Method, system, and computer program product for managing controlled residential or non-residential environments

• US 20040003051A1
• Filed: 06/27/2002
• Published: 01/01/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/27/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: OpenPeak Inc.
• Inventors: Trotter, John A., Gittleman, Daniel J., Krzyzanowski, Paul
• Granted Patent: US 7,933,945 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/217
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2805 Home Audio Video Interoperability [HAVI] networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/282 based on user interaction within the home receiver circuitry for displaying additional information being controlled by a remote control apparatus H04N21/42204
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2838 Distribution of signals within a home automation network, e.g. involving splitting/multiplexing signals to/from different paths adaptations of television systems for transmission by electric cable for domestic distribution H04N7/106; hybrid transport H04L12/6418; home network arrangements specially adapted for distribution of digital video signals H04N7/24
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/083 using passwords cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication using a predetermined code H04L9/3226
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0861 using biometrical features, e.g. fingerprint, retina-scan cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication using biological data H04L9/3231
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/102 Entity profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/02 based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/025 for remote control or remote monitoring of applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/306 User profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/34 involving the movement of software or configuration parameters network booting or remote initial program loading [RIPL] G06F9/4416
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/52 specially adapted for the location of the user terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/75 Indicating network or usage conditions on the user display
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/329 in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/426 Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof H04N5/44 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43615 Interfacing a Home Network, e.g. for connecting the client to a plurality of peripherals home Audio Video Interoperability [HAVI] data switching networks H04L12/2805
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4381 Recovering the multiplex stream from a specific network, e.g. recovering MPEG packets from ATM cells transmission of MPEG streams over ATM H04L12/5601
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4622 Retrieving content or additional data from different sources, e.g. from a broadcast channel and the Internet web site content organization and management for information retrieval from the Internet G06F16/958; transmission by internet of broadcast information H04H60/82; stock exchange data over packet-switching network H04L12/1804; push services including data channel over packet-switching network H04L12/1859
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4882 for displaying messages, e.g. warnings, reminders arrangements for providing short real-time information to substation in data switching networks H04L12/1895
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/64322 IP
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/084 using delegated authorisation, e.g. open authorisation [OAuth] protocol
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 : Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/021 : Services related to particular areas, e.g. point of interest [POI] services, venue services or geofences
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/029 : Location-based management or tracking services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/50 : Service provisioning or reconfiguring
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 : Terminal devices

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.

Claims

1. A method for distributing control signals, comprising the steps of:

accessing a locator code corresponding to a location of a portable device;

matching the locator code to a region of a controlled environment, wherein the region includes one or more devices or applications;

operating the portable device to send a request to a control center; and

controlling an operation or function of the one or more devices or applications in response to the request.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said controlling step comprises the step of:

presenting media corresponding to the request.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said presenting media step comprises the step of:

presenting media on the portable device.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein said presenting media step comprises the step of:

presenting video from a cable, DSS, or Internet source.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein said presenting media step comprises the step of:

presenting video from a cable, DSS, or Internet source on the portable device.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein said presenting media step comprises the step of:

presenting video from a cable, DSS, or Internet source on a television, closed-circuit monitor, or a second portable device.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein said presenting media step comprises the step of:

presenting audio from a radio station, record/playback device, or web site.

8. The method of claim 2, wherein said presenting media step comprises the step of:

presenting media from a home security system comprising at least one of a camera and a microphone.

9. The method of claim 2, wherein said presenting media step comprises the step of:

displaying a web site.

10. The method of claim 2, wherein said presenting media step comprises the step of:

opening a FTP document.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein said controlling step comprises the step of:

exchanging voice communications.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein said controlling step comprises the step of:

accessing a messaging system.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein said matching step comprises the step of:

matching the locator code to a region of a controlling region comprising at least one of a suite of small offices, a production studio, a warehouse, a health care facility, and a hotel.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein said matching step comprises the step of:

matching the locator code to a region of a controlled environment comprising at least one of a home, an apartment, and a mobile home.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein said matching step comprises the step of:

matching the locator code to a region of a controlled environment comprising at least one of a houseboat, an aircraft, and an automobile.

16. A network controller, comprising:

interfacing means for communicating with a control center and responsive to exchanging data and/or control signals with said control center, wherein said data and/or said control signals enable control of one or more network components positioned in a spatial location of the network controller;

positioning means for determining the spatial location of the network controller; and

display means for presenting media corresponding to exchanges with said control center.

17. The network controller of claim 16, wherein said interfacing means exchanges said data and/or said control signals over a wireless medium.

18. The network controller of claim 16, further comprising:

authentication means for determining user awareness.

19. The network controller of claim 16, further comprising:

identification means for determining user awareness.

20. The network controller of claim 16, wherein said positioning means comprises:

interrogating means for accessing a locator code.

21. The network controller of claim 16, wherein said positioning means comprises:

sending means for communicating positioning information.

22. The network controller of claim 21, wherein said sending means is adaptable to periodically communicate positioning information.

23. A method for tracking components of a controlled environment, wherein the components include one or more devices and/or applications, said method comprising the steps of:

accessing a locator code;

sending the locator code to a control center; and

enabling control of one or more components positioned in a vicinity of the controlled environment, wherein the vicinity corresponds to the locator code.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said accessing step further comprises the step of:

accessing the locator code from a positioning beacon.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein said accessing step further comprises the step of:

accessing the locator code from a wireless interface.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein said accessing step further comprises the step of:

implementing the IEEE standard 802.11(a) wireless protocol to access the locator code.

27. The method of claim 23, wherein said accessing step further comprises the step of:

implementing the IEEE standard 802.11(b) wireless protocol to access the locator code.

28. The method of claim 23, wherein said accessing step further comprises the step of:

implementing a short-range wireless protocol that is available under the name of Bluetooth™

to access the locator code.

29. The method of claim 23, wherein said accessing step further comprises the step of:

accessing the locator code from a bar code.

30. The method of claim 23, wherein said accessing step further comprises the step of:

accessing the locator code from a user.

31. The method of claim 23, wherein said accessing step further comprises the step of:

accessing the locator code in response to a verbal command from a user.

32. The method of claim 23, wherein said accessing step further comprises the step of:

accessing the locator code in response to a manually entered command from a user.

33. The method of claim 23, wherein said accessing step further comprises the step of:

activating a transponder to access the locator code.

34. The method of claim 23, wherein said accessing step further comprises the step of:

interacting with a transponder adaptable to continuously transmit the locator code.

35. The method of claim 23, wherein said accessing step further comprises the step of:

accessing identification information for a residential device.

36. The method of claim 23, wherein said accessing step further comprises the step of:

accessing information corresponding to an assigned location for the transmitting device.

37. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of:

transmitting an identifier code to the control center.

38. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of:

determining a position of a component in response said sending step.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein said determining step and said enabling step are performed in real time.

40. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of:

sending an identifier code to identify a device adaptable to send the locator code to the control center.

41. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of:

sending an identifier code to identify an operator of a device adaptable to send the locator code to the control center.

42. The method of claim 23, wherein said enabling step comprises the step of:

selecting a video production for display on a residential device.

43. The method of claim 23, wherein said enabling step comprises the step of:

controlling lighting or power levels within the controlled environment.

44. The method of claim 23, wherein said enabling step comprises the step of:

altering volume levels of a media players.

45. The method of claim 23, wherein said sending step or said enabling step occurs at a portable device, and wherein said sending step comprises sending the locator code to a control center located remotely at a control server.

46. The method of claim 23, wherein said sending step or said enabling step occurs at a portable device, and wherein said sending step comprises sending the locator code to a control center located locally within the portable device.

47. The method of claim 23, wherein said enabling step comprises the step of:

receiving a profile establishing favorite settings for one or more components positioned in the vicinity.

48. The method of claim 23, wherein said enabling step comprises the step of:

receiving a profile having a playlist of video, audio, graphic images, and/or photographs; and

enabling a component positioned in the vicinity to execute the playlist.

49. The method of claim 23, wherein said enabling step comprises the step of:

automatically presenting video and/or audio on a component positioned in the vicinity.

50. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of:

enabling control of one or more components positioned outside of the vicinity corresponding to the locator code.

51. The method of claim 23, wherein said enabling step comprises the step of:

enabling control of one or more components positioned in a vicinity of a controlled environment comprising a health care facility.

52. The method of claim 23, wherein said enabling step comprises the step of:

enabling control of one or more components positioned in a vicinity of a controlled environment comprising a ship.

53. A method for controlling components of a controlled environment from a portable device, wherein the components include one or more devices and/or applications in communications with the portable device, said method comprising the steps of:

accessing a user identity code;

sending the user identity code to a control center; and

executing a profile corresponding to the user identity code, wherein said executing enables the portable device to exchange audio and/or video among a plurality of components.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein said accessing step comprises the step of:

processing a username and/or password to access the user identity code.

55. The method of claim 53, wherein said accessing step comprises the step of:

analyzing biometrics data to access the user identity code.

56. The method of claim 53, wherein said accessing step comprises the step of:

reading a user card to access the user identity code.

57. The method of claim 53, further comprising the step of:

altering the profile to automatically control the operations of a lighting device, coffee maker, thermostat, and/or humidifier.

58. The method of claim 53, wherein said executing step comprises the step of:

denying or allowing access to a secured area, television channel, and/or web site.

59. The method of claim 53, wherein said executing step comprises the step of:

enabling a component to execute a favorite setting.

60. The method of claim 53, wherein said executing step comprises the step of:

enabling a component to execute a playlist of video, audio, graphic images, and/or photographs.

61. The method of claim 53, further comprising the step of:

executing a second profile corresponding to the user identity code in response to a user request, wherein said second executing step enables the exchange of context-sensitive signals to one or more components.

62. The method of claim 53, further comprising the steps of:

accessing a locator code corresponding to a location of the portable device; and

matching the locator code to a region within the controlled environment, wherein the profile enables control of one or more components positioned in the region.

63. The method of claim 62, further comprising the steps of:

accessing a second locator code corresponding to a location of the portable device; and

matching the second locator code to a second region within the controlled environment, wherein the profile enables control of one or more components positioned in the second region.

64. The method of claim 63, further comprising the step of:

automatically presenting video and/or audio on a component positioned in the second region.

65. The method of claim 53, wherein said executing step comprises the step of:

enabling the portable device to exchange audio and/or video among a plurality of components a controlled environment comprising an office complex.

66. The method of claim 53, wherein said executing step comprises the step of:

enabling the portable device to exchange audio and/or video among a plurality of components of a controlled environment comprising a hotel.

67. The method of claim 53, wherein said executing step comprises the step of:

enabling the portable device to exchange audio and/or video among a plurality of components of a controlled environment comprising a houseboat.

68. A system for managing a plurality of network components within a controlled environment, comprising:

a network control center for controlling the operations and/or functions of the plurality of network components; and

positioning means for tracking and/or monitoring the location or movement of at least one of the plurality of network components,

wherein the plurality of network components includes a controller means for interacting with said network control center and said positioning means, and

wherein said controller means is operable to send a control request to one or more of the plurality of network components located within a vicinity of said controller means.

69. The system of claim 68, wherein said positioning means comprises:

transponding means; and

interrogating means,

wherein one of said transponding means and said interrogating means is coupled to said controller means, and

wherein the other of said transponding means and said interrogating means is positioned within the controlled environment.

70. The system of claim 68, wherein said positioning means comprises at least one of a bar code scanner and a GPS receiver.

71. The system of claim 68, wherein said positioning means comprises:

interfacing means for receiving voice and/or manual commands to designate a location of at least one of the plurality of network components.

72. The system of claim 68, further comprising:

profiling means for accessing a profile of customizable settings for said one or more network components, wherein said settings are automatically implemented to control said one or more network components upon execution of said profile.

73. The system of claim 72, further comprising:

identification means for identifying and/or authenticating an operator of said controller means, wherein a user-specific profile of customizable settings are implemented to control said one or more network components upon execution of said user-specific profile.

74. The system of claim 73, wherein said identification means is responsive to accessing at least one of a user card, biometrics data, object-based password, and pixel-based password.

75. The system of claim 68, further comprising:

means for managing the distribution of audio and/or video among said one or more network components.

76. The system of claim 75, wherein said controller means is responsive to receiving said audio and/or video.

77. The system of claim 75, wherein a network component other than said controller means is responsive to receiving said audio and/or video.

78. The system of claim 68, wherein said network control center comprises:

telephony means for managing the distribution of telecommunications signals among the plurality of network components.

79. The system of claim 68, wherein said network control center comprises:

messaging means for creating, storing, and/or retrieving electronic messages, wherein said controller means is operable to access said electronic messages.

80. The system of claim 68, wherein said network control center comprises:

internetworking means for managing exchanges with a device and/or application outside of the controlled environment.

81. The system of claim 68, wherein said network control center comprises:

security means for interacting with a security system.

82. The system of claim 81, wherein said security means comprises:

means for receiving feedback from at least one of a security camera, a motion detector, and an audio input.

83. The system of claim 81, wherein said security means comprises:

means for activating and/or deactivating at least one of an alarm, a lock, and a sprinkler system.

84. The system of claim 81, wherein said security means comprises:

means for controlling access to at least one of a telephone number, a web site, a television channel, an audio recording, and a video recording.

85. The system of claim 68, wherein said controller means is operable to control one or more network components located in a location outside of said vicinity.

86. The system of claim 68, wherein the plurality of network components comprises at least one of an entertainment system, a personal computer, a communications equipment, a monitoring system, a safety and/or security system, a cooking appliance, a comfort system, a power outlet, and a power supply.

87. The system of claim 68, wherein the controlled environment is a residential environment.

88. The system of claim 68, wherein the controlled environment is a non-residential environment.

89. The system of claim 68, further comprising:

interfacing means for enabling communications among the plurality of network components.

90. The system of claim 89, wherein said interfacing means includes a wireless Ethernet-compliant local area network.

91. The system of claim 89, wherein said interfacing means is responsive to implementing a short-range wireless protocol that is available under the name of Bluetooth™

to exchange communications among the plurality of network components.

92. The system of claim 89, wherein said interfacing means includes a powerline responsive to exchanging communications among the plurality of network components.

93. The system of claim 89, wherein said interfacing means includes a telephone line responsive to implementing technologies available from the Home Phone Networking Alliance to exchange communications among the plurality of network components.

94. A computer program product comprising a computer useable medium having computer readable program code means embedded in said medium for causing a computer to manage a plurality of network components within a controlled environment, comprising:

first computer readable program code means for causing the computer to receive or determine the location of a portable controller within the controlled environment, wherein said portable controller is one of the plurality of network components;

second computer readable program code means for causing the computer to specify one or more of the plurality of network components located within a vicinity of said portable controller; and

third computer readable program code means for causing the computer to enable said portable controller to send a control request to said one or more network components.

95. The computer program product according to claim 94, further comprising:

fourth computer readable program code means for causing the computer to access a user-specific profile of customizable settings for said one or more network components.

96. The computer program product according to claim 95, further comprising:

fifth computer readable program code means for causing the computer to enable the execution of said user-specific profile to block access to at least one of a telephone number, a web site, a television channel, an audio recording, a video recording, and a secured area.

97. The computer program product according to claim 95, further comprising:

fifth computer readable program code means for causing the computer to enable the execution of a playlist.

98. The computer program product according to claim 94, further comprising:

fourth computer readable program code means for causing the computer to access a context-sensitive profile of customizable settings for said one or more network components.

99. The computer program product according to claim 94, further comprising:

fourth computer readable program code means for causing the computer to access a follow-me profile of customizable settings for said one or more network components.