Abstract: A utility management system is provided that makes it possible for an Internet user to more easily know the status of his/her own utility usage in realtime. An AMR (Automated Meter Reader) system and ISP (Internet Service Provider) include means for sending digital data that indicates the status of utility usage from the AMR system to the ISP in realtime; and the ISP includes means for converting the digital data to content information, and means for the Internet user to log into the ISP and obtain the content information, so the subscriber is able to know the status of his/her own utility usage in realtime.

Abstract: An in-home surveillance-system comprising duplex communication equipment installed in a cable television station, and a domestic cable modem installed in a contracting home and connected to a lifestyle utility meter for the integrated amount of electric energy, the integrated amount of gas flow, and the integrated amount of water flow, and capable of internet protocol communication as well as relaying cable television broadcasts, wherein the in-home surveillance-system performs automatic reading of the lifestyle utility usage for transmission through the internet communication to a first center, and detects the occurrence of anything unusual relating to the occupant, by full-time transmission, through the internet protocol communication, of at least one of lifestyle utility usage, cable television broadcast reception, and internet access from the domestic cable modem to a second center.

Abstract: An in-home surveillance-system comprising duplex communication equipment installed in a cable television station, and a domestic cable modem installed in a contracting home and connected to a lifestyle utility meter for the integrated amount of electric energy, the integrated amount of gas flow, and the integrated amount of water flow, and capable of internet protocol communication as well as relaying cable television broadcasts, wherein the in-home surveillance-system performs automatic reading of the lifestyle utility usage for transmission through the internet communication to a first center, and detects the occurrence of anything unusual relating to the occupant, by full-time transmission, through the internet protocol communication, of at least one of lifestyle utility usage, cable television broadcast reception, and internet access from the domestic cable modem to a second center.