Patent · US Expired

Internet surveillance system and method

US6720990B1 · kind B1 · utility

279Cited by
27References
44Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 28, 1998
Grant dateApr 13, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 28, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH04N21/6125
  • WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A system and method are disclosed for a central server to manage remote monitoring tasks performed by users of a data network. An exemplary method comprises: receiving a request from a user of a user device to monitor a remote location; determining a remote location to be monitored; enabling communication between a sensor at the remote location and the user device; and crediting value to the user in accordance with an amount of time the user device has been in communication with the remote sensor for remote monitoring purposes. An alternate exemplary method includes measuring user attentiveness while the user device is in communication with the remote sensor. Thus, the disclosed system and method provide a way for users of a data network such as the Internet to log on at any time and perform remote monitoring tasks for value. Idle time can now be turned into value using the disclosed system and method. Moreover, little or no skill is required of the user to earn value using the disclosed system and method; the user need only be attentive while performing a remote monitoring task. Location owners also benefit from the convenience by which they can now have their properties monitored…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.