US 11190590

US patent 11190590, titled "System and method for server based control," is currently assigned to Smart Speaker LLC, having been originally assigned to May Patents Ltd. The patent lists Yehuda Binder and Benjamin Maytal as inventors. It was filed on May 30, 2018, and issued on November 30, 2021.

Abstract:
The patent describes an apparatus and method for controlling an environment, such as a building or a vehicle. The system comprises a server running a control server program that implements at least part of a control loop, a plurality of field units (including at least one sensor unit and at least one actuator unit) deployed in the environment, and a router. The field units communicate with the server via the router. The sensor unit transmits data related to physical phenomena, while the actuator unit receives commands to control these phenomena.

Plain-language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Independent Claim 1 (Apparatus): This claim describes a physical system for environmental control. It includes a server with a communication port running software to manage part of a control loop. Multiple "field units" (which are devices like sensors and actuators) are placed in the environment. A router connects these field units to each other and to the server, allowing the server to send commands to actuators based on data from sensors. The router also communicates with the control server over the Internet.
• Independent Claim 6 (Method): This claim outlines a process for controlling an environment. It involves setting up a server with control loop software, deploying field units (sensors and actuators), and providing a router to connect them. The field units are configured to send data and receive commands through the router. The method specifies the sensor unit transmitting data about physical phenomena, the actuator unit receiving commands to control those phenomena, and the router facilitating communication with the server via the Internet.
• Independent Claim 11 (Apparatus with Local Control): Similar to Claim 1, this claim describes an apparatus for environmental control with a server, field units (sensors and actuators), and a router. The key distinction is that, in this embodiment, the router itself is configured to determine the control commands locally, rather than relying solely on the server to make those determinations.
• Independent Claim 15 (Method with Local Control): Corresponding to Claim 11, this claim details a method for environmental control where the server, field units, and router are provided and configured for communication. The sensor units transmit data, and the actuator units receive commands. The crucial difference here is that the control commands are determined locally at the router.

Litigation Status:
US Patent 11190590 is currently active and has associated litigation. A PTAB case, IPR2026-00148, was filed and is pending as of the current date. Additionally, a US case has been filed in the Texas Eastern District Court (case 2:25-cv-00707). Worldwide family litigation has also been initiated.

A search for "US11190590 CAFC 2026 dockets" did not return any specific scheduled cases directly involving patent US11190590 in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) for 2026. While the provided context indicates ongoing litigation, no direct CAFC dockets for 2026 were found in the search results.