United States Patent (19)
`Meyvis
`
`54) GARAGE DOOR MESSAGE DISPLAY
`SYSTEM
`
`(75. Inventor: Daniel V. Meyvis, Bloomfield Hills,
`Mich.
`73) Assignee: Stanley Home Automation, Novi,
`1C.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 409,592
`1
`- .
`22 Filed:
`Mar 24, 1995
`(51
`Int. Cl. ........................................... G08B 13/08
`52 U.S. Cl. .......................... 340/545; 340/330: 340/326
`49/25.4531.49/.341/16
`s
`(58. Field of E.63%. 256 9. 5.
`g
`332,341,176. 49f25, 31.13. 116f28 R:
`s
`s
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`i. e.
`g.
`45j451
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`56
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`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`8/1984 Duhane .................................. 340/521
`
`4,464,651
`
`
`
`||||||||||||
`USOO55658.43A
`5,565,843
`11
`Patent Number:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Oct. 15, 1996
`
`4,821,024 4/1989 Bayha ..................................... 3407545
`4,835,520 5/1989 Aiello ..........
`... 34.0/525
`4,955,315 9/1990 Lee ........................................ 16/28 R
`
`Primary Examiner-Jeffery Hofsass
`Assistant Examiner-Julie B. Lieu
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Young & Basile, P.C.
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`57
`57
`A visual display panel is mounted on the exterior surface of
`a power-operated garage door to display messages for view
`ing by occupants of a departing automobile after the garage
`door has closed. The display panel may be part of an
`integrated home automation system (IHAS) so that, in
`addition to pre-programmed messages, the operational status
`of household devices included in the IHAS are presented on
`the display panel. Actuation of the garage door operator to
`open the garage door can also cause the IHAS to direct
`changes in the operation of one or more of the included
`devices.
`
`16 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
`
`SWITCH
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`U.S. Patent
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`Oct. 15, 1996
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`Sheet 2 of 2
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`5,565,843
`5,565,843
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`5,565,843
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`1.
`GARAGE DOOR MESSAGE DISPLAY
`SYSTEM
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention relates to a garage door mounted
`visual display panel for the display of messages to the
`occupants of an automobile when the garage door is in the
`closed position. More specifically, the present invention
`relates to such a garage door display panel operating as part
`of an integrated home automation system.
`
`O
`
`2
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`It is an objective of the present invention to provide a
`system by which messages may be presented to the occu
`pants of a vehicle immediately after it has exited a garage
`equipped with a power door operator. This is accomplished
`by mounting a display panel to the garage door so that the
`panel is visible from a vehicle located outside the garage
`when the garage door is closed. The display panel is
`electronically interfaced with message generator means
`which produces visual displays on the panel. The message
`generator means may consist of a personal computer, a
`clock, and/or any other electronic device or combination of
`devices capable of providing the necessary data and pre
`senting it to the display in usable form. The message
`generator means is triggered when a garage door operator is
`actuated to move the garage door from an open position to
`its closed position so that the display panel is only activated
`when the door closes, and then only for a programmed
`length of time.
`In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, both
`the garage door operator and the garage door mounted
`display panel are components of an integrated home auto
`mation system (IHAS). A computer directs operation of the
`household electrical devices which make up the IHAS and
`also collects information regarding the status of the devices
`and transfers it to the display panel for presentation. Any
`other information stored in the computer, such as scheduled
`events, may also be presented on the panel.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the major compo
`nents of the first embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a garage door having
`a built-in display panel; and
`FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment
`of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`FIG. 1 shows a garage 10 with a garage door 12 which is
`movable between its open and closed positions by a
`mechanically conventional power-driven garage door opera
`tor 14 such as that of U.S. Pat. No. 3,825,809 titled "Garage
`Door Power Operator Having Partial Open Capability”,
`issued Jul. 23, 1979, the disclosure of which is incorporated
`herein by reference. Garage door operator 14 may be actu
`ated to open and close garage door 12 by means of a remote
`control transmitter 18, usually carried in an automobile 20,
`which emits a radio frequency signal when an open/close
`button 16 is depressed. A receiver 17 associated with door
`operator 14 actuates door operator 14 when the signal
`emitted by transmitter 18 is received. Alternatively, the
`operator 14 may be actuated by a push button switch 19
`which is hard-wired to the operator. The operator 14 may be
`chain, cable or screw drive or any other suitable design for
`raising and lowering a garage door on demand.
`In accordance with the invention, an electronic display
`panel 22 is mounted on the exterior surface of garage door
`12 in a position so that it may be viewed by occupants of
`automobile 20 when it is outside of garage 10 and garage
`door 12 is closed.
`In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2, display
`panel 22 and garage door 12 are constructed as an integrated
`unit, with the panel 22 enclosed in the structure of the door
`
`15
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`Home security systems, environment control systems,
`telephone answering machines, lights and appliances found
`in the home can be controlled by microprocessor based,
`programmable control systems. Several commercially avail
`able systems provide the capability to connect electrically
`operated appliances and lights in a house-wide network.
`Such a network is known as an integrated home automation
`system (IHAS). These systems provide centralized, pro
`grammable control over any and all of the devices making
`up the network.
`One such system is Total Home, made by Honeywell. A
`25
`description of this system is given in the May 1992 issue of
`"Popular Science' magazine on page 48. TotalHome
`includes a wall-mounted microprocessor-based control unit
`and provides the ability to control up to ten lights or
`appliances, ten points of security, and home temperature. In
`Total Home and other similar systems, the existing house
`hold electrical wiring into which appliances are plugged for
`power is used to provide electronic communication between
`those appliances and the control unit. In a system configured
`in this manner a person may program the control unit to start,
`stop or otherwise alter the operation of various appliances at
`the appropriate time throughout a daily, weekly, or monthly
`schedule. The program may be reviewed and the operational
`status of any appliance monitored by means of a small visual
`display located on the control unit.
`Electrically powered garage door operators are widely
`used in American homes and may be remotely actuated,
`usually by means of a radio frequency transmitter, to open
`and close a garage door. One Such garage door operator is
`described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,025,809 the disclosure of which
`is incorporated herein by reference.
`Personal computers may be used as planning and sched
`uling tools, with many companies selling software packages
`which allow a person to maintain an electronic calendar of
`upcoming appointments and events. The user can update the
`computer data base as necessary and thereby reduce the
`likelihood of forgetting any of these commitments. One
`practical limitation on the usefulness of a schedule main
`tained on a computer data base is that in order to be
`reminded of a scheduled event a user must have access to the
`computer and consult the data base in some fashion, i.e.,
`must enter commands through a keyboard or the like to call
`up the information on a personal computer display screen.
`An effective time to remind a computerized schedule user
`of events scheduled for a particular day is before the user
`departs his/her home at the start of that day. This is also an
`appropriate time to alert that person to any important infor
`mation about the status of household systems or devices.
`Assuming that the person leaves home by way of a garage,
`the exterior surface of the garage door provides, when in the
`closed position, an area clearly visible to occupants of a
`departing vehicle.
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`and visible through an opening formed in the door's exterior
`surface. A pane 21 of transparent, impact-resistant plastic or
`the like covers display panel 22, and gasket 23 surrounds the
`opening in door 12 to provide a weather-proof seal. Elec
`trical wires 25 associated with panel 22 are routed through
`the interior of door 12, terminating at a connector 27 located
`on the interior of door 12. Alternatively, display panel 22
`may be constructed as a self contained, weather-sealed unit
`and attached to the exterior of an existing garage door with
`screws, adhesive or other suitable fastening means.
`Display panel 22 is capable of displaying alphanumeric
`and other graphic symbols and may be any of the several
`types of electronically controlled displays commonly used in
`computer peripheral devices, among these being liquid
`crystal displays, light emitting diode displays, plasma dis
`plays, or flat panel cathode ray displays. The size and
`brightness of the symbols presented on display panel 22
`must be at least sufficient to be readable by occupants of
`automobile 20 when it is stopped immediately outside of
`garage 10. Symbology should therefore be a minimum of
`from 2 to 6 inches high. For some applications, the system
`owner may wish to be able to read messages on display
`panel 22 from a greater distance away, such as from the end
`of a long driveway, and so symbology on the order of up to
`12 inches high may be used. Consequently, the optimum
`type and size of display may vary with different specific
`applications, but a display of approximately 12 inches high
`by 36 inches long is adequate for most uses. Note that a
`display panel 22 of a given size will be capable of presenting
`either a single line of large text or multiple lines of smaller
`sized text.
`As shown in FIG. 1, display panel 22 and garage door
`operator 14 are electronically coupled to a microprocessor
`based message generator system 24. Message generator
`system 24 includes a message coordinator 26 which serves
`as a "driver” for display panel 22, generating the electronic
`signals necessary to produce visual displays. Message coor
`dinator 26 also provides means to collect and integrate
`electronic information from several sources including a
`computer 28, a 24 hour clock 29, a calendar 31, and a
`condition-control switch 33. In principle, any compatible
`electronic device may serve as a source of information,
`switch 33 serving to represent such devices as relays,
`alarms, door switches, window switches, accessory and
`appliance power switches and the like.
`Actuation of door operator 14 to move garage door 12
`45
`from the open position to the closed position triggers mes
`Sage generator 26 to accept information from one or more of
`the sources and generate an appropriate display on panel 22.
`The display generated may relate to the condition of switch
`33, alerting automobile occupants with messages such as:
`50
`FRONT DOOR AJAR, ALARM NOT ACTIVE, OVEN
`ON, etc. Message coordinator 26 may be programmed by
`the System user to take into account time-of-day and day
`of-week inputs from clock 29 and calendar 31. For example,
`the System user may program message coordinator 26 to
`only display home alarm status when a departure from
`home, as indicated by the closing of garage door 12, occurs
`after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays or all day on weekends.
`Similarly, the system user may program message coordina
`tor 26 with a message importance hierarchy, instructing the
`sequence in which multiple messages are to be presented.
`Message coordinator 26 can arrange multiple messages into
`a queue in accordance with the hierarchy and step through
`the queue, causing each one to be presented for user
`programmed length of time. Alternatively, message coordi
`nator 24 may be programmed to present multiple messages
`by scrolling them across the display panel.
`
`4.
`In a preferred embodiment of the invention, computer 28
`consists of a personal computer such as an IBM PCQ) or the
`equivalent, and is programmed to execute any of the several
`commercially available software packages directed toward
`personal planning and scheduling, such as the calendard
`reminder feature present in Wordperfect for Windows(8) sold
`by WordPerfect Corporation. These software packages allow
`a user to store information in a "calendar' format with the
`aim of providing reminders of planned events. Whenever
`door operator 14 is actuated to close garage door 12,
`messages stored in computer 28 that are appropriate for the
`particular day and time will be relayed to message coordi
`nator 24 and presented on display panel 22. Examples of the
`types of messages/reminders that may be useful are: GAR
`BAGE DAY, MORNING MEETING, MOTHERS BRTH
`DAY, LAST DAY OF THE MONTH, PAYGAS BILL, etc.
`If there are no pertinent messages to be displayed on panel
`22, the current time and date as supplied by clock 29 and
`calendar 31 may be displayed, or the system user may
`program a default message such as GOODBYE or SECU
`RITY ALARM SET. If the system user desires, a message
`such as SECURITY ALARM SET may be displayed at all
`times the garage door is closed to act as a deterrent to
`would-be thieves.
`As described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 3,825,
`809, garage door operator 14 includes a reversible electric
`motor (not shown) to drive garage door 12 between the open
`and closed positions and limit switches which shut off the
`electric motor when garage door 12 has reached its fully
`open or closed positions. The deemergization of the electric
`motor by the closed position limit switch 15 acts as a trigger
`to cause message coordinator 24 to generate appropriate
`messages for display on panel 22. Alternatively, the energi
`zation of the electric motor at the beginning of the down
`ward motion of garage door 12 may serve as the trigger.
`In a second embodiment of the present invention, shown
`schematically in FIG. 3, display panel 22, message coordi
`nator 24, and garage door operator 14' are in operative
`communication with and form part of a network of house
`hold devices which together constitute an integrated home
`automation system (IHAS) 30. In the IHAS 30 depicted, a
`central computer 32 is programmed to control the operation
`of household appliances such as lights 40, an environmental
`control system 42 which may include heating and air con
`ditioning units, a home security system 44 which may
`include intruder and fire detection functions, a telecommu
`nications system 46 which may include a telephone answer
`ing machine or voice mail system, and individual appliances
`such as a coffee maker 48. As is well known in the home
`automation field, an IHAS may be configured to permit
`electronic communication between computer 32 and the
`devices included in the network by means of the household
`electrical wiring from which the devices receive electrical
`power. This eliminates the need for the addition of special
`wiring in an existing house in which an IHAS is to be
`installed.
`The IHAS operating program contained in and executed
`by computer 32 will include instructions controlling the
`display of messages on panel 22. A typical set of instruc
`tions may be to present information related to the opera
`tional status of any of the household devices if such status
`may indicate an unsafe condition. For example, messages
`may be presented to alert the departing resident that an
`electrical appliance such as coffee maker 48 has been left on
`or that home security system 44 is not functioning properly.
`These messages give the resident a chance to reenter the
`house and correct the described condition if he or she so
`desires.
`The basic appliance control functions of computer 32 may
`be accomplished with a small, microprocessor-based control
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`unit such as is used in the Honeywell Total Home system
`described above. In the preferred embodiment, however,
`computer 32 will be a more capable device, such as an IBM
`PC(E), which is used by the homeowner for many other
`purposes such as entertainment, financial matters, and busi
`ness. Thus, the personal planning and scheduling functions
`performed by computer 28 of the first described embodiment
`will be included in computer 32 so that display panel 22'
`may present messages such as reminders of scheduled
`events as well as those relating to the operational status of
`household systems.
`Having garage door operator 14 connected with IHAS30
`also provides the capability to use the opening of garage
`door 12 as a trigger for changes in the operational status of
`one or more household devices making up IHAS 30. For
`instance, instructions programmed into computer 32 may
`direct the opening of garage door 12 within a certain
`programmed time window to cause designated lights 40 to
`Switch on, environmental control system 42 to increase or
`decrease the home temperature, and/or security system 44 to
`change modes.
`It will be appreciated that the drawings and description
`contained herein are merely meant to illustrate particular
`embodiments of the present invention and are not meant to
`be limitations on the practice thereof, as numerous varia
`tions will occur to skilled persons. For example, the message
`display system may be configured to present messages on
`the display panel when the garage door operator is actuated
`to open the door, thereby presenting the occupants of an
`arriving automobile with information before or as the garage
`door is opened. Or, in a slight variation on the network
`shown in FIG. 3, message generator 24 may operatively
`communicate directly with computer 32 rather than this
`communication link being routed through garage door
`operator 14'.
`I claim:
`1. In combination:
`a garage door,
`a power-driven door operator mechanically connected to
`the door and actuable to move the door to open and closed
`positions;
`a message display panel carried by the door and operative
`to present visual displays of alphanumeric and other
`graphic symbols visible from the exterior side of the
`door when the door is in the closed position;
`message generator means in operative communication
`with the panel and activatable for producing the visual
`displays presented thereon when the door operator is
`actuated; and
`means responsive to actuation of the operator to activate
`the message generator means.
`2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the
`message display panel is operative to present the visual
`displays only after the door operator is actuated to move the
`garage door to the closed position.
`3. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising
`a remote door operator control including a radio frequency
`transmitter and a radio frequency receiver, the receiver being
`connected to actuate the door operator.
`4. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the
`message generator means includes a clock.
`5. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the
`message generator means includes a microprocessor-based
`computer.
`6. The apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein the
`computer is operable to maintain a schedule of events and
`communicate information regarding the schedule to the
`display panel for presentation thereon.
`
`6
`7. The apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein the content
`of the visual display is determined at least in part by the time
`and date at which the visual display is presented.
`8. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein electronic
`communication between the door operator, the display panel
`and the message generator means is achieved via a house
`hold electrical wiring system from which the door operator,
`the display panel and the message generator means receive
`electrical power.
`9. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the door
`operator, the message display panel, and the message gen
`erator means are in operative communication with and form
`part of an integrated home automation system.
`10. The apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein the visual
`displays pertain to the operational status of one or more
`household devices included in the home automation system.
`11. The apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein the
`integrated home automation system includes a computer for
`controlling the operational status of one or more household
`devices, and actuation of the door between the open and
`closed positions generates a signal communicated to the
`computer and used by the computer as an input in its control
`of the operational status of one or more of the household
`devices included in the home automation system.
`12. A garage door message display system for incorpo
`ration in an integrated home automation system wherein a
`computer monitors and controls a plurality of household
`devices in accordance with programmed instructions, the
`message display System operable to visually present mes
`Sages pertaining to the operational status of the household
`devices and comprising:
`a garage door movable between an open and a closed
`position;
`a garage door operator electronically actuable to move the
`garage door between the open and closed positions,
`said door operator being in operative communication
`with the computer to provide the computer with a
`signal representing door position;
`a visual message display panel carried by the door and
`visible from the exterior side of the door;
`message generator means electronically coupled with the
`computer to receive information pertaining to the
`operational status of the household devices and with the
`display panel to produce visual displays thereon, the
`visual displays being produced from the information
`received from the computer; and
`means for actuating the door operator to close the door
`and activate the display.
`13. The garage door message display system as defined in
`claim 12 wherein movement of the garage door between the
`open and closed positions triggers the production of the
`visual displays.
`14. The garage door message display system as defined in
`claim 12 wherein actuation of the door between the open and
`closed positions generates a signal communicated to the
`computer, Said signal Serving as an input to the programmed
`instructions controlling the operation of one or more of the
`household devices.
`15. The garage door message display system as defined in
`claim 12 wherein the computer further functions to maintain
`a schedule of events, information regarding the schedule
`being communicated to the message generator means for
`production of visual displays therefrom.
`16. The garage door message display system as defined in
`claim 12 wherein the garage door operator is actuated by
`means of a remote control system comprising a radio
`frequency transmitter and a radio frequency receiver, the
`receiver being connected to the door operator.
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