The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 17, 2003
Filed:
Apr. 28, 2000
Jeff Johnson, West Fargo, ND (US);
Dan Schulz, Fargo, ND (US);
Thor Iverson, Fargo, ND (US);
Dan Malmstrom, Fergus Falls, MN (US);
Echelon Corporation, San Jose, CA (US);
Abstract
An Internet based home communications system for allowing a homeowner to monitor and control various features of their home from a distant location via a global computer network. The inventive system comprises a plurality of control devices positioned within a home, a control unit in communication with the plurality of control devices wherein the control unit is connected to a global computer network (i.e. Internet), and a data center having server computers connected to the global computer network and in communication with the control unit. The homeowner can view, monitor and control features of their home through the web page such as viewing interior images of their home or adjusting the thermostat for the interior of their home. In addition, the control unit may notify the appropriate supplier when propane or food becomes low within the home through the global computer network.