Abstract: A multiplexer implemented substantially in the form of software, which enables the multiplexer to be integrated with a supervisory platform into one unit is disclosed. The multiplexer may contain a database which stores a mapping of the address of the devices to the corresponding port/channels to which the devices are connected. An emulation block implemented in software examines the address in each command/response and forwards the command/response appropriately. Due to the software implementation, some of the commands may be blocked (from being forwarded). According to another aspect, data required to generate a response may be retrieved from a controller block (instead of retrieving from the device), thereby reducing the overhead on the devices.

Abstract: A multiplexer implemented substantially in the form of software, which enables the multiplexer to be integrated with a supervisory platform into one unit is disclosed. The multiplexer may contain a database which stores a mapping of the address of the devices to the corresponding port/channels to which the devices are connected. An emulation block implemented in software examines the address in each command/response and forwards the command/response appropriately. Due to the software implementation, some of the commands may be blocked (from being forwarded). According to another aspect, data required to generate a response may be retrieved from a controller block (instead of retrieving from the device), thereby reducing the overhead on the devices.

Abstract: A computerized system is provided that shows a visual representation of thermostat programming information and provides context-sensitive help. The system automatically detects communicating thermostats on a network upon starting, and gives a visual representation of the stages of thermostat programming. The system further provides a visual representation of programming details of a user-selected stage while providing the representation of all stages, and allows selection of stages for display or modification of programming details in any order. The system also provides context-sensitive help for each of the stages and for each of the programming details of each stage when selected, in the form of instruction text and pop-up clarifying text.