Multi-role devices for automation environments
AssigneeSavant Systems, LLC
InventorsRobert P. Madonna, Arthur A. Jacobson, David W. Tatzel, Victor Rendina, Timothy R. Locascio
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an automation control device, such as a host or hub, is provided with enhanced functionality so that it becomes a multi-role automation control device. The multi-role automation control device is capable of controlling an expanded variety of “smart” or other devices whose native control protocol is not generally compatible. The multi-role automation control device may be implemented using a variety of underlying devices including a host, hub, soundbar, “smart” thermostat, “smart” amplifier, audio speaker, or other device.
Claims3
An automation control apparatus, said apparatus comprising:
- a multi-role automation host, said multi-role automation host having connectivity for communicating with at least one user device, said at least one user device having a set of user commands to which said multi-role automation host is responsive;
- said multi-role automation host operating in a first role in which said multi-role automation host directly controls one or more profiled devices, each of said one or more profiled devices having an associated profile which is accessible by said multi-role automation host, each said associated profile including information which describes a set of device commands to which the associated profiled device is responsive;
- and
- said multi-role automation host operating in a second role in which said multi-role automation host directly controls a first set of one or more devices each of which is certified compliant with a predetermined control protocol, and indirectly controls through a first automation hub a second set of one or more devices each of which is certified compliant with said predetermined control protocol.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.