Building automation system

Abstract

A building automation system including user interface units with touchscreens, power drivers, and a controller, all connected to a common trunk conductor. The power drivers are connected to the electrical devices and AC wiring. The building automation system further includes wireless remote controls that are connected to the trunk either through a user interface unit or a wireless transceiver. Any electrical device in the building may be controlled by any of the user interface units and wireless remote controls.

1 - 67 . (canceled)  
     
     
         68 . A method of doing business comprising: 
 licensing at least a portion of an electronic system technology to a licensee, said electronic system including an electronic slave device and an electronic controller,    assigning said licensee a protective code;    storing in said controller software or firmware instructing said controller to: 
 receive said protective code from said slave device; and  
 not recognize or communicate with said slave device if said code is not received.  
   
     
     
         69 . A method as in  claim 68  wherein said electronic system is a building automation system.  
     
     
         70 . A method as in  claim 68  wherein said process of receiving said protective code includes sending a message from said controller to said slave device and receiving said protective code in response to said message.  
     
     
         71 . A method of enforcing copyright protection for software or firmware, said method comprising: 
 providing an electronic system including a system controller and a electronic device, said system controller including a processor and a memory, said electronic device including protectable software or firmware;    said memory including instructions to cause said processor not to communicate with or recognize said device if said software or firmware does not include a proper copyright notice.    
     
     
         72 . A method as in  claim 71  wherein said system requires a working address for said device to communicate with said controller, and said not communicating with or recognizing comprises not providing a working address to said device.  
     
     
         73 . A method as in  claim 68  wherein said software or firmware includes instructions to output an alarm or other indication that a non-qualified device has been connected to said system if said code is not received.  
     
     
         74 . A method as in  claim 68  wherein said software or firmware includes instructions to store a list including manufacturers, distributors, or licensees which have devices included in said system.  
     
     
         75 . A method as in  claim 68  wherein said software or firmware includes instructions to output an indication that inferior equipment has been attached to said system or that a deficient installation has been made.