Modularized control system to enable networked control and sensing of other devices

Abstract

This invention provides a standard method of interfacing an arbitrary non-network connected device to computer networks such as the Internet. The invention modularizes the communications interface by providing a plug-in communications module, which may be compatible with a standard solid-state memory card interface and form factor, thus removing the burden of wireless approvals testing (the module is tested vs. the whole product). The invention also integrates a programmable arbitrary device controller and associated software into this same communications module, thus removing the burden of the majority of the software development for most arbitrary non-network connected devices. The invention further provides a unified internet-based service that can help configure the module's network configuration, and download appropriate control code for whatever arbitrary device the module is currently connected to.

Description

[0001] Cross reference to related applications [0002] This application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application 13 / 481,737, filed May 25, 2012 by inventor Hugo Fiennes, entitled MODULARIZED CONTROL SYSTEM TO ENABLE NETWORKED CONTROL AND SENSING OF OTHER DEVICES; this application and application 13 / 481,737 claim Priority benefit of: U.S. Provisional Application 61 / 490,498, filed May 26, 2011, entitled "MODULARIZED CONTROL SYSTEM TO ENABLE NETWORKED CONTROL AND SENSING OF OTHER DEVICES," by Inventor Hugo Fiennes; Priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61 / 583,299, filed January 5, 2012, entitled "Method of transferring network setup information using optical signaling"; filed May 15, 2012 by inventor Hugo Fiennes, entitled Priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61 / 647,476 for "MODULARIZED CONTROL SYSTEM TO ENABLE NETWORKED CONTROL AND SENSING OF OTHER DEVICES"; the contents of all of these applications are incorporated herein by reference. technical fiel...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0008] Customers who purchase these network-enabled devices often lack experience in installing and operating the network portion of these devices due to the often incomplete or faulty implementation of the network portion

In addition, customers often find that no single vendor can provide network-enabled versions of all the devices they wish to control or monitor

As a result, customers are often forced to use several different and incompatible control or monitoring services, and often cannot connect the results of monitoring one device with the behavior of another

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