Savant Systems, Inc.

Excel Switching Corporation

Transcept, Inc.

Timothy Ray Locascio

Michael C Silva

Robert P Madonna

Arthur A Jacobson

Nicholas J Cipollo

David W Tatzel

David McKinley

John R DeCesare

James Thomas DellaMorte, Sr

Gary Baldino

Victor Rendina

John Sabat, Jr

Peter H Corsini

Yue Zhou

Michael E Noonan

Andrew R Hamm

James F Allen

Jose J Ronquillo Rodriguez

Cameron Pulsford

George T Katsiris

Alejandro Orellana

Ryan E Kitson

Rajnish Jain

Glenn T Flebotte

Nathan A Trapp

Patricia Langley

Clifford M Lo Verme

Gary M Baldino

Cameron B Pulsford

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an automation control device, such as a host or hub, is provided with functionality so that it becomes a multi-role automation control device. One such multi-role automation control device produces an on screen display which enables a user to select predetermined lighting scenes or television channels, and to control other devices.

Multi-role devices for automation environments

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an automation control device, such as a host or hub, is provided with 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. 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.

Techniques are provided for defining and activating scenes in a home automation system. In one embodiment, a user-defined scene is automatically captured based on current states in a home automation system and a last media query. Current states in the home automation system are automatically captured for services to build a set of states, the set of states including states of services provided by multiple different types of devices, the multiple different types including two or more of audio/video (A/V) devices, lighting devices, heating ventilation and cooling (HVAC) devices, security devices, shade control devices, energy conservation devices, or communications devices. A last media query performed by the home automation system is also captured. A user-defined scene is generated from both. The user-defined scene is stored, and when it is determined it should be activated, service requests are sent.

User-defined scenes for home automation

In one embodiment, a state center operates as a repository and exchange point for telephony state information that would not typically be accessible from an Internet Protocol private branch exchange (IP PBX), and control state information that would not typically be accessible from a programmable multimedia controller. In such manner, the state center enables telephony responsive audio/video (A/V) and home automation device control, and A/V and home automation device responsive telephony control.

Integrated private branch exchange and device control system

In one embodiment, a programmable multimedia controller that is capable of interfacing with and controlling audio, video, telephony or heating ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) devices. A first mobile device and a second mobile device of a same type are configured to communicate with the programmable multimedia controller. The first mobile device obtains a first copy of a sharable device configuration including data for rendering a user interface usable to control the programmable multimedia controller. It stores the first copy of the sharable device configuration and thereby is considered a master device with respect to other devices of the same type. The second mobile device obtains a second copy of the sharable device configuration for use on the second mobile device from the master device.

Programmable multimedia controller with flexible user access and shared device configurations

In one embodiment, a remote control device is configured to receive a portable control device into a recess, such that the portable control device is mechanically and electrically coupled to the remote control device. The portable control device communicates with a programmable multimedia controller, by way of a bi-directional wireless communication path, and with a dedicated wireless receiver, providing a redundant communication path. The remote control device includes surface enhanced buttons that allow a user to make selections by the sense of touch for changing settings of components associated with the programmable multimedia controller.

Programmable multimedia control system having a tactile remote control

A graphical user interface enables a user to create and modify graphical schedules for a wide variety of devices that may be controlled by a programmable multimedia controller. A graphical schedule graphically depicts a relationship between time and at least one user-selected condition to be satisfied or at least one user-selected action to be taken. The user may create or modify graphical schedules using familiar techniques such as taps and swipes, drag and drop and the like.

Method and apparatus for creating and modifying graphical schedules

A system which includes a programmable multimedia controller is provided in which flexible user access is provided through a combination of user profiles and usernames/pas swords. A configuration for a given device which may form part of the system or may interoperate with the system may be shared by multiple similar devices. A sharable device configuration is stored by a master device and can be shared by other devices of the same type as the master device.

A system and method are disclosed for the licensing and managing media resources in a converged services platform. A novel central pool of resource points representing a licensed level of media resource capability is created, the central pool for the storage of all default and any additional licensed resource points represented by the converged services platform, where portions of the central pool are dynamically allocated to one or more media resource cards.

Media resource card with dynamically allocated resource points

A media resources card for use with a converged services platform. The media resources card, which includes one or more arrays of digital signal processors (DSPs), s operable to perform a variety of communication services including recording and playback of voice recorded announcements. A caching arrangement is provided in which a given recording (file) may have either a persistence level or timer expiration attribute or both.

Media resource card with programmable caching for converged services platform

Apparatus operable as a standalone, open programmable switch, a node an expandable telecommunications system, or a gateway includes a voice/data access concentrator (VDAC) card for providing voice over IP (Internet protocol) capability. The VDAC card includes an array of digital signal processors (DSPs) which may be programmed to perform desired protocol conversions between circuit-based protocols, such as T , E or J , and packet-based protocols, such as IP. The apparatus is scalable and may readily incorporate other cards which provide both subscriber supplementary services and network signalling as required to meet the needs of a particular application.

Voice-data access concentrator for node in an expandable telecommunications system

A monitoring and command system for use in a wireless communications system including remotely located transceivers for transmitting and receiving telephony signals to and from wireless telephones wherein each of the remote transceivers is connected to a broadband distribution network. A central location includes remote antenna signal processors connected to the broadband distribution network and a control unit is connected to the remote antenna signal processor, and the monitoring and command system controls operations of the remote antenna signal processors and the remote transceivers. The control unit exchanges control and monitoring messages with the remote antenna signal processors, and each exchange of messages comprises a completed exchange of messages with one remote antenna signal processor before initiation of an exchange of messages with another remote antenna signal processor. Each remote antenna signal processor exchanges control and monitoring messages with the remote transceivers associated therewith, and the messages to all associated remote transceivers are interspersed. Each control and monitoring message includes a message number field identifying the meaning of the message, a unique message tag field used by the remote antenna signal processors to identify each remote transceivers, and a plurality of data fields containing message information wherein the contents of each data field are defined by the contents of the message number field.

Growing community of inventors

Osterville, MA, United States of America

Timothy Ray Locascio