In one aspect, a method is provided for controlling access to a facility including a movable barrier and a plurality of loading docks. The method includes receiving, from a user device associated with a vehicle, a check-in communication that includes a check-in identifier. The method includes receiving a verification communication that verifies a presence of the vehicle relative to a sensor associated with the movable barrier. The method further includes causing a movable barrier operator associated with the movable barrier to move the movable barrier between closed and open positions in response to the check-in identifier indicating authorization to access the facility and in response to receiving the verification communication. Further, the method includes selecting a particular loading dock from the plurality of loading docks and communicating a loading dock identification representative of the particular loading dock to the user device to direct the vehicle to the particular loading dock.

An interchangeable pet door is disclosed. The interchangeable pet door comprises a door, a knob, a plurality of windows, a frame, and a hinge. The knob comprises a latch for securely closing the door. When the interchangeable pet door comprises a hinge, inserting the hinge into a hinge recess securely locks the door. The different elements of the interchangeable pet door are configured to be oriented in a predetermined, interchangeable, or customizable manner. The door is configured to open from, slide into, revolve within, or move in some other non-limiting equivalent way from or relative to a frame.

In one aspect, a method is provided for controlling access to a facility including a movable barrier and a plurality of loading docks. The method includes receiving, from a user device associated with a vehicle, a check-in communication that includes a check-in identifier. The method includes receiving a verification communication that verifies a presence of the vehicle relative to a sensor associated with the movable barrier. The method further includes causing a movable barrier operator associated with the movable barrier to move the movable barrier between closed and open positions in response to the check-in identifier indicating authorization to access the facility and in response to receiving the verification communication. Further, the method includes selecting a particular loading dock from the plurality of loading docks and communicating a loading dock identification representative of the particular loading dock to the user device to direct the vehicle to the particular loading dock.

A vehicle control device includes: an acquisition section configured to acquire a determination result as to whether a predetermined communication terminal is in a vehicle cabin interior area, and acquire another determination result as to whether or not the communication terminal is in a vehicle cabin exterior area; and a control section configured to, based on the determination results of the acquisition section, initiate a closing operation of a vehicle door in cases in which a determination is made that the communication terminal is in the vehicle cabin exterior area, and stop the closing operation in cases in which a determination is made that the communication terminal is in the vehicle cabin interior area after the closing operation was initiated.

A warehouse dock door control system (101) has a system controller (147), an interior side unit (144), an exterior side unit (142) comprising a key repository and a key detector. The key detector is configured to detect and identify a specific vehicle key having unique identification data associated therewith. The key detector is configured to detect the presence of the key within the key repository and to read the identification data associated therewith. The controller is configured to use the identification data to determine whether the vehicle key is an authorised vehicle key. In response to the determination, the controller communicates with the interior side unit to authorise opening of the dock door and controls the exterior side unit to secure the vehicle key in the key repository to inhibit removal therefrom until a signal is received indicating that a loading or unloading process is complete.

An independent add-on automated vehicle lift gate system utilizing existing key fob authentication circuits in combination with an independent voice control system. The system uses microphones in connection with audio acquisition hardware and voice recognition hardware that actively listen for one or more voiced commands from a user outside of a vehicle. Before activating the mechanical system, which is for example the actuator of the lift gate and lock mechanism for the lift gate, the system will wait for confirmation from a separate vehicle system that monitors and notifies the vehicle lift gate system when an identification code is received from a key fob transponder located in a predetermined proximity of the vehicle, thereby authenticating the one or more voiced commands detected by the microphones.

A pet system according to various aspects of the present technology may comprise a pet apparatus configured to attach to a pet door, comprising an enclosure comprising a wall. The wall may include an entrance defined therethrough. A pet door interface may be connectable to the pet door. The pet door interface may define a substantially enclosed portal between the pet door and the entrance.

The object detection sensor includes: a sensing unit to detect to-be-detected rays from a target object to output a sensing signal, a control unit to command output of a predetermined detection signal in response to input of sensing signal, a sensor output to output predetermined detection signal in response to command, a test signal reception to receive a test signal, and a test signal response to output a test response signal in response to reception of test signal, and further includes: a learning mode transition input to start a learning mode, a test signal determination to determine a state of received test signal in learning mode, a test signal estimation to estimate a characteristic of test signal from determined state of test signal, and a test signal verification to verify whether estimated characteristic of test signal is included in test signal received by test signal reception.

A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet defining a food storage chamber. A door is positioned on the cabinet and is movable between a closed position and an open position. A door opener includes a casing, a gear box, a sliding nut movable relative to the gear box, and a finger extending through the gear box. The finger is movable with the sliding nut. The door opener also includes a sensor. The finger extends outside of the casing to contact an inner surface of the door when the door is in the closed position and the door opener is in a zero position. The sensor is configured to detect movement of the door opener from the zero position.

A controlling method of a vehicle includes: detecting a location of a user around the vehicle in response to receiving opening closing signals for opening and closing a power tail gate of the vehicle, respectively; and controlling opening and closing speeds of the power tail gate according to a distance between the vehicle and the user when opening and closing the power tail gate, respectively, in response to receiving the respective opening and closing signals of the power tail gate.