# US 7,027,878 B2 · Method and system of programming at least one appliance to change state upon the occurrence of a trigger event

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- Number: US 7,027,878 B2
- Document ID: US7027878B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 10/992,231
- Filed: 2004-11-18
- Published: 2005-07-21
- Granted: 2006-04-11
- Earliest claimed: 1996-11-06
- Assignees: SBC Properties, L.P.
- Inventors: Raymond W. Bennett
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7027878B2

## CPC

- G05B 13/0265: {the criterion being a learning criterion}
- G05B 19/042: using digital processors (G05B19/05 takes precedence)
- G05B 19/0426: {Programming the control sequence}
- H04L 12/2829: {involving user profiles according to which the execution of a home appliance functionality is automatically triggered}
- F16B 7/0473: {with hook-like parts gripping, e.g. by expanding, behind the flanges of a profile}
- F16B 7/0486: {forming an abutting connection of at least one tube}
- G05B 2219/21066: Disconnect data line from module before, reconnect after configuration
- G05B 2219/25413: Interrupt, event, state change triggered
- G05B 2219/2642: Domotique, domestic, home control, automation, smart house
- G06F 9/445: Program loading or initiating (bootstrapping G06F9/4401; security arrangements for program loading or initiating G06F21/57)
- H04L 2012/285: {Generic home appliances, e.g. refrigerators}
- G05B: CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS (systems for controlling or regulating non-electric variables G05D; systems for regulating electric or magnetic variables G05F; control devices or systems insofar as characterised by mechanical features only G05G)
- H04L: TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION (arrangements common to telegraphic and telephonic communication H04M)
- F16B: DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING (couplings for transmitting rotation F16D)
- G06F: ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)

## Abstract

An automation system for programming appliances having programmable controllers, programmable devices and trigger devices that communicate over a communication link. The user programs the programmable devices by placing the programmable controller in its training mode, activating the trigger device to generate a trigger signed and places select programmable devices in their programmed state. After all of the desired programmable devices have been put in then programmed states, the user takes the programmable controller out of its training mode. When the programmable controller is out of its training mode, it monitors the communication link for the trigger event. Upon detecting the trigger event, the programmable controller sends messages to the selected programmable devices instructing them to go to their programmed state.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method for programming an automation system which includes at least one programmable device and a programmable controller, the method comprising:
(a) determining if the programmable controller is in a training mode;
(b) if the programmable controller is in the training mode, sensing the occurrence of a trigger event;
(c) if the trigger event is detected, recording the trigger event in the programmable controller;
(d) sensing the occurrence of a broadcast message;
(e) if the broadcast message is detected, recording the broadcast message in the programmable controller;
(f) determining if the programmable controller is out of the training mode;
(g) if the programmable controller is out of the training mode, terminating programming;
(h) if, at step (a), the programmable controller is not in a training mode, sensing the occurrence of a trigger event;
(i) if the trigger event is detected, recalling a program stored in the programmable controller;
(j) broadcasting on a communication link a message including the program;
(k) at other programmable controllers in communication with the communication link, sensing the occurrence of a broadcast message;
(l) if the broadcast message is detected at another, determining if the broadcast message has instructions for the programmable device; and
(m) if the broadcast message has instructions for the other programmable device, receiving the instructions.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1 further comprising:
(n) if the broadcast message does not have instructions for the other programmable device, ignoring the broadcast message.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1 wherein, at step (f), if the programmable controller is not out of the training mode, continuing to sense the occurrence of the broadcast message.