Abstract: A convergence and automation system (CAS) includes an internet protocol based network, hardware connected to the network, implemented with a web service for devices (WSD) protocol and including a plurality of devices, wherein each device is configured to perform at least one service, and a configuration tool to configure the CAS, to control hardware, and to converge and automate the services from the devices.

Abstract: A remote controller for controlling a remote unit includes a stationary button assigned to a first function of the remote unit, and a first flexible button assigned to a second function of the remote unit and configured to be addable to or removable from the remote controller. The remote controller may further include a base, a membrane layer mountable on the base, the membrane layer including the stationary button and a first flexible button base, a first flexible button cap mountable on the first flexible button base to form the first flexible button, and a first face mountable on the membrane layer and having a first opening pattern exposing the stationary button and the first flexible button.

Abstract: A media system includes a network implemented with a Web Service for Device (WSD) protocol for enabling interpretable device to device interaction, a plurality of media devices connectable to the network and configured to perform a plurality of media functions, each media device being configured to perform at least one of the plurality of media functions, and a media host connectable to the network and configured to at least partially control the plurality of media functions, wherein the media host is directly connectable to at least one of the plurality of media devices and comprises a media interface customizable depending on a connection type of the at least one media devices to be connected thereto.

Abstract: An automation system operating in a Web Service for Devices environment includes clients and devices, a network comprising a server configured to be connected to the clients and devices with the web services for devices, and a touch screen device coupled to the network and provided a user interface for controlling the devices. The clients and devices are configured with a web services for devices stack protocol to provide automation-based control and communication between the clients and devices.

Abstract: A system and method for streaming media data in a Web Service environment between two or more units are disclosed. The first unit processes the media data for transfer, using a media streaming application. A network implemented with Web Service transfers the processed media data using a real-time media streaming protocol. The second unit renders the processed media data for playback, using the media streaming application.

Abstract: An internet-protocol (IP) based digital audio device having a network interface receiving a digital audio signal from an IP network and implemented with web services for devices. The digital audio device further includes a digital to analog (D/A) converter connected to the network interface converting the digital audio signal to an analog audio signal, and an amplifier connected to the D/A converter and amplifying the analog audio signal from the D/A converter.

Abstract: A convergence and automation system includes (a) an internet-protocol based (IP) network implemented with a web service for devices (WSD) protocol, (b) a plurality of devices connected to the network, wherein each device is configured to perform at least one service, (c) a server implemented with the WSD protocol, connected to the network and configured to control the devices for converging and automating the services thereof, and (d) at least one client implemented with the WSD protocol, connected to the network and configured to control at least a portion of the services of the devices. One of the server and the at least one client is configured to establish communication with the devices and further configured with a control panel application allowing a user to configure and test the convergence and automation system.

Abstract: A process of operating an automation system with an internet protocol based network includes receiving a user input to a client having a user interface implemented with Web Service for Devices (WSD) to initiate a series of scripted automation commands, executing the scripted automation commands by communicating the commands to at least one device implemented with WSD, and performing, with the at least one device, the scripted automation commands. The client is one of a personal computer, a television, a personal digital assistant, and a controller. The device is one of an audio system, a video system, an intercom system, a lighting system, a security system, and a HVAC system.

Abstract: A cooling system for an electrical device includes a receptacle unit having a main opening with an inner chamber, a cooling unit operably associated with the electrical device arranged in the chamber of the receptacle unit, intake and exhaust openings arranged between the electronic device and the receptacle unit, an intake path extending from the intake opening to the cooling unit via the chamber of the receptacle unit and an exhaust path extending from the cooling unit to the exhaust opening via the inner space of the receptacle unit.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for operating an automation system in a Web Service environment includes providing at least one client and at least one device, the at least one client and the at least one device configured with a web services for devices stack protocol, connecting a network comprising at least one server with the web services for devices to the at least one client and the at least one device, and transmitting automation-based control and communication between the at least one client and at least one device. The process and apparatus further includes connecting a set top box coupled between the network and at least one of the clients and providing the client coupled thereto with a user interface for controlling the devices, wherein the at least one device includes an audio system, a video system, an intercom system, a lighting system, a security system, a link, and a HVAC system.

Abstract: Automation system and process of operating an automation system in a Web Service environment includes providing at least one automation client and at least one automation device, the at least one automation client and the at least one automation device configured with a web services for devices stack protocol, connecting a network including at least one server with the web services for devices to the at least one automation client and the at least one automation device, and transmitting automation-based control and communication between the at least one automation client and at least one automation device. The at least one automation client includes one of a TV, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, a control panel, and a game controller and the at least one automation device comprises an audio system, a video system, an intercom system, a lighting system, a security system, and a HVAC system.

Abstract: An automation system and process of operating an automation system in a Web Service environment, includes providing at least one client and at least one device, the at least one client and the at least one device configured with a web services for devices stack protocol, connecting a network includes at least one server with the web services for devices to the at least one client and the at least one device, and transmitting automation-based control and communication between the at least one client and at least one device, wherein the at least one client comprises one of a touch screen display and a handheld controller and the at least one device comprises an audio system, a video system, an intercom system, a lighting system, a security system, a link, and a HVAC system.

Abstract: A convergence and automation system includes (a) an internet-protocol based network, (b) hardware implemented with a web service for devices (WSD) protocol, wherein the hardware includes a plurality of devices connected to the network, each device being configured to perform at least one service, and a server connected to network and configured to control the devices for converging and automating the services thereof; and (c) software implemented with the WSD protocol and configured to establish communication among the sever and the devices and perform a logging function to record events and errors taking places in the convergence and automation system.