Message server

Abstract

An apparatus includes a housing, an interface, a processor and a memory. The interface is affixed to the housing and is configured for coupling to a cellular wireless network. The processor is affixed to the housing and is coupled to the interface. The memory is affixed to the housing and is coupled to the processor. The memory is configured to store a set of instructions for causing the processor to receive a first message using the interface and, in response thereto, for causing the processor to broadcast a second message using the cellular wireless network and using the interface, the second message having a transmission parameter determined by the first message and wherein the second message is compatible with a messaging service protocol.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A system comprising:
 a processor;   a first interface coupled to the processor, the first interface for coupling with a first communication channel;   a second interface coupled to the processor, the second interface for coupling with a second communication channel, the first communication channel different than the first communication channel; and   a memory coupled to the processor and having instructions stored therein for executing an algorithm, the algorithm configured to receive a first message using the first interface, the first message having a first message protocol, the algorithm configured to send a second message using the second interface, the second message having a second message protocol different than the first message protocol, the second message configured to control a remote device based on the first message, the remote device in communication with the second interface.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the remote device includes a machine. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the remote device includes an alarm device. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the remote device includes at least one of a serial port device, a programmable logic controller (PLC), a key telephone system, a relay, a temperature sensor, a general purpose input/output (GPIO), or a device to receive a signal that can include analog or digital data. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the second interface includes an I/O port. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the processor is configured to communicate the second message using a network. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the first interface includes a cellular interface. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the first interface is in communication with a mobile switching center. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the first message protocol includes a short message service (SMS) message. 
     
     
         11 . A method performed at a communication device, the method comprising:
 receiving a first message using a first communication channel, the first message received using a processor coupled to a first interface, the first interface configured to communicate with a processor of the communication device, the first message having a first message protocol; and   after receiving the first message at the processor, sending a second message using a second interface, the second interface coupled to the processor, the second message having a second message protocol different from the first message protocol, and wherein the second message includes content configured to control a remote device based on the first message, the remote device in communication with the second interface.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein sending the second message includes sending to at least one of a serial port device, an alarm device, a programmable logic controller (PLC), a key telephone system, a relay, a temperature sensor, a general purpose input/output (GPIO), or a device to receive a signal that can include analog or digital data. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  wherein sending the second message includes communicating the second message using a network. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11  wherein receiving the first message includes receiving a short message service (SMS) message. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11  wherein receiving the first message includes communicating with a mobile switching center.