WO2001063389A1 - Technologie de serveur personnel - Google Patents

Technologie de serveur personnel Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001063389A1
WO2001063389A1 PCT/US2001/005073 US0105073W WO0163389A1 WO 2001063389 A1 WO2001063389 A1 WO 2001063389A1 US 0105073 W US0105073 W US 0105073W WO 0163389 A1 WO0163389 A1 WO 0163389A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
system described
remote
personal server
objects
network
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/005073
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Alan Finke
John Buchbinder
Original Assignee
Dreamhouse Software, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dreamhouse Software, Inc. filed Critical Dreamhouse Software, Inc.
Priority to KR1020027011131A priority Critical patent/KR20020081357A/ko
Priority to JP2001562287A priority patent/JP2003524358A/ja
Priority to AU2001238414A priority patent/AU2001238414A1/en
Priority to EP01910851A priority patent/EP1257897A1/fr
Publication of WO2001063389A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001063389A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L12/2805—Home Audio Video Interoperability [HAVI] networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L12/2807—Exchanging configuration information on appliance services in a home automation network
    • H04L12/2809—Exchanging configuration information on appliance services in a home automation network indicating that an appliance service is present in a home automation network
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L12/2807—Exchanging configuration information on appliance services in a home automation network
    • H04L12/2814—Exchanging control software or macros for controlling appliance services in a home automation network
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L43/00—Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/01—Protocols
    • H04L67/12—Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L69/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services independent of the application payload and not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • H04L69/30—Definitions, standards or architectural aspects of layered protocol stacks
    • H04L69/32—Architecture of open systems interconnection [OSI] 7-layer type protocol stacks, e.g. the interfaces between the data link level and the physical level
    • H04L69/322—Intralayer communication protocols among peer entities or protocol data unit [PDU] definitions
    • H04L69/329—Intralayer communication protocols among peer entities or protocol data unit [PDU] definitions in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L2012/284—Home automation networks characterised by the type of medium used
    • H04L2012/2841—Wireless
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L2012/2847—Home automation networks characterised by the type of home appliance used
    • H04L2012/2849—Audio/video appliances
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L2012/2847—Home automation networks characterised by the type of home appliance used
    • H04L2012/285—Generic home appliances, e.g. refrigerators
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L43/00—Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
    • H04L43/08—Monitoring or testing based on specific metrics, e.g. QoS, energy consumption or environmental parameters
    • H04L43/0805—Monitoring or testing based on specific metrics, e.g. QoS, energy consumption or environmental parameters by checking availability
    • H04L43/0817—Monitoring or testing based on specific metrics, e.g. QoS, energy consumption or environmental parameters by checking availability by checking functioning
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L43/00—Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
    • H04L43/10—Active monitoring, e.g. heartbeat, ping or trace-route
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L43/00—Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
    • H04L43/10—Active monitoring, e.g. heartbeat, ping or trace-route
    • H04L43/106—Active monitoring, e.g. heartbeat, ping or trace-route using time related information in packets, e.g. by adding timestamps

Definitions

  • the present invention is a connectivity solution for use in the home, office and other locations. It comprises a server-like apparatus that integrates home appliances, entertainment systems, computing devices, and other objects into a coordinated wireless control and monitoring network. A remote device is used to control and monitor these objects via the functioning of the server- like apparatus.
  • the server- like apparatus is also connected to other networks, such as the Internet.
  • the remote device presents the user with a powerful, easy-to-use interface environment that intuitively maps to the objects on the network and the actions and activities being performed.
  • the present invention thus implements an automated, intelligent, seamlessly connected "home or office of the future.”
  • the prior art includes numerous systems that monitor and control electronic appliances and other objects in the home and office. Such systems are limited almost exclusively to "remote control" - the use of a hand-held device to send instructions directly to and receive information directly from one, or at most a few, objects.
  • a remote control device is the standard VCR remote, which operates on infrared light wavelengths ('TR").
  • VCR remote is typically used to program recording parameters into a VCR and to operate the VCR in real-time. Similar remotes exist for TVs, CD players and other appliances.
  • Lights and other household fixtures can also be controlled by remote, usually by installation of a component that allows for simple, commands such as on/off and dimming in response to hardwired timers, audible input, or other control means.
  • the current art does include home control systems that allow a user to control lights, sound systems, and other fixtures throughout the household. While appearing to be more of a true "control network,” these systems still exhibit only rudimentary control over and feedback from objects that are connected to the network. In addition, these systems are difficult to implement, and do not offer the power and flexibility of a programmable, software-based network. They also cannot be controlled and monitored from outside the home via network and Internet connections.
  • the present invention offers an integrated connectivity solution for remote control of various network integrated household and office objects (“Controlled Devices”). It comprises a software-based network that can perform information-heavy tasks and that incorporates sophisticated object monitoring and control, as well as computational activities, into the network.
  • the present invention consists of a server-like apparatus (“Personal Server”) that controls a network, and performs computational tasks, in the home, office, or other location.
  • the Personal Server is accessed through a Remote Device, generally a hand-held, personal digital assistant (“PDA”), a data-enabled telephone or cellular phone (“SmartPhone”), or some form of internet access device.
  • PDA personal digital assistant
  • SmartPhone data-enabled telephone or cellular phone
  • PALM O/STM devices such as the PALM PILOTTM, PALM IDTM and PALM TVTM, and WINDOWS CETM devices such as the PHILIPS NLNOTM, CASIO CASSIOPEIATM and HP JORDANATM are common PDAs that are readily adaptable for use with the present invention.
  • the QuallCom PdQ phone a cellular phone with digital computing and display capabilities, is an example of a SmartPhone that will work well with the present invention.
  • the present invention allows users to control and monitor various Controlled Devices. These functions can be accomplished from within the location where the Personal Servier is located, or from the outside world thorough a dial-up connection, network, or the Internet, or other means.
  • Remote information tasks such as file exchange, computational activity and financial transactions can also be carried out by the Personal Server, using a Remote Client operating on a Remote Device as the interface.
  • Third parties such as alarm companies and police departments, can be given full or partial access to the monitoring and control functions of the Personal Server.
  • FIGURE 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the Personal Server, including Action Modules 1, Scheduler/Router 2 and Input/Output Modules 3. Examples of Input/Output Modules, including typical connection objects/protocols, are included.
  • FIGURE 2 illustrates some examples of the physical connection and data transfer protocols that can be used between the Remote Device and the Personal Server.
  • FIGURE 3 shows a control panel that is used to configure the network of objects on the Personal Server, in this case, those objects that are on an ACTIVEHOMETM X10 system.
  • FIGURE 4 shows an example of a screen on the Remote Client interface running on the Remote Device used with the present invention, in this case, Home Pad.
  • Home Pad is used to control Controlled Devices such as home appliances and fixtures.
  • FIGURE 5 shows an embodiment of Home Pad on a more graphically limited Remote Device, namely, a cell phone.
  • FIGURE 6 shows a second example of a screen on the Remote Client interface running on the Remote Device used with the present invention, in this case, Credit Pad. Credit Pad is used to verify and charge credit card numbers.
  • FIGURE 7 shows a third example of a screen on the Remote Client interface running on the Remote Device used with the present invention, in this case, File retriever.
  • File retriever is used to retrieve files from the Personal Server.
  • the core of the present invention is a server- like apparatus ("Personal. Server").
  • the Personal Server in a preferred embodiment, comprises software run on a general-purpose computer.
  • the computer can be a server, workstation, dedicated hardware device, or any other type of computer, but in the described embodiment, the computer is a desktop PC.
  • the Personal Server comprises hardware specifically designed for the invention, or a combination of hardware and computer software.
  • the software can be a component bought off the shelf, a component specially designed for a particular home or office, a plug-in to a software developer's kit, or part of a larger proprietary system, among other embodiments.
  • the software of the Personal Server is typically written in C, C++ or Java.
  • the Personal Server is designed to have a robust and flexible interface that makes it easy for developers to develop Input/Output and Action Modules that operate with the present invention.
  • FIGURE 1 illustrates a further preferred embodiment, in detail.
  • the Personal Server has a software architecture that consists of the following components: (1) Input/Output Modules, (2) a core Scheduler/Router with data logging capabilities and (3) Action Modules.
  • the Input/Output Modules and Action Modules are self-contained code libraries designed to be detected by the Scheduler/Router and connected at run-time.
  • This architecture allows developers and consultants to develop additional modules, either for a class of users or Controlled Devices or on a case-by-case basis for specific individual users, to fit those users needs.
  • new types of Controlled Devices, and activity are developed through technological development and commercial innovation, new types of modules will be developed.
  • Such modules can be added to the Personal Server by direct installation or by downloading on an ad-hoc basis from remote sources. They can also be dynamically added to individual installations of the Personal Server, with or without user intervention, to minimize service interruption.
  • Input/Output Modules serve to connect a user's Remote Device to the Personal Server, but they can be designed for other modes of communication as well.
  • Various types of physical connections and data-transfer protocols can be used, as illustrated in FIGURE 2.
  • the Remote Device sends the information entered by the user to an Input/Output Module or Input/Output Modules. This information is translated into a "Message" by the Input/Output Module.
  • Messages generally contain information on the user, the Remote Device, the target Action Module and data specifics.
  • the Message may be encoded or encrypted for the purpose of data security. In one encryption scheme, Messages are encrypted by the Remote Device prior to transmission, and then decoded by the Input Output Module.
  • the Input/Output Module then passes the Message to the Scheduler/Router, which logs it into a database, processes it as necessary, and passes the Message again to the appropriate Action Module.
  • the Action Module then performs the requested actions. After the action has been completed, the Action Module creates a second Message containing user-requested information, results of calculations or computations, information on whether the action has been successfully completed, date and time stamps, and whether additional instructions are needed.
  • the Action Module passes the Message to the Scheduler/Router, which logs it, processes it as necessary, and passes it, if necessary, to the Input/Output Module that communicates its contents, possibly in encrypted format, to the Remote Device. Additional messages not specifically mentioned may be created and sent as particularly in other embodiments.
  • Alternate embodiments employ separate Input Modules and Output Modules rather than combined Input/Output Modules.
  • Input Modules are responsible for receiving Messages from the Remote Device, whereas Output Modules are responsible for sending Messages to the Remote Device.
  • the Scheduler/Router loads the existing Input/Output Modules and Action- Modules and monitors them for activity.
  • the Scheduler/Router processes and relays Messages between the Input/Output and Action Modules. It maintains information on user identification, user password and security information, as well as logs of the Messages.
  • a Utility Module is written as an adjunct to the Scheduler/Router, which allows the user to enter settings.
  • the Utility Module will generally have a control-panel type interface to aid in configuring new user preferences and new modules.
  • the Action Modules or the Scheduler/Router may initiate messages to the user. If the user has requested an action to be performed that may take a long time, the user may disconnect and request that the results be sent back at a later time. Alternately, a Controlled Device may initiate a communication, triggering an Action Module to send a Message to the Scheduler/Router. In this way, the user may configure the system so that the Personal Servicer initiates communication when triggered by an event such as a home alarm being set off. Results may be sent back when the user connects again, by a connection established by the Personal Server, or by another communication means such as pager, telephone, fax, or e-mail.
  • Input/Output Modules serve as connection points between the Personal Server and the Remote Device.
  • the various Input/Output Modules in place with a particular embodiment of the Personal Server are designed to handle various connectivity and data-transfer protocols (some examples of which are listed in FIGURE 2).
  • proprietary PDAs protocols such as HOTSYNCTM (for PALM OSTM devices) and CTIVES YNCTM (for WINDOWS CETM devices) are among these protocols.
  • HOTSYNCTM for PALM OSTM devices
  • CTIVES YNCTM for WINDOWS CETM devices
  • Scheduler/Router which in turn optionally passes that Message in original or modified form on to an Action Module and possibly a Controlled Device.
  • an Input/Output Module communicates with a Remote Device by synchronizing with the Remote Device, receiving and interpreting a Message from the Scheduler/Router (which Message may have originated from a Controlled Device or
  • Action Module optionally encrypting the Message, and then passing the Messages on to the Remote Device, which in turn decrypts the Message as necessary.
  • connection to the Input/Output Modules may be mediated by an Internet service designed specifically to communicate with the Personal Server, or else to a general-purpose Internet service (the “Service”).
  • the user operating the Remote Device may log in or otherwise connect to the Service. In either event, the user accesses a network server (the “Internet Server") which runs the Service via a webiste or other user interface. Once the user has logged in using a Remote Deyice, the Service will then complete the final link to the Personal Server.
  • the Service may dial-in, or use any of the means of connectivity supported by the Input/Output Modules, and then communicate with the Personal Server using standard protocols. The Messages from the Personal Server are then communicated back to the user.
  • a Remote Device such as a Web-enabled cellular phone to connect to a Personal Server at home or at the workplace.
  • encryption/decryption function may occur at different locations on the system such as at the Scheduler/Router, Action Module, or Controlled Device rather than or in addition to the encryption provided by the Input/Output Module.
  • encryption/decryption functions may occur at the level of the Remote Client or the Service rather than or in addition to the encryption provided by the Remote Device.
  • Action Modules are the software -objects that actually carry out instructions specified by the user, and that obtain status and other information from and send instructions to the Controlled Devices. Because of the wide variety of specific actions they carry out, Action Modules will often include their own databases to assist in their functions. Some Action Modules will have their own connectivity to the Web and to other communication lines. An Action Module may be connected to a third party or parties, to the Internet, to other computer systems, or to other networks (even other Personal Server networks).
  • Input/Output Module some Messages from the Input/Output Module to the Scheduler/Router comprise user information, intended Action Module or modules, message length, time stamp and data specifics.
  • the data specifics contain specific commands to the Action Module or Action Modules such as requests for state 5 information as well as any data needed by the Action Module to perform its tasks
  • Messages from the Scheduler Router to the Input/Output Module comprise user information, Action Module identification, message length, time stamp, and data specifics.
  • the data specifics contain responses requested by the user, the results of 10 actions performed, state information, response formatting information, and possible requests for additional information from the input device.
  • Messages may originate or terminate, or be interpreted, parsed, decoded, encoded, modified, scheduled, or otherwise processed by the Remote Client, the 15 Remote Device,, the Service, the Input/Output Module, the Scheduler/Router, the Action Module, or the Controlled Device.
  • New Input/Output Modules and message protocols can be developed by one of ordinary skill in the art as new technologies, in particular O/S device types, are developed.
  • the Remote Client is the user's interface and architecture for the Personal Server. It resides on the Remote Device as a data-gathering/presentation medium.
  • the Remote Device in a preferred embodiment, is a handheld PDA such as a PALM 0/STM b WINDOWS CETM device, or SmartPhone. In alternate embodiments the Remote Device
  • Z5 may be a desktop personal computer or any form of Internet access device. Since many Remote Devices, especially handheld devices, are limited in terms of processing power, memory and display capabilities, the Remote Client is generally designed with these limitations in mind. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the software architecture of the present invention relies most heavily on the Personal Server itself, rather than on the
  • a laptop or even desktop computer will act as the Remote Device, often connected through a network, such as the Internet, but even in these cases, the degree of input available from the computer may be limited.
  • a web page served by a mediating Service on the Internet may serve as the interface for communication to the user. This allows limited input through an Internet access device
  • the Remote Client presents an environment that precisely maps to the network of objects to be controlled through the Personal Server, thus allowing seamless control and perception over the network.
  • the Remote Client has the appropriate interfaces, which
  • FIGURES 4-6 illustrate sample Remote Client environments, including Home Pad, Credit Pad and File Retriever (see “Brief Description of Drawings"). While somewhat less complex than an environment on the Personal
  • ⁇ 5 Server itself, such as the X10 control interface of FIGURE 3, Remote Client environments nonetl ⁇ eless remain robust and easy to use.
  • the Remote Client also generally uses the minimum amount of encryption and authentication necessary to preserve security.
  • Remote Devices particularly third-party Remote Devices, will generally be programmed to operate as the Remote Client.
  • Some Remote Devices will be adapted with additional hardware to operate as the Remote Client, and some will be manufactured specifically for use with the present invention.
  • Remote Devices may use a variety of physical connection and data transfer protocols to communicate with the Personal Server, some examples of which are illustrated in
  • FIGURE 2 Typically more than one protocol will be available, depending on where the user and the Remote Device happen to be at the time of linking. The following is another way of categorizing the types of connections:
  • the following flowchart illustrates, as a preferred embodiment, the method of using a device constructed in accordance with the present invention to carry out a typical task, such as programming a VCR.
  • the Remote Device stores the information
  • the Personal Server is designed to carry out three functions, among others: control, monitoring and remote information tasks. Other functions are obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the Personal Server is typically used to control and monitor the following types of Controlled Devices: remote-ready objects, non-remote-ready objects and other objects.
  • Many Controlled Devices will have both control and monitoring aspects to them, (e.g. "is the porch light on?" "turn on the porch light"), though some will have relatively more of one type of functionality than the other.
  • VCR's have relatively more control functions, relating to programming the VCR, than monitoring/status functions.
  • the Personal Server and its Controlled Devices will operate on a wide area network ("WAN") or local area network ("LAN").
  • WAN wide area network
  • LAN local area network
  • Intel's BLUETOOTHTM is the hardware standard and protocol used to put together the network.
  • communication nodes will be used to broadcast the network signals to Controlled Devices on the network.
  • XI 0 stations are used with the present invention to broadcast the signals.
  • Remote ready Controlled Devices are appliances that are already remote-capable. These objects typically include VCRs, TVs, CD players, home or office security systems, and other sophisticated electronic devices that normally come with remote capability (generally using infra-red signals, in the current art). In addition, there are many standard household controls such as light switches, thermostats, garage doors, and alarm systems that are designed specifically for home-automation purposes.
  • the Personal Server takes advantage of such remote capability to communicate with these devices. Many Controlled Devices use standardized communication protocols, which makes it a straightforward matter to communicate with these devices (“universal" remotes, for instance, take advantage of these standards).
  • the Personal Server can be programmed with additional Input/Output Modules to allow for communication with non-standard objects, however. Input/Output Modules may be developed by value-added providers to enable the Personal Server to communicate with new and non-standard devices as they are developed.
  • the Input/Output Module uploads the information from the Remote Device, creates a Message, and alerts the Scheduler/Router
  • the Scheduler/Router determines that the Message is intended for the VCR Action Module
  • the Scheduler/Router passes the message to the VCR Action Module, which parses the Message and in turn sends appropriate instructions to the VCR
  • the VCR Action Module sends a new Message to the Scheduler/Router, confirming that the action was or was not taken, among other status details 10.
  • the Scheduler Router logs, processes and passes the new Message to the appropriate Input/Output Module
  • the Input/Output Module responds to the Remote Device, if necessary, reestablishing the connection if need be
  • the Remote Device displays relevant status information to the user via the Remote Client
  • the Input/Output Module hangs up the modem connection as necessary
  • the following flowchart illustrates, as an alternate embodiment, the method of using a device constructed in accordance with the present invention to carry out a typical task using the Internet as an intermediary communications mechanism.
  • the user accesses and logs onto the Service using the Remote Client running on the Remote Device. 2.
  • the Service presents the Remote Client with a Web page designed as an interface for programming a VCR 3.
  • the user enters the appropriate information and indicates that the data is complete
  • the Service dials into the Personal Server via dial-up or other connectivity
  • the Personal Server Input/Output Module receives the call
  • the Input/Output Module uploads the information from the Service, creates a Message, and alerts the Scheduler/Router
  • the Scheduler/Router determines that the Message is intended for the VCR Action Module
  • the Scheduler/Router passes the message to the VCR Action Module, which in turn parses the message and sends appropriate instructions to the VCR 9.
  • the VCR Action Module sends a new Message to the Scheduler/Router, confirming that the action was or was not taken, among other status details
  • the Scheduler Router logs, processes and passes the new Message to the appropriate Input/Output Module
  • the Input/Output Module responds to the Service, if necessary, reestablishing the connection if need be.
  • the Service creates a Web page displaying relevant status information to the user via the Remote Client
  • the Input/Output Module closes the connection to the Service. (such as a VCR-PI-WSTM code).
  • the user is also able to enter the name of the program, and the Personal Server, by interacting with a database or data source (such as a database available on the Internet), determines the program specifics.
  • the Personal Server is sophisticated enough in its architecture to prompt the user if there is problem with the information entered, or if it cannot complete the task (for instance, if the VCR is already programmed for another program at the same time). It will also prompt the user with other status information, when it is appropriate.
  • the user generally will wish to program the VCR from a Remote Device rather than from the Personal Server itself.
  • the present invention by connecting the Remote Device to the Personal Server in a seamless fashion, makes this effectively the same task.
  • Non-remote-ready Controlled Devices are those objects that typically are not remote capable. Examples of these objects include microwave ovens, dishwashers, toasters and coffee makers. Increasingly, such devices are being manufactured remote-ready. As Personal Servers become increasingly common, this trend will likely continue. For objects that are not remote-ready, a user will be able to adapt the objects for remote use with additional hardware. At the very least, such objects can be controlled with simple commands by installing remote switches such as XI 0TM units (see “Other objects,” below), or, failing that, at least simple on/off switches.
  • non-remote-ready devices The programming of a non-remote-ready device is similar in implementation to the programming of a VCR outlined above.
  • non-remote-ready objects tend to be more dependent on status in order to function in an appropriate manner. For instance, there should be coffee in the coffee maker or food in the microwave oven before the Personal Server activates these objects. It is partially for this reason that such objects have not been as readily adapted for remote use as some others have. Leaving a tape in a VCR and then wishing to program it later is a common desire. Leaving dirty clothes in a washing machine and washing them later is not so common. Nonetheless, the ability to do so must be convenient in some cases, such as turning a coffee machine on in the morning. As Personal Servers become more common, users will wish to take advantage of these conveniences, and thus more objects not envisioned as readily adaptable to remote use will be made remote-ready.
  • ControllecTDevice that merits special attention is a home or office computer.
  • Either the Personal Server itself, or a separate computer, may function as a Controlled Device when operated in connection with the present invention, operated remotely via the Remote Client to perform a variety of tasks such as sending or retrieving electronic mail, 5 voice mail, or faxes, uploading and downloading files, and connecting to the Internet.
  • Controlled Devices that can be incorporated into the Personal Server system are almost limitless.
  • the system can be used to detect how many cars are sitting in the garage or driveway through the use of cameras, external sensors or chips
  • Communication can be done continuously, or in bursts, depending on need.
  • the Personal Server can act as a pass-through communications link >5 for the Remote Client. For instance, the user can surf the Internet remotely from the Remote Device via the Personal Server. Computational tasks and file retrieval can be done in a similar manner. The user can accomplish these tasks in real-time or else send the task to the Personal Server and then end the transmission. At some later time, when the Personal Server has completed the task or requires additional information, the 10 Personal Server may request that communication be reestablished.
  • One particularly convenient use for the present invention applies to credit-card transactions.
  • Merchants using the current invention can verify credit-card numbers by uploading them from the Remote Device (which will generally have a card reader) to the 15 Personal Server for verification.
  • a credit-card charge can be carried out in a similar manner.

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  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Computer And Data Communications (AREA)
  • Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)
  • Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une solution de connectivité qui intègre les objets électriques et électroniques d'un domicile, d'un bureau ou d'un autre espace dans un réseau informatique intégré de commande et de surveillance. L'invention comprend un dispositif du type serveur qui met en oeuvre des fonctions de commande, de surveillance et de calcul. Un usager introduit des commandes et reçoit des informations provenant d'un dispositif à distance, qui communique avec le dispositif du type serveur. Le dispositif à distance fonctionne à la fois dans l'espace en réseau (p. ex. au domicile ou au bureau et autour de ceux-ci), et de l'extérieur de celui-ci (via une connexion de modem, l'Internet ou un autre type d'accès externe). Magnétoscopes, téléviseurs, systèmes audiovisuels, appareils ménagers, luminaires, bassins, systèmes d'alarme, systèmes de commande de régulation ambiante, caméras, microphones, ordinateurs et stations météorologiques sont des exemples d'objets pouvant être commandés et surveillés par l'utilisateur à partir d'un dispositif à distance. Le dispositif à distance offre à l'utilisateur un environnement d'interface puissant et facile à utiliser qui établit intuitivement des relations avec les objets du réseau. L'invention fournit ainsi à l'utilisateur une connectivité à distance pour les objets les plus importants de celui-ci, et met en place un « domicile ou bureau du futur » automatisé, intelligent et connecté sans coupure.
PCT/US2001/005073 2000-02-25 2001-02-15 Technologie de serveur personnel WO2001063389A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1020027011131A KR20020081357A (ko) 2000-02-25 2001-02-15 개인용 서버 기술
JP2001562287A JP2003524358A (ja) 2000-02-25 2001-02-15 パーソナル・サーバ・テクノロジー
AU2001238414A AU2001238414A1 (en) 2000-02-25 2001-02-15 Personal server technology
EP01910851A EP1257897A1 (fr) 2000-02-25 2001-02-15 Technologie de serveur personnel

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US51355000A 2000-02-25 2000-02-25
US09/513,550 2000-02-25

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WO2001063389A1 true WO2001063389A1 (fr) 2001-08-30

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PCT/US2001/005073 WO2001063389A1 (fr) 2000-02-25 2001-02-15 Technologie de serveur personnel

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EP (1) EP1257897A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2003524358A (fr)
KR (1) KR20020081357A (fr)
CN (1) CN1418336A (fr)
AU (1) AU2001238414A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2001063389A1 (fr)

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WO2003017072A2 (fr) * 2001-08-17 2003-02-27 Petra Bauersachs Ensemble clavier-ecran portable de telecommande pour pc
WO2003030456A1 (fr) * 2001-09-27 2003-04-10 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Procede et systeme permettant de melanger la notification d'evenements dans des flux ip reçus
WO2003071366A1 (fr) * 2002-02-18 2003-08-28 Infineon Technologies Ag Systeme de commande et procede pour faire fonctionner un dispositif d'emission/reception
US7106176B2 (en) 2003-01-15 2006-09-12 Lg Electronics Inc. Portable device-interoperable home network system
CN1295929C (zh) * 2003-11-12 2007-01-17 索尼株式会社 信息处理系统、信息处理装置及方法
CN100462939C (zh) * 2003-01-06 2009-02-18 国际商业机器公司 以用户为中心的服务提供设备和服务提供方法
US7565209B2 (en) 2004-07-02 2009-07-21 Panasonic Corporation Device control apparatus
US8073439B2 (en) 2002-02-18 2011-12-06 Infineon Technologies Ag Control system and method for operating a transceiver

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JP4733942B2 (ja) * 2004-08-23 2011-07-27 株式会社日立国際電気 カメラシステム
KR100914069B1 (ko) * 2007-06-04 2009-08-28 연세대학교 산학협력단 다양한 객체 간의 상호 대화를 위한 범용 장치
CN101489113A (zh) * 2009-01-14 2009-07-22 深圳市同洲电子股份有限公司 一种家庭办公方法及系统
KR100986619B1 (ko) * 2010-03-12 2010-10-08 이상훈 이동통신단말기를 이용한 멀티입출력장치 및 방법
CN102739302A (zh) * 2011-04-08 2012-10-17 叶志勇 一种移动终端与其它设备之间的互联模式

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WO2003017072A2 (fr) * 2001-08-17 2003-02-27 Petra Bauersachs Ensemble clavier-ecran portable de telecommande pour pc
WO2003017072A3 (fr) * 2001-08-17 2004-02-12 Petra Bauersachs Ensemble clavier-ecran portable de telecommande pour pc
WO2003030456A1 (fr) * 2001-09-27 2003-04-10 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Procede et systeme permettant de melanger la notification d'evenements dans des flux ip reçus
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WO2003071366A1 (fr) * 2002-02-18 2003-08-28 Infineon Technologies Ag Systeme de commande et procede pour faire fonctionner un dispositif d'emission/reception
US8073439B2 (en) 2002-02-18 2011-12-06 Infineon Technologies Ag Control system and method for operating a transceiver
CN100462939C (zh) * 2003-01-06 2009-02-18 国际商业机器公司 以用户为中心的服务提供设备和服务提供方法
US7106176B2 (en) 2003-01-15 2006-09-12 Lg Electronics Inc. Portable device-interoperable home network system
CN1295929C (zh) * 2003-11-12 2007-01-17 索尼株式会社 信息处理系统、信息处理装置及方法
US7565209B2 (en) 2004-07-02 2009-07-21 Panasonic Corporation Device control apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR20020081357A (ko) 2002-10-26
AU2001238414A1 (en) 2001-09-03
JP2003524358A (ja) 2003-08-12
EP1257897A1 (fr) 2002-11-20
CN1418336A (zh) 2003-05-14

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