Abstract:
A relay service can relay messages between controllers and electronically controllable accessory devices that may be located remotely from the controllers. Relaying of messages by the relay service can be decoupled from any knowledge of the functionality of the accessory or the content of the messages. Device identification and relaying of messages can be managed using “relay aliases” that are meaningful only to the relay service and the endpoint devices (the controller and accessory). The endpoint devices can implement end-to-end security for messages transported by the relay service.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards techniques for adjusting a network connection of an accessory. In some examples, the computing device can determine that the accessory is not connected to a network (e.g., the same network to which the computing device is connected). The network may utilize a first connection type. Using a second type of connection, the computing device may determine an appropriate network for connection with the accessory. The computing device may then transmit instructions to the accessory, using the second type of connection, to adjust its network connection to be connected to the determined network. The determined network may use the first connection type.
Abstract:
Controllers can be used to control the operation of various accessories. A group of accessories can be organized into an accessory network that can facilitate coordinated control of multiple accessories. The accessory network can be organized according to an environment model that can include a hierarchical representation of a physical environment where accessories are present. The environment model can be synchronized across different controllers that have access to the accessories.
Abstract:
An integrated accessory control system can integrate functionality (services) of multiple disparate accessories and provide a unified user interface for interacting with the system via a controller device. An integrated accessory control system can include one accessory that can detect an event or action and send a notification to the controller device and at least one other accessory, such as an Internet Protocol (IP) camera, that can be operated in response to the notification. In response to the notification, a controller device can generate an integrated user interface for interacting with the accessories in the integrated accessory control system. The interface can include a live feed from the IP camera, which can provide a media stream responsive to instructions from the controller.
Abstract:
A relay service can relay messages between controllers and electronically controllable accessory devices that may be located remotely from the controllers. Relaying of messages by the relay service can be decoupled from any knowledge of the functionality of the accessory or the content of the messages. Device identification and relaying of messages can be managed using “relay aliases” that are meaningful only to the relay service and the endpoint devices (the controller and accessory). The endpoint devices can implement end-to-end security for messages transported by the relay service.
Abstract:
In some implementations, a coordinator device can prefetch images from a camera accessory in response to receiving a doorbell event notification from a doorbell accessory. For example, the coordinator device can prefetch an image in response to receiving a doorbell event notification from a doorbell accessory so that the captured image is contemporaneous with the doorbell event and to avoid making multiple subsequent requests for the same image from the camera accessory when multiple user devices request the captured image. The coordinator device can store the image received from the camera accessory and serve the image to user devices when the user devices request a snapshot image corresponding to the doorbell event.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present disclosure present devices, methods, and computer readable medium for enabling controller device to control proprietary digital media players, network accessories, and virtual assistants, providing an overall improved user experience. The techniques disclosed herein reduce clutter because a single controller can control various different devices and accessories. The techniques discloses also can include identifying a change in the configuration information for the computing device. The technique for accessory control can include transmitting updated configuration information for the controller, the configuration information associating a function for the computing device with a user interface element value for the controller.
Abstract:
Modifications made by multiple controller devices to an environment model describing a shared automated environment can be coordinated. One of the controller devices can be designated as a coordinator, and any controller device other than the coordinator can send an update request to the coordinator. The coordinator can determine whether to accept or reject the requested modification and can report its determination to the requesting controller device. If the coordinator accepts the request, the coordinator can instigate operations to update the environment model across all controller devices of all users. If the coordinator rejects the request, the environment model is not updated. The controller device that made the request can update its local copy of the environment model and roll back the update if the request is rejected.
Abstract:
In some implementations, a coordinator device can prefetch images from a camera accessory in response to receiving a doorbell event notification from a doorbell accessory. For example, the coordinator device can prefetch an image in response to receiving a doorbell event notification from a doorbell accessory so that the captured image is contemporaneous with the doorbell event and to avoid making multiple subsequent requests for the same image from the camera accessory when multiple user devices request the captured image. The coordinator device can store the image received from the camera accessory and serve the image to user devices when the user devices request a snapshot image corresponding to the doorbell event.
Abstract:
An automated environment can include multiple controller devices capable of communicating with multiple accessory devices. The controller devices can automatically elect one of their number as a coordinator device for the environment and can automatically perform a new election if an incumbent coordinator becomes unavailable or resigns. The election processes can be transparent to any users. An elected coordinator can perform various operations to facilitate management of the automated environment, including routing of communications between controllers and accessories.