Home Network Device Information Architecture

Abstract

A method and system for providing a user interface for a user to discover and control devices that are currently connected to a network, such that at least one of the devices performs steps, by: (a) obtaining information from one or more of the devices currently connected to the network, the information including device information; and (b) generating a user interface description based at least on the obtained information, the user interface description including a reference associated with the device information of each of the devices currently connected to the network, such that the reference includes at least one link to information contained in the devices currently connected to the network. As such, a user interface can be displayed using the references in the user interface description, for controlling the devices currently connected to the network.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a continuation of an application entitled “HOME NETWORK DEVICE INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE” naming the same inventors and filed Jun. 12, 2000 under U.S. Ser. No. 09 / 592,599, which, in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 146,101 entitled “Network Architecture,” filed on Jul. 27, 1999, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 149,515 entitled “External Web Server Included in Home Network Top-Level User Interface Description,” filed on Aug. 17, 1999, which applications are incorporated herein by reference.NOTICE OF INCLUSION OF COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL[0002]A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever....

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a method and system for controlling devices connected to a network using a user interface. The user interface is generated based on information obtained from the connected devices, and includes a reference to the device information of each device. This reference allows the user interface to be displayed and used for controlling the devices. The invention also allows for changing icon content and technology without incurring the overhead of command and control back to a central device. The top-level home network directory page always uses the same abstract references, making it easy for any device to access all devices.

Problems solved by technology

One drawback associated with using the remote control unit to command and control home devices is that it provides static and command logic for controlling and commanding each home device.

Therefore, a particular remote control unit can only control and command those home devices for which it includes the necessary control and command logic.

For example, if a remote control unit comprises logic for controlling a television (TV), a video cassette recorder (VCR), and a digital video device (DVD), but not a compact disk (CD) unit, the remote control unit can not be used to command and control the CD unit.

In addition, as new home devices are developed, the remote control unit will not be able to control and command the new home devices that require control and command logic that was not known at the time the remote control unit was developed.

Further, typically a remote control unit can only be used to command and control those home devices that are within the signal range of the remote control unit.

Therefore, a user cannot use the remote control unit from a single location in the house to control and command home devices that are interconnected, but located in separate areas of the home.

If a user wishes to play a tape contained in the VCR located upstairs in the bedroom, on the TV located downstairs in the family room, the user cannot control and command both the TV and the VCR from a single location.

Another drawback associated with using remote control units is that known remote control units cannot control a plurality of diverse devices, and more particularly, cannot control a plurality of devices having different capabilities to communicate with each other in order to accomplish tasks or provide a service.

Further, conventional network systems do not provide a mechanism for software applications in different network devices to automatically communicate with one another in order to accomplish tasks without direct user command.

Further, if the device displaying the central user interface becomes unavailable, user control of the network is curtailed.

Another problem with the central / singular page is that every UI device must display the same page, and a scope is not provided for each manufacturer to generate its own UI look and feel nor alter the technology used in the UI device.

Nor can a UI builder tool obtain e-business icons from an external Web Portal.

Such a model cannot be standardized for industry use because a central / single UI device controls the UI.

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