Apple patents home network check before granting device access
Apple describes a system where a home hub checks the overall activity of the local network before letting a new device use a service. Instead of just verifying the device's identity, the hub looks at signals from other devices to determine the current state of the home environment. This extra step helps the hub decide whether to grant access to the requested service.
In the filing’s own words
An electronic device may include a processor configured to receive, over a local area network and from an accessory electronic device connected to the local area network, a request to register with the electronic device. The processor may also be configured to register the accessory electronic device for a service provided by the electronic device based on the request, and receive, from the accessory electronic device, a request to access the service. The processor may further be configured to provide, over the local area network and to the accessory electronic device, access to the service.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A method, comprising: receiving, by an electronic device connected to a local area network and from an accessory electronic device connected to the local area network, a request to register with the electronic device; registering, by the electronic device, the accessory electronic device for a service provided by the electronic device based on the request; receiving, by the electronic device and from the accessory electronic device, a request to access the service; determining, by the electronic device, in response to receiving the request to access the service and after registering the accessory electronic device for the service, an activity state indicating a condition of a home network environment associated with the local area network, based at least in part on signals received by the electronic device from electronic devices other than the accessory electronic devices; and providing, by the electronic device, over the local area network, and to the accessory electronic device, access to the service based in part on the activity state.
Facts
- Company
- Apple (Apple Inc.)
- Official title
- Home device interoperability
- Patent number
- US12772309B2
- Application number
- 18595302
- Filed
- Mar 4, 2024
- Granted
- Oct 20, 2026
- Inventors
- 3
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
H04W 76/14 Electricity & electronicsH04L 67/104 Electricity & electronicsMore from Apple in Networks & wireless
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.