Method of adding a device to a network
First Claim
1. A method of installing and binding a new device previously wired into an automation or multimedia network when said device is other than the first device installed in said network, said method comprising the steps of:
- placing said device in an additional-device installation mode of operation;
placing address information of a previously installed and bound device onto said network;
receiving said address information by said new device to be installed and updating its domain and subnet address information in accordance therewith;
assigning a device ID number to said new device;
generating an indication to indicate that the installation of said new device onto said network is complete;
installing and binding zero or more additional new devices to said new device; and
installing and binding zero or more existing devices to said new device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method of adding a device to an existing or new electrical or electronic automation or multimedia network. The invention facilitates adding a device to the network that can communicate using various protocols such as LonWorks, CEBus, X-10, etc. over media such as AC power line, IR, RF, twisted pair, optical fiber, etc. The method is a mechanism for adding a device to a system that can be used by an ordinary user of network capable electrical devices. The method comprises the steps an installer would perform including the handshaking that needs to occur between devices to accomplish the binding process. A Functional Profile for LonWorks networks is given as an example. This includes a Home Device profile that employs an automated explicit type messaging for all devices intended for use in a home environment. The invention includes adding to the device an install button and a visual indicator for status such as an LED. Alternatively, existing buttons and LEDs on the device may be used for installed and binding purposes. Other methods of binding can be employed by the use of wired or wireless handheld tools, remote controls, etc. Other interfaces and user feedback can be used such as touch screen, personal computers, cellular phones, PDAs, etc which can offer simple ‘virtual’ binding by the press of an icon versus the physical button on the device. The binding can be performed locally or remotely such as via LAN, WAN, Internet, etc.
177 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method of installing and binding a new device previously wired into an automation or multimedia network when said device is other than the first device installed in said network, said method comprising the steps of:
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placing said device in an additional-device installation mode of operation; placing address information of a previously installed and bound device onto said network; receiving said address information by said new device to be installed and updating its domain and subnet address information in accordance therewith; assigning a device ID number to said new device; generating an indication to indicate that the installation of said new device onto said network is complete; installing and binding zero or more additional new devices to said new device; and installing and binding zero or more existing devices to said new device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification