Patent ID: 6965935
Filing Date: 2005-11-15
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A system for monitoring and controlling a plurality of appliances, said system comprising: access means providing said appliances with internet connectivity; and at least one central server located on the internet, through which all data from said appliances and users of said system passes; wherein said system is capable of allowing any said user to simultaneously communicate with a plurality of said appliances in real-time; wherein said appliance contains an embedded internet access means built-in as an integral part of said appliance; capable of allowing a plurality of said users to simultaneously communicate with any particular said appliance in real-time; capable of allowing any said appliance to communicate with a plurality of other said appliances simultaneously and in real-time; wherein said appliances automatically logon to said central server at regular pre-programmed intervals to report their status; wherein said system has means to send out alerts to said users; wherein said system has means to communicate with any other internet enabled device using XML; and wherein said system has means to encrypt and decrypt communication between said central server and said appliances.