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

• US 10,361,877 B2
• Filed: 10/31/2017
• Issued: 07/23/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• 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:
  US15/799,450
• Publication Number:
  US 20180123905A1
• Time in Patent Office: 630 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 control device, for operation at an area, that provides and manages services for one or more endpoint devices associated with the control device, the control device comprising:

a first interface that enables communications within the area, between the control device and the one or more of the endpoint devices;

wherein a first application service provided by the control device receives information from a first endpoint device of the one or more of the endpoint devices to provide monitoring for the area;

wherein a second application service provides automation of a second endpoint device of the one or more endpoint devices by sending commands to the second of the one or more endpoint devices via the first interface; and

a second interface that enables communications, for the one or more endpoint devices, with a remotely located application service management center external to the area;

a processor device coupled to the interfaces;

memory, coupled to the processor device, storing programming comprising;

logic to execute multiple application services, including the first application service and the second application service;

logic to interact with a third endpoint device that communicates with the control device and shows a graphical user interface,

wherein first user interactions with the graphical user interface implement, via the control device, configurations or controls for the first endpoint device, and

wherein second user interactions with the graphical user interface implement, via the control device, configurations or controls for automation of the second endpoint device;

logic to determine the availability of resources that can be allocated to facilitate execution of multiple application services provided by the control device; and

logic to manage the resources of the control device such that a request, by one of the endpoint devices, can be implemented without causing other services provided by the control device to function below a required functional state, wherein the required functional state enables communications between the control device and other remotely located systems;

wherein initialization or execution of the logic is performed responsive to the communications with the remotely located application service management center.

2. The control device of claim 1, wherein the management of the resources comprises:

determining an amount of required resources for one or more applications to execute properly; and

taking corrective measures to free up the amount of required resources.

3. The control device of claim 2, wherein the corrective measures comprise one or more of:

prioritizing packets;

throttling bandwidth;

performing operations to reduce noise on an RF interface;

freeing up time slices on a TDMA interface;

or

any combination thereof.

4. The control device of claim 1, wherein the control device is configured for peer to peer type communications between the control device and another device, with respect the application service.

5. The control device of claim 4, wherein the other device is a device that is in communication with the remotely located application service management center.

6. The control device of claim 1, wherein:

the second interface uses a signaling channel through the wide area network; and

the control device maintains a communication session with the remotely located application service management center when the control device is operable and authenticated by the remotely located application service management center.

7. The control device of claim 6, wherein the control device conducts communications, via the signaling channel through the wide area network and using a peer and presence messaging protocol, without utilizing the remotely located application service management center.

8. The control device of claim 1, wherein the application service is related to automation of networked home devices including one or more of:

a sensor device;

an automatic window;

window blinds;

lighting or a lamp unit;

a digital picture frame;

a web cam;

or

any combination thereof.

9. The control device of claim 1, wherein the management of the resources is based on a resource allocation instruction from the remotely located application service management center.

10. The control device of claim 1, wherein the management of the resources comprises implementing rate limiting for one or more devices communicating with the control device via one or both of the first or second interfaces.

11. The control device of claim 1, wherein the determination of availability of resources comprises monitoring for excessive resource utilization by at least one endpoint device.

12. The control device of claim 1, further comprising a third interface,

wherein each of the first interface, the second interface, and the third interface comprise one of:

a wired network interface, a USB interface, or a wireless interface; and

wherein the group comprising the first interface, the second interface, and the third interface includes each of a wired network interface, a USB interface, and a wireless interface.

13. The control device of claim 1, wherein the control device is configured to, in response to receiving programming logic from the remotely located application service management center through the second interface, install the programming logic into the control device or into at least one of the one or more of endpoint devices.

14. The control device claim 1,

wherein the first interface is a USB interface;

and

wherein the second interface is a wireless interface.

15. The control device of claim 1, wherein the resources comprise one or both of CPU capacity or memory.

16. The control device of claim 1, wherein one or both of the first interface or the second interface utilizes X10, Z-Wave, or ZigBee communications.

17. A control device for operation, at a user area covered by a local area network, to provide and manage services for one or more endpoint devices associated with the control device, the control device comprising:

a first interface enabling communications, within the user area, with one or more of the endpoint devices,

wherein a first application service provided by the control device receives information from a first endpoint device of the one or more of the endpoint devices to provide security services for the user area;

wherein a second application service provides automation of a second endpoint device of the one or more endpoint devices by sending commands to the second of the one or more endpoint devices via the first interface; and

a second interface enabling communications, via a wide area network, for the one or more endpoint devices, wherein the second interface provides a connection to a remotely located application service management center from which additional programming specific to at least one of the endpoint devices is available;

a processor device coupled to the first and second interfaces; and

memory, coupled to the processor device, storing programming that, when executed by the processor device, causes the control device to provide functions including;

(1) operations providing authorization, authentication, configuration, use of a service provided by the control device, or any combination thereof, for the one or more endpoint devices;

(2) interactions with a third endpoint device that communicates with the control device and shows a graphical user interface,

wherein first user interactions with the graphical user interface shown by the third endpoint device causes the control device to implement, via the first application service, configurations or controls for the first endpoint device, and

wherein second user interactions with the graphical user interface shown by the third endpoint device causes the control device to implement, via the second application service, configurations or controls for automation of the second endpoint device;

(3) determination of availability of resources that can be allocated to facilitate execution of multiple application services provided by the control device; and

(4) management of the resources such that a request related to the automation of the second endpoint device in response to the second user interactions can be implemented by one of the application services, without causing other services provided by the control device to function below a required functional state, wherein the required functional state enables communications, by the control device, for carrying out at least part of the request.

18. The control device of claim 17, wherein the resources comprise CPU capacity or memory.

19. The control device of claim 17, further comprising a third interface,

wherein each of the first interface, the second interface, and the third interface comprise one of:

a wired network interface, a USB interface, or a wireless interface; and

wherein the group comprising the first interface, the second interface, and the third interface includes each of;

a wired network interface, a USB interface, and a wireless interface.

20. The control device of claim 17,

wherein one or both of the first interface or the second interface utilizes X10, Z-Wave, or ZigBee communications;

and

wherein the service is related to automation or control of networked home devices including one or more of;

a sensor device;

an automatic window;

window blinds;

lighting or a lamp unit;

a digital picture frame;

a web cam;

or

any combination thereof.

21. The control device of claim 17, wherein the management of the resources comprises:

determining an amount of required resources for one or more applications to execute properly; and

taking corrective measures to free up the amount of required resources, wherein the corrective measures comprise one or more of;

prioritizing packets;

throttling bandwidth;

performing operations to reduce noise on an RF interface;

freeing up time slices on a TDMA interface;

or

any combination thereof.

22. A method for operating a control device at a location, the method comprising:

implementing a first communication channel, between the control device and one or more endpoint devices, within the location;

implementing a second communication channel, at least in part over a wide area network, wherein the second communication channel is between the one or more endpoint devices and a remotely located application service management center external to the location, wherein the remotely located application service management center provides additional programming specific to controlling at least one of the endpoint devices;

executing at least one application service;

interacting with a specific endpoint device, in communication with the control device, that shows a graphical user interface, wherein user interactions with the graphical user interface implement, via the control device, configurations or controls for automation of others of the one or more endpoint devices;

determining the availability of resources that can be allocated to facilitate execution of multiple application services provided by the control device; and

managing the resources of the control device such that a request, by one of the endpoint devices, can be implemented without causing other services provided by the control device to function below a required functional state, wherein the required functional state enables communications by the control device.

23. The method claim 22,

wherein one or both of the first communication channel or the second communication channel utilizes X10, Z-Wave, or ZigBee communications;

and

wherein the application service is related to automation or control of networked home devices including one or more of;

a sensor device;

an automatic window;

window blinds;

lighting or a lamp unit;

a digital picture frame;

a web cam;

or

any combination thereof.

24. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to perform operations controlling one or more devices at a premises, the operations comprising:

accessing a first interface that enables communications, within the premises, between the computing system and one or more of the devices;

accessing a second interface that enables communications, for the one or more devices, with a remotely located application service management center external to the premises; and

providing functions, in relation to an application service, for implementing automation of the one or more devices, the functions including;

(1) operations providing authorization, authentication, configuration, or any combination thereof, for the application service;

(2) support a plurality of different user interfaces via different devices, with respect to one or more services provided via the computing system;

(3) management of the application service, provided by the computing system, wherein the management is based upon communications with the remotely located application service management center;

(4) determination of availability of system resources for the application service that can be allocated to facilitate execution of multiple application services provided by the computing system for home automation; and

(5) management of the system resources such that a home automation request can be implemented by maintaining a required functional state, wherein the required functional state enables communications by the computing system.