Patent Description:
The described embodiments generally relate to operation of portable electronic devices to access a remotely controllable device, including identifying a preferred portable electronic device from among the portable electronic devices and transferring ownership of a software implemented access token to the preferred portable electronic device to allow the preferred portable electronic device to access the remotely controllable device.

Key fobs are small programmable hardware devices that can be used to access to automobiles. Key fobs are often designed to fit in the palm of a person's hand providing a huge convenience for automobile owners to lock and unlock automobiles at the touch of a button. More advanced key fobs can also allow automobile owners to remotely start automobile ignitions, remotely disarm and arm automobile security systems, remotely open automobile trunks, remotely activate panic alarms installed within automobiles, remotely control windows in automobiles, remotely fold in exterior mirrors in automobiles, remotely adjust interior seating in automobiles, and even operate the automobiles themselves. As more automobile owners have access to mobile electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablet computers, and/or smartwatches to provide an example, software applications have been developed for these mobile electronic devices to emulate the functionality of these key fobs. <CIT> discloses a method including receiving a request, at a server, to grant e-keys to a recipient for use of a vehicle, the vehicle being pre-associated to a user account. The method further includes generating a unique access code, at the server, in response to receiving the request. The method then encrypts the access code, at the server, using a vehicle public key associated with the vehicle, the vehicle public key is associated with the user account. The method includes sending the encrypted access code to the recipient for receipt by a device of the recipient. The encrypted access code is defined for transmission to the vehicle by way of the device of the recipient, and the encrypted access code is associated with instructions to cause the vehicle to decrypt the access code using a private key of the vehicle and to transmit the access code after decryption back to the device of the recipient along with privilege settings for the use of the vehicle.

Preferred advantageous embodiments thereof are defined by the sub-features of the dependent claims.

Some embodiments of this disclosure describe a first portable electronic device for accessing a remotely controllable device. The first portable electronic device includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores a token indicator indicating ownership of a software implemented access token to access the remotely controllable device. The processor executes instructions stored in the memory. The instructions, when executed by the processor, configure the processor to collect information relating to one or more parameters, characteristics, or attributes of multiple portable electronic devices, evaluate the information to identify a preferred portable electronic device to access the remotely controllable device from among multiple portable electronic devices, and transfer ownership of the software implemented access token to a second portable electronic device from among multiple portable electronic devices in response to identifying the second portable electronic device as being the preferred portable electronic device to access the remotely controllable device.

In some embodiments, the first portable electronic device can include a smartphone, and the second portable electronic device can include a smartwatch.

In some embodiments, the first portable electronic device can include a first smartphone and the second portable electronic device can include a second smartphone.

In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the processor, can further configure the processor to scan for the remotely controllable device, and stop scanning for the remotely controllable device in response to transferring the ownership of the software implemented access token.

In some embodiments, the one or more parameters, characteristics, or attributes of multiple portable electronic devices can include one or more signal characteristics of one or more electronic signals associated with the first portable electronic device, the second portable electronic device, or the remotely controllable device. In some embodiments, the one or more signal characteristics can include a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) of an electronic signal being transmitted by the remotely controllable device indicating that the first portable electronic device is in communication range of the remotely controllable device.

In some embodiments, the one or more parameters, characteristics, or attributes of multiple portable electronic devices can include one or more portable electronic device characteristics relating to the configuration or operation of the remotely controllable device or multiple portable electronic devices. In some embodiments, the one or more portable electronic device characteristics can include motion of the first portable electronic device or the second portable device relative to the remotely controllable device.

In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the processor, configure the processor to identify the second portable electronic device as being the preferred portable electronic device when the information indicates the second portable electronic device is in motion relative to the remotely controllable device and is within communication range of the remotely controllable device.

In some embodiments, the remotely controllable device can include a vehicle.

Some embodiments of this disclosure describe a method for accessing a remotely controllable device. The method includes collecting information relating to one or more parameters, characteristics, or attributes of multiple portable electronic devices; evaluating the information to identify a preferred portable electronic device to access the remotely controllable device from among multiple portable electronic devices; and transferring ownership of a software implemented access token to a second portable electronic device from among multiple portable electronic devices in response to identifying the second portable electronic device as being the preferred portable electronic device.

In some embodiments, the method can include scanning for the remotely controllable device, and stopping the scanning for the remotely controllable device in response to transferring the ownership of the software implemented access token.

In some embodiments, the evaluating includes identifying the second portable electronic device as being the preferred portable electronic device when the information indicates the second portable electronic device is in motion relative to the remotely controllable device and is within communication range of the remotely controllable device.

Some embodiments of this disclosure describe a smartphone for accessing a vehicle. The smartphone can include a memory and a processor. The memory can store a token indicator indicating ownership of a software implemented access token to access the vehicle. The processor can collect information relating to one or more parameters, characteristics, or attributes of the vehicle and a smartwatch, evaluate the information to identify whether the smartphone or the smartwatch is to access the vehicle, and transfer ownership of the software implemented access token to the smartwatch in response to identifying the smartwatch is to access the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the processor can identify the smartwatch is to access the vehicle when the information indicates the smartwatch is in motion relative to the vehicle and is within communication range of the vehicle.

This Summary is provided merely for purposes of illustrating some embodiments to provide an understanding of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter in this disclosure. Other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate the disclosure and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the disclosure and enable a person of skill in the relevant art(s) to make and use the disclosure.

The disclosure is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, generally, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

Multiple portable electronic devices within an exemplary system functionally cooperate amongst themselves to access a remotely controllable device. These portable electronic devices execute exemplary prioritization routines to identify a preferred portable electronic device from among the portable electronic devices to access the remotely controllable device. Thereafter, the exemplary system transfers ownership of a software implemented access token to the preferred portable electronic device to allow the preferred portable electronic device to access the remotely controllable device.

<FIG> graphically illustrates an exemplary system in accordance with various embodiments. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, an exemplary system <NUM> selectively controls access to a remotely controllable device. As to be described in further detail below, portable electronic devices within the exemplary system <NUM> functionally cooperate amongst themselves to access the remotely controllable device. These portable electronic devices execute exemplary prioritization routines to identify a preferred portable electronic device from among the portable electronic devices to access the remotely controllable device. Thereafter, the exemplary system <NUM> transfers ownership of a software implemented access token to the preferred portable electronic device to allow the preferred portable electronic device to access the remotely controllable device. As illustrated in <FIG>, the exemplary system <NUM> includes a remotely controllable device <NUM> and portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. Generally, the remotely controllable device <NUM> represents any suitable electrical, mechanical, and/or electro-mechanical device that can be accessed using the teachings herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, this suitable electrical, mechanical, and/or electro-mechanical device can include a vehicle, such as an automobile, a bus, a camper, a boat, an airplane, and/or a helicopter to provide some examples, a security system, an electronic door lock, an electronic garage door opener, an electronic gate, an elevator, and/or a lighting system to provide some examples.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n functionally cooperate amongst themselves to access the remotely controllable device <NUM>. As to be described in further detail below, the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n execute exemplary prioritization routines to identify a preferred portable electronic device from among the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n, where the preferred portable electronic device is transferred ownership of a software implemented access token to access the remotely controllable device <NUM>. In some embodiments, one or more of the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n simultaneously, or near-simultaneously, execute the prioritization routines to identify the preferred portable electronic device. As part of these exemplary prioritization routines, each of the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n can collect information relating to one or more parameters, characteristics, and/or attributes of the remotely controllable device <NUM> and/or the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. In some embodiments, the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n can poll the remotely controllable device <NUM> and/or one another to provide their information. In some embodiments, the one or more parameters, characteristics, and/or attributes can be related to one or more signal characteristics, such as one or more signal parameters, for example, received signal strengths, transmitted signal strengths, signal to noise ratios (SNRs), and/or signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratios (SINRs) of various electronic signals within the exemplary system <NUM>; and/or one or more portable electronic device characteristics relating to the configuration and/or operation of the remotely controllable device <NUM> and/or the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n, such as motions, battery charge, battery capacities, communication capabilities, for example, Wi-Fi communication capabilities, Bluetooth communication capabilities, and/or near field communication capabilities (NFC), usages including video, audio, and/or data transmissions, or operating states including low power mode or screen-on.

After collecting the information, the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n can evaluate the information to identify the preferred portable electronic device to access the remotely controllable device <NUM>. In some embodiments, each of the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n can compare the information collected from the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n with one another to identify the preferred portable electronic device. For example, the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n can compare the information to identify the preferred portable electronic device as being a portable electronic device from among the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n whose portable electronic device characteristics indicate that it is in motion and/or whose signal characteristics indicate that it within communication range of the remotely controllable device <NUM> when compare to other connections of other portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. Once the preferred portable electronic device has been identified, the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n transfer ownership of the software implemented access token to the preferred portable electronic device to access the remotely controllable device <NUM>. In some embodiments, a portable electronic device which presently has ownership of the software implemented access token from among the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n can retain the software implemented access token when this portable electronic device continues to be identified as the preferred portable electronic device to access the remotely controllable device <NUM>. In some embodiments, this transfer of ownership can be in the form of a push whereby a previous preferred portable electronic device from among the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n that presently has ownership of the software implemented access token, but is no longer identified as the preferred portable electronic device, transfers ownership of the software implemented access token to the preferred portable electronic device. In some embodiments, this transfer of ownership can be in the form of a pull whereby the preferred portable electronic device transfers ownership of the software implemented access token from the previous preferred portable electronic device to itself.

After ownership of the software implemented access token has been established, the preferred portable electronic device establishes a communication session, for example, a secure connection, with the remotely controllable device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the preferred portable electronic device scans the exemplary system <NUM> for the remotely controllable device <NUM>. Upon discovering the remotely controllable device <NUM>, the preferred portable electronic device sends one or more digital credentials for comparison with one or more corresponding digital credentials stored within to the remotely controllable device <NUM> for authorization and/or authentication. The one or more digital credentials can represent one or more unique identifiers that are associated with: one or more of the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n, such as one or more Media Access Control (MAC) addresses or one or more Internet Protocol (IP) addresses; one or more users of the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n, such as one or more usernames and/or one or more passwords; the remotely controllable device <NUM>, such as a vehicle identification number (VIN), and/or any combination thereof. Alternatively, or in addition to, the one or more digital credentials can represent a public security key and/or a private security key that can be generated and disseminated using any well-known cryptographic algorithm that will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. After the remotely controllable device <NUM> authorizes and/or authenticates the preferred portable electronic device using the one or more digital credentials, the remotely controllable device <NUM> establishes the communication session allowing the preferred portable electronic device, which has ownership of the software implemented access token, to access the remotely controllable device <NUM>.

After the communication session has been established between the remotely controllable device <NUM> and the preferred portable electronic device, the remotely controllable device <NUM> can execute one or more predesignated actions. In some embodiments, the one or more predesignated actions can represent one or more passive actions and/or one or more active actions. The one or more passive actions can represent one or more actions performed by the remotely controllable device <NUM> without explicit commands being provided by the preferred portable electronic device. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more passive actions can include the remotely controllable device <NUM> scanning for a location of the preferred portable electronic device within the exemplary system <NUM>. In these embodiments, once the preferred portable electronic device is within a predetermined range from the remotely controllable device <NUM>, the remotely controllable device <NUM> can perform one or more passive actions, such as activating the remotely controllable device <NUM>, disarming or arming the remotely controllable device <NUM>, unlocking or locking the remotely controllable device <NUM>, and/or adjusting one or more components of the remotely controllable device <NUM>. On the other hand, the one or more active actions can represent one or more actions performed by the remotely controllable device <NUM> using explicit commands being provided by the preferred portable electronic device via the communication session. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more active actions can include the remotely controllable device <NUM> scanning for the location of the preferred portable electronic device within the exemplary system <NUM>. In these embodiments, once the preferred portable electronic device is within the predetermined range from the remotely controllable device <NUM>, the remotely controllable device <NUM> can begin to listen for one or more commands from preferred portable electronic device via the communication session. These one or more commands can include suitable commands to activate the remotely controllable device <NUM>, disarm and/or arm the remotely controllable device, unlock or lock the remotely controllable device <NUM>, control one or more features of the remotely controllable device <NUM>, adjust one or more components of remotely controllable device <NUM>, and even operate the remotely controllable device <NUM> itself to provide some examples.

<FIG> illustrates a flowchart of a first exemplary prioritization routine to identify a preferred portable electronic device within the exemplary system in accordance with various embodiments. The disclosure is not limited to this operational description. Rather, it will be apparent to ordinary persons skilled in the relevant art(s) that other operational control flows are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The following discussion describes an exemplary operational control flow <NUM> to determine a preferred portable electronic device from among multiple portable electronic devices, such as the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n as described above in <FIG>, to access a remotely controllable device, such as the remotely controllable device <NUM> as described above in <FIG>. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the exemplary operational control flow <NUM> can be performed by a portable electronic device, such as one of the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n as described above in <FIG>, which presently has ownership of the software implemented access token to access the remotely controllable device.

At operation <NUM>, the portable electronic device scans an system, such as exemplary system <NUM> as described above, for the remotely controllable device.

At operation <NUM>, the portable electronic device collects information relating to the remotely controllable device from operation <NUM> and/or the multiple portable electronic devices. In some embodiments, the portable electronic device can perform operation <NUM> in parallel, namely, simultaneously, with operation <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the portable electronic device can collect information relating to one or more parameters, characteristics, and/or attributes of the remotely controllable device and/or the multiple portable electronic devices. In some embodiments, the one or more parameters, characteristics, and/or attributes can be related to one or more signal characteristics, such as one or more signal parameters, for example, received signal strengths, transmitted signal strengths, signal to noise ratios (SNRs), and/or signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratios (SINRs); and/or one or more portable electronic device characteristics, such as motions, battery capacities, communication capabilities, for example, Wi-Fi communication capabilities, Bluetooth communication capabilities, and/or near field communication capabilities (NFC), usages including video, audio, and/or data transmissions, or operating states including low power mode or screen-on. In some embodiments, the portable electronic device can poll the remotely controllable device and/or the multiple portable electronic devices to provide the information.

At operation <NUM>, the portable electronic device, which presently has ownership of the software implemented access token, determines whether it is the preferred portable electronic device from among the multiple portable electronic devices from the information from operation <NUM>. In some embodiments, the portable electronic device compares the information from operation <NUM> collected from the remotely controllable device from operation <NUM> and/or the multiple portable electronic devices with one another to determine whether it is the preferred portable electronic device. The portable electronic device proceeds to operation <NUM> to transfer ownership of the software implemented access token when the portable electronic device determines it is not the preferred portable electronic device. Otherwise, the portable electronic device reverts to operation <NUM> to continue to collect the information.

At operation <NUM>, the portable electronic device transfers ownership of the software implemented access token to the preferred portable electronic device. In some embodiments, this transfer of ownership can be in the form of a push whereby the portable electronic device, which presently has ownership of the software implemented access token, transfers ownership of the software implemented access token to the preferred portable electronic device. In some embodiments, the portable electronic device can store an token indicator, such as a software flag to provide an example, indicating whether it has ownership of the software implemented access token. In these embodiments, the portable electronic device can set the token indicator to indicate that it no longer has ownership of the software implemented access token once the ownership of the software implemented access token has been transferred to the preferred portable electronic device.

At operation <NUM>, the portable electronic device can optionally stop scanning for the remotely controllable device in response to transferring the ownership of the software implemented access token from operation <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a flowchart of a second exemplary prioritization routine to identify the preferred portable electronic device within the exemplary system in accordance with various embodiments. The disclosure is not limited to this operational description. Rather, it will be apparent to ordinary persons skilled in the relevant art(s) that other operational control flows are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The following discussion describes an exemplary operational control flow <NUM> to determine a preferred portable electronic device from among multiple portable electronic devices, such as the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n as described above in <FIG>, to access a remotely controllable device, such as the remotely controllable device <NUM> as described above in <FIG>. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the exemplary operational control flow <NUM> can be performed by a portable electronic device, such as one of the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n as described above in <FIG>, which presently does not have ownership of the software implemented access token to access the remotely controllable device. The exemplary operational control flow <NUM> shares many substantially similar features as the exemplary operational control flow <NUM> as described above in <FIG>; therefore, only differences between the exemplary operational control flow <NUM> and the exemplary operational control flow <NUM> are to be described in further detail below.

At operation <NUM>, the portable electronic device collects information relating to the remotely controllable device and/or the multiple portable electronic devices in a substantially similar manner as described above in <FIG>.

At operation <NUM>, the portable electronic device, which presently does not have ownership of the software implemented access token, determines whether it is the preferred portable electronic device from among the multiple portable electronic devices from the information from operation <NUM> in a substantially similar manner as described above in <FIG>. The portable electronic device proceeds to operation <NUM> to acquire ownership of the software implemented access token when the portable electronic device determines it is the preferred portable electronic device. Otherwise, the portable electronic device reverts to operation <NUM> to continue to collect the information when it is not the preferred portable electronic device.

At operation <NUM>, the portable electronic device acquires ownership of the software implemented access token from a previously preferred portable electronic device from among the multiple portable electronic devices. In some embodiments, this transfer of ownership can be in the form of a pull whereby the portable electronic device acquires ownership of the software implemented access token from the previously preferred portable electronic device. In some embodiments, the portable electronic device can store an token indicator, such as a software flag to provide an example, indicating whether it has ownership of the software implemented access token. In these embodiments, the portable electronic device can set the token indicator to indicate that it has ownership of the software implemented access token once the ownership of the software implemented access token has been acquired from the previously preferred portable electronic device.

At operation <NUM>, the portable electronic device can start scanning for the remotely controllable device in response to acquiring ownership of the software implemented access token from operation <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary portable electronic device that can be implemented within the exemplary system in accordance with various embodiments. The discussion of <FIG> to follow is to describe a portable electronic device <NUM>. The portable electronic device can represent an exemplary embodiment of one or more of the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n as described above in <FIG>. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the portable electronic device <NUM> can include processor circuitry <NUM>, physical layer (PHY) circuitry <NUM>, a communication infrastructure <NUM>, and a memory <NUM>. The portable electronic device <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> can be implemented as a standalone, or a discrete device, and/or can be incorporated within or coupled to another electrical device, or host device, such as a wireless communication device, a smart phone, a laptop computing device, a desktop computing device, a tablet computing device, a personal assistant device, a monitor, a television, a wearable device, and/or any other suitable electronic device that will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the processor circuitry <NUM> can include, or can be, any of a microprocessor, graphics processing unit, or digital signal processor, and their electronic processing equivalents, such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The processor circuitry <NUM> signifies one or more tangible data and information processing devices that physically transform data and information, typically using a sequence transformation, also referred to as an operational control flow, such as the operational control flow <NUM> as described above in <FIG> and/or the operational control flow <NUM> as described above in <FIG>. Data and information can be physically represented by an electrical, magnetic, optical or acoustical signal that is capable of being stored, accessed, transferred, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated by the processor circuitry <NUM>. The processor circuitry <NUM> can signify a singular processor and multi-core systems or multi-processor arrays, including graphic processing units, digital signal processors, digital processors or combinations of these elements.

The PHY circuitry <NUM> includes circuitry and/or control logic to carry out various radio/network protocol and radio control functions that enable communication with one or more radio networks. The radio control functions can include, but are not limited to, signal modulation/demodulation, encoding/decoding, and/or radio frequency shifting to provide some examples. In some embodiments, the PHY circuitry <NUM> can perform Fast-Fourier Transform (FFT), pre-coding, and/or constellation mapping/de-mapping functionality. In some embodiments, the PHY circuitry <NUM> can perform convolution, tail-biting convolution, turbo, Viterbi, and/or Low-Density Parity Check (LDPC) encoding/decoding. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the PHY circuitry <NUM> can connect to and communicate on wireline and/or wireless networks. For example, the PHY circuitry <NUM> can include a wireless subsystem, for example, cellular subsystem, a WLAN subsystem, and/or a Bluetooth subsystem, having various wireless radio transceiver and wireless protocol(s) as will be understood by those skilled in the relevant art(s) without departing from the sprit and scope of the disclosure. The wireless subsystem can include circuitry and/or control logic for connecting to and communicating on wireless networks. The wireless networks can include cellular networks such as, but are not limited to, <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> wireless networks, Long-Term Evolution (LTE) wireless networks, and the like to provide some examples.

The memory <NUM> includes a number of memories including a main random-access memory (RAM), or other volatile storage device, for storage of instructions and data during program execution and/or a read only memory (ROM) in which instructions are stored. The memory <NUM> can provides persistent storage for program and data files, and may include a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive along with associated removable media, a CD-ROM drive, an optical drive, a flash memory, or removable media cartridges. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the memory <NUM> can optionally include an operating system <NUM> and an application <NUM>. In some embodiments, the memory <NUM> stores instructions that when executed by the processor circuitry <NUM> perform the functions described herein, including the prioritization routines described in <FIG>. The operating system <NUM> can be Microsoft's Windows, Sun Microsystems's Solaris, Apple Computer's MacOs, Linux or UNIX to provide some examples. The computer system also typically can include a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) and processor firmware. The operating system, the BIOS, and/or the firmware can be used by the processor circuitry <NUM> to control the PHY circuitry <NUM>, the communication infrastructure <NUM>, and/or the memory <NUM>. In some embodiments, the operating system <NUM> maintains one or more network protocol stacks, such as an Internet Protocol (IP) stack, and/or a cellular protocol stack to provide some examples, that can include a number of logical layers. At corresponding layers of the protocol stack, the operating system <NUM> includes control mechanism and data structures to perform the functions associated with that layer. The application <NUM> can include applications, for example, used by the portable electronic device <NUM> and/or a user of portable electronic device <NUM>. The applications in application <NUM> can include applications such as, but not limited to, Siri, FaceTime, radio streaming, video streaming, remote control, and/or other user applications which will be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art(s) without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

<FIG> graphically illustrates a first heterogeneous exemplary system having one or more smartphones and one or more smartwatches in accordance with various embodiments. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, an exemplary system <NUM> selectively controls access to a remotely controllable device, such as the remotely controllable device <NUM> as described above in <FIG>. As to be described in further detail below, portable electronic devices within the exemplary system <NUM> functionally cooperate amongst themselves to access the remotely controllable device. These portable electronic devices execute exemplary prioritization routines to identify a preferred portable electronic device from among the portable electronic devices to access the remotely controllable device. Thereafter, the exemplary system <NUM> pushes ownership of a software implemented access token to the preferred portable electronic device to allow the preferred portable electronic device to access the remotely controllable device. As illustrated in <FIG>, the exemplary system <NUM> includes the remotely controllable device <NUM>, a smartphone <NUM>, and a smartwatch <NUM> to provide an example. The smartphone <NUM> and the smartwatch <NUM> can represent exemplary embodiments of two of the portable electronic devices from among the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n as described above in <FIG>.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the smartphone <NUM> and the smartwatch <NUM> functionally cooperate amongst themselves to access the remotely controllable device <NUM>. As to be described in further detail below, the smartphone <NUM> and the smartwatch <NUM> execute exemplary prioritization routines to identify a preferred portable electronic device from among the smartphone <NUM> and the smartwatch <NUM> to transfer ownership, if necessary, of a software implemented access token needed to access the remotely controllable device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the smartphone <NUM> and the smartwatch <NUM> simultaneously, or near-simultaneously, execute the prioritization routines to identify the preferred portable electronic device. As part of these exemplary prioritization routines, the smartphone <NUM> and the smartwatch <NUM> can collect information relating to one or more parameters, characteristics, and/or attributes of the remotely controllable device <NUM>, the smartphone <NUM>, and the smartwatch <NUM>. In some embodiments, the one or more parameters, characteristics, and/or attributes can be related to the motions, or the relative motions, of the smartphone <NUM> and the smartwatch <NUM> and/or the communication capabilities, for example, range, of the remotely controllable device <NUM>.

After collecting the information, the smartphone <NUM> and the smartwatch <NUM> can evaluate the information to identify the preferred portable electronic device to access the remotely controllable device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the preferred portable electronic device is identified as a portable electronic device from among the smartphone <NUM> and the smartwatch <NUM> that is in motion relative to the remotely controllable device <NUM> and optionally is in communication range of the remotely controllable device <NUM> as indicated by, for example, Received Signal Strength Indicators (RSSIs) provided by the smartphone <NUM> and the smartwatch <NUM>. In some embodiments, the smartphone <NUM> can be identified as the preferred portable electronic device when the smartphone <NUM> is in motion relative to the remotely controllable device <NUM> and is in communication range of the remotely controllable device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the smartwatch <NUM> can be identified as the preferred portable electronic device when, the smartphone <NUM> is stationary, or near-stationary, to relative to the remotely controllable device <NUM> and the smartwatch <NUM> is in motion relative to the remotely controllable device <NUM>, for example, towards the remotely controllable device <NUM>, and is in communication range of the remotely controllable device <NUM>. Once the preferred portable electronic device has been identified, the smartphone <NUM> and/or the smartwatch <NUM> transfer ownership of the software implemented access token to the preferred portable electronic device to access the remotely controllable device <NUM>. In some embodiments, this transfer of ownership can be in the form of a push whereby a previous preferred portable electronic device from among the smartphone <NUM> and the smartwatch <NUM> that presently has ownership of the software implemented access token, but is no longer identified as the preferred portable electronic device, transfers ownership of the software implemented access token to the preferred portable electronic device. In some embodiments, the smartphone <NUM>, which presently has ownership of the software implemented access token, pushes the ownership of the software implemented access token to the smartwatch <NUM> in response to the smartwatch <NUM> being identified as the preferred portable electronic device. After ownership of the software implemented access token is transferred, the preferred portable electronic device accesses the remotely controllable device as described above in <FIG>.

<FIG> graphically illustrates a second heterogeneous exemplary system having one or more smartphones and one or more smartwatches in accordance with various embodiments. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, an exemplary system <NUM> selectively controls access to a remotely controllable device, such as the remotely controllable device <NUM> as described above in <FIG>. As to be described in further detail below, portable electronic devices within the exemplary system <NUM> functionally cooperate amongst themselves to access the remotely controllable device. These portable electronic devices execute exemplary prioritization routines to identify a preferred portable electronic device from among the portable electronic devices to access the remotely controllable device. Thereafter, the exemplary system <NUM> pulls ownership of a software implemented access token to the preferred portable electronic device to allow the preferred portable electronic device to access the remotely controllable device. As illustrated in <FIG>, the exemplary system <NUM> includes the remotely controllable device <NUM>, a smartphone <NUM>, and a smartwatch <NUM> to provide an example. The smartphone <NUM> and the smartwatch <NUM> can represent exemplary embodiments of two of the portable electronic devices from among the portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n as described above in <FIG>.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the smartphone <NUM> and the smartwatch <NUM> functionally cooperate amongst themselves to access the remotely controllable device <NUM>. As to be described in further detail below, the smartphone <NUM> and the smartwatch <NUM> execute exemplary prioritization routines to identify a preferred portable electronic device from among the smartphone <NUM> and the smartwatch <NUM> that is transferred ownership of a software implemented access token to access the remotely controllable device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the smartphone <NUM> and the smartwatch <NUM> simultaneously, or near-simultaneously, execute the prioritization routines to identify the preferred portable electronic device. As part of these exemplary prioritization routines, the smartphone <NUM> and the smartwatch <NUM> can collect information relating to one or more parameters, characteristics, and/or attributes of the remotely controllable device <NUM>, the smartphone <NUM>, and the smartwatch <NUM>. In some embodiments, the one or more parameters, characteristics, and/or attributes can be related to the motions, or the relative motions, of the smartphone <NUM> and the smartwatch <NUM> and/or the communication capabilities, for example, range, of the remotely controllable device <NUM>.

After collecting the information, the smartphone <NUM> and the smartwatch <NUM> can evaluate the information to identify the preferred portable electronic device to access the remotely controllable device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the preferred portable electronic device is identified as a portable electronic device from among the smartphone <NUM> and the smartwatch <NUM> that is in motion relative to the remotely controllable device <NUM> and/or is in communication range of the remotely controllable device <NUM> as indicated by, for example, Received Signal Strength Indicators (RSSIs) provided by the smartphone <NUM> and the smartwatch <NUM>. In some embodiments, the smartphone <NUM> can be identified as the preferred portable electronic device when the smartphone <NUM> is in motion relative to the remotely controllable device <NUM> and is in communication range of the remotely controllable device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the smartwatch <NUM> can be identified as the preferred portable electronic device when, the smartphone <NUM> is stationary, or near-stationary, to relative to the remotely controllable device <NUM> and the smartwatch <NUM> is in motion relative to the remotely controllable device <NUM> and is in communication range of the remotely controllable device <NUM>. Once the preferred portable electronic device has been identified, the smartphone <NUM> and/or the smartwatch <NUM> transfer ownership of the software implemented access token to the preferred portable electronic device to access the remotely controllable device <NUM>. In some embodiments, this transfer of ownership can be in the form of a pull whereby the preferred portable electronic device transfers ownership of the software implemented access token from a previous preferred portable electronic device from among the smartphone <NUM> and the smartwatch <NUM> that presently has ownership of the software implemented access token, but is no longer identified as the preferred portable electronic device. In some embodiments, the smartwatch <NUM> that has identified as the preferred portable electronic device pulls ownership of the software implemented access token from the smartphone <NUM> in response to the smartwatch <NUM> being identified as the preferred portable electronic device. After ownership of the software implemented access token is transferred, the preferred portable electronic device accesses the remotely controllable device as described above in <FIG>.

<FIG> graphically illustrates a homogenous exemplary system having multiple smartphones in accordance with various embodiments. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, an exemplary system <NUM> selectively controls access to a remotely controllable device, such as the remotely controllable device <NUM> as described above in <FIG>. As to be described in further detail below, portable electronic devices within the exemplary system <NUM> functionally cooperate amongst themselves to access the remotely controllable device. These portable electronic devices execute exemplary prioritization routines to identify a preferred portable electronic device from among the portable electronic devices to access the remotely controllable device. Thereafter, the exemplary system <NUM> transfers ownership of a software implemented access token to the preferred portable electronic device to allow the preferred portable electronic device to access the remotely controllable device. As illustrated in <FIG>, the exemplary system <NUM> includes the remotely controllable device <NUM>, a smartphone <NUM>, and a smartphone <NUM> to provide an example. The smartphone <NUM> and the smartphone <NUM> can represent exemplary embodiments of two of the portable electronic devices from among portable electronic devices <NUM> through <NUM>. n as described above in <FIG>.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the smartphone <NUM> and the smartphone <NUM> functionally cooperate amongst themselves to access the remotely controllable device <NUM>. As to be described in further detail below, the smartphone <NUM> and the smartphone <NUM> execute exemplary prioritization routines to identify a preferred portable electronic device from among the smartphone <NUM> and the smartphone <NUM> that is transferred ownership of a software implemented access token to access the remotely controllable device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the smartphone <NUM> and the smartphone <NUM> simultaneously, or near-simultaneously, execute the prioritization routines to identify the preferred portable electronic device. As part of these exemplary prioritization routines, the smartphone <NUM> and the smartphone <NUM> can collect information relating to one or more parameters, characteristics, and/or attributes of the remotely controllable device <NUM>, the smartphone <NUM>, and the smartphone <NUM>. In some embodiments, the one or more parameters, characteristics, and/or attributes can be related to the battery capacities or respective battery charge of the smartphone <NUM> and the smartphone <NUM>, operating states of the smartphone <NUM> and the smartphone <NUM> including low power mode or screen-on, the motions, or the relative motions, of the smartphone <NUM> and the smartphone <NUM>, the communication capabilities, for example, range, of the remotely controllable device <NUM> and/or the usages the smartphone <NUM> and the smartphone <NUM> including video, audio, and/or data transmissions.

After collecting the information, the smartphone <NUM> and the smartphone <NUM> can evaluate the information to identify the preferred portable electronic device to access the remotely controllable device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the preferred portable electronic device is identified as a portable electronic device from among the smartphone <NUM> and the smartphone <NUM> that has the higher and/or greater battery capacity or battery charge, is currently screen-on, is in motion relative to the remotely controllable device <NUM>, and/or is not being used for video, audio, and/or data transmissions to provide some examples. Once the preferred portable electronic device has been identified, the smartphone <NUM> and/or the smartphone <NUM> transfer ownership of the software implemented access token to the preferred portable electronic device to access the remotely controllable device <NUM>. After ownership of the software implemented access token is transferred, the preferred portable electronic device accesses the remotely controllable device as described above in <FIG>.

Embodiments of the disclosure can be implemented in hardware, firmware, software application, or any combination thereof. Embodiments of the disclosure can also be implemented as instructions stored on one or more computer-readable mediums, which can be read and executed by one or more processors. A computer-readable medium can include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a computer (e.g., a computing circuitry). For example, a computer-readable medium can include non-transitory computer-readable mediums such as read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); magnetic disk storage media; optical storage media; flash memory devices; and others. As another example, the computer-readable medium can include transitory computer-readable medium such as electrical, optical, acoustical, or other forms of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.). Further, firmware, software application, routines, instructions have been described as performing certain actions. However, it should be appreciated that such descriptions are merely for convenience and that such actions in fact result from computing devices, processors, controllers, or other devices executing the firmware, software application, routines, instructions, etc..

The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the disclosure as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the disclosure and the appended claims in any way.

The disclosure has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the disclosure that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the disclosure. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.

The breadth and scope of the disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

As described above, aspects of the present technology may include the gathering and use of data available from various sources, e.g., to improve or enhance functionality. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, Twitter ID's, home addresses, data or records relating to a user's health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, may be used to the benefit of users.

Further, such collection/sharing should only occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. For instance, in the US, collection of, or access to, certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly.

Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, the present technology may be configurable to allow users to selectively "opt in" or "opt out" of participation in the collection of personal information data, e.g., during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In addition to providing "opt in" and "opt out" options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app.

Claim 1:
A first portable electronic device (<NUM>) from among a plurality of portable electronic devices (<NUM>) for accessing a remotely controllable device (<NUM>), the first portable electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a memory (<NUM>) configured to store a token indicator indicating ownership of a software implemented access token to access the remotely controllable device (<NUM>); and
a processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory (<NUM>), the instructions, when executed by the processor, configuring the processor to:
collect (<NUM>) information relating to one or more parameters, characteristics, or attributes of the plurality of portable electronic devices (<NUM>),
evaluate (<NUM>) the information to identify a second portable electronic device (<NUM>) from among the plurality of portable electronic devices (<NUM>) that is in motion relative to the remotely controllable device (<NUM>) to access the remotely controllable device (<NUM>), and
transfer (<NUM>) ownership of the software implemented access token from the first portable electronic device (<NUM>) to the second portable electronic device (<NUM>) in response to identifying the second portable electronic device (<NUM>) as being in motion relative to the remotely controllable device (<NUM>).