Control and/or monitoring apparatus and method

DC CAFC

US 7,397,363 B2
Filed: 09/16/2002
Issued: 07/08/2008
Est. Priority Date: 06/08/1993
Status: Expired due to Fees

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1. An apparatus, comprising:

a first processing device, wherein the first processing device at least one of generates a first signal and transmits a first signal for at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, re-enabling, and controlling an operation of, at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance, of or located at a premises, wherein the first processing device is associated with a web site, and further wherein the first processing device is located at a location remote from the premises,wherein the first processing device at least one of generates the first signal and transmits the first signal in response to a second signal, wherein the second signal is at least one of generated by a second processing device and transmitted from a second processing device, wherein the second processing device is located at a location which is remote from the first processing device and remote from the premises, wherein the first processing device determines whether an action or an operation associated with information contained in the second signal, to at least one of activate, de-activate, disable, re-enable, and control an operation of, the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance, is an authorized or an allowed action or an authorized or an allowed operation, and further wherein the first processing device at least one of generates the first signal and transmits the first signal to a third processing device if the action or the operation is determined to be an authorized or an allowed action or an authorized or an allowed operation, wherein the third processing device is located at the premises,wherein the second signal is transmitted to the first processing device via, on, or over, at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web, and further wherein the second signal is automatically received by the first processing device, wherein the first signal is transmitted to and automatically received by the third processing device, wherein the third processing device at least one of generates a third signal and transmits a third signal for at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, re-enabling, and controlling an operation of, the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance, in response to the first signal.

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Abstract

An apparatus including a first device which generates and/or transmits a first signal and which is associated with a web site and located remote from a premises or vehicle. The first signal is transmitted in response to a second signal transmitted from a second device located remote from the first device and remote from the premises or vehicle. The first device determines whether an action or an operation associated with the second signal is authorized or allowed and, if so, transmits the first signal to a third device located at the premises. The second signal is transmitted via the Internet and/or the World Wide Web. The third device generates and/or transmits a third signal for activating, de-activating, disabling, re-enabling, and/or controlling an operation of, a system, device, equipment, equipment system, component, and appliance, of the premises or vehicle.

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88 Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:
- a first processing device, wherein the first processing device at least one of generates a first signal and transmits a first signal for at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, re-enabling, and controlling an operation of, at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance, of or located at a premises, wherein the first processing device is associated with a web site, and further wherein the first processing device is located at a location remote from the premises,wherein the first processing device at least one of generates the first signal and transmits the first signal in response to a second signal, wherein the second signal is at least one of generated by a second processing device and transmitted from a second processing device, wherein the second processing device is located at a location which is remote from the first processing device and remote from the premises, wherein the first processing device determines whether an action or an operation associated with information contained in the second signal, to at least one of activate, de-activate, disable, re-enable, and control an operation of, the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance, is an authorized or an allowed action or an authorized or an allowed operation, and further wherein the first processing device at least one of generates the first signal and transmits the first signal to a third processing device if the action or the operation is determined to be an authorized or an allowed action or an authorized or an allowed operation, wherein the third processing device is located at the premises,wherein the second signal is transmitted to the first processing device via, on, or over, at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web, and further wherein the second signal is automatically received by the first processing device, wherein the first signal is transmitted to and automatically received by the third processing device, wherein the third processing device at least one of generates a third signal and transmits a third signal for at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, re-enabling, and controlling an operation of, the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance, in response to the first signal.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
- - 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first processing device, the second processing device, and the third processing device, processes information for 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, a premises component, and a premises appliance, or the at least one of the first processing device, the second processing device, and the third processing device, processes information for at least one of controlling an operation of, monitoring an operation of, and determining an operating status of, the premises.
  - 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second processing device is a wireless device.
  - 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second processing device is at least one of a cellular telephone and a personal digital assistant.
  - 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first processing device, the second processing device, and the third processing device, processes information for at least one of controlling and monitoring at least one of a temperature at the premises, an electrical use at the premises, and a fuel use at the premises.
  - 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first processing device, the second processing device, and the third processing device, processes or provides diagnostic information regarding the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance, or the premises, or the at least one of the first processing device, the second processing device, and the third processing device, processes or provides diagnostic information regarding a second at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance.
  - 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first processing device and the third processing device processes information contained in a repair signal and repairs or re-programs the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance, or the at least one of the first processing device and the third processing device, processes information contained in a repair signal and repairs or re-programs a second at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance.
  - 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus detects at least one of a failure, a malfunction, and a state of disrepair, of, in, or regarding, the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance, wherein the first processing device transmits a message to the second processing device via, on, or over, at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web, and further wherein the message contains information, and a state of disrepair, in, of, or regarding, the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance.
  - 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus performs a systematic check of a status or a state of the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance, and further wherein information regarding the status or the state of the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance, is transmitted to the first processing device or to the second processing device.
  - 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, a premises component, and a premises appliance, is a computer, and further wherein at least one of the first processing device, the second processing device, and the third processing device, processes information for at least one of controlling an operation of, monitoring an operation of, and determining an operating status of, the computer.
  - 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and premises appliance, is a computer located or used at a commercial premises, and further wherein the apparatus at least one of processes diagnostic information regarding the computer and repairs or re-programs the computer.
  - 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus at least one of processes diagnostic information for or regarding, and repairs or re-programs, the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance, or the apparatus at least one of processes diagnostic information for or regarding, and repairs or re-programs, a second at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance.
  - 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance, is a thermostat or an environmental control system, and further wherein the at least one of the first processing device, the second processing device, , and the third processing device, processes information for at least one of controlling, monitoring, setting, and adjusting, a temperature at or in the premises.
  - 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance, is a device for monitoring or for controlling at least one of an electricity usage, a fuel usage, and a temperature, at the premises, and further wherein the first processing device transmits information regarding the at least one of an electricity usage, a fuel usage, and a temperature, to the second processing device.
  - 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance, is a device for monitoring or for controlling at least one of a water supply, a water usage, an electricity meter, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a heat or an air conditioning usage, a telephone usage, and an appliance usage.
  - 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus detects at least one of a premises use, an unauthorized use of the premises, a theft of the premises, and an occurrence warranting providing notice to at least one of an owner, a user, and an authorized operator, of the premises, and further wherein a message containing information regarding the at least one of a premises use, an unauthorized use of the premises, a theft of the premises, and an occurrence warranting providing notice to at least one of an owner, a user, and an authorized operator, of the premises is transmitted to the second processing device.
  - 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance, is a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a status and a condition of at least one of a fuel supply, a water supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a water usage, a heat or air conditioning usage, an electricity usage, at least one of a gas usage, an oil usage, a fuel usage, a battery charge level, an electrical system charge level, at least one of a telephone usage and charges, at least one of premises equipment and appliance usage, and a premises control system.
  - 18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance, is at least one of an anti-theft or burglary alarm system, a siren, an alarm, an exterior lighting system, an interior lighting system, a window which turns opaque or darker depending upon interior lighting, an electrical or electronically controlled locking device for at least one of a door and a window, an electrical or electronic dead-bolt locking system or device, an electrical or electronically controlled dead-bolt locking device for use on at least one of a door and a window, a 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 controlling a circuit controlled by at least one of a fuse and a circuit breaker, 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 an above-ground pool at least one of equipment, a filter, and a heater, a central water valve, an individual room water valve, a fire detector, fire extinguishment equipment, a power at least one of door and window at least one of closing, locking, and opening, equipment, fire extinguishing equipment, emergency or distress signal equipment, a television, a telephone, an entertainment device, a telephone answering machine, an alarm system, a VCR, a stove, a refrigerator, an oven, a microwave oven, a door bell, an individual light or lamp, a light system, an air conditioner, 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, audio recording equipment, an audio recording device, a microphone, a tape recorder, an intercom system or device, a video conferencing device or equipment, a battery, battery monitoring equipment, a home, residential premises, or commercial premises, command computer, a wear or usage indicator or detection device for monitoring wear or usage of the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance, a system for detecting a failure in the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance, and for reporting such failure, an automatic control device for controlling or monitoring a home, a residential premises, or a commercial premises, at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance, a hydraulic equipment, a pneumatic equipment, a inch, at least one of a loading mechanism and an unloading mechanism, a cutting mechanism, a bailing mechanism, a central electrical system, a central heating system, a central air conditioning system, a water system, and a thermostat or environmental control system, an automatic control device, a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a status and a condition of a t least one of a premises fuel supply, a water supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a water usage, a heat or air conditioning usage, an electricity usage, at least one of a gas usage, an oil usage, and a fuel usage, a battery charge level, an electrical system charge level, at least one of telephone usage and charges, an appliance usage, a premises control system, a premises operation, and at least one of an operating status and condition of the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance, a home appliance, or a household appliance.
  - 19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance, is an entertainment device.
  - 20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises device, a premises equipment, a premises equipment system, a premises component, and a premises appliance, is at least one of a video recording device and a camera, and further wherein video information or a picture obtained via the at least one of a video recording device and a camera is transmitted to the second processing device via, on, or over, at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web.

21. An apparatus, comprising:
- a first processing device, wherein the first processing device at least one of generates a first signal and transmits a first signal for at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, re-enabling, and controlling an operation of, at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance, of or located at a vehicle, wherein the first processing device is associated with a web site, and further wherein the first processing device is located at a location remote from the vehicle,wherein the first processing device at least one of generates the first signal and transmits the first signal in response to a second signal, wherein the second signal is a at least one of generated by a second processing device and transmitted from a second processing device, wherein the second processing device is located at a location which is remote from the first processing device and remote from the vehicle, wherein the first processing device determines whether an action or an operation associated with information contained in the second signal, to at least one of activate, de-activate, disable re-enable, and control an operation of, the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance, is an authorized or an allowed action or an authorized or an allowed operation, and further wherein the first processing device at least one of generates the first signal and transmits the first signal to a third processing device if the action or the operation is determined to be an authorized or an allowed action or an authorized or an allowed operation, wherein the third processing device is located at the vehicle,wherein the second signal is transmitted to the first processing device via, on, or over, at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web, and further wherein the second signal is automatically received by the first processing device, wherein the first signal is transmitted to and automatically received by the third processing device, wherein the third processing device at least one of generates a third signal and transmits a third signal for at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, re-enabling, and controlling an operation of, the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance, in response to the first signal.
- View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
- - 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein at least one of the first processing device, the second processing device, and the third processing device, processes information for at least one of controlling an operation of, monitoring an operation of, and determining an operating status of, the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance, or at least one of the first processing device, the second processing device, and the third processing device, processes information for at least one of controlling an operation of, monitoring an operation of, and determining an operating status of, the vehicle.
  - 23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein at least one of the first processing device, the second processing device, and the third processing device, processes information for controlling at least one of a movement, a propulsion, and a direction of travel, of the vehicle via, on, or over, at least one of the Internet, the World Wide Web, and a wireless communication network.
  - 24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the second processing device is a wireless device.
  - 25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the second processing device is at least one of a cellular telephone and a personal digital assistant.
  - 26. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein at least one of the first processing device, the second processing device, and the third processing device, processes information for at least one of controlling and monitoring at least one of a temperature at the vehicle, an electrical use at the vehicle, and a fuel use at the vehicle.
  - 27. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein at least one of the first processing device, the second processing device, and the third processing device, processes or provides diagnostic information regarding the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance, or the vehicle, or the at least one of the first processing device, the second processing device, and the third processing device, processes or provides diagnostic information regarding a second at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance.
  - 28. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein at least one of the first processing device and the third processing device processes information contained in a repair signal and repairs or re-programs the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance, or the at least one of the first processing device and the third processing device processes information contained in a repair signal and repairs or re-programs a second at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance.
  - 29. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising:
    - a positioning device, wherein the positioning device determines a position or a location of the vehicle, and further wherein the positioning device further comprises;
      
      a global positioning device; and
      
      a database containing at least one of digital map data and digitized map, data,wherein the positioning device determines a position or a location of the vehicle in conjunction with the at least one of digital map data and digitized map data, and further wherein a message containing information regarding the position or the location of the vehicle is transmitted to the second processing device.
  - 30. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the apparatus detects at least one of a failure, a malfunction, and a state of disrepair, of, in, or regarding, the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance, wherein the first processing device transmits a message to the second processing device via, on, or over, at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web, and further wherein the message contains information regarding the at least one of a failure, a malfunction, and a state of disrepair, in, of, or regarding, the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance.
  - 31. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the apparatus performs a systematic check of a status or a state of the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance, and further wherein information regarding the status or the state of the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance, is transmitted to the first processing device or to the second processing device.
  - 32. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance, is a computer, and further wherein at least one of the first processing device, the second processing device, and the third processing device, processes information for at least one of controlling an operation of, monitoring an operation of, and determining an operation status of, the computer.
  - 33. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the apparatus detects at least one of a vehicle use, an unauthorized use of the vehicle, a theft of the vehicle, and an occurrence warranting providing notice to at least one of an owner, a user, and an authorized operator, of the vehicle, and further wherein the apparatus transmits a message containing information regarding the at least one of a vehicle use, an unauthorized use of the vehicle, a theft of the vehicle, and an occurrence warranting providing notice to at least one of an owner, a user, and an authorized operator, of the vehicle, and further wherein the message is transmitted to the second processing device.
  - 34. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance, is a computer, and further wherein the apparatus at least one of processes diagnostic information regarding and repairs or re-programs the computer.
  - 35. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the apparatus at least one of processes diagnostic information for or regarding, and repairs or re-programs, the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance, or the apparatus at least one of processes diagnostic information for or regarding, and repairs or re-programs, a second at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance.
  - 36. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the at least of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, 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 video conferencing device or equipment, a two-way radio, a radio, a television, an entertainment device, a navigational device, navigational equipment, fire extinguishing equipment, a radar device, radar equipment, emergency or distress signal equipment, a transponder, a beacon, 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, an unloading mechanism, a cutting mechanism, a bailing mechanism, a gun, a weapon system, a self-defense system, an electronic warfare system, a battery, a window which turns opaque or darker depending upon interior lighting, and a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a status and a condition of 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 school bus, a mass transportation vehicle, a tractor trailer, a commercial vehicle, a military vehicle, and an unmanned vehicle.
  - 37. The apparatus of claim 21, 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, and further wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, 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 navigational device, navigational equipment, a transponder, a beacon, 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, a television, an entertainment device, 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 video conferencing device or equipment, a gun, a weapon system, a self-defense system, an electronic warfare system, a battery, a window which turns opaque or darker depending upon interior lighting, hydraulic equipment, pneumatic equipment, a winch, a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a status and a condition of 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, battery monitoring equipment, a boat rudder, a rudder control or monitoring device, a depth sounding device, a depth sounding control or monitoring device, a navigation system, a navigation control or monitoring system, an automatic pilot, a radar system, a sonar system, at least one of a loading mechanism and an uploading mechanism, a boat data recorder control or monitoring device, a boat cockpit voice recorder, a boat cockpit voice recorder control or monitoring device, an emergency oxygen control or monitoring device, an emergency oxygen development detection device, an air bag development device, an air bag deployment detection device, a boat dashboard or control console display device, a gyroscope, a gyrocompass, a boat data recorder, a boat operation data recorder, a boat command computer, a wear or usage indicator, a wear or usage detection device, an automatic control device for controlling or monitoring boat movement or motion, a boat operation data monitoring device, and a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a status and a condition of at least one of a boat 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, boat operation, and an operating status of the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance.
  - 38. The apparatus of claim 21, 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, and further wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, 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, a two-way radio, a radio, a television, an entertainment device, landing gear, an interior pressurization system, a cabin pressurization control or monitoring system or device, a navigational device, navigational equipment, a transponder, a beacon, 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 video conferencing device or equipment, a gun, a weapon system, a self-defense system, an electronic warfare system, a battery, a window which turns opaque or darker depending upon interior lighting, hydraulic equipment, pneumatic equipment, a winch, 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 aircraft flight control system, and an aircraft operation, battery monitoring equipment, an airplane aileron control or monitoring device, a rudder control or monitoring device, an horizontal stabilizer control or monitoring device, a vertical stabilizer control or monitoring device, an altimeter, an emergency landing parachute control or monitoring device, an emergency parachute deployment control device, an emergency parachute deployment detection device, a navigation system, a navigation control or monitoring system, an automatic pilot, a radar system, a flight data recorder, a flight data recorder control or monitoring device, a cockpit voice recorder, a cockpit voice recorder control or monitoring device, a wing flap control or monitoring device, an emergency oxygen control or monitoring device, an emergency oxygen deployment detection device, an air bag deployment device, an air bag deployment detection device, an aircraft cockpit or control console display device, a gyroscope, a gyrocompass, an aircraft data recorder, an aircraft operation data recorder, an aircraft command computer, a wear or usage indicator, a wear or usage detection device, an automatic control device for controlling or monitoring an aircraft system or device for at least one of aircraft take-off, flight, normal cruising, automatic pilot cruising, landing, and aircraft movement or motion, at least one of a loading mechanism and an unloading mechanism, an aircraft operation data monitoring device, and a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of an aircraft fuel supply, a water or coolant supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a battery charge level, an engine or motor temperature level, an aircraft flight control system, an aircraft operation, and an operating status of the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance.
  - 39. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the vehicle is at least one of a snowmobile, a jetski, a scooter, a motorcycle, a minibike, a go-cart, a moped, a hot air balloon, and an unmanned vehicle, and further wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, 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, a video recording device, a camera, audio recording equipment, an audio recording device, a microphone, a tape recorder, intercom equipment, a window which turns opaque or darker depending upon interior lighting, a gun, a weapon system, a self-defense system, an electronic warfare system, a battery, a wheel or brake locking device or mechanism, hydraulic equipment, pneumatic equipment, a winch, 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, battery monitoring equipment, an air bag deployment device, an air bag deployment detection device, a dashboard display device, a gyroscope, a gyrocompass, a data recorder, an operation data recorder, a navigation system, a navigation control or monitoring system, an automatic pilot, a voice recorder, a voice recorder control or monitoring device, a control console display device, fire extinguishing equipment, a radar device, radar equipment, emergency or distress signal equipment, a transponder, a beacon, a refrigerator, a stove, an air conditioner, an oven, a microwave oven, lighting systems, a dead bolt locking device for use on at least one of a door, a window, a hood, and a trunk, a snowmobile command computer, a wear or usage indicator, a wear or usage detection device, an automatic control device for controlling or monitoring snowmobile movement or motion, a snowmobile operation data monitoring device, 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, snowmobile operation, and operating status of the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance.
  - 40. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, 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 video conferencing device or equipment, a two-way radio, a radio, a television, an entertainment device, a navigational device, navigational equipment, fire extinguishing equipment, a radar device, radar equipment, emergency or distress signal equipment, a transponder, a beacon, 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, an unloading mechanism, a cutting mechanism, a bailing mechanism, a gun, a weapon system, a self-defense system, an electronic warfare system, a battery, a window which turns opaque or darker depending upon interior lighting, and a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a status and a condition of at least one of a fuel supply, a water or coolant supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a battery charge level, and engine temperature level, and a vehicle operation, and further wherein the vehicle is at least one of a train and a subway train.
  - 41. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance, is at least one of a video recording device and a camera, and further wherein video information or a picture obtained via the at least one of a video recording device and a camera is transmitted to the second processing device via, on, or over, at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web.

42. An apparatus, comprising:
- a first processing device, wherein the first processing device at least one of monitors and detects an event regarding at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance, of a premises, wherein the first processing device is located at the premises, and further wherein the event is a detection of a state of disrepair of the at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance, wherein the first processing device at least one of generates a first signal and transmits a first signal to a second processing device, wherein the first signal contains information regarding the event, and further wherein the second processing device is located at a location which is remote from the premises, wherein the second processing device automatically receives the first signal, and further wherein the second processing device at least one of generates a second signal and transmits a second signal to a communication device, wherein the second signal is transmitted to the communication device via, on, or over, at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web, wherein the communication device is located remote from the second processing device, and wherein the communication device automatically receives the second signal, and further wherein the communication device provides information regarding the event.
- View Dependent Claims (43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67)
- - 43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the second signal is transmitted to the communication device via, on, or over, a wireless communication network.
  - 44. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the second processing device is associated with a web site.
  - 45. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the communication device is at least one of a wireless device, a cellular telephone, and a personal digital assistant.
  - 46. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the apparatus utilizes at least one of an intelligent agent, a software agent, and a mobile agent, or the apparatus is programmed for at least one of automatic activation and automatic operation.
  - 47. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance, is a computer peripheral.
  - 48. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the communication device provides information regarding the state of disrepair of the at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance.
  - 49. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the first processing device transmits a first diagnostic signal to the second processing device, and further wherein the second processing device transmits a second diagnostic signal to the communication device in response to the first diagnostic signal, and further wherein the communication device provides diagnostic data or information regarding the at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment, system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance.
  - 50. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the communication device transmits a first repair signal to the second processing device, wherein the second processing device receives the first repair signal, and further wherein the second processing device generates a second repair signal in response to the first repair signal, wherein the second processing device transmits the second repair signal to the first processing device, and further wherein the first processing device receives the second repair signal and repairs or re-programs the at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment systems, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance.
  - 51. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the first processing device receives or generates a repair signal and repairs or re-programs the at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance.
  - 52. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the apparatus provides information regarding at least one of apparatus status, premises operation status, and status of the at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance.
  - 53. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the apparatus detects a failure or a malfunction in or of the at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance, or detects a failure or a malfunction, in or of a second at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance, and further wherein information regarding the failure or the malfunction is transmitted to the communication device via, on, or over, at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web or via, on, or over, a wireless communication network.
  - 54. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the apparatus detects at least one of a premises use, an unauthorized use of the premises, a theft of the premises, and an occurrence warranting providing notice to at least one of an owner, a user, and an authorized operator, of the premises, and further wherein the first processing device generates or transmits a message containing information regarding the at least one of a premises use, an unauthorized use of the premises, a theft of the premises, and an occurrence warranting providing notice to at least one of an owner, a user, and an authorized operator, of the premises, and further wherein the message is transmitted to the communication device or to a second communication device associated with the authorized individual, and further wherein the message is transmitted in or as at least one of a paper message, a facsimile message, a voice message, a voice mail message, an electronics mail message, an electronic message, and an answering service message.
  - 55. The apparatus of claim 42, 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 equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance, and further wherein the apparatus provides information regarding the at least one of a status and a state of the at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance.
  - 56. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the premises is at least one of a home, a residential premises, and a residential building, and further wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, 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 an environmental control system, an anti-theft or burglary alarm system, a siren, an alarm, an exterior lighting system, an interior lighting system, a window which turns opaque or darker depending upon interior lighting, an electrical or electronically controlled locking device for at least one of a door and a window, an electrical or electronic dead-bolt locking system or device, an electrical or electronically controlled deadbolt locking device for use on at least one of a door and a window, a 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 controlling a circuit controlled by at least one of a fuse and a circuit breaker, 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 electrical fence or fencing, an in-ground or an 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, home fire extinguishment equipment, a power at least one of door and window at least one of closing, locking, and opening, equipment, fire extinguishing equipment, emergency or distress signal equipment, a television, a telephone, an entertainment device, a telephone answering machine, an alarm system, a VCR, a stove, a refrigerator, an oven, a microwave oven, a door bell, an individual light or lamp, a light system, an air conditioner, a blender, a toaster, a personal computer, a word processor, a stereo, a radio, video recording equipment, photographing equipment, an audio recording device, a camera, audio recording equipment, an audio recording device, a microphone, a tape recorder, an intercom system or device, a video conferencing device or equipment, a battery, battery monitoring equipment, a home or residential premises command computer, a wear or usage indicator or detection device for monitoring wear or usage of the at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance, a system for detecting a failure in the at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance, and for reporting such failure, an automatic control device for controlling or monitoring a home or residential premises at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance, hydraulic equipment, pneumatic equipment, a winch, at least one of a loading mechanism and an unloading mechanism, a cutting mechanism, a bailing mechanism, and a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a status and a condition of at least one of a premises fuel supply, a water supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a water usage, a heat or air conditioning usage, an electricity usage, at least one of a gas usage, an oil usage, and a fuel usage, a battery charge level, an electrical system charge level, at least one of telephone usage and charges, an appliance usage, a home control system, a home operation, and at least one of an operating status and condition of the at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance.
  - 57. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the premises is at least one of a commercial premises, a commercial building, a commercial office, an industrial facility, a commercial structure, an industrial structure, a manufacturing facility, a drilling platform, a drilling rig, an oil drilling platform, an off-shore drilling platform, an off-shore drilling rig, a mining platform, an assembly facility, an assembly line facility, a mass production facility, and a production facility, and further wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, 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 an environmental control system, an anti-theft or burglary alarm system, a siren or alarm, an exterior lighting system, an interior lighting system, a window which turns opaque or darker depending upon interior lighting, an electrical or electronically controlled locking device for use on at least one of a door, a window, and an opening component, a system for controlling an electrical circuit at least one of room-by-room, device-by-device, and appliance-by-appliance, a device for controlling an electrical circuit controlled by at least one of a fuse and a circuit breaker, 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 an above-ground pool at least one of equipment, fountain equipment, a filter, and a heater, a fire detector, fire extinguishment equipment, a power door or window at least one of closing, locking, and opening, equipment, a television, a telephone, an entertainment device, a telephone answering machine, an alarm system, a VCR, a stove, an oven, a microwave oven, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a door bell, an individual light or lamp, a lighting system, a blender, a toaster, a computer, a computer peripheral, a word processor, a stereo, a radio, a video recording device, a camera, a still picture camera, an audio recording device, a microphone, a tape recorder, an intercom system or device, a video conferencing device or equipment, a battery, battery monitoring equipment, fire extinguishing equipment, emergency or distress signal equipment, a system for detecting a failure in the at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance, a commercial premises command computer, a wear or usage indicator or detection device for monitoring at least one of wear or usage of the at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance, an automatic control device, a monitoring device for at least one of reading and monitoring at least one of a status and a condition of at least one of a fuel supply, a water supply, an electrical generator or alternator operation, a water usage, a heat or air conditioning usage, an electricity usage, at least on of a gas usage, an oil usage, and a fuel usage, a battery charge level, an electrical system charge level, at least one of a telephone usage and charges, at least one of premises equipment and appliance usage, a commercial office or premises control system, an appliance usage, a premises control system, a premises operation, and at least one of an operating status and condition of the at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance.
  - 58. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein at least one of the communication device and the second processing device transmits a control signal for at least one of activating, de-activating, disabling, re-enabling, and controlling an operation of, the at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance, and further wherein the control signal is transmitted via, on, or over, at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web, and further wherein the first processing device receives the control signal and at least one of activates, de-activates, disables, re-enables, and controls an operation of, the at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance.
  - 59. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance, is a computer.
  - 60. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein the communication device provides information regarding the state of disrepair of the computer.
  - 61. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein the first processing device transmits a first diagnostic signal to the second processing device, and further wherein the second processing device transmits a second diagnostic signal to the communication device in response to the first diagnostic signal, and further wherein the communication device provides diagnostic data or information regarding the computer.
  - 62. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein the communication device transmits a first repair signal to the second processing device, wherein the second processing device receives the first repair signal, and further wherein the second processing device transmits a second repair signal to the first processing device in response to the first repair signal, and further wherein the first processing device receives the second repair signal and repairs or re-programs the computer.
  - 63. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein the apparatus detects a failure or a malfunction in or of the computer or detects a failure or a malfunction in or of a second at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance, and further wherein information regarding the failure or the malfunction is transmitted to the communication device via, on, or over, at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web or via, on, or over, a wireless communication network.
  - 64. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein the apparatus is programmed too become activated upon an occurrence of a use of the computer or a malfunction of the computer, and further wherein the apparatus transmits a message containing information regarding the use of the computer or the malfunction of the computer to the communication device or to a second communication device associated with the premises at least one of user, operator, owner, occupant, and authorized individual, and further wherein the message is transmitted in or as at least one of a pager message, a facsimile message, a voice message, a voice mail message, an electronic mail message, an electronic message, and an answering service message.
  - 65. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein the apparatus performs a systematic check of at least one of a status and a state of the computer, and further wherein the apparatus transmits information relating to the at least one of a status and state of the computer to the communication device or to a second communication device associated with the premises at least one of user, operator, owner, occupant, and authorized individual, and further wherein the message is transmitted in or as at least one of a pager message, a facsimile message, a voice message, a voice mail message, an electronic mail message, an electronic message, and an answering service message.
  - 66. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein at least one of the communication device and the second processing device transmits a control signal for at least one of repairing, re-programming, activating, de-activating, disabling, re-enabling, and controlling an operation of, the computer, wherein the control signal is transmitted via, on, or over, at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web, and further wherein the first processing device receives the control signal and at least one of repairs, re-programs, activates, de-activates, disables, re-enables, and controls an operation of, the computer.
  - 67. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein the apparatus utilizes at least one of an intelligent agent, a software agent, and a mobile agent, or the apparatus is programmed for at least one of automatic activation and automatic operation.

68. An apparatus, comprising:
- a first processing device, wherein the first processing device at least one of monitors and detects an event regarding at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance, of a vehicle, wherein the first processing device is located at the vehicle, and further wherein the event is a detection of a state of disrepair of the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance, wherein the first processing device at least one of generates a first signal and transmits a first signal to a second processing device, wherein the first signal contains information regarding the event, and further wherein the second processing device is located at a location which is remote from the vehicle, wherein the second processing device automatically receives the first signal, and further wherein the second processing device at least one of generates a second signal and transmits a second signal to a communication device, wherein the second signal is transmitted to the communication device via, on, or over, at least on of the Internet and the World Wide Web, wherein the communication device is located remote from the second processing device, and wherein the communication device automatically receives the second signal, and further wherein the communication device provides information regarding the event.
- View Dependent Claims (69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83)
- - 69. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the apparatus utilizes at least one of an intelligent agent, a software agent, and a mobile agent, or the apparatus is programmed for at least one of automatic activation and automatic operation.
  - 70. The apparatus of claim 68, further comprising:
    - a positioning device, wherein the positioning device determines a position or a location of the vehicle, and further wherein the positioning device further comprises;
      
      a global positioning device; and
      
      a database containing at least one of digital map data and digitized map data,wherein the positioning device determines a position or a location of the vehicle in conjunction with the at least one of digital map data and digitized map data, and further wherein information regarding the position or the location of the vehicle is transmitted to the communication device.
  - 71. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the second processing device is associated with a web site.
  - 72. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the communication device is at least one of a wireless device, a cellular telephone, and a personal digital assistant.
  - 73. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance, is a computer.
  - 74. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the first processing device transmits a first diagnostic signal to the second processing device, and further wherein the second processing device transmits a second diagnostic signal to the communication device in response to the first diagnostic signal, and further wherein the communication device provides diagnostic data or information regarding the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance.
  - 75. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the communication device transmits a first repair signal to the second processing device, wherein the second processing device receives the first repair signal, and further wherein the second processing device generates a second repair signal in response to the first repair signal, wherein the second processing device transmits the second repair signal to the first processing device, and further wherein the first processing device receives the second repair signal and repairs or re-programs the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance.
  - 76. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the first processing device receives or generates a repair signal and repairs or re-programs the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance.
  - 77. The apparatus of claim 68, 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 equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance.
  - 78. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the apparatus detects at least one of a vehicle use, an unauthorized use of the vehicle, a theft of the vehicle, and an occurrence warranting providing notice to at least one of an owner, a user, and an authorized operator, of the vehicle, and further wherein the first processing device generates or transmits a message containing information regarding the at least one of a vehicle use, an unauthorized use of the vehicle, a theft of the vehicle, and an occurrence warranting providing notice to at least one of an owner, a user, and an authorized operator, of the vehicle, and further wherein the message is transmitted to the communication device or to a second communication device associated with the vehicle at least one of user, operator, owner, occupant, and authorized individual, and further wherein the message is transmitted in or at least one of a pager message, a facsimile message, a voice message, a voice mail message, an electronic mail message, an electronic message, and an answering service message.
  - 79. The apparatus of claim 68, 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 equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance, and further wherein the apparatus provides information regarding the at least one of a status and a state of the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance.
  - 80. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein at least one of the communication device and the second processing device transmits a control signal for at least one of repairing, re-programming, activating, de-activating, disabling, re-enabling, and controlling an operation of, the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance, and further wherein the control signal is transmitted via, on, or over, at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web, wherein the first processing device receives the control signal and at least one of repairs, re-programs, activates, de-activates, disables, re-enables, and controls an operation of, the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance.
  - 81. The apparatus of claim 68, 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 jet ski, a military boat, an unmanned boat, and a submarine.
  - 82. The apparatus of claim 68, 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, a hot air balloon, an unmanned aircraft, a commercial aircraft, and a military aircraft.
  - 83. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the vehicle is at least one of an automobile, a motorcycle, a truck, a bus, a school bus, a mass transportation vehicle, a train, a subway train, a snowmobile, a tractor trailer, a commercial vehicle, a military vehicle, and an unmanned vehicle.

84. An apparatus, comprising:
- a first processing device, wherein the first processing device at least one of monitors and detects an event regarding at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance, of, at, or associated with, a premises, wherein the first processing device is located at the premises, wherein the event is a detection of a state of disrepair of the at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance, wherein the first processing device at least one of generates a first signal and transmits a first signal to a second processing device, wherein the first signal contains information regarding the event, wherein the second processing device is associated with a web site, and further wherein the second processing device is located at a location which is remote from the premises, wherein the second processing device automatically receives the first signal, and further wherein the second processing device at least one of generates a second signal and transmits a second signal to a communication device, wherein the second signal is transmitted to the communication device via, on, or over, at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web, wherein the communication device is located remote from the second processing device, and wherein the communication device automatically receives the second signal, and further wherein the communication device provides information regarding the event.
- View Dependent Claims (85, 86)
- - 85. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein the communication device is at least one of a wireless device, a cellular telephone, and a personal digital assistant.
  - 86. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein at least one of the communication device and the second processing device transmits a control signal for at least one of repairing, re-programming, activating, de-activating, disabling, re-enabling, and controlling an operation of, the at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance, wherein the control signal is transmitted via, on, or over, at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web, and further wherein the first processing device receives the control signal and at least one of repairs, re-programs, activates, de-activates, disables, re-enables, and controls an operation of, the at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance.

87. A method, comprising:
- at least one of monitoring and detecting an event regarding at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance, of a vehicle at the vehicle, wherein the event is a detection of a state of disrepair of the at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance;
  
  at least one of generating a first signal with a first processing device and transmitting a first signal from a first processing device to a second processing device, wherein the first signal contains information regarding the event, and wherein the second processing device is located at a location which is remote from the vehicle;
  
  at least one of generating a second signal with the second processing device and transmitting a second signal from the second processing device to a communication device via, on, or over, at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web, wherein the second signal contains information regarding the event, and further wherein the communication device is located remote from the second processing device; and
  
  providing information regarding the event via the communication device.

88. A method, comprising:
- at least one of monitoring and detecting an event regarding at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance, of a premises at the premises, wherein the event is a detection of a state of disrepair of the at least one of a premises system, a premises equipment system, a premises component, a premises component, a premises device, a premises equipment, and a premises appliance;
  
  at least one of generating a first signal with a first processing device and transmitting a first signal from a first processing device to a second processing device, wherein the first signal contains information regarding the event, and wherein the second processing device is located at a location which is remote from the premises;
  
  at least one of generating a second signal with the second processing device and transmitting a second signal from the second processing device to a communication device via, on, or over, at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web, wherein the second signal contains information regarding the event, and further wherein the communication device is located remote from the second processing device; and
  
  providing information regarding the event via the communication device.

Specification

Resources

Litigation Campaign Assessment

Litigation Data

Current Assignee
Joao Control and Monitoring Systems LLC (Raymond Anthony Joao)
Original Assignee
Joao Control and Monitoring Systems LLC (Raymond Anthony Joao)
Inventors
Joao, Raymond Anthony
Primary Examiner(s)
Trieu; Van T.

Application Number

US10/244,334
Publication Number

US 20030016130A1
Time in Patent Office

2,122 Days
Field of Search

340/426.13, 340/426.16, 340/426.17, 340/426.18, 340/539.11, 340/539.14, 340/428, 340/429, 340/430, 307/10.2, 307/10.3, 701/1, 701/36, 709/218
US Class Current

340/539.11
CPC Class Codes

B60R 2025/1013   Alarm systems characterised...

B60R 2025/1016   Remote signals alerting own...

B60R 2325/304   Boats

B60R 25/018   Thief traps

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

B60R 25/252   Fingerprint recognition

B60R 25/257   Voice recognition

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

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

G08B 19/00   Alarms responsive to two or...

Control and/or monitoring apparatus and method

First Claim

2 Assignments

Litigations

5 Petitions

Reexamination

Accused Products

Abstract

718 Citations

88 Claims

Specification

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Control and/or monitoring apparatus and method

First Claim

2 Assignments

Subscription Required

Subscription Required

Litigations

5 Petitions

Subscription Required

Reexamination

Accused Products

Subscription Required

Abstract

718 Citations

88 Claims

Specification

Subscription Required

Use Cases

Quick Links

Others