Patent ID: 7668990
Filing Date: 2010-02-23
Classification: G05B,G08C,H04L,H04N

Abstract:
1. A method of controlling a plurality of devices to perform an activity-based or an experience-based operation, comprising the steps of: collecting device information pertaining to identification of the plurality of devices including at least one of a manufacturer name for each of the devices, a model number of each of the devices, and a device type for each of the devices, wherein such device information is collected via a network discovery protocol; accessing metadata that specifies unique requirements pertaining to control of the plurality of devices, including at least one of a device activation requirement, tuning requirement, and input state selection requirement; accessing a sequence of device-specific commands based on said metadata and associated with the plurality of devices; sending said sequence to the plurality of devices, whereby each device-specific command from said sequence is executable to control a corresponding device upon receipt of said device-specific command at said corresponding device; defining a plurality of regions within a controlled environment; and assigning each of the plurality of devices to at least one of said regions within the controlled environment.