System and method for providing network support services and premises gateway support infrastructure

• US 10,263,803 B2
• Filed: 11/21/2016
• Issued: 04/16/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Prodea Automation LLC (f/k/a Kip Prod P1) (FIG LLC (d/b/a Fortress Investment Group LLC))
• Original Assignee: Prodea Automation LLC (f/k/a Kip Prod P1) (FIG LLC (d/b/a Fortress Investment Group LLC))
• Inventors: Ansari, Amir, Cowgill, George A., Nicholls, Leon E., Ramayya, Jude P., Masina, Ramprakash, McQuarters, Alvin R., Raissyan, Atousa
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Minh Chau
• Application Number:
  US15/357,847
• Publication Number:
  US 20170078154A1
• Time in Patent Office: 876 Days
• Field of Search: 709223-225
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 15/02 electric
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/042 using digital processors G05B19/05 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/2642 Domotique, domestic, home control, automation, smart house
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/64 Browsing; Visualisation therefor generation of a list or set of audio data G06F16/638
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/68 Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/04 Billing or invoicing
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19656 Network used to communicate with a camera, e.g. WAN, LAN, Internet
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 15/22 Procedures used during a speech recognition process, e.g. man-machine dialogue
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 2015/223 Execution procedure of a spoken command
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2803 Home automation networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2807 Exchanging configuration information on appliance services in a home automation network arrangements for maintenance or administration involving network analysis for automatically determining the actual topology of a network H04L41/12; hardware or software tools for network management using graphical user interfaces H04L41/22; address allocation H04L61/50
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2812 describing content present in a home automation network, e.g. audio video content retrieval from the Internet G06F16/95
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2814 Exchanging control software or macros for controlling appliance services in a home automation network arrangements for maintenance or administration involving configuration of the network and network elements H04L41/08
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2818 from a device located outside both the home and the home network access arrangements H04L12/2856; for remote control or remote monitoring of applications H04L67/025; arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless eletrical link G08C17/00; telephonic communication systems adapted for combination with remote control systems H04M11/007
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/66 Arrangements for connecting between networks having differing types of switching systems, e.g. gateways
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/2849 Audio/video appliances
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0803 Configuration setting
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/12 Discovery or management of network topologies
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/22 comprising specially adapted graphical user interfaces [GUI]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/80 Actions related to the user profile or the type of traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/83 : based on usage prediction
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 49/25 : Routing or path finding in a switch fabric
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/04 : Real-time or near real-time messaging, e.g. instant messaging [IM]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/046 : Interoperability with other network applications or services
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/4552 : Lookup mechanisms between a plurality of directories; Synchronisation of directories, e.g. metadirectories
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/02 : for separating internal from external traffic, e.g. firewalls
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/06 : for supporting key management in a packet data network cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for key management H04L9/08
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/08 : for authentication of entities cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication H04L9/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0876 : based on the identity of the terminal or configuration, e.g. MAC address, hardware or software configuration or device fingerprint
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/10 : for controlling access to devices or network resources
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/20 : for managing network security; network security policies in general filtering policies H04L63/0227
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/102 : Gateways arrangements for connecting between networks having differing types of switching systems, e.g. gateways, H04L12/66
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1101 : Session protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1108 : Web based protocols, e.g. webRTC
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/01 : Protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/104 : Peer-to-peer [P2P] networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/125 : involving control of end-device applications over a network
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/141 : Setup of application sessions admission control or resource allocation in data switching networks H04L47/70
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/51 : Discovery or management thereof, e.g. service location protocol [SLP] or web services
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/53 : using third party service providers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/325 : in the network layer [OSI layer 3], e.g. X.25 H04L69/16 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/00 : Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD] real-time bi-directional transmission of motion video data H04N7/14 ; broadcast or conference over packet switching networks H04L12/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/40 : Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/181 : for receiving images from a plurality of remote sources
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/00 : Security arrangements; Authentication; Protecting privacy or anonymity
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/033 : of the user plane, e.g. user's traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/0431 : Key distribution or pre-distribution; Key agreement
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 : Authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/065 : Continuous authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/08 : Access security
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/35 : Protecting application or service provisioning, e.g. securing SIM application provisioning
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/80 : Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 370/911 : Bridge, e.g. brouter, bus extender

Abstract

A service management system communicates via wide area network with gateway devices located at respective user premises. The service management system remotely manages delivery of application services, which can be voice controlled, by a gateway, e.g. by selectively activating/deactivating service logic modules in the gateway. The service management system also may selectively provide secure communications and exchange of information among gateway devices and among associated endpoint devices. An exemplary service management system includes a router connected to the network and one or more computer platforms, for implementing management functions. Examples of the functions include a connection manager for controlling system communications with the gateway devices, an authentication manager for authenticating each gateway device and controlling the connection manager and a subscription manager for managing applications services and/or features offered by the gateway devices. A service manager, controlled by the subscription manager, distributes service specific configuration data to authenticated gateway devices.

Claims

1. A management device for operation at a user premises having at least a first endpoint device and a second endpoint device, the management device comprising:

an application service logic module having at least one local application for managing operation of the first endpoint device;

one or more communication modules including at least a first communication module that is associated with the at least one local application, wherein the first communication module enables bi-directional communication with the first endpoint device;

a network interface that receives information from a remote management application;

at least one processor coupled to at least one of the application service logic module, the one or more communication modules, or a network module; and

a storage device coupled to the at least one processor, the storage device having instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to;

receive endpoint data from the first endpoint device;

manage home automation operations of at least one of the first or second endpoint devices based on the received endpoint data;

receive a notification of an available software update via the network interface;

receive the available software update for implementation by at least one of the first or second endpoint devices that communicates via a local wireless network; and

send the received software update to at least one of the first or second endpoint devices,

wherein the storage device includes

a reporting module for storing the received endpoint data from the first endpoint device sent via a wireless mesh network of the local wireless network for enabling generation of an operating report, and

a services module for processing the endpoint data and causing the endpoint data to be sent for delivery to the remote management application for enabling viewing of the endpoint data on the second endpoint device after endpoint authentication of the second endpoint device such that the second endpoint device is capable of secured management of operation of the first endpoint device.

2. The management device of claim 1, wherein the application service logic module streams media to the first endpoint device.

3. The management device of claim 2, wherein the services module includes logic for interfacing with the application service logic module, and wherein the network interface communicates with a wireless network.

4. The management device of claim 1, wherein the software update includes a firmware update.

5. The management device of claim 4, wherein the firmware update is automatically implemented by at least one of the first or second endpoint devices.

6. The management device of claim 1, wherein the management device manages one or more services from a third-party service provider to control operation of the first endpoint device.

7. The management device of claim 1, further including a billing manager that automatically manages one or more subscriptions for media data delivered to the first endpoint device.

8. The management device of claim 1, wherein the first endpoint device includes a television display device, a lamp unit, and/or a sensor device.

9. The management device of claim 1, wherein the network interface communicates with a router device.

10. The management device of claim 1, wherein the management device is managed by the remote management application.

11. The management device of claim 1, wherein the application service logic module communicates with a router to communicate with the remote management application.

12. The management device of claim 1, wherein the remote management application controls the management device via a wireless network.

13. The management device of claim 1, wherein the endpoint data includes billing data, alarm data, and/or statistical information.

14. The management device of claim 1, wherein the application service logic module resides on a user premises side of a network service provider demarcation.

15. The management device of claim 1, wherein the remote management application operates on a remote device external to the user premises.

16. A system comprising:

a first endpoint device and a second endpoint device, the first endpoint device residing at a user premises and including an information module that provides access to operational data related to the availability, status, integrity, quality, and/or performance of the first endpoint device;

a management device for residing at the user premises and being communicatively coupled to the first endpoint device via a network connection, the management device manages at least one software update of one or more endpoint devices in response to instructions from a user using at least one endpoint device in communication with the management device via a local network after the user receives notification of the at least one software update, the management device including—

an application service module that provides at least one application service to the first endpoint device,

at least one processor coupled to the application service logic module,

a storage device coupled to the at least one processor and having instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to—

receive a software firmware update to be utilized by the first endpoint device,

send, via a local wireless network, the software firmware update to the first endpoint device,

receive the operational data from the first endpoint device, and

store the received operational data,

a management module that provides access to operational information associated with the first endpoint device to a remote manager, and wherein the operational information is generated based on the stored operational data from the first endpoint device, the management module causing the operational data to be sent for delivery to the remote manager to enable viewing of the operational information on the second endpoint device connected to the local wireless network after endpoint authentication of the second endpoint device such that the second endpoint device is capable of secured management of operation of the first endpoint device.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the remote manager is located external to the user premises.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the information module of the first endpoint device generates the operational data based on operation of the first endpoint device.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein the network connection includes a wired connection, a wireless connection, a Z wave connection, and/or a USB connection.

20. The system of claim 16, wherein the information module, under control of the management device, is operable to generate one or more reports based on billing data, alarm data, and/or statistical information.

21. The system of claim 16, wherein the management device is operable to provide a service subscription and parental control via a user module.

22. A management device for operation at a user premises, the management device comprising:

an endpoint device interface configured for communication, via a wireless network, with at least a first endpoint device at the user premises or a second endpoint device at the user premises;

a network interface that receives information for managing and/or servicing the first endpoint device;

at least one processor in communication with the endpoint device interface and/or the network interface; and

a storage device coupled to the at least one processor and storing one or more applications for managing and/or servicing the first endpoint device, wherein the storage device stores (i) endpoint data from the first endpoint device and (ii) a reporting module for reporting stored endpoint data of the first endpoint device, and wherein the storage device includes instructions that, when executed, cause the management device to—

receive endpoint data from the first endpoint device;

manage home automation operations of at least one of the first endpoint device or another endpoint device based on the received endpoint data;

communicate with a remote server via the network interface,

receive a software update from the remote server based on the communication, and

send, via the wireless network, the software update to at least one of the first or second endpoint devices,

wherein the management device processes the endpoint data associated with the first endpoint device to control the first endpoint device and causes endpoint data information to be sent for delivery to a remote management application, via the network interface, for enabling viewing of the endpoint data information on the second endpoint device after endpoint authentication of the second endpoint device via at least one local wireless network, wherein the second endpoint device is capable of secured management of operation of the first endpoint device.

23. The management device of claim 22, wherein the storage device stores operational data related to availability, status, integrity, quality, and/or performance of the first endpoint device.

24. The management device of claim 22, wherein the management device generates one or more reports based on billing data, alarm data, and/or statistical information associated with the at least one endpoint device.

25. A service management system for managing one or more application services associated with a first endpoint device, a second endpoint device, and a management device, the service management system comprising:

a first management module for residing on a user premises, wherein the first management module—

stores authenticated endpoint device information and configuration data for delivering one or more application services for home automation,

automatically receives firmware updates for communicating, via a wireless network, with authenticated endpoint devices based on the stored authenticated endpoint device information, wherein the authenticated endpoint devices include at least one of the first endpoint device or second endpoint device,

installs one or more of the received firmware updates to manage communications, via the wireless network, between updated first management module and the authenticated endpoint devices to maintain home automation operations based on the stored configuration data;

automatically sends one of the received software updates to at least one of the first endpoint device or second endpoint device,

generates, collects, and/or analyzes operational data generated by one or more application services, the management device, and/or the first endpoint device, and

provides information about the one or more application services based on the operational data; and

a second management module that directs the first management module to (i) send the information about the one or more application services to the second management module and (ii) determine the availability, status, integrity, quality, and/or performance of the one or more application services, the management device, and/or the first endpoint device, wherein at least one of the first management module or the second management module is a hardware device, wherein the determined availability, status, integrity, quality, and/or performance of the first endpoint device is sent as endpoint data to a remote management application, and wherein the endpoint data can be viewed on the second endpoint device after endpoint authentication of the second endpoint device.

26. The service management system of claim 25, wherein the management device includes the first management module, and wherein the first endpoint device includes the second management module.