Voice communication between appliances

Abstract

A system includes a first electronic device including a first microphone; and a first speaker; a second electronic device including a second microphone; and a second speaker; and a controller. The controller includes a third microphone and a third speaker. In response to a first action, the first microphone outputs a first status alert via the first speaker. At least one of the second microphone or the third microphone receives the first status alert. In response to the second microphone receiving the first status alert from the first microphone, the second speaker outputs the first status alert via the second speaker and the third microphone receives the first status alert from the second speaker. In response to the third microphone receiving the first status alert from the second speaker, the controller is configured to determine a status of the first electronic device based on the first status alert.

Description

Atorney Docket No. 203863-012301 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214158-WOElectronically Filed: December 2. 2025VOICE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN APPLIANCESCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority' to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 726,795, filed December 2, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to communication between appliances. More particularly, this disclosure relates to communication between appliances to communicate one or more statuses of the appliance in, for example, a residential building or the like.BACKGROUND

[0003] A structure such as, but not limited to, a residence can have a variety of electronic devices. Many of these electronic devices may not be able to communicate with each other or with a communication network.SUMMARY

[0004] In some embodiments, a system includes a first electronic device. In some embodiments, the first electronic device includes a first microphone and a first speaker. In some embodiments, the system includes a second electronic device. In some embodiments, the second electronic device includes a second microphone and a second speaker. In some embodiments, the system includes a controller. In some embodiments, the controller includes a third microphone and a third speaker. In some embodiments, in response to a first action, the first microphone is configured to output a first status alert via the first speaker. In some embodiments, at least one of the second microphone or the third microphone receives the first status alert. In some embodiments, in response to the second microphone receiving the first status alert from the first microphone, the second speaker is configured to output the first status alert via the second speaker. In some embodiments, the third microphone receives the first status alert from the second speaker. In some embodiments, in response to the third microphone receiving the first status alert from the second speaker, the controller is configured to determine a status of the first electronic device based on the first status alert. In some embodiments, in response to the third microphone receiving the first status alert from the first speaker, the controller is configured to determine a status of the first electronic device based on the first status alert.1ACTIVE 716953793v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-012301 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214158-WOElectronically Filed: December 2. 2025

[0005] In some embodiments, the first status alert is projected at a frequency not audible to a human.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first status alert is an indication of an error condition of the first electronic device.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first status alert is an indication of a change in an operating condition of the first electronic device.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first status alert is an indication of a control operation requested by a user.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first electronic device is not connected to a communications network.

[0010] In some embodiments, the controller is onboard a third electronic device.

[0011] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to communicate the status of the first electronic device to a remote server.

[0012] In some embodiments, the remote server is configured to be in electronic communication with a user device and configured to provide the status of the first electronic device to the user device.

[0013] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to receive a command from the remote server and to output a command alert from the third speaker to the first microphone.

[0014] In some embodiments, in response to receiving the command alert from the remote server, the first electronic device is configured to perform an action specified by the command alert.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first status alert is a chime produced by the first speaker.

[0016] In some embodiments, a method includes receiving, at a first electronic device, a first status alert. In some embodiments, the first status alert is received via a first microphone of the first electronic device. In some embodiments, the first electronic device includes the first microphone and a first speaker. In some embodiments, the first status alert was generated using a second speaker of a second electronic device. In some embodiments, the method includes outputting, using the first speaker of the first electronic device, a second status alert. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving, at a third electronic device, the second status alert. In some embodiments, the third electronic device includes a third microphone and a third2ACTIVE 716953793v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-012301 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214158-WOElectronically Filed: December 2. 2025 speaker. In some embodiments, the method includes determining, by the third electronic device, a status of the first electronic device using the second status alert and the first status alert.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first status alert is generated using the second speaker at a frequency that is not audible to a human.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first status alert is an indication of an error condition of the first electronic device.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first status alert is an indication of a control operation requested by a user.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first electronic device is not connected to a communications network.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method includes sending, by the third electronic device, the second status alert to a remote server.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method includes receiving, by the third electronic device, a command from the remote server.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method includes generating, by the third electronic device, a command alert from the third speaker, the command alert including one or more actions to be performed by the first electronic device.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] References are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this disclosure and that illustrate embodiments in which the systems and methods described in this Specification can be practiced.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for a location that includes a plurality of electronic devices, according to some embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the system of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an example deployment of the system of FIG. 1 in a residence, according to some embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method, according to some embodiments.3ACTIVE 716953793v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-012301 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214158-WOElectronically Filed: December 2. 2025

[0029] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a client device showing an example embodiment of a client device that may be used within the present disclosure.

[0030] Like reference numbers represent the same or similar parts throughout.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] A structure, such as a residence or the like, can have a number of different electronic devices. For example, a structure can include a dishwasher, washing machine, dry er, microwave, oven, smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, air conditioner or furnace (or other heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment), security monitors (e.g., camera, motion detector, or the like), water monitor, or any combination thereof. Many of these devices may communicate with a hub or network device. Typically, the devices function separately and often are not able to communicate with each other due to utilization of different communication protocols. In some cases, an electronic device may not have a graphical user interface (GUI) or may not be connected to a communications network. As such, there may be errors or other status information for a particular device that a user can only determine by going to the specific device.

[0032] Embodiments of this disclosure enable the various electronic devices to communicate through audible messages so that any errors, malfunctions, status updates, or combinations thereof, can be shared with a user, a technician, a dealer, or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the computing devices can rely upon a combination of microphones and speakers to emit and receive audible messages. In some embodiments, the audible messages can be emitted at a frequency that is not audible to the human ear. As a result, while the user will be able to utilize the information, the user may not hear the communications as they occur, instead enjoying the benefits of the communication but without an increased noise level.

[0033] In some embodiments, the communications can utilize audible tones that the various devices already output. For example, if a washing machine emits an audible tone upon completion of a washing cycle, a dryer (or other electronic device whose microphone is able to pick up the audible tone) can capture that indication and emit a message to another electronic device so that ultimately a user is able to receive a notification on. for example, the user's mobile device, so the user can take some action such as removing the finished clothes from the washing machine.4ACTIVE 716953793v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-012301 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214158-WOElectronically Filed: December 2. 2025

[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 100 for a location that includes a plurality of electronic devices, according to some embodiments. As previously mentioned, the location can be a structure such as, but not limited to, a residence or the like. It is to be appreciated that a residence is intended as an example and other types of structures such as commercial or industrial structures can utilize the system 100, according to some embodiments.

[0035] As illustrated, the system 100 includes a first electronic device 102, a second electronic device 104, and a third electronic device 106. It is to be appreciated that the system 100 can include fewer or additional electronic devices. For example, more than one of the first electronic device 102, the second electronic device 104, and the third electronic device 106 can be present.

[0036] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a network 108. One or more of the first electronic device 102, the second electronic device 104, or the third electronic device 106 can be in electronic communication with the network 108. In some embodiments, at least one of the first electronic device 102, the second electronic device 104, or the third electronic device 106 is not connected in electronic communication with the network 108. In some embodiments, the first electronic device 102, the second electronic device 104, or the third electronic device 106 can be representative of an electronic device such as, but not limited to, a dishwasher, washing machine, dry er, microwave, oven, smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, air conditioner or furnace (or other heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment), security monitors (e.g., camera, motion detector, or the like), water monitor, or any combination thereof.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the first electronic device 102 can be representative of an electronic device that does not include a display and thus does not include a graphical user interface (GUI). The first electronic device 102 includes at least a speaker 110 and a microphone 112.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the second electronic device 104 can be representative of an electronic device that includes a display 114, a speaker 116, and a microphone 118. In some embodiments, the second electronic device 104 further includes a network input / output 120 for electronically communicating with the network 108. It is to be appreciated that the communication with the network 108 via the output 120 can be via a wired or a wireless connection. In some embodiments, the output 120 can include a radio that communicates directly with a network such as, but not limited to, a cellular network instead of a local wireless network.5ACTIVE 716953793v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-012301 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214158-WOElectronically Filed: December 2. 2025

[0039] In some embodiments, the second electronic device 104 can be a controller. The controller can, for example, control operation of one or more systems within the system 100. In some embodiments, the second electronic device 104 can be a thermostat. In some embodiments, the second electronic device 104 can be a security panel. In some embodiments, the second electronic device 104 can be a controller that controls multiple home systems including HVAC systems and security' systems.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the third electronic device 106 can be representative of an electronic device that includes a display 122, a speaker 124, and a microphone 126. In some embodiments, the third electronic device 106 may not include a network input / output and thus may not be able to directly communicate with the network 108.

[0041] Considering the features of the first electronic device 102. the second electronic device 104, and the third electronic device 106, it may typically be possible for the second electronic device 104 to communicate with a remote device such as server 128 via the network 108. In some embodiments, the first electronic device 102 and the third electronic device 106 may not ty pically be able to communicate with the server 128 via the network 108.

[0042] The first electronic device 102, the second electronic device 104, and the third electronic device 106 each include a speaker and a microphone. As a result, the first electronic device 102 the second electronic device 104 and the third electronic device 106 may be able to communicate with each other through audible messages. In some embodiments, the audible messages may be audible at a frequency that is not audible to the human ear. As a result, the first electronic device 102, the second electronic device 104, and the third electronic device 106 may be able to communicate with one or more of the other electronic devices and ultimately be able to communicate with the server 128 via the network 108 because of the communication with the second electronic device 104.

[0043] In some embodiments, the system 100 and the server 128 may be connected to one or more systems such as, but not limited to, a service agent, an installation agent, a dealer, or any combination thereof. Additionally, in some embodiments, the server 128 may be able to communicate with a user device 130 so that a user can monitor status of their equipment within the system 100. In some embodiments, the server 128 may be connected with the user device 130 but not a remote system. In some embodiments, the server 128 may be connected with the remote system but not the user device 130. In some embodiments, the server 128 may be connected with both the remote system and the user device 130.6ACTIVE 716953793v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-012301 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214158-WOElectronically Filed: December 2. 2025

[0044] In some embodiments, in addition to receiving status updates and other diagnostic information using the audible communications, a user, technician, or the like, may be able to provide a command back to control the first electronic device 102. the second electronic device 104, the third electronic device 106, or any combination thereof. For example, if the user receives an indication that the first electronic device 102 output an error message indicating a loss of power to the first electronic device 102 during execution of a command or process, the user may be able to instruct the first electronic device 102 to restart the command or process. For example, if the first electronic device 102 is an oven and the oven lost power during preheating, the user may be able to instruct the oven to restart the preheating process. It is to be appreciated that this is one example and that other examples are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] In some embodiments, the system 100 can include additional devices such as, but not limited to, environment sensors 132 such as those that may be employed in an HVAC system. In some embodiments, the environment sensors may also include a speaker 134 and a microphone 136 to relay the communications from the first electronic device 102, the second electronic device 104, the third electronic device 106, or any combination thereof, since these environment sensors 132 are typically distributed throughout a structure.

[0046] In some embodiments, a user may also be able to communicate directly with one of the first electronic device 102, the second electronic device 104, or the third electronic device 106 to provide a command for another of the first electronic device 102. the second electronic device 104, or the third electronic device 106. For example, a user may be located in a room separate from the device the user wants to control. In such embodiments, the user may be able to issue a voice command (without interacting with the user device 130) to the first electronic device 102 and the first electronic device 102 can emit a sound from the speaker 110 which is received by the microphone 1 18 of the second electronic device 104 and causes the second electronic device 104 to start, stop, or otherwise control a process of the second electronic device 104.

[0047] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the system 100, according to some embodiments. In the illustrated figure, the first electronic device 102 and the second electronic device 104 are shown communicating a message, according to some embodiments.

[0048] FIG. 2 illustrates the first electronic device 102 and the second electronic device 104. It is to be appreciated that the first electronic device 102 and the third electronic device 1067ACTIVE 716953793v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-012301 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214158-WOElectronically Filed: December 2. 2025 can communicate in a similar manner or the second electronic device 104 and the third electronic device 106. However, for simplicity of this description, the example of first electronic device 102 and second electronic device 104 will be described.

[0049] In response to an event, the first electronic device 102 can generate an audible alert 202 via the speaker 110. The event can be based on the type of device of the first electronic device 102. For example, if the first electronic device 102 is a washing machine, the event can include a cycle complete audible tone. In some embodiments, the audible tone may be audible to the human ear. In some embodiments, the audible tone may be at a frequency not audible to the human ear.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the second electronic device 104 is located a distance relative to the first electronic device 102 within which the microphone 118 of the second electronic device 104 can identify the audible alert 202. In some embodiments, the distance between the first electronic device 102 and the second electronic device 104 may be based on, or example, an audio capability of the speaker 110 and a sensing capability of the microphone 118. As discussed above relative to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the audible alert 202 can be received by an intermediate device (e.g., the third electronic device 106, another of the first electronic device 102, or combinations thereof) and then passed to the second electronic device 104.

[0051] In some embodiments, the second electronic device 104 may be able to send the alert 202 as alert 204 via the output 120 to a networked device such as the server 128. In some embodiments, the alert 204 can communicate that the first electronic device 102 is the source of the alert or can be communicate that the second electronic device 104 is not the source of the alert and is just passing the alert along. The alert 204 can then be received by the server 128 and can be deciphered by the server 128. In some embodiments, the second electronic device 104 can decipher the alert 202 and not need to issue the alert 204.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first electronic device 102 can additionally or alternatively be configured to display a message on the display 114.

[0053] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an example deployment of the sy stem 100 in a residence 300, according to some embodiments. It is to be appreciated that the system 100 can be deployed in structures other than the residence 300, such as, but not limited to, a commercial, industrial, other type of structure, or any combination thereof.8ACTIVE 716953793v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-012301 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214158-WOElectronically Filed: December 2. 2025

[0054] The residence 300 includes a plurality of rooms 302. Throughout the residence 300 are various electronic devices. For example, in a lower level 304, the residence 300 includes a leak detector 306 and a humidity sensor 308. In an upper level 310, the residence 300 includes a controller 312 and a communication device 314.

[0055] In some embodiments, the leak detector 306 can be configured to detect a water leak. In response to detecting presence of water. It is to be appreciated that the specifics of the operation of the leak detector 306 are not critical to this disclosure and thus are not disclosed in further detail.

[0056] In some embodiments, the humidity sensor 308 can be configured to detect an amount of moisture in the ambient air in the lower level 304. It is to be appreciated that the specifics of the operation of the humidity sensor 308 are not critical to this disclosure and thus are not disclosed in further detail.

[0057] In some embodiments, the controller 312 can be configured to control one or more components of systems within the residence 300. For example, the controller 312 can be configured to control an HVAC system for the residence 300. In some embodiments, the controller 312 can be a thermostat or the like. In some embodiments, the controller 312 can control devices in addition to the HVAC system. For example, the controller 312 can control window shades or coverings, garage door openers, or the like.

[0058] In some embodiments, the leak detector 306 may be configured to generate an audible alert in response to detecting the presence of water. In some embodiments, the audible alert can be at a frequency that is capable of being picked up by the human ear. In some embodiments, the leak detector 306 can output multiple alerts, one at an audible level to humans and one that is not audible to the human ear. In some embodiments, the humidity sensor 308 includes a microphone that can identify the alert generated by the leak detector 306. The humidify’ sensor 308 can identify the alert in either frequency. That is, regardless of the frequency output by the leak detector 306, the humidify' sensor 308 can receive the alert.

[0059] In some embodiments, the humidity sensor 308 can be configured to output an alert in response to receiving the alert from the leak detector 306. In some embodiments, the humidity sensor 308 can output the alert at a frequency that is not audible to the human ear. That is, in some embodiments, a human may be able to hear the alert from the leak detector 306 but not hear the alert issued from the humidify' sensor 308.9ACTIVE 716953793v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-012301 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214158-WOElectronically Filed: December 2. 2025

[0060] In some embodiments, the controller 312 includes a microphone that can identify the alert generated by the humidify sensor 308. In this example, the controller 312 may be able to receive the alert from the humidity sensor 308 but may not be able to directly receive the alert from the leak detector 306. In some embodiments, the controller 312 may be able to pick up the alert directly from the leak detector 306.

[0061] In some embodiments, the controller 312 can be configured to determine a status of the leak detector 306 based on the alert received. In some embodiments, the controller 312 may be able to send a command back to the leak detector 306 via audible tones passed through the humidity sensor 308 in the reverse manner by which the alert was received at the controller 312. In some embodiments, the controller 312 may be in electronic communication with the communication device 314 and can communicate with an external server (e g., server 128 of FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the 312 can provide the alert to the server, which can then communicate with a user device (e.g., the user device 130 of FIG. 1). In some embodiments, a user may be able to send a command back to the leak detector 306 via the server and the reverse of the communication pathway.

[0062] In some embodiments, the alert does not have to indicate an error condition. In some embodiments, the alert can simply be a status update for the system or a state change. For example, in some embodiments, the alert can be a battery status update, a current temperature, combinations thereof, or the like.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method 400, according to some embodiments. The method 400 can be performed to accomplish communication between one or more electronic devices. In some embodiments, the method 400 can be performed using the system 100 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the method 400 can be performed in the residence 300 (FIG. 3). It is to be appreciated that the method 400 can be used in other implementations in accordance with the principles of this disclosure.

[0064] At block 402, the method 400 includes receiving, at a first electronic device, a first status alert. In some embodiments, the first status alert is received via a first microphone of the first electronic device. In some embodiments, the first status alert was generated using a second speaker of a second electronic device. In some embodiments, the first status alert can be a chime or other tone. In some embodiments, the first status alert can be inaudible to a human.10ACTIVE 716953793v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-012301 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214158-WOElectronically Filed: December 2. 2025

[0065] At block 404, the method 400 includes outputting, using a first speaker of the first electronic device, a second status alert. In some embodiments, the second status alert is generated using the information received from the first status alert. As such, the second status alert can be descriptive of the first status alert.

[0066] At block 406. the method 400 includes receiving, at a third electronic device, the second status alert. In some embodiments, the third electronic device includes a microphone and a speaker.

[0067] At block 408, the method 400 includes, determining, by the third electronic device, a status of the first electronic device using the second status alert. In some embodiments, the second status alert is the same as the first status alert. In some embodiments, the second status alert is descriptive of the first status alert. In some embodiments, the third electronic device can decode the status of the first electronic device even though the two electronic devices are not in direct electronic communication.

[0068] Additionally, in some embodiments, the third electronic device can communicate with the first electronic device indirectly through the second electronic device using the audible communications.

[0069] In some embodiments, the third electronic device can issue a command back to the first electronic device by projecting an audible command, which gets passed through the second electronic device in the same manner that the third electronic device received the information about the status of the first electronic device.

[0070] In some embodiments, the third electronic device can be in communication with a remote server such as a cloud-based server. In such embodiments, the third electronic device can decode the status directly, can send the second status alert to the remote server, or a combination thereof.

[0071] In some embodiments, the third electronic device can receive the command to be issued from the remote server.

[0072] In some embodiments, the audible communications can enable interaction between devices that otherwise may be unable to communicate. Additionally, in some embodiments, the audible communications can enable one or more devices that are not capable of connecting to a remote server to be in electronic communication with the remote server.11ACTIVE 716953793v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-012301 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214158-WOElectronically Filed: December 2. 2025

[0073] In some embodiments, usage of audible alerts can avoid a requirement of communication protocol management as the audible tones can be used independently of whether the electronic devices can electronically communicate with each other.

[0074] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a client device showing an example embodiment of a client device that may be used within the present disclosure. Client device 500 may include many more or less components than those shown in FIG. 5. However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrative embodiment for implementing the present disclosure. Client device 500 may represent, for example, first electronic device 102, second electronic device 104, or third electronic device 106 discussed above at least in relation to FIG. 1.

[0075] As shown in the figure, in some embodiments. Client device 500 includes a processing unit (CPU) 522 in communication with a mass memory 530 via a bus 524. Client device 500 also includes a power supply 526, one or more network interfaces 550, an audio interface 552, a display 554, a keypad 556, an illuminator 558, an input / output interface 560, a haptic interface 562, an optional global positioning systems (GPS) receiver 564 and a camera(s) or other optical, thermal or electromagnetic sensors 566. Device 500 can include one camera / sensor 566, or a plurality of cameras / sensors 766, as understood by those of skill in the art. Power supply 526 provides power to Client device 500.

[0076] Client device 500 may optionally communicate with a base station (not shown), or directly with another computing device. In some embodiments, network interface 550 is sometimes known as a transceiver, transceiving device, or network interface card (NIC).

[0077] Audio interface 552 is arranged to produce and receive audio signals such as the sound of a human voice in some embodiments. Display 554 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), gas plasma, light emitting diode (LED), or any other type of display used with a computing device. Display 554 may also include a touch sensitive screen arranged to receive input from an object such as a stylus or a digit from a human hand.

[0078] Keypad 556 may include any input device arranged to receive input from a user. Illuminator 558 may provide a status indication and / or provide light.

[0079] Client device 500 also includes input / output interface 560 for communicating with external. Input / output interface 560 can utilize one or more communication technologies, such12ACTIVE 716953793v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-012301 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214158-WOElectronically Filed: December 2. 2025 as USB, infrared, Bluetooth™, or the like in some embodiments. Haptic interface 562 is arranged to provide tactile feedback to a user of the client device.

[0080] Optional GPS transceiver 566 can determine the physical coordinates of Client device 500 on the surface of the Earth, which typically outputs a location as latitude and longitude values. GPS transceiver 764 can also employ other geo-positioning mechanisms, including, but not limited to, triangulation, assisted GPS (AGPS), E-OTD, CI, SAI, ETA, BSS or the like, to further determine the physical location of client device 500 on the surface of the Earth. In one embodiment, however, Client device 500 may through other components, provide other information that may be employed to determine a physical location of the device, including for example, a MAC address, Internet Protocol (IP) address, or the like.

[0081] Mass memory 530 includes a RAM 532, a ROM 534, and other storage means. Mass memory 530 illustrates another example of computer storage media for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Mass memory7530 stores a basic input / output system (“BIOS”) 740 for controlling low-level operation of Client device 500. The mass memory also stores an operating system 541 for controlling the operation of Client device 500.

[0082] Memory 530 further includes one or more data stores, which can be utilized by’ Client device 500 to store, among other things, applications 542 and / or other information or data. For example, data stores may be employed to store information that describes various capabilities of Client device 500. The information may then be provided to another device based on any of a variety of events, including being sent as part of a header (e.g., index file of the HLS stream) during a communication, sent upon request, or the like. At least a portion of the capability information may’ also be stored on a disk drive or other storage medium (not shown) within Client device 500.

[0083] Applications 542 may include computer executable instructions which, when executed by Client device 500, transmit, receive, and / or otherwise process audio, video, images, and enable telecommunication with a server and / or another user of another client device. Applications 542 may further include a client that is configured to send, to receive, and / or to otherwise process gaming, goods / services and / or other forms of data, messages and content.

[0084] As used herein, the terms “computer engine” and “engine” identify at least one softw are component and / or a combination of at least one softw are component and at least one hardw are13ACTIVE 716953793v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-012301 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214158-WOElectronically Filed: December 2. 2025 component which are designed / programmed / configured to manage / control other software and / or hardware components (such as the libraries, software development kits (SDKs), objects, and the like).

[0085] Examples of hardware elements may include processors, microprocessors, circuits, circuit elements (e.g., transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, and so forth), integrated circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic devices (PLD), digital signal processors (DSP), field programmable gate array (FPGA), logic gates, registers, semiconductor device, chips, microchips, chip sets, and so forth. In some embodiments, the one or more processors may be implemented as a Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC) or Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) processors; x86 instruction set compatible processors, multi-core, or any other microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU). In various implementations, the one or more processors may be dual-core processor(s), dual-core mobile processor(s), and so forth.

[0086] Computer-related systems, computer systems, and systems, as used herein, include any combination of hardware and software. Examples of software may include software components, programs, applications, operating system software, middleware, firmware, software modules, routines, subroutines, functions, methods, procedures, software interfaces, application program interfaces (API), instruction sets, computer code, computer code segments, words, values, symbols, or any combination thereof. Determining whether an embodiment is implemented using hardware elements and / or software elements may vary in accordance with any number of factors, such as desired computational rate, power levels, heat tolerances, processing cycle budget, input data rates, output data rates, memory resources, data bus speeds and other design or performance constraints.

[0087] For the purposes of this disclosure a module is a software, hardware, or firmware (or combinations thereof) system, process or functionality, or component thereof, that performs or facilitates the processes, features, and / or functions described herein (with or without human interaction or augmentation). A module can include sub-modules. Software components of a module may be stored on a computer readable medium for execution by a processor. Modules may be integral to one or more servers, or be loaded and executed by one or more servers. One or more modules may be grouped into an engine or an application.

[0088] One or more aspects of at least one embodiment may be implemented by representative instructions stored on a machine-readable medium which represents various logic within the14ACTIVE 716953793v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-012301 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214158-WOElectronically Filed: December 2. 2025 processor, which when read by a machine causes the machine to fabricate logic to perform the techniques described herein. Such representations, known as “IP cores,” may be stored on a tangible, machine readable medium and supplied to various customers or manufacturing facilities to load into the fabrication machines that make the logic or processor. Of note, various embodiments described herein may, of course, be implemented using any appropriate hardware and / or computing software languages (e.g., C++, Objective-C, Swift, Java, JavaScript, Python, Perl, QT, and the like).

[0089] For example, exemplary software specifically programmed in accordance with one or more principles of the present disclosure may be downloadable from a network, for example, a website, as a stand-alone product or as an add-in package for installation in an existing software application. For example, exemplary software specifically programmed in accordance with one or more principles of the present disclosure may also be available as a client-server software application, or as a web-enabled software application. For example, exemplary software specifically programmed in accordance with one or more principles of the present disclosure may also be embodied as a software package installed on a hardware device.

[0090] For the purposes of this disclosure the term “user”, “subscriber” “consumer” or “customer” should be understood to refer to a user of an application or applications as described herein and / or a consumer of data supplied by a data provider. By w ay of example, and not limitation, the term “user” or “subscriber” can refer to a person who receives data provided by the data or service provider over the Internet in a browser session, or can refer to an automated software application wftich receives the data and stores or processes the data. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods and systems of the present disclosure may be implemented in many manners and as such are not to be limited by the foregoing exemplary embodiments and examples. In other words, functional elements being performed by single or multiple components, in various combinations of hardware and software or firmware, and individual functions, may be distributed among software applications at either the client level or server level or both. In this regard, any number of the features of the different embodiments described herein may be combined into single or multiple embodiments, and alternate embodiments having few er than, or more than, all of the features described herein are possible.

[0091] Functionality may also be, in w hole or in part, distributed among multiple components, in manners now known or to become known. Thus, myriad software / hardware / firmware combinations are possible in achieving the functions, features, interfaces, and preferences15ACTIVE 716953793v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-012301 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214158-WOElectronically Filed: December 2. 2025 described herein. Moreover, the scope of the present disclosure covers conventionally known manners for carrying out the described features and functions and interfaces, as well as those variations and modifications that may be made to the hardware or software or firmware components described herein as would be understood by those skilled in the art now and hereafter.

[0092] The terminology used herein is intended to describe embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. The terms "a." “an,” and “the” include the plural forms as well, unless clearly indicated otherwise. The terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this Specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.

[0093] It is to be understood that changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of the construction materials employed and the shape, size, and arrangement of parts without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This Specification and the embodiments described are examples, with the true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the claims that follow.16ACTIVE 716953793v1

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 203863-012301 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214158-WOElectronically Filed: December 2. 2025CLAIMS1. A system comprising: a first electronic device; wherein the first electronic device comprises: a first microphone; and a first speaker; a second electronic device; wherein the second electronic device comprises: a second microphone; and a second speaker; a controller, wherein the controller comprises: a third microphone; and a third speaker; wherein in response to a first action, the first microphone is configured to: output a first status alert via the first speaker; wherein at least one of the second microphone or the third microphone receives the first status alert; wherein in response to the second microphone receiving the first status alert from the first microphone, the second speaker is configured to: output the first status alert via the second speaker; wherein the third microphone receives the first status alert from the second speaker; and in response to the third microphone receiving the first status alert from the second speaker, the controller is configured to: determine a status of the first electronic device based on the first status alert; wherein in response to the third microphone receiving the first status alert from the first speaker, the controller is configured to: determine a status of the first electronic device based on the first status alert.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first status alert is projected at a frequency not audible to a human.17ACTIVE 716953793v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-012301 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214158-WOElectronically Filed: December 2. 20253. The system of claim 1, wherein the first status alert is an indication of an error condition of the first electronic device.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first status alert is an indication of a change in an operating condition of the first electromc device.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first status alert is an indication of a control operation requested by a user.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first electronic device is not connected to a communications network.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is onboard a third electronic device.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to communicate the status of the first electronic device to a remote server.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the remote server is configured to be in electronic communication with a user device and configured to provide the status of the first electronic device to the user device.

10. The system of claim 8. wherein the controller is configured to receive a command from the remote server and to output a command alert from the third speaker to the first microphone.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein in response to receiving the command alert from the remote server, the first electronic device is configured to perform an action specified by the command alert.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the first status alert is a chime produced by the first speaker.

13. A method comprising: receiving, at a first electronic device, a first status alert, wherein the first status alert is recerved via a first mrcrophone of the first electronic devrce, the first electronic device including the first microphone and a first speaker, the first status alert having been generated using a second speaker of a second electronic device; outputting, using the first speaker of the first electronic device, a second status alert; receiving, at a third electronic device, the second status alert, wherein the third electronic device includes a third microphone and a third speaker; and determining, by the third electronic device, a status of the first electronic device using the second status alert and the first status alert.18ACTIVE 716953793v1Atorney Docket No. 203863-012301 / PCTResideo Ref. No. R214158-WOElectronically Filed: December 2. 202514. The method of claim 13, wherein the first status alert is generated using the second speaker at a frequency that is not audible to a human.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the first status alert is an indication of an error condition of the first electronic device.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the first status alert is an indication of a control operation requested by a user.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the first electronic device is not connected to a communications network.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising sending, by the third electronic device, the second status alert to a remote server.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising receiving, by the third electronic device, a command from the remote server.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising generating, by the third electronic device, a command alert from the third speaker, the command alert including one or more actions to be performed by the first electronic device.19ACTIVE 716953793v1

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