Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing CAN communication for building automation systems are disclosed. An exemplary system may comprise at least one sending device linked to a plurality of receiving devices over a CAN automation network. A control frame may be broadcast over the CAN automation network by the at least one sending device, the control frame encapsulated into a CAN extended data frame. An acceptance filter may be provided at each of the plurality of receiving devices, each of the plurality of receiving devices reading the control frame from the CAN extended data frame and determining if the receiving device is a target device based on the control frame. Device communication may also be implemented as methods for dynamic address assignment and firmware download.

Abstract: An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter support system and program, having a plurality of sequenced individual loads arranged in scenes or groups, which sequenced individual loads when activated together form a cumulative total of 800 watts or more; and one or both of a delay between each sequenced individual load to prevent the cumulative wattage from creating a nuisance Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter breaker trip, and a plurality of pre-heat pulses provided to individual loads with individual wattages of 800 watts or more prior to applying a full current to the individual load.

Abstract: Status indication of a device to be controlled in a building automation system; including functionalities and/or devices for recognizing a command signal that has been sent from a controlling device to a device to be controlled; and, interpreting the state of the device to be controlled from the command signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing CAN communication for building automation systems are disclosed. An exemplary system may comprise at least one sending device linked to a plurality of receiving devices over a CAN automation network. A control frame may be broadcast over the CAN automation network by the at least one sending device, the control frame encapsulated into a CAN extended data frame. An acceptance filter may be provided at each of the plurality of receiving devices, each of the plurality of receiving devices reading the control frame from the CAN extended data frame and determining if the receiving device is a target device based on the control frame. Device communication may also be implemented as methods for dynamic address assignment and firmware download.

Abstract: Soil moisture sensor systems and methods are disclosed. An exemplary soil moisture sensor system includes a sensor configured to receive soil between parallel plates. A capacitive measurement circuit is operatively associated with the parallel sensor. A processor receives input from the capacitive measurement circuit. The processor determines moisture content of the soil between the parallel plates of the sensor based on the flowing relationship: C = LH d ? ? 0 ? ? r where L is the length of the sensor, H is the height of the sensor, and d is the separation between the parallel plates of the sensor.

Abstract: Command system for a plurality of network devices. The command system may comprise a network administrator provided on a network, the network administrator issuing a command signal over the network. A plurality of device interfaces provided between the network and each of the network devices. Each of the plurality of device interfaces having: at least one input line to receive the command signal over the network; a transceiver operatively associated with the input line, the transceiver detecting the command signal on the input line; and at least one switching element provided between the transceiver and the network device, the at least one switching element establishing a link to the network device when the command signal is detected by the transceiver. The plurality of device interfaces delivering the command signal to the plurality of network devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing CAN communication for building automation systems are disclosed. An exemplary system may comprise at least one sending device linked to a plurality of receiving devices over a CAN automation network. A control frame may be broadcast over the CAN automation network by the at least one sending device, the control frame encapsulated into a CAN extended data frame. An acceptance filter may be provided at each of the plurality of receiving devices, each of the plurality of receiving devices reading the control frame from the CAN extended data frame and determining if the receiving device is a target device based on the control frame. Device communication may also be implemented as methods for dynamic address assignment and firmware download.

Abstract: A load control systems and methods. One embodiment of a load control system comprises at least two triac devices connected in parallel to a load, the at least two triac devices operable to deliver current to the load. At least one driver circuit is linked to the at least two triac devices. A controller is linked to the at least one driver circuit, the controller signaling the at least one driver circuit to actuate the at least two triac devices at about the same time.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a keypad for building automation may comprise a sensing layer operable to detect user input. The sensing surface configured with a plurality of switching fields assigned to different automation functions. A printed label is layered over the sensing surface for identifying the different automation functions to a user. Control circuitry is operatively associated with the sensing surface. The control circuitry receives user input corresponding to at least one of the switching fields on the sensing surface, and the control circuitry generates a signal for executing the automation function assigned to the switching field at an automation device.

Abstract: Water measurement auto-networks and methods of operation are disclosed herein. An exemplary method may include determining a water level at a first water measurement station in an auto-network. The method may also include reducing power to at least a transmitter at the first water measurement station to conserve battery power during an inactive state. The method may further include increasing power to the transmitter only at predetermined times to communicate the water measurement data to a second water measurement station in the auto-network.

Abstract: Implementations of lighting control systems and methods are described and claimed herein. An exemplary remote control system comprises a wireless interface configured to receive instructions from a wireless station in a building automation network. A ballast table identifying ballast control points is stored in computer-readable memory. A processor operatively associated with the wireless interface and the ballast table uses the ballast table to generate electronic control signals identifying ballast control points corresponding to the instructions received at the wireless interface.

Abstract: Control systems and methods. An embodiment of control system may comprise a processor for receiving control signals from at least one input device when linked thereto. Computer-readable program code is provided for generating output signals at the processor based on the control signals. An interface is operatively associated with the processor, the interface configures at least one regulator based on the output signals generated at the processor by delivering pulse width modulated signals to the at least one regulator.

Abstract: Distributed control systems and methods. An embodiment of distributed control system may comprise at least first and second nodes operatively associated with one another, the first node issuing a signal to at least the second node in response to an event. A load controlled by the second node, and a distributed controller provided at the second node. The distributed controller executing at least one script corresponding to the signal to control the load.

Abstract: A load control systems and methods. One embodiment of a load control system comprises at least two triac devices connected in parallel to a load, the at least two triac devices operable to deliver current to the load. At least one driver circuit is linked to the at least two triac devices. A controller is linked to the at least one driver circuit, the controller signaling the at least one driver circuit to actuate the at least two triac devices at about the same time.

Abstract: Water measurement apparatus and methods of operation. An exemplary implementation of water measurement apparatus comprises a measurement circuit outputting a voltage. A processor is operatively associated with the measurement circuit to receive the voltage and determine a capacitance value proportional to a water level. Computer readable program code is provided in computer readable storage and executable by the processor. The computer readable program code includes program code for determining the water level based on the capacitance value. Water measurement apparatus may also be implemented in an auto-network of water measurement stations.