发明授权
- 专利标题: Method of adding a device to a network
- 专利标题(中): 将设备添加到网络的方法
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申请号: US09488381申请日: 2000-01-20
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公开(公告)号: US06901439B1公开(公告)日: 2005-05-31
- 发明人: Gaetano Bonasia , David P. Eckel , Stephen P. Hebeisen , Ross Mernyk
- 申请人: Gaetano Bonasia , David P. Eckel , Stephen P. Hebeisen , Ross Mernyk
- 申请人地址: US NY Little Neck
- 专利权人: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
- 当前专利权人: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
- 当前专利权人地址: US NY Little Neck
- 代理商 Paul J. Sutton
- 主分类号: G06F15/173
- IPC分类号: G06F15/173 ; G06F15/177
摘要:
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.