Systems and methods for automatic configuration of devices within a network utilizing inherited configuration data

• US 7,996,516 B2
• Filed: 12/29/2005
• Issued: 08/09/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Company Limited (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Company Limited (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Inventors: King, David L., Nelson, Mark E., Gudmundson, Byron J., Eastham, W. Bryant
• Primary Examiner(s): Flynn; Nathan
• Assistant Examiner(s): Chang; Kai J
• Application Number:
  US11/321,745
• Publication Number:
  US 20070156857A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,049 Days
• Field of Search: 370/254, 370/255, 709220-229
• US Class Current: 709/224
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2803 Home automation networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/285 Generic home appliances, e.g. refrigerators
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0806 for initial configuration or provisioning, e.g. plug-and-play

Abstract

Systems and methods for configuration of devices within a network utilizing inherited configuration data are disclosed. Configuration data stored at a junction box in electronic communication with a first device is accessed. The configuration data includes a default zone of interest assignment for a first device. The zone of interest comprises a portion of a network. Devices within the zone of interest are identified. It is determined whether the first device is compatible with any of the identified devices. The first device is configured, in an automated manner, to interact with a set of compatible devices within the zone of interest.

Claims

1. A method for automatic device configuration based on inherited configuration data comprising:

accessing configuration data stored at a junction box in electronic communication with a first device, the junction box being separate from the first device, wherein the junction box is a box with one open side mounted within a wall or a ceiling, and wherein the first device is inserted into the junction box, wherein the configuration data includes a default zone of interest assignment for the first device, wherein the first device is assigned to the default zone of interest based on the configuration data, the zone of interest comprising a portion of a network, and wherein the portion of the network is less than the entire network;

identifying devices only within the zone of interest and not outside the zone of interest, wherein the identifying occurs by scanning the zone of interest or accessing a database;

determining whether the first device is compatible with any of the identified devices; and

configuring, in an automated manner, the first device to interact with at least one of the devices within a set of compatible devices in the zone of interest,

wherein a master node that communicates with the junction box and the first device, the master node comprising a device identification component, a compatibility component and a configuration component, wherein the device identification component identifies the devices within the network and informs the first device of devices that have been identified, wherein the compatibility determination component determines whether the first device is compatible with any of the identified devices, and wherein the configuration component configures the first device to interact with one or more of the compatible devices.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first device controls at least one aspect of a device within the set of compatible devices.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein a first device is a light switch and the set of compatible devices comprises at least one light.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first device is a video providing device and the set of compatible devices includes a display device.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first device is an embedded device.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the network comprises an embedded device network.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the junction box is coupled to a single device.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the junction box is coupled to multiple devices.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein the zone of interest corresponds to an area.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein when the first device is no longer in electronic communication with the junction box, the first device no longer retains the assignment to the zone of interest.

9. A system that is configured for automatic device configuration based on inherited configuration data, the system comprising:

a junction box comprising configuration data, wherein the junction box is a box with one open side mounted within a wall or ceiling, and wherein the first device is inserted into the junction box;

a first device in electronic communication with the junction box;

a processor either comprised within or in electronic communication with the junction box or the first device;

memory in electronic communication with the processor; and

instructions stored in the memory, the instructions being executable to;

access the configuration data stored at the junction box, the junction box being separate from the first device, wherein the configuration data includes a default zone of interest assignment for the first device, wherein the first device is assigned to the default zone of interest based on the configuration data, the zone of interest comprising a portion of a network, and wherein the portion of the network is less than the entire network;

identify devices only within the zone of interest and not outside the zone of interest, wherein the devices are identified by scanning the zone of interest or accessing a database;

determine whether the first device is compatible with any of the identified devices;

configure, in an automated manner, the first device to interact with at least one of the devices within a set of compatible devices in the zone of interest; and

a master node that communicates with the junction box and the first device, the master node comprising a device identification component, a compatibility component and a configuration component, wherein the device identification component identifies the devices within the network and informs the first device of devices that have been identified, wherein the compatibility determination component determines whether the first device is compatible with any of the identified devices, and wherein the configuration component configures the first device to interact with one or more of the compatible devices.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first device controls at least one aspect of a device within the set of compatible devices.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein a first device is a light switch and the set of compatible devices comprises at least one light.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the first device is a video providing device and the set of compatible devices includes a display device.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the first device is an embedded device.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein the network comprises an embedded device network.

23. The system of claim 9, wherein the configuration component controls the routing of signals between the first device and the one or more compatible devices.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the first device is a light switch.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising executable instructions for automatic device configuration based on inherited configuration data, the instructions being executable to:

access configuration data stored at a junction box in electronic communication with a first device, the junction box being separate from the first device, wherein the junction box is a box with one open side mounted within a wall or ceiling, and wherein the first device is inserted into the junction box, and wherein the configuration data includes a default zone of interest assignment for the first device, wherein the first device is assigned to the default zone of interest based on the configuration data, the zone of interest comprising a portion of a network, and wherein the portion of the network is less than the entire network;

identify devices only within the zone of interest and not outside the zone of interest, wherein the devices are identified by scanning the zone of interest or accessing a database;

determine whether the first device is compatible with any of the identified devices; and

configure, in an automated manner, the first device to interact with at least one of the devices within a set of compatible devices in the zone of interest,

wherein a master node that communicates with the junction box and the first device, the master node comprising a device identification component, a compatibility component and a configuration component, wherein the device identification component identifies the devices within the network and informs the first device of devices that have been identified, wherein the compatibility determination component determines whether the first device is compatible with any of the identified devices, and wherein the configuration component configures the first device to interact with one or more of the compatible devices.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the first device controls at least one aspect of a device within the set of compatible devices.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the first device is a light switch and the set of compatible devices comprises at least one light.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the first device is a video providing device and the set of compatible devices includes a display device.

19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the first device is an embedded device.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the network comprises an embedded device network.