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Dual-mode controller

  • US 10,630,503 B2
  • Filed: 05/01/2019
  • Issued: 04/21/2020
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/09/2012
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system, comprising:

  • a controller, comprising a first processor, a first memory, and a first interface;

    wherein the controller is configured to provide a first number of a plurality of control operations for regulating performance of at least a portion of a plurality of peripheral elements;

    the plurality of peripheral elements coupled to and in two-way communication with the controller, said peripheral elements including two or more of a location positioning element, an audio/visual element, a temperature control element, an alarm element, one or more sensors, or one or more transducers; and

    a handheld device communicatively coupled to the controller via a wireless communication channel, the handheld device comprising a second processor, a second memory, and a second screen interface, whereinthe second processor is configured to host an application for providing control of one or more of the plurality of peripheral elements at the handheld device;

    wherein hosting the application includes providing, via the application, a second number of the plurality of control operations for regulating performance of at least a portion of the plurality of peripheral elements;

    wherein the first processor of the controller is operative to switch the controller between a first control mode and a second control mode responsive to receipt of a signal from the handheld device indicative of a user interaction with the handheld device to enter the second control mode, wherein, when in the first control mode,the first screen interface of the controller serves as an input-output interface for input of commands corresponding to the first number of the plurality of control operations, andwherein, when in the second control mode, the first processor enables the handheld device toa) serve as primary input-output interface for input of commands corresponding to the second number of the plurality of control operations, andb) perform two-way communication with a portion of the one or more of the plurality of peripheral elements,wherein the second number of the plurality of control operations is greater than the first number of the plurality of control operations, andwherein, for certain operations included in both the first number and the second number of the plurality of control operations, the first processor displays a portion of data or information at the first screen interface of the controller that is displayed at the second screen interface of the handheld device.

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