Patent Publication Number: US-8996619-B1

Title: Apparatus, method, and computer program for controlling a target device using instant messages

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/610,511 entitled “DISTRIBUTED CALL SERVER SUPPORTING COMMUNICATION SESSIONS IN A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD,” filed on Jun. 30, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to control systems and more specifically to an apparatus, method, and computer program for controlling a target device using instant messages. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Remote control of computing devices, communication systems, and other devices or systems is becoming increasing popular in the United States and around the world. In a conventional communication system, for example, a user who wishes to control a device in the system typically establishes a communication session with the device and communicates instructions to the device. This allows the user to control the device even when the user is not in proximity to the device being controlled. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure provides an apparatus, method, and computer program for controlling a target device using instant messages. 
     In one aspect, an instant message is received at a target device from a controller device. The instant message includes a command and one or more optional parameters associated with the command. The target device authenticates the instant message and validates at least one of the command and the one or more optional parameters. The target device executes the command in response to authenticating the instant message and validating at least one of the command and the one or more optional parameters. 
     In a particular aspect, the target device generates and communicates a second instant message to the controller device. The second instant message includes at least one of a response, a result, and a status associated with at least one of the authentication, validation, and execution of the command. 
     In another particular aspect, the controller device represents a communication device (such as a mobile telephone) used by a user, and the target device represents a media application server capable of supporting one or more communication sessions (such as conference calls). 
     In another aspect, a controller device generates a first instant message. The first instant message includes a command and one or more optional parameters associated with the command. The controller device communicates the first instant message to a target device and allows the target device to execute the command in the first instant message. The controller device receives from the target device a second instant message. The second instant message includes at least one of a response, a result, and a status associated with the execution of the command. 
     Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled, in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an example communication system allowing remote control of a target device according to one embodiment of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an example media application server according to one embodiment of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a generic system for remote control of a target device according to one embodiment of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an example method for allowing remote control at a target device according to one embodiment of this disclosure; and 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an example method for controlling a target device from a controller device according to one embodiment of this disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example communication system  100  allowing remote control of a target device according to one embodiment of this disclosure. The system  100  shown in  FIG. 1  is for illustration only. Other embodiments of the system  100  may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
     A problem with conventional conferencing systems and other systems is that it is often difficult or impossible for a person to control a target device without actually establishing a communication session with the target device. For example, it may be difficult for a person to control a conference call without actually joining the conference call. 
     In the illustrated example, the system  100  includes one or more communication devices  102   a - 102   d , a network  104 , and a media application server (“MAS”)  106 . 
     The communication devices  102   a - 102   d  represent devices used by users or subscribers during communication sessions. Communication sessions represent data conversions or conversations between devices or applications over a network. For example, each of the communication devices  102   a - 102   d  represents an input/output device that could include a microphone and a speaker to capture and play audio information. Each of the communication devices  102   a - 102   d  could also include a camera and a display to capture and present video information. Each of the communication devices  102   a - 102   d  could further represent a portable computing device for sending and receiving text or other messages. 
     During a communication session, one or more of the devices  102  communicate with the MAS  106  over the network  104 . As an example, a communication device  102  may transmit audio information to the MAS  106  and receive audio information from the MAS  106 . Each communication device  102  may be constructed or configured from any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof for transmitting or receiving audio, video, or other information. 
     The system  100  shown in  FIG. 1  illustrates various embodiments of the communication devices  102 . For example, the communication device  102   a  represents a wireless mobile station that communicates with the network  104  through a mobile switching center (“MSC”)  108 . The communication device  102   b  represents a wired Internet Protocol (“IP”) telephone that communicates directly with the network  104 . An example of a suitable device is an i 2004  Internet Telephone, commercially available from Nortel Networks of Brampton, Ontario, Canada. The communication device  102   c  represents a personal computer, such as a desktop computer or a laptop computer. The communication device  102   d  represents a wireless device, such as a Blackberry device or personal digital assistant. One or more of these devices  102   a - 102   d  may include video functionality, such as when the communication device  102   a  includes a video camera or when the communication device  102   c  is coupled to a web camera  110 . 
     While this represents several embodiments of the communication devices  102 , other or additional communication devices  102  may be utilized in the system  100  of  FIG. 1 . By way of illustration in  FIG. 1 , each of the communication devices  102   a - 102   d  is different. It will be understood, however, that the communication devices  102  in the system  100  may include or represent the same or similar type of device or other combination of communication devices. 
     The network  104  is coupled to the communication devices  102 , the MAS  106 , and the mobile switching center  108 . In this document, the term “couple” refers to any direct or indirect communication between two or more components, whether or not those components are in physical contact with each other. The network  104  facilitates communication between components of the system  100 . For example, the network  104  may communicate Internet Protocol (“IP”) packets, frame relay frames, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (“ATM”) cells, Ethernet, X.25, or other suitable information between network addresses or devices. The network  104  may include one or more local area networks (“LANs”), metropolitan area networks (“MANs”), wide area networks (“WANs”), all or portions of a global network such as the Internet, or any other communication system or systems at one or more locations. 
     The media application server (“MAS”)  106  is coupled to the network  104 . The MAS  106  supports communication sessions between communication devices  102  in the system  100 . For example, the MAS  106  may receive requests to establish or join a conference call from one or multiple communication devices  102 . The MAS  106  may also transmit/receive audio or video information to/from each communication device  102  involved in the conference call. 
     The MAS  106  may be constructed or configured using hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof for supporting communication sessions in the system  100 . As an example, the MAS  106  could include one or more processors  112  that execute instructions and one or more memories  114  that store instructions and data used by the processors  112 . The processor(s)  112  is generally understood to be a device that drives a general-purpose computer. It is noted, however, that other processor devices such as microcontrollers, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), or Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) can be used as well and achieve the benefits and advantages described herein. An example MAS  106  is shown in  FIG. 2 , which is described below and in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/610,511 entitled “DISTRIBUTED CALL SERVER SUPPORTING COMMUNICATION SESSIONS IN A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD,” filed on Jun. 30, 2003, and which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     Communication session(s) established and managed by the MAS  106  can include additional communication devices other than the communication devices  102   a - 102   d . For example, a communication device  102   e  is shown coupled to the network  104  through a public telephone network, such as a public switched telephone network (“PSTN”)  116 . The communication device  102   e  may include a conventional analog or digital telephone or some other type of communication device. In embodiments where the PSTN  116  and the network  104  use different or incompatible protocols to communicate, a gateway  118  may be used that is coupled to the network  104  and the PSTN  116  to facilitate communication between the networks. The gateway  118  functions to translate between the different protocols used by the network  104  and the PSTN  116 . Although one PSTN  116  is shown in  FIG. 1  coupled to the network  104 , other or additional types of public or private networks may be coupled to the network  104 . 
     The communication devices  102  and the MAS  106  could support various standards or protocols used to set up, maintain, and terminate communication sessions between end users. As examples, the communication devices  102  and the MAS  106  could communicate audio, video, or other information using the Realtime Transfer Protocol (“RTP”) over User Datagram Protocol (“UDP”), the International Telecommunication Union—Telecommunications (“ITU-T”) H.263 standard (video CODEC), the G.711 and G.729 standards (audio CODECs), and other or additional standards or protocols. Other CODECs, such as Moving Picture Experts Group-4 (“MPEG-4”), Digital Video Express (“DIVX”), and Windows Media Video (“WMV”), can be supported by the MAS  106 . In addition, signaling messages sent between the communication devices  102  and the MAS  106  may include or conform to the Session Initiation Protocol (“SIP”), which is an application layer protocol for the establishment, modification, and termination of conferencing and telephony sessions over IP-based networks. As will be appreciated, other or additional protocols and configurations may be used. 
     In one aspect of operation, the MAS  106  includes one or more processes, such as software applications providing an activity, a function, or a systematic sequence of operations that produces a specified result, for handling communication sessions. In this document, the term “participant” refers to a person who joins a communication session, whether or not the person actually participates in the communication session (such as by speaking). A participant could represent a person who joins a communication session for the entirety of the session or for just a portion of the session. To allow conference calls, the MAS  106  supports a conference bridge that allows multiple participants to dial or otherwise contact the bridge and join a conference call. In this document, the phrase “conference call” refers to a communication session that can (but need not) involve more than two participants. A “conference bridge” represents a facility or service that allows participants to be connected together for a conference call. A conference call is typically associated with a “chairperson,” who is often responsible for managing the conference call. 
     During operation, the MAS  106  is controllable using instant messages. The phrase “instant message” refers to a message that is transmitted from a source to a destination for presentation or use at the destination at the time it is received by the destination. In some embodiments, an instant message used to control the MAS  106  includes a command and one or more optional parameters associated with the command. The instant message originates from any suitable source, such as a person using a communication device  102  (whether or not the person is a participant in a communication session) or from a software program capable of remotely controlling the operation of the MAS  106 . The instant message includes any suitable contents, including plain text commands and parameters or other contents. 
     When the MAS  106  receives an instant message, the MAS  106  authenticates the instant message. For example, the MAS  106  authenticates the instant message by identifying the source of the instant message. In some embodiments, the MAS  106  uses any suitable instant messaging security technology to authenticate an instant message. In other embodiments, the source of the instant message encrypts and signs the contents of the instant message, and the MAS  106  authenticates the instant message using the digital signature. Other or additional mechanisms could be used to authenticate the instant messages. 
     After authenticating the instant message, the MAS  106  validates the command and the one or more optional parameters in the instant message. For example, the MAS  106  validates whether the command in the instant message is a valid command that can be executed by the MAS  106 . The MAS  106  also validates whether any parameters included in the instant message are valid parameters. As a particular example, the MAS  106  determines that the command in the instant message is valid if it is one of the following commands: 
     a START command (starts a conference call by opening a conference bridge); 
     a STOP command (stops a conference call by closing a conference bridge); 
     a LOCK command (prevents new participants from joining a conference call); 
     an UNLOCK command (allows new participants to join a conference call); 
     a MUTE ALL command (prevents exchange of audio and/or video information from all other participants during a conference call); 
     a MUTE INDIVIDUALS command (prevents exchange of audio and/or video information from one or more particular participants during a conference call); 
     a HANGUP INDIVIDUALS command (drops one or more particular participants from a conference call); and 
     a CALL/INVITE INDIVIDUALS command (sends an instant message or other message to one or more particular participants inviting them to join a conference call). 
     In this particular example, during validation of the command in an instant message, the MAS  106  determines whether the command in the instant message represents one of the commands above. Also, for at least some of these commands (such as START, STOP, LOCK, and UNLOCK), the MAS  106  determines whether a parameter in the instant message identifies a valid conference bridge or a valid conference call. In addition, for at least some of these commands (such as MUTE INDIVIDUALS, HANGUP INDIVIDUALS, and CALL/INVITE INDIVIDUALS), the MAS  106  determines whether one or more parameters in the instant message identify valid participants or other users in the system  100 . 
     Once validated, the MAS  106  executes the command in the instant message. Executing the command may include starting or stopping a conference call, preventing or allowing new participants to join a conference call, preventing exchange of audio and/or video information from at least one participant during a conference call, dropping at least one participant from a conference call, or inviting at least one participant to join a conference call. Executing the command may include invoking, performing, or otherwise supporting any other or additional functions. 
     After authentication, validation, and/or execution of the command in an instant message, the MAS  106  communicates a second instant message to the user or other source that invoked the command (i.e. sent the first instant message). The second instant message includes any responses, results, and/or status associated with the authentication, validation, or execution of the command. For example, if the MAS  106  fails to authenticate the first instant message or validate the command in the first instant message, the second instant message may include an indication of the failure. If the MAS  106  executes the command in the first instant message, the second instant message may include the responses, results, and/or status of the execution. As particular examples, the second instant message may include (1) text indicating that a conference call was started, stopped, locked, or unlocked successfully or unsuccessfully, (2) text indicating that at least one participant in a conference call has been muted, dropped, or invited successfully or unsuccessfully, and/or (3) other or additional contents. 
     When the second instant message is received, the communication device  102  or other source of the first instant message authenticates the second instant message and validates the contents of the second instant message. At that point, the communication device  102  or other source of the first instant message may utilize or otherwise respond to the second instant message in any suitable manner. For example, the communication device  102  or other source may record the contents of the second instant message in a log file or display the contents of the second instant message to a user. 
     As described above, a user using a communication device  102  may receive an instant message (i.e. the second instant message) from the MAS  106  in response to the first instant message containing a command. In some embodiments, an instant message for a particular user is sent to a specific communication device  102  associated with that user. In other embodiments, an instant message for a particular user is sent to some or all communication devices  102  associated with that user. In particular embodiments, such as when the SIP protocol is used in the system  100 , a communication device  102  registers with the MAS  106  and is associated with a user. When an instant message is generated for a user, the instant message is sent to all registered communication devices  102  for that user. By communicating the instant message to all registered communication devices  102  for a user, the user may be more likely to receive the instant message on at least one device. 
     This has described several examples of the contents of various instant messages, such as the particular commands that may be used in an instant message. Instant messages having other or additional contents could also be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
     Although  FIG. 1  illustrates one example of a communication system  100  allowing remote control of a target device according to one embodiment of this disclosure, various changes may be made to  FIG. 1 . For example, any number of communication devices  102 , networks  104 , and servers  106  could be used in the system  100 . Also, the functionality of the MAS  106 , described above as being implemented on a server, could be implemented on any other computing device, such as a desktop computer or a laptop computer. In addition,  FIG. 1  illustrates one operational environment in which the various features of the MAS  106  may be used. These features could be implemented in any other suitable operating environment. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an example media application server  106  according to one embodiment of this disclosure. The MAS  106  illustrated in  FIG. 2  is for illustration only. Other embodiments of the MAS  106  could be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Also, while  FIG. 2  illustrates the MAS  106  operating in the system  100  of  FIG. 1 , the MAS  106  may operate in other suitable systems. 
     In the illustrated example, the MAS  106  includes a media conductor  202 , a media controller  204 , two media processors (“MPs”)  206   a - 206   b , and a content store  208 . 
     The media conductor  202  processes signaling messages received by the MAS  106 . In some embodiments, the communication devices  102  communicate the signaling messages directly (or via a gateway, which serves as an entrance/exit into a communications network) to the MAS  106 . In other embodiments, the communication devices  102  communicate signaling messages indirectly to the MAS  106 , such as when a SIP application server  210  (that received a request from a communication device  102 ) sends the signaling messages to the media conductor  202  on behalf of the communication device  102 . The communication devices  102  may communicate directly with the SIP application server  210  or indirectly through a gateway, such as gateway  118 . The media conductor  202  processes the signaling messages and communicates the processed messages to the media controller  204 . As particular examples, the media conductor  202  may implement SIP call control, parameter encoding, and media event package functionality. 
     The media controller  204  manages the operation of the MAS  106  to provide services to the communication devices  102 . For example, the media controller  204  may receive processed SIP requests from the media conductor  202 , where the requests involve conference or other calls. The controller  204  may then select the media processor  206  to handle each of the calls, support audio/video capability negotiations, enforce licenses controlling how the MAS  106  can be used, and control negotiations based on the licenses. The negotiations could include identifying the CODEC or CODECs to be used to encode and decode audio or video information during a call. 
     The media processors  206   a - 206   b  handle the exchange of audio or video information between communication devices  102  involved in a conference or other call. For example, a media processor  206  could receive audio and video information from one communication device  102  involved in a call, process the information as needed, and forward the information to at least one other communication device  102  involved in the call. The audio and video information may be received through one or more ports  212 , which couple the media processors  206  to the network  104 . The ports  212  may represent any suitable structure operable to facilitate communication between the MAS  106  and the network  104 . In some embodiments, each of the media processors  206  represents a software application for specific media processing, such as interactive voice response (“IVR”) media or conference media, which is executed on the MAS  106  hardware platform via the operating system. 
     In this example embodiment, each media processor  206  provides different functionality in the MAS  106 . For example, in some embodiments, the media processor  206   a  provides IVR functionality in the MAS  106 . As particular examples, the media processor  206   a  supports a voice mail function that can record and play messages or an auto attendant function that provides a menu and directs callers to particular destinations based on their selections. The media processor  206   b  provides conferencing functionality in the MAS  106 , such as by facilitating the exchange of audio and video information between communication devices  102 . 
     The content store  208  provides access to content used by the various components of the system  100 . For example, in some embodiments, the content store  208  provides access to stored voice mail messages and access codes used to initiate or join conference calls. The content store  208  may also provide access to any other or additional information. In other embodiments, the content store  208  is replaced by a conventional database or other data storage facility. 
     A Java 2 Enterprise Edition (“J2EE”) platform  214  is coupled to the MAS  106 . The J2EE platform  214  allows the MAS  106  to retrieve additional information used to provide subscriber services in the system  100 . For example, the J2EE platform  214  may provide audio announcements used by the IVR media processor  206   a . The J2EE platform  214  represents one possible apparatus used to provide audio or other information to the MAS  106 . Any other or additional device or apparatus may be used to provide the information to the MAS  106 . 
     In a particular embodiment, various components of the MAS  106  represent software processes executed by the processor(s)  112  of the MAS  106 . While the components have been described as being executed by a MAS  106 , the software processes could be executed by other computing devices such as a desktop computer. In other embodiments, the various components of the MAS  106  may be implemented in other ways, such as in hardware. 
     In some embodiments, the MAS  106  receives an instant message that includes a command to be executed by the MAS  106 . The media conductor  202  receives the instant message (either directly from a communication device  102  or other source or indirectly through the SIP application server  210  or other source) and provides at least the contents of the instant message to the media controller  204 . The media controller  204  or one of the media processors  206   a - 206   b  authenticates the instant message and validates the command in the instant message. Depending on the command to be executed, the media controller  204  executes the command or passes the command to one of the media processors  206   a - 206   b  for execution. 
     Upon authentication, validation, or execution, the media controller  204  generates another instant message having the responses, results, and/or status of the authentication, validation, and/or execution. The media controller  204  then sends the second instant to the source of the first instant message through the media conductor  202 . The source of the first instant message receives the second instant message from the media conductor  202 , authenticates the second instant message, and validates the contents of the second instant message. 
     To facilitate the use of instant messages in the system  100 , when a communication device  102  registers with the MAS  106 , the communication device  102  informs the MAS  106  whether the communication device  102  is capable of receiving instant messages. In this way, the MAS  106  identifies which communication devices  102  are capable of communicating and receiving instant messages. This information may be useful, for example, during authentication of an instant message. 
     As a particular example of this remote control functionality, the MAS  106  may typically open a conference bridge when the chairperson of a conference call joins the conference bridge. For a particular conference call, the chairperson of the conference call may be running late, but several other participants may have already joined the conference bridge. The chairperson could use a communication device  102  to send an instant message to the MAS  106 , where the instant message includes a command opening the conference bridge. The MAS  106  may then open the conference bridge and allow the conference call to begin, even though the chairperson has not actually joined the conference call. In this example, the chairperson is able to open the conference bridge without actually establishing a voice connection with the conference bridge. 
     Although  FIG. 2  illustrates one example of a media application server  106 , various changes may be made to  FIG. 2 . For example, any number of media processors  206  could be used in the MAS  106 . Also, the functional divisions shown in  FIG. 2  are for illustration only. Various components can be combined or omitted or additional components can be added according to particular functional designations or needs. In addition, while the components  202 - 208  have been described as being executed by a server, the components  202 - 208  may be executed by other hardware platforms, such as a desktop computer or a laptop computer. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a generic system  300  for remote control of a target device according to one embodiment of this disclosure. The system  300  shown in  FIG. 3  is for illustration only. Other embodiments of the system  300  may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
     In the illustrated example, the system  300  includes one or more controller devices  302 , a network  304 , and one or more target devices  306 . The network  304  may be the same as or similar to the network  104  of  FIG. 1 . 
     Each controller device  302  represents any suitable device capable of controlling one or more target devices  306  using instant messaging. The controller device  302  could, for example, represent an instant message-capable communication device  102  of  FIG. 1 . The controller device  302  could also represent a device executing a program capable of controlling one or more target devices  306 . The controller device  302  includes any hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof for controlling one or more target devices  306  using instant messages. In this example, the controller device  302  includes one or more processors  308  that execute instructions and one or more memories  310  that store instructions and data used by the processors  308 , although other embodiments of the controller device  302  may be used. 
     Each target device  306  represents any suitable device capable of being controlled by one or more controller devices  302  using instant messaging. The target device  306  could, for example, represent the MAS  106  of  FIG. 1 . The target device  306  could also represent an oil pump or any other device, system, or part thereof capable of being controlled remotely. The target device  306  includes any hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof capable of being controlled by one or more controller devices  302  using instant messages. In this example, the target device  306  includes one or more processors  312  that execute instructions and one or more memories  314  that store instructions and data used by the processors  312 , although other embodiments of the target device  306  may be used. 
     As described above with respect to  FIG. 1 , each controller device  302  is capable of controlling a target device  306  using instant messages. An instant message includes a command and optionally one or more parameters. A target device  306  receives an instant message from a controller device  302 , authenticates the instant message, and validates the command and any parameters in the instant message. The target device  306  executes the command, generates a second instant message that includes the responses, results, and/or status of the execution, and communicates the second instant message to the controller device  302 . The controller device  302  receives the second instant message, authenticates the second instant message, and validates the contents of the second instant message. In this way, the target device  306  is controlled remotely from any location using instant messaging. 
     In some embodiments, a controller device  302  is capable of controlling a single target device  306  or multiple target devices  306 . Also, in some embodiments, a single target device  306  is capable of being controlled by a single controller device  302  or multiple controller devices  302 . When a controller device  302  is capable of controlling multiple target devices  306 , the controller  302  could control the target devices  306  individually (with separate instant messages) or collectively (with a single instant message). The system  300  may use any suitable technique to supply a single instant message from a controller device  302  to multiple target devices  306 . In particular embodiments, a chat room that each target device  306  is capable of accessing can be used to supply a single instant message to multiple target devices  306 . 
     Although  FIG. 3  illustrates one example of a generic system  300  for remote control of a target device, various changes may be made to  FIG. 3 . For example, any number of controller devices  302 , networks  304 , and target devices  306  could be used in the system  300 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an example method  400  for allowing remote control at a target device according to one embodiment of this disclosure. For ease of illustration and explanation, the method  400  is described with respect to the system  300  of  FIG. 3 . The method  400  could be used by any other suitable device and in any other suitable system, such as when the MAS  106  of  FIG. 2  is controlled in the system  100  of  FIG. 1 . 
     A target device  306  registers its ability to receive instant messages at step  402 . Registration may include, for example, the target device  306  informing one or more of the controller devices  302  or a network manager during a registration process that the target device  306  is capable of receiving instant messages. Registration may also include the target device  306  sending a message to a specific one of the controller devices  302  or broadcasting its presence to multiple controller devices  302 . 
     The target device  306  receives an instant message having a command at step  404 . The instant message may also include one or more parameters associated with the command. 
     The target device  306  authenticates the instant message at step  406 . Authentication may include, for example, the target device  306  using any suitable instant messaging security technology to authenticate the instant message. Authentication may also include the target device  306  using a digital signature associated with the instant message to authenticate the instant message. 
     The target device  306  validates the contents of the instant message at step  408 . Validation may include, for example, the target device  306  determining whether a command in the instant message represents a valid command that can be executed by the target device  306 . Validation may also include the target device  306  determining whether one or more parameters associated with the command are valid parameters. If the contents of the instant message are encrypted, the target device  306  may decrypt the target device  306  before validating the contents of the instant message. 
     The target device  306  determines whether a valid command has been received at step  410 . This determination may include, for example, determining whether the instant message was successfully authenticated and the command in the instant message was successfully validated. 
     If the command is valid, the target device  306  executes the command at step  412 . Execution may include, for example, the target device  306  performing any function associated with the received command. 
     When execution is complete or when the command is invalid, the target device  306  generates and sends a second instant message at step  414 . The second instant message could, for example, indicate that the received command was invalid because it could not be authenticated or validated. The second instant message could also include an indication that execution of the command was attempted and failed for a specified reason. The second instant message could further include an indication that execution of the command was successful and provide the responses, results, and/or status of that execution. 
     Although  FIG. 4  illustrates one example of a method  400  for allowing remote control at a target device, various changes may be made to  FIG. 4 . For example, the target device  306  could optionally decrypt the contents of the first instant message before authentication or validation and encrypt the contents of the second instant message before transmission. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an example method  500  for controlling a target device from a controller device according to one embodiment of this disclosure. For ease of illustration and explanation, the method  500  is described with respect to the system  300  of  FIG. 3 . The method  500  could be used by any other suitable device and in any other suitable system, such as when a communication device  102  in the system  100  of  FIG. 1  is used to control the MAS  106 . 
     A controller device  302  registers its ability to receive instant messages at step  502 . Registration may include, for example, the controller device  302  informing other controller devices  302  or a network manager during a registration process that the controller device  302  is capable of receiving instant messages. 
     The controller device  302  generates an instant message having a command at step  504 . The command could request execution or performance of any suitable function. The command may or may not have one or more associated parameters used during execution or performance of the function. The controller device  302  communicates the instant message to a target device  306  at step  506 . 
     At this point, the target device  306  receives the instant message and attempts to execute the command. In response, the controller device  302  receives a second instant message having the execution responses, results, and/or status from the target device at step  508 . The responses, results, and/or status may indicate that the first instant message could not be authenticated, the command in the first instant message could not be validated, execution of the command failed, or execution of the command was successful. 
     To ensure that the second instant message is a valid message, the controller device  302  authenticates the second instant message at step  510 . The controller device  302  also validates the contents of the second instant message at step  512 . After that, the controller device  302  utilizes or otherwise responds to the contents of the second instant message in any suitable manner. For example, the controller device  302  could log the contents or display the contents to a user. 
     Although  FIG. 5  illustrates one example of a method  500  for controlling a target device at a controller device, various changes may be made to  FIG. 5 . For example, the controller device  302  could optionally encrypt the contents of the first instant message before transmission and decrypt the contents of the second instant message before authentication or validation. 
     It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases that have been used within this patent document. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like. 
     While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims.