Method and system of programming at least one appliance to change state upon the occurrence of a trigger event
First Claim
1. A method for automating an environment, the method comprising:
- placing a programmable controller in a training mode;
subsequently, generating a trigger signal associated with a trigger event at a trigger device while the programmable controller is in the training mode, the trigger device being in data communication with the programmable controller, the trigger signal for causing a programmable device to change to a desired state;
receiving and storing the trigger signal at the programmable controller;
after the generating of the trigger signal and while the programmable controller is in the training mode, placing the programmable device in the environment in the desired state for the environment;
at the programmable device, broadcasting a message that the programmable device is in the desired state and broadcasting a unique address for the programmable device;
receiving and storing the message and the unique address at the programmable controller; and
subsequently, exiting the training mode at the programmable controller.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An automation system for programming appliances having programmable controllers, programmable devices and trigger devices that communicate over a communication link. The user programs the programmable devices by placing the programmable controller in its training mode, activating the trigger device to generate a trigger signed and places select programmable devices in their programmed state. After all of the desired programmable devices have been put in then programmed states, the user takes the programmable controller out of its training mode. When the programmable controller is out of its training mode, it monitors the communication link for the trigger event. Upon detecting the trigger event, the programmable controller sends messages to the selected programmable devices instructing them to go to their programmed state.
60 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method for automating an environment, the method comprising:
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placing a programmable controller in a training mode; subsequently, generating a trigger signal associated with a trigger event at a trigger device while the programmable controller is in the training mode, the trigger device being in data communication with the programmable controller, the trigger signal for causing a programmable device to change to a desired state; receiving and storing the trigger signal at the programmable controller; after the generating of the trigger signal and while the programmable controller is in the training mode, placing the programmable device in the environment in the desired state for the environment; at the programmable device, broadcasting a message that the programmable device is in the desired state and broadcasting a unique address for the programmable device; receiving and storing the message and the unique address at the programmable controller; and subsequently, exiting the training mode at the programmable controller. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification