Abstract: A wireless, peer-to-peer, capability addressable network (22) is disclosed. The network (22) accommodates any number of peers (20). Network connections are formed based upon proximity between peers (20) and upon a needs and capabilities evaluation (82). Wireless communications occur at a sufficiently low power to form a detection zone (28) of less than about five meters for many peers (20).

Abstract: A circuit and method for personalizing an electronic device (20) through a personal area network (22). Electron devices (20) have transceivers (38) for transmitting a self-initiated message that includes an identification code of the electronic device. Transceivers (38) are also capable of receiving a self-initiated message sent from other electronic devices. The received message causes a response message to be transmitted in response to the identification code in the self-initiated message. Communication between two electron devices (20′ and 20″) is established when the devices are determined to be compatible. The application of the electronic device is configured based on the response message and data is displayed by the electronic device based on the application.

Abstract: A method for bonding (905) to a device (901, 902). The method includes a step of transmitting a beacon message (2500). The method also includes steps of (i) selecting a beacon opcode (2501), (ii) selecting an identifier (2512), (iii) selecting an identifier type (2514), (iii) selecting an identifier address (2516), composing the beacon opcode (2501), the identifier (2512), the identifier type (2514) and the identifier address (2516) into the beacon message (2500). The method also includes a step of receiving, in response to the transmitting step, a make bond message (2530).

Abstract: A wireless, peer-to-peer, capability addressable network (22) is disclosed. The network (22) accommodates any number of peers (20). Network connections are formed based upon proximity between peers (20) and upon a needs and capabilities evaluation (82). Networks (22) support three classifications of service capabilities: service requesting, service providing, and service relaying. Wireless communications occur at a sufficiently low power to form a detection zone (28) of less than five meters for many peers (20).

Abstract: In a personal area network, a method for programming an appliance by a controller. The method includes steps of a) determining (358), by the controller (300), that the appliance (324) is included in the personal area network; b) determining (328), by the controller (300), that the appliance (324) is in data communication with the controller (300); and c) when the appliance (324) is in data communication with the controller (300), performing substeps of: i) requesting downloading (330) of a command set for controlling the appliance (324); ii) receiving (332) the command set for controlling the appliance (324); and iii) programming (401) the command set into a memory of the controller.

Abstract: In a personal area network, a method for including an appliance (121). The method includes steps of a) determining, by the personal area network (120), that the appliance (121) should be included in the personal area network (120); b) determining (253) that all individual members (121) of the personal area network (120) are in data communication with the personal area network (120); and c) when all individual members (121) of the personal area network (120) are in data communication with the personal area network (120), performing substeps of: i) selecting (259) a selected member (121) of the personal area network (120); ii) programming (261) security criteria relevant to the selected member (121) into the appliance (121); and iii) programming (263) security criteria relevant to the appliance (121) into the selected member (121).