driven wall console with led indicators for garage door operator.
The applicant listed for this patent is OVERHEAD DOOR CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Michael T. McMahon.
Application Number | 20160321916 15/188683 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34739595 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160321916 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McMahon; Michael T. |
November 3, 2016 |
MENU DRIVEN WALL CONSOLE WITH LED INDICATORS FOR GARAGE DOOR
OPERATOR
Abstract
A wall console device for controlling a door operator includes a
door operator control circuit that transmits signals to at least
one door operator, where the at least one door operator operable to
move a motorized door. A control pad includes plural touch
responsive command selectors and a door operator control means for
user control over the opening and closing of the motorized door.
The plural command selectors provide input signals to the door
operator control circuit and include a command selector to indicate
an operating function among a plurality of selectable operating
functions, a command selector to select the indicated operating
function, and a command selector to cancel the selected operating
function. Plural visual indicators assist a user of the wall
console device to program the wall console device to control the at
least one door operator.
Inventors: |
McMahon; Michael T.; (Salem,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
OVERHEAD DOOR CORPORATION |
Lewisville |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
34739595 |
Appl. No.: |
15/188683 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11496329 |
Jul 31, 2006 |
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15188683 |
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|
10755578 |
Jan 12, 2004 |
7106168 |
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11496329 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08C 17/02 20130101;
H04B 1/202 20130101; G08C 2201/30 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G08C 17/02 20060101
G08C017/02 |
Claims
1. A wall console device for controlling a door operator,
comprising: a door operator control circuit transmitting signals to
at least one door operator, the at least one door operator operable
to move a motorized door; a control pad including plural touch
responsive command selectors and a door operator control means for
user control over the opening and closing of the motorized door;
said plural command selectors for providing input signals to the
door operator control circuit comprising: a command selector to
indicate an operating function among a plurality of selectable
operating functions of the at least one door operator; a command
selector to select the indicated operating function of the at least
one door operator; a command selector to cancel the selected
operating function of the at least one door operator; and plural
visual indicators for assisting a user of the wall console device
to program the wall console device to control the at least one door
operator.
2. The wall console device set forth in claim 1 wherein said door
operator control means is at least one user-operable door operator
control switch.
3. The wall console device set forth in claim 1 further including
means for selecting the motorized door to be controlled from a
plurality of motorized doors controllable by the wall console
device.
4. The wall console device set forth in claim 1 wherein the command
selector to indicate the operating function scrolls through the
plurality selectable operating functions of the at least one door
operator.
5. A wall console device for controlling a door operator,
comprising: a wireless door operator control circuit transmitting
wireless signals to at least one door operator, the at least one
door operator operable to move a motorized door; a control pad
including plural touch responsive command selectors and a door
operator control means for user control over the opening and
closing of the motorized door; said plural command selectors for
providing input signals to the wireless door operator control
circuit comprising: a command selector to indicate an operating
function among a plurality of selectable operating functions of the
at least one door operator; a command selector to select the
indicated operating function of the at least one door operator; a
command selector to cancel the selected operating function of the
at least one door operator; and plural visual indicators for
assisting a user of the wall console device to program the wall
console device to control the at least one door operator.
6. The wall console device set forth in claim 5 wherein said door
operator control means is at least one user-operable door operator
control switch.
7. The wall console device set forth in claim 5 further including
means for selecting the motorized door to be controlled from a
plurality of motorized doors controllable by the wall console
device.
8. The wall console device of claim 5 wherein the command selector
to indicate the operating function scrolls through the plurality of
selectable operating functions of the at least one door operator.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/496,329, filed Jul. 31, 2006, now pending,
which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/755,578, filed Jan. 12, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,106,168, the
disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to the general field of garage
door or other barrier entry operators, and more particularly, to an
external wall mountable, menu driven, console device for such
operators.
[0003] In the art of garage door operators and the like, it is
conventional practice to provide a wall mountable, menu driven,
console device to control a door operator from the exterior of a
building or a residential dwelling. Console devices known in the
art are of various sophistication and user friendliness. Some
console devices may be hardwired to the door operator. Other
console devices may provide a wireless user interface to the door
operator. Still other console devices may allow for a key-like
entry system to gain access. Yet other console devices provide
access to operation of the garage door after performing a keypad
type entry.
[0004] It is conventional practice for some console devices to
grant access only after entering a user identification or
authorization code such as a Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Console devices in the art allow a user to program a PIN of their
own choosing.
[0005] Some conventional console devices provide programming
feedback by a blinking light emitting diode (LED). Blinking LEDs
fail to convey the nature of an error or confirm an entry while
programming. Thus, blinking LEDs in conventional console devices
make programming a user determined PIN tedious and difficult.
[0006] Because console devices with blinking LEDs offer limited
feedback and thus have limited programming capabilities, they also
have limited functional capabilities. For example, such console
devices lack certain functional capabilities such as the ability to
easily program and control more than one door, program more than
one unique PIN or to create a separate temporary PIN. Limiting the
functional capabilities of a console device limits the usefulness
and efficiency of a given console device.
[0007] In the art of garage door openers and the like, certain
console devices could include liquid crystal displays (or LCDs) to
convey console device information to the user. Although these
displays may provide the user with some programming feedback, LCDs
are costly to manufacture when compared to LEDs, require expensive
backlighting, fail to operate in most outdoor environments and do
not hold up well in traditional surface mount manufacturing.
[0008] Accordingly, improvements in door operator console devices
are desired, particularly in menu-driven programmable keyless wall
console devices. There is a need for low cost, efficient and easy
to use console devices with desirable features. With an easily
programmable console device, users will have the ability to, for
example, control and operate more than one door, efficiently
program more than one PIN number for each door and easily create
temporary PINs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides an improved wall mountable,
console device for keyless entry type wall console devices of
garage doors, gates and like barriers. The invention provides a
wall mountable console device that replaces cumbersome conventional
numeric keypad programming with an easy to follow menu driven
programming methodology. The invention further provides a menu
driven programming methodology where individual visual indicators
signal a menu choice. The present invention conveys the nature of
an entry and provides a user with meaningful programming
feedback.
[0010] The present invention provides a number of advantages over
prior art console devices including the ability to easily program
the console device by using an LED driven menu. The LED driven menu
provides instant feedback during the programming session or during
normal use. The LED driven menu may include a "READY" LED to
provide information on whether the device is in "home" or ready
state and an "ERROR" LED to provide a user with feedback on
conditions. The LED driven menu may further include items related
to PINs and door designator references. For example, the LED driven
menu may have a "PIN1" LED, a "PIN2" LED, a "TEMP PIN" LED and a "#
DOOR" LED. The present invention also provides an easily
ascertainable indication on whether a low battery condition exists
by a "LOW BATT" LED.
[0011] The present invention provides other advantageous features
and increased programming capabilities, while maintaining an easily
accessible and simply designed interface. The interface includes,
for example, features to aid in the programming and in the
operation of the console device by providing user-accessible
switches for selecting, entering or canceling an LED menu option or
entry. A user can easily program the same PIN for multiple doors
using the same console device, program multiple PINs for a single
door and create a separate temporary PIN for a single door or more
than one door.
[0012] The present invention's LED driven menu offers several
advantages over conventional console devices with LCD displays. The
LED driven menu console device has a lower manufacturing cost and
eliminates the use of expensive display backlighting, while
maintaining an easy to use programming methodology. Moreover, LEDs
can withstand extreme temperature variations, while LCDs tend to be
more sensitive to extreme temperature fluctuations. In addition,
the present invention's LED driven menu arrangement is more
suitable for the use of surface mount technology. Moreover, the LED
driven menu provides a low cost yet practical solution for using
and programming a console device.
[0013] For a more complete understanding of the features and
advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the
detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying
drawing in which corresponding numerals in the different drawings
refer to corresponding parts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an
LED menu driven keyless wall console device of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the LED menu driven keyless
wall console device;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the keypad switches of the
LED menu driven keyless wall console device;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the power supply circuit of
the LED menu driven keyless wall console device;
[0018] FIG. 4A is a circuit diagram of a battery connected to the
LED menu driven keyless wall console device;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of the microcontroller of the
LED menu driven keyless wall console device;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of the menu LEDs of the LED menu
driven keyless wall console device;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of the backlight LEDs of the LED
menu driven keyless wall console device;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of the radio frequency (RF)
circuitry of the LED menu driven keyless wall console device;
and
[0023] FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of an audio feedback
circuit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] In the description that follows, like elements are marked
throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference
numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily to
scale and certain elements may be shown in somewhat generalized or
schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.
Commercially available circuit elements are used throughout.
[0025] The present invention comprises an improved menu driven
keyless wall console device. FIG. 1 depicts a preferred embodiment
of a menu driven keyless wall console device 10. The console device
10 is particularly adapted to mount on an exterior wall of a
residential garage, not shown, for use in opening or closing a
garage door also not shown. The console device 10 essentially
comprises two major structural components, a suitable weather proof
housing 12 and a cover 14. FIG. 1 depicts the console device 10
with the cover 14 in the accessible or open position. The cover 14
is preferably hingably attached to an extension 16 of the housing
12 for easy access and for protection from weather elements when in
a closed position. When the cover 14 is in an open position, the
console device 10 allows a user access to a removable battery
compartment cover 18 and thus to a battery 19.
[0026] Housing 12 includes a front wall 12a at which several
components described herein are disposed, as shown in FIG. 1. For
example, the console device 10 may have a low battery LED type
visual indicator 20, labeled here as LOW BATT, a visual indicator
array or menu 24 and backlight LEDs, not shown in FIG. 1, to
provide an illuminated background for the console device 10.
[0027] A visual indicator array or menu 24, shown in FIG. 1, in a
preferred embodiment, comprises, for example, LED type visual
indicators including at least the following menu items: a READY LED
26, a PIN 1 LED 28, a PIN 2 LED 30, a TEMP PIN LED 32, an # DOORS
LED 34 and an ERROR LED 36. Each LED menu item is a visual
indicator of a selected function, programming object or programming
state. For example, an enabled READY LED 26 indicates that the
control circuitry of console device 10 is in its home position and
is awaiting an entry by a user.
[0028] In a preferred embodiment, a user can program the console
device 10 with at least two permanent PINs and a temporary PIN.
Console device 10 provides an LED menu 24 with options that aid in
programming such PINs. For example, by choosing the PIN 1 LED 28 a
user may program a first programmable PIN using an alphanumeric
keypad 48. A user can, similarly, choose the PIN 2 LED 30 to
program a second programmable PIN. A user can further choose the
TEMP PIN LED 32 to designate a temporary PIN to accommodate, for
example, household guests or service persons that may require
temporary access to the household.
[0029] The LED menu 24 also provides a menu item to allow the
console device 10 the ability to control a plurality of doors. The
#DOORS LED 34 menu option allows the user to set the total number
of doors that the console device 10 is to control. For example,
once the #DOORS LED 34 is selected, the user enters via the keypad
48 either `2`, `3` or `4` and then presses the "ENTER" input push
button 42. The console device 10 then accepts the entered number
and the #DOORS LED 34 goes out and the READY LED 26 comes on,
indicating that the entry was accepted without an error. Once the
number of doors is set, the user can control multiple doors by
first entering the correct PIN, then pressing the "OPEN/CLOSE" push
button switch 50, then pressing the specific door to be controlled
(i.e. 1, 2, 3 or 4).
[0030] The LED menu 24 further provides the ERROR LED 36. The ERROR
LED 36 signals a user that the console device 10 detects an error.
The ERROR LED 36 may be enabled, for example, subsequent to an
incorrect PIN entry or programming entry.
[0031] The user also has access to the alphanumeric keypad 48 which
may include a set 38 of menu input push button switches 40, 42 and
44, a set of alphanumerically labeled push button switches 46 and
an OPEN/CLOSE button 50. The set 38 of input button switches may
include a "SELECT" input push button 40, an "ENTER" input push
button 42 and a "CANCEL" input push button 44. Each of the
alphanumerically labeled push button switches 46 may be designated
to correlate with at least one or more numbers and/or letters, as
shown in FIG. 1. For example, the alphanumerically labeled push
button switch 46 labeled as number "5" also correlates to the
letters "J", "K" and "L".
[0032] The OPEN/CLOSE button 50 allows the user control over
opening and closing a designated door. In a preferred embodiment,
the OPEN/CLOSE button 50 toggles a door operator from the open
position to the closed position and visa versa. (Note: the actual
toggling actually takes place within the opener itself).
[0033] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the LED menu 24 driven wireless
wall console device 10. A microcontroller 52 monitors the logic
inputs and outputs of the console device 10. The microcontroller 52
is operably connected to keypad 48, to the menu LEDs 24, to
backlight LEDs 22, to a power supply circuit 58 and to an RF
transmitter circuit 60. The microcontroller 52 monitors the keypad
48 by sequentially driving outputs 54, see FIG. 3, and reads inputs
56 from the keypad to determine if any keypad switches have been
actuated. When a switch 46 on the console device 10 is actuated,
the microcontroller 52 may also turn on the backlight LEDs 22. In
addition, the microcontroller 52 monitors and measures the voltage
of battery 19 and enables the LOW BATT indicator 20 if the battery
voltage falls below a predetermined amount.
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a circuit diagram of the keypad 48 of the
console device 10. Keypad 48 comprises the set of menu input
buttons 38, alphanumerically labeled push button switches 46 and
the OPEN/CLOSE button 50. As mentioned above, set 38 includes the
SELECT button 40, ENTER button 42 and CANCEL button 44. There are
ten alphanumerically labeled push buttons 46, each corresponding to
a unique set of alphanumeric characters. The circuit diagrams of
FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 through 8 are interconnected at the encircled
letters "A" through "E" and as otherwise described herein.
[0035] When idle, the microcontroller 52 is not powered because the
power supply circuitry 58 is off. When any keypad switch 48 is
pressed, transistor Q2 is turned on and the power supply circuitry
58 is turned on thus applying power to the microcontroller 52. The
microcontroller 52 then outputs a high voltage level on 110 line
109 and biases transistor Q2 on, thus latching `on` the power
supply circuitry 58. The microcontroller 52 sequentially pulses 110
lines 101 thru 104 to the keypad input 54 and reads the keypad
output 56 to determine which switch was pressed.
[0036] To enable programming of the console device 10, a user
preferably enters a PIN, by actuating the corresponding
alphanumerically labeled switches 46. After the user has completed
entering their PIN, the user then depresses the ENTER button 42. If
a correct PIN has been entered, the console device 10 will light
the LED menu item READY LED 26. Thus, the console device 10 allows
secured access only to those knowing a particular pre-programmed
PIN. If a user enters an incorrect PIN, the console device 10 will
energize the ERROR LED 36. The console device 10 may deny access to
a user for a predetermined time period if plural incorrect PINs
have been entered consecutively.
[0037] The LED menu 24, the set of menu input buttons 38 and the
alphanumerically labeled buttons 46, assist the user to program the
PINs. Once the user enters the correct PIN1 followed by pressing
the ENTER button 42, the console device 10 will indicate its
programming mode `home` position by a lit READY LED 26. The user
may sequentially select a menu function from the LED menu 24 by
pressing the SELECT button 40 until the function the user desires
to program or choose lights up. The user then makes the appropriate
keypad entry and then presses the ENTER button 42. The console
device 10 then will light the READY LED 26 indicating that a
correct entry was made and that the console device is now ready for
the user to select an additional function, if so desired. If no
further input is provided by the user, the console device 10 will
turn off after a predetermined amount of time.
[0038] When idle, the microcontroller 52 is not powered because the
power supply circuitry 58 is off. The user would approach the
console device 10 and place it in the open position, as illustrated
in FIG. 1. The user then would press a desired button on the wall
console device 10. This action would turn on the power supply
circuitry 58 and supply power to the microcontroller 52. The
microcontroller 52, in turn, enables the backlight LEDs 22. The
user may enter PIN1 followed by pressing the ENTER button 42, thus
placing the console device 10 in the programming mode. The
microcontroller 52 would then light the READY LED 26 indicating
that the console device 10 is waiting for a program function to be
selected. If the user desired to change PIN 1, the user would
sequentially actuate the SELECT button 40 until PIN1 LED 28 is
selected. Then, while PIN1 LED 28 is selected, the user can enter a
new PIN, to be designated as `PIN1`. After entering the new PIN1,
the user would then actuate the ENTER button 42. The console device
10 recognizes this new entry and indicates its programming home
position by lighting the READY LED 26. Thus, a first PIN1 has
successfully been programmed into the console device 10 by using
the LED driven menu 24. If, however, the console device 10
recognizes that the PIN does not meet some predetermined criteria
(for example a certain minimal or maximum number of characters),
then the LED menu 24 may enable the ERROR LED 36. The user would,
in that case, repeat the programming process. If at any time during
programming, a predetermined amount of time passes without any
keypad activity by the user, the microcontroller 52 would turn off
the power supply circuitry 58, thus conserving battery 19
energy.
[0039] A similar programming method may be followed to program a
second PIN by selecting PIN 2 LED 30. A user may also decide to
program a separate temporary PIN to grant temporary access to, for
example, a service worker or houseguest, by selecting the TEMP PIN
LED 32. Although the console device 10 shown here provides for two
PIN numbers, it is believed that those skilled in the art can
easily modify console device 10 to allow more than two PINs.
[0040] Similarly, the LED menu 24 visually assists a user to
program other desirable features. For example, a user may program a
single PIN for multiple doors controlled by the same console device
10 by selecting the # DOORS LED 34 after entering the correct PIN
followed by pressing the ENTER button 42. Suppose for example, the
user has a console device 10 controlling three doors. While the #
DOORS LED 34 is lit, the user would enter the number `3` from the
keypad 48 followed by pressing the ENTER button 42. The console
device 10 would no be programmed to control three separate door
openers. Now if the user desires to control one of the three doors,
for example, the third door, they would wait for the console device
10 to turn off, enter the correct PIN, then press the OPEN/CLOSE
button 50 and then press the alphanumeric keypad entry for `3`.
After a user has access to a door, a user can, for example, decide
to open or close the door by pressing any keypad pushbutton
switch.
[0041] FIG. 4 depicts a preferred embodiment of the power supply
circuit 58, comprising a simple series pass regulator, of the
console device 10. The microcontroller 52 manages the power supply
58 as also seen in FIG. 5. For example, when one of the menu input
buttons of set 38 or alphanumerically labeled push button switches
46 is actuated, transistor Q5 is turned on, thus turning the power
supply section 52 "on". The microcontroller 52 outputs a logical
`1` on Input/Output (I/O) line 9, which enables transistor Q2. Q2
maintains a ground path for transistor Q5 and thus the
microcontroller 52 enables the power supply 58 regardless of which
keypad switch or button 46 is actuated. After a predetermined
amount of time of no keypad activity, the microcontroller 52 will
set I/O line 9 to a logic `0` and turn off the power supply section
58. Thus, the microcontroller 52 and the power supply section 58
work in conjunction to maintain an energy efficient system for the
console device 10.
[0042] FIG. 4 further depicts connection "A" between the collector
of transistor Q2 of the power supply section 58, depicted in FIG.
4, and the circuit diagram of the keypad 48, depicted in FIG. 3.
Connection "B" connects pin 9 of the microcontroller 52, depicted
in FIG. 5, and the power supply section 58, depicted in FIG. 4.
Connection "C" connects the power supply section 58 to the LED menu
24 and `low battery` indicator LED 20 of the console device 10,
depicted in FIG. 6. A +V1 is output from the emitter of transistor
Q3 and connects the power supply section 58 to pin number 14 of the
microcontroller 52, see FIG. 5.
[0043] FIG. 4A depicts a preferred battery connection circuit
supply of console device 10. A nine-volt battery 19, connects to a
typical circuit board (not shown) and secured to the circuit board
by way of connectors J2-1 and J2-2. Battery 19 supplies positive
nine volts (+9V) to various locations on the circuits depicted, for
example, in FIGS. 3, 4, 7 and 8.
[0044] FIG. 5 depicts a preferred embodiment of the microcontroller
52 used in console device 10. The microcontroller 52 is a
preferably an 18-pin semiconductor device which controls and
manages the functions of the console device 10. The microcontroller
52 may be of a type commercially available, such as an 8-bit
PICmicro.RTM. 16 series microcontroller, available from Microchip
Technology, Chandler, Ariz.
[0045] The microcontroller 52 is responsible for monitoring the set
38 of menu input buttons 38 and alphanumerically labeled push
button switches 46 to determine which have been actuated.
Specifically, the microcontroller 52 sequentially drives I/O lines
1, 2, 3 and 4 and reads I/O lines 5, 6, 7 and 8 to determine which
switch 46 was actuated. Pin numbers 1-4 of the microcontroller 52
are connected to I/O lines 4, 3, 2 and 1, while pin numbers 10-13
tie into I/O lines 5, 6, 7 and 8, see FIG. 3. Pin 5 of the
microcontroller 52 is tied to ground while Pin 6 is tied to the
audio feedback circuit 64, as illustrated by connection "F." Pins 7
and 15-17 are multiplexed to the LED menu 24 and the LOW BATT
indicator 20, as depicted in FIG. 6. Pin 8 is tied to the backlight
LEDs 22, as illustrated by connection "D". Pin 14 is tied to a
+V1.
[0046] The microcontroller 52 manages the power supply section 58,
as seen in FIG. 5. Pin 9 is tied to the power supply section 58, as
illustrated by connection "B". The RF section 60 is enabled and
modulated by algorithms programmed into the microcontroller 52. Pin
18 is tied to the RF section 32.
[0047] FIG. 6 depicts a preferred embodiment of the LED menu 24 and
`low battery` indicator LED 20 of the console device 10. Six of the
seven LEDs depicted correspond to the LED menu 24: READY LED 26,
PIN 1 LED 28, PIN 2 LED 30, TEMP PIN LED 32, #DOORS LED 34 and
ERROR LED 36. Each individual LED in the LED menu 24 serves as
programming and operational menu choices. The seventh LED
corresponds to the LOW BATT indicator 20.
[0048] The LED menu 24 is preferably multiplexed such that the
microcontroller 52 controls the seven LEDs in the LED menu 24 with
only four input/output or I/O lines. For example, if the
microcontroller 52 finds that the console device 10 is ready for
user input, it will forward bias the READY LED 26 by essentially
disabling I/O lines 10 & 11, setting I/O line 12 high and
setting I/O line 13 low.
[0049] The LED menu 24 preferably aids a user to program a
multitude of functions and generally utilize console device 10. The
console device 10 is ready for programming when the READY LED 26 is
enabled. Using the SELECT input button 40 a user can sequentially
select a desired LED menu 24 function to use or program the console
device 10, see FIG. 3. The READY LED 26 would then turn off and the
selected LED menu 24 function would be enabled. The user
accordingly inputs the desired entries and actuates the ENTER input
button 42 when the entry is complete. If the console device 10 does
not enable the ERROR LED 36, the user has successfully completed
the previously selected menu 24 function and console device 10 will
return to the home state, enabling the READY LED 26. If at some
point during the programming process, a user decides that an
incorrect menu 24 function is enabled, the user may actuate the
CANCEL push button 44 and return to home state, again enabling the
READY LED 26.
[0050] FIG. 6 also depicts a preferred low battery indicator LED
20. As discussed earlier, the low battery indicator LED 20 is
enabled when the microcontroller 52 detects that the battery 19
voltage falls below a predetermined voltage.
[0051] FIG. 7 depicts a preferred embodiment for backlight LEDs 22
of the LED menu driven keyless wall console device 10. The
backlight LEDs 22 illuminate the keypad 48 such that it is visible
in dark ambient conditions. The backlight LEDs 22 are preferably
placed as a set of three LEDs in parallel with another set of three
LEDs. The backlight LEDs 22 are triggered on when either a menu
input button 38 or alphanumerically labeled push button switches 46
of the console device 10 is actuated. When activity is detected,
the microcontroller 52 powers transistor Q4, and thus turns on the
backlight LEDs 22. Likewise, after a predetermined duration of time
without any activity, the microcontroller 52 disables the backlight
LEDs 22 by turning off transistor Q4, thus conserving energy. The
backlight LED 22 circuit ties into pin number 8 of the preferred
microcontroller 52, as seen by connection "D".
[0052] Although the console device 10 may be configured to
communicate with a door operator by hardwiring, FIG. 8 illustrates
a diagram of an RF circuit or section 60 of the console device 10.
The RF section 60 is enabled and modulated by algorithms programmed
into the microcontroller 52. The RF section 60 has an antenna 62
enabling it to transmit appropriate commands to the door operator.
The RF section 60 is tied, by way of connection "E", to pin number
18 of the microcontroller 52. A typical mode of operation may be
that which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,049,289 to Dennis
Waggamon et al., and which is incorporated herein by reference. It
is should be understood by one skilled in the art, that the console
device 10 need not be wireless, but alternatively could be
hardwired to a desired garage door or the like.
[0053] FIG. 9 depicts a preferred embodiment for an audio feedback
circuit 64. Microcontroller 52 modulates a piezo electric
transducer 66 to produce various audio tones. Console device 10 may
incorporate audio signals, periodically, corresponding to ERROR LED
36, and to alert the user of an error both visually and audibly
through the programming process. Console device 10 may also
incorporate audio signals to alert the user of other user feedback
functions such as low battery 19 conditions or simply positive
feedback for a keystroke entry.
[0054] Although a preferred embodiment of a menu driven wall
console device 10 and various embodiments of the present invention
are discussed in detail herein, it will be appreciated that the
present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that
can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. For
example, while the description has principally referenced a
operator for a garage door, it is to be understood that the console
of the present invention may also be utilized for gate and other
barrier operators. The specific embodiments discussed herein are
merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention,
and do not delimit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the
art will recognize that various substitutions and modifications may
be made to the invention without departing from the scope and
spirit of the appended claims.
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