Parus Interactive Awarded Patent for Speech-Activated Remote System Management
Parus Interactive recently received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent Office for a patent that allows users to remotely manage networked systems through the use of speech commands.
Parus Interactive’s latest patent consists of 16 method and system claims for controlling remote systems operatively connected to the Internet or area network. Users manage and control home-based, office-based and other remote systems using speech commands over a standard, cellular or IP phone.
Patent claims include continuous monitoring of the operational or out-of-service status of remote system components, such as indoor and outdoor lighting, security, heating and air conditioning systems. Maintenance alerts can be configured to tell users when to change an air filter or when the sump pump fails.
For example, using Parus Interactive’s unified communications with "find me/follow me," the system would alert a remote user via phone when security goes down. "A security company might not know how to get hold of you if you’re on vacation, but by incorporating UC, the system can always find you," said Taj Reneau, chairman and CEO of Parus Interactive.
On an everyday-level, the system can be used to remotely turn on and off lights, climate controls, or the coffee maker. A user away from home can even phone a home system and use natural speech to tell it to record a favorite TV show.
On a commercial level, unmanned oil wells can be remotely connected by satellite Internet feed, allowing users remote access with speech commands to make emergency adjustments. "This is an extension of the whole concept of unified communications, taking remote systems and speech enabling them, thereby expanding the user’s reach and control beyond connections to devices," said Reneau.
"The user can remotely control anything, anywhere, attached to the network," Reneau continued. "In the not so distant future, all home systems will be incorporated into Internet access."