System and method for performing wireless remote monitoring

#Surveillance or monitoring apparatuses often use at least one video camera allowing surveillance images to be viewed at a remote location. For example, an industrial facility may have several video cameras at various locations throughout the facility, each camera being communicatively coupled to a respective video screen at a central security station operated by one or more guards.

#More recently, video cameras have been developed that can be coupled to a computer hosting any number of software programs capable of converting video images received from the video cameras into a document in hypertext mark-up language (HTML) format, or in other words a document compatible with the Internet standard known as the world wide web (www). Further, personal communication devices such as cellular phones, pagers, and personal digital assistants (PDAs) are becoming increasingly popular commercial products, as wireless communication technology becomes widespread and affordable. Additionally, a number of cellular phone manufacturers are manufacturing and selling camera phones or other smart phones having video displays capable of displaying received images or camera capabilities capable of generating desired images.

#Moreover, home security systems have become more common. However, even the most sophisticated home security systems are limited by rudimentary provisions for remote access by the property owner. Further, false alarms are relatively common with traditional home security systems. Even if the owner is made aware of an alarm, there is no convenient and cost-effective way for the owner to determine whether the alarm is a false alarm. For example, existing systems may notify an owner of a possible break-in or other event through an automated phone call or page message, but the owner has no way of verifying whether there is a genuine emergency or merely a false alarm.

#The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present system and method and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present system and method and do not limit the scope thereof.

#FIG. 1 is a simple block diagram illustrating a wireless communication and monitoring system according to one exemplary embodiment.

#FIG. 2 is a simple block diagram illustrating the components of a wireless monitoring system according to one exemplary embodiment.

#Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.

#An exemplary method and apparatus for remotely monitoring an area of interest is described herein. More specifically, a remote monitoring system includes an image generating device having an electronic serial number or other identifier authorizing the monitoring system as an approved source of images transmitted to a wireless communication device. In conjunction with the previously mentioned apparatus, a method is described for allowing access to a user of generated images on a cellular phone regardless of the cell phone service provider. The present specification discloses the components and various exemplary methods for their application and implementation.

#As used in this specification and in the appended claims, the term “cellular phone” is meant to be understood as any wireless phone that does not physically connect with a phone cable. Similarly, a “service provider” is meant to be understood as any company that provides wireless communication device users with services and subscriptions to wireless networks.