An apparatus comprising a movable barrier operator for controlling the movable barrier; and a network interface electronically connected to the movable barrier operator for connecting the movable barrier to a network; wherein the network board sends a status of the movable barrier over the network to a requesting device.

Real-time remote monitoring and controlling of a device is described via a network such as the Internet. A virtual presence is accomplished between geographically distributed remote users and hardware platforms that allow for real-time interactive hardware operation. Using Internet based communications such as e-mail or browser based sessions, a series of remote instructions are sent from a remote computer based device to the device to be monitored and controlled. This operation of includes, but is not limited to, data monitoring, system control, system tuning, distributed learning, distributed monitoring, remote servicing and hardware reconfiguration. Furthermore, monitored data is exchanged between the device being monitored and the remote electronic-based device can be in a spreadsheet format.

Apparatus, and an associated method, by which to provide a digital image, created at the mobile station by a digital camera forming a portion thereof, to an assistance center, such as an emergency dispatch center. The digital image is created automatically upon initiation at the mobile station of a request for assistance from the assistance center. Initiation of a 911 emergency call, for example, causes a digital image to be created by the digital camera, and signals representative of the created digital image are automatically sent to the assistance center. Once received at the assistance center, viewing of the digital images provides personnel at the assistance center with additional information by which best to respond to the request for assistance. And, the digital image is storable thereat for evidentiary purposes.

An apparatus and system for communicating an emergency and an associated method are provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus is a mobile terminal including an input mechanism that is capable of receiving user input indicative of an emergency, and a wireless transmitter capable of transmitting an emergency message. The mobile terminal further includes a recording device capable of recording at least one of audio and imagery information indicative of the emergency, and a memory capable of storing the audio and imagery information. The audio and imagery information are also capable of being transmitted by the wireless transmitter.

An apparatus and methods for implementing a garage door monitoring system coupled to a garage door opener. The door monitoring system allow a user to actuate the door under control via a network connection. In at least one embodiment, the door monitoring system is controlled by a cell phone or networked appliance capable of transmitting information and data via a cellular telephone network. The door monitoring system provides the added advantage of allowing a remote user to view the areas or regions near to the door under control prior to actuating the door. At least one embodiment comprises a method to validate reception of the pictures or video clips of the areas or regions near to the door prior to enabling the system to actuate the door. In another embodiment a pass code is embedded into the pictures or video provided to the remote user.