Method and system for controlling devices using a specific or generic device control module
First Claim
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1. A method for controlling one or more controlled devices in a multi-device network, the method comprising the steps of:
- detecting the presence in the network of a new device that is to be controlled by a specific device control module for the new device;
assigning control to the specific device control module; and
if the specific device control module cannot be determined, probing the network for a generic device control module.
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Abstract
For providing device control and communication for one or more controlled devices in a multi-device network, upon detecting attachment of a new device that is to be controlled by a Device Control Module, such Device Control Module is found and control is assigned to such Device Control Module. In particular, first a Device Control Module is sought that is specific to the new device. In case such specific Device Control Module is not found, the network is probed for existence of a less specific Device Control Module and assigning control of the new device to the less specific Device Control Module.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method for controlling one or more controlled devices in a multi-device network, the method comprising the steps of:
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detecting the presence in the network of a new device that is to be controlled by a specific device control module for the new device;
assigning control to the specific device control module; and
if the specific device control module cannot be determined, probing the network for a generic device control module. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 6, 7)
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5. A method for controlling and communicating one or more controlled devices in a multi-device network, the method comprising the steps of:
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detecting the presence in the network of a new device that is to be controlled by a specific device control module for the new device;
assigning control to the device control module; and
if the specific device control module cannot be determined, probing the network for a generic device control module, wherein the selection of a generic device control module is based on a decision tree, wherein a model of the device, the existence of broader device models, and/or device control protocols may serve as parameters for finding the best device control module candidate.
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8. A multi-station system comprising:
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one or more device control modules for one or more controlled devices in a multi-device network;
a communication unit for use with the one or more controlled devices;
a processor to detect the presence in the network of a new device that is to be controlled by a specific device control module and assign control to the specific device control module, wherein the system includes a first stage to determine a device control module that is specific for the new device, wherein the first stage has a failure detection output if a specific device control module is not determined for in case such finding is impossible, and a device probing application to probe the network for a generic device control module assigning control of the new device to the generic Device Control Module.
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Specification