Systems and methods for altering a state of a system using a remote device that processes gestures

• US 10,146,319 B2
• Filed: 03/28/2016
• Issued: 12/04/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 02/06/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Google LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Google LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Inventors: Tannenbaum, Harry, Hong, Scott, Honjo, Hirofumi, Ramachandran, Prashanth, Sannala, Mikko, Singh, Naveen, Calidonna, Wes, Sivasithambaresan, Arjuna
• Primary Examiner(s): Lai, Andrew
• Assistant Examiner(s): Kim, Harry H
• Application Number:
  US15/082,473
• Publication Number:
  US 20160234765A1
• Time in Patent Office: 981 Days
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/017 Gesture based interaction, e.g. based on a set of recognized hand gestures interaction based on gestures traced on a digitiser G06F3/04883
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0488 using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0853 using an additional device, e.g. smartcard, SIM or a different communication terminal cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication involving additional secure or trusted devices H04L9/3234
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/12 specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/183 for receiving images from a single remote source
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 Authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/68 Gesture-dependent or behaviour-dependent
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/70 Services for machine-to-machine communication [M2M] or machine type communication [MTC]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/90 Services for handling of emergency or hazardous situations, e.g. earthquake and tsunami warning systems [ETWS]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/10 using broadcasted information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/16 Discovering, processing access restriction or access information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0235 where the received signal is a power saving command
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/12 WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/18 Self-organising networks, e.g. ad-hoc networks or sensor networks
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

Systems and methods systems and methods for altering a state of system using a remote device that processes gestures are described herein. The electronic device can communicate with the system in response to monitoring a user generated gesture or other interaction. For example, a user can wave the personal device or wave to the personal device, and in response thereto, the personal device can transmit an instruction to the system that causes it to change its operational state. Thus, embodiments discussed herein enable a user to perform remote gestures with a first device to affect the operation of a second device.

Claims

1. A hazard detection system, comprising:

a housing configured to enclose components of the hazard detection system, the components comprising at least a smoke sensor, carbon monoxide sensor, and an alarm;

a power source operative to supply power to components of the hazard detection system;

memory for storing information;

first communications circuitry operative to perform mesh networking with a plurality of other electronic devices that form, together with the hazard detection system, a fabric network;

second communications circuitry operative to perform point-to-point communications with another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network;

third communications circuitry operative to perform communications over the Internet via a wireless router; and

a processor coupled to each of the first, second, and third communications circuitry and operative to facilitate the communication of data via the first, second, and third communications circuitry.

2. The hazard detection system of claim 1, wherein the first communications circuitry is operative to communicate in accordance with the 802.15.4 standard, the second communications circuitry is operative to communicate in accordance with the Bluetooth standard, and the third communications circuitry is operative to communicate in accordance with the 802.11 standard.

3. The hazard detection system of claim 1, wherein the first communications circuitry is operative to broadcast one or more wake packets to one or more other electronic devices that form part of the fabric network, the one or more wake packets causing the one or more other electronic devices that form part of the fabric network to transition from a sleep state to a wake state.

4. The hazard detection system of claim 1, wherein the second communications circuitry is operative to:

advertise the existence of the hazard detection system to the another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network;

authenticate the another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network; and

process data received from the another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network after the another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network is authenticated.

5. The hazard detection system of claim 4, wherein the data received from the another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network comprises a command that instructs the electronic device to change its state of operation.

6. The hazard detection system of claim 1, wherein the fabric network functions as a relay for facilitating communication between two devices that are not able to directly communicate with each other.

7. The hazard detection system of claim 1, wherein the processor is operative to facilitate the communication of data via the first, second, and third communications circuitry such that data communicated via the second communications circuitry is processed while the first communications circuitry is being used for a communications event.

8. The hazard detection system of claim 7, wherein the data communicated via the second communications circuitry is processed while the first communications circuitry is being used for a communications event and before the third communications circuitry is able to conduct communications.

9. A security system, comprising:

a housing configured to enclose components of the security system, the components comprising at least a motion detector, a door sensor, and window sensor;

a power source operative to supply power to components of the security system;

memory for storing information;

first communications circuitry operative to perform mesh networking with a plurality of other electronic devices that form, together with the security system, a fabric network;

second communications circuitry operative to perform point-to-point communications with another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network;

third communications circuitry operative to perform communications over the Internet via a wireless router; and

a processor coupled to each of the first, second, and third communications circuitry and operative to facilitate the communication of data via the first, second, and third communications circuitry.

10. The security system of claim 9, wherein the first communications circuitry operative to:

broadcast a wake message to the devices that form the fabric network; and

transmit a message after the devices that form the fabric network are awake.

11. The security system of claim 9, wherein the first communications circuitry operative to:

receive a message from at least one device that forms part of the fabric network; and

re-broadcast the received message over the fabric network.

12. The security system of claim 9, wherein the third communications circuitry is operative to push monitored data to a server via the Internet.

13. The security system of claim 9, wherein the third communications circuitry is operative to push notifications to a portable electronic device via the Internet.

14. The security system of claim 9, wherein the third communications circuitry is operative to receive software updates from a server via the Internet.

15. The security system of claim 9, wherein the processor is operative to facilitate the communication of data via the first, second, and third communications circuitry such that data communicated via the second communications circuitry is processed while the first communications circuitry is being used for a communications event.

16. The security system of claim 15, wherein the data communicated via the second communications circuitry is processed while the first communication circuitry is being used for a communications event and before the third communications circuitry is able to conduct communications.

17. A central panel, comprising:

a housing configured to enclose components of the central panel;

a power source operative to supply power to components of the central panel;

memory for storing information;

first communications circuitry operative to perform mesh networking with a plurality of other electronic devices that form a fabric network;

second communications circuitry operative to perform point-to-point communications with another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network;

third communications circuitry operative to perform communications over the Internet via a wireless router; and

a processor coupled to each of the first, second, and third communications circuitry and operative to facilitate the communication of data via the first, second, and third communications circuitry.

18. The central panel of claim 17, wherein the third communications circuitry is operative to manage transmission rights of the first and second communications circuitry.

19. The central panel of claim 18, wherein the third communications circuitry is operative to:

receive request for access from the first and second communications circuitry; and

receive priority indications from the first and second communications circuitry.

20. The central panel of claim 19, wherein the third communications circuitry is operative to grant transmission rights to one of the first and second communications circuitry that is requesting priority.

21. The central panel of claim 19, wherein the first communications circuitry receives any request for access from the second communications circuitry, and wherein the second communications circuitry receives any request for access from the first communications circuitry.

22. The central panel of claim 17, wherein the processor is operative to facilitate the communication of data via the first, second, and third communications circuitry such that data communicated via the second communications circuitry is processed while the first communications circuitry is being used for a communications event.

23. The central panel of claim 22, wherein the data communicated via the second communications circuitry is processed while the first communication circuitry is being used for a communications event and before the third communications circuitry is able to conduct communications.

24. A thermostat, comprising:

a housing configured to enclose components of the thermostat, the components comprising at least a user interface, HVAC control circuitry, a temperature sensor, a light sensor, and an occupancy sensor;

a power source operative to supply power to components of the thermostat;

memory for storing information;

first communications circuitry operative to perform mesh networking with a plurality of other electronic devices that form, together with the thermostat, a fabric network;

second communications circuitry operative to perform point-to-point communications with another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network;

third communications circuitry operative to perform communications over the Internet via a wireless router; and

a processor coupled to each of the first, second, and third communications circuitry and operative to facilitate the communication of data via the first, second, and third communications circuitry.

25. The thermostat of claim 24, wherein the first communications circuitry is operative to communicate in accordance with the 802.15.4 standard, the second communications circuitry is operative to communicate in accordance with the Bluetooth standard, and the third communications circuitry is operative to communicate in accordance with the 802.11 standard.

26. The thermostat of claim 24, wherein the first communications circuitry is operative to broadcast one or more wake packets to one or more other electronic devices that form part of the fabric network, the one or more wake packets causing the one or more other electronic devices that form part of the fabric network to transition from a sleep state to a wake state.

27. The thermostat of claim 24, wherein the second communications circuitry is operative to:

advertise the existence of the thermostat to the another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network;

authenticate the another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network; and

process data received from the another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network after the another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network is authenticated.

28. The thermostat of claim 24, wherein the processor is operative to:

coordinate operation of the first and second communications circuitry, wherein the first communications circuitry broadcasts packets over the fabric network during an active portion of a broadcast period, and wherein the second communications circuitry communicates data during an idle portion of the broadcast period.

29. The thermostat of claim 24, further comprising:

a first OR gate including a first input coupled to a request for access (RFA) output pin of the first communications circuitry, a second input coupled to a RFA output pin of the second communications circuitry, and an output coupled to a RFA pin of the third communications circuitry; and

a second OR gate including a first input coupled to a priority pin of the first communications circuitry, a second input coupled to a priority pin of the second communications circuitry, and an output coupled to a priority pin of the third communications circuitry,

wherein the RFA output pin of the first communications circuitry is coupled to an RFA input pin of the second communications circuitry,

wherein the RFA output pin of the second communications circuitry is coupled to an RFA input pin of the first communications circuitry, and

wherein a grant output pin of the third communications circuitry is coupled to a grant input pin of the first communications circuitry and to a grant input pin of the second communications circuitry.

30. The thermostat of claim 24, wherein the processor is operative to facilitate the communication of data via the first, second, and third communications circuitry such that data communicated via the second communications circuitry is processed while the first communications circuitry is being used for a communications event.

31. The thermostat of claim 30, wherein the data communicated via the second communications circuitry is processed while the first communication circuitry is being used for a communications event and before the third communications circuitry is able to conduct communications.

32. A doorbell system, comprising:

a housing configured to enclose components of the doorbell system, the components comprising a doorbell;

a power source operative to supply power to components of the doorbell system;

memory for storing information;

first communications circuitry operative to perform mesh networking with a plurality of other electronic devices that form, together with the doorbell system, a fabric network;

second communications circuitry operative to perform point-to-point communications with another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network;

third communications circuitry operative to perform communications over the Internet via a wireless router; and

a processor coupled to each of the first, second, and third communications circuitry and operative to facilitate the communication of data via the first, second, and third communications circuitry.

33. The doorbell system of claim 32, wherein the first communications circuitry is operative to communicate in accordance with the 802.15.4 standard, the second communications circuitry is operative to communicate in accordance with the Bluetooth standard, and the third communications circuitry is operative to communicate in accordance with the 802.11 standard.

34. The doorbell system of claim 32, wherein the first communications circuitry is operative to broadcast one or more wake packets to one or more other electronic devices that form part of the fabric network, the one or more wake packets causing the one or more other electronic devices that form part of the fabric network to transition from a sleep state to a wake state.

35. The doorbell system of claim 32, wherein the second communications circuitry is operative to:

advertise the existence of the doorbell system to the another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network;

authenticate the another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network; and

process data received from the another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network after the another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network is authenticated.

36. The electronic device of claim 35, wherein the data received from the another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network comprises a command that instructs the electronic device to change its state of operation.

37. The doorbell system of claim 32, wherein the processor is operative to facilitate the communication of data via the first, second, and third communications circuitry such that data communicated via the second communications circuitry is processed while the first communications circuitry is being used for a communications event.

38. The doorbell system of claim 37, wherein the data communicated via the second communications circuitry is processed while the first communications circuitry is being used for a communications event and before the third communications circuitry is able to conduct communications.

39. A light system, comprising:

a housing configured to enclose components of the light system, the components comprising at least one LED light;

a power source operative to supply power to components of the light system;

memory for storing information;

first communications circuitry operative to perform mesh networking with a plurality of other electronic devices that form, together with the light system, a fabric network;

second communications circuitry operative to perform point-to-point communications with another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network;

third communications circuitry operative to perform communications over the Internet via a wireless router; and

a processor coupled to each of the first, second, and third communications circuitry and operative to facilitate the communication of data via the first, second, and third communications circuitry.

40. The light system of claim 39, wherein the first communications circuitry is operative to communicate in accordance with the 802.15.4 standard, the second communications circuitry is operative to communicate in accordance with the Bluetooth standard, and the third communications circuitry is operative to communicate in accordance with the 802.11 standard.

41. The light system of claim 39, wherein the first communications circuitry is operative to broadcast one or more wake packets to one or more other electronic devices that form part of the fabric network, the one or more wake packets causing the one or more other electronic devices that form part of the fabric network to transition from a sleep state to a wake state.

42. The light system of claim 39, wherein the processor is operative to:

coordinate operation of the first and second communications circuitry, wherein the first communications circuitry broadcasts packets over the fabric message network during an active portion of a broadcast period, and wherein the second communications circuitry communicates data during an idle portion of the broadcast period.

43. A router, comprising:

a housing configured to enclose components of the router;

a power source operative to supply power to components of the router;

memory for storing information;

first communications circuitry operative to perform mesh networking with a plurality of other electronic devices that form, together with the router, a fabric network;

second communications circuitry operative to perform point-to-point communications with another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network;

third communications circuitry operative to perform communications over the Internet via a wireless router; and

a processor coupled to each of the first, second, and third communications circuitry and operative to facilitate the communication of data via the first, second, and third communications circuitry.

44. The router of claim 43, wherein the first communications circuitry is operative to communicate in accordance with the 802.15.4 standard, the second communications circuitry is operative to communicate in accordance with the Bluetooth standard, and the third communications circuitry is operative to communicate in accordance with the 802.11 standard.

45. The router of claim 43, wherein the first communications circuitry is operative to broadcast one or more wake packets to one or more other electronic devices that form part of the fabric network, the one or more wake packets causing the one or more other electronic devices that form part of the fabric network to transition from a sleep state to a wake state.

46. The router of claim 43, wherein the second communications circuitry is operative to:

advertise the existence of the router to the another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network;

authenticate the another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network; and

process data received from the another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network after the another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network is authenticated.

47. The router of claim 46, wherein the data received from the another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network comprises a command that instructs the electronic device to change its state of operation.

48. The router of claim 43, wherein the fabric network functions as a relay for facilitating communication between two devices that are not able to directly communicate with each other.

49. A media recorder, comprising:

a housing configured to enclose components of the media recorder, the components comprising at least a video recorder;

a power source operative to supply power to components of the media recorder;

memory for storing information;

first communications circuitry operative to perform mesh networking with a plurality of other electronic devices that form, together with the media recorder, a fabric network;

second communications circuitry operative to perform point-to-point communications with another electronic device that is not part of the fabric network;

third communications circuitry operative to perform communications over the Internet via a wireless router; and

a processor coupled to each of the first, second, and third communications circuitry and operative to facilitate the communication of data via the first, second, and third communications circuitry.

50. The media recorder of claim 49, wherein the first communications circuitry is operative to communicate in accordance with the 802.15.4 standard, the second communications circuitry is operative to communicate in accordance with the Bluetooth standard, and the third communications circuitry is operative to communicate in accordance with the 802.11 standard.

51. The media recorder of claim 49, wherein the first communications circuitry is operative to broadcast one or more wake packets to one or more other electronic devices that form part of the fabric network, the one or more wake packets causing the one or more other electronic devices that form part of the fabric network to transition from a sleep state to a wake state.

52. The media recorder of claim 49, wherein the processor is operative to:

coordinate operation of the first and second communications circuitry, wherein the first communications circuitry broadcasts packets over the fabric network during an active portion of a broadcast period, and wherein the second communications circuitry communicates data during an idle portion of the broadcast period.

53. The media recorder of claim 49, further comprising:

a first OR gate including a first input coupled to a request for access (RFA) output pin of the first communications circuitry, a second input coupled to a RFA output pin of the second communications circuitry, and an output coupled to a RFA pin of the third communications circuitry; and

a second OR gate including a first input coupled to a priority pin of the first communications circuitry, a second input coupled to a priority pin of the second communications circuitry, and an output coupled to a priority pin of the third communications circuitry,

wherein the RFA output pin of the first communications circuitry is coupled to an RFA input pin of the second communications circuitry,

wherein the RFA output pin of the second communications circuitry is coupled to an RFA input pin of the first communications circuitry, and

wherein a grant output pin of the third communications circuitry is coupled to a grant input pin of the first communications circuitry and to a grant input pin of the second communications circuitry.

54. The media recorder of claim 49, wherein the processor is operative to facilitate the communication of data via the first, second, and third communications circuitry such that data communicated via the second communications circuitry is processed while the first communications circuitry is being used for a communications event.

55. The media recorder of claim 54, wherein the data communicated via the second communications circuitry is processed while the first communications circuitry is being used for a communications event and before the third communication circuitry is able to conduct communications.