Messaging system based building control
US7403838B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 14, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jul 22, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 3, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B2219/25168
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An arrangement using an Instant Messaging (“IM”) chat-type interface for monitoring and controlling devices in an automated home is provided. The automated home is arranged to be accessible as an IM contact (often called a “buddy”) to a user of an IM service that is located remotely from the automated home. After initiating an IM chat session, the user queries the status of systems and devices in the automated home, and operates devices in the automated home. In various illustrative examples, natural language commands are utilized to enable the user to ask simple questions regarding the status of devices in the home, take a virtual “walk through” the home, and turn devices on and off, among other options. As IM interfaces are being increasingly used on a variety of devices including mobile phones and personal digital assistants, users can conveniently access and control their automated home while traveling.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.