Method of adding a device to a network

Details Method of adding a device to a network Method of adding a device to a network

2007-05-15

2007-05-15

Donaghue, Larry D. (Department: 2154)

Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput

Network computer configuring

C709S223000, C709S250000

Reexamination Certificate

active

11137810

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.

REFERENCES:
patent: 5875301 (1999-02-01), Duckwall et al.
patent: 5895452 (1999-04-01), Lum
patent: 6175860 (2001-01-01), Gaucher
patent: 6243773 (2001-06-01), Mahalingam
patent: 6275865 (2001-08-01), Zou
patent: 6336152 (2002-01-01), Richman et al.
patent: 6496862 (2002-12-01), Akatsu et al.
patent: 6501746 (2002-12-01), Leung
patent: 6584096 (2003-06-01), Allan
patent: 2006/0179138 (2006-08-01), Van Gassel et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Method of adding a device to a network does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Method of adding a device to a network, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method of adding a device to a network will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3765640