Abstract: A home system includes a server having a first wireless communication port and a first non-wireless communication port. One or more fobs include a second wireless communication port adapted to communicate with the first wireless communication port of the server. One or more sensor nodes or device nodes different than the fobs include a third wireless communication port adapted to send information to or receive information from the first wireless communication port of the server. The server is adapted to determine if at least one of the fobs is out of range of wireless communication with the server and to responsively send information from the first non-wireless communication port of the server or to responsively send information from the first wireless communication port of the server to at least one of the sensor or device nodes.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device, such as a fob, includes a wireless communication port and a display alternatively displaying a first or right-handed display orientation and a second or left-handed display orientation. The first display orientation is inverted with respect to the second display orientation. A processor component cooperates with the wireless communication port and the display. The processor component is adapted to receive a wireless radio frequency message including one of a first state and a different second state from the wireless communication port. The processor component then responsively configures the display in the first display orientation responsive to the first state or alternatively configures the display in the second display orientation responsive to the second state.

Abstract: A sensor node or a control device node is for a home system including a server and a fob. The node includes a household object, and a sensor, control or display device embedded in or substantially within the household object. The sensor, control or display device includes a first wireless port adapted to wirelessly communicate with the server, a second port adapted to communicate with the fob when the fob is proximate to the second port, and a processor operatively associated with the first wireless port and the second port. The processor is adapted to receive proximity information from the second port and responsively communicate with the server through the first wireless port, in order to configure the sensor, control or display device.