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Appliance interface apparatus and automated residence management system

  • US 5,706,191 A
  • Filed: 05/23/1997
  • Issued: 01/06/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/19/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An interface apparatus, for use in a space management automation system, in which the space is provided with at least one appliance apparatus, and at least one communication medium, and for enabling the at least one appliance apparatus to engage in communication via the at least one communication medium with at least one communication source, the interface apparatus comprising:

  • first means for generating at least one first signal representative of at least one characteristic of the at least one appliance apparatus;

    second means, associated with the first means, for placing the at least one first signal into the at least one communication medium, such that the communication source generates at least one second signal in response to the at least one first signal being placed into the at least one communication medium;

    third means for locally processing the at least one first signal toward generating the at least one second signal and for precluding, whenever such local processing is possible, the second means from placing the at least one first signal into the at least one communication medium;

    fourth means for reception of the at least one second signal from the third means and the at least one communication medium, the fourth means being operably configured so as to place the at least one second signal into a condition suitable for communication to the at least one appliance apparatus, so as to prompt the at least one appliance apparatus to react in response to the at least one second signal.

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