Systems and methods for electronic communications

THATTARTANIAMANINAMANATIMONANANA NANATINUS 20170322687A1
(19)United States
(12)Patent Application Publication (10)Pub.No.: US 2017/0322687A1Lavian et al. (43) Pub . Date: Nov. 9, 2017
(54) SYSTEMSAND METHODSFOR
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
(71) Applicants:TalLavian, Sunnyvale, CA (US);Zvi
Or-Bach, San Jose, CA (US)
(72) Inventors: TalLavian, Sunnyvale,CA (US);Zvi
Or-Bach, San Jose,CA (US)
(21) Appl.No.: 15/600,773
continuation-in-part of application No. 13/273,187,
filed on Oct. 13, 2011, now abandoned.
Publication Classification
(51) Int. Cl.
G06F 3/0482 (2013.01)
H04L 29/08 (2006.01)
U .S . CI.
CPC ............. G06F 3/0482 (2013.01); H04L67/12
(2013.01)
(57) ABSTRACT
Embodiments ofthe invention provide a system for enhanc
ing user interaction with objects connected to a network. The
system includes a processor, a display screen, a memory
coupled to the processor. Thememory comprises a database
including a list of two or more objects and instructions
executable by the processor to display amenu. Themenu is
associated with at least two independent objects. And the
two independent objects are produced by two independent
vendors.
(22) Filed: May 21, 2017
Related U.S.Application Data
(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 13/310,696,
filed on Dec.2, 2011,now Pat.No.9,690,877,which
is a continuation-in -part of application No. 13/245,
804, filed on Sep. 26, 2011, now abandoned,which is
a continuation-in -part ofapplication No. 13/272,212,
filed on Oct. 12, 2011, now abandoned, which is a
104 RemoteDevice - 106a
Device102 1 1066Network Remote DeviceVMThings
108
Remote Device 106c
ro Remote Device Is 106

106a
104
RemoteDevice
Patent Application Publication
DeviceDevice
102
106b
Network
RemoteDevice
VMThings108
I
RemoteDevice
106c
Nov.9,2017 Sheet 1 of64
106n
RemoteDevice
100
FIG.1A
US 2017/0322687A1

102
114
Server
Device(110
106a
Is
RemoteDevice
104
WebPage
-112a
106b
Network
RemoteDevice
UserID
1126
Password
106c
RemoteDevice
VMThings108
Is106n
RemoteDevice
Rg200
FIG.1B
US 2017/0322687A1

1106a
RemoteDevice
118
wan
11821
DisplayDevice
104
-1066
RemoteDevice
1161
AccessDevice
Network
VMThings108
-106c
RemoteDevice
Is106n
RemoteDevice
î300
FIG.10
US 2017/0322687A1

106a
RemoteDevice
118
y
DisplayDevice
120
·106b
RemoteDevice
116
AccessDevice
ZigBeeNetwork
VMThings108
06C
RemoteDevice
106n
RemoteDevice
FIG.1D
US 2017/0322687A1

1106a
RemoteDevice
118
DisplayDevice
122
Is106b
RemoteDevice
116
AccessDevice
WiMAXNetwork
VMThings108
Ir106c
RemoteDevice
Is106n
RemoteDevice
FIG.1E
US 2017/0322687A1

1106a
RemoteDevice
118
DisplayDevice
124
106b
RemoteDevice
AccessDevice
GSMNetwork
116
v
VMThings108
1106c
RemoteDevice
106n
RemoteDevice
FIG.1F
US 2017/0322687A1

Is
1062
120
RemoteDevice
1
1024
1065
DeviceDevice VMThings108
ZigBeeNetwork
RemoteDevice
106c
RemoteDevice
106n
RemoteDevice
FIG.1G
US 2017/0322687A1

106a
122
RemoteDeviceRemoteDevice
-1062
Device
102
102Y
WiMAXNetwork
s
1066
RemoteDevice
VMThings108annet
RemoteDevice
Ls106c
106n
RemoteDevice
FIG.1H
US 2017/0322687A1

-106a
130
RemoteDevice
1022
126
-106b
Device
Internet
LocalNetwork
RemoteDevice
VMThings108
106c
www
.
RemoteDevice
r128
-106n
BridgeDevice
RemoteDevice
US 2017/0322687A1
FIG.11

12022
104
Service
Device
102
-202b
Network
Service
VMThings108
I2020
Service
Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet 10 of64
-202n
Service
K
400
US 2017/0322687 A1
FIG.2A

102
ServerServer
114
1202a
Service
04
Device?110
WebPage
-112a
UserID
1126
2026
mona
Network
Service
Password
Service
2020
VMThings108
br202n
2n
Service
> 500
US 2017/0322687A1
FIG.2B

02a
Service
118
DisplayDevice
104
I2020
Service
AccessDevice
www.
Network
116vo
VMThings108
I2020
020
Service
Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet 12 of64
I202n
Service
F
600
FIG.2C
US 2017/0322687 A1

1202a
Service
118
%
DisplayDevice
120
202b
Service
AccessDevice
ZigBeeNetwork
116
2
VMThings108
I2020
Service
Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet 13 of64
202n
Service
FIG.2D
US 2017/0322687 A1

12022
Service
118-
DisplayDevice
122
I2026
Service
AccessDevice
WiMAXNetwork
116
V
VMThings108
I2020
Service
Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet 14 of64
202n
Service
FIG.2E
US 2017/0322687 A1

1202a
Service
118
DisplayDevice
124
I2026
Service
AccessDevice
GSMNetwork
116
2
VMThings108
I2020
Service
-2020
Service
FIG.2F
US 2017/0322687A1

I202a
120
Service
Device
102
ZigBeeNetwork
qzoz1
Service
VMThings108
Service
2020
Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet 16 of64
12026
Service
FIG.2G
US 2017/0322687 A1

Service
122
202a
Device
1024
WiMAXNetwork
t2020
Service
VMThings108
Service
202c
Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet 17 of64
Service
-202n
US 2017/0322687 A1
FIG.2H

-202a
130
Service
102-
126
202b
Device
===
Internet
LocalNetwork
Service
VMThings|108.
2020
Service
7128
Nov.9,2017 Sheet18 of 64
BridgeDevice
202?
Service
US2017/0322687 A1
FIG.21

-
102
102
Device
Device
308
310
306a
Vehicle3
s306b
s302
RemoteDevices1
AC
-302
RemoteDevices
Control
4
s306c
Camera5
s304
Services
306n
Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet 19 of64
Microwaven
US 2017/0322687 A1
FIG.3A

(1)
102102
102
Device
Device5312
314a
Entertainment
308 <302
RemoteDevices
314b
Travel
-304
4.
(Control
Services2
-304
Services
S3140Banking5
•314n
Hotels
Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet 20 of64
FIG.3B
US 2017/0322687 A1

110a
110b
102
102
Qey
Device
WebPage
Device
WebPage 5302
RemoteDevices
5306a
Vehicle3
-306b
AC
302
RemoteDevices
-304
Services
4
Services2
306c
Camera5
306n
Microwave
Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet 21 of64
w
FIG.3C
US 2017/0322687 A1

110a
110c
102
2
102 Device
Device
WebPage
s302
RemoteDevices
WebPage
5314a
Entertainment
s304
304
Services2
3146
Travel4
-3140
Banking
Services
5
314n
:
Hotelsn
FIG.3D
US 2017/0322687A1

102
Device
RemoteDevices
404a
404b
404d
Camera
404e
Microwave
Vehicle
4040
402
Truck
Car5
Regulate8
4044
4049
404h
4041
Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet 23 of64
404
Close
Open10
4048
4041
FIG.4
US 2017/0322687 A1

102
-
Device
Services
5042
504b
504d
Banking2
Entertainment3
Energoman
Travel4
504e
504C
502
ABCBank
XYZBank6
Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet 24 of64
BankAccount
5049CreditCards
504h
CheckBill1504k
Account
Transfer
Details
9
10
-5041
5041
US 2017/0322687 A1
FIG.5

,602
Device
17614
DisplayDisplay
K
RadioInterface
Is102
,604
7616/
Processor
NetworkInterface
Network
— -
5606
6221
- -
Memory
Memory1620a
Card
GraphicalUserInterface608
Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet 25 of64
76206
Input/OutputInterface
Keyboard
Database610
200
76200
Mouse
VMThings612
USB
620d
w
US 2017/0322687 A1
FIG.6

AccessDevice
.712
702
RadioInterface
1116
Processor
104
C714
r
720
NetworkInterface
Network
704
Memory
Memory16718a
GraphicalUserInterface706
Input/OutputInterface
Card
Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet 26 of64
77186
Keyboard
Database708
Database
17180
Mouse
Ports
VMThings710
7180
USB
vmthings
722
US 2017/0322687 A1
FIG.7

Patent Application Publication Nov.9,2017 Sheet 27 of64 US 2017/0322687A1
Start
802 Access a database ofvisualaccessmenus
through a GUIat a device
804 Display a visualaccessmenu at the device
806 Display an enhanced visualaccess menu
based on a selection ofan option by a user
808 Receivea selection ofa device option from a
user
810 Connect to a remote device based on
selection of the device option
812 Controlone ormore operations of the remote
device based on selection of the device
option
Stop
FIG . 8

Patent Application Publication Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet 28 of64 US 2017/0322687 A1
StartStart
902 Access a database of visualaccessmenus
904 -
Display a visualaccessmenu atthe device
906 Display an enhanced visualaccessmenu
based on a selection ofan option by a user
908 Receive a selection of a service option from
a user
Connect to a service based on a selection of
the service option
912 Control and display information about the
service based on selection of the service
option
Stop
FIG . 9

Start
1002 Display aGUIforaccessing visualaccess
menus atthe device
1004
Receive an input from a user of the device
1010 1006
YesWait foran
inputat the
device
Is input is for
accessing
services?
No
1008 2
No Is inputis for
accessing
remote
devices ?
Yes
1012 2
Yes
(ckNo
Is a visual
accessmenu
for remote
devices
available ?
FIG . 10A

10161014
A
NoIs a visual
access menu
for services
available ?
Retrieve
visual access
menu from a
server
1018 Yes
Display the visualaccessmenu including
service options at the device
1020
Receive a selection of a service option from
the user
1024
1022
NO
Is information
for the
selected
service option
available ?
Receive
information
from the
server
1026 Yes
Displaythe information based on the received
selection
* StopStop
FIG . 10B

1028 -
Retrieve the visualaccessmenu for the
remote devices from the server. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1030
Display the visual access menu including
device options at the device
1032 )
Receive a selection ofa device option from
the user
1034 Connect to a remote device based on the
received selection
1036 Control theremote device based on the one
ormore userinputs
FIG . 100

Start
1102 Open a website through a webbrowser atthe
device
1104 yy Authenticate a user's identity atthewebsite
1106
Display a visual access menu at the device
1108
Receive an input from the user of the device
11101 Display an enhanced visual accessmenu
when the inputis for accessingremote
devices
11121Receive a selection of a device option from
theuser112 Receiveaselectionofadeviceoptionfrom
11141114 v Connect to a remote device based on a
selection ofthe device option
1116 Control one ormore operations of the remoteControl ordevice based on the selection of the device
option
Stop
FIG .11

StartStart )
1202 Open a website through a web browser at the
device
1204 Y Authenticate user's identity at thewebsite
1206
Display a visual access menu at the device
1208
Receive an input from the user of the device
1210
|
8W
M3Display an enhanced visualaccess menu
when the inputis for accessing services
1212 Receive a selection ofa service option from
the user
1214 Connect to a service based on a selection of
the service option
1216 Controland display information about the
service based on selection of the service
option
Stop
FIG .12

Patent Application PublicationPatentApplication Publicatior Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet 34 of64 US 2017/0322687 A1
( StartStart )
1302 Open awebsite through aweb browser atthe
device
1304 Authenticate user's identity at the website
1306 4 Display a visualaccessmenu at the deviceDisplay a visualacce
1308
Receive an inputfrom the userofthe device
1314
13102Wait for an
inputatthe
device
YesIs input is for
accessing
services?
No
13127
YesIs inputis for
accessing
remote
devices ?
FIG . 13A

(A)1316
Is a visual
accessmenu
for services
available ?
13182
No Retrieve visual
access menu
from a server
1320 Yes
Display the visualaccess menu including
service options at the device
1322
Receive a selection of a service option from
the user
1324 1326
Is information
for the
selected
service option
available ?
Receive
information
from the
server
1328 Yes
Display the information at the device based
on the received selection
(o StopStop )
FIG13B

1330 V
No
Is a visual
accessmenu
for remote
devices
available atthe
device ?
1332
Retrieve the visual
accessmenu from
the server
Yes
1334 Display the visualaccessmenu including
device options at the device
1336
Receive a selection of a device option from
the user
1338 Connectto a remote device based on the
received selection
1340 Controltheremote device based on the one
ormore user inputs
FIG . 130

Patent Application Publication Nov.9,2017 Sheet 37 of64 US 2017/0322687A1
StartStart )
1402 Open a website through a web browser atthe
device
1404 Display a visual accessmenu atthe device
1406
Receive an input from the user ofthe device
1408 Display an enhanced visualaccess menu
when the input is foraccessing remote
devices
1410 Receive a selection of a device option from
the user
1412 Connectto a remote device based on a
1414 Control one ormore operations ofthe remote
device based on the selection of the device
option
Stop
FIG .14

PatentApplicationPublicationPatent Application Publication Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet 38 of64 US 2017/0322687 A1
Start
through a GUIat an access device
1504 Display a visual accessmenu at a display
device
1506 Display, atthe display device, an enhanced
visual accessmenu based on a selection of
an option by a user
1508 Receive a selection of a device option from a
user
1510 Connectto a remote device based on
1512 Control one ormore operations ofthe remote
device based on selection of the device
option
Stop
FIG . 15

( StartStart )
1602 Access a database ofvisual accessmenus
through aGUIatan access device
16041604 Display a visual accessmenu at a display
device
1606 | Display, at the display device, an enhanced
visualaccessmenubased on a selection of
an option by a user
1608 Receive a selection of a service option from
a user
1610 - Connect to a service based on a selection of
the service option
1612 Display information , at the display device,
about the service based on the selection of
the service option
Stop
FIG . 16

StartStart )
1702 Display a GUIfor accessing visualaccess
menusat a display device connected to an
access device
1704 Receive an input from a user ofthe device
1710
1706
YesWait for an
inputfrom the
user
Is inputis for
accessing
services ?
No
1708
No Is inputis for
accessing
remote
devices?
Yes
1712
NoNo Yes
( B(c
Is a visual
accessmenu
forremote
devices
available ?
FIG . 17A

Patent Application Publication Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet41 of64 US 2017/0322687 A1
B
1716 1714 mm
NoIs a visual
accessmenu
for services
available ?
Retrieve
visual access
menu from a
server
1718 Yes
Displaythe visualaccessmenu including
service optionsatthe device
1720
Receive a selection ofa service option from
the user
1724
1722
No
Is information
for the
selected
service option
available ?
Receive
information
from the
server
1726 Yes
Display theinformation based on the received
selection
( D * StopStop )
FIG . 17B

1728
Retrieve the visualaccessmenu for the
remote devices from the server
1730
Display the visual accessmenu including
device options at the display device
1732 Receive a selection of a device option from
the user
1734 Connectto a remote device based on the
received selection
1736 Controltheremote device based on the one
ormore userinputs
FIG . 170

Patent Application Publication Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet 43 of 64 US 2017/0322687 A1
1802
Device FIG.18A
??102

1802
1026 Device(Computer)
LINKDIK FIG.18B
1802
102a Device(Smartphone)

S102
CockpitCockpit
-1904a
-1904b
1904C
IVR
RemoteDeviceControl
ServicesControl
-1904d
-1904e
1904f
1902
Outlook
Calendar
OtherE-mails
-1904g
©1904h
1904n
Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet 45 of64
Messengers
Games
OtherObjects
US 2017/0322687 A1
FIG.19

106a
104
RemoteDevice
FirstDevice
2002v
106b
Network
RemoteDevice
VMThings2004 -
RemoteDevice
t
106C
- - -
Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet 46 of64
2010
106n
2006
v
RemoteDevice
SecondDeviceVMThings2008
ProxyServer FIG.20A
US 2017/0322687 A1

br2020
104
[202a
ServiceService
FirstDevice
2002v
202b
Network
Service
VMThings2004
t2020
Service
SecondDevice
2006
2010
202n
W
Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet47 of64
*
Service
me
nt
ProxyServer
ytrouvent
*
VMThings2008
FIG.20B
US 2017/0322687 A1

Start
2102 Access aGUI forconfiguring a cockpitby a
firstuser ata first device
V
2104 Configure the cockpitbased on preferences
of the firstuser
2106 Share the cockpitwith one ormore second
users ofthe second devices
2108 Translate the cockpitbased on preference of
the one ormore secondusers
2110 Display the translated cockpit atthe one or
more second devices
StopStop
FIG .21

C StartStart
2202 Access a GUI for configuring a cockpit ata
firstdevice by a first user
2204 Configure the cockpit based on preferences
ofthe first user
2206 Share the cockpitwith one ormore second
users
2208 Translate the cockpit based on preference of
the one ormore second users
2210 - Display the translated cockpit at one ormore
second devices ofthe one ormore second
users
2212
Interactwith the cockpit at the second device
FIG . 22A

2214 v
214yse mereomderereStore interactions ofthe second users with
the cockpit at a proxy server in a networkmere
2216 Ask for a permission from the firstuser in
case of a change in the cockpit by the one or
more second user
2218 Update the cockpitbased on thepermission
from the first user
stoStop
FIG . 22B

C StartStart
2302 - Access a database ofvisualaccessmenus
through aGUIfor customizing a cockpit at a
device
2304 Search the database for a cockpit based on
an inputfrom a user
2306 71 Customize the cockpit according to theuser
preferences
23082308 y Display a customized cockpit at thedeviceDisplay a cu
Stop
FIG .23

wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwmumunun
Start
2402 Access a database ofvisual accessmenus
through a GUIfor creating a cockpit ata
device
2404 - Display one ormore configuration settings
options for creating the visualaccess menu
2406 v Receive selection ofone ormore settings
options from a usereselectionofoneormoresettings
2408 Create the cockpitbased on the selection
received from the user
2410 Display the cockpit to the user
Stop
FIG . 24

StartStart
2502 in Access a database of visualaccessmenus
through a GUIfor creating a cockpit at a
device
2504 - Display one ormore configuration options for
customizing or creating the cockpit
2506 V Create/configure thecockpitbased on the
selection received from the user
2508 V Receive a rating forthe cockpit from other
users in a network
2510 Customize the cockpitbasedon theratings of
the other users
2512 y Display the customized cockpit at the devicemienlay the custon
StopStop
FIG . 25

C StartStart
2602 Create a firstcockpitby accessing a GUIfor
creating a cockpit at a first device
2604 Download the firstcockpit atoneormore
second devices
2606 Customize a second cockpit atthe one or
more second devicesbased on the
downloaded firstcockpit
2608 Receive a rating on the customized second
cockpit from other users in a network
2610 Download configuration settings ofthe
second cockpitatthe first device based on
the users ratings
2612 - Customize the first cockpitbased on the
downloaded configuration settings
2614 V Display thecustomized first cockpit atthe first
device
Stop
FIG . 26

StartStart
2702 **Select a second cockpit ofone ormore
second user from a database,wherein a
profile of the second users is similarto profile
of a firstuser
2704 - Analyze the second cockpit of the one or
more second usersWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
2706
318
Create a firstcockpit specific to the firstuser
based on the analysis ofthe second cockpit
of the second users
2708 V Display the firstcockpitspecific to the first
userat the device
C StopStop
FIG . 27

C StartStart
2802 2 . Access a GUI for creatinga cockpit at a first
device
2804 ?Provide information about a second user
2806 Download configuration settingsofa second
cockpit of the second user at the firstdevice
2808 v Create or customize a first cockpitbasedon
the second cockpit ofthe second user
2810
Store the first cockpit at the first device
2812
Display the firstcockpit to the user
Stop
FIG . 28

PatentApplicationPublicationPatent Application Publication Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet 57 of64 US 2017/0322687 A1
Start
2902 Access a GUI for creating a cockpit at a
device
20. Dominecontengonoangna2904 Download a cockpit having good ratings at a
device from the internet
2906 Translate/customize the downloaded cockpit
according to a language preference of a user
2908
Store the customized cockpit at the device
2910 Display the customized cockpit atthe deviceDisplaythecustom
C Stop
FIG . 29

-3002
-3006a
Object
Devicer3008
WebPage
3010a
3004
3006b
Object
UserID
NetworkCockpitDatabase3012
-30100
1
3006c
Object
Password
VMThings3014
Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet 58 of64
3006n
ObjectObject
US 2017/0322687 A1
FIG.30

StartStart )
3102 v Open awebsite through a web browser ata
device
3104 Authenticate a user's identity at thewebsite
3106 Display oneormore configuration options to
the user
3108 Receive selection ofthe one ormore
configuration options from theuser
wat Configure or create a cockpit for the user
based on the selection ofthe configuration
options.
1 1
Display the cockpit to theuser
Stop
FIG .31

C StartStart )
3202 1 Open a website through aweb browser ata
device
3204 7 Authenticate a user's identity at thewebsite
3206 Display a cockpit specific to theuser at the
device
3208
User interacts with the cockpit
3210 - Display an enhanced visualaccess menu
based on the interaction ofthe userwith the
cockpit
3212 - Interact and control one ormore operationsof
theremote devices
Stop
FIG .32

wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
StartStart )
3302 Access a website forcreating a cockpit at a
first device
33041 Invite one ormore second user for
configuring the cockpit
3306 > Receive one ormore inputs from the one or
more second users
3308
Receive one ormore inputs from the firstuser
3310 Configure a cockpitbased on the inputs of the
firstand second user
3312 y Store the cockpit at the firstdeviceStorethe
Stop
FIG . 33

PatentApplicationPublicationPatent Application Publication Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet62 of64 US 2017/0322687 A1
Start
3404 Display a visualaccessmenu alongwith one
ormore mode options to a user
3406 v Receive selection of amode option from the
user
r
3408 Switch themode based on the selection of
themode option
3410 Play an audiomenu to theuserwhen the
user selects an audio mode
StopStop
FIG .34

102
Cockpit
www
-1904a
-1904b
19040
IVR
RemoteDeviceControl
-1904e
ServicesControl
1904d
1904f
Outlook
Calendar
OtherE-mails
1902
-1904g
-1904h
1904n
Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet63 of64
Messengers
Games
OtherObjects
AudioMode3502a
VideoMode35026
TextMode3502C
ListMode3502n
US 2017/0322687 A1
FIG.35A

102
GraphicalUserInterface
3504a
35046
CreateCockpit
CustomizeCockpit
3506
35040
-3504n
ViewCockpit
InviteUsers
Nov. 9, 2017 Sheet 64 of64
AudioMode3502a
VideoMode3502b
TextMode35020
ListMode3502n
US 2017/0322687 A1
FIG.35B

US 2017/0322687 A1 Nov. 9, 2017
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
GPS server 114. However, the user is unable to control or
update the positional coordinates of the vehicle as per
choice.
[0007] In lightof the above discussion, systemsand meth
ods are desired for providing real-time controlofthe elec
tronic devices and services from a remote location .
SUMMARY
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
APPLICATIONS
10001] This application is a Continuation-In -Part(CIP )of
U .S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. U .S . Ser. No.
13/310 ,696 entitled “Systems and Methods for Electronic
Communications' filed on Dec. 2, 2011, which is Continu
ation -In -Part (CIP ) of U .S. Non-Provisionalapplication Ser.
No. 13/245,804 entitled 'Systems and Methods for Elec
tronic Communications' filed on Sep. 26 , 2011, Ser. No.
13/272,212 entitled “Systems and Methods for Electronic
Communications' filed on Oct. 12, 2011, and Ser. No.
13/273,187 entitled “Systems and Methods for Electronic
Communications' filed on Oct. 13, 2011.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The presentinvention is related to electronic com
munications in a network and more specifically to systems
and method for accessing and controlling one or more
objects (physical or virtual) such as remote devices and
services from a remote location by a user.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Electronic devicesare frequently used in day to day
life. The electronic devices may include television, refrig
erator, air conditioners, fans, tube lights, cameras or other
electronic equipments such as transmitters,antennas etc.All
the electronic devices consume power regularly or at fre
quentintervals oftime. For efficientpower consumption, the
electronic devices must be controlled or switched ON /OFF.
[0004] Appliances such as fans, tube lights or microwave
may be controlled by regulating the electrical parameters
associated with the appliances. For example, a user may
controlspeed offan,regulate operating power ofthe micro
wave as per requirement. However, it requires physical
presence of the user to regulate or switch ON /OFF the
appliances. A technique for controlling the appliances by a
remote control device is well known. The remote control
device may transmitsignals for controlling the appliances.
Forexample, theremote control devicemay simultaneously
control air conditioners, fans or cameras as perthe require
ment.However, the technique is limited by location of the
user. Moreover, the technique is incapable ofupdating the
real-time status of the appliances to the user.
[0005] Another available technique discloses a smart
device for controlling the appliances. The smart device is
configured with internet and connected with the appliances.
A user connected with the smart device via the internetmay
controlthe appliances from a remote location.Moreover, the
user may control the appliances by connecting with pro
cessing device via communication channel. The processing
device may be located nearby to the smart device and may
further receive signals from the user to control the appli
ances. However, the technique requires installation of a
smart device and/or processing device for controlling the
appliances from a remote location .
[0006] Another available technique discloses real-time
position monitoring of vehicles. The user may monitor real
time coordinates of the vehicles based on the information
received from a transmitter located in the vehicle. The user
receives the position coordinates from the transmitter via a
[0008] Embodiments ofthe invention provide a server for
enhancing interaction with Internet of Things. The server
includes a processor and amemory coupled to the processor.
Thememory includes a database comprising one or more
options corresponding to each of the things. Further, the
memory includes oneormore instructionsexecutableby the
processor for providing the one ormore options to a user for
enabling the user to select at least one option therefrom .
Further, the memory includes one or more instructions
executable by the processor to receive information corre
sponding to the selection of the at least one option by the
user. Furthermore, thememory includes oneormore instruc
tions executable by the processor to configure a visualmenu
based on the received information. Herein, the at least one
visualmenu may enable a user to control the puarlity of
Internet of Things (IoT) devices irrespective of their loca
tions.
[0009] Hereinbove, the plurality of Internet of Things
(IoT) devices consist ofa plurality of electronicsdevices, a
plurality ofkitchen appliances, a plurality ofvehicles, or a
combination thereof. Further, the configured visual menu
may be stored in the database.
[0010] Embodiments of the invention further provide a
device for enhancing interaction with Internet of Things
through a server in a communication network . The device
includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor.
Thememory includes a database and one or more instruc
tions executable by the processor for accessing one ormore
options corresponding to each ofthe things. Theoneormore
options are accessed from the server. Further, the one or
more instructions select at least one option from the one or
more options. The at least one options is selected to con
figure a visualmenu. Further, in this embodiment, the device
may include a display screen to provide the configured
visualmenu to the user.
0011]. Further, embodiments of the invention provide a
system for enhancing interaction with Internet of Things in
a communication network . The system includes a server
including one ormore options corresponding to the things.
Further, the system includes a device communicably
coupled to the server through the communication network .
Thedevice configured for enabling a user to access the one
or more options to select at least one option therefrom . The
at least one option is selected to configure a visualmenu
corresponding to the things. Here, the user is enabled to
access the one ormore options by authenticating with the
server.
[0012]. Additionally, embodiments of the invention pro
vide a server for enhancing interaction with Internet of
Things. The server includes a processor and a memory
coupled to the processor. The memory includes a database
including one ormore visualmenus corresponding to each
of the things. Further, the memory includes one or more
instructions executable by the processor for providing a
visualmenu, from the one ormore visualmenus,to a user
for enabling the user to interact with the visual menu.

US 2017/0322687 A1 Nov. 9, 2017
Further, the one or more instructions provide an enhanced
visualmenu based on the interaction ofthe user with the
visual menu. Furthermore, the one or more instructions
enable the userto interact with the enhanced visualmenu to
controlone ormore operations corresponding to the things.
[0013] Embodimentsofthe invention provide a system for
enhancing interaction of a user with objects connected to a
network. The system includes a processor, a display screen,
and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory
comprises a database including a list of two or more objects
and instructions executable by the processor to display a
menu on the display screen. The menu is associated with at
leasttwo independentobjects. Further, the two independent
objects are produced by at least two independent vendors.
system for enhancing interaction of a user with objects
connected to a network . The system includes a processor, a
display screen and amemory coupled to the processor. The
memory includes a database comprising a listof oneormore
objects and instructions executable by the processor to
display the objects to the user through the display screen.
The menu includes icon which may indicate one object
madeby a vendor.Further, the icon is substantially different
than the one provided by said vendor.
[0015] Herein, the objectsmay include atleast oneofone
ormore services and one ormore remote devices thatmay
be controlled by the user. Further, a service provider (*ven
dor') may provide one ormore services thatmay be utilized
by the user bymanaging the corresponding objects.
[0016] Further, embodiments of the invention provide a
system for enhancing interactionwith the InternetofThings.
The system includes a processor and a memory coupled to
the processor. Thememory includes a database including
one ormore options corresponding to each of the Internetof
Things. Further, thememory includes instructions to share at
least oneofthe one ormore optionswith one ormore users
ofthe things. Furthermore, thememory includes instructions
to receive information corresponding to selection of the at
least one option by the one ormore users. Additionally, the
memory includes instructions to update the database based
on the selection ofthe atleast one option by the one ormore
users. The instructions are executable by the processor.
[0017] Here, the one ormore users may be referred to
users of one ormore second devices. In an embodiment, a
userofa firstdevice (hereinafter may be referred to as 'first
user')may share the one ormore options, corresponding to
the Internet of things, with the users of the second devices
(hereinafter may be referred to as the second users '). The
oneormore optionsmaybe sharedby defining rights for the
second users for enabling them to control the Internet of
Things. Further,the oneormore optionsmay be sharedwith
the second users to enable them to personalize the one or
more options according to their preferences. According to
the rights defined by the first user, the second users may
perform one ormore operations, for controlling the Internet
of Things,by selecting at least one option from the one or
more options.
[0018] Additionally, the one or more options may be
shared for a specific time and on the occurrence ofa specific
event thatmay be defined by the firstuser. The second users
may modify the shared one ormore options as per their
preferences. Further,the firstusermaybe enabled to discard
such modifications.
[0019] Furthermore, embodiments of the invention pro
vide a system for enhancing interaction with the Internet of
Things. The system includes a processor and a memory
coupled to the processor. Thememory includes a database
having a visualmenu corresponding to the things.Further,
thememory includes instructions executable by the proces
sor to share the visualmenu with oneormore second users
of the things. The one ormore second users correspond to
one or more second devices. Furthermore , the memory
includes instructions executable by the processor to translate
the visualmenu based on one ormore preferencesofthe one
or more second users. Additionally, the memory includes
Instructions executable by the processor to display the
translated visualmenu to the second users at the correspond
ing second devices.
10020] Herein , the visualmenu is shared with the one or
more second users by definingrights for enablingthe second
users to perform one or more operations corresponding to
the things. The one or more operations being performed by
selecting one ormore icons presentin the visualmenu.
[0021] Furthermore, embodiments of the invention pro
vide a device for enhancing interaction with the Internetof
Things. The device includes a processor and a memory
coupled to the processor. The memory includes a database
and instructions executable by the processor. The database
includes one ormore options corresponding to the things.
Further, the instructionsshare atleastone oftheone ormore
options with one ormore users of the things. Furthermore,
instructions receive information corresponding to selection
of the at least one option by the one or more users.
Additionally, instructions update the database based on the
selection of the at least one option by the one ormore users.
(0022] Herein , the one ormore users may be referred to
users ofone ormore second devices. In this embodiment, a
user of a first device (hereinafter may be referred to as 'first
user')may share the one or more options, corresponding to
the Internet of things, with the users of the second devices
(hereinafter may be referred to as the second users'). The
one ormore optionsmay be sharedbydefiningrights for the
second users for enabling them to control the Internet of
Things. Further, the one ormore optionsmay be shared with
the second users to enable them to personalize the one or
more options according to their preferences. Additionally,
thememory further includes instructions to receive permis
sion request from the one ormore users. The request is
received for enabling the one or more users to personalize
the at least one option.
[0023]. Embodiments of the invention provide a method
for accessing and controllingremote devices in a network.
Themethod includes accessing a database of visual access
menus through a graphicaluser interface (GUI) at a device.
Further, the method includes displaying a visual access
menu atthe device. The visualaccess menumay includeone
or more options. The device may include an Internet of
Things application such as a VMThings for displaying the
visual access menu at the device. The VMThings also
enables a user of the device to control the remote devices.
The VMThings may be configured to create an Internet of
Things menu including representations of recognizable
objects. The objects may be physical objects or virtual
objects. The Internet of Things menu may be a menu of
identifiable objects (physical or virtualobjects) connected in
an Internet like structure. The usermay control the remote
devices irrespective of the location of the remote devices

US 2017/0322687 A1 Nov. 9, 2017
through the visual access menu . The user may select an
option from the visual access menu. The method further
includes displaying an enhanced visual access menu based
on a selection of an option received from the user. The
enhanced visual access menu may include one or more
device options depending on the selection ofthe option. The
device options are representation corresponding to the
remote devices. The method further includes receiving a
selection of a device option from the user. The method
further includes connecting to a remote device based on the
selection ofthe device option. Further, themethod includes
controlling the one or more operations of the connected
remote device based on the selection of the device option.
[0024] Embodiments of the invention provide a method
for accessing and controlling services from a remote loca
tion. The method includes accessing, by a user ofa device,
a database of visual access menus through a graphicaluser
interface (GUI) at the device. Further, themethod includes
displaying a visual access menu at the device. The visual
access menu may include one ormore options. The device
may include an Internet of Things application i.e. a
VMThings for displaying the visual access menu at the
device. Further, the VMThings may create an Internet of
Things menu including one or more identifiable objects
connected to each other in an Internet like structure. The
VMThingsmay display visual accessmenu atthe device to
enable the user to controlthe remote services. The method
further includes displaying an enhanced visualaccessmenu
based on a selection of an option received from the user. The
service optionsdepending on the selection ofthe option . The
service options are representation corresponding to the ser
vices. Themethod further includes receiving a selection of
a service option from the user. Themethod further includes
connecting to a service based on the selection ofthe service
option. Further, the method includes connecting the device
to the service. Furthermore, themethod includes controlling
and displaying information about the service at the device
based on the selection of the service option.
[0025] Embodiments of the invention also provide a
device for accessing and controlling remote devices in a
network. The device may include an Internet of Things
application i.e. a VMThings configured to enable a user of
the device to access a database including visual access
menus through a GUI. Further,the VMThings is configured
to create an Internet of Things menu including oneormore
identifiable objects connected in an Internet like structure.
The VMThingsmay display a visual accessmenu including
one or more options at the device. Further, the VMThings
may display an enhanced visual accessmenu at the device
based on a selection of an option received from the user. The
device options depending on the selection ofthe option. The
remote devices. The VMThingsmay further receive a selec
tion of a device option from the user. The VMThings may
also connect the device to a remote device based on the
selection of the device option. The VMThings may control
one or more operations of the connected remote device
based on the selection of the device option.
[0026 ] Embodiments of the invention also provide a
device for accessing and controlling services in a network
from a remote location . The device may include an Internet
of Things application such as a VMThings configured to
enable a user of the device to access a database including
visualaccessmenus through a GUI. The VMThings is also
configured to display a visualaccessmenu including one or
more options at the device. Further, the VMThings may
display an enhanced visualaccessmenu at the devicebased
on a selection of an option received from the user. The
service optionsdependingon the selection of the option. The
service options are representation corresponding to the ser
vices located remotely. The VMThingsmay further receive
a selection of a service option from theuser. The VMThings
may also connect the device to a service based on the
selection of the service option. The VMThings may control
and display information ofthe service t the device based on
the selection ofthe service option.
[0027] Embodiments ofthe invention also provide a sys
tem for accessing and controlling remote devices. The
system includes a display device configured to display one
ormore visualaccessmenus.Further,the system includesan
access device connected to the display device. The access
device may include an Internet of Things application i.e. a
VMThings configured to display the one or more visual
accessmenus including one ormore options to control the
remote devices, at the display device. The user may create
or configure an Internetof Thingsmenu through a Graphical
User Interface at the device. In an embodiment of the
invention, the VMThings may be configured to create the
Internet of Things menu. The VMThings is further config
ured to enable a user of the access device to access a
database including the visual access menus through a GUI.
The VMThings may display an enhanced visual access
menu atthe device based on a selection ofan option received
from the user. The enhanced visualaccessmenu may include
oneormore deviceoptions dependingon theselection of the
option. Thedevice options are representation corresponding
to the remote devices. The VMThingsmay further receive a
selection of a device option from the user. The VMThings
may also connect the device to a remote device based on the
selection of the device option. The VMThingsmay control
one or more operations of the connected remote device
based on the selection ofthe device option.
[0028] Embodiments ofthe invention also provide a sys
tem for accessing and controlling services in a network from
a remote location . The system may include a display device
configured to display one or more visual access menus.
Further, the system may include an access device connected
to the display device. The access device may include an
Internet of Thingsapplication i.e. a VMThings configured to
display the one or more visual access menus including one
ormore options to controlthe remote devices at the display
device. The VMThings is further configured to enable a user
oftheaccess device to access a database includingthe visual
accessmenus through aGraphicalUser Interface (GUI). The
GUImay be used for creating an Internet of Things Menu
including a plurality ofidentifiable objects in a network like
structure. The identifiable objectsmay bephysical objects or
virtual objects. Further, the VMThings may display an
enhanced visual access menu at the device based on a
selection ofthe option received from theuser. Theenhanced
visual accessmenu may include one ormore service options
depending on theselection ofthe option. The service options
are representation corresponding to the services. The
VMThings may further receive a selection of a service
option from the user. TheVMThingsmay also connectthe

US 2017/0322687 A1 Nov. 9, 2017
[0032] An aspect ofthe invention is to transfer display of
a device to another device. The other device may be con
nected to the device through wireless means.
[0033] Another aspect of the invention is to create a data
base of visual access menus or enhanced visual access
menus. The visual access menus or the enhanced visual
access menus are the visualmenus for controlling one or
more objects such as, but are not limited to ,remote devices,
services, and so forth .
device to a remote device based on the selection of the
service option. The VMThings may control and display
information about the service based on the selection of the
service option.
method foraccessing and controlling the remote devices in
a network through a web browser. The method includes
opening a webpage in theweb browser at a device including
a VMThings. Themethodmay further include displaying a
visualaccessmenu at thedevice. The VMThingsmay create
or display the visual accessmenu or an Internet of Things
menu at the device. The Internet of Things menu may
include a plurality ofrepresentationscorresponding to iden
tifiable objects. The identifiable objects may be physical
objects or virtual objects. The visual access menu may
include one or more options. Further, the method includes
displaying an enhanced visual access menu at the device
based on a selection ofan option received from the user. The
device options depending on the selection oftheoption. The
remote devices. The method further includes receiving a
selection of a device option from the user. The method
further includes connecting to a remote device based on the
selection of the device option . Further, the method includes
connecting the device to the remote device based on the
selection of thedevice option. Further, the method includes
controlling the one or more operations of the connected
remote device based on the selection of the device option.
[0030) Embodiments of the invention further provide a
method for accessing and controlling the services in a
network through a web browser. Themethod includes open
ing a webpage in the web browser at a device including an
Internet of Things application i.e. a VMThings. The
VMThings is configured to enable a user of the device to
access a database including the visualaccess menus through
a GUI. The method further includes displaying a visual
access menu at the device. The VMThings may display the
visual accessmenu at the device. The visual accessmenu
may include one or more options. Further, the method
includes displaying an enhanced visual access menu at the
device based on a selection of an option received from the
user. The enhanced visual access menu may include one or
more service options depending on the selection of the
option. The service options are representation corresponding
to the service. The method further includes receiving a
selection of a service option from the user. The method
further includes connecting to a service based on the selec
tion of the service option . Further, the method includes
connecting the device to the remote device based on the
selection ofthe service option. Further, themethod includes
controlling and displaying the information of the service
based on the selection ofthe service option.
[0031] An aspect of the invention is to enable a user to
control one or more operations of the remote devices or
services through voicecommands or gestures orhandmove
ments. For example, the usermay switch on an air condi
tioner (AC) by showing a thumb up gesture in frontof the
device. The device may include a camera to detect the
gesture. TheVMThingsatthedevice (or access device)may
analyze the gesture and control a remote devicebased on the
analysis
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] Having thus described the invention in general
terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying
drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and
wherein:
[0035] FIG . 1A illustrates an exemplary environment, in
accordance with an first embodiment of the invention;
[0036] FIG . 1B illustrates another exemplary environ
ment, in accordancewith the first embodiment of the inven
tion;
[0037] FIG . 1C illustrates yet another exemplary environ
ment, in accordance with the first embodimentofthe inven
tion;
[0038] FIG . 1D illustrates an environment based on a
ZigBee network, in accordance with the first embodimentof
the invention;
10039] FIG . 1E illustrates an environment based on a
WiMAX network, in accordance with the first embodiment
of the invention;
10040] FIG . 1F illustrates an environment based on a
Global System forMobile Communication (GSM ) network ,
in accordance with the first embodimentofthe invention;
10041] FIG . 16 illustrates an environment based on a
ZigBee network, in accordance with the first embodimentof
the invention;
10042] FIG . 1H illustrates an environment based on a
WiMAX network, in accordance with the first embodiment
of the invention;
[0043] FIG . 11 illustrates an environment based on a
combination of a localnetwork and the Internet, in accor
dance with the first embodiment ofthe invention;
10044]. FIG . 2A illustrates an exemplary environment, in
accordance with a second embodiment of the invention ;
[0045] FIG . 2B illustrates another exemplary environ
ment, in accordance with the second embodiment of the
invention;
[0046] FIG . 2C illustrates yet another exemplary environ
ment, in accordance with the second embodiment of the
invention;
[0047] FIG . 2D illustrates an environment based on a
ZigBee network, in accordancewith the second embodiment
of the invention;
10048]. FIG . 2E illustrates an environment based on a
WiMAX network , in accordance with the second embodi
ment ofthe invention;
[00491. FIG . 2F illustrates an environmentbased on a GSM
network, in accordance with the second embodimentofthe
invention;
10050] FIG . 2G illustrates an environment based on a
ZigBee network, in accordancewith thesecond embodiment
of the invention ;
[0051] FIG . 2H illustrates an environment based on a
WiMAX network , in accordance with the second embodi
ment of the invention;

US 2017/0322687 A1 Nov. 9, 2017
combination of a local network and the Internet, in accor-
dance with the second embodiment of the invention ;
[0053] FIG . 3A illustrates an exemplary visual access
menu and enhanced visual access menu at a device, in
accordance with the first embodiment of the invention;
[0054] FIG . 3B illustrates an exemplary visual access
menu and enhanced visual access menu at the device, in
accordance with second embodiment of the invention;
[0055] FIG . 3C illustrates anotherexemplary visualaccess
menu and enhanced visual access menu at the device, in
accordance with first embodiment ofthe invention;
[0056 ) FIG .3D illustrates another exemplary visualaccess
menu and enhanced visual accessmenu at the device, in
accordance with second embodiment of the invention ;
10057 ] FIG . 4 illustrates an exemplary enhanced visual
access menu including one or more device options, in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0058] FIG . 5 illustrates an exemplary enhanced visual
access menu including one or more service options, in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
10059] FIG . 6 illustrates exemplary components of a
device, in accordance with an embodimentofthe invention;
[0060] FIG . 7 illustrates exemplary components of an
access device, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0061] FIG . 8 illustrates a flow diagram for controlling
remote devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
remote services, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
10063] FIGS. 10A , 10B , and 10C illustrate a flow diagram
for controlling objects by using a device in a network , in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
remote devices by using a web browser at a device, in
[0065) FIG . 12 illustrates a flow diagram for controlling
remote services by using a web browser at a device, in
[0066] FIGS. 13A, 13B ,and 13C illustrate a flow diagram
for controlling objects in a network through a web browser
at a device, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention ; and
remote devices through a website, in accordance with
another embodimentof the invention;
remote devices by using an access device in a network, in
accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention;
remote servicesby using an access device in a network , in
10070] FIGS. 17A , 17B , and 17C illustrate a flow diagram
for controlling objects in a network devices through an
access device, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0071] FIG . 18A illustrates an exemplary display of
images ofremote devices, in an embodiment of the inven
tion;
[0072] FIG . 18B illustrates transfer ofan exemplary dis
play of images from a device to another device, in an
embodiment of the invention ;
[0073] FIG . 19 illustrates an exemplary display of a cock
pit 1902 at the device 102, in accordance with an embodi
[0074] FIGS. 20A-20B illustrate exemplary environments
for providing access ofthe cockpit 1902 of a user to other
users, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention ;
[0075] FIG . 21 illustrates a flow diagram for providing
access control of a cockpit to one ormore second users, in
accordance with an embodimentof the invention; and
[0076 ] FIGS. 22A -22B illustrate a flow diagram for pro
viding access control of the cockpit to one ormore second
users, in accordance with another embodimentof the inven
tion ;
[0077] FIG . 23 illustrates a flow diagram for configuring
a cockpit based on user's preference, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
10078] FIG . 24 illustrates a flow diagram for configuring
a cockpit, in accordance with an embodiment of the inven
tion;
100791. FIG . 25 illustrates a flow diagram for customizing
a cockpit based on other users ' reviews, in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention;
[0080] FIG . 26 illustrates a flow diagram fordownloading
and customizing a cockpitat a second device, in accordance
with an embodimentof the invention;
a cockpit based on another cockpit of other user, in accor
dance with an embodiment of the invention ;
a cockpitbased on another cockpit of otheruser, in accor
dance with another embodiment of the invention;
10083] FIG . 29 illustrates a flowchart for downloading a
cockpit from a network, in accordancewith an embodiment
of the invention;
10084] FIG . 30 illustrates an environment for accessing a
cockpit through a website, in accordance with an embodi
a cockpit through a website, in accordancewith an embodi
0086 ]. FIG . 32 illustrates a flow diagram for accessing a
cockpit through a website, in accordance with an embodi
a cockpitwith the help of other users, in accordance with an
embodimentof the invention ;
[0088] FIG . 34 illustrates a flow diagram for switching a
display mode of a cockpit, in accordance with an embodi
ment of the invention; and
[0089] FIGS. 35A-35B illustrate an exemplary display of
a GUIalong with one ormoremode options, in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
INVENTION
[0090] Illustrative embodiments ofthe invention now will
be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which some,butnot allembodi
ments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the inventionmay
be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein ;
rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclo
sure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like num
bers refer to like elements throughout.

US 2017/0322687 A1 Nov. 9, 2017
10091] FIG . 1A illustrates an exemplary environment 100,
in accordancewith a first embodimentofthe invention. The
first embodiment describes functionality of an Internet of
Things application i.e. a VMThings 108 for controlling a
plurality of remote devices 106a-n. A usermay create or
configure an Internet of Thingsmenu or cockpit for access
ing or controlling the plurality ofremote devices 106a-n at
a device 102 . In an embodiment of the invention , the
VMThings 108 may configure or create the Internet of
Things menu or the cockpit. The Internet of Thingsmenu
may include representations of one ormore recognizable or
identifiable objects such as, but are not limited to , remote
devices 106a-n or services in an Internet or network like
structure. The one or more identifiable objects may be
physical or virtualobjects. In an embodiment of the inven
tion, a graphical user interface (GUI) may be used by the
user for creating the Internet of Things Menu. The objects
may be the remote devices 106a -n or services. The usermay
use the device 102 for connecting to a plurality of remote
devices 106a-n through a network 104 through the Internet
of Thingsmenu. The device 102 maybeused by the user to
control a plurality of objects in the network 104. The
VMThings 108 may control one ormore operations of the
plurality ofobjects. In an embodimentof the invention, the
objects may include remote devices 106a-n . In another
embodimentof the invention , the objects maybe services as
described in FIG . 2A -I. In yet another embodiment of the
invention , the objects may be combination of the remote
devices 106a-n and services. In an embodiment of the
invention , the device 102 can be a portable device capable
of communicating and connecting to other devices such as
the remote devices 106a-n . The device 102 may have a
display screen . In an embodiment of the invention, the
device 102may have a limited display ormay nothave a
display at all. Example of the device 102 may include a
mobile phone, a smart phone, a computer, a personaldigital
assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop, and so forth.
[0092] The network 104 can be a wired network or a
wireless network or a combination of these. The wireless
network may use wireless technologies to provide connec
tivity among various devices. Examples of the wireless
technologies include,butarenot limited to,Wi-Fi,WiMAX,
fixed wireless data, ZigBee, Radio Frequency 4 for Con
sumer Electronics network (RF4CE), HomeRF, IEEE 802.
11, 4G orLong Term Evolution (LTE), Bluetooth, Infrared ,
spread-spectrum ,Near Field Communication (NFC ),Global
Systems for Mobile communication (GSM ), Digital-Ad
vanced Mobile Phone Service (D -AMPS). The device 102 is
connected to the plurality of remote devices 106a-n through
the network 104. Examples of the wired network include,
but are not limited to , Local Area Network (LAN ), Metro
politan AreaNetwork (MAN), Wide AreaNetwork (WAN ),
and so forth . In an embodiment of the invention ,the network
104 is the Internet.
[0093] The plurality of remote devices 106a-n can be
electronic equipments such as, butare not limited to , house
hold devices including electric lights, water pump, genera
tor, fans, television (TV), cameras,microwave, doors, win
dows, computer, or garage locks, security systems, air
conditioners (AC), and so forth. In an embodiment of the
invention, the plurality oftheremote devices 106a-n can be
vehicles such as cars, trucks, vans, and so forth . In an
embodiment of the invention, the VMThings 108 may
presenta standard menu (or a standard visualaccess menu)
for controlling all remote devices 106a-n to the user. The
user may be provided with different visual access menus
based on the location of the remote devices 106a-n . For
example, the usermay be displayed with different visual
access menus for remote devices present in office, home,
factory, and so forth . In another embodiment of the inven
tion, the VMThings 108 may display a customized menu at
the device 102 based on user preferences and/or access
pattern. In an embodiment of the invention , the user may
configure the VMThings 108 to control remote devices
106a-n present in more than one building. The buildings
maybepresentatdifferentlocations.Similarly,theusermay
control the one ormore remote devices 106a-n located in
his/her office from the home. For example, the user may
control doorofhis/heroffice cabin,may switch on or switch
off his/her office computer/laptop, AC , and so forth . In an
embodimentof the invention, the usermay control opera
tions of one or more remote devices 106a-n present in a
factory from the home. Further, the user may access the
plurality of remote devices 106a -n from a remote location
by using the device 102. Further, the usermay use the same
device 102 for controlling the remote devices located at
different locations such as office, factory, home, etc. The
user doesn't have to carry different ormultiple devices for
controlling different remote devices 106a-n . The device 102
may include a database including a list of one or more
objects. In an embodiment of the invention, the device 102
may include audio or visual menus of the one or more
objects i.e. of the remote devices 106a-n. The device 102
may include visual access menus and/or enhanced visual
accessmenus corresponding to various objects. The visual
accessmenu may provide an interface to the user to control
the one or more objects such as remote devices 106a-n. The
visual access menu may include one or more options such
as, but are not limited to a remote devices option, services
option, and so forth. In an embodimentof the invention, the
visual access menus at the device 102 may be updated
regularly at predefined timeinterval such asafter every two
days, or once a week. The enhanced visual access menus
may include one ormore device options. In an embodiment
of the invention, the device 102 may include a touch
sensitive display. In such a scenario ,the usermay access the
one ormore options or the device options by touching the
options directly. In an embodimentofthe invention, theuser
may connectto the one or more objects such as the remote
devices 106a-n through applications such as, but are not
limited to, Skype, Google Talk, Yahoo Messenger,Magic
Jack, and so forth .
[0094] Further,the device 102may includethe VMThings
108 which is configured to enable the user to access the
visual access menus through a Graphical User Interface
(GUI) atthedevice 102. The VMThings 108 may enable the
user to control the remote devices 106a-n irrespective of
their location through the network 104. The VMThings 108
may display the one or more visual access menus at the
device 102. Further, the device 102 may include visual
access menus associated with at least two independent
objects. In an embodiment of the invention, the two at least
two independentobjects may be produced by two indepen
dent vendors, In an embodiment of the invention, the device
may include vendor specific visual access menus or
enhanced visualaccessmenus fortheremote devices 106a
n. Further, thedevice 102may also include standard menu(s)
for accessing the objects. The VMThings 108 may display

US 2017/0322687 A1 Nov. 9, 2017
the visual access menu depending on the independent ven
dor(s)ofthe oneormore objects. In another embodimentof
the invention, the VMThings 108 may display a visual
accessmenu which is notprovided by either of the at least
two independent vendors of the at least two independent
objects. In an embodiment of the invention, the user may
access and controloneormore ofthe remotedevices 106a-n
from the remote location by using the device 102. For
example, the user may use his smart phone to access and
operate a microwave at his/her home from his/her office.
Further, the user can use the device 102 at one location to
monitor and regulate one ormore operations of the remote
devices 106a-n present at another location. The one ormore
operationsmaybe, such as, butarenot limited to, switch on,
switch off, regulate, and so forth .
[0095] Further, the visual access menus may include at
least one icon indicating one or more objects such as the
remote devices 106a-n. Further, the icon is substantially
different than the icons provided in the visual accessmenu
provided by the vendor.Further, the remote devices 106a-n
may be grouped into various categories such as,but are not
limited to, electronics appliances,homedevices, buildings,
doors, room appliances, switches, floor wise, and so forth .
Further, theremote devices 106a-n may be grouped accord
ing to location of the remote devices, such ashomedevices,
office devices, garages devices, factory devices, farm house
devices, and so forth . The VMThings 108 of the device 102
may store visual access menus and enhanced visual access
menus corresponding to theremote devices 106a-n based on
the various categories oftheremote devices 106a-n . Each of
theremote devices 106a-nmayhave a unique remote device
identity (ID ). In an embodiment of the invention, the user
may require to register the remote devices 106a-n with the
device 102 so that the remote devices 106a-n may be
controlled by using the VMThings 108.In an embodimentof
the invention, the usermay be required to authenticate or
provehis/her identity atdevice 102 or for the remote devices
106a-n before controlling one or more operations of the
remote devices 106a-n.
[0096] Further, the VMThings 108 may display an
enhanced visual access menu corresponding to the remote
devices 106a-n. The enhanced visual access menu may
include one ormoredevice options. Thedevice optionsmay
be displayed as graphicsoricons and/or textrepresentations
of the remote devices 106a-n . For example, a car may be
displayed for representing the car option. The user may
control the remote devices 106a-n by selecting a device
option from the device options atthedevice 102.Further,the
enhanced visual accessmenu may display the grouping or
categories ofthe remotedevices 106a-n. The VMThings 108
may also translate the visual access menu or the enhanced
visual access menu from a first language to a second
language. Examples of the first language and the second
language may include, but are not limited to, Spanish,
French, English, Sanskrit,Hindi,Urdu, Arabic, and so forth .
Forexample, the VMThingsmay translate an English visual
accessmenu into a French visualaccessmenu and thereafter,
itmay be displayed at the device 102. The VMThings 108
may display the visual accessmenu or the enhanced visual
accessmenu at the device 102 based on theuser's preferred
language.
[0097] The user may select an option from the visual
accessmenu oran enhanced visualaccessmenu. Further, the
user may select an option (or device options) by using a
combination ofkeys on a keypad of the device 102. In an
embodiment of the invention, the usermay select an option
by clicking the option or the device option by using a mouse
device. In an embodiment of the invention, the user may
select an option by touching the screen of the device 102.
Forexample, if theuserwantsto switch on an air conditioner
(AC) on way towardshome, the user can select or enter an
appropriate key combination on thedevice 102 ormay touch
(in case of touch sensitive display at the device 102) an
option of the visual access menu corresponding to the AC .
[0098] In one embodiment, the user can give a voice
command to the device 102.Based on the input received by
the device 102, the air conditioner may be switched on
automatically. Further,the user can also regulate the cooling
of the room by changing temperature settings of the air
conditioner. After connecting the device 102 to one or more
of the remote devices 106a-n , the user can control the one
ormore operations such as, butare not limited to, switch on ,
switch off, reduce temperature, and so forth from a distant
location withoutbeing physically presentat the location. In
one embodiment, the remote devices 106a-n can be security
camerasor alarm station installed at the homelocation ofthe
user.
[0099] In an embodiment of the invention, the user may
select an option bymaking gestures orhandmovements at
the device.For example, theusermay do a thumbup gesture
to switch on an appliance athome ormay do a thumb down
gesture to switch off the same. Similarly, the user may do
othergesturessuch as,butare notlimited to,waving a hand,
nodding head, smiling, blinking an eye, and so forth . In an
embodiment of the invention, the device may include a
camera fordetecting the gestures or handmovements. In an
embodiment of the invention, the VMThings 108 may be
configured to analyze and interpret the gestures and hand
movements. Further, the VMThings 108may include stored
gestures defined by the user atdevice 102 and may compare
ormatch the real time gestureswith the stored gestures. The
device may include a software or hardware such asmicro
phone for detecting the voice commands or audio inputs.
101001 In another embodiment of the invention, the
VMThings 108 may be configured to analyze the voice
commands and audio inputs received from the userthrough
voice recognition . Further, the usermay select the option
from an Internetof Thingsmenu through voice command (s )
for controlling the remote devices 106a-n . The device 102
may include a listof voice commands andaction tobetaken
corresponding to each command. The VMThings 108 may
compare andmatch the received voice command with the
stored list and thereafter may take an action based on the
comparison. In an exemplary scenario, the user atofficemay
switch on the AC present at home by accessing the visual
accessmenu and saying "switch off the AC” on the device
102 (or a smart phone). In an embodiment ofthe invention,
speech/voice recognition may be used to analyze the voice
instructions or commands received from the user to control
the remote devices 106a-n . In an embodiment of the inven
tion,the device 102may receive a call from theone ormore
objects such as a remote device. In such a case, the
VMThings 108 may display a visual accessmenu of the
calling object.
10101] In an embodiment of the invention, the VMThings
108 may determine location of thedevice or the plurality of
objects such as the remote devices 106a-n . In an embodi
ment of the invention, the selection ofthe option may be

US 2017/0322687 A1 Nov. 9, 2017
automatic based on one or more predefined instructions of
the user of the device 102. For example, the predefined
instruction may be like switch on theAC at 6 PM , switch off
the TV at 2 PM , andclose thedoorofthegarage. The remote
devices 106a-n may be controlled according to these pre
defined instructions irrespectiveofthe location ofthe user or
the device 102.
[0102] In an embodiment of the invention, one or more
signalsmaybe generated and transmitted by thedevice 102
based on the selection of the option or an input received
from the user. The signals may be transmitted to the remote
devices 106a-n through the network 104. The remote
devices 106a-n may be controlled based on the signals
received from the device 102. In an embodiment of the
invention, the device 102 may receive an alertmessage(s)
regarding the operational condition of the remote devices
106a-n . For example, an alertmessage like 'Car door left
opened'may bereceived by the user athis/hermobile phone
for a car standing in a parking area. In an embodimentofthe
invention, the alertmessagemaybereceived through at least
one of an SMS, an MMS, an instantmessage, an e-mail, a
phone call,turn on of display ofdevice when it's off, and so
forth . In another embodiment of the invention , the usermay
further receive alertmessage aspopmessages at the device
102, at a GPA system , at a multi function display of a car of
the user,at a TV, at a picture frame, and so forth . Thereafter,
the usermay control or operate the car door through his/her
smart phone and from the office itself. There is no need for
him to rush to the parking area for closing the door. In an
embodiment of the invention, the user may receive alert
messages at a predefined timeperiod. For example, the user
may receive the alert messages regarding the connected
remote devices 106a-n after every 1 hour, 2 hour, 30
minutes, and so forth.
[0103] Further, the displayed Internet of Things menu or
the visualaccess menu may extend or change based on the
user selection of the option from the visualaccessmenu. In
another embodiment of the invention, the device 102 may
receive images,videos,audios, related to theremote devices
106a-n at thepredefined timeperiod.Further, thedevice 102
may receivereal-timeinformation,such as,but isnotlimited
to, images, video etc.oftheplurality ofthe remote devices
106a -n . In an exemplary scenario, the user can monitor and
control real-time operation of the remote devices 106a-n
such as one or more vehicles based on the information
received through thenetwork 104. For example,theuser can
receive images orvideos ofthe oneormore vehicles on the
device 102. Further, the VMThings 108 may display these
images of remote devices 106a-n to the user. The user can
send instructions or voice response to the one or more
vehicles through the network 104. Forexample, the user can
track position ofthe one ormore vehicles in real-time from
the device 102 at another location .
[0104] In an embodiment of the invention, the enhanced
visual access menus corresponding to the remote devices
106a-n may be stored at a server 114 in thenetwork 104. As
discussed with reference to FIG . 1B , the user of the device
102 may access the visual access menus corresponding to
the remote devices 106a-n through a web browser in an
exemplary environment 200. The environment 200 may
include the device 102 such as a smart phone capable of
connecting to the network 104 (or the Internet) via the web
browser. In an embodiment of the invention, the remote
devices 106a-n may be controlled via a local wireless
communication or local network . In an embodiment of the
invention, the remote devices 106a-n may be connected to
a bridge device thatmay furtherbe connected to the Internet.
Theweb browsermay be used to connectto the Internet and
in turn to the localnetwork . Examples of the web browser
include, but are not limited to, Internet Explorer, Google
Chrome,Mozilla Firefox, Netscape Navigator,and so forth .
The user can enter a Uniform Resource Locator (URL ) such
as,'wwW.ABC.com ’ in theweb browserto access a website
including a database. The database at thewebsite may store
a plurality ofvisualaccessmenusor InternetofThingsmenu
orcockpit or enhanced visual accessmenus associated with
the remote devices 106a-n . The enhanced visual access
menus are visualaccess menus corresponding to the remote
devices 106a-n. Each ofthe enhanced visual access menus
may include one or more device options. In an embodiment
of the invention, the databasemay bepresent in the network
104.
[0105] A webpage 110 maybe displayed atthe device 102
corresponding to theURL entered by the user. The usermay
be required or asked to authenticate his/her identity before
accessing the visual access menus. The displayed webpage
110 may include one or more data request fields 112a -b
where the user may enter his/her details. In an embodiment
of the invention, the usermay access various visual access
menus by authenticating at the website by entering his/her
login details such as,but are not limited to, password, used
ID , e-mail ID , date ofbirth,and so forth, in the oneormore
data request fields 112a-b . Though not shown, but a person
skilled in the art will appreciate, that thewebpage 110 may
includemore than two data request fields 112a-b. Theone or
more of options of the visual accessmenus or the enhanced
visualaccessmenus may be displayed to the user athis/her
device 102.
f0106 ]. In an embodiment of the invention, the user may
create personalized visual access menus for controlling
his/herpersonaldevices of the remote devices 106a-n. In an
embodiment of the invention, the user may configure or
create an Internet of things menu for controlling remote
devices. The Internetof Thingsmenumay include a plurality
of representations corresponding to identifiable objects such
as the remote devices 106a-n. Further, the user may cus
tomize the Internet of Things menu based on his/her pref
erences such as, but not limited to, language preference,
theme preference, color preference, font size preference,
device preference, service preference, and so forth. The
VMThings 108 may display customized or personalized
visual access menu at the device 102. In an embodimentof
the invention, the VMThings 108 may displayvisual access
menu ata second display connected to the device 102. The
usermay select an option from the multiple options of the
visual access menu. The enhanced visual access menu (or
the Internet of Thingsmenu)may be displayed atthe device
based on the selection ofan option by the userat the device
102. In an embodimentofthe invention, a connectionmay
be established between the user device 102 and the remote
devices 106a-n based on the selection of the option by the
user. Thereafter, the user can access and control the remote
devices 106a-n irrespective of a location of the user. The
user may not have to be in front of or close to the remote
device 106a-n for controlling the operations of the remote
devices 106a-n.
[0107] FIG . 1C illustrates another exemplary environment
300 , in accordance with the first embodimentof the inven

US 2017/0322687 A1 Nov. 9, 2017
tion. An access device 116 may be connected to a display
device 118. The access device 116 may access and control
the plurality of remote devices 106a-n connected through
the network 104. The access device 116 may be any device
capable of data and/or voice communications through the
network 104 or the remote devices 106a-n . Examples ofthe
access device 116 include,but are not limited to , a router, a
telephone, a set top box, a hub, a gateway, a printer, a music
system , a mobile phone, a PDA, a smart phone, a picture
frame, and so forth . In an embodiment of the invention , the
access device 116 may not have a display or may have
limited display capability. The access device 116 may
include a plurality of ports for connecting to the network
104,and/or thedisplay device 118. Theplurality of ports can
be such as, but are not limited to, parallel ports, serialports,
DB -2 connector,IEEE 1284, IEEE 1394 ports, 8P8C ports,
PS/2 ports,RS-232 ports, Registered Jack (RJ) 45 ports,RJ
48 ports, VGA port, Small Computer System Interface
(SCSI) ports,USB ports,DB-25 ports,and so forth.
[0108] Examples of the display device 118 may include,
but are not limited to, a television , a Liquid Crystal Diode
(LCD) display, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, a
projector screen, a computer,a laptop, a tablet computer, a
picture frame, a tablet computer, and so forth. Theaccess
device 116 may provide a network interface to the display
device 118. The user may use the access device 116 for
connecting to the network 104 . Moreover, the user can
access the remote devices 106a-n connected to the network
104 by using the access device 116. In this embodiment of
the invention, once connected with the remote devices
106a -n the visual access menus or the Internet of Things
menus may be displayed to the user at the display device
118. In an embodimentof the invention, the usermay have
to authenticate and/or one or more login details before
viewing the visual access menus. The usermay authenticate
or enter his/herpersonal details at the access device 116. In
an embodiment ofthe invention, the usermay authenticate
or enterthepersonal details at the display screen.
[0109] In an embodiment of the invention, the access
device 116 may be a home controller device. The user may
access the VMThings 108 by logging into this home con
troller andmay view the visual access menus at his device
102 or a display device 116. After logging into the home
controller the user may control the objects i.e. remote
devices or services associated with the home controller.
Therefore, the usermay controlthe one or more objects by
using a combination ofdevices such as thehomecontroller,
smart phone, another display device, and so forth .
[0110] The access device 116 may include an Internet of
Things application i.e. VMThings 108 application for
accessing the visual accessmenus and the enhanced visual
accessmenus. The VMThings 108 may display the visual
access menus at the display device 120. The user may
connect to the remote devices 106a-n by selecting one or
more options ofthe visual accessmenus.Further, the remote
devices 106a-n may be grouped into variouscategories such
as, but are not limited to , electronics appliances, home
devices, buildings, doors, room appliances, electric
switches, cars, windows, and so forth . Further, the remote
devices 106a-nmay be grouped according to location, such
as home devices, office devices, garages devices, and so
forth. The of the access device 116 may store visual access
menus and enhanced visualaccessmenus according to the
various categoriesoftheremotedevices 106a-n attheaccess
device 116 . Further,the usermay control any remote device
from the remote devices 106a-n by selecting one ormore
options from the visual access menu or the Internet of
Things menu. In an exemplary scenario, the user can con
nect to thenetwork 104 by using a telephone and may view
the visualaccessmenu on a screen of the television . There
after, the user may access and control the remote devices
106a-n from the telephone by pressing appropriate keys/
buttonsofthe telephone.
[0111] In an embodiment ofthe invention, the user may
register the remote devices 106a- n or do some settings at the
access device 116 or the remote devices 106a-n, so that the
user may control the remote devices 106a-n from the
VMThings 108. In an embodimentofthe invention, the user
may be required to authenticate or prove his/her identity at
the access device 116 or for the remote devices 106a-n
before controlling one or more operations of the remote
devices 106a-n .
10112 ]. FIG . 1D illustrates an environment based on a
ZigBee network 120, in accordance with the first embodi
ment ofthe invention. As shown, the access device 116 may
include the VMThings 108 for displaying a visual access
menu or an enhanced visual accessmenu or an Internetof
Things menu at the display device 118. The access device
116 may connect to the remote device 106a -n through the
ZigBee network 120. In an embodimentofthe invention, the
remote devices 106a-n may be connected to the ZigBee
network 120 through a localnetwork such as a LAN , a NFC
network, a Bluetooth network, and so forth . The local
network may be connected to the ZigBee network 120
through some gateway device such asbridge, router, hub,
gateway device, switch, and so forth.
[0113] FIG . 1E illustrates an environment based on a
WiMAX network 122, in accordance with the first embodi
ment of the invention. As shown, the access device 116 may
include the VMThings 108 for displaying the Internet of
Things menu or the visual access menu or the enhanced
visual access menus at the display device 118. The access
device 116 may connect to the remote devices 106a-n
through the WiMAX network 122. In an embodimentof the
invention, the remote devices 106a-n may be connected to
the WiMAX network 122 through a localnetwork such as a
LAN ,NFC network and so forth . In an embodimentof the
invention, the user may require to register the remote
devices 106a-n or do somesettings at the access device 116
or the remote devices 106a -n , so that the user may control
the remote devices 106a-n from the VMThings 108. In an
embodiment of the invention , the user may be required to
authenticate or prove his/her identity at the access device
116 or forthe remote devices 106a-n before controlling one
ormore operationsofthe remote devices 106a-n. The user
may access the visual access menus and enhanced visual
access menus at the access device 116 through a GUI. The
VMThings 108 may enable the user to control the remote
devices 106a-n irrespective of the location of the remote
devices 106a-n . For example, the usermay control opera
tions of the air conditioner located in his/her factory by
being athome itself. The usermay nothave to bephysically
present at the factory or near the air conditioner for con
trolling the operationsofthe air conditioner. The user may
dothesamethrough the VMThings 108 ofthe access device
116 (or the device 102).
[0114] FIG . 1F illustrates an environment based on a
Global System forMobile Communication (GSM ) network

US 2017/0322687 A1 Nov. 9, 2017
124, in accordance with the first embodiment ofthe inven
tion.As shown, the access device 116 may be connected to
the remote devices 106a-n through the GSM network 124.
Though not shown, but a person skilled in the art will
appreciate that the access device 116 may be connected to
the remote devices 106a-n through other networks, such as,
but are notlimited to,an RF4CEnetwork ,an NFC network,
anHSPA network, a LAN , a WAN , a 3ra generation network ,
a 4th generation network, a CDMA network, an EV-DO
network, and so forth .
[0115] FIG . 1G illustrates an environment based on the
ZigBee network 120, in accordance with the first embodi
mentofthe invention.As shown, the device 102may include
the VMThings 108. A user may configure an Internet of
Thingsmenu by using the VMThings at the device 102. The
user of the device 102 may connect to the remote devices
106a-n by using the VMThings 108 through the GUIat the
device 102. Further, thedevice 102may be connected to the
remote devices 106a-n through the ZigBee network 120. In
an embodiment of the invention, the device 102 may be
connected to other wireless network such as the WiMAX
network 122, as shown in FIG . 1H .
combination of a localnetwork 126 and the Internet 130, in
accordance with the first embodimentof the invention . The
remote devices 106 a -n may be connected to a localnetwork
126. The local network 126 can be a private network , a
wirelessnetwork, andso forth . The localnetwork 126 in turn
may be connected to an external or public network such as,
but are not limited to, the Internet 130 through a bridge
device 128. The device 102 may connect to the remote
devices 106a -n through the Internet 130 . The local network
126 and the Internet 130 may be connected to each other
through other devices such as, butare not limited to , a router,
a hub, a switch , a gateway, and so forth .
[0117] In an embodiment of the invention, the VMThings
108 may display an advertisement or multiple advertise
ments along with the visual accessmenu at the device 102 .
In an embodiment of the invention, the VMThings may
display the advertisementormultiple advertisements along
with an Internet of Things menu at the device 102. In an
embodiment of the invention, the advertisement(s) are
selected and displayed based on the contentofthe displayed
visual access menu or the Internet of Things menu. For
example, if the visual access menu is for controlling the
home appliances, then the advertisements may be about
homeappliances such asAC, fans,etc. In an embodimentof
the invention, the visual accessmenu and/oradvertisements
may be displayed at a second display or a display device
such as a picture frame, LCD, television, and so forth
connected to the device 102. Further, the visual access
menus and the advertisements may be displayed at the
display device or the second display through wirelessmeans
such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and so forth.
[0118] FIG . 2A illustrates an exemplary environment 400,
in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.
The user 102may use thedevice 102 to connectto a plurality
of services 202a-n through the network 104. The user can
access the information about the services 202a-n at the
device 102. As discussed with reference to FIG . 1A, the
device 102 can be a portable or hand -held device capable of
communicating and connecting to the network 104 or other
devices such as the remote devices 106a-n . Example of the
device 102may include a mobile phone, a smart phone, a
computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet com
puter, a laptop etc. Thenetwork 104 can be a wired network
such as a Local Area Network (LAN ) or a Wide Area
Network (WAN ) or a wireless network such as a WiMAX
network or a combination of these. Examples ofthe services
202a-n include, but are not limited to , banking services,
travel services, entertainment services, railways services,
movies services, restaurants, and so forth . Further, the
banking servicesmay be categorized as insurance services,
retail banking services, internet banking services, loans
service, NRI banking, and so forth . The entertainment
services may be accessed by the user to get information
aboutmusic,movies, theatre, news, cartoons, or sports. For
examples, the usermay accessmoviesservices to know the
new releases in movies. The information aboutservicesmay
be displayed in form ofan enhanced visual accessmenu. The
user may interact with the enhanced visual access menu
accordingly.
[0119 ] In an embodiment of the invention,theVMThings
108 may display an Internetof Things menu at the device
102. The Internet of thingsmenu may include representa
tions of one or more recognizable or identifiable objects
such as, but are not limited to , remote devices 106a-n or
services in an Internet or network like structure. The one or
more identifiable objects may bephysicalor virtual objects.
A graphical user interface (GUI) maybe used by the user for
creating the Internet ofThingsMenu. In an embodiment of
the invention, the objectsmay be the services 202a-n.
[0120] Further, the VMThings 108 may highlight a fre
quently accessed service option or preferred service option
in the enhanced visualaccessmenu for the services 202a-n
or the Internetof Thingsmenu based on the user'sprevious
access patterns. In an embodiment of the invention, the
VMThings 108 may highlight one or more frequently
accessed device options or preferred device options in the
enhanced visualaccessmenu fortheremote devices 106a-n.
Further,the VMThings 108 may storethe useraccesspattern
at the device 102. In an embodiment of the invention, the
VMThings 108may present a standard menu (or a standard
visualaccessmenu) forcontrollingallservices 202a-n to the
user. In anotherembodimentofthe invention,the VMThings
108 may display a customized menu of services 202a-n at
the device 102 based on user preferences and/or access
pattern.
[0121] The device 102 may include a Graphical User
Interface (GUI) to enable the user to access the services
202a-n. In an embodiment of the invention, the device 102
may include audio or visualmenusof the services 202a-n .
The device 102 may include visual access menus and/or
enhanced visual accessmenus corresponding to the services
202a-n . The enhanced visual accessmenu may include one
or more service options. The service options may be dis
played as graphics or icons ortext representing the services
202a-n . The user may control and get more information
aboutthe services 202a-n by selecting a service option from
the service options at the device 102. In an embodiment of
the invention, the user may select a service option by
touching the screen of the device 102. For example, if the
userwantsmore information aboutthe travelling service,the
user may select the travel service option. In one embodi
ment, the user can give a voice command to the device 102
for selecting a service option from the enhanced visual
accessmenu. Further, the usermay selectan option by using
a combination of keys on a keypad of the device 102.

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