Patent ID: 8954176
Filing Date: 2015-02-10
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. An expandable multimedia control system comprising: a master programmable multimedia controller operable to execute one or more applications which control one or more devices that are interconnected with said expandable multimedia control system so as to provide one or more programmable services, said master programmable multimedia controller storing a configuration bundle that includes a list of first predetermined unique identifiers representing subordinate programmable multimedia controllers that are eligible to become part of said expandable multimedia control system but that are not yet connected to a network of said expandable multimedia control system; a communication link operable to couple said master programmable multimedia controller and a subordinate programmable multimedia controller; and said subordinate programmable multimedia controller having an associated second predetermined unique identifier, said subordinate programmable multimedia controller operable to indicate its availability to become part of said expandable multimedia control system by publishing said second predetermined unique identifier over said communication link to said master programmable multimedia controller, said master programmable multimedia controller operable to compare said list of first predetermined unique identifiers and said second predetermined unique identifier and establish a control relationship with said subordinate programmable multimedia controller in response to a unique identifier on said list of first predetermined unique identifiers matching said second predetermined unique identifier, to permit said subordinate programmable multimedia controller to become part of said expanded system.