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 Threshold's approach to technology is to make it simple for consumers to create a smart home. While most home automation platforms require professional installers, expert programmers and sometimes cost upwards of $10,000, Threshold's system is designed for everyone. Threshold has developed three synergistic core technologies will serve as a foundation to help the company achieve its goal of becoming a leader in the Smart Home; BlueSpot Configuration Technology, an Automation/Control Software and an open-source wireless protocol called ONE-NET.
BlueSpot™ Configuration Technology
BlueSpot is a proprietary, patented technology that provides automatic installation and configuration of networked wireless devices. Threshold’s breakthrough BlueSpot technology utilizes low-cost near-field communications and networking to provide a secure way for devices to configure themselves automatically, freeing consumers from the burden of configuration complexity that has inhibited market growth and led to high levels of customer frustration and high product return rates. - Using BlueSpot consumers can install and configure a wireless device by simply holding the BlueSpot of one device near the BlueSpot of another device on the network, which then automatically and wirelessly programs the new device with network addresses, security keys, passwords, device names, and other necessary configuration information. This simple process is the same even if multiple networking standards are being used.
- Threshold’s BlueSpot technology enables a new expansion of wireless technology by making existing devices radically easier to install and use, and enabling wireless capabilities to be incorporated into almost any device at an extremely low cost. For example, wireless-controlled electrical outlets can know when to turn off devices to save money and help the environment, or consumers can add a new wireless camera, phone, or media player to the network by just holding it over another device.
BlueSpot is available for licenses in many instances. Automation and Control Software
Threshold has developed a powerful, flexible, and simple-to-use software that allows end-users to quickly and easily develop sophisticated applications for smart home solutions such as home security, home automation, entertainment, energy conservation, and elder care. The software interface is applicable to many other areas, as well. Its unique “context intuitive” user interface simplifies tasks by presenting to a user an ordered list of the most relevant options. ONE-NET™ Wireless Open-Source Protocol
Threshold has created and spearheaded the development of ONE-NET, an open-source standard for low-power wireless devices that is optimized for smart home/office applications. The ONE-NET wireless standard is specifically designed for very low power, very low cost and very good security. ONE-NET offers significant advantages over other wireless technologies such as X-10 wireless, 6LoWPAN, CyFi, Zigbee, Z-Wave and Insteon: - Cost – Other proprietary systems require components or software locked to a specific vendor. ONE-NET can be implemented today with low cost chips from multiple suppliers.
- Performance – ONE-NET’s base data rate is 38.4Kbps with extensions to 230.4 kbs. Outdoor range has been measured to well over 500m. Indoor range has been demonstrated to over 100m.
- Security – ONE-NET uses the Extended Tiny Encryption Algorithm (XTEA) with 32 iterations (XTEA-32). The ONE-NET protocol provides extensions that can provide even higher levels of encryption.
- Low Power Consumption – Low duty-cycle battery-powered ONE-NET devices can easily achieve a three to five year battery life with "AA" alkaline cells.
ONE-NET can be implemented with a variety of off-the-shelf wireless transceivers and microcontrollers from leading vendors such as Analog Devices, Texas Instruments, Semtech, RF Monolithics, Micrel, Integration Associates, Silicon Labs, Renesas, and Freescale. ONE-NET can also be bridged to other network technologies, further increasing its potential uses and application value. More information about ONE-NET can be found at its official website.
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