Monitoring System Control Unit Coupled to Device Database Via the Internet

摘要

Information as to a group of devices which are part of a monitoring system, can be accumulated in one or more databases. The databases can be addressed via a computer network, such as the Internet. Monitoring systems can access one or more of the databases seeking identification of those devices that correspond to a selected criterion. A database can provide serial numbers of devices that meet the selected criteria. The respective monitoring system can determine if any local devices have serial numbers that match the received serial numbers. A trouble indicator can be generated in response thereto.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
providing a plurality of devices to be evaluated in connection with a predetermined standard; providing a machine readable serial number for each device; providing a machine readable database which includes device information; obtaining device serial numbers from the database in accordance with the standard; and comparing the serial numbers received from the database to those of members of the plurality, and, responsive to the results of the comparison, automatically determining which, if any of the members of the plurality are not in compliance with the standard.