Patent ID: 7577482

Claim:
A system for controlling more than one group of subsystem components performing a particular type of function, comprising: means for identifying the particular type of function performed by each group of subsystem components, said identifying means providing specific identifying information associated with each group of subsystem components for further communication; a plurality of programmable means, operatively linked with said identifying means, for controlling the particular type of function performed by each group of subsystem components, each of said plurality of programmable means for controlling being interchangeably connectable in an operative manner with each group of subsystem components; and at least one means, in communication with said plurality of programmable means for controlling, for storing a plurality of software applications, each of said plurality of software applications defining a particular set of instructions necessary for operation of one of said plurality of programmable means for controlling the particular type of function performed by one of said group of subsystem components when said one programmable means for controlling is operatively connected to a respective one of said groups of subsystem components, said at least one means for storing being programmed to: (i) select a predetermined one of said plurality of software applications based on the specific identifying information associated with said group of subsystem components that is communicated by said identifying means, and (ii) transfer each said selected software application to each said corresponding programmable means for controlling for appropriate configuration of said corresponding programmable means upon operative connection with a respective one of said groups of subsystem components.