Patent ID: 8686890

Claim:
A convergence and automation system, comprising: a network implemented with a Web Service for Device (WSD) protocol for enabling interoperable device to device interaction; a plurality of devices connectable to the network and configured to perform a plurality of functions, each device configured to perform at least one of the plurality of functions; a host connectable to the network and configured to converge and automate at least one group of the plurality of functions; a remote controller being customizable to control at least one of the plurality of functions and the at least one converged and automated group of functions; the remote controller comprising a stationary button assigned to a first function of the plurality of functions; and the remote controller further comprising a first flexible button assigned to a second function of the plurality of functions and configured to be addable to or removable from the remote controller, wherein the WSD protocol comprises a WSD stack that includes a first communication layer configured to logically interface the host, a second communication layer configured to physically interface at least one of the plurality devices, and a service provider layer comprising one or more components, each component corresponding to a device category, wherein each component comprises one or more Web Services corresponding to at least one of the plurality of devices of the corresponding device category.