Method and apparatus for controlling network devices
US6574234B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 5, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 3, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 5, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B2219/2642
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for controlling devices on a network, such as household devices on a home automation network is presented. The present invention provides an extended addressing option and an extended packet size option. The present invention further provides packet order control, partial packet support, and multiple bit priority control. The present invention also provides a central controller that avoids the maintenance requirements of a distributed control system. The central controller may be coupled to a computer, allowing the computer to program the central controller and to act as a redundant controller in case the central controller fails or is otherwise unable to effectively control the network. The central controller may communicate with devices and other equipment over a variety of types of networks, including EIA-485 balanced cabling and ethernet networks, as well as other types of networks. The invention provides an automatic wiring testing feature that gives an indication if a node is properly wired to the controller. The invention further provides an identification mode that allows identification of devices and binding of physical devices to their corresponding…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.