Auto-addressing mechanism for a networked system
Assignee777388 Ontario Limited
InventorMircea Rusu
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for assigning addresses to components in a networked system. The network includes a control unit and two or more functional components. The system provides the capability to address an individual component or a group of components in the network. The components may be speakers, sound masking units, lighting units, HVAC units or other elements coupled in a network. According to another aspect, there is a method for assigning addresses to components in a networked system having a plurality of components.
Claims19
A system for assigning addresses to components in a networked system, said system comprising:
- (a) a communication network;
- (b) a plurality of functional components, at least some of said functional components including a communication interface for coupling said functional components to said communication network for receiving control signals over said communication network;
- and
- (c) a control unit, said control unit including, a communication interface for coupling said control unit to said communication network for transmitting control signals over said communication network to said functional components, and a component for assigning logical addresses for each of said functional components, said control signals including signals for selectively communicating with said functional components according to said logical addresses.
A method for assigning addresses to components in a networked system having a plurality of components, each component having an associated identifier, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) selecting a component having a predetermined characteristic;
- (b) generating a logical address for said component, said logical address being derived from the identifier associated with said component;
- and
- (c) assigning said logical address to said component.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.