Device interaction
First Claim
1. A method of establishing device interaction in an environment having a plurality of devices where each device performs one or more unique functions within the environment with the one or more functions of each device being associated with various states, the method comprising:
- detecting a change of state at a first device;
in response to detecting the change of state, referencing rules of device interaction that govern communication between the first device and one or more other devices of the plurality, the rules of device interaction providing an association between the detected change of state, the one or more other devices that are communicated with in response, and the content of the communication between the first device and the one or more other devices; and
communicating with the one or more other devices according to the rules of device interaction in response to detecting the change of state.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Devices and methods are disclosed for establishing device interaction among electronic devices of an environment. The device has a transmitter, receiver, memory storing interaction rules and a processor for implementing the interaction rules in association with the transmitter, receiver, and other devices of the environment. The device also includes components for performing the device specific functions and a state sensor for determining the logical or physical state of the device. The methods involve detecting a change of state at a device and then communicating in accordance with the interaction rules thereafter. The communication may involve broadcasting change of state messages to the environment, directing change of state messages to specific devices, and directing requests and/or directing replies to requests. Through device interaction, changes of state may automatically occur at one device in response to a change of state at another in order to reduce the burden on the user.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method of establishing device interaction in an environment having a plurality of devices where each device performs one or more unique functions within the environment with the one or more functions of each device being associated with various states, the method comprising:
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detecting a change of state at a first device;
in response to detecting the change of state, referencing rules of device interaction that govern communication between the first device and one or more other devices of the plurality, the rules of device interaction providing an association between the detected change of state, the one or more other devices that are communicated with in response, and the content of the communication between the first device and the one or more other devices; and
communicating with the one or more other devices according to the rules of device interaction in response to detecting the change of state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method of establishing device interaction in an environment having a plurality of devices where each device performs one or more unique functions within the environment with the one or more functions of each device being associated with various states, the method comprising:
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detecting a change of state at a first device; and
in response to detecting the change of state, broadcasting a change of state message to the plurality of devices, the message including an indication of the change of state and an identification of the first device. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7)
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8. A method of establishing device interaction in an environment having a plurality of devices where each device performs one or more unique functions within the environment with the one or more functions of each device being associated with various states, the method comprising:
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detecting a change of state at a first device;
determining a second device of the plurality that is associated with the detected change of state of the first device; and
in response to detecting the change of state, directing a message to a second device, the message including a notification related to the detected change of state and an identification of the first device. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of establishing device interaction in an environment having a plurality of devices where each device performs one or more unique functions within the environment with the one or more functions of each device being associated with various states, the method comprising:
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detecting a change of state at a first device; and
in response to detecting the change of state, directing a request to a second device, the request including an indication of a subject matter of the request, and an identification of the first device;
receiving at the second device the request sent by the first device; and
in response to receiving the request, directing a reply to the first device from the second device, the reply including an identification of the second device and the subject matter being requested. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A device for interacting in an environment having a plurality of devices where each device performs one or more unique functions within the environment with the one or more functions of each device being associated with various states, the device comprising:
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a transmitter;
a receiver;
a memory that stores interaction rules of the device;
components that acquire the various states upon performing the one or more unique functions of the device;
a state sensor that is operably coupled to one or more of the components to recognize a current state of the device; and
a processor in communication with the transmitter, receiver, memory, and state sensor, the processor being configured to detect a change of state from the state sensor, reference the memory to find an interaction rule corresponding to the change of state, and utilize the transmitter and receiver to communicate with the other devices of the plurality according to the interaction rule. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification