Method, system, and computer program product for managing controlled residential or non-residential environments
US6792323B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 7, 2003 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 7, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02D30/70
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A control server, or similar central processor, manages the distribution of data (including audio and video), voice, and control signals among a plurality of devices connected via a wired and/or wireless communications network. The devices include audio/visual devices (such as, televisions, monitors, PDAs, notepads, notebooks, MP3, portable stereo, etc.) as well as household appliances (such as, lighting, ovens, alarm clocks, etc.). The control server supports video/audio serving, telephony, messaging, file sharing, internetworking, and security. A portable controller allows a user to access and control the network devices from any location within a controlled residential and/or non-residential environment, including its surrounding areas. The controllers are enhanced to support location-awareness and user-awareness functionality.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.