Abstract: A system and method are provided for automating control of a plurality of video displays coupled to a plurality of video sources through a switchable network. The method includes the operation of mapping a signal path for each signal between the plurality of video sources and the plurality of video displays to form a binding map. The binding map can be stored in a controllable device. In addition, a graphical user interface on a navigator can be generated. The graphical user interface is configured to represent the plurality of video displays. A further operation is connecting the plurality of video displays to the plurality of video sources through the switchable network based on the binding map and a user selection made with the graphical user interface in the controllable device.

Abstract: A method for instant messaging using a control device is described. A user is authenticated with an instant messenger server. A message is received. The received message includes message data from the instant messenger server. It is determined whether the message should be forwarded to the control device. If it was determined that the message should be forwarded to the control device, the received message is forwarded to the control device.

Abstract: A method for providing a message service for a site is described. It is determined whether a service is provided at the site. If the service is provided at the site, a request is sent to a node at the site that provides the service. Determining if the service is provided at the site includes automatically determining if the service is provided at the site without user input.

Abstract: A method for providing remote assistance for controlling a site is disclosed. A remote assistance request may be received from a control device. The remote assistance request may be sent from the control device to a remote server. Communication between the remote server and the control device may be established.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling access to local electronic devices in an automation network while maintaining failover capability. The method can include the operation of setting a state of a networked device to an online state. Another operation is sending a communication from the networked device to a controller requesting permission to change state of the networked device. The networked device may wait a predetermined amount of time to receive permission to change state. The state of the network device can change without permission from the controller after the predetermined amount of time has passed.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for detecting and configuring a solid state dimmer when wired in series or parallel with a load powered by an alternating current (AC) input. The device can comprise a microcontroller configured to be powered by the AC input. A zero-cross detector in communication with the microcontroller is capable of detecting when an AC waveform crosses zero and generating a corresponding pulse signal when the AC waveform crosses zero. A pulse analyzer can be included and configured to determine when the zero-cross detector is generating pulses exceeding a pre-determined time length threshold that represents a serial wiring configuration.

Abstract: A switching device is provided having an air-gap switch for an electrical load. The switching device can include a switch keycap configured for controlling the switching of the electrical load. A faceplate can be configured to surround the switch keycap. In addition, an air-gap actuator can be contained substantially within the switch keycap. The air-gap actuator can be pulled from the switch keycap to short out an electrical connection to the electrical load.

Abstract: A method for updating a site is disclosed. A site controller may be provided. A plurality of devices that are not directly user updatable may be provided. The plurality of devices may be in electronic communication with the site controller. External media may be provided. The external media may include device software updates. The external media may be in electronic communication with the site controller. The method may automatically determine which devices of the plurality of devices need to be updated. The method may automatically update the devices needing an update by communicating at least a portion of the device software update to the devices needing an update.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling an electrical switching device is disclosed. The system includes a mounting fixture configured to be mounted in a wall. An electrical switching device is supported by the mounting fixture. The system also includes a cover configured to cover at least a portion of the mounting fixture. The system further includes a shielding plate configured to have a high electrical conductivity. The shielding plate is mounted proximate to the mounting fixture between the cover and the electrical switching device. The system also includes a directional, non-isotropic radio frequency (RF) antenna sized to fit within the cover and configured to transmit RF frequency signals. The RF antenna is located between the shielding plate and the cover at a predetermined distance from the shielding plate. The predetermined distance is selected to increase the capability of the RF antenna to send and receive the RF signals.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for mounting a faceplate. The system includes a sub-plate configured to be coupled to a junction box. The sub-plate can have an interference-fit socket extending through the sub-plate. The interference-fit socket includes one or more interference fingers located adjacent to a post opening. A post extending from the faceplate can be positioned and sized such that, as the faceplate is coupled to the sub-plate, the post will be received into the post opening in the interference-fit socket and engaged by the one or more interference fingers, enabling the faceplate to be securely mounted to the sub-plate.