Abstract: A user interface method can include providing an object to be controlled, providing a remote control device, capturing an image of the object, using the image of the object to recognize the object, and based on recognition of the object, displaying a second user interface on the viewing screen of the remote control device, wherein the second user interface is substantially identical to a first user interface of the object. A user interface method can also include providing an object to be controlled, providing a remote control device, focusing an image capturing device of the remote control device on the object, identifying coordinates, identifying the object as being associated with the identified coordinates, and based on identifying the object, displaying a second user interface on the viewing screen of the remote control device, wherein the second user interface is substantially identical to a first user interface of the object.

Abstract: A regional surveillance system includes a plurality of local geo-tagged surveillance systems each of which is associated with a predetermined virtual neighborhood. The surveillance systems wirelessly communicate alarm or incident indicating messages, along with neighborhood defining indicia to a common control unit. The common control unit evaluates the incoming messages, and responsive to predetermined criteria, determines which members of a plurality of subscribers should be notified by an alarm or incident indicating message. Once the appropriate subscribers receive the message(s) then a determination can be made as to which, if any, non-subscribers should be notified.

Abstract: A regional surveillance system includes a plurality of local geo-tagged surveillance systems each of which is associated with a predetermined virtual neighborhood. The surveillance systems wirelessly communicate alarm or incident indicating messages, along with neighborhood defining indicia to a common control unit. The common control unit evaluates the incoming messages, and responsive to predetermined criteria, determines which members of a plurality of subscribers should be notified by an alarm or incident indicating message. Once the appropriate subscribers receive the message(s) then a determination can be made as to which, if any, non-subscribers should be notified.