Some patents don’t just describe systems, they hint at how connected environments might be shaped. US8533326B2 is one such patent.
Cloud Systems Holdco IP LLC, a non-practicing entity, has filed lawsuits against Crestron Electronics, Inc., Honeywell International Inc., and Siemens Corporation, citing this patent as the core of its claims. But we’re not here to debate litigation.
This article uses the Global Patent Search (GPS) platform to investigate related technologies. The patent describes a setup where a control client interacts with a server to manage smart devices in real time, triggering state changes based on user commands or environmental events. This is similar to how voice assistant platforms coordinate smart environments using centralized control systems.
If you work in smart tech, IP strategy, or simply want to understand who else may have built similar systems, this GPS-based review offers a clear, data-backed perspective.
Let’s take a closer look at US8533326B2 and the technologies that may overlap with it.
Understanding Patent US8533326B2
US8533326B2 outlines a system for managing, routing, and controlling devices within a physical or digital environment using a centralized server and client interface. The user interacts through a control client, which communicates with a server that holds a model of the environment and its devices.
This server processes user commands and environmental triggers to control connections and configure devices into desired operational states. The system enables dynamic adjustment of inter-device connections and device behaviors based on user-defined settings or real-time events. Such a control structure is increasingly common in smart speaker ecosystems where commands drive device configuration.
Source: Google Patents
Its Four Key Features Are
#1. Client-server device control: The system uses a control client to send user instructions to a central server, which interprets and forwards them to relevant devices.
#2. Dynamic routing of device connections: The server maps source devices to output devices by configuring static connections and switches to allow signal flow through the environment.
#3. Scene-based configuration: Devices can be grouped into preset configurations, called scenes, allowing quick environmental changes by activating stored settings and routes.
#4. Event-driven automation: The system listens for events, such as user input or timers, and responds by reconfiguring device states or connections as programmed.
This technology supports intelligent coordination of smart devices through a centralized framework. It enables scalable automation across audiovisual, environmental, and control-based systems.
Similar Patents As US8533326B2
To explore the innovation landscape surrounding US8533326B2, we ran the patent through the Global Patent Search tool. Below is a quick glimpse of the GPS tool in action:
Source: Global Patent Search
This analysis surfaced a list of related patents that reflect comparable methods in media routing, control logic, and device coordination. Below, we highlight five references that bring parallel ideas into focus. These examples help illustrate how different systems have approached similar challenges in connected environment control.
#1. US20060288071A1
This U.S. patent, US20060288071A1, published in 2006, describes a media processing network in which interconnected devices manage, mirror, and redirect commands using PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) across both wireless and wired configurations.
Source: GPS
What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape
- PTP-based multi-device interaction: Devices communicate using PTP over USB or IP, including WiFi links, enabling flexible media sharing and device pairing.
- Connection manager module: Establishes links between initiating and responder devices and dynamically generates available connection lists.
- Event-handling routers: Each device in the chain includes a PTP link router for managing and mirroring commands and system events.
- Decentralized UI integration: Interfaces are rendered over the network through established PTP connections between primary and secondary initiators.
How It Connects To US8533326B2
- Focuses on managing distributed devices via a central or initiating client.
- Enables dynamic routing of connections and use of event-driven communication models.
- Shares emphasis on remote control, device discovery, and real-time command execution.
Why This Matters
This earlier filing provides valuable context for dynamic device pairing and event-based communication in distributed systems. It reinforces core ideas found in US8533326B2, particularly in real-time media coordination and flexible device connectivity across wired and wireless environments.
#2. CN1792069A
This Chinese patent, CN1792069A, published in 2006, describes a system for creating a virtual workspace where multiple electronic devices collaborate to route and present data intelligently across a network.
Source: GPS
What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape
- Device-aware data routing: Data streams are routed to the device best suited for audio or video playback based on its capabilities.
- Dynamic physical link creation: Devices form or select connections dynamically to exchange and present data as needed.
- Personalized routing logic: Each device considers user preferences and device-specific attributes, such as audio or display quality, during routing.
- Virtual workspace coordination: Electronic devices act in concert to share responsibilities within a distributed digital workspace.
How It Connects To US8533326B2
- Enables intelligent routing between devices based on capabilities and user intent.
- Focuses on seamless data flow across a flexible, dynamic network of endpoints.
- Aligns with concepts of device state management and environment-driven control logic.
Why This Matters
This patent highlights early thinking in multi-device coordination and personalized control across distributed systems. Its focus on adaptive routing and media presentation complements the goals of US8533326B2 in managing interconnected environments for optimized control and output.
#3. KR20010018893A
This Korean patent, KR20010018893A, published in 2001, introduces a method for managing device-to-device connections over a digital interface, enabling users to control how data streams are routed and displayed between connected hardware.
Source: GPS
What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape
- User-initiated connection control: The system allows a user to designate a second device as a master to manage stream transmission.
- Point-to-point and broadcast modes: Devices can establish either direct or broadcast connections using defined flags within connection commands.
- Stream routing via node identifiers: Connections are formed using node IDs, enabling precise targeting and control over data flow.
- Dynamic stream handoff: Active programs can be routed in real time to another device for continued playback or display.
How It Connects To US8533326B2
- Introduces programmable connection paths between devices via digital commands.
- Emphasizes controlled device behavior based on user selection and system architecture.
- Shares a foundational concept of environment-responsive routing and control mechanisms.
Why This Matters
KR20010018893A reflects foundational ideas in digital signal routing and node-based device control. It supports the broader goals of US8533326B2 in dynamic configuration, user-driven commands, and flexible connection management across intelligent systems.
#4. CN1763736A
This Chinese patent, CN1763736A, published in 2006, presents a multimedia service system that enables bidirectional control and real-time sharing of audio-video content using wireless modules and a centralized control interface.
Source: GPS
What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape
- Wireless control integration: A control interface layer enables wireless communication between the main system and external control devices.
- Real-time A/V data sharing: The system supports immediate access, transfer, and sharing of stored or streamed media content.
- Bidirectional signal exchange: Control devices can send and receive wireless commands for enhanced media coordination.
- Dynamic device location via DDNS: Uses a dynamic name server method to identify and connect devices over a broadband network.
How It Connects To US8533326B2
- Utilizes wireless control logic to manage multimedia devices dynamically.
- Shares emphasis on real-time data flow and command response across a distributed environment.
- Focuses on centralized control for orchestrating content routing and access.
Why This Matters
CN1763736A contributes to the broader development of smart media environments by detailing wireless media control and immediate device communication. Its wireless and DDNS-based approach aligns closely with the adaptive control strategies outlined in US8533326B2.
#5. CA2313896A1
This Chinese patent, CA2313896A1, published in 2002, introduces a delegate network multimedia appliance designed to receive, process, and transmit multimedia data between clients while handling control instructions from a central server.
Source: GPS
What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape
- Delegate-based control structure: A control unit within the appliance manages streaming responsibilities delegated by a central server.
- Media-type-specific processing units: Functional modules are optimized to handle different types of multimedia data streams.
- Direct client-to-client communication: Users can exchange complex data, including 3D graphics and video, via the appliance.
- Network-integrated control messaging: Establishes a command link to a central server to coordinate data routing and user actions.
How It Connects To US8533326B2
- Implements a centralized control interface with distributed command execution.
- Focuses on intelligent routing and processing of multimedia streams across a network.
- Enables dynamic client control based on user actions and system architecture.
Why This Matters
CA2313896A1 highlights a modular, server-coordinated approach to multimedia streaming and device communication. Its architecture supports the kind of real-time command handling and distributed control found in US8533326B2.
How To Find Related Patents Using Global Patent Search
Understanding the broader patent landscape is essential when evaluating technologies in smart environment control, device automation, and networked multimedia routing. The Global Patent Search tool streamlines this process, helping users uncover systems that reflect similar control models, routing protocols, or client-server architectures.
1. Enter the patent number into GPS: Start by entering a patent number like US8533326B2 into the GPS tool. The platform turns this into a smart query, which you can refine with terms like device routing, scene automation, or control interface.
2. Explore conceptual snippets: Instead of comparing features claim-by-claim, GPS now delivers curated text snippets. These show how other systems handle device pairing, real-time control, or routing across complex environments.
3. Identify related inventions: The tool surfaces patents that manage multimedia flow, coordinate environmental devices, or automate control via centralized systems, highlighting how similar challenges are solved in different domains.
4. Compare systems, not legal claims: Rather than relying on legal wording, GPS compares system behavior and design. This reveals deeper functional overlaps, free from the constraints of patent claim language.
5. Accelerate cross-domain insights: Whether you’re focused on audiovisual systems, smart home platforms, or Edge AI-enabled control networks that manage devices at the source, GPS helps connect ideas across technical categories that might otherwise be missed.
With this concept-driven approach, Global Patent Search equips engineers, IP strategists, and product teams to investigate related technologies and develop more informed strategies.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The related patent references mentioned are preliminary results from the Global Patent Search tool and do not guarantee legal significance. For a comprehensive related patent analysis, we recommend conducting a detailed search using GPS or consulting a patent attorney.
