Efficient communication for devices of a home network

• US 9,338,810 B2
• Filed: 05/14/2015
• Issued: 05/10/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 06/25/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Google LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Google Inc. (Alphabet Inc.)
• Inventors: Erickson, Grant M., Logue, Jay D., Boross, Christopher A., Smith, Zachary B., Hardison, Osborne B., Schultz, Richard J., Gujjaru, Sunny P., Neeley, Matthew G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Faroul, Farah
• Application Number:
  US14/712,377
• Publication Number:
  US 20150249605A1
• Time in Patent Office: 362 Days
• Field of Search: 370/389, 370/392
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/65 Updates security arrangements therefor G06F21/57
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0415 detecting absence of activity per se
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/28 characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks] wireless communication networks H04W ; arrangements for dividing the transmission path H04W40/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2803 Home automation networks
• 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 12/2823 Reporting information sensed by appliance or service execution status of appliance services in a home automation network device-related reporting H04L43/065; arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom H04Q9/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/56 Packet switching systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2101/604 Address structures or formats
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2101/659 Internet protocol version 6 [IPv6] addresses
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 45/00 Routing or path finding of packets in data switching networks routing or path finding in wireless networks H04W40/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 45/74 Address processing for routing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 49/254 Centralised controller, i.e. arbitration or scheduling
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/00 User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/00 Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/5038 for local use, e.g. in LAN or USB networks, or in a controller area network [CAN]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/061 for key exchange, e.g. in peer-to-peer networks cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for key agreement H04L9/0838
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0823 using certificates cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication involving certificates H04L9/3263
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/083 using passwords cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication using a predetermined code H04L9/3226
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/10 in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network software deployment G06F8/60; multiprogramming arrangements G06F9/46
• 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: H04L 67/34 : involving the movement of software or configuration parameters network booting or remote initial program loading [RIPL] G06F9/4416
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/52 : specially adapted for the location of the user terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/535 : Tracking the activity of the user network monitoring arrangements H04L43/00; recording of computer activity G06F11/34
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/165 : Combined use of TCP and UDP protocols; selection criteria therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/22 : Parsing or analysis of headers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/0861 : Generation of secret information including derivation or calculation of cryptographic keys or passwords
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/14 : using a plurality of keys or algorithms
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/30 : Public key, i.e. encryption algorithm being computationally infeasible to invert or user's encryption keys not requiring secrecy
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/32 : including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system or for message authentication, e.g. authorization, entity authentication, data integrity or data verification, non-repudiation, key authentication or verification of credentials
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3247 : involving digital signatures
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3263 : involving certificates, e.g. public key certificate [PKC] or attribute certificate [AC]; Public key infrastructure [PKI] arrangements network architectures or network communication protocols for supporting authentication of entities using certificates in a packet data network H04L63/0823
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3265 : using certificate chains, trees or paths; Hierarchical trust model
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/0471 : Key exchange
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/069 : using certificates or pre-shared keys
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/04 : Arrangements for maintaining operational condition
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/10 : Scheduling measurement reports ; Arrangements for measurement reports
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/029 : Location-based management or tracking services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 40/246 : Connectivity information discovery
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0212 : managed by the network, e.g. network or access point is master and terminal is slave
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/383 : power control in peer-to-peer links
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 60/00 : Affiliation to network, e.g. registration; Terminating affiliation with the network, e.g. de-registration
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/53 : based on regulatory allocation policies
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/10 : Connection setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/14 : Direct-mode setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 80/045 : involving different protocol versions, e.g. MIPv4 and MIPv6
• 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: H04W 88/02 : Terminal devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/04 : adapted for relaying to or from another terminal or user
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 : adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 : in wireless communication networks
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 40/18 : Network protocols supporting networked applications, e.g. including control of end-device applications over a network
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 40/20 : Information technology specific aspects, e.g. CAD, simulation, modelling, system security

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for efficient communication through a fabric network of devices in a home environment or similar environment. For example, an electronic device may efficiently control communication to balance power and reliability concerns, may efficiently communicate messages to certain preferred networks by analyzing Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) packet headers that use an Extended Unique Local Address (EULA), may efficiently communicate software updates and status reports throughout a fabric network, and/or may easily and efficiently join a fabric network.

Claims

1. A tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions configured to be executed by a first electronic device when communicably coupled to other electronic devices of a fabric of devices in a home environment, the instructions comprising instructions to:

receive an Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) message at the first electronic device from a second electronic device over a first network of the fabric of devices, wherein the IPv6 message is received via a first wireless transceiver of the first electronic device, the first wireless transceiver being configured to communicate over the first network in accordance with a first network protocol, wherein the message is bound for a target electronic device;

identify an Extended Unique Local Address encoded in an IPv6 header of the message, wherein the Extended Unique Local Address indicates that a second network is preferred to reach the target electronic device; and

communicate the message through the fabric of devices toward the target electronic device using a second transceiver of the first electronic device, the second transceiver being configured to communicate over the second network in accordance with a second network protocol different than the first network protocol, the message being communicated through the fabric of devices toward the target electronic device based at least in part on the Extended Unique Local Address.

2. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the first network protocol comprises an 802.11 wireless network.

3. The computer-readable medium of claim 2, wherein the second network protocol comprises an 802.15.4 wireless network.

4. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the first network protocol comprises one of an 802.11 wireless network, an 802.15.4 wireless network, a powerline network, a cellular network, a low-power wireless network, and/or an Ethernet network.

5. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the second network protocol comprises one of an 802.11 wireless network, an 802.15.4 wireless network, a powerline network, a cellular network, a low-power wireless network and/or and Ethernet network.

6. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the first device comprises a thermostat device and the target device comprises a light.

7. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the first device comprises a thermostat device and the target device comprises a hazard detector.

8. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the target device comprises a sensor configured to detect at least one of acceleration, temperature, humidity, water, supplied power, proximity, external motion, device motion, sound signals, ultrasound signals, light signals, fire, smoke, carbon monoxide, global-positioning-satellite (GPS) signals, or radio-frequency (RF) signals.

9. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the target device comprises at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a hazard-related sensor, an environmental sensor, an accelerometer, a microphone, an optical sensor, an active or passive radiation sensor, a GPS receiver, or a radiofrequency identification detector.

10. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the target device comprises a sensor configured to detect that a user has pulled into a garage by detecting motion in the garage, detecting a change in light in the garage, or detecting opening of a garage door of the garage.

11. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the target device comprises a sensor configured to detect a user approaching a front door to cause a general audio or visual signal to be generated and presented or to cause a location-specific audio or visual signal to be generated and presented.

12. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the target device comprises a pool heater or an irrigation system.

13. A device, comprising:

a first transceiver configured to receive an Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) message from a second electronic device of a fabric of devices over a first network of the fabric of devices in accordance with a first network protocol, the message being bound for a target electronic device;

a processor configured to identify an Extended Unique Local Address encoded in an IPv6 header of the message, the Extended Unique Local Address indicating that a second network is preferred to reach the target electronic device; and

a second transceiver configured to communicate the message through the fabric of devices toward the target electronic device over a second network in accordance with a second network protocol different than the first network protocol, the message being communicated through the fabric of devices toward the target electronic device based at least in part on the Extended Unique Local Address.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the first network protocol comprises an 802.11 wireless network and the second network protocol comprises an 802.15.4 wireless network.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the first network protocol comprises an 802.15.4 wireless network and the second network protocol comprises an 802.11 wireless network.

16. The device of claim 13, wherein the first network protocol comprises a first one of an 802.11 wireless network, an 802.15.4 wireless network, a powerline network, a cellular network, a low-power wireless network, and/or an Ethernet network, wherein the second network protocol comprises a second one of an 802.11 wireless network, an 802.15.4 wireless network, a powerline network, a cellular network, a low-power wireless network, and/or an Ethernet network.

17. The device of claim 13, wherein the device comprises a hazard detector.

18. The device of claim 13, wherein device comprises a thermostat.

19. The device of claim 13, wherein device comprises a camera.

20. The device of claim 13, comprising a network interface comprising the first transceiver and the second transceiver.

21. The device of claim 13, wherein the processor is configured to detect when a location about the device is occupied.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein the processor is configured to detect when the location about the device is occupied via analyzing microphone signals, user movements, opening or closing of a door, opening or closing of a garage door, wireless signals, an IP address of a received signal, or operation of one or more devices within a time window.

23. The device of claim 21, wherein the processor is configured to identify particular occupants or objects when the processor detects that the location about the device is occupied.

24. The device of claim 13, wherein the device comprises a thermostat and the target device comprises a light, wherein the thermostat is configured to determine when a building housing the thermostat and the light is vacant and adjust operation of the light when the building is determined to be vacant.

25. The device of claim 13, wherein the device comprises a smart doorbell configured to detect a person'"'"'s approach to or departure from a location, control audible functionality, announce a person'"'"'s approach or departure via audio or visual means, or control settings on a security system.

26. The device of claim 13, wherein the device comprises a light switch configured to detect ambient lighting conditions, detect room-occupancy states, control a power and/or dim state of one or more lights, or control a power state and/or speed of a fan.

27. The device of claim 13, wherein the device comprises a wall plug interface configured to detect occupancy of a room or enclosure and control supply of power to one or more wall plugs based on the detected occupancy.

28. The device of claim 13, wherein the device comprises a refrigerator, a stove, an oven, a television, a washer, a dryer, one or more lights, a stereo, an intercom system, a garage-door opener, a floor fan, a ceiling fan, a whole-house fan, a wall air conditioner, a pool heaters, an irrigation system, or a security system.

29. The device of claim 13, wherein the device comprises a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet, or a smartphone.

30. A method, comprising:

receiving, at a first electronic device, an Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) message from a second electronic device of a fabric of devices over a first network of the fabric of devices, wherein the IPv6 message is received via a first wireless transceiver of the first electronic device, the first wireless transceiver being configured to communicate over the first network in accordance with a first network protocol, wherein the message is bound for a target electronic device;

identifying, via a processor of the first electronic device, an Extended Unique Local Address encoded in an IPv6 header of the message, wherein the Extended Unique Local Address indicates that a second network is preferred to reach the target electronic device; and

communicating the message through the fabric of devices toward the target electronic device using a second transceiver of the first electronic device, the second transceiver being configured to communicate over the second network in accordance with a second network protocol different than the first network protocol, the message being communicated through the fabric of devices toward the target electronic device based at least in part on the Extended Unique Local Address.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the first network protocol comprises a first one of an 802.11 wireless network, an 802.15.4 wireless network, a powerline network, a cellular network, and/or an Ethernet network, wherein the second network protocol comprises a second one of an 802.11 wireless network, an 802.15.4 wireless network, a powerline network, a cellular network, a low-power wireless network, and/or an Ethernet network.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein communicating the message through the fabric of devices toward the target electronic device using the second network is based at least in part on whether the second network is available to the device.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein communicating the message through the fabric of devices toward the target electronic device using the second network is based at least in part on whether the first device is an always-on device powered by an external power source.

34. The method of claim 30, wherein communicating the message through the fabric of devices toward the target electronic device using the second network is based at least in part on whether the first device is a manufacturer device or a customer device.

35. The method of claim 30, wherein communicating the message through the fabric of devices toward the target electronic device using the second network is based at least in part on one or more reliability factors relating to a desired reliability of the message.

36. The method of claim 30, wherein communicating the message through the fabric of devices toward the target electronic device using the second network is based at least in part on a type of the message that to be sent, a type of network over which the message is to be sent, a distance over which the message may travel through the fabric to reach the target device, power sensitivity of devices used to communicate the message to the target device, and a type of the target device as the one or more reliability factors relating to a desired reliability of the message.

37. The method of claim 30, wherein the first device comprises a thermostat device, a light, or a hazard detector and the target device comprises an environmental sensor.

38. The method of claim 30, wherein the target device is configured to detect an event and issue an alarm, wherein the first device is configured to display an interface message to enable a user to respond to the alarm.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the first device is configured to receive feedback from a user related to silencing the alarm and transmit a request to the target device to silence the alarm.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the first device is configured to transmit a sleep signal to the target device, wherein the target device is configured to enter a low-power state in response to receiving the sleep signal.