Abstract: A technique is disclosed that provides a secure end-to-end connection between a mobile station in a public network and a resource server in a private network. First, a virtual private network (VPN) connection is established by the resource server within the private network, to a VPN/socket secure (SOCKS) proxy in the public network. Subsequently, the SOCKS proxy receives an access request from the mobile station and, in response, sets up a Hypertext Transport Protocol Secure (HTTPS) connection between the resource server and mobile station. Then, a reverse proxy service operating at the resource server retrieves data packets from a resource device, such as a webcam, and encrypts and pushes the packets to the mobile station.

Abstract: A user interface is presented to a user via a computer system such as a tablet computer and enables users to create relations between selected products or services, such as those related to home automation. The graphical user interface (GUI) features a display that is analogous to that of a slot machine, with a touch-enabled screen that is operated with the user's fingers. The display icons of the GUI, arranged in rolls as on a slot machine's display, are representative of the products or services. The GUI presents the rolls of icons to the user, enabling the user to select an item in each roll and to define relations among the corresponding products or services. In this way, a sensor device associated with a first product/service can be linked to an actor device associated with a second product/service, so that the two devices are capable of telecommunicating with each other.

Abstract: An illustrative dynamic proximity control system uses proximity to a mobile user's mobile station as a proxy for predicting which of several remote-controlled targets the mobile user wishes to remote-control via the mobile station or via a centralized controller in communication with the mobile station. The system dynamically sorts, filters, and arranges how the mobile user perceives the remote-controlled targets. The system and method enhance the mobile user's immediate access to targets that are close by, e.g., within the same room as the mobile user, by dynamically tailoring the choices provided to the user on the mobile station's display. Thus, the mobile user is presented with nearby choices that are likely candidates for remote control. Remote targets are filtered out. The system optionally includes location-beacon devices associated with each of the remote-controlled targets.