US 2002/0165953 A1 · Network architecture for internet appliances

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and network architecture for a plurality of internet-enabled appliances to communicate with each other and with a plurality of users simultaneously in real time. In a preferred embodiment, a system in accordance with the present invention allows any appliance with built-in internet connectivity, or retrofitted with an interface device containing said connectivity, to communicate with a central server over the internet without human intervention. Software means is provided at said central server to enable such communication. Firmware and hardware means are provided for each appliance to connect to and disconnect from said server on demand either through a dial-up connection or a dedicated communication line. The present invention allows for each device to send data to said central server, receive data from said server, or send data to and receive data from another device via said central server under user-programmable control means residing in said server.

Claims25

Dependent claims

A system for monitoring and controlling a plurality of appliances, said system comprising:

access means providing said appliances with internet connectivity;
and
at least one central server located on the internet, through which all data from said appliances and users of said system passes;
wherein said system is capable of allowing any said user to simultaneously communicate with a plurality of said appliances in real-time;
and
capable of allowing a plurality of said users to simultaneously communicate with any particular said appliance in real-time;
and
capable of allowing any said appliance to communicate with a plurality of other said appliances simultaneously and in real-time.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Network architecture for internet appliances

Life of this patent

Network architecture for internet appliances

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims25