Abstract A method and apparatus for allowing a user to receive information from as well
as program a device from a remote location via the Internet or other communication
network. A device capable of being programmed using well known and understood
protocols is connected to a computer which is coupled to a server having an HTML
page for relaying information pertaining to the device and/or retrieving instructions for
programming the device. A user having a laptop or other remote computer downloads
the HTML page via the Internet, or other network, and is able to retrieve information
concerning the status of the remote device as well as program certain characteristics.
A method of remotely controlling a device over the internet, the method
comprising the steps of: retrieving the current status of the device via the internet; displaying the status in a web browser; retrieving information from a user via the web browser for programming the
device; and transmitting the programming information to the device via the internet; and
programming the device according to the transmitted instructions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
81 words
Apparatus for remotely controlling a device over the internet comprising a
browser (72) and a server (88) connectible via the internet (90), characterised by
means for retrieving the current status of the device via the internet, means for
initiating the display of the status in the browser, means for retrieving information from
a user via the browser for programming the device, and means for transmitting
information to the device via the internet and programming the device according to the
transmitted instructions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
57 words
Apparatus for remotely controlling a device over the internet comprising a
user module (92) and a server (88) capable of communication with one another using
the functionality of the hypertext-transfer protocol (HTTP), characterised by a browser
(72) active within the user module for initiating connections with the server (88) as
well as presenting information to the user.