US20050035854A1 - Home management and personal assistance using a mobile communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of home management and personal assistance using a mobile communication device can include detecting a home protection event. The method can also include wirelessly conveying the event to the mobile communication device through a data connection via a proxy. The method can further include presenting an indication of the home protection event upon the mobile communication device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application claims the benefit of both U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/486,018, filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Jul. 10, 2003, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/490,717 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Jul. 29, 2003, the entirety of both applications is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The invention relates to the field of mobile communications and, more particularly, to the use of a mobile communication device to provide home management and personal assistance functions.
• 2. Description of the Related Art
• Home automation systems, or smart homes, have been available to consumers for many years and offer a wide variety of functions. For example, a smart home can provide automatic timed control of lights and appliances. Additionally, a smart home can allow a homeowner to remotely monitor and/or control household devices, such as doors, windows, thermostats, consumer electronics, or the like. Smart home products can also provide a range of intelligent security functions.
• Given the convenience of controlling one's home from a central location, and the enhanced security features, smart home technology is ideally suited for individuals who suffer from diminished mental capacities, or are physically challenged. For example, individuals experiencing fading sensory and cognitive skills, such as the elderly, commonly forget to close a door or window, or turn off an appliance. Further, an elderly person may desire the ability to open a curtain to let in light upon waking without having to rise from bed, or conversely, to close the curtain at bedtime. Moreover, automatic notification of emergency events, such as a water leak, allow an elderly person to seek help upon detection, reducing the probability of severe damage or injury to the home. However, the operator interface devices used to control smart homes are typically intended for the technically-savvy, and can be intimidating to persons who are mentally or physically challenged, such as the elderly.
• Persons with failing or compromised mental faculties commonly need assistance performing daily activities. For example, it can be difficult for elderly individuals to ascertain the weather when they need to leave their homes. Current methods for checking weather include the Internet, which can be intimidating for elders to access, or radio and television. Further, exposure to direct sunlight and other environmental factors can cause an externally-mounted thermometer to render inaccurate readings. Moreover, an elderly person may need to venture outside in inclement weather in order to read a thermometer mounted outside of the home.
• What is needed is a home management and personal assistance system for cognitively impaired individuals, such as the elderly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention provides a method, system, and apparatus for providing remote management and personal assistance functions using a mobile communication device, such as a mobile telephone. More specifically, a mobile communication device can facilitate mobile communication with a home automation system in order to provide remote control and monitoring of household devices, as well as notify the user of emergency household events. Additionally, the mobile communication device can present real-time weather information to the user. Further, the mobile communication device can provide weather advice, such as how to protect oneself from the weather outside the home.
• One aspect of the present invention can include a method of home management and personal assistance using a mobile communication device. The method can include detecting a home protection event, and wirelessly conveying the event to the mobile communication device through a data connection via a proxy. Further, the method can include presenting an indication of the home protection event upon the mobile communication device.
• In one embodiment of the present invention, the home protection event can be a home security related event. In another embodiment, the home protection event can be a monitoring event indicating that a monitored apparatus in the home is operating outside safe operational parameters.
• In one aspect of the inventive arrangements, the method can automatically determine a solution to the home protection event and present the solution upon the mobile communication device. In another aspect, the method can include receiving a user input via the mobile communication device relating to the home protection event, and performing at least one programmatic action responsive to the user input. In one embodiment, the programmatic action communicates the home protection event to a remotely located agent.
• One embodiment of the present invention can include a method for arming a home monitoring system using a mobile communication device. The method can include receiving within the mobile communication device a user request to initiate activation of the monitoring system, and transmitting the user request via a proxy using a datagram connection.
• One aspect of the present invention can include a method for obtaining a recommendation for weather management using a mobile communication device. The method can include receiving within the mobile communication device a user request for weather data. Responsive to the user request, the mobile communication device can query a weather proxy server over a wireless communication link, receive weather data over the wireless communication link, and compare the received weather data with criteria stored within the mobile communication device. Notably, the weather data can be a notification from an emergency management system, whether state or federal. Further, the mobile communication device can recommend a course of action according to a result of the comparing step. The method can also include presenting the weather data to the user via the mobile communication device. Notably, the weather proxy server can communicate with a weather service provider over an Internet communication channel.
• Other embodiments of the present invention can include a machine readable storage for causing a machine to perform the steps described herein, as well as a system having means for performing the steps disclosed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• There are shown in the drawings, embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a mobile communication device (MCD) configured in accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosed herein.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of an MCD in accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosed herein.
• FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system within which an MCD can be utilized in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a graphical user interface (GUI) in accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosed herein.
• FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a GUI in accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosed herein.
• FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of a GUI in accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosed herein.
• FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of checking the status of a household device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of remotely controlling a household device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method of obtaining weather information and advice, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a mobile communication device (MCD)100 configured in accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosed within. As shown, the MCD100 can include aprocessor105, amobile telephony transceiver110,audio circuitry115, a short rangewireless transceiver120, and amemory125. Each of the aforementioned components can be communicatively linked via acommunications bus150, or other circuitry. For example, the MCD100 can be implemented as a mobile phone having the features described herein.
• Theprocessor105 can execute a suitable operating system and one or more applications for controlling the various functions of theMCD100. For example, theprocessor105 can execute an operating system that can support the execution of one or more applications intended to run on that platform and which support operation of the various functions and features disclosed herein. As theMCD100 can function as an intelligent companion, to be described in greater detail herein, the operating system and computing architecture can be designed to support the operation of such functionality. According to one embodiment, theMCD100 can be compatible with the JAVA 2 Platform, Micro Edition (J2ME®).
• Thememory125 can be implemented as random access memory, read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, or any other type of physical memory suitable for use within a mobile communication device, such as theMCD100. It should be appreciated that thememory125, while illustrated as a separate component, can be incorporated into theprocessor105 or another component. In any case, thememory125 can include programmatic instructions to be executed by theprocessor105 as well as any operational data necessary for operation of theMCD100.
• Wireless signals can be received and sent via theantenna155 which can be suited for longer-range communications such as conventional cellular or personal communication service (PCS) communications. Accordingly, theantenna155 can be operatively connected to themobile telephony transceiver110. Signals detected byantenna155 can be provided to themobile telephony transceiver110 for processing and decoding. For example, themobile telephony transceiver110 can include a codec for coding and decoding information received or to be sent via wireless transmission. Thetransceiver110 can make the decoded signals and/or information available to other components of theMCD100 for processing. Outbound information received by themobile telephony transceiver110 can be coded and/or formatted for wireless transmission by the codec and then provided to theantenna155 for transmission.
• Thus, it should be appreciated that theMCD100 can communicate via conventional cellular telephone and/or PCS telephone calls and access wireless networks, for example using Wireless Access Protocol or another suitable wireless communications protocol, such that theMCD100 can access the Internet, the Web, and/or a wide area network, as well as any applications and/or services disposed on such networks via a wireless communications link.
• Theaudio circuitry115 can include a microphone or other audio input transducer for receiving sound and one or more analog-to-digital converters for digitizing the received sound. Theaudio circuitry115 further can include one or more digital-to-analog converters for converting digital information into an analog signal, and one or more analog-to-digital converters for converting an analog signal into a digital format. Theaudio circuitry115 can include a speaker or other audio output transducer for generating sound from an analog signal as well as one or more amplifiers for driving the speaker.
• It should be appreciated that theaudio circuitry115 can include additional processors, such as digital signal processors (DSPs) as may be required for processing audio and performing functions such as audio encoding, audio decoding, noise reduction, or the like. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the audio circuitry can be implemented using one or more discrete components. In another arrangement, theaudio circuitry115 can be implemented using one or more integrated circuits configured to perform the various functions disclosed herein. Thus, theMCD100 can be configured to play various audio formats from streaming formats to MP3's, or other audio file formats such as .wav or aiff files.
• Theaudio circuitry115 can also include and/or be communicatively linked to automatic speech recognition (ASR) and synthetic speech generation components that can be used to perform text-to-speech and speech-to-text conversions. When theaudio circuitry115 includes ASR and/or speech generation components, suitable software and/or firmware can be embedded within theaudio circuitry115 and/or executed by theprocessor105. When theaudio circuitry115 is communicatively linked to remotely located ASR and/or speech generation components, communications between theaudio circuitry115 and the remotely located components can occur using themobile telephony transceiver110, the shortrange wireless transceiver120, theinterface port145, and any other suitable interface.
• TheMCD100 also can include a shortrange wireless transceiver120 as well as anantenna160 operatively connected thereto. The shortrange wireless transceiver120 can both send and receive data. For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the shortrange wireless transceiver120 can be implemented as a BlueTooth-enabled wireless transceiver, or as a transceiver configured to communicate with one of the 802.11 family of short range wireless communications specifications. The shortrange wireless transceiver120 and accompanyingantenna160 can be configured to communicate using any of a variety of short range, wireless communications protocols and/or systems. Through the shortrange wireless transceiver120, theMCD100 can communicate with a local area network or other short range wireless network. Still, the various examples disclosed herein have been provided for purposes of illustration only and should not be construed as limitations of the present invention.
• TheMCD100 can also include one ormore interface ports145 used to physically connect devices and/or peripherals to theMCD100. For example, theinterface port145 can be a standard wall jack to initiate telephone calls over the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Theinterface port145 can also include a universal serial bus (USB) port, a firewire (IEEE 1394) port, a parallel port, a serial port, an Ethernet port, an audio port, or the like. Use of theinterface port145 for communicatively linking theMCD100 with external devices can be advantageous in situations where wireless connectivity may not be available, is intermittent, or otherwise unsuitable for a particular purpose.
• Each of the various components of theMCD100 disclosed herein can be communicatively linked with one another using appropriate circuitry, whether through thememory125, one or more additional memories (not shown), theprocessor105, one or more additional interface processors or logic controllers (not shown), and/or thecommunications bus150. One skilled in the art will recognize that the various components disclosed herein can be embodied in various other forms and that the configuration disclosed and described with reference toFIG. 1 is provided for purposes of illustration only. For example, the various components can be implemented as one or more discrete components, as one or more processors, logic controllers, DSPs, or any combination thereof.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of anMCD200 in accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. As shown, theMCD200 can include adisplay205, one or more control oroperational keys210, which can include special function command keys for operation of one or more of the functions disclosed herein, alphanumeric keys orbuttons215, and an antenna220 (which may be configured to be fully located within the MCD200). TheMCD200 further can include a battery or other power source (not shown). Notably, theMCD200 can include a rechargeable battery as well as additional power sources to enable theMCD200 to be active for extended periods of time.
• The physical arrangement of theMCD200 has been provided for purposes of illustration only. As such, it should be appreciated that the various components can be located in any of a variety of different configurations. For example, theMCD200 can include additional keys or controls disposed on the frontal portion or the sides of the unit.
• According to one embodiment of the present invention, the physical arrangement of theMCD200 can be conducive for use by visually impaired individuals or those that may have difficulty accessing and/or operating the keys and/or controls of conventional mobile computing devices, such as the elderly, persons with physical disabilities, or other infirmities. For example, thecontrol keys210 and thealphanumeric keys215 of theMCD200 can be larger in size than conventional mobile device keys and can be spaced a greater distance from one another with respect to both the width and length of theMCD200. That is, the horizontal key spacing and the vertical key spacing can be greater than that found with conventional mobile devices. Further, thecontrol keys210 can include Braille markings for key identification purposes.
• TheMCD200 can include adisplay205, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) implemented in either grayscale or color, a touch screen, or any other type of suitable display screen. Thedisplay205 can be larger than those found on conventional mobile computing devices and can have an increased contrast ratio if so desired.
• FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating asystem300 within which anMCD200 can be utilized in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that theMCD200 can be configured to operate in a variety of environments, including indoor and outdoor environments.
• TheMCD200 can incorporate a thin client308 (hereinafter “client”). The client308 can be a software application executing within theMCD200. As shown, theMCD200 can be communicatively linked to a security and control proxy320 (hereinafter “SC proxy”) and/or aweather proxy330. Accordingly, the client308 can interact with the aforementioned proxies on behalf of theMCD200. The client308 can include one or more application programs that allow the user to access the functionality of the various systems and/or devices communicatively linked to theSC proxy320 and/or theweather proxy330, to be described in greater detail herein. Notably, theSC proxy320 and/or theweather proxy330 can be configured with a multitude ofMCD200 and/or user specific settings so that information exchanged between theMCD200 and the proxies can be tailored to meet the needs, capabilities, and privileges of different users and/or MCDs.
• TheSC proxy320 and theweather proxy330 can operate as application servers, and can be located within the home, or at a remote location outside of the home. In one embodiment, theMCD200 can communicate directly to theSC proxy320 and/or theweather proxy330 via a short-range wireless connection, such as through the 802.11 family of wireless networking protocols, a Bluetooth transmission, or the like. Short-range communications can be used when theMCD200 and one or more of the proxies are located within the same home or location.
• In another embodiment, theMCD200 can communicate indirectly to theSC proxy320 and/or theweather proxy330 via a conventional long range data link. For example, theMCD200 can access theproxies320 and330 by interfacing with amobile base station380 via a phone call or data connection. Such long range communications can be used when theMCD200 is not located within, or proximate to, the location within which a proxy is disposed. However, themobile base station380 can also be used to communicate with theproxies320 and330 when they are in close proximity to theMCD200. It should be appreciated that theMCD200 can communicate with theSC proxy320 and/or theweather proxy330 using any of a variety of different communications mechanisms, and that theMCD200 is not limited to any specific communication mechanism.
• System300 can also include acommunications network315. The network can communicatively link to theMCD200, for example via a mobile communications link. Thenetwork315 can also communicatively link themobile base station380, theSC proxy320, theweather proxy330, ahome monitoring controller340, and a remoteweather service provider325. Thecommunications network315 is depicted as an Internet network. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatcommunications network315 can also include a wide area network, the public switched telephone network (PSTN), or other data network.
• Thecommunications network315 can communicatively link theSC proxy320 to a multitude of remotely located computing systems on behalf of theMCD200, such as the home monitoring controller340 (hereinafter “controller”340). Thecontroller340 can be any home automation system capable of establishing a communications link with thecommunications network315, such as an X10 computer-based control for home management.
• Thecommunications network315 can communicatively link thecontroller340 to theSC proxy320 in order for theSC proxy320 to monitor and control household devices communicatively linked to thecontroller340, as well as monitor for household emergency events. For example, thecontroller340 can be connected to one or more ofsensors360, for detecting the status (on/off or open/closed) of household structures, such as doors, windows, and curtains. Additionally, one ormore sensors360 can be configured to detect the occurrence of household emergency events, such as water leaks. Further, thecontroller340 can be connected to one ormore actuators350 for controlling the household structures, for example, causing a curtain to open or close.
• In one aspect of the present invention, theSC proxy320 can be configured to support a “normal” thread for detecting the status of household devices, such as doors, windows, and curtains. For example, theSC proxy320 can be configured to continually monitor the status of at least onesensor360 which is linked to a specific household device. TheSC proxy320 can send the status of the specific household device to the client308 in response to a status request received within theMCD200. In another embodiment, theSC proxy320 can be configured to support an “emergency thread” for detecting emergency household events, such as a water leak. In this case, theSC proxy320 can be configured to automatically notify the client308 when a water leak has been detected by one ormore sensors360. Thus, the present invention can include independent threads of execution for various tasks or classes of tasks.
• In yet another embodiment, the client308 can be configured to send a control request to theSC proxy320 using a datagram connection. Accordingly, theSC proxy320 can be configured to send the corresponding command signal to thecontroller340, such as close a curtain. In the case of the curtain, thecontroller340 can activate theactuator350 corresponding to the curtain causing the curtain to close.
• In another aspect, thecommunications network315 can communicatively link theweather proxy330 to a remote weather service provider325 (hereinafter “service provider”) on behalf of theMCD200. In response to a request received within theMCD200 for a weather check, the client308 can query theweather proxy330. In turn, theweather proxy330 can query theservice provider325 for real-time weather information via thecommunications network315. In one embodiment, upon receiving weather data from theservice provider325, theweather proxy330 can transmit the weather data to the client308. Accordingly, the client308 can present the weather data to the user.
• In yet another embodiment, the client308 can be configured to execute a software application for providing weather advice based on the aforementioned weather data received from theservice provider325. Specifically, the application software disposed within the client308 can be configured to analyze the attributes of the incoming weather, such as temperature, percent chance of precipitation, percent chance of snow, or the like. The client308 can compare the weather attributes with one or more rules stored in memory in order to make decisions based on the weather conditions. Notably, such rules can be user-specific. For example, the rules can specify that, for a temperature of less than or equal to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, the user should be advised to wear a coat, hat, gloves, or the like. Additionally, the rules can specify that, for a chance of precipitation greater than or equal to 40%, the user should be advised to bring an umbrella, or for temperatures above a certain threshold, or below a certain threshold, the user should stay inside. Accordingly, the client308 can present a course of action to the user. Alternately, theweather proxy330 can be configured to include application software for analyzing the attributes of the incoming weather and determining a course of action for the user.
• Household device status, emergency household events, weather data, and weather advice can be presented to the user via theMCD200 in an audible or visual format. Further, the examples of household devices to be controlled or monitored, and household emergency events, have been provided for purposes of illustration only and should not be construed as limitations of the present invention.
• FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of aGUI400A for use with the MCD ofFIG. 3. The client disposed within the MCD can present theGUI400A to the user when the user activates the MCD. TheGUI400A depicts a “main menu screen” which can allow a user to initiate a status check of one or more household devices, or select one or more household devices to turn on or off. Further, theGUI400A can permit the user to disable or enable notification of emergency events, such as a water leak. Additionally, theGUI400A can inquire whether the user desires a weather check.
• FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of aGUI400B for use with the MCD ofFIG. 3. TheGUI400B can be presented to a user when the user selects an option to receive a weather check from the “main menu screen” depicted inFIG. 4A. TheGUI400B depicts an example of a “weather data menu” for presenting a user with real-time weather information. TheGUI400B can inquire whether the user desires a weather check. Upon receiving a user request for a weather check within the MCD, the client can query the weather proxy for weather data, as described inFIG. 3. In turn, the proxy can query the weather service provider. Upon receiving the weather data from the weather service provider, the proxy can transmit the weather data to the client. As depicted inFIG. 4B, the client disposed within the MCD can open adialog box440 to present the real-time weather data to the user. Further, theGUI400B can include acontrol450 for specifying a return to the “main menu screen.” Accordingly, activation ofcontrol450 can causeGUI400A depicted inFIG. 4A to be displayed. Additionally,GUI400B can inquire whether the user requires weather advice.
• FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of aGUI500 for use with the MCD ofFIG. 3. TheGUI500 can be presented to a user when the user selects an option to receive weather advice from the “weather data menu” depicted inFIG. 4B. TheGUI500 depicts an example of a “weather recommendation menu” for presenting a user with weather advice based on real-time weather information. TheGUI500 can inquire whether the user desires weather advice. Upon receiving a request for weather advice from the user, the client can analyze the attributes of the incoming weather information based on one or more rules stored in memory. Accordingly, the client can present a course of action to the user in adialog box540. Further, theGUI500 can include acontrol550 for specifying a return to the “main menu screen.” Accordingly, activation ofcontrol550 can causeGUI400A depicted inFIG. 4A to be displayed.
• GUIs400A,400B, and500, have been provided for purposes of illustration only. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a GUI can be implemented in a variety of different configurations using an assortment of control mechanisms. As such,GUIs400A,400B, and500 are not intended as a limitation of the present invention. Notably,GUIs400A,400B, and500 depict the user being presented with data visually. It should also be appreciated, however, that a user can be presented with weather information and security and control data in an audible format.
• FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of amethod600 for checking the status of a household device, such as whether a window, door, or curtain is open or closed. As is known in the art, each household device can be linked to a sensing device or actuating device that is electrically connected to a home monitoring controller, such as an X10 controller. X10 is a communications protocol used for monitoring and controlling household devices which allows compatible products to communicate to each other using the existing electrical AC wiring in the home. The method ofFIG. 6 can begin in a state where the home monitoring controller can automatically send status data to the SC proxy through a network. For example, when a close or open event occurs, such as a door being opened, the home monitoring controller can send a “door opened” signal to the SC proxy over the aforementioned communication channel. Further, the SC proxy can record the status of the household device. The SC proxy will then relay the status information to the client disposed within the MCD only in response to a request for a status check by the user.
• Themethod600 can begin instep605, where the MCD receives a user request to check the status of a household device. Instep610, the client can query the SC proxy for the status of the household device. Instep615, the client can receive the status information from the SC proxy. Instep630, the status of the device can be presented to the user, by the client, via the MCD. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a user can be presented with the status data in a visual and/or audible format.
• In another embodiment of the present invention, the MCD can be configured to automatically notify the user of an emergency event. For example, the user can choose to receive automatic notification of an emergency household event upon detection, such as a water leak. In that case, the home monitoring controller can automatically transmit a signal to the SC proxy indicating that an emergency event occurred. In contrast to status data which is sent from the proxy to the client only in response to user prompting, the proxy can send emergency event status automatically to the client upon detection. Accordingly, the client can present the alarm notification to the user via the MCD.
• FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of amethod700 for receiving a user request to control a household device. Themethod700 can begin instep705 where the MCD receives a user request to activate a household device, such as open a curtain installed in the home. Instep710, the MCD transmits the user request to the SC proxy as a datagram. Instep715, the SC proxy converts the user request to a format compatible with the home monitoring controller, such as X10 protocol. Instep720, the SC proxy transmits the user request to the X10 controller. Instep730, upon receiving the user command to activate a household device, the X10 controller can send an electrical signal to the corresponding actuator linked to the curtain. Accordingly, the actuator can be activated and cause the curtain to open.
• FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating amethod800 of communicating with a remote weather service provider according to another embodiment of the present invention. Themethod800 can begin instep805, where the MCD receives a user request for a weather check. Instep810, the client disposed within the MCD can transmit the request to the weather proxy. Instep812, the weather proxy can query a remote weather service provider for real-time weather information. Instep815, upon receiving the weather data from the weather service provider, the weather proxy can send the weather data to the client. Instep820, the client can present the weather data to the user via the MCD.
• Instep830, if the weather assistance feature is not selected by the user, then themethod800 can loop back to step805 and wait for another user request for a weather check. If, however, the user has activated the weather assistance feature, the method can proceed to step840 and the client can compare attributes of the weather data received instep815 with the weather rules stored in memory to determine weather recommendations for the user. Instep850, the client can recommend a course of action to the user via the MCD. In yet another embodiment, the weather proxy can be configured to calculate weather recommendations rather than the client. In this case, the weather proxy can transmit the weather advice to the client for subsequent presentation on the MCD.
• In another embodiment of the present invention, the MCD can be configured to receive notifications from emergency notification systems, whether state, federal, or another jurisdiction. Such communications and/or warnings can be received as a cellular communication or received via the short range transceiver. As such, the messages can be audio and/or textual messages. Regardless, these messages can be received without first querying for such information.
• The present invention can be realized in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The present invention can be realized in a centralized fashion in one computer system, or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several interconnected computer systems. Any kind of computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein is suited. A typical combination of hardware and software can be a general purpose computer system with a computer program that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein.
• The present invention also can be embedded in a computer program product, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein, and which when loaded in a computer system is able to carry out these methods. Computer program in the present context means any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following: a) conversion to another language, code or notation; b) reproduction in a different material form.
• This invention can be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. Accordingly, reference should be made to the following claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.

Claims (21)

1. A method of home management and personal assistance using a mobile communication device, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting a home protection event;

wirelessly conveying said event to the mobile communication device through a data connection via a proxy; and

presenting an indication of said home protection event upon said mobile communication device.

2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the home protection event is a home security related event.

3. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

receiving a user input via said mobile communication device relating to said home protection event; and

performing at least one programmatic action responsive to said user input.

4. The method ofclaim 3, said performing step further comprising the step of:

communicating said home protection event to a remotely located agent.

5. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising the steps of:

arming said home monitoring system using said mobile communication device; and

interrogating home monitoring devices for an occurrence of a home protection event, wherein said detecting step results from said interrogating step.

6. A method for obtaining a recommendation for weather management using a mobile communication device comprising the steps of:

receiving within the mobile communication device a user request for weather data;

responsive to the user request, the mobile communication device querying a weather proxy server over a wireless communication link;

receiving weather data over the wireless communication link;

comparing the received weather data with criteria stored within the mobile communication device; and

recommending a course of action according to a result of said comparing step.

7. The method ofclaim 6, said receiving weather data step further comprising the step of: presenting the weather data via said mobile communication device.

8. The method ofclaim 6, wherein the weather proxy server communicates with a weather service provider over an Internet communication channel to obtain said weather data.

9. The method ofclaim 6, wherein the weather data comprises a notification from an emergency management system.

10. A system for remotely managing a home environment comprising:

a mobile communication device containing a thin client; and

a proxy server configured to establish communications between a target device and the mobile communication device responsive to queries received via the mobile communication device, wherein the mobile communication device is communicatively linked to the proxy server over a wireless communications link, and wherein said target device performs at least one programmatic action responsive to receiving said queries.

11. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the target device is at least one of a remote weather service provider and a home monitoring controller.

12. The system ofclaim 10, wherein said thin client is configured to receive weather information from said target device and to calculate a recommended course of action based on said received weather information.

13. A machine-readable storage having stored thereon, a computer program having a plurality of code sections, said code sections executable by a machine for causing the machine to perform the steps of:

detecting a home protection event;

wirelessly conveying said event to a mobile communication device through a data connection via a proxy; and

presenting an indication of said home protection event upon said mobile communication device.

14. The machine-readable storage ofclaim 13, wherein the home protection event is a home security related event.

15. The machine-readable storage ofclaim 13, further comprising:

receiving a user input via said mobile communication device relating to said home protection event; and

performing at least one programmatic action responsive to said user input.

16. The machine-readable storage ofclaim 15, said performing step further comprising the step of:

communicating said home protection event to a remotely located agent.

17. The machine-readable storage ofclaim 13, further comprising the steps of:

arming said home monitoring system using said mobile communication device; and

interrogating home monitoring devices for an occurrence of a home protection event, wherein said detecting step results from said interrogating step.

18. A machine-readable storage having stored thereon, a computer program having a plurality of code sections, said code sections executable by a machine for causing the machine to perform the steps of:

receiving within a mobile communication device a user request for weather data;

responsive to the user request, the mobile communication device querying a weather proxy server over a wireless communication link;

receiving weather data over the wireless communication link;

comparing the received weather data with criteria stored within the mobile communication device; and

recommending a course of action according to a result of said comparing step.

19. The machine-readable storage ofclaim 18, said receiving weather data step further comprising the step of:

presenting the weather data via said mobile communication device.

20. The machine-readable storage ofclaim 18, wherein the weather proxy server communicates with a weather service provider over an Internet communication channel to obtain said weather data.

21. The machine readable storage ofclaim 18, wherein the weather data comprises a notification from an emergency management system.

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