Patent ID: 7324528
Filing Date: 2008-01-29
Classification: H04M,H04Q

Abstract:
1. A method for allowing a user at a first location to control operation of devices at a second location via an electronic data network, comprising the steps of: accepting an incoming communication from the user over the electronic data network; receiving a user selection of a device over the electronic data network; receiving a user selection of a function of the device over the electronic data network; sending the user selection of the function to the device; receiving a response from the device to the device function; and sending the response to the user over the electronic data network wherein the selected device is a first device, and further comprising the steps of: monitoring the incoming communication for a user selection of a second device; and if the second device is in a different set of devices than the device, then also connecting the incoming communication to a controller for the different set of devices to control operation of the second device.