US 8,914,526 Local and remote monitoring using a standard web browser

11 defendants · 11 suits · updated September 14, 2026

Also cited as U.S. Patent No. 8,914,526 · US8914526B1 · US 8,914,526 B1 · 8914526 · the '526 patent

Portus Singapore PTE Ltd has filed 11 patent-infringement suits on US 8,914,526, "Local and remote monitoring using a standard web browser" since May 22, 2026, 4 of them in the N.D. Tex., against 11 distinct defendants including BSH Home Appliances Corporation, Peloton Interactive, Inc. and Crestron Electronics Inc. The patent was granted December 16, 2014 on a priority date of December 17, 1998. Its abstract opens: "A home security and control system for monitoring and controlling an external environment such as a home environment comprising: an Internet browser connectable to an extranet; an extranet located external to the home environment and accessible via the…" The examiner cited 48 references during prosecution.

Assignee: Portus Singapore Pte Ltd
Priority date: December 17, 1998
Granted: December 16, 2014
Expires: December 17, 2018
Status: Expired - Fee Related
Claims: 63 (5 independent)
Inventors: Charles Cameron Lindquist, Timothy John Lindquist
Full text: Google Patents

The suits

11 cases · N.D. Tex. (4) · S.D. Tex. (2) · E.D. Tex. (1) · S.D.N.Y. (1) · D. Utah (1) · S.D. Fla. (1) · D. Mass. (1)

Filed	Defendant	Plaintiff	Court	Docket
2026-05-22	BSH Home Appliances Corporation	Portus Singapore PTE Ltd. & Portus PTY Ltd.	S.D. Tex.	4:26-cv-04099
2026-05-22	Peloton Interactive, Inc.	Portus Singapore PTE Ltd. & Portus PTY Ltd.	E.D. Tex.	2:26-cv-00424
2026-06-03	Crestron Electronics Inc	Portus Singapore PTE Ltd	N.D. Tex.	3:26-cv-01831
2026-06-03	Motorola Mobility LLC	Portus Singapore PTE Ltd	N.D. Tex.	4:26-cv-00676
2026-06-03	Panasonic Corporation of North America	Portus Singapore PTE Ltd	N.D. Tex.	3:26-cv-01829
2026-06-03	Savant Systems, Inc.	Portus Singapore PTE Ltd	S.D.N.Y.	1:26-cv-04691
2026-06-04	Carrier Global Corporation	Portus Singapore PTE Ltd.	S.D. Tex.	4:26-cv-04444
2026-06-04	Control4 Corporation	Portus Singapore PTE Ltd & Portus PTY Ltd	D. Utah	2:26-cv-00522
2026-06-04	Somfy Systems, Inc.	PORTUS SINGAPORE PTE LTD	S.D. Fla.	9:26-cv-80658
2026-06-05	Lenovo (United States) Inc.	Portus Singapore PTE Ltd	N.D. Tex.	4:26-cv-00690
2026-06-05	Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.	Portus Singapore PTE Ltd	D. Mass.	1:26-cv-12577

Docket links open the public record on CourtListener. Filing dates are the complaint's.

Independent claims

What is actually asserted, verbatim.

Claim 1

1. A system for remote access of home networks in respective user premises comprising: an Internet browser hardware device including a processor running an Internet browser; an extranet located external to said user premises and accessible via said Internet browser; a plurality of connection gateways each comprising a hardware processor, each of at least a subset of which is located in a respective one of the user premises and is part of the respective home network of the respective user premises; and at least one communications server that each comprises a hardware processor located in said extranet and adapted to interconnect on-demand with said connection gateways; wherein: each of the at least the subset of the plurality of connection gateways is accessible by the at least one communications server and is communicatively coupled to one or more networked components of the respective home network in which the respective connection gateway is located, the at least one communications server not being communicatively coupleable to the one or more networked components of the respective home network; and responsive to user-input of a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) in accordance with which said Internet browser accesses a predetermined address on said extranet to which address the URL corresponds, in which accessing said Internet browser provides authorization data, one of said at least one communications server subsequently: determines which one of said home networks in which one of said connection gateways is located said authorization data indicates authority to at least one of control and monitor; and creates a new communications session between said communications server and said one of said connection gateways located in said determined one of said home networks to at least one of control and monitor operation of at least one service in said home network, by which communications session the extranet: obtains information contained within the home network from the connection gateway of the determined home network; and serves a webpage to the Internet browser via which the information from the connection gateway of the determined home network is provided to said Internet browser.

Claim 57

57. A system for remote access of user premises networks in respective user premises, the system comprising: a first network (a) located external to said user premises, (b) including a first arrangement of processing circuitry comprising at least one hardware processor programmed to control network access, and (c) including a hardware user access browser device that comprises a processor running an access browser; and a plurality of second arrangements of processing circuitry each comprising at least one hardware processor programmed to control network access, each of at least a subset of which is located in a respective one of the user premises and part of the respective user premises network of the respective user premises; wherein: said first circuitry arrangement is adapted by its programming to initiate an establishment of network connections to said second circuitry arrangements; the user access browser located on the first network is usable, by input of Uniform Resource Locators (URL), for locating and examining information on said first network and said user premises networks; each of the at least the subset of second circuitry arrangements is accessible by the first circuitry arrangement; responsive to user-input of a URL in accordance with which said user access browser accesses a predetermined location on said first network to which address the URL corresponds, said first circuitry arrangement subsequently, by execution of its programming: determines which one of said user premises networks in which one of said second circuitry arrangements is located authorization data indicates authority to at least one of monitor and control; and initiates an establishment of a network connection to said one of said second circuitry arrangements to create a new communications session for a temporary interconnection between said first network and said determined one of said user premises networks to at least one of control and monitor operation of at least one of the one or more devices of said user premises network, by which communications session the first network: obtains information contained within the user premises network from the second circuitry arrangement of the determined user premises network; and using a web server, serves to the user access browser the information from the second circuitry arrangement of the determined user premises network; the communications session provides a seamless access to information stored on said determined one of said user premises networks from said user access browser; and the at least one of control and monitoring of the at least one device using the first circuitry arrangement is possible only by interaction with information served by said one of said second circuitry arrangements.

Claim 58

58. A system for remote access of user premises networks in respective user premises comprising: an Internet browser hardware device comprising a processor running an Internet browser; a network located external to said user premises and accessible via said Internet browser; a plurality of connection gateways, each comprising a hardware processor and each of at least a subset of which is located in a respective one of the user premises and is part of the respective user premises network of the respective user premises; and at least one communications server comprising a hardware processor, located in said network and adapted to interconnect on-demand with said connection gateways; wherein: each of the at least the subset of the plurality of connection gateways is accessible by the at least one communications server and is communicatively coupled to one or more networked components of the respective user premises network in which the respective connection gateway is located, the at least one communications server not being communicatively coupleable to the one or more networked components of the respective user premises network; and responsive to user-input of a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) in accordance with which said Internet browser accesses a predetermined address on said network to which address the URL corresponds, in which accessing said Internet browser provides authorization data, one of said at least one communications server subsequently: determines which one of said user premises networks in which one of said connection gateways is located said authorization data indicates authority to at least one of control and monitor; and creates a new communications session between said communications server and said one of said connection gateways located in said determined one of said user premises networks to at least one of control and monitor operation of at least one service in said user premises network, by which communications session the network located external to said user premises: obtains information contained within the user premises network from the connection gateway of the determined user premises network; and uses a web server to serve to the Internet browser information from the connection gateway of the determined user premises network.

Claim 59

59. A system for remote access of home networks in respective user premises comprising: a mobile device comprising a hardware processor that provides a user interface; a plurality of connection gateways, each comprising at least one hardware processor and each of at least a subset of which is located in a respective one of the user premises and is part of the respective home network of the respective user premises; and an extranet comprising at least one hardware device and that is (a) located external to said user premises, (b) accessible via said mobile device via a wireless network and an Internet protocol connection, and (c) adapted to interconnect on-demand with said connection gateways; wherein: each of the at least the subset of the plurality of connection gateways is accessible by the extranet and is communicatively coupled to one or more networked components of the respective home network in which the respective connection gateway is located, the extranet not being directly communicatively coupleable to the one or more networked components of the respective home network; and responsive to user-input, using the user interface, of a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) in accordance with which said mobile device accesses a predetermined address on said extranet to which address the URL corresponds, in which accessing said mobile device provides authorization data, said extranet subsequently: determines which one of said home networks in which one of said connection gateways is located said authorization data indicates authority to at least one of control and monitor; creates a new communications session between said extranet and said one of said connection gateways located in said determined one of said home networks to at least one of control and monitor operation of at least one of the networked components in said home network; obtains information contained within the home network from the connection gateway of the determined home network; and using a web server, serves to the mobile device the information from the connection gateway of the determined home network, for a display in the user interface that is based on the information.

Claim 62

62. A system for remote access of home networks in respective user premises comprising: an Internet browser hardware device comprising a processor running an Internet browser; an extranet located external to said user premises and accessible via said Internet browser; a plurality of connection gateways, each comprising at least one hardware processor and each of at least a subset of which is located in a respective one of the user premises and is part of the respective home network of the respective user premises; and at least one communications server comprising at least one hardware processor and located in said extranet and adapted to interconnect on-demand with said connection gateways; wherein: each of the at least the subset of the plurality of connection gateways is accessible by the at least one communications server; responsive to user-input of a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) in accordance with which said Internet browser accesses a predetermined address on said extranet to which address the URL corresponds, in which accessing said Internet browser provides authorization data, one of said at least one communications server subsequently: determines which one of said home networks in which one of said connection gateways is located said authorization data indicates authority to at least one of control and monitor; and creates a new communications session between said communications server and said one of said connection gateways located in said determined one of said home networks to at least one of control and monitor operation of at least one device in said home network, by which communications session the extranet: obtains information contained within the home network from the connection gateway of the determined home network; and using a web server, serves to the Internet browser information from the connection gateway of the determined home network; and the at least one of control and monitoring of the at least one device using the communications server is possible only by interaction with one or more webpages served by said connection gateway.

Art before the examiner

54 references of record, 48 cited by the examiner.

Everything listed here was before the Office and is what a challenge must go beyond. Art the examiner never saw is where an invalidity search starts.

Examiner-cited

US4370675A — Doorbell actuated television security system (Zenith Radio Corporation)
US4962473A — Emergency action systems including console and security monitoring apparatus (Itt Corporation)
US5497430A — Method and apparatus for image recognition using invariant feature signals (Physical Optics Corporation)
US5546943A — Stimulating a beneficial human response by using visualization of medical scan data to achieve psychoneuroimmunological virtual reality (Gould; Duncan K.)
US5557742A — Method and system for detecting intrusion into and misuse of a data processing system (Haystack Labs, Inc.)
US5591299A — System for providing integrated monitoring, control and diagnostics functions for semiconductor spray process tools (Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.)
US5649014A — Pseudorandom composition-based cryptographic authentication process (United Technologies Automotive, Inc.)
US5668929A — Speech activated security systems and methods (Hirsch Electronics Corporation)
US5692124A — Support of limited write downs through trustworthy predictions in multilevel security of computer network communications (Itt Industries, Inc.)
US5717379A — Remote monitoring system (Alcatel N.V.)
US5784463A — Token distribution, registration, and dynamic configuration of user entitlement for an application level security system and method (V-One Corporation)
US5784564A — Closed browser for computer and computer network (High Technology Solutions, Inc.)
US5809311A — System and method for providing centralized backup power in a computer system (Dell U.S.A., L.P.)
US5892758A — Concentrated subscriber wireless remote telemetry system (Qualcomm Incorporated)
US5917405A — Control apparatus and methods for vehicles (Joao; Raymond Anthony)
US5940074A — Remote upgrade of software over a network (Webtv Networks, Inc.)
US5948059A — Method and apparatus for synchronizing multimedia messages in different servers (International Business Machines Corporation)
US5958016A — Internet-web link for access to intelligent network service control (Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.)
US5961594A — Remote node maintenance and management method and system in communication networks using multiprotocol agents (International Business Machines Corporation)
US5991881A — Network surveillance system (Harris Corporation)
US6014746A — Workstation lock and alarm system (Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation)
US6023724A — Apparatus and methods for use therein for an ISDN LAN modem that displays fault information to local hosts through interception of host DNS request messages (3Com Corporation)
US6032202A — Home audio/video network with two level device control (Sony Corporation Of Japan)
US6044349A — Secure and convenient information storage and retrieval method and apparatus (Intel Corporation)
US6052723A — Method for aggregate control on an electronic network (Stockmaster.Com, Inc.)
US6061650A — Method and apparatus for transparently providing mobile network functionality (Nortel Networks Corporation)
US6070244A — Computer network security management system (The Chase Manhattan Bank)
US6088330A — Reliable array of distributed computing nodes (Bruck; Joshua)
US6108300A — Method and apparatus for transparently providing a failover network device (Cisco Technology, Inc)
US6141339A — Telecommunications system (Sprint Communications Company, L.P.)
US6144859A — Wireless cellular communicator system and apparatus (Aeris Communications, Inc.)
US6178433B1 — Method and system for generating materials for presentation on a non-frame capable web browser (International Business Machines Corporation)
US6185316B1 — Self-authentication apparatus and method (Unisys Corporation)
US6192403B1 — Method and apparatus for adaptive monitor and support system (At&T Corp)
US6195680B1 — Client-based dynamic switching of streaming servers for fault-tolerance and load balancing (International Business Machines Corporation)
US6216173B1 — Method and apparatus for content processing and routing (Redbox Technologies Limited)
US6243596B1 — Method and apparatus for modifying and integrating a cellular phone with the capability to access and browse the internet (Lextron Systems, Inc.)
US6271752B1 — Intelligent multi-access system (Lucent Technologies, Inc.)
US6408330B1 — Remote data collecting and address providing method and apparatus (Delahuerga Carlos)
US6433801B1 — Method and apparatus for using a touch screen display on a portable intelligent communications device (Ericsson Inc.)
US6453348B1 — Extranet architecture (Ameritech Corporation)
US6496862B1 — Remote monitoring and control of devices connected to an IEEE 1394 bus via a gateway device (Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.)
US20050248444A1 — Control, monitoring, and/or security apparatus and method (Joao Raymond A)
US7007104B1 — Method and apparatus for integrated network management and systems management in communications networks (Aprisma Management Technologies, Inc.)
US20060203809A1 — Internet routing system (Sprint Communications Company L.P.)
US7145898B1 — System, method and article of manufacture for selecting a gateway of a hybrid communication system architecture (Mci Communications Corporation)
US7151758B2 — Router device, datagram transfer method and communication system realizing handoff control for mobile terminals (Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba)
US20070106792A1 — Content display monitor (Trevor Blumenau)

Applicant-cited and other (6)

WO1995022087A1 — Home automation system
GB2316841A — Method for controlling a firewall
EP0838768A2 — Web interfacing device
WO1998019445A1 — Device and method for communication between a data network and a telecommunications network
US5751956A — Method and apparatus for redirection of server external hyper-link references
WO1998050865A1 — Network management using browser-based technology

Classification

H04M11/04primary — Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems with alarm systems, e.g. fire, police or burglar alarm systems
G08B25/10 — Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium using wireless transmission systems
H04L12/4641 — Virtual LANs, VLANs, e.g. virtual private networks [VPN]
H04L12/66 — Arrangements for connecting between networks having differing types of switching systems, e.g. gateways
H04L63/0272 — Virtual private networks
H04L63/083 — Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for authentication of entities using passwords
H04L63/1425 — Traffic logging, e.g. anomaly detection
H04L67/025 — Protocols based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP] for remote control or remote monitoring of applications
H04L67/10 — Protocols in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network
H04L67/12 — Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
H04L67/14 — Session management
H04L69/329 — Intralayer communication protocols among peer entities or protocol data unit [PDU] definitions in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
H04L9/40 — Network security protocols

Family

US8914526B1 — B1 (2014)
US20190058720A1 — A1 (2019)
US9961097B2 — B2 (2018)
US20150088983A1 — A1 (2015)
US20160330227A1 — A1 (2016)
8 foreign family members: WO2000036812A9, EP1151598A4, AU2422100A, WO2000036812A1, AUPP776498A0, AU754403B2, EP1151598B1, EP1151598A1

Abstract

A home security and control system for monitoring and controlling an external environment such as a home environment comprising: an Internet browser connectable to an extranet; an extranet located external to the home environment and accessible via the Internet browser; a communications server located in the extranet and adapted to interconnect on demand with one of a series of connection gateways located in predetermined home environments; and a connection gateway located in the home environment adapted to control and/or monitor the operation of at least one security device in the home environment; wherein upon accessing a predetermined address by the Internet browser on the extranet, the communications server connects to a predetermined one of the connection gateways to control and/or monitor the operation of the security device. The extranet can ideally be implemented as a Virtual Private Network (VPN) across an Internet substrate.

Also asserted by Portus Singapore PTE Ltd

US 9,961,097 — System for remote access of a user premises (10 defendants)

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This page is assembled from public records — federal court dockets and the patent's own file — and is updated as the case list changes. It states what the record shows and is not an opinion on the validity or infringement of any claim. Patent data via Google Patents; docket data via CourtListener.