Security monitoring system with combined video and graphics display

摘要

A remote location having at least one monitoring device is monitored via a temporary communication channel so that an image from the remote location is displayed at a monitoring location along with a graphic signal that depends on the source of the image. Scrutiny information is sent from the remote location to the monitoring location, including the image. The graphic signal may represent a map of the remote location, and may include text providing helpful information relating to the remote location. In some cases, the temporary communication channel is provided at least in part through an online computer service. In some cases, the communications interface is a wireless communications interface.

主权项

1. A system for monitoring a remote location having at least one second electronic device, comprising:
one of a plurality of control computers for receiving, from a first electronic device at a monitoring location, one or more commands relating to an initiation of communication with at least one second electronic device having at least video display capability at the remote location, the one of the plurality of control computers having at least a capability to:
receive, from multiple electronic devices, commands relating to initiation of communication with multiple other electronic devices; andfacilitate communication with one or more of the other electronic devices; a memory associated with the one of the plurality of control computers for providing information relating to the remote location; a communications interface for facilitating communication, under control of one or more of the plurality of control computers, with the at least one second electronic device; a data processing capability configured to facilitate a video display at the first electronic device of selected information obtained from the at least one second electronic device at the remote location, the selected information including information representing video data intended for display to a human and representing at least certain color video information that is generated by the at least one second electronic device at the remote location and that represents an image at the remote location; a graphics processing capability configured to facilitate display of graphic information at the first electronic device relating to the at least one second electronic device at the remote location; and a control capability at the first electronic device configured to facilitate transmission of control data to the at least one second electronic device at the remote location, at least certain of the control data causing manipulation of the at least one second electronic device.