Patent ID: 8842151

Claim:
A method for controlling a remotely located device comprising: receiving, from a first electronic device located at a first location and having at least video display capability and data input capability from at least a personal computer keyboard, one or more commands at a control computer, such commands directing the control computer to establish communications with a select one of a plurality of second electronic devices each located at remote locations to the first electronic device and having at least video display and data communication capability, addressing a memory associated with the control computer to fetch identifying information for the select second electronic device, utilizing at least certain of the identifying information to establish a communications link between a communication device associated with the control computer and the select second electronic device, using the communications link to send one or more commands from the first electronic device to the select second electronic device at its remote location to control transmission of information from the select second electronic device at its remote location to the first electronic device, receiving, at the communication device, information from the select second electronic device, the information including data facilitating display of one or more images to a human and representing at least certain color video information generated by the select second electronic device at the remote location, transmitting data to facilitate display of the color video information on the first electronic device together with text data relating to the select second electronic device, and receiving control data from the first electronic device intended for the select second electronic device, the control data responsive to a mouse in communication with the first electronic device and at least certain of the control data causing manipulation of the select second electronic device.