System and method for controlling remote devices from a client computer using digital images

摘要

A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for controlling a remote device from a client computer using a digital image of a remote location associated with the remote device. Using graphical user interface (GUI) provided by a client computer, the user select areas in the digital image for mapping to control functions for the remote device. These control functions are associated with command objects downloaded from a server computer and displayed on the graphical user interface. The control functions for the remote device can then be selected by moving a cursor over the selected areas of the digital image. When a control function is selected, the client computer formulates a request that the server computer and/or remote device can understand. Instantaneous feedback is provided by the digital image for any control functions that may be invoked by the user.