{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854386","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854386","title":"Methods and apparatus for using smart environment devices via application program interfaces","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-05-26T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04W","G05B","G05B","G05B","G05D","G05D","G06F","G06F","G06F","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04M","H04W","H04W","G05B","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L"],"num_claims":20,"abstract":"Systems and Methods disclosed herein relate to provisioning vendor information to associate vendor data access rights, vendor data writing rights, or both, of a data model comprising information related to one or more smart-devices, one or more smart-device environment structures comprising the one or more smart-devices, or any combination thereof with the vendor; provisioning a particular electronic device type of the vendor by providing information about the particular electronic device type to a service that interprets this information to understand subsequent data submissions of the particular electronic device, wherein the provisioning of the particular electronic device is associated with the vendor; pairing the particular electronic device with a system hosting the data model by registering the particular electronic device with the system hosting the data model; and sending the subsequent data submissions from the one or more smart-devices to the service."},"analysis":{"summary":"Methods and Apparatus for Using Smart Environment Devices Via Application Program Interfaces introduces a system for managing smart devices by standardizing data access and control across different vendors. The problem being solved is the lack of interoperability between smart devices from different manufacturers, leading to fragmented user experiences and security vulnerabilities. The key technical approach involves provisioning vendor information to associate data access rights, pairing devices with a central system, and processing data submissions through a unified API. This allows for seamless integration and management of diverse smart devices. The business value lies in simplifying the user experience, enhancing security, and enabling new applications and services. The market opportunity is significant, as the demand for smart home and IoT solutions continues to grow. This patent addresses a critical need for standardization and interoperability in the smart environment ecosystem, making it a valuable asset for companies seeking to innovate in this space. By providing a unified platform for managing smart devices, it simplifies the user experience and reduces the complexity of smart home management. This can lead to increased adoption of smart home technology, as consumers are more likely to invest in devices that can work together seamlessly. Furthermore, the technology can create new revenue streams for vendors by allowing them to integrate their devices into a broader ecosystem. This can lead to increased sales and market share. This standardization opens up opportunities for third-party developers to create applications that leverage the data and capabilities of smart devices, creating a vibrant ecosystem of innovation.","layman_explanation":"Methods and Apparatus for Using Smart Environment Devices Via Application Program Interfaces tackles a common frustration in today's smart homes: the inability of devices from different manufacturers to work together smoothly. Think of it like this: you have a TV from one brand, a speaker system from another, and smart lights from yet another. Each comes with its own app, and getting them to coordinate can be a nightmare. This patent offers a solution by creating a universal translator for these devices.\n\nInstead of focusing on the technical details of how each device communicates, this invention creates a common language that all devices can understand. It's like having a central hub that speaks all the different \"dialects\" of your smart devices. This hub then allows you to control everything from one place, whether it's your smartphone, a tablet, or even a voice assistant. The key is that it handles the complex technical translations behind the scenes, so you don't have to.\n\nThis matters because it unlocks the true potential of the smart home. Imagine being able to create automated routines that involve devices from multiple manufacturers seamlessly. For example, dimming the lights, turning on the TV, and adjusting the volume on the speakers all with a single command. This technology also enhances security by providing a centralized point of control for managing data access and permissions. This reduces the risk of vulnerabilities and ensures that your data is protected.\n\nThe future implications are significant. As more and more devices become connected, the need for interoperability will only grow. This technology provides a foundation for building a more seamless, secure, and user-friendly smart home experience. It also opens up new opportunities for developers to create innovative applications and services that leverage the power of connected devices. In short, this patent paves the way for a more integrated and intelligent future.","technical_analysis":"Methods and Apparatus for Using Smart Environment Devices Via Application Program Interfaces presents a technical solution to the interoperability challenges in smart environments. The system architecture revolves around a central data model that aggregates information from various smart devices. The core components include a vendor information provisioning module, a device pairing module, and a data submission processing module. The vendor information provisioning module allows vendors to register their devices with the system, providing metadata about their capabilities and data formats. The device pairing module enables secure pairing of devices with the system, ensuring authorized access. The data submission processing module receives data from the devices, normalizes it, and stores it in the central data model. The system leverages APIs to facilitate communication between devices and the central data model. These APIs are designed to be platform-agnostic, allowing for integration with a wide range of devices and operating systems. The implementation details involve the use of various communication protocols, data formats, and security mechanisms. The system supports protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Z-Wave. It also supports data formats such as JSON, XML, and CSV. Security is enforced through encryption, authentication, and authorization mechanisms. The system is designed to be scalable and resilient, with a distributed architecture that can handle a large number of devices and a high volume of data. Performance is optimized through caching, data compression, and query optimization techniques. Code-level implications include the need for developers to adhere to the standardized APIs and data formats. This requires a shift from proprietary protocols to open standards. The system also requires careful attention to security, with robust authentication and authorization mechanisms. The system is designed to be extensible, allowing for the addition of new devices and services. This requires a modular architecture and well-defined interfaces. Ultimately, the technical design promotes a more unified and manageable smart environment.","business_analysis":"Methods and Apparatus for Using Smart Environment Devices Via Application Program Interfaces addresses a significant market need for interoperability in the smart home and IoT sectors. The market opportunity is substantial, as the number of connected devices continues to grow exponentially. The competitive advantages of this technology include its ability to provide a unified platform for managing diverse smart devices, its enhanced security features, and its simplified user experience. The revenue potential is significant, as the technology can be licensed to device manufacturers, service providers, and platform developers. Business models include licensing fees, subscription fees, and revenue sharing. Strategic positioning involves partnering with key players in the smart home and IoT ecosystems. This includes device manufacturers, platform providers, and service providers. ROI projections are favorable, as the technology can generate significant cost savings through reduced integration time, improved security, and enhanced user satisfaction. The market for smart home devices is expected to continue to grow rapidly in the coming years. This growth is being driven by factors such as increasing internet penetration, declining device costs, and growing consumer awareness. This technology is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth by providing a solution to the interoperability challenges that are currently holding back the market. The ability to integrate devices from different manufacturers seamlessly will be a key differentiator in the market. The enhanced security features of the technology will also be a major selling point for consumers who are concerned about the privacy and security of their smart home devices. The simplified user experience will make it easier for consumers to adopt smart home technology and integrate it into their daily lives. Overall, this technology has the potential to transform the smart home and IoT sectors by providing a unified, secure, and user-friendly platform for managing diverse smart devices.","faqs":null,"topics":[],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Methods and apparatus for using smart environment devices via application program interfaces","description":"Systems and Methods disclosed herein relate to provisioning vendor information to associate vendor data access rights, vendor data writing rights, or both, of a data model comprising information relat","keywords":[]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854386","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854386","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Methods and apparatus for using smart environment devices via application program interfaces\" (US-9854386). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854386","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854386","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854386","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T06:30:02.390Z"}