Control4 (Nasdaq: CTRL) went to a cloud-based model for network configuration and remote access to home automation systems a couple of years ago; now it has filed a patent application for the technology.

Steve Jobs and Robert Madonna, founder of home automation provider Savant Systems, invent system for operating vehicles such as marine vessels via Wi-Fi and touchscreen remote.

Google patent application for motorized HVAC registers includes provisions for power management, but otherwise seems similar to existing home automation products from Ecovent and Keen Home.

New Sonos patent describes a method for letting guests access a Sonos or other media system via cellular, without the need to access password-protected networks.