GB2394340A

GB2394340A - Remotely controlling an apparatus using e.g. a pager network

Info

Publication number: GB2394340A
Application number: GB0224161A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Robert Perrett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-10-17
Filing date: 2002-10-17
Publication date: 2004-04-21
Also published as: GB0224161D0

Abstract

A device for enabling a user to control apparatus from a remote location, using a telecommunications network 10 having a plurality of linked radio transmitters 5 for broadcasting communications to receiver devices 9, the communication including identifiers for identifying specific receiver devices. The receiver is preferably a pager, or it may be a mobile phone. The receiver controls an apparatus 15 linked to the receiver via an interface 13, in response to the received communication, which contains e.g. an activation code, and possibly control codes to preset values or configurations and/or codes to switch on/off particular features. A plurality of apparatus may be linked to one interface 13 (Fig. 3). The system may be used in a variety of situations, e.g. to activate immobiliser devices on vehicles, lighting systems at domestic or commercial facilities, or domestic appliances.

Description

A device, system and method for remotely controlling an apparatus The

present invention relates to a device for operating an apparatus from a remote location, 5 and in particular, but not exclusively, to a device utilising radio telecommunications technology. The use of radio technology for remotely controlling devices is well established. Such remote control equipment can provide highly accurate and flexible control. For example, such technology is used in children's toys to control model cars and boats. The military use 10 radio signals to control unmanned aircraft and industry uses radio signals to control industrial processes. However such equipment is often dedicated to the task of controlling a particular device or process, and provides a level of control that is unnecessary for many applications. The range over which such equipment can be operated is also limited by the power of the transmitter, which restricts its range of useful applications.

15 Accordingly the present invention seeks to provide a simplified device for operating apparatus remote from a user that uses electromagnetic waves as a communications medium. According to one aspect ofthe present invention there is provided a device for controlling apparatus from a remote location, using a telecommunications network having a plurality 20 of linked radio transmitters for broadcasting communications to receiver devices, said communications including identifiers for identifying specific receiver devices, the device including a receiver that may be operably linked to an apparatus that is to be controlled, said receiver being adapted to receive broadcast communications and to control a linked apparatus in response to communications identifying that receiver.

25 Advantageously the receiver is a pager. Preferably the device includes an interface unit having an input and an output. Preferably the receiver includes an output connected to the input of the interface unit and the output of the interface unit is arranged for connection with the apparatus.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for controlling apparatus from a remote location, the system including a telecommunications network having apluralityoflinked radio transmitters, Telecommunications device linked to the network, for transmitting to the network a communication that is broadcast by said 5 transmitters, said communication including an identifier for identifying a specific receiver device, and a receiver that may be operably linked to an apparatus that is to be controlled, said receiver being adapted to receive broadcast communications and to control a linked apparatus in response to communications identifying that receiver.

The system enables a remote user to activate or deactivate an apparatus by sending a 10 communication to the receiver, via the telecommunications network, from the telecommunications device, which can be for example a mobile phone, a telephone connected to a landline, a radio or a computer connected to a modem. The system can be used in a variety of situations, such as to activate immobiliser devices on vehicles or lighting systems at domestic or commercial facilities. When applied to lighting systems, the system 15 may be used to switch on lights when the user is away from the home to give the impression to others that somebody is occupying the home, or if the user has forgoffen to switch the lights off when leaving the of rice the user is able to remotely deactivate the lights.

Preferably the receiver is a pager and the telecommunications network includes a pager network. 20 Advantageously, the system can include transceiver means, for example, the receiver may be a mobile phone. The telecommunications network used is appropriate for the type of receiver / transceiver device used.

Pager networks and their associated receivers are well established technologies. Pagers are widely available and are relatively affordable devices. Also, existing pager networks have 25 signal coverage over the majority ofthe United Kingdom, arid there are equivalent networks in most developed countries. This is also the case for mobile phone networks. This is particularly advantageous since a communication can be sent by the user from a telecommunications device, any here in the world, to operate the apparatus remotely. For example, the user can send a communication to the pager located in the United Kingdom

from a telephone in another country connected to a standard telephone network. The communication is delivered to the pager via the pager network.

Preferably the communication from the user includes a message containing at least one code.

Advantageously the receiver includes memory means for storing codes and actions 5 associated with those codes and means for detecting codes contained in the communication and instigating the actions associated with the codes.

Preferably the system includes an interface unit having an input connected to the receiver and an output connected to the apparatus. The interface unit may have a plurality of outputs.

A plurality of apparatus can be connected to the output(s) of the interface unit. Preferably 10 the state of each interface unit output is arranged to be selectively altered by receipt of the communication including a code associated with respective interface unit outputs.

Advantageously a plurality of apparatus can be connected to a single interface unit output such that receipt of the communication from the user containing a single code operates the plurality of apparatus. Preferably individual apparatus are connected to separate interface 15 unit outputs.

The receiver may have a plurality of outputs and the interface unit may have a plurality of inputs connected to those outputs.

Advantageously the system can include encoding means for encoding at least a part of the communication, and decoding means for decoding the encoded part of the communication.

20 The encoding means can be employed by the user and / or by the pager network provider.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling apparatus from a remote location, using a telecommunications network that includes aplurality of linked radio transmitters for broadcasting communications to receiver devices, said communications including identifiers for identifying specific receiver devices, 25 wherein a communication containing an identifier is broadcast by the transmitters the communication is received by a receiver identified by the identifier, and the receiver controls an apparatus linked to the receiver in response to the received communication.

Advantageously the communication includes at least one code. Preferably the receiver controls the linked apparatus in response to receipt of the code contained in the communication. Embodiments ofthe present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with 5 reference to the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate equivalent features, wherein: Figure I shows a system for activating a remote device via a telecommunications network that includes a pager; Figure 2 shows a system for activating a remote device via a telecommunications network 10 that includes a pager, encoding and decoding equipment; and Figure 3 shows a system for activating a remote device via a telecommunications network that includes a pager and a plurality of apparatus.

Figure I shows a system for activating a remote apparatus (or device) via a pager network 10. The system includes a telecommunications interface I connected via a 15 telecommunications network to a pager network server 3, which is connected via a network to a plurality ofpager transmitters 5 (only one of which is shown). The system also includes, a pager 9, an apparatus 15 that is to be activated, and an interface unit 13 connecting the pager 9 to the apparatus 15.

A user operates the remote apparatus 15 via the pager system. The user is in possession of 20 a unique identifier, such as a unique code, that is associated with the pager 9 and has access to Telecommunications interface I such as atelephone mobilephone, radio ore computer, for example via internet access. The unique identifier is typically a number and is analogous to a telephone number. For example a user who wants to activate the pager 9 dials the pager s number into a standard telephone. The call is directed to the pager network 10 and 25 a signal is delivered to the pager 9 which triggers the pager 9.

The pager network 10 uses electromagnetic waves 7 as its communications medium. In particular the pager network 10 uses radio waves 7 to send signals to the pager 9.

The pager 9 has an aerial 11 that enables the pager 9 to receive signals frown the pager network 10. The pager 9 is arranged to be permanently switched on and is powered, for example by using a mains power supply or alternatively a battery source so that the pager 9 is continuously receptive to signals that are configured to activate it. A pager 9 using a 5 hybrid power system can also be used which may, for example, include a mains supply together with a battery back up supply. The pager 9 also includes an output for communicating electrical signals fron1 the pager 9 to the interface unit 13.

The interface unit 13 includes an input that is electrically connected to the output of the pager 9, software / circuitry for changing the output state and an output that is electrically 10 connected to the apparatus 15. Upon receipt of a signal from the pager 9 the output state ofthe interface unit] 3 is changed. For example, if the output ofthe interface unit is null and the apparatus 15 attached thereto is inactive, the output state of the interface unit 13 is changed to positive and the inactive apparatus 15 is activated. If the output of the interface device is positive and the apparatus I j attached thereto is activated, the output state of the 15 interface unit 13 is changed to null and the active apparatus I 5 is switched off.

The apparatus 15 may have its oval power supply, or be powered via the pager 9 and / or interface unit 13.

The change in state of the output from the interface unit 13 can be configured in a number of ways, for example, the output signal can include a pulse that momentarily changes the 20 output state of the interface unit 13. Alternatively, the change in state can be a permanent change, i.e. a constant output signal. The type of output signal is dependent upon the type of apparatus 15 to be operated and the type of control that is to be exercised over the apparatus 1 5.

In use the pager 9 is located remotely from the user and has its output electrically connected 25 to the input of the interface unit 13. Idle output of the interface unit 13 is electrically connected to the apparatus I S. The pager 9 is in stand-by mode and the output is initially set a null. The apparatus 15 is set up ready to operate upon the change of the output state of the interface unit 13, which is also set to null.

The user having the pager number triggers the pager 9 by dialling the pager number into a telecommunications interface 1 (such as a telephone, a mobile phone, a radio or a computer). The call is directed to the pager network 10 w hich sends a signal to the remote pager 9. The signal activates the pager 9 wherein the output of the pager 9 changes from 5 null to positive. The input of the interface unit 13 receives the signal from the pager 9 and switches the state of the output of the interface unit 13 from null to positive, thereby activating the apparatus 15.

The system can also be arranged to send a message from the user to the pager 9 via the pager network 10. The message contains a first code which is an activation code and is 10 included in the signal that triggers the pager 9, or is contained in an associated signal. The activation code can, for example, be dialled into a telephone keypad, spokes, to a service provider or sent via a computer.

The activation code is used as an alternative means to the pager number to change the state of the output signal of the interface unit 13. For example, a number of people may be in 15 possession of the pager number and are thus able to trigger the pager 9 by dialling the number into a standard telephone, however, they are not able to activate the apparatus 15 linked to the interface unit 13 without providing the activation code. Similarly, a message containing a second code which is a deactivation code can be sent to the pager 9 that can restore the output state of the interface unit 13 to its initial condition. Thus the change in 20 state ofthe output from the interface unit 13 can be configured as a latching change, i.e. the output ofthe interface unit 13 remains changed until a second code is received by the pager 9. The pager system can be arranged to control the apparatus 15 in addition to activating the apparatus 15. This can be achieved by assigning third codes which are control codes to 25 preset values or configurations and / or codes to switch on / offparticular features. Control codes can also be used to select specific values such as the length of time the apparatus] 5 should operate for, the operating temperature or operating volume. Combinations of codes may be arranged to give particular effects.

Figure 2 shows a system for activating a remote apparatus 15 (or device) via a pager 30 network 10 substantially in accordance with the system of Figure I that includes a

telecommunications interface l connected via a telecommunications network to a pager network server 3, which is connected via a network to a plurality of pager transmitters 5 (only one of which is shout). The system also includes, a pager 9, an apparatus 15 that is to be activated, and an interface unit]3 connecting the pager 9 to the apparatus lS, 5 encoding l 7 and decoding 21 equipment.

The encoding equipment 17 can be employed by the user to encode the pager number and /or the message containing the activation or deactivation code. The user can utilise any suitable form of encoding equipment 17 or software. The pager network service provider can also encode the communication to the pager 9, as an alternative, or in addition, to the l O encoding performed by the user. If encoding equipment 17 or software is used the system also incorporates appropriate decoding equipment 21 or software. The decoding equipment 21 or software can be incorporated into the pager 9 or can be incorporated into a separate unit. Figure 3 shows a system for operating a plurality of apparatus 15 (or devices) via a pager l S network 10 that includes a telecommunications interface l connected via a telecommunications network to a pager network server 3, which is connected via a network to apluralityofpagertransmitters 5 (only one of which is shown). The system also includes, a pager 9, a plurality of apparatus 15 that can be activated, and an interface unit 13 connecting the pager 9 to the apparatus 15.

20 The system works in substantially the same manner as the systems of Figures I and 2. The main difference is that the interface unit 13 has a plurality of outputs and a plurality of apparatus 15 linked to the interface unit l 3. Preferably each apparatus 15 is connected to a separate output. For example, if the pager 9 is located in a domestic residence, a washing machine, video recorder, lights, cooker, microwave and other appliances 15 are linked to 25 separate interface unit 13 outputs, and the user can selectively operate one ofthe appliances l S. or a combination of the appliances 15.

The user can be supplied with an activation and a deactivation code for each of the apparatus 15 linked to the interface unit l 3. When sending the message to the pager 9 the user includes the appropriate activation code to activate the desired apparatus l S. such as 30 the lights. If the user wants to activate a number of apparatus 15 connected to the interface

unit 13 the user includes each ofthe activation codes for the respective apparatus I 5 in the message that is sent to the pager 9. Optionally, the message can include deactivation codes for each of the apparatus I S that are active. If there is a combination of apparatus 15 that are always activated together, for example a combination of lights, a single activation code 5 can be associated with those apparatus 15, or those apparatus 15 can be linked to the same output of the interface unit 13.

The pager system can be used in many situations, for example, the remote apparatus 15 can be an immobiliser in a motorised vehicle that can be operated by the police or the owner of the vehicle in the event ofthe theft ofthat vehicle. The imnobiliser may, for example, be a 10 device that switches offthe vehicle fuel pump or which has electronic circuitry that can shut off the engine directly. Alternatively, a less direct system can be used, for example, which activates an alarm in the vehicle or flashes the hazard warning lights to attract attention to the stolen vehicle.

A pager 9 with the appropriate interface unit 13 can be fitted to lease / hire products, such 15 as motor cars, televisions, video, DVD players / recorders to prevent usage if payment is in arrears or if the items are stolen. The system can also be used to switch on alarm systems to deter burglars. Where a manufacturer has fitted equipment to a product that has different modes of operation, for example, standard mode and sports mode in motor vehicles, the pager 9 and interface unit 13 can operate to switch the equipment from one mode of 20 operation to the other, thereby allowing manufacturers to sell or lease upgrades to the car owner and implement the upgrade remotely. The manufacturer could also down grade the product remotely when any such lease expires. Typically the apparatus 15 is external to the pager 9.

The system can also be arranged to accommodate multiple users with access to a shared 25 facility (apparatus 15). Each user knows the pager number that activates the pager 9, and each user has a unique fourth code which is a user code and which is associated with each respective user. The system further includes a recording system, such that the system is able to record whicl1 user activated the apparatus I 5 and monitor how long the apparatus I 5 is used for charging purposes. The system can also be set up such that the apparatus 15 is not 30 activated unless a particular combination of user codes is received by the pager 9. For

example, where each user has a unique user code that identifies the user, the apparatus 15 is not operated unless a predetermined group of users each sends their user code to the pager 9. This is a useful means of establishing consent from people with authority to operate, for example, dangerous equipment, equipment with high running costs, or security 5 apparatus 15.

It will be appreciated that alterations can be made to the embodiment described above without departing from the spirit ofthe present invention. For example, a different receiver device from the pager 9 a can be used, such as a transceiver device. For example, the transceiver device can be a mobile phone, and a mobile phone network can be used to send 10 communications to the mobile phone. Also, text communications can be sent from the user to the mobile phone device via a short message service.

Some of the equipment can be replaced by software equivalents, such as the interface unit 13. A plurality of connection interface units 13 can be used which each have at least one input and at least one output. The pager 9 can have a single output or a plurality of outputs.

15 The user may send messages to the pager 9 using telecommunications interface devices other than a computer, a mobile phone, a telephone linked to a landline and a radio device.

Claims

1. A device for controlling apparatus from a remote location, using a telecommunications network having a plurality of linked radio transmitters for broadcasting communications to receiver devices, said communications including identifiers for identifying specific receiver devices, the device including a receiver that may be operably linked to an apparatus that is to be controlled, said receiver being adapted to receive broadcast communications and to control a linked apparatus in response to communications identifying that receiver.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the receiver is a pager.

3. A system for controlling apparatus from a remote location, the system including a telecommunications network having a plurality of linked radio transmitters, a telecommunications device linked to the network, for transmitting to the network a communication that is broadcast by said transmitters, said communication including an identifier for identifying a specific receiver device, and a receiver that may be operably linked to an apparatus that is to be controlled, said receiver being adapted to receive broadcast communications and to control a linked apparatus in response to communications identifying that receiver.

4. A system according to claim 3, wherein the receiver is a pager.

5. A system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the telecommunications network includes a pager network.

6. A system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the communication includes at least one code.

7. A system according to claim 6, wherein the receiver includes memory means for storing codes and actions associated with those codes and means for detecting codes contained in the communication and instigating the actions associated with the codes.

8. A system according to any one of claims 3 to 7, including encoding means for encoding at least apart ofthe communication, and decoding means for decoding the encoded part of the communication.

9. A system according to any one of claims 3 to 8, including an interface unit having an input connected to the receiver and an output connected to the apparatus.

10. A system according to claim 9, wherein the interface unit has a plurality of outputs.

A system according to claim 10, including a plurality of apparatus connected to the outputs of the interface unit.

12. A system according to any one of claims 9 to I 1 when dependent upon any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the state of each interface unit output is arranged to be selectively altered by receipt ofthe communication including a code associated with respective interface unit outputs.

13. A system according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the receiver has a plurality of outputs and the interface unit has a plural ity of inputs connected to those outputs.

14. A method of controlling apparatus from a remote location, using a telecommunications network that includes aplurality of linked radio transmitters for broadcasting communications to receiver devices, said communications including identifiers for identifying specific receiver devices, wherein a communication containing an identifier is broadcast by the transmitters, the communication is received by a receiver identified by the identifier, and the receiver controls an apparatus linked to the receiver in response to the received communication.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the communication includes at least one code.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the receiver controls the linked apparatus in response to receipt of the code contained in the communication.

17. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

18. A system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

19. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.