Control apparatus and method for vehicles and/or for premises

DC CAFC

US 6,549,130 B1
Filed: 03/29/1999
Issued: 04/15/2003
Est. Priority Date: 06/08/1993
Status: Expired due to Fees

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1. A control apparatus, comprising:

a first control device, wherein the first control device at least one of generates and transmits a first signal for at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, of a premises, wherein the first control device is located at the premises, wherein the first control device is responsive to a second signal, wherein the second signal is at least one of generated by and transmitted from a second control device, wherein the second control device is located at a location which is remote from the premises, wherein the second signal is transmitted from the second control device to the first control device, and further wherein the second signal is automatically received by the first control device, wherein the second control device is responsive to a third signal, wherein the third signal is at least one of generated by and transmitted from a third control device, wherein the third control device is located at a location which is remote from the premises and remote from the second control device, wherein the third signal is transmitted from the third control device to the second control device, and further wherein the third signal is automatically received by the second control device.

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Abstract

A control apparatus and method, including a first control device, located at a vehicle or premises, capable of at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, one or more of a plurality of at least one of a respective system, component, device, equipment, equipment system, and/or appliance, of a respective vehicle or premises, with a first signal. The first signal is generated by and/or transmitted from the first control device in response to a second signal, generated by and/or transmitted from a second control device located remote from the vehicle or premises, and automatically received by the first control device. The second control device is responsive to a third signal, generated by and/or transmitted from a third control device located remote from the vehicle or premises and remote from the second control device, and automatically received by the second control device.

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149 Claims

1. A control apparatus, comprising:
- a first control device, wherein the first control device at least one of generates and transmits a first signal for at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, of a premises, wherein the first control device is located at the premises, wherein the first control device is responsive to a second signal, wherein the second signal is at least one of generated by and transmitted from a second control device, wherein the second control device is located at a location which is remote from the premises, wherein the second signal is transmitted from the second control device to the first control device, and further wherein the second signal is automatically received by the first control device, wherein the second control device is responsive to a third signal, wherein the third signal is at least one of generated by and transmitted from a third control device, wherein the third control device is located at a location which is remote from the premises and remote from the second control device, wherein the third signal is transmitted from the third control device to the second control device, and further wherein the third signal is automatically received by the second control device.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
- - 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, is at least one of a central electrical system, a central heating system, a central air conditioning system, a water system, a thermostat or environmental control system, an anti-theft system, a burglary alarm system, a siren, an alarm, an exterior lighting system, an interior lighting system, an electrical or electronically controlled locking device for at least one of a door and a window, an electrical or an electronic dead-bolt locking system or device, an electrical system for controlling an electrical circuit or system at least one of room-by-room, device-by-device, and appliance-by-appliance, a device for at least one of controlling and monitoring at least one of a hot water heater, a garage door opener, a lawn sprinkler system, an electric fence or fencing, an in-ground or above-ground pool at least one of equipment, a filter, and a heater, a home central water valve, an individual room water valve, a home fire detector equipment, a home fire extinguishment equipment, power at least one of door and window at least one of closing, locking, and opening, equipment, a television, a telephone, a telephone answering machine, an alarm system, a VCR, a stove, an oven, a microwave oven, a door bell, a light, a lamp, a blender, a toaster, a personal computer, a word processor, a stereo, a radio, video recording equipment, photographing equipment, a video recording device, a camera, a still picture camera, audio recording equipment, an audio recording device, a microphone, a tape recorder, an intercom system, a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a home fuel supply, a water supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a water usage, at least one of a heat usage and an air conditioning usage, an electricity usage, at least one of a gas usage, an oil usage, and a fuel usage, at least one of a telephone usage and charges, an appliance usage, and a home control system, and wherein the premises is at least one of a residential premises, a residential building, and a home.
  - 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, is a device for controlling an electrical circuit controlled by at least one of a fuse and a circuit breaker.
  - 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, is at least one of a central electrical system, a central heating system, a central air conditioning system, a water system, a thermostat system, an anti-theft system, a burglary alarm system, a siren, an alarm, an exterior lighting system, an interior lighting system, an electrical or an electronically controlled locking device for at least one of a door and a window, an electric or an electronic dead-bolt locking device or system, an electrical system for controlling an electrical circuit at least one of room-by-room, device-by-device, and appliance-by-appliance, a device for at least one of controlling and monitoring at least one of a hot water heater, a garage door opener, a lawn sprinkler system, an electric fence or fencing, an in-ground or above-ground pool at last one of equipment, fountain equipment, a filter, and a heater, fire detector equipment, fire extinguishment equipment, a power at least one of door and window at least one of closing, locking, and opening, equipment, a television, a telephone, a telephone answering machine, an alarm system, a VCR, a stove, an oven, a microwave oven, a door bell, a light, a lamp, a blender, a toaster, a computer, a peripheral, a word processor, a stereo, a radio, manufacturing equipment, video recording equipment, photographing equipment, a video recording device, a camera, a still picture camera, audio recording equipment, an audio recording device, a microphone, a tape recorder, an intercom system, a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring a premises fuel supply, a water supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a water usage, at least one of a heat usage and an air conditioning usage, an electricity usage, at least one of a gas usage, an oil usage, and a fuel usage, at least one of a telephone usage and charges, a commercial premises equipment usage, a commercial premises appliance usage, and a commercial office or commercial premises control system, and wherein the premises is at least one of a commercial premises, a commercial office, and a commercial building.
  - 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the premises is at least one of a mobile home and a mobile premises, and further wherein the apparatus further comprises:
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first control device disables or re-enables the premises.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first control device at least one of controls an operation of, monitors an operation of, and determines an operating status of, the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first signal is transmitted from the first control device to the at least one of premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, via a wireless device.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus provides information regarding at least one of apparatus status and status of the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, is at least one of a video recording device and a camera for obtaining video information at the premises.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, is at least one of an audio recording device, a microphone, and a tape recorder, for obtaining audio information at the premises.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, is a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a home fuel supply, a commercial premises fuel supply, a water supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a water usage, a heat usage, an air conditioning usage, an electricity usage, a gas usage, an oil usage, a fuel usage, at least one of a telephone usage and charges, an appliance usage, a commercial premises equipment usage, a commercial premises appliance usage, a home control system, and a commercial office or a commercial premises control system, wherein the apparatus provides information regarding at least one of data and information at least one of recorded by and read by the monitoring device.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the third control device at least one of activates, de-activates, disables, re-enables, controls the operation of, and monitors the operation of, the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, via the second control device and the first control device on or over at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus performs a systematic check of at least one of a status and a state of the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, and further wherein the apparatus provides information relating to the at least one of a status and a state of the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
- a monitoring device for detecting an occurrence warranting providing notice to at least one of an owner, a user, and an authorized operator, and further wherein the apparatus provides information regarding the occurrence in at least one of a telephone call, a voice message, a pager message, an electronic mail message, and a fax transmission.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus defers at least one of a control function, a monitoring function, and a security function, until after an operation of at least one of the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, is completed.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first control device generates at least one of a confirmation signal and a notification signal for providing information regarding that at least one of a control, a monitoring, a securing, a disabling, and a re-enabling, function has been carried out and is successful or unsuccessful.

18. A control apparatus, comprising:
- a first control device, wherein the first control device at least one of generates and transmits a first signal for at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, of a premises, wherein the first control device is located at a location remote from the premises, and further wherein the first control device is responsive to a second signal, wherein the second signal is at least one of generated by and transmitted from a second control device, wherein the second control device is located at a location which is remote from the first control device and remote from the premises, wherein the second signal is transmitted from the second control device to the first control device, and further wherein the second signal is automatically received by the first control device, wherein the first signal is transmitted from the first control device to a third control device, wherein the third control device is located at the premises, and further wherein the first signal is automatically received by the third control device, wherein the third control device at least one of generates and transmits a third signal for at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, in response to the first signal.
- View Dependent Claims (19)
- - 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first control device is at least one of a server computer, a computer, and a network computer, wherein the second control device is at least one of a stationary device, a portable device, a hand-held device, a mobile device, a telephone, a cordless telephone, a cellular telephone, a home computer, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, a television, an interactive television, a digital television, a personal communications device, a personal communications services device, a display telephone, a video telephone, a watch, and a two-way pager, and wherein the apparatus is utilized on or over at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web.

20. A control apparatus, comprising:
- a first control device, wherein the first control device is capable of at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, one or more of a plurality of at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, of a vehicle, wherein the first control device at least one of generates and transmits a first signal for at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, wherein the first control device is located at the vehicle, and further wherein the first control device is responsive to a second signal, wherein the second signal is at least one of generated by and transmitted from a second control device, wherein the second control device is located at a location which is remote from the vehicle, and wherein the second signal is transmitted from the second control device to the first control device, and further wherein the second signal is automatically received by the first control device, wherein the second control device is responsive to a third signal, wherein the third signal is at least one of generated by and transmitted from a third control device, wherein the third control device is located at a location which is remote from the vehicle and remote from the second control device, wherein the third signal is transmitted from the third control device to the second control device, and further wherein the third signal is automatically received by the second control device, wherein the vehicle is at least one of a boat, a marine vessel, a marine vehicle, a motor boat, a sailboat, a ship, a cruise ship, a commercial boat, a military boat, and an unmanned boat, and further wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, is at least one of a siren, a horn, a light system, head lights, tail lights, flashers, a power door or hatch locking system, an electronic or electrical dead bolt locking device, an engine compartment locking device, an electrical or mechanical locking device, a navigational device, navigational equipment, fire extinguishing equipment, a pumping device for pumping water, a radar device, radar equipment, emergency or distress signal equipment, a sonar device, sonar equipment, a lighting system, a video recording device, a camera, a gun, a weapon system, a self-defense system, an electronic warfare system, and a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a fuel supply, a marine control system, and a boat operation.

21. A method for providing control, comprising:
- transmitting a first signal from a first control device to a second control device, wherein the first control device is located at a location remote from a premises and remote from the second control device, wherein the second control device is located at a location remote from the premises, and further wherein the first signal is automatically received by the second control device;
  
  transmitting a second signal from the second control device to a third control device in response to the first signal, wherein the third control device is located at the premises, and wherein the second signal is automatically received by the third control device;
  
  generating a third signal with the third control device in response to the second signal; and
  
  at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance.
- View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25)
- - 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising:
23. The method of claim 21, further comprising:
- at least one of obtaining video information at the premises and obtaining audio information at the premises.
24. The method of claim 21, further comprising:
- at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a home fuel supply, a commercial premises fuel supply, a water supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a water usage, a heat usage, an air conditioning usage, an electricity usage, a gas usage, an oil usage, a fuel usage, at least one of a telephone usage and charges, an appliance usage, a commercial premises equipment usage, a commercial premises appliance usage, a home control system, and a commercial office or commercial premises control system, with a monitoring device; and
  
  providing information regarding at least one of data and information at least one of recorded by and read by the monitoring device.
25. The method of claim 21, further comprising:
- generating at least one of a confirmation signal and a notification signal for providing information regarding that at least one of a control, a monitoring, a securing, a disabling, and a re-enabling, function has been carried out and is successful or unsuccessful.

26. A control apparatus, comprising:
- a first control device, wherein the first control device at least one of generates and transmits a first signal for at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, of a vehicle, wherein the first control device is located at the vehicle, wherein the first control device is responsive to a second signal, wherein the second signal is at least one of generated by and transmitted from a second control device, wherein the second control device is located at a location which is remote from the vehicle, wherein the second signal is transmitted from the second control device to the first control device, and further wherein the second signal is automatically received by the first control device, wherein the second control device is responsive to a third signal, wherein the third signal is at least one of generated by and transmitted from a third control device, wherein the third control device is located at a location which is remote from the vehicle and remote from the second control device, wherein the third signal is transmitted from the third control device to the second control device, and further wherein the third signal is automatically received by the second control device, wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, is at least one of a vehicle ignition system, a vehicle fuel pump system, a vehicle alarm system, a vehicle door locking device, a vehicle hood locking device, a vehicle trunk locking device, a wheel locking device, a brake locking device, a horn, a vehicle light, a vehicle lighting system, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, an oven, a vehicle window locking device, a video recording device, an audio recording device, a camera, an intercom device, a microphone, a locking device, a monitoring device for monitoring at least one of fuel supply, water or coolant supply, generator operation, alternator operation, battery charge level, and engine temperature, fire extinguishing equipment, radar equipment, hydraulic equipment, pneumatic equipment, a winch, a self-defense system, a weapon system, a gun, an electronic warfare system, a pumping device, sonar equipment, a locking device for preventing unauthorized access to a vehicle compartment, and landing gear.
- View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
- - 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the vehicle is at least one of a motor vehicle, an automobile, a truck, a bus, a tractor trailer, construction equipment, farm equipment, a commercial vehicle, a recreational vehicle, a motorcycle, an unmanned vehicle, a law enforcement vehicle, a military vehicle, a boat, a marine vessel, a marine vehicle, a motor boat, a sailboat, a ship, a cruise ship, a commercial boat, a military boat, an unmanned boat, a submarine, an aircraft, an airplane, a jet, a helicopter, a glider, a spacecraft, a space shuttle, a satellite, an unmanned aircraft, a commercial aircraft, a military aircraft, a snowmobile, a jetski, a scooter, a minibike, a go-cart, and a moped.
  - 28. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the first control device disables or re-enables the vehicle.
  - 29. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the apparatus provides at least one of an immediate and a deferred control of the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance.
  - 30. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the first control device at least one of controls, monitors, and determines an operating status of, the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance.
  - 31. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the first signal is transmitted from the first control device to the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, via at least one of a wireless device, wireless communication equipment, wireless equipment, and a wireless link.
  - 32. The apparatus of claim 26, further comprising:
33. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the second control device is at least one of a server computer, a computer, and a network computer, and further wherein the third control device is at least one of a stationary device, a portable device, a hand-held device, a mobile device, a telephone, a cordless telephone, a cellular telephone, a home computer, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, a television, an interactive television, a digital television, a personal communications device, a personal communications services device, a display telephone, a video telephone, a watch, and a two-way pager.
34. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the first control device at least one of activates and controls at least one of the video recording device for obtaining video information at the vehicle, the camera for obtaining video information at the vehicle, the audio recording device for obtaining audio information at the vehicle, and the microphone for obtaining audio information at the vehicle.
35. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the first control device at least one of activates and controls the monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a fuel supply, a water or coolant supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a battery charge level, an engine temperature level, a vehicle operation, a marine control system, a boat operation, an airplane flight control system, an airplane operation, a snowmobile control system, and a snowmobile operation.
36. The apparatus of claim 26, further comprising:
- a system for detecting a failure in the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, wherein the system provides information regarding the failure, and further wherein the detecting system is at least one of activated, deactivated, disabled, re-enabled, and controlled, by the first control device.
37. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the apparatus is programmed to become activated or de-activated automatically upon an occurrence or lack of an occurrence of a pre-defined event, wherein the pre-defined event is at least one of a theft of the vehicle and a malfunction, and further wherein the apparatus is programmed to transmit a message containing information regarding the at least one of a theft of the vehicle and a malfunction to a communication device associated with the vehicle at least one of user, operator, owner, occupant, and authorized individual, and further wherein the message is at least one of a pager message, a facsimile message, a voice message, a voice mail message, an electronic message, and an answering service message.
38. The apparatus of claim 26, further comprising:
- a monitoring device for detecting an occurrence warranting providing notice to at least one of an owner, a user, and an authorized operator, and further wherein the apparatus provides information regarding the occurrence in at least one of a telephone call, a voice message, a pager message, an electronic mail message, and a fax transmission.
39. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the apparatus defers at least one of a control function, a monitoring function, and a security function, until after an operation of at least one of the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, is completed.

40. A control apparatus, comprising:
- a first control device, wherein the first control device at least one of generates and transmits a first signal for at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, of a vehicle, wherein the first control device is located at a location remote from the vehicle, and further wherein the first control device is responsive to a second signal, wherein the second signal is at least one of generated by and transmitted from a second control device, wherein the second control device is located at a location which is remote from the first control device and remote from the vehicle, wherein the second signal is transmitted from the second control device to the first control device, and further wherein the second signal is automatically received by the first control device, wherein the first signal is transmitted from the first control device to a third control device, wherein the third control device is located at the vehicle, and further wherein the first signal is automatically received by the third control device, wherein the third control device at least one of generates and transmits a third signal for at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, in response to the first signal, wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, is at least one of a vehicle ignition system, a vehicle fuel pump system, a vehicle alarm system, a vehicle door locking device, a vehicle hood locking device, a vehicle trunk locking device, a wheel locking device, a brake locking device, a horn, a vehicle light, a vehicle lighting system, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, an oven, a vehicle window locking device, a video recording device, an audio recording device, a camera, an intercom device, a microphone, a locking device, a monitoring device for monitoring at least one of fuel supply, water or coolant supply, generator operation, alternator operation, battery charge level, and engine temperature, fire extinguishing equipment, radar equipment, hydraulic equipment, pneumatic equipment, a winch, a self-defense system, a weapon system, a gun, an electronic warfare system, a pumping device, sonar equipment, a locking device for preventing unauthorized access to a vehicle compartment, and landing gear.
- View Dependent Claims (41)
- - 41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the first control device is at least one of a server computer, a computer, and a network computer, and further wherein the second control device is at least one of a stationary device, a portable device, a hand-held device, a mobile device, a telephone, a cordless telephone, a cellular telephone, a home computer, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, a television, an interactive television, a digital television, a personal communications device, a personal communications services device, a display telephone, a video telephone, a watch, and a two-way pager.

42. A method for providing control, comprising:
- transmitting a first signal from a first control device to a second control device, wherein the first control device is located at a location remote from a vehicle and remote from the second control device, and further wherein the first signal is automatically received by the second control device;
  
  transmitting a second signal from the second control device to a third control device, wherein the third control device is located at the vehicle, and further wherein the second control device is located at a location remote from the vehicle, wherein the second signal is automatically received by the third control devices;
  
  generating a third signal with the third control device in response to the second signal; and
  
  at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, in response to the third signal, wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, is at least one of a vehicle ignition system, a vehicle fuel pump system, a vehicle alarm system, a vehicle door locking device, a vehicle hood locking device, a vehicle trunk locking device, a wheel locking device, a brake locking device, a horn, a vehicle light, a vehicle lighting system, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, an oven, a vehicle window locking device, a video recording device, an audio recording device, a camera, an intercom device, a microphone, a locking device, a monitoring device for monitoring at least one of fuel supply, water or coolant supply, generator operation, alternator operation, battery charge level, and engine temperature, fire extinguishing equipment, radar equipment, hydraulic equipment, pneumatic equipment, a winch, a self-defense system, a weapon system, a gun, an electronic warfare system, a pumping device, sonar equipment, a locking device for preventing unauthorized access to a vehicle compartment, and landing gear.
- View Dependent Claims (43, 44, 45, 46)
- - 43. The method of claim 42, further comprising:
44. The method of claim 42 further comprising:
- at least one of obtaining video information at the vehicle and obtaining audio information at the vehicle.
45. The method of claim 42, further comprising:
- at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a fuel supply, a water or coolant supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a battery charge level, an engine temperature level, a vehicle operation, a marine control system, a boat operation, an airplane flight control system, an airplane operation, a snowmobile control system, and a snowmobile operation, with a monitoring device; and
  
  providing information regarding at least one of data and information at least one of recorded by and read by the monitoring device.
46. The method of claim 42 further comprising:
- detecting a failure in the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance; and
  
  providing information regarding the failure.

47. A control apparatus, comprising:
- a first control device, wherein the first control device is capable of at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, one or more of a plurality of at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, of a vehicle, wherein the first control device at least one of generates and transmits a first signal for at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, wherein the first control device is located at the vehicle, and further wherein the first control device is responsive to a second signal, wherein the second signal is at least one of generated by and transmitted from a second control device, wherein the second control device is located at a location which is remote from the vehicle, and wherein the second signal is transmitted from the second control device to the first control device, and further wherein the second signal is automatically received by the first control device, wherein the second control device is responsive to a third signal, wherein the third signal is at least one of generated by and transmitted from a third control device, wherein the third control device is located at a location which is remote from the vehicle and remote from the second control device, wherein the third signal is transmitted from the third control device to the second control device, and further wherein the third signal is automatically received by the second control device, wherein the vehicle is at least one of an aircraft, an airplane, a jet, a helicopter, a glider, a commercial aircraft, a military aircraft, and an unmanned aircraft, and further wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, is at least one of a siren, a horn, a light system, head lights, tail lights, flashers, a power door or hatch locking system or device, a locking system, a mechanical locking system, landing gear, a navigational device, navigational equipment, fire extinguishing equipment, a radar device, radar equipment, emergency or distress signal equipment, a sonar device, sonar equipment, a lighting system, a video recording device, a camera, a gun, a weapon system, a self-defense system, an electronic warfare system, and a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a fuel supply, an airplane flight control system, and an airplane operation.

48. A control apparatus, comprising:
- a first control device, wherein the first control device is capable of at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, one or more of a plurality of at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, of a vehicle, wherein the first control device at least one of generates and transmits a first signal for at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, wherein the first control device is located at the vehicle, and further wherein the first control device is responsive to a second signal, wherein the second signal is at least one of generated by and transmitted from a second control device, wherein the second control device is located at a location which is remote from the vehicle, and wherein the second signal is transmitted from the second control device to the first control device, and further wherein the second signal is automatically received by the first control device, wherein the second control device is responsive to a third signal, wherein the third signal is at least one of generated by and transmitted from a third control device, wherein the third control device is located at a location which is remote from the vehicle and remote from the second control device, wherein the third signal is transmitted from the third control device to the second control device, and further wherein the third signal is automatically received by the second control device.
- View Dependent Claims (49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90)
- - 49. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, is at least one of a siren, an alarm, a horn, a light system, head lights, tail lights, flashers, a power door lock system, a hood locking system, a mechanical hood locking system, an anti-theft system, a vehicle recovery system or device, a homing device or system, a tracking device or system, video recording equipment, photographing equipment, a video recording device, a camera, a still picture camera, audio recording equipment, an audio recording device, a microphone, a tape recorder, an intercom system or device, a two-way radio, a radio, a television, a navigational device, navigational equipment, fire extinguishing equipment, a radar device, radar equipment, emergency or distress signal equipment, a refrigerator, a stove, an air conditioner, an oven, a microwave oven, a lighting system, an electrical or electronically controlled dead bolt locking device for use on at least one of a door, a window, a hood, and a trunk, a wheel locking device or mechanism, a brake locking device or mechanism, hydraulic equipment, pneumatic equipment, a winch, a loading mechanism, and unloading mechanism, a cutting mechanism, a bailing mechanism, a gun, a weapon system, a self-defense system, an electronic warfare system, and a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a fuel supply, a water or coolant supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a battery charge level, an engine temperature level, and a vehicle operation.
  - 50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the vehicle is at least one of a motor vehicle, an automobile, a truck, a bus, a tractor trailer, construction equipment, farm equipment, a commercial vehicle, a motorcycle, an unmanned vehicle, a law enforcement vehicle, and a military vehicle.
  - 51. The apparatus of Claim 48, wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, is at least one of an ignition system and a fuel pump system.
  - 52. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, is at least one of a siren, an alarm, a horn, a light system, head lights, tail lights, flashers, a power door or hatch locking system, an electronic or electrical dead bolt locking device, an engine compartment locking device, an electrical or mechanical locking device, an anti-theft system, a recovery system or device, a homing system, a tracking system, a two-way radio, a radio, a television, a navigational device, navigational equipment, fire extinguishing equipment, a pumping device for pumping water, a radar device, radar equipment, emergency or distress signal equipment, a sonar device, sonar equipment, a refrigerator, a stove, an air conditioner, an oven, a microwave oven, a lighting system, video recording equipment, photographing equipment, a video recording device, a camera, a still picture camera, audio recording equipment, an audio recording device, a microphone, a tape recorder, a gun, a weapon system, a self-defense system, an electronic warfare system, and a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a fuel supply, a water or coolant supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a battery charge level, an engine or motor temperature level, a marine control system, and a boat operation.
  - 53. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the vehicle is at least one of a boat, a marine vessel, a marine vehicle, a motor boat, a sailboat, a ship, a cruise ship, a commercial boat, a military boat, an unmanned boat, and a submarine.
  - 54. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, is at least one of a siren, an alarm, a horn, a light system, head lights, tail lights, flashers, a power door or hatch locking system or device, a locking system, a mechanical locking system, an anti-theft system, a recovery system or device, a homing system, a tracking system, landing gear, a two-way radio, a radio, a television, a navigational device, navigational equipment, fire extinguishing equipment, a radar device, radar equipment, emergency or distress signal equipment, a sonar device, sonar equipment, a refrigerator, a stove, an air conditioner, an oven, a microwave oven, a lighting system, video recording equipment, photographing equipment, a video recording device, a camera, a still picture camera, audio recording equipment, an audio recording device, a microphone, a tape recorder, an intercom system or device, a gun, a weapon system, a self-defense system, an electronic warfare system, and a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a fuel supply, a water or coolant supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a battery charge level, an engine or motor temperature level, an airplane flight control system, and an airplane operation.
  - 55. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the vehicle is at least one of an aircraft, an airplane, a jet, a helicopter, a glider, a spacecraft, a space shuttle, a satellite, an unmanned aircraft, a commercial aircraft, and a military aircraft.
  - 56. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, is at least one of a siren, an alarm, a horn, a light system, head lights, tail lights, flashers, a power locking system or device, a steering mechanism locking device, a locking device, a snowmobile track locking device, an anti-theft system, a snowmobile recovery system or device, a homing system, a tracking system, video recording equipment, audio recording equipment, intercom equipment, a gun, a weapon system, a self-defense system, an electronic warfare system, and a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a snowmobile fuel supply, a water or coolant supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a battery charge level, an engine or motor temperature level, a snowmobile control system, and snowmobile operation.
  - 57. The apparatus of claim 56, wherein the vehicle is at least one of a snowmobile, a jetski, a scooter, a motorcycle, a minibike, a go-cart, a moped, an unmanned vehicle, a commercial vehicle, and a military vehicle.
  - 58. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the first control device disables or re-enables the vehicle.
  - 59. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the second control signal contains at least one of an access code, a command code, a disable code, a re-enable code, and a status code.
  - 60. The apparatus of claim 48, further comprising:
61. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the positioning device comprises:
- a plurality of global positioning devices, wherein the positioning device determines a change in distance between any two or more of the plurality of global positioning devices.
62. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the positioning device performs global positioning calculations at least one of continuously, intermittently, and at regular intervals.
63. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the third control device at least one of activates, de-activates, disables, re-enables, controls the operation of, and monitors the operation of, the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, via the second control device and the first control device.
64. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the third control device at least one of activates, de-activates, disables, re-enables, controls the operation of, and monitors the operation of, the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, via the second control device and the first control device on or over at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web.
65. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the first control device controls an operation of the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance.
66. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the first control device monitors an operation of the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance.
67. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the first control device determines an operating status of at least one of the vehicle and the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance.
68. The apparatus of claim 48, further comprising:
- an interface device for providing an interface between the first control device and the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance.
69. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the first signal is transmitted from the first control device to the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, via at least one of a wireless device, wireless communication equipment, wireless equipment, and a wireless link.
70. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the apparatus provides at least one of an immediate and a deferred control of the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance.
71. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the apparatus is at least one of programmed, automatically activated, and self-activated.
72. The apparatus of claim 48, further comprising:
- an arming device for at least one of arming, activating, and accessing, the apparatus, wherein the arming device is located at the vehicle.
73. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the third control device is at least one of a stationary device, a portable device, a hand-held device, a mobile device, a telephone, a cordless telephone, a cellular telephone, a home computer, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, a television, an interactive television, a digital television, a personal communications device, a personal communications services device, a display telephone, a video telephone, a watch, and a two-way pager.
74. The apparatus of claim 48, further comprising:
- a voice synthesizer for providing voice information regarding at least one of apparatus status, vehicle operation status, and status of the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, wherein the voice synthesizer is connected to the first control device.
75. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the apparatus provides information regarding at least one of apparatus status, vehicle operation status, and status of the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance.
76. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, is at least one of a video recording device and a camera, wherein the at least one of a video recording device and a camera obtains video information at the vehicle.
77. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the at least one of a video recording device and a camera further comprises:
- a storage medium for storing at least one of recorded video and a picture.
78. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the at least one of an audio recording device, a microphone, and a tape recorder, is located at least one of on the interior of the vehicle and on the exterior of the vehicle.
79. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the at least one of a video recording device and a camera, is located at least one of on the interior of the vehicle and on the exterior of the vehicle.
80. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, is at least one of an audio recording device, a microphone, and a tape recorder, wherein the at least one of an audio recording device, a microphone, and a tape recorder, obtains audio information at the vehicle.
81. The apparatus of claim 80, wherein the at least one of an audio recording device, a microphone, and a tape recorder, further comprises:
- a storage medium for storing recorded audio information.
82. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, is at least one of a video recording device, a camera, an audio recording device, a microphone, and a tape recorder, wherein the at least one of a video recording device, a camera, an audio recording device, a microphone, and a tape recorder, is at least one of pivotable and moveable.
83. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, is a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a fuel supply, a water or coolant supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a battery charge level, an engine temperature level, a vehicle operation, a marine control system, a boat operation, an airplane flight control system, an airplane operation, a snowmobile control system, and a snowmobile operation, wherein the apparatus provides information regarding at least one of data and information at least one of recorded by and read by the monitoring device.
84. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, is a system for detecting a failure in the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, wherein the detecting system provides information regarding the failure.
85. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the apparatus is utilized on or over at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web.
86. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the apparatus is programmed to become activated or de-activated automatically upon an occurrence or lack of an occurrence of a pre-defined event, wherein the pre-defined event is at least one of a theft of the vehicle and a malfunction, and further wherein the apparatus is programmed to transmit a message containing information regarding the at least one of a theft of the vehicle and a malfunction to a communication device associated with the vehicle at least one of user, operator, owner, occupant, and authorized individual, and further wherein the message is at least one of a pager message, a facsimile message, a voice message, a voice mail message, an electronic message, and an answering service message.
87. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the apparatus performs a systematic check of at least one of a status and a state of the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, and further wherein the apparatus provides information relating to the at least one of a status and a state of the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance.
88. The apparatus of claim 48, further comprising:
- a monitoring device for detecting an occurrence warranting providing notice to at least one of an owner, a user, and an authorized operator, and further wherein the apparatus provides information regarding the occurrence in at least one of a telephone call, a voice message, a pager message, an electronic mail message, and a fax transmission.
89. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the apparatus defers at least one of a control function, a monitoring function, and a security function, until after an operation of at least one of the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, is completed.
90. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the first control device generates at least one of a confirmation signal and a notification signal for providing information regarding that at least one of a control, a monitoring, a securing, a disabling, and a re-enabling, function has been carried out and is successful or unsuccessful.

91. A control apparatus, comprising:
- a first control device, wherein the first control device at least one of generates and transmits a first signal for at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, of a vehicle, wherein the first control device is located at a location remote from the vehicle, and further wherein the first control device is responsive to a second signal, wherein the second signal is at least one of generated by and transmitted from a second control device, wherein the second control device is located at a location which is remote from the first control device and remote from the vehicle, wherein the second signal is transmitted from the second control device to the first control device, and further wherein the second signal is automatically received by the first control device, wherein the first signal is transmitted from the first control device to a third control device, wherein the third control device is capable of at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, one or more of a plurality of the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, and wherein the third control device is located at the vehicle, and further wherein the first signal is automatically received by the third control device, wherein the third control device at least one of generates and transmits a third signal for at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance.
- View Dependent Claims (92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97)
- - 92. The apparatus of claim 91, wherein the first control device is at least one of a server computer, a computer, and a network computer, and wherein the second control device is at least one of a stationary device, a portable device, a hand-held device, a mobile device, a telephone, a cordless telephone, a cellular telephone, a home computer, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, a television, an interactive television, a digital television, a personal communications device, a personal communications services device, a display telephone, a video telephone, a watch, and a two-way pager, and wherein the apparatus is utilized on or over at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web.
  - 93. The apparatus of claim 91, wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, is at least one of a siren, an alarm, a horn, a light system, head lights, tail lights, flashers, a power door lock system, a hood locking system, a mechanical hood locking system, an anti-theft system, a vehicle recovery system or device, a homing device or system, a tracking device or system, video recording equipment, photographing equipment, a video recording device, a camera, a still picture camera, audio recording equipment, an audio recording device, a microphone, a tape recorder, an intercom system or device, a two-way radio, a radio, a television, a navigational device, navigational equipment, fire extinguishing equipment, a radar device, radar equipment, emergency or distress signal equipment, a refrigerator, a stove, an air conditioner, an oven, a microwave oven, a lighting system, an electrical or electronically controlled dead bolt locking device for use on at least one of a door, a window, a hood, and a trunk, a wheel locking device or mechanism, a brake locking device or mechanism, hydraulic equipment, pneumatic equipment, a winch, a loading mechanism, and unloading mechanism, a cutting mechanism, a bailing mechanism, a gun, a weapon system, a self-defense system, an electronic warfare system, and a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a fuel supply, a water or coolant supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a battery charge level, an engine temperature level, and a vehicle operation, and further wherein the vehicle is at least one of a motor vehicle, an automobile, a truck, a bus, a tractor trailer, construction equipment, farm equipment, a commercial vehicle, a recreational vehicle, a motorcycle, an unmanned vehicle, a law enforcement vehicle, and a military vehicle.
  - 94. The apparatus of claim 91, wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, is at least one of an ignition system and a fuel pump system.
  - 95. The apparatus of claim 91, wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, is at least one of a siren, an alarm, a horn, a light system, head lights, tail lights, flashers, a power door or hatch locking system, an electronic or electrical dead bolt locking device, an engine compartment locking device, an electrical or mechanical locking device, an anti-theft system, a recovery system or device, a homing system, a tracking system, a two-way radio, a radio, a television, a navigational device, navigational equipment, fire extinguishing equipment, a pumping device for pumping water, a radar device, radar equipment, an emergency or distress signal equipment, a sonar device, sonar equipment, a refrigerator, a stove, an air conditioner, an oven, a microwave oven, a lighting system, video recording equipment, photographing equipment, a video recording device, a camera, a still picture camera, audio recording equipment, an audio recording device, a microphone, a tape recorder, a gun, a weapon system, a self-defense system, an electronic warfare system, and a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a fuel supply, a water or coolant supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a battery charge level, an engine or motor temperature level, a marine control system, and a boat operation, and further wherein the vehicle is at least one of a boat, a marine vessel, a marine vehicle, a motor boat, a sailboat, a ship, a cruise ship, a commercial boat, a military boat, an unmanned boat, and a submarine.
  - 96. The apparatus of claim 91, wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, is at least one of a siren, an alarm, a horn, a light system, head lights, tail lights, flashers, a power door or hatch locking system or device, a locking system, a mechanical locking system, an anti-theft system, a recovery system or device, a homing system, a tracking system, landing gear, a two-way radio, a radio, a television, a navigational device, navigational equipment, fire extinguishing equipment, a radar device, radar equipment, emergency or distress signal equipment, a sonar device, sonar equipment, a refrigerator, a stove, an air conditioner, an oven, a microwave oven, a lighting system, video recording equipment, photographing equipment, a video recording device, a camera, a still picture camera, audio recording equipment, an audio recording device, a microphone, a tape recorder, an intercom system or device, a gun, a weapon system, a self-defense system, an electronic warfare system, and a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a fuel supply, a water or coolant supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a battery charge level, an engine or motor temperature level, an airplane flight control system, and an airplane operation, and further wherein the vehicle is at least one of an aircraft, an airplane, a jet, a helicopter, a glider, a spacecraft, a space shuttle, a satellite, an unmanned aircraft, a commercial aircraft, and a military aircraft.
  - 97. The apparatus of claim 91, wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance, is at least one of a siren, an alarm, a horn, a light system, head lights, tail lights, flashers, a power locking system or device, a steering mechanism locking device, a locking device, a snowmobile track locking device, an anti-theft system, a snowmobile recovery system or device, a homing system, a tracking system, video recording equipment, audio recording equipment, intercom equipment, a gun, a weapon system, a self-defense system, an electronic warfare system, and a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a snowmobile fuel supply, a water or coolant supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a battery charge level, an engine or motor temperature level, a snowmobile control system, and snowmobile operation, and further wherein the vehicle is at least one of a snowmobile, a jetski, a scooter, a motorcycle, a minibike, a go-cart, a moped, an unmanned vehicle, a commercial vehicle, and a military vehicle.

98. A control apparatus, comprising;
- a first control device, wherein the first control device is capable of at least one of activating, deactivating, disabling, and re-enabling, one or more of a plurality of at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, of a premises, wherein the first control device at least one of generates and transmits a first signal for at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, wherein the first control device is located at the premises, wherein the first control device is responsive to a second signal, wherein the second signal is at least one of generated by and transmitted from a second control device, wherein the second control device is located at a location which is remote from the premises, wherein the second signal is transmitted from the second control device to the first control device, and further wherein the second signal is automatically received by the first control device, wherein the second control device is responsive to a third signal, wherein the third signal is at least one of generated by and transmitted from a third control device, wherein the third control device is located at a location which is remote from the premises and remote from the second control device, wherein the third signal is transmitted from the third control device to the second control device, and further wherein the third signal is automatically received by the second control device.
- View Dependent Claims (99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132)
- - 99. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, is at least one of a central electrical system, a central heating system, a central air conditioning system, a water system, a thermostat or environmental control system, an anti-theft system, a burglary alarm system, a siren, an alarm, an exterior lighting system, an interior lighting system, an electrical or electronically controlled locking device for at least one of a door and a window, an electrical or an electronic dead-bolt locking system or device, an electrical system for controlling an electrical circuit or system at least one of room-by-room, device-by-device, and appliance-by-appliance, a device for at least one of controlling and monitoring at least one of a hot water heater, a garage door opener, a lawn sprinkler system, an electric fence or fencing, an in-ground or above-ground pool at least one of equipment, a filter, and a heater, a home central water valve, an individual room water valve, a home fire detector equipment, a home fire extinguishment equipment, power at least one of door and window at least one of closing, locking, and opening, equipment, a television, a telephone, a telephone answering machine, an alarm system, a VCR, a stove, an oven, a microwave oven, a door bell, a light, a lamp, a blender, a toaster, a personal computer, a word processor, a stereo, a radio, video recording equipment, photographing equipment, a video recording device, a camera, a still picture camera, audio recording equipment, an audio recording device, a microphone, a tape recorder, an intercom system, a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a home fuel supply, a water supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a water usage, a heat usage, an air conditioning usage, an electricity usage, a gas usage, an oil usage, and a fuel usage, at least one of a telephone usage and charges, an appliance usage, and a home control system.
  - 100. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the premises is at least one of a residential premises, a residential building, and a home.
  - 101. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, is a device for controlling an electrical circuit controlled by at least one of a fuse and a circuit breaker.
  - 102. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, is at least one of a central electrical system, a central heating system, a central air conditioning system, a water system, a thermostat system, an anti-theft system, a burglary alarm system, a siren, an alarm, an exterior lighting system, an interior lighting system, an electrical or an electronically controlled locking device for at least one of a door and a window, an electric or an electronic dead-bolt locking device or system, an electrical system for controlling an electrical circuit at least one of room-by-room, device-by-device, and appliance-by-appliance, a device for at least one of controlling and monitoring at least one of a hot water heater, a garage door opener, a lawn sprinkler system, an electric fence or fencing, an in-ground or above-ground pool at least one of equipment, fountain equipment, a filter, and a heater, fire detector equipment, fire extinguishment equipment, a power at least one of door and window at least one of closing, locking, and opening, equipment, a television, a telephone, a telephone answering machine, an alarm system, a VCR, a stove, an oven, a microwave oven, a door bell, a light, a lamp, a blender, a toaster, a computer, a peripheral, a word processor, a stereo, a radio, manufacturing equipment, video recording equipment, photographing equipment, a video recording device, a camera, a still picture camera, audio recording equipment, an audio recording device, a microphone, a tape recorder, an intercom system, a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a premises fuel supply, a water supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a water usage, at least one of a heat usage and an air conditioning usage, an electricity usage, at least one of a gas usage, an oil usage, and a fuel usage, at least one of a telephone usage and charges, a commercial premises equipment usage, a commercial premises appliance usage, and a commercial office or commercial premises control system.
  - 103. The apparatus of claim 102, wherein the premises is at least one of a commercial premises, a commercial office, and a commercial building.
  - 104. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the premises is at least one of a mobile home and a mobile premises.
  - 105. The apparatus of claim 104, further comprising:
106. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the first control device disables or re-enables the premises.
107. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the second control signal contains at least one of an access code, a command code, a disable code, a re-enable code, and a status code.
108. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the first control device controls an operation of the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance.
109. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the first control device monitors an operation of the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance.
110. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the first control device determines an operating status of the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance.
111. The apparatus of claim 98, further comprising:
- an interface device for providing an interface between the first control device and the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance.
112. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the first signal is transmitted from the first control device to the at least one of premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, via a wireless device.
113. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the apparatus provides at least one of an immediate and a deferred control of the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance.
114. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the apparatus is at least one of programmed, automatically activated, and self-activated.
115. The apparatus of claim 98, further comprising:
- an arming device for at least one of arming, activating and accessing, the apparatus, wherein the arming device is located at the premises.
116. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the second control device is at least one of a server computer, a computer, and a network computer, wherein the third control device is at least one of a stationary device, a portable device, a hand-held device, a mobile device, a telephone, a cordless telephone, a cellular telephone, a home computer, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, a television, an interactive television, a digital television, a personal communications device, a personal communications services device, a display telephone, a video telephone, a watch, and a two-way pager, and further wherein the apparatus is utilized on or over at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web.
117. The apparatus of claim 98, further comprising:
- a voice synthesizer for providing voice information regarding at least one of apparatus status and status of the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, wherein the voice synthesizer is connected to the first control device.
118. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the apparatus provides information regarding at least one of apparatus status and status of the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance.
119. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, is at least one of a video recording device and a camera for obtaining video information at the premises.
120. The apparatus of claim 119, wherein the at least one of a video recording device and a camera is located at least one of on the interior of the premises and on the exterior of the premises.
121. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, is at least one of an audio recording device, a microphone, and a tape recorder, for obtaining audio information at the premises.
122. The apparatus of claim 121, wherein the at least one of an audio recording device, a microphone, and a tape recorder, further comprises:
- a storage medium for storing recorded audio information.
123. The apparatus of claim 121, wherein the at least one of an audio recording device, a microphone, and a tape recorder, is located at least one of on the interior of the premises and on the exterior of the premises.
124. The apparatus of claim 119, wherein the at least one of a video recording device and a camera further comprises:
- a storage medium for storing at least one of recorded video and a picture.
125. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, is at least one of a video recording device, a camera, an audio recording device, a microphone, and a tape recorder, wherein the at least one of a video recording device, a camera, an audio recording device, a microphone, and a tape recorder, is at least one of pivotable and moveable.
126. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, is a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a home fuel supply, a commercial premises fuel supply, a water supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a water usage, at least one of a heat usage and an air conditioning usage, an electricity usage, at least one of a gas usage, an oil usage, and a fuel usage, at least one of a telephone usage and charges, an appliance usage, a commercial premises equipment usage, a commercial premises appliance usage, and a commercial office or a commercial premises control system, wherein the apparatus provides information regarding at least one of data and information at least one of recorded by and read by the monitoring device.
127. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the third control device at least one of activates, de-activates, disables, re-enables, controls the operation of, and monitors the operation of, the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, via the second control device and the first control device.
128. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the apparatus performs a systematic check of at least one of a status and a state of the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, and further wherein the apparatus provides information relating to the at least one of a status and a state of the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance.
129. The apparatus of claim 98, further comprising:
- a monitoring device for detecting an occurrence warranting providing notice to at least one of an owner, a user, and an authorized operator, and further wherein the apparatus provides information regarding the occurrence in at least one of a telephone call, a voice message, a pager message, an electronic mail message, and a fax transmission.
130. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the apparatus defers at least one of a control function, a monitoring function, and a security function, until after an operation of at least one of the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, is completed.
131. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the third control device at least one of activates, de-activates, disables, re-enables, controls the operation of, and monitors the operation of, the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, via the second control device and the first control device on or over at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web.
132. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the first control device generates at least one of a confirmation signal and a notification signal for providing information regarding that at least one of a control, a monitoring, a securing, a disabling, and a re-enabling, function has been carried out and is successful or unsuccessful.

133. A control apparatus, comprising:
- a first control device, wherein the first control device at least one of generates and transmits a first signal for at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, of a premises, wherein the first control device is located at a location remote from the premises, and further wherein the first control device is responsive to a second signal, wherein the second signal is at least one of generated by and transmitted from a second control device, wherein the second control device is located at a location which is remote from the first control device and remote from the premises, wherein the second signal is transmitted from the second control device to the first control device, and further wherein the second signal is automatically received by the first control device, wherein the first signal is transmitted from the first control device to a third control device, wherein the third control device is capable of at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, one or more of a plurality of the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, and wherein the third control device is located at the premises, and further wherein the first signal is automatically received by the third control device, wherein the third control device at least one of generates and transmits a third signal for at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, in response to the first signal.
- View Dependent Claims (134, 135, 136, 137)
- - 134. The apparatus of claim 133, wherein the first control device is at least one of a server computer, a computer, and a network computer, wherein the second control device is at least one of a stationary device, a portable device, a hand-held device, a mobile device, a telephone, a cordless telephone, a cellular telephone, a home computer, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, a television, an interactive television, a digital television, a personal communications device, a personal communications services device, a display telephone, a video telephone, a watch, and a two-way pager, wherein the apparatus is utilized on or over at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web.
  - 135. The apparatus of claim 133, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, is at least one of a central electrical system, a central heating system, a central air conditioning system, a water system, a thermostat or environmental control system, an anti-theft system, a burglary alarm system, a siren, an alarm, an exterior lighting system, an interior lighting system, an electrical or electronically controlled locking device for at least one of a door and a window, an electrical or an electronic dead-bolt locking system or device, an electrical system for controlling an electrical circuit or system at least one of room-by-room, device-by-device, and appliance-by-appliance, a device for at least one of controlling and monitoring at least one of a hot water heater, a garage door opener, a lawn sprinkler system, an electric fence or fencing, an in-ground or above-ground pool at least one of equipment, a filter, and a heater, a home central water valve, an individual room water valve, a home fire detector equipment, a home fire extinguishment equipment, power at least one of door and window at least one of closing, locking, and opening, equipment, a television, a telephone, a telephone answering machine, an alarm system, a VCR, a stove, an oven, a microwave oven, a door bell, a light, a lamp, a blender, a toaster, a personal computer, a word processor, a stereo, a radio, video recording equipment, photographing equipment, a video recording device, a camera, a still picture camera, audio recording equipment, an audio recording device, a microphone, a tape recorder, an intercom system, a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a home fuel supply, a water supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a water usage, at least one of a heat usage and an air conditioning usage, an electricity usage, at least one of a gas usage, an oil usage, and a fuel usage, at least one of a telephone usage and charges, an appliance usage, and a home control system, and further wherein the premises is at least one of a residential premises, a residential building, and a home.
  - 136. The apparatus of claim 135, wherein the premises is at least one of a mobile home and a mobile premises.
  - 137. The apparatus of claim 133, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, is at least one of a central electrical system, a central heating system, a central air conditioning system, a water system, a thermostat system, an anti-theft system, a burglary alarm system, a siren, an alarm, an exterior lighting system, an interior lighting system, an electrical or an electronically controlled locking device for at least one of a door and a window, an electric or an electronic dead-bolt locking device or system, an electrical system for controlling an electrical circuit at least one of room-by-room, device-by-device, and appliance-by-appliance, a device for at least one of controlling and monitoring at least one of a hot water heater, a garage door opener, a lawn sprinkler system, an electric fence or fencing, an in-ground or above-ground pool at last one of equipment, fountain equipment, a filter, and a heater, fire detector equipment, fire extinguishment equipment, a power at least one of door and window at least one of closing, locking, and opening, equipment, a television, a telephone, a telephone answering machine, an alarm system, a VCR, a stove, an oven, a microwave oven, a door bell, a light, a lamp, a blender, a toaster, a computer, a peripheral, a word processor, a stereo, a radio, manufacturing equipment, video recording equipment, photographing equipment, a video recording device, a camera, a still picture camera, audio recording equipment, an audio recording device, a microphone, a tape recorder, an intercom system, a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a premises fuel supply, a water supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a water usage, at least one of a heat usage and an air conditioning usage, an electricity usage, at least one of a gas usage, an oil usage, and a fuel usage, at least one of a telephone usage and charges, a commercial premises equipment usage, a commercial premises appliance usage, and a commercial office or commercial premises control system, and further the premises is at least one of a commercial premises, a commercial office, and a commercial building.

138. A method for providing control, comprising:
- transmitting a first signal from a first control device to a second control device, wherein the first control device is located at a location remote from a vehicle and remote from the second control device, and further wherein the first signal is automatically received by the second control device;
  
  transmitting a second signal from the second control device to a third control device, wherein the third control device is located et the vehicle, and further wherein the second control device is located at a location remote from the vehicle, wherein the second signal is automatically received by the third control device, and further wherein the third control device is capable of at least one of activating, deactivating, disabling, and re-enabling, one or more of a plurality of at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance;
  
  generating a third signal with the third control device in response to the second signal; and
  
  at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance.
- View Dependent Claims (139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144)
- - 139. The method of claim 138, further comprising:
140. The method of claim 138, further comprising:
- at least one of controlling an operation of, monitoring an operation of, an determining an operating status of, the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance.
141. The method of claim 138, further comprising:
- at least one of obtaining video information at the vehicle and obtaining audio information at the vehicle.
142. The method of claim 138, further comprising:
- at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a fuel supply, a water or coolant supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a battery charge level, an engine temperature level, a vehicle operation, a marine control system, a boat operation, an airplane flight control system, an airplane operation, a snowmobile control system, and a snowmobile operation, with a monitoring device; and
  
  providing information regarding at least one of data and information at least one of recorded and read by the monitoring device.
143. The method of claim 138, further comprising:
- detecting a failure in the at least one a vehicle system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, a vehicle equipment system, and a vehicle appliance; and
  
  providing information regarding the failure.
144. The method of claim 138, further comprising:
- generating at least one of a confirmation signal and a notification signal for providing information regarding that at least one of a control, a monitoring, a securing, a disabling, and a re-enabling, function has been carried out and is successful or unsuccessful.

145. A method for providing control, comprising:
- transmitting a first signal from a first control device to a second control device, wherein the first control device is located at a location remote from a premises and remote from the second control device, and further wherein the first signal is automatically received by the second control device;
  
  transmitting a second signal from the second control device to a third control device, wherein the third control device is located at the premises, and further wherein the second control device is located at a location remote from the premises, wherein the second signal is automatically received by the third control device, and further wherein the third control device is capable of at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, one or more of a plurality of at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance;
  
  generating a third signal with the third control device in response to the second signal; and
  
  at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, and re-enabling, the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance, in response to the third signal.
- View Dependent Claims (146, 147, 148, 149)
- - 146. The method of claim 145, further comprising:
147. The method of claim 145, further comprising:
- at least one of controlling an operation of, monitoring an operation of, and determining an operating status of, the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, and a premises appliance.
148. The method of claim 145, further comprising:
- at least one of obtaining video information at the premises and obtaining audio information at the premises.
149. The method of claim 145, further comprising:
- at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a home fuel supply, a commercial premises fuel supply, a water supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a water usage, a heat usage, an air conditioning usage, an electricity usage, a gas usage, an oil usage, a fuel usage, at least one of a telephone usage and charges, an appliance usage, a commercial premises equipment usage, a commercial premises appliance usage, a home control system, and a commercial office or commercial premises control system, with a monitoring device, and providing information regarding at least one of data and information at least one of recorded by and read by the monitoring device.

Specification

Resources

Litigation Campaign Assessment

Litigation Data

Current Assignee
Joao Control and Monitoring Systems LLC (Raymond Anthony Joao)
Original Assignee
Raymond Anthony Joao
Inventors
Joao, Raymond Anthony
Primary Examiner(s)
TRIEU, VAN THANH

Application Number

US09/277,935
Time in Patent Office

1,478 Days
Field of Search

340/425.5, 340/426, 340/428, 340/429, 340/430, 340/539, 340/825.32, 340/825.34, 340/825.36, 307/10.2, 307/10.3, 342/357.03, 342/357.07, 342/357.09, 342/457, 455/422, 701/1, 701/36, 701/49
US Class Current

340/539.14
CPC Class Codes

B60R 2025/1013   Alarm systems characterised...

B60R 2325/304   Boats

B60R 25/018   Thief traps

B60R 25/102   a signal being sent to a re...

B60R 25/25   using biometry

B60R 25/252   Fingerprint recognition

B60R 25/33   of global position, e.g. by...

B60W 2556/50   of positioning data, e.g. G...

Control apparatus and method for vehicles and/or for premises

First Claim

2 Assignments

Litigations

4 Petitions

Reexamination

Accused Products

Abstract

647 Citations

149 Claims

Specification

Solutions

Use Cases

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Control apparatus and method for vehicles and/or for premises

First Claim

2 Assignments

Subscription Required

Subscription Required

Litigations

4 Petitions

Subscription Required

Reexamination

Accused Products

Subscription Required

Abstract

647 Citations

149 Claims

Specification

Subscription Required

Solutions

Use Cases

Quick Links