Apparatus for controlling a premises from a remote location

摘要

An apparatus and method of controlling a premises from a remote network device communicates with the remote network device via a local computer network associated with the premises. Specifically, the apparatus includes a peripheral device configured to execute a specific function at the premises, a communication engine operably coupled with the peripheral device for providing a logical connection with the remote network device via the local computer network, and a network interface operably coupled with the communication engine. The network interface transmits data to and receives data from the local computer network. Data transferred between the peripheral device and local computer network is forwarded via the network interface.

主权项

1. A system for use with controlled devices which are pre-installed at a premises, comprising:
a host device comprising a processor and memory that is remotely located from the premises; and a plurality of peripheral controlling devices located at the premises, each peripheral controlling device associated with a controlled device and comprising:
a processor;a memory;instructions stored in the memory and executed by the processor;a mounting connector via which the peripheral controlling device is mounted to the associated controlled device;a controller adapted to exert control over an input of the associated controlled device and detect status of the associated controlled device; anda communication engine which provides a logical connection with the remote host device and other peripheral controlling devices located at the premises via a computer network, the communication engine configured to transmit data including an indication of associated controlled device status to the remote host device and the other peripheral controlling devices; wherein each controlled device is configured to perform a primary function in response to a primary input which is not provided by the associated peripheral controlling device; wherein the instructions in the memories of the peripheral controlling devices cause each peripheral controlling device to exert control over the associated controlled device responsive to data from another peripheral controlling device indicative of a status change associated with the primary function; and wherein the instructions in the memories of the peripheral controlling devices cause each peripheral controlling device to respond to signaling from the host device to change exertion of control over the associated controlled device.