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 programming a programmable controller for an environment, the method comprising:
- receiving a trigger signal at a processor of the programmable controller, wherein the trigger signal is associated with a trigger event at a trigger device, wherein the trigger device comprises a sensor for sensing the trigger event, while the programmable controller is in a training mode, the trigger device being in data communication with the programmable controller, wherein the trigger signal is for causing a programmable device to change to a desired state, wherein the programmable device comprises a programmable thermostat;
receiving a message and a unique address at the processor of the programmable controller from the programmable device, wherein the programmable device is in the environment and is in the desired state for the environment, wherein the message indicates that the programmable device is in the desired state and the unique address is for the programmable device; and
subsequently, exiting the training mode at the processor of 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.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for programming a programmable controller for an environment, the method comprising:
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receiving a trigger signal at a processor of the programmable controller, wherein the trigger signal is associated with a trigger event at a trigger device, wherein the trigger device comprises a sensor for sensing the trigger event, while the programmable controller is in a training mode, the trigger device being in data communication with the programmable controller, wherein the trigger signal is for causing a programmable device to change to a desired state, wherein the programmable device comprises a programmable thermostat; receiving a message and a unique address at the processor of the programmable controller from the programmable device, wherein the programmable device is in the environment and is in the desired state for the environment, wherein the message indicates that the programmable device is in the desired state and the unique address is for the programmable device; and subsequently, exiting the training mode at the processor of the programmable controller. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a plurality of instructions which, when executed by a processor of a programmable controller, cause the processor to perform operations for programming a programmable controller for an environment, the operations comprising:
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receiving a trigger signal at the programmable controller, wherein the trigger signal is associated with a trigger event at a trigger device, wherein the trigger device comprises a sensor for sensing the trigger event, while the programmable controller is in a training mode, the trigger device being in data communication with the programmable controller, wherein the trigger signal is for causing a programmable device to change to a desired state, wherein the programmable device comprises a programmable thermostat; receiving a message and a unique address at the programmable controller from the programmable device, wherein the programmable device is in the environment and is in the desired state for the environment, wherein the message indicates that the programmable device is in the desired state and the unique address is for the programmable device; and subsequently, exiting the training mode at the programmable controller. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A programmable controller for use in an environment, comprising:
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a processor; and a computer readable medium storing a plurality of instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations, the operations comprising; receiving a trigger signal at the programmable controller, wherein the trigger signal is associated with a trigger event at a trigger device, wherein the trigger device comprises a sensor for sensing the trigger event, while the programmable controller is in a training mode, the trigger device being in data communication with the programmable controller, wherein the trigger signal is for causing a programmable device to change to a desired state, wherein the programmable device comprises a programmable thermostat; receiving a message and a unique address at the programmable controller from the programmable device, wherein the programmable device is in the environment and is in the desired state for the environment, wherein the message indicates that the programmable device is in the desired state and the unique address is for the programmable device; and subsequently, exiting the training mode at the programmable controller. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification