Device based instant messenger client

• US 20040267885A1
• Filed: 06/27/2003
• Published: 12/30/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/27/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Logitech Europe S A (Logitech International SA)
• Original Assignee: Logitech Europe S A (Logitech International SA)
• Inventors: Zimmermann, Remy, Standridge, Aaron, Feldis, John J. III
• Granted Patent: US 7,356,565 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/206
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/083 using passwords cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication using a predetermined code H04L9/3226

Abstract

A method and system for providing communication with devices using instant messaging, by enabling a device to be an autonomous IM user. In one embodiment, a unique user login is obtained from an IM service for the device, and this unique user login is stored (e.g., on the device itself, or on another entity such as a computer or a remote server). Once the device is connected to the network, the device can then log onto the IM service, and function as an IM user. Other IM users can then communicate with the device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the device can both send and receive messages. In one embodiment, received messages can be interpreted as commands to the device, based on pre-defined instructions.

Claims

1. A method for communicating with a device connectable to a network, the method comprising:

enabling the device to function as a unique instant messenger client for an instant messenger service; and

receiving messages from the device over the network via the instant messenger service;

whereby the device, instead of a human user, acts as the instant messenger client.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the enabling of the device to function as an instant messenger client comprises:

registering a unique login with the instant messenger service for the device;

and

programming the unique login into the device.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

pre-defining at least one pre-existing user of the instant messenger service with whom the device is allowed to communicate.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

sending messages to the device over the network over the instant messenger service.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:

pre-defining at least one message which can be sent to the device, and at least one action to be taken by the device upon receiving the message.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the messages received from the device over the network via the instant messenger service are initiated by the device in response to a pre-specified criterion being satisfied.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the device is a webcam.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the webcam initiates sending a message over the network via the instant messenger service when the webcam detects motion.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the device is a home appliance.

10. A method for communicating with a device using an instant messenger service, the method comprising:

enabling the device to function as an instant messenger client for the instant messenger service;

connecting the device to a network;

receiving messages from the device over the network over the instant messenger service; and

sending messages to the device over the network over the instant messenger service;

whereby the device, instead of a human user, acts as the instant messenger client.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

pre-defining at least one message which can be sent to the device, and at least one action to be taken by the device upon receiving the message.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the messages received from the device over the network are initiated by the device in response to a pre-specified criterion being satisfied.

13. A device enabled to function as a unique instant messenger user over a network, the device comprising:

an autonomous IM application module, which identifies the device as a unique instant messenger user to an instant messenger service; and

a network interface coupled to the autonomous IM application module, to connect to the network to communicate with at least one other instant messenger user over the instant messenger service;

whereby the device, instead of a human user, acts as the instant messenger client.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the autonomous imaging module initiates communication with the at least one other instant messenger user.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the device is a camera.

16. The device of claim 13, wherein the device is a camera compliant with a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP).

17. The device of claim 13, wherein the device is a camera compliant with a SIP for Instant Messaging Presence Leveraging Extension protocol (SIMPLE).

18. The device of claim 13, further comprising:

a predefined instructions module coupled to the autonomous IM application, to instruct the device regarding interpreting instant messages received from the at least one other instant messenger user.