Patent ID: 7146129
Filing Date: 2006-12-05
Classification: H04M,H04W

Abstract:
1. A method implemented by remote control device for remotely controlling functions and providing status information comprising the steps of: storing predetermined text based commands; receiving a control message transmitted over a wireless communication channel; parsing the control message to identify a first text based command; comparing said first text based command with said stored predetermined text based commands to determine if the first text based command is a valid command; executing a predetermined control action corresponding to said first text based command if the latter is determined to be a valid command; wherein the step of executing a predetermined control action comprises generating a request for information signal, transmitting the request for information signal to an apparatus external to the remote control device, receiving first status information from the apparatus in response to said request for information signal, and transmitting a reply message containing the first status information in text based format to an address from which the control message was received.