expandable multimedia control system, expandable multimedia controller, and methods for communicating between programmable multimedia controller and a portable control device and for operating a docking station

摘要

methods of communicating between a programmable multimedia controller and a portable control device and for operating a docking station. a docking station adapted to receive a portable touch sensitive control device for communication with a programmable multimedia controller is provided. The docking station has a dedicated redundant wired communication path coupling the docking station to the programmable multimedia controller to provide effective communication in the absence of unreliable wireless or wireless communications. the docking station is configured to receive signals from the portable control device and to transmit signals bidirectionally to and from said programmable multimedia controller. The handheld control device has both wireless and wired compatibility, which includes a touch-sensitive user interface configured with configuration information to allow a user to make selections and input settings for components interconnected with the programmable multimedia controller. The docking station converts user input signals into satisfactory ip messages for transfer through the dedicated redundant wired communication path.