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. 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.
1. An automation control apparatus, said apparatus comprising:
a multi-role automation host, said multi-role automation host having connectivity for communicating with a first user device, said first 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;
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 multi-role automation hub, operating in a third role, a second set of one or more devices each of which is certified compliant with said predetermined control protocol, wherein said multi-role automation host includes an automation bridge communicating with said first multi-role automation hub using messages in a first form based on said predetermined control protocol, and converting said first form to a second form for processing by said multi-role automation host, wherein said one or more profiled devices become visible to and controllable by said first multi-role automation hub; and
said first multi-role automation hub, operating in a fourth role, producing an on screen display (OSD) displayed on a first television coupled to said first multi-role automation hub, said OSD enabling a user to select one or more predetermined lighting scenes, select one or more television channels, and control said one or more profiled devices, and said first and second sets of one or more devices each of which is certified compliant with said predetermined control protocol.
2. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said OSD further provides video display management including windowing, tiling, and picture-in-picture.