Patent Abstract:
Enhancements to premises monitor or control device (e.g., thermostats, etc) are detailed herein. For example, enhanced relating to simplification of scheduling, are described as well as other enhancements relating to reducing device costs or consumption costs, providing richer features or more robust feature sets, and/or delivering associated product or services with increased simplicity, convenience, or ease.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/460,774, filed Dec. 8, 2011, and entitled ENERGY MONITORING AND UTILIZATION ENHANCEMENTS. The entirety of this application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This disclosure generally relates to enhancing premises monitor and/or control, for example, by facilitating enhanced features, convenience, and/or accessibility in connection with premises monitoring or control. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Existing home energy control and automation technology, or other premises monitor and control, was architected to operate relatively independently of other devices or technology. For example, such premises monitor devices are not designed to offload or share processing loads, share data storage, or otherwise interact with other systems or devices for which such might be beneficial. Likewise, conventional devices are not architected to take advantage of being part of a remote access networked system. As a result, most such devices have limited feature sets and/or high costs for the features that do exist. 
         [0004]    For example, conventional thermostats or other premises monitor and control devices often rely upon legacy technology or outdated paradigms. As a result, programming or accessing these devices can be difficult and particularly counterintuitive to users who are much more familiar with modern paradigms and designs. Because these conventional devices are generally quite difficult to use, potential benefits, even if they exist, go unimplemented. For example, understanding the features and abilities of the thermostat can lead to energy-cost savings opportunities, can avoid unnecessary waste of natural resources, as well as other advantages. Unfortunately, most users do not have sufficient understanding of their thermostat(s) or other premises monitor and control devices to leverage such advantages. Generally, this situation exists because conventional devices do not provide adequate features, convenience, and/or accessibility. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The following presents a simplified summary of the specification in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the specification. This summary is not an extensive overview of the specification. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the specification nor delineate the scope of any particular embodiments of the specification, or any scope of the claims. Its purpose is to present some concepts of the specification in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented in this disclosure. 
         [0006]    Certain subject matter disclosed herein relates to simplified programming or schedule editing of a premises monitor and/or control device. One system disclosed herein can include a premises monitor and/or control device that can facilitate a change to a state of a premises. The premises monitor and/or control device can include a processor that can execute computer executable components stored in a memory. 
         [0007]    One such component can be a presentation component that can present a configuration display associated with a defined time period. The configuration display can include a threshold associated with the state of the premises. A data component can determine threshold data associated with the threshold based on input data input to the configuration display for the defined time period. A population component can populate multiple data structures included in the memory with the threshold data based on a type of the configuration display. A data structure from the multiple data structures can relate to a single defined time period. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    Numerous aspects, embodiments, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates a high-level functional block diagram of an example system that can facilitate simplified programming of a premises monitor and/or control device as well as additional features, convenience, or ease in accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of prior art device memory and the relationship of the memory structure to prior art device user interfaces; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  depicts an example illustration of a configuration display in accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  depicts an example illustration of a selection display in accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5A  depicts an example illustration of an example preference display in accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5B  depicts an example illustration of an example preference display that can facilitate abstraction selection of comfort versus efficiency in accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict illustrations that relate to example occupancy schedules that can be associated with the occupancy of a portion of the premises during defined time period in accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  illustrates an example interface device with suitable display for presenting an editable view of occupancy data or other data detailed herein in accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  illustrates an example interface device that includes location information associated with a user of the premises monitor and/or control device in accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  illustrates an example methodology for providing for simplifying schedule programming of a premises management device; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  illustrates an example methodology for providing for additional aspects or features in connection with simplifying schedule programming for a premises management device in accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  illustrates a block diagram of a computer operable to execute or implement all or portions of the disclosed architecture in accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  illustrates a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computing environment in accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Schedule Simplification And/Or Abstraction 
       [0022]    Various aspects or features of this disclosure are described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In this specification, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of this disclosure. It should be understood, however, that certain aspects of disclosure may be practiced without these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate describing the subject disclosure. 
         [0023]    Referring now to drawings, with initial reference to  FIG. 1 , system  100  is depicted. System  100  can facilitate simplified programming to a premises monitor and/or control device as well as additional features, convenience, or ease. System  100  can include premise monitor and/or control device  102  that can facilitate a change to premises  104 . Device  102  can include memory  103  and a processor (not shown), examples of which are provided in connection with  FIG. 11 . Moreover, the processor can be configured to execute various components described herein. 
         [0024]    Premises  104  can be, for example, a residential area, a commercial area, an industrial area, or substantially any type of area or location and can include indoor portions or outdoor portions depending on a type of premises monitor and/or control device  102 . In many examples utilized herein, device  102  is depicted as a thermostat device that can, inter alia, facilitate monitoring and control of an indoor environment, particularly temperature, however, it is understood that device  102  is not necessarily limited to a thermostat. In other embodiments device  102  can relate to irrigation systems (indoors or outdoors); lighting control systems (e.g., lights, shades, etc.); pools, hot tubs, aquariums, water heaters, or other fluid- or water-based systems; and so on. 
         [0025]    Moreover, in some embodiments device  102  can directly affect the change to the state of premises  104 , while in other embodiments device  102  can facilitate the change by instructing other devices, such as other existing thermostats or premises monitor and control devices or premise state control device(s)  105 , which can be, e.g., a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system or another system suitable for the particular implementation. 
         [0026]    One shortcoming of conventional thermostats or other monitor/control systems is that an associated user interface employed to program these devices is architected to imitate the memory structure as illustrated by  FIG. 2 , which can now be referenced before continuing the description of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2  depicts an example of memory  200  associated with a prior art premises monitor and control device. A typical design includes enough memory to store a week&#39;s worth of information (e.g., 7 days), with four setpoints per day, creating a 7×4 grid. An associated user interface  220  is typically architecturally tied to this grid-based layout, a situation that arose because of limited device display size, cost-centric display technology (e.g., fixed segment liquid crystal display (LCD) instead of full color touchscreen), etc. Regardless, user interface  220  tends to mimic the storage layer, which can lead to difficulties when programming the device, which can result in little or inefficient use of the device. 
         [0027]    Turning back to  FIG. 1 , system  100  can operate to effectively separate the presentation layer from the storage/implementation layer. In other words, what is displayed by a user interface associated with system  100  can be a different, typically more intuitive, representation of data that is stored in the memory or in a remote memory. For example, system  100  can include presentation component  106  that can include all or a portion of a user interface (e.g., display, touchscreen, buttons, speaker, microphone, etc.) associated with device  102 . 
         [0028]    Presentation component  106  can be configured to present configuration display  108  associated with defined time period  110 . For example, in some embodiments, defined time period  110  can be a day, which is typically a 24-hour period. In addition, configuration display  108  can include threshold  112  associated with the state of premises  104 . In embodiments where device  102  is a thermostat or a similar device, threshold  112  can be associated with a temperature measurement, which is further detailed in connection with  FIG. 3 . In embodiments where device  102  is a lighting or appliance controller or a similar device, threshold  112  can be associated with an illumination level or on/off state. 
         [0029]    Device  102  can also include data component  114  that can be configured to determine threshold data  116 . Threshold data  116  can be associated with threshold  112 , and data component  114  can determine threshold data  116  based on input data  118  that can be input, or derived from input to configuration display  108  for defined time period  110 . For example, in a simple case, data component  114  can determine threshold data  116  based upon an input to threshold  112  and/or defined time period (e.g., a user inputs a temperature of 75 degrees at a transition time of 7:00 am). In other examples, data component  114  can determine threshold data  116  based upon various other inputs, settings, and/or preferences, which is further described in connection with  FIGS. 4-7 . 
         [0030]    Additionally, device  102  can include population component  120  that can receive threshold data  116 . Population component  120  can be configured to populate multiple data structures  122  included in memory  103  with threshold data  116 . The number of data structures  122  populated with threshold data  116  can be based on a type associated with configuration display  108  and a given data structure  122  from the multiple data structures  122  can relate to a single defined time period  110  (e.g., a day). 
         [0031]    It is understood that memory  103  is intended to be a repository of all or portions of data, data sets, or information described herein or otherwise suitable for use with the disclosed subject matter. Memory  103  can be centralized, either remotely or locally cached, or distributed, potentially across multiple devices and/or schemas. Furthermore, memory  103  can be embodied as substantially any type of memory, including but not limited to volatile or non-volatile, solid state, sequential access, structured access, random access and so on. It should be understood that all or portions of memory  103  can be included in device  102 , or can reside in part or entirely remotely from device  102 . 
         [0032]    Turning now to  FIG. 3 , graphical illustration  300  is depicted. Illustration  300  provides one example of configuration display  108 . Suppose memory  103  of device  102  is similar to that of prior art device memory  200  or, as another example, device  102  is configured to interface with prior art device memory  200 , in which case memory  103  can include prior art device memory  200  as well as other memory portions that are local or remote and can be accessed by way of a bus or hard line as well as wirelessly. In any suitable scenario, configuration display  108  can represent a portion of a user interface that separates the presentation layer (e.g., displays or other user interface features provided by presentation component  106 ) from the storage layer. Such can enable scheduling/programming that is more intuitive, more convenient, and simpler. 
         [0033]    In this case, defined time period  110  is a day and within that day four transition labels  302  are provided, denoted “Morning,” “Day”, “Evening,” and “Night,” which, in embodiments where device memory  200  is used, can map to the four setpoints allowed per day in device memory  200 . It is understood that if device memory  200  only supports, e.g., two setpoints per day, then four transition labels  302  can still be provided by configuration display  108 . In that case, population component  120  can populate the first two setpoints with the associated values at suitable times, and then overwrite those same two memory locations with the next set of associated values after the first two transition times  304  are no longer active. In effect, configuration display  108  can provide substantially any number of transition labels  302  regardless of the limitation of the device memory  200  in a similar fashion, and each can seamlessly be translated to device memory  200  at the appropriate times. 
         [0034]    Configuration display  108  can include thresholds  112 , that can represent a threshold temperature at which a change to the state of premises  104  is facilitated, and transition times  304  that can represent the time of day (or other defined time period  110 ) at which an associated threshold  112  is to begin its comparison with the ambient temperature to determine whether a change to the state of premises  104  is to be invoked (e.g., instructing a furnace or another component of an HVAC system to activate). Configuration display  108  can allow inputs to be made to thresholds  112  or transition times  304  or to other portions and can also allow for these and other values to be automatically populated based upon other data included in memory  103 . For example, as is further detailed in connection with  FIGS. 5-7 , a user might simply input suitable times for transition times  304 , and data component  114  can determine the associated thresholds  112 , for example based upon energy preferences, comfort preferences, occupancy, and so forth. Moreover, all or portions of data included in configuration display  108  can be included in input data  118  and/or used to derive input data  118 . 
         [0035]    Numerous advantages exist for this example configuration display  108  over similar prior art displays or user interfaces. As noted, system  100  can leverage other platforms and architectures that conventional devices are often incapable, which can lead to additional features. Furthermore, rather than programming setpoints for every day of the week, multiple days can be abstracted into a single day, which can simplify the tasks of programming and editing. In the provided example shown in  FIG. 3 , Monday-Friday can be accessed via a single interface element as can Saturday-Sunday. Population component  120  can automatically copy data to the relevant data structures included in memory  103  for each of the respective defined time periods  110 . 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , graphical illustration  400  is depicted. Illustration  400  represents an example of a selection display. For example, in some embodiments, configuration display  108 , or another portion of a user interface provided by presentation component  106 , can include selection display  400  that can facilitate selection of the type of configuration display  108 . As noted previously, population component  120  can populate multiple data structures included in memory  103  with threshold data  116  based upon the type of configuration display  108 . 
         [0037]    In some embodiments, for example, based upon a selection denoted by reference numeral  402 , the type can be a 5-2 period display, so called because the display is divided into a 5 weekday period and a 2 weekend day period, an example of which was illustrated in  FIG. 3 . A 5-2 type display can facilitate input of a first set of input data  118  from which data component  114  can determine threshold data  116  that population component  120  utilizes to populate five data structures  122  included in memory  103  (e.g., for the example in  FIG. 3 , these five data structures  122  relate to Monday-Friday) and a second set of input data  118  from which data component  114  can determine threshold data  116  and population component  120  can utilize to populate two data structures  122  included in memory  103  (e.g., for the example in  FIG. 3 , these two data structures  122  relate to Saturday-Sunday). 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, the type can be a 5-1-1 period display, so called because the display is divided into a 5 weekday period, 1 Saturday period, and 1 Sunday period, as denoted by reference numeral  404 . A 5-1-1 period display can facilitate input of: a first set of input data  118  from which the data component  114  can determine the threshold data  116  that the population component  120  utilizes to populate five data structures  122  included in the memory  103 , a second set of input data  118  from which the data component  114  determines the threshold data  116  that the population component  120  utilizes to populate one data structure  122  included in the memory  103 , and a third set of input data  118  from which the data component  114  determines the threshold data  116  that the population component  120  utilizes to populate one data structure  122  included in the memory  103 . 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, the type can be a 7 period display, typically selected for premises  104  for which the routine is similar all seven days of the week, as denoted by reference numeral  406 . A 7 period display can facilitate input of the input data  118  from which the data component  114  determines the threshold data  116  that the population component  120  utilizes to populate seven data structures  122  included in the memory  103 . As denoted by reference numeral  408 , other example types are possible. 
         [0040]    With reference now to  FIG. 5A , graphical illustration  500  is depicted. Illustration  500  represents an example of a preference display. For example, in some embodiments, configuration display  108 , or another portion of a user interface provided by presentation component  106 , can include preference display  500  that can facilitate input of preference data  502 . Preference data  502  can also include energy pricing information, and in those cases, preference display  500  can include features that relate to cost-benefits associated with efficiency relative to comfort, which is further detailed infra. 
         [0041]    In any case, preference data  502  can be included in input data  118 , the aggregate of which can be employed by data component  114  to determine threshold data  116 . Accordingly, turning back to  FIG. 3 , while a user can directly input values for thresholds  112 , the values of thresholds  112  can also be automatically populated based upon the various other data inputs, such as preferences, costs, comfort levels, and so forth as well as based upon occupancy, which is detailed in connection with  FIGS. 6A-7 . It is understood that while configuration display  108  can provide a simplified and often more intuitive interface versus the traditional grid of conventional memory, configuration display  108  can also provide the full grid for advanced users or the like. When presenting the full grid, configuration display  108  can still provide advantageous over conventional systems given configuration display  108  can likely leverage a superior user interface than what is typically found on conventional devices. 
         [0042]    In some embodiments, presentation component  106  can provide a display that can facilitate abstract selection of comfort versus efficiency, an example of which is provided by illustration  510  associated with  FIG. 5B , which can now be referenced. As depicted, a sliding scale between comfort and efficiency can exist (e.g., sliding scale  512 ), so an associated user is not required to consider specific temperature values, but rather can simply indicate general preferences that data component  114  can interpret. Thus, a user of premises  104  can be provided a convenient means for quickly and easily updating preference data  502  in a manner that is relevant for many users. In addition to automatically updating preference data  502  based upon changes to the sliding scale  512  (or another suitable user interface element), all or a portion of relevant threshold data  116  can be updated as well. It is understood that data component  114  can determine a particular threshold  112  directly in response to such preference data  502  or further based upon the preference data  502  interpreted in the context of local weather, a thermal model of premises  104 , current energy prices and/or peak pricing or variable pricing indices, etc. 
         [0043]    Turning now to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , graphical illustrations  600  and  610  are depicted. Illustrations  600  and  610  relate to example occupancy schedules that can be associated with occupancy of a portion of premises  104  during defined time period  110 . As with preference data  502 , data component  114  can determine threshold data  116  further based on occupancy data  602  input to or otherwise included in occupancy displays  600  and  610 . 
         [0044]    As depicted occupancy schedule  600  is related to informational aspects of occupancy data  602  that can be reviewed for accuracy or settings. Occupancy display  600  can include a user interface element that can facilitate editing of occupancy data  602 , such as edit button  604 . In response to selection of edit button  604  or another similar user interface element, example edit occupancy display  610  can be presented, wherein the occupancy data can be edited based upon defined portions of premises  104  and saved by way of save button  606  or a like user interface element. In another embodiment, the occupancy schedule  600  can be presented as a visual map that represents the physical regions of the premises  104  that can be individually managed by the premise monitor and control device  102 . In another embodiment, the occupancy schedule  600  includes a user interface element that facilitates editing of the occupancy zones (e.g., the physical regions of premises  104  that can be individually managed), including adding, removing, or renaming the zones. 
         [0045]    In response to preference data  502 , occupancy data  602 , and/or other input data  118 , data component  114  can translate such input data  118  to set thresholds  112  and/or transition times  302  for all relevant premises state control devices  105  at premises  104  (e.g., thermostats, automated lighting, shades, etc.) based on various occupancy periods and premises  104  locations as well as comfort, efficiency, or other preference data  502  settings. In other words, configuration display  108  can be presented with data translated into specific transition times that each control device understands and stores locally (e.g., in device memory  200 ) or into transition times  304  and thresholds  112  that a master networked system uses to send control commands to other relevant control devices at appropriate times. 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , system  700  is provided. System  700  can be a smart phone or any other suitable device with suitable display  702  for presenting an editable view of occupancy data  602  (or other data detailed herein). By way of example, suitable devices can include a home controller device, a personal computer, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, a tablet, a gaming console, and so on. Display  702  provides a further embodiment associated with accessing or updating occupancy data, but also introduces additional aspects, features, and/or concepts associated with the disclosed subject matter. 
         [0047]    For example, system  100  can leverage resources associated with other devices (e.g., smart phone  700 ), including the user interface, memory, processing, communications of those devices. Inputs to device  700  can be remote from system  100  and/or premises  104  and, if necessary, can be translated appropriately for all or a portion of the associated premises control devices  105  by data component  114 , which can increase the features available to users as well as convenience. 
         [0048]    In addition, display  702  is illustrated with set away button  704  and end away button  706  that relate to concepts that can be provided in other portions of configuration display  108  as well. Selection of set away button  704  (or another suitable user interface element) can essentially indicate to system  100  that all or a portion of premises  104  is not currently occupied according to the normal scheduling, such as during a vacation holiday or the like. Thus, data component  114  can manage threshold data  116  for example for maximum efficiency while occupants of premises  104  are away rather than according to the normal occupancy and preference settings. Hence, a single input stroke can initiate energy-saving modes for all suitable devices at premises  104  or multiple premises associated with a particular user. Energy-saving modes can differ based upon the particular device as well as based on various other settings or conditions such as weather (e.g., winter will likely be different than summer). 
         [0049]    Similarly, changes that occur due to selection of set away button  704  can be deactivated by selection of end away button  706  (or a similar user interface element). Additionally or alternatively, away mode can be set for a predetermined length of time, until a previously scheduled non-away time (e.g., a subsequent schedule transition), indefinitely (e.g., until end away button  706  is selected or another indication that a user is at premises  104  is provided), or based upon location information associated with the user (e.g., location information indicates a user has arrived or is approaching premises  104 ), which is further detailed below. Additional aspects associated with the concept of setting and ending away statuses as well as an introduction to access sharing and other concepts are provided in connection with  FIG. 8 . Moreover, it is understood that any given interface portion that includes button  704  or  706  can provide the single stroke ability set or end an associated away status. Accordingly, it is not necessary that both buttons be available or displayed simultaneously. Rather, set away button  704  can be enabled/displayed when the current status is not set to away, while end away button  706  can be enabled/displayed when the current status is set to away. 
         [0050]    Turning now to  FIG. 8 , system  800  is illustrated. System  800  can be a smart phone or another suitable device that includes location information associated with a user of system  100  and/or premises  104 . In some embodiments, a location of the user (in this case determined by a location of a smart phone associated with the user) can be utilized by system  100  to automatically set a status associated with all or a portion of premises  104  to away mode. Moreover, other suitable location-based data can be employed to determine an estimated time of arrival at premises  104 . Accordingly, changes to the state of premises (e.g., heating or cooling, lighting illumination, etc.) can be implemented for maximum efficiency or other parameters in view of current condition as well as the estimated time of arrival and/or based upon a distance threshold from premises  104 . In some embodiments, this distance threshold can be set by distance slider  802  or another suitable user interface element or location-based element. For example, thresholds  112  can be targeted and/or achieved based upon the estimated time of arrival rather than or in addition to being based upon an associated transition time  302 . 
         [0051]    In some embodiments, a non-linear distance scale can be employed, which can be associated with distance slider  802 . For example, fine settings can be affected when the distance from premises  104  is small or the travel speed high, while coarser settings can be affected when the distance from premises  104  is large or the travel speed low. It is understood that multiple devices and/or location-based data sources can be employed for multiple different occupants or users of premises  104 , and each data set can be utilized to appropriately affect changes to the state of premises  104  or appropriate portions of premise  104 . Additionally or alternatively, a user can be provided with an option to set different detection radii and/or distance thresholds based on the day of the week and time of day to accommodate for travel patterns associated with a user of premises  104 . 
         [0052]    Such also provides an introduction to the notion of shared access for system  100 . Briefly, a given premises  104  can routinely include multiple authorized users, each of whom might have access a local device such as premise monitor and/or control device  102 , but when other devices are leveraged such as smart phones, then difficulties arise in determining access privileges or the like. One solution is to create a remote management account with credentials that belong to one user (e.g., an accountholder) that can be shared with other users. However, in that case, several additional issues arise. For example, notifications (e.g., based on an accountholder email address) will typically only go to one party, or a given party is not likely to receive a specific notification. Also, customized preferences become difficult or impossible, such as programming a first set of preferences when only party A is at premises  104  and a second set of preferences when only party B is at premises  104  and a third set of preferences when both party A and B are at premises  104 . Furthermore, security hazards arise since an authentication credential is shared, particularly when one of the parties is only a temporary user of premises  104  (e.g., a houseguest) or only has access to a portion of premises  104 . In addition, access is an all-or-nothing proposition because by sharing the credential each user has access to all options and data as every other user. 
         [0053]    According to the disclosed subject matter a different solution can be provided. Rather than sharing an account credential, each user can be provided separate accounts, which might include many premises or portions that do not have joint access even if joint access does exist for premises  104 . Hence, the concept of sharing disclosed herein minors use or ownership concepts associated with premises or portions of premises. Thus, an account can exist for, say, a homeowner, and another for the homeowner&#39;s spouse, and yet another for the homeowner&#39;s child, where the child&#39;s account might only include access privileges associated with his or her room or an entertainment room. Likewise, another account can be created for a houseguest with privileges associated with a guest room only. The homeowner can stop sharing premises  104  with the houseguest at any time, and can do so without sharing and/or later changing a password. Additionally or alternatively, the houseguest can remove his or her access as well (e.g., at the end of the stay) or the access can be provided for a predetermined period of time, after which access privileges can be automatically terminated. 
         [0054]    Furthermore, the homeowner can open sharing to anyone at premises  104 . For example, users who connect to a local WI-FI network can be granted access and the ability to input information to device  102 . Such access can end when that particular user leaves premises  104  and/or goes beyond the range of the local WI-FI network. Such a feature can also provide for automatic changes based on presence and/or proximity to premise  104  by a particular user. For example, two users who share a location might have independent device settings (e.g., thermostat temperature). When combined with proximity detection, smart devices, such as system  100  in some embodiments, can automatically adjust to the settings desired for the current occupants of premises  104  or those users that are approaching and near to premises  104 . Similarly, when all users of premises  104  are absent, system  100  can facilitate the away mode that can include not only efficiency settings but also arming security systems, etc. 
         [0055]    Due to the networking, integration, and other capabilities that can be provided by device  102 , conventional “dumb” thermostats and other premises monitor and control devices can be used as though they were full-featured smart devices. Moreover, conventional programmable thermostats and other premises monitor devices typically require a more complex user interface than the standard up/down buttons or round dial of the non-programmable thermostats. However, more complex user interfaces generally equate to a more expensive product such as more LCD segments or pixels on the display, more buttons, switches, or toggles, etc. Furthermore, enhancing features associated with remotely controlling premises monitor and/or control devices can introduce synchronization issues. For example, suppose an operation schedule is edited both remotely and on the device with conflicting inputs, or when the device is offline. 
         [0056]    One potential solution is for a remote host to manage the schedule of the communicating device such that there is limited ability to change the schedule locally. Even though the schedule exists remotely, changes can be effectuated from devices at premises  104  (e.g., a web browser or mobile application connected to the remote system). Such avoids the potential local versus remote schedule conflict issue, and premises monitor and/or control device  102  itself can still allow for relatively simple or short-term overrides locally such as the case where a user wants to temporarily override a current scheduled setting (e.g., it&#39;s too hot right now) or hold, enable, or disable a scheduled setting. Therefore, parties without access to devices with sophisticated user interfaces (e.g., children, visitors, etc.) who have need to change the settings associated with device  102  can still have access to non-scheduling functions available through the simple user interface on device  102  or devices connected to device  102  such as raising or lowering a temperature threshold or starting or stopping a programmed schedule to hold current settings. By designing local monitor and control devices with limited user interface functionality, such devices can be particularly inexpensive, while very sophisticated user interfaces associated with other devices of a user can be employed to access the remote host allowing for a very rich feature set. 
         [0057]    Moreover, even though local device (e.g., device  102  or a device that device  102  interfaces with) schedules are not fully editable through the local device&#39;s user interface alone, the local device can still store all or a portion of the schedule. In fact, the local device memory can be reduced to be a minimum to hold only a few elements of threshold data (e.g., a threshold and a transition time), which can drive costs down further. In that case, the remote host can feed threshold data to the local device at appropriate times, continually overwriting previous information to effectuate the complete schedule with minimal local memory. Such can also provide for adaptive recovery and failure prevention techniques that are not available for non-programmable monitor and control devices, such a non-programmable thermostat. Adaptive recovery relates to a feature in which a state (e.g., an ambient temperature) associated with premises  104  or a portion thereof reaches a threshold at the transition time as opposed to activating the state control device at the transition time, which can in some cases increase efficiency or occupant comfort. Failure prevention relates to a feature that can mitigate issues associated with a loss of communication between a local device and the remote host, especially in cases where the local device is a slave to the remote host and relies on the remote host to provide it with updated state or threshold information precisely at the transition time. With a portion of the schedule stored on the local device, transitions can still occur according to a most recent schedule stored in local memory. Additionally or alternatively, a “failure” schedule can be included to handle various situations such as long-term communication loss. 
         [0058]    Furthermore, by managing the schedule at the remote host, the ability to perform sophisticated metrics in connection with very inexpensive local devices becomes feasible. For example, the remote host can analyze inputs associated with local overrides or inputs to detect, e.g., a user tends to change from 72 degrees to 76 degrees at 6 pm on weekdays. By determining this pattern, the remote host can automatically update the schedule and/or notify the user of the suggested update to the schedule. 
       Gateway Service And Provisioning Feature Enhancements 
       [0059]    Provisioning premises monitor and control devices such as smart thermostats or wireless sensors can be difficult without a sophisticated user interface and data entry method that are appropriate to the provisioning aspect as well as the normal operation of the device after it has been provisioned and otherwise set up. Such devices do not typically have a fully interactive user interface to provide feedback and/or directions to users. Often there is no display at all associated with the user interface of the device because graphical user interfaces equate to additional expense. Moreover, because these devices are often “smart” devices that communicate with a server or other local smart devices, local user interface features are often omitted to reduce costs or the like. However, such can lead to difficulty when provisioning the device for communication setup. 
         [0060]    One solution to this difficulty is to implement a first set of indicators such as light-emitted diode (LED) elements on the smart device and a second set of LED elements on an associated gateway/bridge. The two sets of LED elements can be coordinated and/or sequenced to provide feedback associated with where in the sequence the setup process is and/or how the setup process is progressing. In some embodiments, all smart devices and user interfaces in the ecosystem can use a common set of iconography to indicate progress. Moreover, it is noted that LED elements are typically of very low cost, yet in situations as those described above, the information a few LED elements (or other suitable indicators) can provide can be quite beneficial to users or service personnel. 
         [0061]    For devices that are to be connected to multiple other devices, the associated indicators can show service status such as that for a wide area network, local devices, remote server  1 , remote server  2 , etc. Instead of implementing a single LED to indicate the overall health of the system, individual communication connection indicators can be advantageous for efficient setup and in the case of setup difficulties. Furthermore, smart devices can bridge two or more protocols such as, for example, WI-FI on one side and ZigBee Smart Energy on the other. As another example, the smart device can bridge two or more networks such as a network associated with a metering device or energy provider and a network associated with a home (e.g., a home automation network). The above-mentioned indicators (e.g., LED elements) can be employed to indicate communication activity on both sides of a communication bridge. For example, indicators on the smart device can represent the status of each of the multiple protocols or networks independently, which can expedite setup and/or mitigate troubleshooting issues. 
         [0062]    Likewise, consider the scenario in which multiple smart devices are to be provisioned to a network. In those cases, it can be difficult to connect smart devices to the appropriate network. For example, connecting a limited user interface device to a home WI-FI network might require: 1) connecting to that device directly; 2) providing the device with the WI-FI network information; 3) disconnecting from the device; and possibly, 4) downloading WI-FI credentials to a flash drive or other suitable data storage device and booting the device with the flash drive connected. Since multiple devices are being employed, these or similar steps conventionally must be repeated for each device. Thus, setup of N devices typically requires N*t, where t is the time to set up a single device, which can be tedious and time-consuming, yet might be necessary when installing a broad home control solution or when replacing existing premises monitor and/or control devices with communicating, smart devices. 
         [0063]    One potential solution to these difficulties can be to connect a first device to the network according to the above process or another suitable means. Once the first device is operating correctly, a copy-settings feature can be implemented. The copy-settings feature can include a security measure and can operate to transfer the correctly configured settings from the first device to the second device. The copy-settings feature can be invoked, for example, by pressing a button or other user interface element on one of the two devices after which a security time window (e.g., 30 seconds) exists for a similar button to be pressed on the other of the two devices. Assuming both buttons are pressed within the security time window, the configuration information can be copied to the second device, which can then be authenticated to the network. Such can potentially simplify setup and/or significantly reduce setup time for the multiple devices. It is appreciated that the security time window is merely one example. Such devices can be pre-programmed to have a secure method of exchanging network information, which can be according to any suitable means known in the art. 
         [0064]    As yet another example enhancement associated with smart devices, consider the case of a smart appliance or other device that is advantageously intended to exchange information with multiple services. For example, the device might be intended to support consumer remote control functionality from service provider A; demand response functionality from service providers B and C; and operational information and/or diagnostic functionality from service provider D. Unfortunately, most smart devices today are designed to communicate by way of a client/server model with only one (preconfigured) remote service. 
         [0065]    Based on the single-server model, even if the single server can pass-through services from other providers, industry observers worry about the significant potential for stranded assets in the event the single service provider fails to provide the service adequately or at all. On the other hand, enabling a multiple server model can lead to other difficulties such as the potential for conflicts similar to those detailed above in connection with scheduling conflicts. For example, consider the case in which demand response information or directives communicated to the smart device from provider B differ from those issued by provider C. Or the case in which demand response information communicated to the smart device from provider B or C conflict with user remote control commands communicated from provider A. As another example, consider a deeper level of abstraction, where a question arises as to whether “emergency” demand response information is handled differently than standard economic demand response information such as where one might take priority in conflicts, even if the other does not. 
         [0066]    One potential solution to theses and other difficulties is to implement a multiple server model in connection with the smart device such that the smart device can receive multiple services from multiple providers rather than being configured to receive services directly from only a single provider. Conflict resolution can be managed locally according to determined settings, potentially selectable or configurable by the user. However, conflict resolution and other status information can be reported back to the relevant providers. 
         [0067]      FIGS. 9-10  illustrate various methodologies in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are shown and described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and appreciated that the disclosed subject matter is not limited by the order of acts, as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts from that shown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that a methodology could alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated acts may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. Additionally, it should be further appreciated that the methodologies disclosed hereinafter and throughout this specification are capable of being stored on an article of manufacture to facilitate transporting and transferring such methodologies to computers. 
         [0068]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , exemplary method  900  is illustrated. Method  900  can provide for simplifying schedule programming for a premises management device. Generally, at reference numeral  902 , a configuration display associated with a defined time period and including a threshold associated with a state of premises can be presented by a system including at least one processor. For example, the threshold can relate to an air or water temperature or quality of the premises. 
         [0069]    At reference numeral  904 , threshold data associated with the threshold can be determined based on input data that is input to the configuration display or derived from input to the configuration display as well as from other sources. For example, threshold data can include the threshold (e.g., temperature) and a transition time at which the threshold becomes “active” (e.g., at 7:00 am the threshold is set to 75 degrees), which can be based upon other data as well. 
         [0070]    At reference numeral  906 , the threshold data can be translated in accordance with a data structure included in a memory associated with a premises management device (e.g., a thermostat) that facilitates a change to the state of the premises. The data structure can be configured to represent at least one transition point occurring during the defined time period. For example, if the defined time period is a day and the memory of the premises management device supports up to four setpoints for each day, then the threshold data can be translated for compliance with the memory, even if a different configuration or format is presented by the configuration display. 
         [0071]    At reference numeral  908 , storage of the threshold data to a number of data structures of the memory can be facilitated. The number can be based on a type associated with the configuration display. For example, a first type of configuration display might indicate that the number is a first value, whereas a second type of configuration display might indicate that the number is a second value, possibly different from the first value. 
         [0072]    With reference to  FIG. 10 , exemplary method  1000  is depicted. Method  1000  can provide for additional aspects or features in connection with simplifying schedule programming for a premises management device. At reference numeral  1002 , a preference display for facilitating input of preference data relating to a preference associated with the change to the state of the premises can be presented. Hence, in some embodiments, the preference data can be included in the input data detailed in connection with reference numeral  904  of  FIG. 9 . By way of illustration, the preference display can relate to various preferences or settings desired by a user. Such information can be employed to determine settings in a manner that can be simplified. For example, a user that inputs preference data that indicates the user is interested in efficiency over comfort can lead to different threshold data determinations than similar preference data from a user that indicates a preference of comfort versus efficiency. 
         [0073]    At reference numeral  1004 , an occupancy display associated with occupancy of a portion of the premises during the defined time period can be presented. As with preference data, occupancy data can also be included in the input data described at reference numeral  904 . Thus, occupancy data can be employed in the determination of threshold data. For example, consider the case in which a schedule indicates a threshold should be a particular value at a particular time. However, based on occupancy data (e.g., a particular is/is not present at the premises), that threshold can be modified within the schedule data. 
       Example Operating Environments 
       [0074]    With reference to  FIG. 11 , a suitable environment  1100  for implementing various aspects of the claimed subject matter includes a computer  1102 . The computer  1102  includes a processing unit  1104 , a system memory  1106 , a codec  1135 , and a system bus  1108 . The system bus  1108  couples system components including, but not limited to, the system memory  1106  to the processing unit  1104 . The processing unit  1104  can be any of various available processors. Dual microprocessors and other multiprocessor architectures also can be employed as the processing unit  1104 . 
         [0075]    The system bus  1108  can be any of several types of bus structure(s) including the memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus or external bus, and/or a local bus using any variety of available bus architectures including, but not limited to, Industrial Standard Architecture (ISA), Micro-Channel Architecture (MSA), Extended ISA (EISA), Intelligent Drive Electronics (IDE), VESA Local Bus (VLB), Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), Card Bus, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Advanced Graphics Port (AGP), Personal Computer Memory Card International Association bus (PCMCIA), Firewire (IEEE 1394), and Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI). 
         [0076]    The system memory  1106  includes volatile memory  1110  and non-volatile memory  1112 . The basic input/output system (BIOS), containing the basic routines to transfer information between elements within the computer  1102 , such as during start-up, is stored in non-volatile memory  1112 . In addition, according to present innovations, codec  1135  may include at least one of an encoder or decoder, wherein the at least one of an encoder or decoder may consist of hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or software. Although, codec  1135  is depicted as a separate component, codec  1135  may be contained within non-volatile memory  1112 . By way of illustration, and not limitation, non-volatile memory  1112  can include read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory  1110  includes random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cache memory. According to present aspects, the volatile memory may store the write operation retry logic (not shown in  FIG. 11 ) and the like. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in many forms such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), and enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM). 
         [0077]    Computer  1102  may also include removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer storage medium.  FIG. 11  illustrates, for example, disk storage  1114 . Disk storage  1114  includes, but is not limited to, devices like a magnetic disk drive, solid state disk (SSD) floppy disk drive, tape drive, flash memory card, or memory stick. In addition, disk storage  1114  can include storage medium separately or in combination with other storage medium including, but not limited to, an optical disk drive such as a compact disk ROM device (CD-ROM), CD recordable drive (CD-R Drive), CD rewritable drive (CD-RW Drive) or a digital versatile disk ROM drive (DVD-ROM). To facilitate connection of the disk storage devices  1114  to the system bus  1108 , a removable or non-removable interface is typically used, such as interface  1116 . 
         [0078]    It is to be appreciated that  FIG. 11  describes software that acts as an intermediary between users and the basic computer resources described in the suitable operating environment  1100 . Such software includes an operating system  1118 . Operating system  1118 , which can be stored on disk storage  1114 , acts to control and allocate resources of the computer system  1102 . Applications  1120  take advantage of the management of resources by operating system  1118  through program modules  1124 , and program data  1126 , such as the boot/shutdown transaction table and the like, stored either in system memory  1106  or on disk storage  1114 . It is to be appreciated that the claimed subject matter can be implemented with various operating systems or combinations of operating systems. 
         [0079]    A user enters commands or information into the computer  1102  through input device(s)  1128 . Input devices  1128  include, but are not limited to, a pointing device such as a mouse, trackball, stylus, touch pad, keyboard, microphone, voice recognition microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, TV tuner card, digital camera, digital video camera, web camera, and the like. These and other input devices connect to the processing unit  1104  through the system bus  1108  via interface port(s)  1130 . Interface port(s)  1130  include, for example, a serial port, a parallel port, a game port, and a universal serial bus (USB). Output device(s)  1136  use some of the same type of ports as input device(s)  1128 . Thus, for example, a USB port may be used to provide input to computer  1102  and to output information from computer  1102  to an output device  1136 . Output adapter  1134  is provided to illustrate that there are some output devices  1136  like monitors, speakers, and printers, among other output devices  1136 , which require special adapters. The output adapters  1134  include, by way of illustration and not limitation, video and sound cards that provide a means of connection between the output device  1136  and the system bus  1108 . It should be noted that other devices and/or systems of devices provide both input and output capabilities such as remote computer(s)  1138 . 
         [0080]    Computer  1102  can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as remote computer(s)  1138 . The remote computer(s)  1138  can be a personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a workstation, a microprocessor based appliance, a peer device, a smart phone, a tablet, or other network node, and typically includes many of the elements described relative to computer  1102 . For purposes of brevity, only a memory storage device  1140  is illustrated with remote computer(s)  1138 . Remote computer(s)  1138  is logically connected to computer  1102  through a network interface  1142  and then connected via communication connection(s)  1144 . Network interface  1142  encompasses wire and/or wireless communication networks such as local-area networks (LAN) and wide-area networks (WAN) and cellular networks. LAN technologies include Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), Copper Distributed Data Interface (CDDI), Ethernet, Token Ring and the like. WAN technologies include, but are not limited to, point-to-point links, circuit switching networks like Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN) and variations thereon, packet switching networks, and Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL). 
         [0081]    Communication connection(s)  1144  refers to the hardware/software employed to connect the network interface  1142  to the bus  1108 . While communication connection  1144  is shown for illustrative clarity inside computer  1102 , it can also be external to computer  1102 . The hardware/software necessary for connection to the network interface  1142  includes, for exemplary purposes only, internal and external technologies such as, modems including regular telephone grade modems, cable modems and DSL modems, ISDN adapters, and wired and wireless Ethernet cards, hubs, and routers. 
         [0082]    Referring now to  FIG. 12 , there is illustrated a schematic block diagram of a computing environment  1200  in accordance with this specification. The system  1200  includes one or more client(s)  1202  (e.g., laptops, smart phones, PDAs, media players, computers, portable electronic devices, tablets, and the like). The client(s)  1202  can be hardware and/or software (e.g., threads, processes, computing devices). The system  1200  also includes one or more server(s)  1204 . The server(s)  1204  can also be hardware or hardware in combination with software (e.g., threads, processes, computing devices). The servers  1204  can house threads to perform transformations by employing aspects of this disclosure, for example. One possible communication between a client  1202  and a server  1204  can be in the form of a data packet transmitted between two or more computer processes. The data packet can include a cookie and/or associated contextual information, for example. The system  1200  includes a communication framework  1206  (e.g., a global communication network such as the Internet, or mobile network(s)) that can be employed to facilitate communications between the client(s)  1202  and the server(s)  1204 . 
         [0083]    Communications can be facilitated via a wired (including optical fiber) and/or wireless technology. The client(s)  1202  are operatively connected to one or more client data store(s)  1208  that can be employed to store information local to the client(s)  1202  (e.g., cookie(s) and/or associated contextual information). Similarly, the server(s)  1204  are operatively connected to one or more server data store(s)  1210  that can be employed to store information local to the servers  1204 . 
         [0084]    The illustrated aspects of the disclosure may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where certain tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices. 
         [0085]    Moreover, it is to be appreciated that various components described herein can include electrical circuit(s) that can include components and circuitry elements of suitable value in order to implement the embodiments of the subject innovation(s). Furthermore, it can be appreciated that many of the various components can be implemented on one or more integrated circuit (IC) chips. For example, in one embodiment, a set of components can be implemented in a single IC chip. In other embodiments, one or more of respective components are fabricated or implemented on separate IC chips. 
         [0086]    What has been described above includes examples of the embodiments of the present invention. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but it is to be appreciated that many further combinations and permutations of the subject innovation are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the above description of illustrated embodiments of the subject disclosure, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various modifications are possible that are considered within the scope of such embodiments and examples, as those skilled in the relevant art can recognize. Moreover, use of the term “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” throughout is not intended to mean the same embodiment unless specifically described as such. 
         [0087]    In particular and in regard to the various functions performed by the above described components, devices, circuits, systems and the like, the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., a functional equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure, which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary aspects of the claimed subject matter. In this regard, it will also be recognized that the innovation includes a system as well as a computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions for performing the acts and/or events of the various methods of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0088]    The aforementioned systems/circuits/modules have been described with respect to interaction between several components/blocks. It can be appreciated that such systems/circuits and components/blocks can include those components or specified sub-components, some of the specified components or sub-components, and/or additional components, and according to various permutations and combinations of the foregoing. Sub-components can also be implemented as components communicatively coupled to other components rather than included within parent components (hierarchical). Additionally, it should be noted that one or more components may be combined into a single component providing aggregate functionality or divided into several separate sub-components, and any one or more middle layers, such as a management layer, may be provided to communicatively couple to such sub-components in order to provide integrated functionality. Any components described herein may also interact with one or more other components not specifically described herein but known by those of skill in the art. 
         [0089]    In addition, while a particular feature of the subject innovation may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “including,” “has,” “contains,” variants thereof, and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word without precluding any additional or other elements. 
         [0090]    As used in this application, the terms “component,” “module,” “system,” or the like are generally intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware (e.g., a circuit), a combination of hardware and software, software, or an entity related to an operational machine with one or more specific functionalities. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor (e.g., digital signal processor), a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a controller and the controller can be a component. One or more components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. Further, a “device” can come in the form of specially designed hardware; generalized hardware made specialized by the execution of software thereon that enables the hardware to perform specific function; software stored on a computer readable medium; or a combination thereof. 
         [0091]    Moreover, the words “example” or “exemplary” are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the words “example” or “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. 
         [0092]    Computing devices typically include a variety of media, which can include computer-readable storage media and/or communications media, in which these two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows. Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media that can be accessed by the computer, is typically of a non-transitory nature, and can include both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implemented in connection with any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured data, or unstructured data. Computer-readable storage media can include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or other tangible and/or non-transitory media which can be used to store desired information. Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local or remote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or other data retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect to the information stored by the medium. 
         [0093]    On the other hand, communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructured data in a data signal that can be transitory such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signals refers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in one or more signals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media include wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5