Monitoring Systems and Methods that Incorporate Instant Messaging

• US 20080106423A1
• Filed: 11/02/2006
• Published: 05/08/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/02/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Original Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Inventors: Nguyen, Phong T.
• Granted Patent: US 7,962,608 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/628
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/08 using communication transmission lines G08B13/19658, G08B21/0286, G08B25/016 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 29/145 of fire detection circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/1895 for short real-time information, e.g. alarms, notifications, alerts, updates
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/04 Real-time or near real-time messaging, e.g. instant messaging [IM]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/04 with alarm systems, e.g. fire, police or burglar alarm systems

Abstract

An automatic Instant Messaging system adds remote access capability to fire alarm systems. Both public and private communications paths can be provided.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

providing an interface to a condition monitoring system; and

providing a public and private instant message capability, coupled to the interface.

2. A method as in claim 1 which includes initiating operation of a private use interface.

3. A method as in claim 2 which includes receiving a message from one of a private user or a public user.

4. A method as in claim 3 which includes evaluating the message.

5. A method as in claim 4 which includes determining if the message comprises a command.

6. A method as in claim 5 which includes evaluating if the command has been received from a private user.

7. A method as in claim 6 which includes coupling at least selected commands to the interface.

8. A method as in claim 1 which includes activating the interface to receive at least one of a private or a public message.

9. A method as in claim 8 which includes evaluating a received message as a command or a request

10. A method as in claim 9 which includes processing the evaluated command or request.

11. An apparatus comprising:

a system for monitoring ambient conditions in a region;

a network coupled to the system which supports real-time text messaging; and

software executable by an associated processor to enable a user to obtain condition related information from the system via the network.

12. An apparatus as in claim 11 where the network comprises one of a local area network or a plurality of interconnected computer networks.

13. An apparatus as in claim 11 which includes private instant messaging circuitry and public instant messaging circuitry.

14. An apparatus as in claim 11 which includes an administrative user'"'"'s interface.

15. An apparatus as in claim 14 which includes executable software to verify at least one of requests or commands from at least one class of user.

16. An apparatus as in claim 13 which includes executable software to verify at least one of requests or commands from at least one class of user.

17. An apparatus as in claim 16 which includes an instant message server for private messages.

18. An apparatus as in claim 16 which supports public user service applications.

19. An apparatus as in claim 18 which includes private user software that evaluates commands entered by a user.