Upgradeable Automation Devices, Systems, Architectures, and Methods

Abstract

A multi-level automation control architecture, methods, and systems are disclosed, which provide enhanced scalability, functionality, and cost effectiveness for energy, access, and control. The systems include various combinations of automation controllers, remote controllers and peripheral devices that are used to provide monitoring and control functionality over the various systems in a structure, such as HVAC, water, lighting, etc. In various embodiments, the automation controller and various peripheral devices are implemented to provide an integrated energy management system for the structure. The system allows the user to manage energy based on the day, time, the presence of people, and the availability of natural lighting and heating, as well as prioritize and participate in demand-response program. The system can be implemented using a remote controller and expanded through the addition of automation controllers, remote controllers, and peripheral devices to enable the system to be tailored to specific user requirements.

1 - 44 . (canceled) 
     
     
         45 . An automation system, comprising:
 an automation controller configured to send and receive information to at least one peripheral device that performs a function; and,   a limited purpose remote controller configured to be actuated and upon each actuation send a generic instruction to the automation controller, where upon receiving the generic instruction from the limited purpose remote controller, the automation controller will execute an instruction sequence to control the at least one peripheral device.   
     
     
         46 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein the limited purpose remote controller is configured as one of a wall mounted, free standing, and handheld device. 
     
     
         47 . The system of  claim 45 , further comprising an area controller configured to communicate with the limited purpose remote controller and the automation controller and coordinate the control of the at least one peripheral device in an area. 
     
     
         48 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein the area controller is associated with at least one sensor that provides local information used to control the area. 
     
     
         49 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein the area controller is associated with at least one sensor that provides local information used to control the area environment including at least one of temperature and lighting intensity. 
     
     
         50 . An automation system for controlling lighting, comprising:
 an area controller configured to control at least one light in an area; and,   a limited purpose remote controller configured to be actuated and upon each actuation send the same instruction to the area controller, where upon receiving the instruction from the limited purpose remote controller, the area controller will execute an instruction sequence to control the at least one light.   
     
     
         51 . The system of  claim 50 , wherein the area controller is executes the instruction sequence in which a first actuation of the limited purpose remote controller turns on the at least one light and a last actuation of the limited purpose remote controller turns off the at least one light off and instructions in the instruction sequence between the first and last instruction vary the power to the lights. 
     
     
         52 . The system of  claim 50 , further comprising an automation controller configured to send and receive information to the area controller. 
     
     
         53 . The system of  claim 52 , wherein the area controller is configured to provide a single point of contact for the automation controller for peripheral devices including the at least one light in the area. 
     
     
         54 . The system of  claim 50 , wherein the area controller is configured to coordinate peripheral devices including the at least one light in the area. 
     
     
         55 . The system of  claim 50 , wherein the area controller is configured to control various actions of the peripheral devices including the at least one light in the area. 
     
     
         56 . The system of  claim 50 , wherein the limited purpose remote controller is configured as one of button switch and a toggle switch. 
     
     
         57 . The system of  claim 50 , wherein the area controller is configured to control peripheral devices including a light and a wall outlet upon receipt of the instruction from the limited purpose remote controller. 
     
     
         58 . The system of  claim 50 , wherein the area controller is configured to control a group of lights upon receipt of the instruction from the limited purpose remote controller. 
     
     
         59 . The system of  claim 50 , wherein the area controller is associated with at least one sensor that provides local information used to control the area environment. 
     
     
         60 . A method of controlling lighting, comprising:
 providing a controller configured to control at least one light in an area;   providing a limited purpose remote controller configured to be actuated and upon each actuation send the same instruction to the controller;   configuring the controller to execute an instruction set upon receipt of the instruction from the limited purpose remote controller;   actuating the limited purpose remote controller; and,   executing an instruction in the instruction set with the controller in response to the same instruction from the limited purpose remote controller to control the at least one light.   
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 60 , wherein configuring including configuring the controller to execute an instruction set that changes the power of the at least one light each time the controller receives the same instruction from the limited purpose controller. 
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 60 , wherein configuring including configuring the controller to execute an instruction set wherein the first instruction turn on the at least one light and the last instruction turns off the at least one light and varies the power of the at least one light when it receives the same instruction from the limited purpose controller between the first and last instruction in the instruction set. 
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 60 , wherein providing a limited purpose remote controller includes providing a limited purpose remote controller as one of a button switch and a toggle switch configured to be actuated. 
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 60 , further comprising associating the area controller with at least one sensor to provide local information for use in controlling the area environment including at least one of temperature and lighting intensity.