Internet surveillance system and remote control of networked devices

Abstract

Methods are provided to access devices over the Internet and to control and / or set states of devices over the Internet. One method includes providing, at a server connected to the Internet, code for enabling access to networked devices at a remote location using a networked computing device. The method receives, at the server, user login data via the networked computing device, to identify a user and to provide access to the networked devices. The method enables receiving a status request at the server, via the networked computing device, to view status of one or more of the networked devices. The status includes an update condition for at least one of the networked devices. The method also enables receiving a control request at the server, via the networked computing device, to operate one or more utility controls at the remote location. The utility controls include one or more of controls for a security system, accessing cameras at the remote location, setting temperature level for heating or cooling at least a region of the remote location, or setting lighting of a selected room at the remote location. The remote location includes a location computer that is in communication with the networked devices and is connected to the Internet. The location computer includes a processor and is configured for communication with the server. The method is operable for any computing device that has access to the Internet, including wireless hand-held networked devices.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY[0001]This application claims priority under 35 USC §120 as a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 115,021, filed on Apr. 25, 2005, which is a divisional application and claims 35 U.S.C. §120 priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 098,279, filed Jun. 16, 1998, and such application claims benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 051,489, filed Jul. 1, 1997, the contents of each application listed herein is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to data transmissions over a network, and more particularly, to remote monitoring and control of articles over a network.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Remote monitoring of buildings or grounds is often done for security reasons. One conventional approach to remote monitoring of buildings and grounds uses a series of cameras position throughout the ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This conventional approach to remote monitoring is expensive to implement because specialized equipment and personnel are required.

However, the operation of these WebCams is problematic because of the high bandwidth requirements to transmit video from the camera serving as the WebCam and its server and viewers.

Again, however, to limit bandwidth requirements, the Internet browser only periodically accesses (or receives by a push from) the Internet server to retrieve the newest images after a predetermined period of time.

Although this conventional approach does limit the bandwidth utilization, the amount of bandwidth being utilized is nevertheless largely wasted when the image is not significantly changing.

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