Apple patents system that explains why smart home actions happen
Apple describes a method for smart home systems to show users why specific actions were taken when someone enters a room. The system checks different conditions to decide which explanation to display, ensuring the message matches the context of the event.
In the filing’s own words
The present disclosure generally relates to managing an environment. Some techniques are for providing guest access to an environment while on a call in accordance with some embodiments. Other techniques are for displaying status of an environment in accordance with some embodiments. Other techniques are for providing access to accessories in an environment in accordance with some embodiments. Other techniques are for displaying a live feed of various cameras in accordance with some embodiments. Other techniques are for assisting a subject with an authentication process in accordance with some embodiments. Other techniques are for initiating an automation in accordance with some embodiments.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A method, comprising: at a computer system that is in communication with one or more output devices: receiving an indication that a set of one or more operations is performed based on a subject entering an environment; and in response to receiving the indication that the set of one or more operations is performed based on the subject entering the environment: in accordance with a determination that a first set of one or more criteria is satisfied, outputting, via the one or more output devices, an indication that includes a first explanation regarding performance of the set of one or more operations; and in accordance with a determination that a second set of one or more criteria is satisfied, outputting, via the one or more output devices, the indication that includes a second explanation regarding performance of the set of one or more operations, wherein the second explanation is different from the first explanation, and wherein the first set of one or more criteria is different from the second set of one or more criteria.
Facts
- Company
- Apple (APPLE INC.)
- Official title
- MANAGING AN ENVIRONMENT
- Publication number
- US20260267582A1
- Application number
- 19462324
- Filed
- Jan 28, 2026
- Published
- Sep 10, 2026
- Inventors
- 5
- Claims
- 14
Classified under
G06F 3/14 Physics & computingMore from Apple in AI & software
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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.