Abstract: A request event manager for a network of consumer electronic devices. In one embodiment, the request event manager maintains a database of home network services, and allows the home network services to be scheduled for execution over time. Home network services herein refer to high-level abstractions of a consumer electronic device's functionalities, and also content that is available from the consumer electronic device. The request event manager of the present invention also creates and maintains a service request list (SRL) which details the service actions in a hierarchical fashion. By maintaining a database of home network services, the request event manager of the present invention allows user applications to specify and schedule concatenated or hierarchical events such that different network activity across interconnected heterogeneous consumer electronic devices can be synchronized without requiring complicated logic to be implemented.

Abstract: A network architecture for a network of electronic devices includes a device layer having a plurality of electronic devices interconnected using a network backbone, wherein the plurality of electronic devices each operate using a device native communication protocol. The architecture also includes a device abstraction layer (DAL) which communicates with each of the devices using the device native communication protocols and also presents a unified communication interface to a content abstraction program interface. The content abstraction program interface communicates with the device layer through the unified communication interface of the DAL and includes a set of content services for controlling content on the network. In one embodiment the content abstraction program interface includes a content location system (CLS), a content change notification system (CCNS), and a content engagement system (CES).

Abstract: A network architecture for a network of electronic devices includes a device layer having a plurality of electronic devices interconnected using a network backbone, wherein the plurality of electronic devices each operate using a device native communication protocol. The architecture also includes a device abstraction layer (DAL) which communicates with each of the devices using the device native communication protocols and also presents a unified communication interface to a content abstraction program interface. The content abstraction program interface communicates with the device layer through the unified communication interface of the DAL and includes a set of content services for controlling content on the network. In one embodiment the content abstraction program interface includes a content location system (CLS), a content change notification system (CCNS), and a content engagement system (CES).

Abstract: Interoperability is facilitated between two networks. One method according to the present invention comprises: providing a VHN network having a VHN element; providing a HAVi network having a HAVi element; translating messages via a protocol translator coupled with the VHN network and the HAVi network; wherein interoperability is facilitated between the HAVi element and the VHN element.