Timekeeping apparatus providing premises-automation-related function through a network
First Claim
1. Apparatus operable for providing both time-based normative function and premises automation input to a premises automation system, the apparatus comprising:
- a display unit operable to at least display a time;
a network interface operable to provide two-way messaging capability;
an input panel operable to accept user input; and
a processing system operatively connected to the display unit, the network interface, and the input panel, the processing system operable to control the apparatus to provide the time-based normative function and the premises automation input function, the premises automation input being provided to the premises automation system by sending and receiving messages connected with the time-based normative function over the network interface from and to the apparatus, wherein the messages are formatted to enable premises automation function and at least some of the messages comprise a packet including an identifier specifying at least one of an output, an input, and a unit number so that the identifier alone can specify any of a plurality of distributed inputs and outputs in the premises automation system.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Timekeeping apparatus providing premises-automation-related function through a network. A household appliance or device such as a bedside alarm clock provides time-based control functions as well as premises automation related functions. The device is connected to the premises automation system through a local area network (LAN), or some other type of network interface. The device contains a display unit to display the time and other information. The device also includes an internal processing system that controls the device to provide the time-based control function and to send and receive messages over the network. Sent messages can include time-keeping status information, reports of user input, or packets designed to set outputs in the premises automation system. Received messages can control local actions such as time settings and display of premises automation status information.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. Apparatus operable for providing both time-based normative function and premises automation input to a premises automation system, the apparatus comprising:
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a display unit operable to at least display a time; a network interface operable to provide two-way messaging capability; an input panel operable to accept user input; and a processing system operatively connected to the display unit, the network interface, and the input panel, the processing system operable to control the apparatus to provide the time-based normative function and the premises automation input function, the premises automation input being provided to the premises automation system by sending and receiving messages connected with the time-based normative function over the network interface from and to the apparatus, wherein the messages are formatted to enable premises automation function and at least some of the messages comprise a packet including an identifier specifying at least one of an output, an input, and a unit number so that the identifier alone can specify any of a plurality of distributed inputs and outputs in the premises automation system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. In an appliance including a time-based control function, a method of communicating with a premises automation system, the method comprising:
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detecting user input, wherein the user input is primarily directed to controlling a normative function of the appliance; assembling a message comprising information regarding the user input, wherein the message is formatted to enable a premises automation function and comprises a packet including an identifier specifying at least one of an output, an input, and a unit number so that the identifier alone can specify any of a plurality of distributed inputs and outputs in the premises automation system; and sending the message to the premises automation system over a network interface disposed within the appliance. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. An appliance including a time-based control function and apparatus for communicating with a premises automation system, the appliance comprising:
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means for detecting user input, wherein the user input is primarily directed to controlling a normative function of the appliance; means for assembling a message comprising information regarding the user input, wherein the message is formatted to enable a premises automation function and comprises a packet including an identifier specifying at least one of an output, an input, and a unit number so that the identifier alone can specify any of a plurality of distributed inputs and outputs in the premises automation system; and means for sending the message to the premises automation system over a network interface disposed within the appliance.
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23. An appliance operable for providing both time-based control function and premises automation input to a premises automation system, the appliance comprising:
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a display unit operable to at least display a time; a network interface operable to provide two-way messaging capability, an input panel operable to accept user input; and a processing system operatively connected to the display unit, the network interface, and the input panel, the processing system operable to control the appliance to detect user input primarily directed to controlling normative function of the appliance and send a message over the network interface to the premises automation system, the message comprising information regarding the user input, the message further being formatted to enable premises automation function and comprising a packet including an identifier specifying at least one of an output, an input, and a unit number so that the identifier alone can specify any of a plurality of distributed inputs and outputs in the premises automation system. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification