Controller for devices in a control network

1. A device driver for a system controller having a plurality of pre-programmed controller operating functions for controlling at least one device operatively connected to the system controller, said device driver comprising:

means for setting an operating mode of the device from a plurality of predetermined device operating modes;

means for selecting said device operating mode in accordance with a select one of the controller operating functions; and

means for defining said select controller operating functions based on user specified predetermined system operating modes.

2. The device driver as defined in claim 1 wherein said device operating modes include,

a first mode in which the device remains in an OFF state;

a second mode in which the device remains in an ON state,

a third mode in which the device is varied from/to said OFF state to/from said ON state, and

a fourth mode in which the device is set to said OFF state or said ON state.

3. The device driver as defined in claim 1 wherein said predetermined system operating modes include a first system operating mode in which the system controller is controlled based on a local operating condition of the device that is operatively connected to the system controller, and a second system operating mode in which the system controller is controlled based on a load demand that is placed on the system.

4. The device driver as defined in claim 3 wherein said system controller is operatively connected to a control network and is controlled in accordance with commands from said control network when said controller is in said first or second system operating mode.