Blackstone‘s patented obstacle detection system for movable barrier operators includes a light emitter, camera, processor, and communication circuitry. The system detects obstacles based on reflected light signals and transmits obstruction signals to the operator. Additionally, it includes a heater activated based on ambient temperature and dew point calculations. GlobalData’s report on Blackstone gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Blackstone, Customized implants was a key innovation area identified from patents. Blackstone's grant share as of February 2024 was 68%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Obstacle detection system for movable barrier operator
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11921253B2) discloses an obstacle detection system for a movable barrier operator, such as a garage door. The system includes a light emitter that emits a light signal across the opening, a camera with a narrowed field of view monitoring a zone of interest associated with the light signal, a processor determining obstruction based on object detection by the camera, and communication circuitry transmitting an obstruction signal to the operator. The system utilizes geometric characteristics of the light signal to enhance detection accuracy, with the camera monitoring a specific zone above the emitted light signal to ensure effective obstacle detection.
Furthermore, the patent describes a method for operating the obstacle detection system, involving emitting a light signal across the opening, narrowing the camera's field of vision based on the light signal's geometric characteristics, monitoring a specific zone of interest, detecting obstacles within this zone, and halting or reversing the barrier's movement accordingly. The method also includes utilizing a light detector to receive reflected light signal portions for obstruction determination. By incorporating infrared light signals and utilizing light intensity arcs to narrow the camera's field of vision, the system and method aim to enhance obstacle detection accuracy and efficiency, particularly in the context of garage door operations.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
