Method and apparatus of integrating audio and video hardware with a control system

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention is directed to integrating low voltage equipment with an external control system, and more particularly, integrating audio, video, and related devices with a control system by providing a tool to allow automatic programming of system functions.

#2. Description of Related Art

#A preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which:

#FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a system for more efficiently interfacing a control system with audio/video hardware components;

#FIG. 1B is a block diagram of the interface of FIG. 1A;

#The preferred embodiment of the present invention yields a complete list of selected hardware product's functional capabilities, which represent simple understandable flow patterns that are visually appealing. Through interaction with the software, the user progressively refines the desired action and provides further refinement possibilities.

#Moreover, the invention virtually eliminates the need to decipher specific syntax of a specific manufacturer's product. Importantly, the preferred embodiment eliminates the need to retype command strings noted in the manufactured product RS232 programming manual; rather, strings are automatically produced as the result of the programmer's actions. As a result, the chance of typographical errors is eliminated. The method also creates specific syntax required for all major control manufacturers.

#The preferred embodiment is also directed to providing a visually oriented software utility to allow the systems' hardware installer access to diagnostic, setup and refinement functions. In particular, the system has the ability to operate “in reverse” to find strings associated with the hardware components (“snooping”), and compare against the programmer's strings as a diagnostic check.