Home Network Device Information Architecture
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.
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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 MATERIALA 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.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to the field of networks, and more particularly, to home networks having multi-media devices connected thereto.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONA network generally includes a communication link and various devices with communication capability connected to the communication link. The devices include computers, peripheral devices, routers, storage devices, and appliances with processors and communication interfaces. An example of a network is a home network for a household in which various devices are interconnected. A usual household can contain several devices including personal computers and home devices that are typically found in the home. As such the term “device” typically includes logical devices or other units having functionality and an ability to exchange data, and can include not only all home devices but also general purpose computers. Home devices include such electronic devices as security systems, theater equipment, TVS, VCRs, stereo equipment, and direct broadcast satellite services or (DBSS), also known as digital satellite services (DSS), sprinkler systems, lighting systems, micro waves, dish washer, ovens/stoves, washers/dryers, and a processing system in an automobile.
In general, home devices are used to perform tasks that enhance a homeowner's life style and standard of living. For example, a dishwasher performs the task of washing dirty dishes and relieves the homeowner of having to wash the dishes by hand. A VCR can record a TV program to allow a homeowner to watch a particular program at a later time. Security systems protect the homeowners valuables and can reduce the homeowners fear of unwanted entry.
Home devices, such as home theater equipment, are often controlled using a single common control unit, namely a remote control device. This single common control unit allows a homeowner to control and command several different home devices using a single interface. Thus, may manufacturers have developed control units for controlling and commanding their home devices from a single interface.
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. For example, a VCR that is located upstairs in a bedroom may be connected to a TV that is downstairs in the family room. 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.
To alleviate the above problems, some network models provide a central/singular user interface (UI) in one device including static device information for networked devices for user control of network devices. However, in such networks a change to device information (e.g., ICON) in a device requires a change to, and rebuilding of, the top level page. 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. The content of an icon/information representing a device cannot be changed, and a UI device cannot display a more prominent look to a device icon such as the icon for the UI device itself. 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.
There is, therefore, a need for a method and a system which provides dynamic control and command devices in a home network. There is also a need for such a method and system to provide the ability to control a plurality of diverse devices having different capabilities via different dynamic user interfaces.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention satisfies these needs. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method and system for providing a user interface for controlling devices that are currently connected to a network, such that at least one of said devices performs steps including: (a) obtaining information from one or more of the devices currently connected to the network, said 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 said devices currently connected to the network, such that the reference includes at least one link to information contained in said devices currently connected to the network. As such, a user interface can be displayed using the references in the user interface description, for controlling said devices currently connected to the network.
In one version, a top-level home network (HN) directory page can be described entirely in the ‘abstract’ to allow devices freedom to control device icon information called by reference (not directly). This allows the devices to change icon content and content technology without incurring the overhead of command and control back to a central device to make the change. Further, there is no need for a central device, because the top-level HN directory always uses the same abstract references and any device can use the references to provide user access to all devices.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings where:
Appendices 1-4, illustrative examples for: (1) Top-Level Page description 250 (Appendix 1); (2) Background.htm (Appendix 2); (3) Icon.htm (Appendix 4); and (4) Name.htm (Appendix4).
To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common throughout the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Network OverviewReferring to
Each client device 12 may communicate with one or more server devices 14 in the network 10. Further, each server device 14 may communicate with one or more other server devices 14, and one or more client devices 12, in the network 10. Each client device 12 can include a user communication interface including input devices such as a mouse and keyboard for receiving user input, and a display for providing a control user interface for a user to interact with the networked devices. The user interface can include a graphical user interface (GUI) 18 for providing information to the user. Each server device 14 includes hardware as a resource in the network for providing services to the user, and can further include a server or service control program 20 for controlling the server hardware.
Each server device 14 provides a service for the user, except control user interface, and each client device 12 provides a service including control user interface for user interaction with the network 10. As such, only client devices 12 interact directly with users, and server devices 14 interact only with client devices 12 and other server devices 14. Example services can include MPEG sourcing/sinking and display services.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a browser based network (e.g., a home network) uses Internet technology to control and command devices including client devices and server devices that are connected to a network. Each device includes device information such as interface data (e.g. HTML, XML, JAVA, JAVASCRIPT, GIF, JPEG, graphics files, or any other format useful for the intended purpose) that provides an interface for commanding and controlling of the device over the network. In certain embodiments, each device includes device information such as one or more Hypertext markup Language (HTML) pages that provide for the commanding and controlling of that device. Using the browser technology, the network employs Internet standards to render the HTML pages in order to provide users with a plurality of graphical user interface (GUIs) for commanding and controlling each device. In one example, the network is configured as an Intranet.
In one embodiment, a client device comprises a device providing control interface service to a human operator, including a graphical display hardware for down communication and a mouse or other point-and-click device for up (or return) communication. A server device comprises a module supplying a service, which can be any service other than a control interface provided by a client device. As such, the server/client device relationship is a control relationship, wherein the server device provides a service but a client device can use the data, as a DTV displays video data, but need not manipulate or alter the data. It is thus consistent with this definition to observe that, frequently, a server may be a source of information and a client (a browser, for example) may be a consumer of information.
Examples of specific functions which can be implemented by server devices include: return of information (data); performance of a function (e.g., mechanical function) and return of status; return of a data steam and status; reception of a data stream and return of status; or saving of a state for subsequent action. Examples of server devices include MPEG source, sink and display servers. While a server device typically includes a custom, built-in, control program to implement control of its own hardware, a client functions to interface with the server device. However, server device as used herein does not imply that a web server and a protocol stack must be used.
A single physical package can include several devices which are logically networked via a network layer for example as shown in
In a presently preferred embodiment, a 1394 serial bus is used as the physical layer 164 for the data communications on the network 100. Because of its enhanced bandwidth capabilities (e.g., enhanced and guaranteed bandwidth and isochronous stream capability), the 1394 serial bus can provide a single medium for all data communications on the network 100 (i.e. audio/video streams and command/control).
Further, the 1394 serial bus provides automatic configuration reset such that when a device is plugged in/removed all the 1394 interfaces reset, the 1394 bus reconfigures and every device knows the presence of every other device (including a newly added one or without the one just removed). Also, the 1394 interface supports a data space for configuration information that is addressable from any device allowing other devices to write/read information and make modifications, e.g. to permit the operation of the network layer protocol. However, it is possible to achieve these results with different software and standards. As such, the network 100 is not restricted to using a 1394 serial bus, and, in alternative embodiments of the present invention, other bus types, such a Ethernet, ATM, wireless, etc., can be used as the physical layer if they meet the particular throughput requirements of an individual network (e.g., a home network). Further, a modified version of e.g. wireless-Ethernet can include the essential features of 1394.
As depicted in
A digital video device (DVD) 108 is also connected to the exemplary network 100. The DVD 108 can be used to display digitally encoded videos on a television. Also connected to the exemplary network 100 is a digital video cassette recorder (DVCR) 110, i.e., a digital TV 102. In this example, the DTV 102 provides a human interface for the network 100 by employing browser technology to allow users to control and command for devices over the home network 100. A second DTV 103 provides another human interface for the network 100 by employing browser technology to allow users to control and command or devices over the home network 100. The DTVs 102 and 103 can provide human interfaces for the network 100 as each DTV comprises a screen for displaying HTML pages. However other devices having display capability can be used to provide human interfaces. Thus, in certain embodiments of the invention, a device such as the personal computer 105 (PC) is used to provide a human interface for a respective home network, as a PC 105 typically embodies a screen display unit.
The 1394 serial bus 114 is depicted as using the HTTP/IP interface protocol, and preferably HTTP/TCP/IP, wherein IP provides packet format (a one-way write only model), TCP provides an error free version of IP (e.g., ensures packets arrive and in correct order), and HTTP provides 2-way connection (packet to server will expect a response—a ‘read’ model). Certain devices can require other protocol interface types (e.g., UPD/IP, FTP/IP, TELNET/IP, SNMP/IP, DNS/IP, SMTP/IP). In certain embodiments of the invention, a proxy 116 can be used to interface two networks using dissimilar interface protocols on their respective mediums which, when connected, comprise the network 100. The proxy 116 (e.g., Web proxy) can include Home Automation type protocols such as the HTML/HTTP/TCP/IP proxy for X10, Lonworks, CEBus (on their respective physical technologies), or non-IP protocols on 1394 (e.g., AVC/FCP/1394).
In certain embodiments, the two network mediums are of the same type. For example, as depicted in
As depicted in
A typical 1394 network comprises interconnected devices such as a collection of appliances including server devices offering one or more services to be controlled (e.g., DVCR 100 as an MPEG video recording arid replay service), and client device offering a user interface (UI) service (e.g., DTV 102) for controlling the server devices. Some appliances (e.g., DTV 103) can have both services (e.g., MPEG decode and display capability) to be controlled, and a UI controller capability. According to an aspect of the present invention, methods and systems including protocols, document description, image compression and scripting language standards from technologies utilized in the World Wide Web standard (Web model) are used to implement a 1394 WEB user-to-device control model in the network 100. The Web model is a client/server model. The controlled server device (service) comprises a Web server and the controller client device (i.e., a device capable of displaying a UI) comprises a Web client including a GUI presentation engine, described further below, such as a Web browser (e.g., Internet Explorer®, Netscape®, etc.).
User Device ControlEach GUI 202 and/or 204 includes active control icons and/or buttons for the user to select and control devices currently connected to the network 100. If, for example, the user selects a PLAY button in the GUI 202 of the DVCR 110 displayed by the browser 200 on the DTV 102, a hyperlink message is returned to the DVCR 110 Web server and directed to an application software 206 (e.g., MPEG Record/Replay Service Application Software) in the DVCR 110 for operating a DVCR hardware 208. In one example, an MPEG video stream source 208 in the DVCR 110 transmits an MPEG video stream to an MPEG vide decode and display system 210 in the DTV 102 for display under the control of application control software 212 in the DTV 102. The application software 206 in the DVCR 110 also sends information back to the application software 212 in the DTV 102, including, e.g. an acknowledgement if the operation is successful, or an altered or different control GUI 202 to the DTV 102 indicating status to the user. There can be further communication between the application softwares 206 and 212, e.g. for setting up a 1394 isochronous video stream connection for video stream service.
In an embodiment of the invention, the communication protocol between devices in the network 100 is based on the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP 1.1), an application-level protocol for distributed, collaborative, hypermedia information systems. HTTP is a generic, stateless, object-oriented protocol that can be use for many tasks. A feature of HTTP is the typing and negotiation of data representation, allowing devices to be built independently of the data being transferred over the network 100 to which the devices are connected.
GUI Description LanguageThe description document language for defining various GUIs 202, 204 can be, e.g. HTML, version 4.0, the publishing language of the World Wide Web. HTML supports text, multimedia, and hyperlink features, scripting languages and style sheets. HTML 4.0 is an SGML application conforming to International Standard ISO 8879—Standard Generalized Markup Language.
Image Compression FormatsTo display images, three still image graphics compression formats specified by the HTML specification are utilized in the 1394WEB network 100 for ICON, LOGO and other graphics. The still image graphics compression formats are: Graphics Interchange Format (GIF89s), Progressive Joint Photograhic Experts Group (JPEG) and Portable Network Graphics (PNG). Table 1 shows the differences in capabilities between the three different still image graphics compression formats.
Further, the Web scripting language, ECMA-Script-262, is utilized to provide a means for visually enhancing the GUI Web pages 202 as part of a Web-based clientserver architecture. The scripting language is a programming language for manipulating, customizing, and automating the facilities/services of the devices. The user interface 200 provides basic user interaction functions, and the scripting language is utilized to expose that functionality to program control. The existing system provides the host environment of objects and facilities completing the capabilities of the scripting language. The web browser 200 provides the ECMA-Script host environment for clientside computation including, for example, objects that represent windows, menus, popups, dialog boxes, text areas, anchors, frames, history, cookies, and input/output.
The web browser 200 provides the host environment for the EXMA-Script-262, and the host environment supports attaching scripting code to events such as change of focus, page and image loading, unloading, error and abort, selection, form submission, and mouse actions. Scripting code is included within the HTML pages 202 and 204 and the displayed page is the browser 200 includes a combination of user interface elements, and fixed and computed, text and images. The scripting code responds to user interaction without need for a main program.
Client Device SpecificationIn one example, the specification for a 1394WEB client browser 200 includes HTTP1.1 specification, wherein section ‘8.1.2.1 Negotiation’ of the HTTP1.1 specification regarding connection persistence is modified such that an HTTP1.1 client device such as, e.g. the DTV 102 expects a connection to server device such as, e.g. the DVCR 110 via the 1394 to remain open, because the persistent connection in 1394WEB user control allows full status reporting from the server device (DVCR 110) while the GUI 202 and/or 204 remains visible in the browser 200 of the client device (DTV 102). The HTTP connection remains open (HTTP spec RFC 2068) wherein a client that supports persistent connections may “pipeline” its requests (i.e., send multiple requests without waiting for each response). A server must send its responses to those requests in the same order that the requests were received. This allows the web browser 200 to pipeline requests to the DVCR 110 which the DVCR 110 can then satisfy later with, e.g. status responses, such as Now Playing, Now Recording, Rewind Finished, Tape Broken, Etc. Other example implementations include, e.g. the control page from the DVCR 110 can contain a request to loop on the DVCR 100 request of GUI description 202.
The GUI presentation engine 200 is utilized in the client device such as the DTV 102 to interpret GUI descriptions 202, 204 written in the HTML4.0 document description language and the associated specifications (below), and to create the graphical form for display to the user. The GUI presentation engine 200 includes the following, e.g. attributes: (1) window (GUI) minimum default size of e.g., HO×640 pixels (480×640 where 480 vertical, 640 horizontal). This default size is to insure the intended appearance in the GUIs 202, 204 is transferred to the user in the browser 200. The transferred GUIs 202, 204 are displayed in a window 480×640 pixels or magnified larger with the same aspect ratio unless otherwise directed by the user; (2) still image compression formats: e.g., GIF89a, JPEG, and PNG; (3) style sheet formats and fonts: e.g., CSS1 and CSS2; (4) fonts such as the following, e.g. built-in fonts are required for the client device to free simple server appliances from having to support such fonts. Minimum one font from each generic Latin family can be selected: e.g., Times New Roman, from ‘serif family; Helvetica, from ‘sans-serif family; Zapf-Chancery, from ‘cursive’ family; Western from ‘fantasy’ family; and Courier from ‘monospace’ family. Other fonts can also be utilized; and (5) scripting language e.g., ECMA-262. Examples of the GUI presentation engine 200 include Web browsers such as Explorer™ and Netscape™ configured/customized as desired.
Server Device SpecificationOne or more of the server devices (e.g. a 1394WEB network, controlled appliance Web server such as the DVCR 110), include the following six enumerated components:
(1) HTTP1.1 web server protocol, with section ‘8.1.2.1 Negotiation’ of the HTTP1.1 specification regarding connection modified such that an HTTP1.1 server device (e.g. DVCR 110) assumes that a HTTP1.1 client device (e.g., DTV 102) intends to maintain a persistent connection with the server device. The persistent connection in the 1394WEB network 100 allows full status reporting from e.g. the server device DVCR 110 to the client device DTV 102 while the GUI 202 of the DVCR 110 remains visible in the browser 200 of the DTV 102. Further, a method using HTTP conditional GET to obtain the latest status of server devices can be used. Whenever the user returns to the home network directory or causes it to be refreshed, the browser 200 redisplays the page in its entirety. This is necessary because the HTML that underlies the home network directory may have been regenerated if a device has been added to or removed from the network 100. It is also possible for device icons to be updated to reflect changes in their device's operating state. As such, browsers implemented by EIA-775.1 devices utilize HTTP “conditional get” requests to determine whether or not fresh copies of web pages or graphics should be retrieved from the server.
(2) Device home page GUI descriptions 202, 204 written e.g. in HTML4.0, include file e.g. icon.htm, name.htm, logo.htm, index.htm, gif files, etc. The file index.htm is referenced by HTML links included in device icon.htm and name.htm HTML files, wherein index.htm can be optionally named e.g. “INDEX.HTML” or “INDEX.HTM”. File named INDEX.HTM is not required to be a standard name because the ICON.HTM and NAME.HTM are made with hyperlinks to the ‘INDEX.HTM’, therefore the name is arbitrary. ICON.HTM and LOGO.HTM reference the actual graphics files in the same device e.g. LOGO.GIF and ICON.GIF. The descriptions 202, 204 are accessible by the devices (e.g., HTTP devices) in the network 100. To guarantee a desired appearance, the control GUI design can be for a default GUI size of, e.g. 480×640 pixels. For example, a transferred GUI 202 can be displayed in a window of 480×640 pixels in the browser 200 or magnified larger with the same aspect ratio unless otherwise directed by the user.
(3) At least two device ICON files are provided to represent the device in a top-level network page 220 (
A number of additional and different graphic icons can also be utilized, for example, to represent device status, user configured preference or manufacturers formats which may be substituted for the icon graphic. In a discovery process described further below, ICONs from the devices connected to the network 100 are collected together and displayed in the top level network devices page 220 for selection by a user. An example device ICON specification comprises: File name ICON.HTM accessible by the HTTP server (files names are in a directory, file space, accessible by the web server so that they can be retrieved and forwarded over the network to the browser); Graphic file type such as GIF, JPG or PNG; and Icon graphic with a maximum size of 70(V)×130(H) pixels.
(4) At least two device LOGO files are provided to represent the device in the top-level network devices page. LOGO can comprise a graphic file type (e.g., GIF, JPG or PNG) and named LOGO.HTM. In one example, LOGO.HTM(DVCR) references the INDEX.HTM in the HTML page 202 and LOGO.HTM(DTV) references the INDEX.HTM in the HTML page 204. In one version, the top-level link for the control pages (e.g., INDEX.HTM) of the device can be LOGO.HTM. All device logos are placed in the top-level HN directory page 220 for service discovery by the user. Then user clicks the LOGO displayed in the page 220 and the device page (e.g. 202) is fetched. A number of additional and different graphics for manufacturer services can be substituted for the logo graphic format. According to the discovery process, LOGOs from devices connected to the network 100 are collected together and displayed in the top level network devices page 220 for selection by a user. An example device LOGO specification comprises: File name LOGO.HTM accessible by the HTTP server; Graphic file type such as GIF, JPG or PNG; and logo graphic maximum size of about 70(V)×130(H) pixels.
(5) At least one device NAME is provided to represent the device in the top-level network devices page. NAME comprises TEXT in an HTML file NAME.HTM. This text can also reference control pages (e.g., 202). This is a top-level link in the discovery page to the control interface of the device. The text provides a way to distinguish identical devices whereby for, e.g. two identical DTV's can be distinguished by adding NAME text ‘Bedroom TV’ and ‘Family Room TV’. The text can comprise a few words to clearly represent the device type e.g. DVCR or DTV. According to the discovery process, NAMEs from devices connected to the network are accessed along with corresponding ICONs/LOGOs and displayed in the top level network devices page 220 under the ICON/LOGO. An example NAME specification comprises: File name NAME.HTM accessible by the HTTP server; Text unspecified, such as, with Font size 10, two lines of text can be displayed under the corresponding ICON/LOGO. Therefore, for example the space size for the NAME.HTM text can be 20 vertical by 130 horizontal to match the ICON/LOGO (70 vertical×130 horizontal). As shown by example in
(6) A device information summary home page description document written in HTML4.0 can be provided, named e.g. “info.html” or “info.html”, and made accessible by the HTTP server for the discovery process. A link can be provided to INFO.HTML information via control pages e.g. 202, 204. The device information summary homepage provides the user a device summary instead of the detailed control interface as shown in the device homepage. Table 2 shows device attributes text that are included and others that can be included. This table can be extended to included other attributes.
Table 2 includes device summary information such as Manufacturer Name, Manufacturer Logo image name, and can farther include a Manufacturer URL for help if there is an available Internet connection to the manufacturers Web site. Table 2 can further include a user configurable Device Name and Device Location in the home. There can be several variations of the Device Icon representing different states of the device. The Device Icon attribute field includes the name of the current icon. Therefore, the device summary information page can provide immediate device state information to the user by displaying the icon representative of current state.
Each device can include one or more services, e.g. video Stream Source or video Stream Destination. Each source capability has a complementing Default Destination capability and each destination capability has a complementing Default Source capability. This Stream Default Name entry can be used e.g. to automatically default the nearest DTV to be the destination when a DVCR is being controlled as source to eliminate having to select the DTV each time. A background crossreferencing of the Stream Default Name to 1394 address is provided. The videostream services are provided by the 1394 interface itself (not by Web model). As such there is a linkage of the default source or sink to the 1394 address mechanism. The user can access a device and select a name for default, which is then saved on the device. The device's software agent must find the 1394 address and parameters for the 1394 s/w to enable the default stream when required.
Using the Source and Destination service attributes, new server/services can be implemented while maintaining compatibility with existing host or device (nodes) and services. For example, if a new server device providing a new service is developed that is compatible with an existing server device, both the new and existing servicers can be added to the attribute list of the new node while maintaining compatibility with existing nodes using the existing server in the network 100. The user can select a compatible device for purchase. These provide a user with “ABOUT” information to check capabilities of existing equipment e.g. prior to purchasing new equipment where compatibility is desired.
Network OperationA discovery process for every device supporting the 1394WEB standard (e.g. devices capable of displaying a user interface) gathers device information from devices connected to the network 100 to generate the top-level user control page description for the home network, wherein each device is represented by a graphical icon reference and a textual name reference detailed above. The top-level description can include a default page for a presentation engine such as the browser 200, wherein the browser 200 collects the graphic images and names from the devices as it renders the network top-level graphical user interface 220 (GUI) displayed in the browser 200 as shown by example in
With reference to
Device naming, addressing and discovery processes for home or local network control of consumer devices using Internet, Web and 1394 technology, can be different from the requirements and practice in the general Internet space. As such according to an aspect of the present invention for in home or local network control of consumer devices, special processes including device discovery, addressing and naming requirements are utilized. For example, the home network must fully function without the presence of external communications and services, without a network administrator, and configuration must be fully automatic. User control can be in many cases entirely keyboard-less. Further, the IEEE1394 protocol is utilized to provide a sophisticated interface including features that can be provide simple, efficient and superior discovery and configuration functions.
1394 Home NetworkThe network 300 is not restricted to using a 1394 serial bus, and, in alternative embodiments of the present invention, other bus types, such a Ethernet, ATM wireless, etc., can be used as the physical layer if they meet the particular throughput requirements of an individual network (e.g., a home network). As depicted in
The 1394 serial bus 114 is depicted as using the HTTP/IP interface protocol, and preferably HTTP/TCP/IP, wherein IP provides packet format(a one-way write only model), TCP provides an error free version of IP (e.g., ensures packets arrive and in correct order), and HTTP provides 2-way connection (packet to server will expect a response—a ‘read’ model). Certain devices can require other protocol interface types (e.g., TCP/IP, UPD/IP, FTP/IP,TELNET/IP, SNMP/IP, DNS/IP, SMTP/IP). In certain embodiments of the invention, a proxy 116 can be used to interface two networks using dissimilar interface protocols on their respective mediums which, when connected, comprise the network 300.
For example, as depicted in
In this embodiment, the network 300 can be connected to an external network 119 of dissimilar type (e.g., Ethernet) to the 1394 Serial bus, via a bus 121. A bridge 117 is used to interface the two dissimilar medium types. For communication between the addressing scheme of the external network 119, and the addressing scheme of the network 300, the bridge 117 comprises a Network Address Translation (NAT) boundary. This technique can be utilized for company LAN's and is a ‘divide and conquer’ approach to the complex problem of satisfying various network's differing IP address requirements and prevents ‘running out of IPV4’ addresses. The external network can include e.g. CABLETV network 115 via Ethernet to the telephone e.g. ADSL), providing broadband connection to the Internet and WWW. The Ethernet 119 provides the bridge function to the external network. The bridge 117 or Ethernet 119 may provide the NAT address conversion function. If the Ethernet is to provide local private (to home only) addressing (e.g. as defined by then IETF standard RFC 1918) then the NAT function is in the Ethernet 119. Existing cable modems are set up with a global address and also Internet global address for the PC on the Ethernet (in this case the NAT is in the bridge 117).
IP Name/Address ConfigurationThe aforementioned device naming, addressing and discovery processes for the network 300 are now described. For device naming, point and click Web operation (e.g., using GUI/Web) does not require name services (DNS, Domain Name Service). The Web GUI provides an abstraction layer, and the addresses are hidden as hypertext links invoked by user ‘clicks’ to active GUI areas (e.g., buttons). Any change to the devices in the local network 300 causes the top-level discovery GUI page 200 (
For device to device control a different look-up service is utilized for more than names (e.g., service look-up and application look-up). As such, DNS may not provide the necessary features for device to device control. However, a device (e.g., a 1394 connected PC) can access a DNS service as usual. DNS is not required for discovery or operation of devices/services within the home, but DNS (name to address) look-up service is required for external accesses e.g. from a PC. When a name e.g. “www.yahoo.com” is typed in to a Browser then look up take place for the IP address of the Yahoo computer, i.e. 216.32.74.52, because the Internet (even home Internet) operates with addresses.
For a 775WEB UI device which includes an agent for generating the HN top-level directory GUI description and also includes access to the special company web server, e.g. homewideweb.com (IP address), can also have the DNS address knowledge. The DNS server computer IP address can be any IP address under the control of the manufacturer. Effectively the DNS address is built-in to the device (or can be updated if the agent is made to be update-able and is later updated).
For device addressing, in one embodiment of the invention, utilizing fixed IP addresses from a large address space can afford the simplest and most reliable network configuration, and the readily accessible ROM data space in the 1394 interface allows utilization of fixed IP addresses therein. In another embodiment of the invention, non-fixed IP (dynamic) addresses can be utilized, wherein an abstraction layer (e.g., name or look-up mechanism) is employed to retain pre-organized communications For IP address configuration, the following protocols can be utilized: (1) Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) with DHCP servers and DHCP clients, (2) DHCP clients resort to auto-configuration (DHCP server not present), and (3) preferably, FWHCP (Fire-Wire Host Configuration Protocol) server agent(s) and FWHCP clients, described further below. The auto-configuration in (2) above is that proposed as an IETF Draft “draft-ietf-dhc-ipv4-autoconfig-04.txt”.
DHCP requires support of the BOOTP/UDP protocol, and replicates what is done within the 1394 specification and provides features such as lease time and dynamic addressing. Typical DHCP requires management by an administrator and must be configured and adapted to the network requirements of mass manufactured consumer electronics (CE) appliances where, for example, multiple identical CE appliances with DHCP server built-ins must be considered.
The 1394 technology provides ‘Plug-in’ or ‘Power-up’ reset and following ‘Self-ID’ sequences, well suited for network configuration. Further, the 1394 specification provides a built-in ‘ROM’ address space well suited for storage of, and access to, configuration data (e.g., IP addresses). As such, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, an IP address configuration agent (FWHCP) and discovery page for user control of 1394 devices are utilized. FWHCP provides IP address configuration for 1394WEB and 1394 devices. The purpose and result of FWHCP is similar to DHCP (i.e., a server to identify and assign the local IP addresses), but in operation FWHCP uses data in 1394-address space and 1394 commands. FWHCP provides IP address configuration of 1394WEB devices on the 1394 network avoiding collisions with devices on adjacent attached networks other than 1394. Devices are manufactured with a built-in IP address from the 10.x.x.x range. In the unlikely event of a collision, FWHCP sets a new IP address and saves it in the device.
DHCP/Auto-configuration can be utilized for devices on networks other than 1394. DHCP protocol provides client “requested IP address”. Preferably, the requested IP address space is selected from the upper part of the 24 bit RFC1918 range (10.128.1.1 to 10.254.254.254). By choosing part of the allowed private address range for 1394 IP addresses and another part for other configuration methods (e.g., DHCP and DHCP/Auto-Configuration) then compatible and non-interfering addresses are generated for a heterogeneous network and allow FWHCP and DHCP to coexist.
While choice of non-overlapping IP addresses for 1394 and adjacent networks is desirable, the heterogeneous network using FWHCP will configure successfully even if they do overlap. Also, DHCP clients check their assigned IP address with a test ARP message before using it. As such, different address configuration methods can coexist successfully.
Network Scenarios and Address ManagementReferring to
According to the discovery process (agent), 1394 specification ‘plug-in’ reset and self-ID is utilized for configuration and can be used for IP address configuration. Preferably, fixed IP addressing is utilized for home networks, however dynamic IP addressing can also be utilized. DNS is not required within 1394WEB control because a top-level GUI description is created with hypertext-links that use IP addresses rather than names. Preferably, the IP configuration agent (FWHCP) for the 1394 network is utilized for IP configuration using 1394 ROM data and 1394 commands, however DHCP can also be utilized. FWHCP utilizes lower half of RFC1918 10.LH.X.X addresses and other home networks (not 1394) use upper half 10.UH.X.X. Preferably, the FWHCP server agent is built-in to any device that can be a client (control initiator). Where there are several client devices connected to the 1394 network, only the client device with the highest Global Unique Identification (GUID) operates. GUID comprises a number built-in to the interface. If there are multiple FWHCP agents available on the 1394WEB network then there is an initial self-election process to determine the one that will operate and all others remain quiet. The highest GUID will operate. In other versions, highest bit-reversed-GUID can be used.
A device interfacing to a non-1394 network supports a ROM extension leaf of IP addresses on the non-1394 network. This allows inclusion of the IP addresses on the non-1394 network in the 1394 top-level GUIs (e.g.,
Initially 1394 Self-ID count discovers the existence of devices. After a bus reset (caused by power up/down or device attachment/detachment) 1394 software in the device observes the automatic configuration process (1394 self-ID cycles) for the purpose of counting the number devices. This is a normal part of 1394 software for any 1394 device. Then, IP Configuration FWHCP (the one self-elected FWHCP) probes the discovered devices and checks their built-in IP address. Discovered duplicate (colliding) IP addresses are disabled and a new address is assigned to the device. Then, UI description generation agent (UI or other devices), reads all 1394WEB device IP addresses and generates a top-level device directory Graphic User Interface file in HTML of top-level icon pages from each device later rendered by a Web browser for User discovery of devices for control.
According to the present invention each device in the 1394 network 400 can generate its own top-level network UI description 250 (
As such, advantageously, a useful layer of abstraction is provided to allow use of alternative file names and types for, e.g. identification graphics in the network devices without need for change in the top-level description 250 generated in each device. The name text is also placed in an HTML description 202, 204 (NAME.HTM is in pages 202, 204), allowing a user to configure the name text at a device e.g. DTV to change to e.g., D1V-BED2 through one of the device GUI pages 220. As such, the page 220 is displayed as the Browser is launched after a reset. The user sees and clicks DVCR ICON graphic, whereby DVCR top level control GUI 202 is fetched (with ‘Play’ button etc.). User clicks one of the buttons, e.g. “Configure Device NAME” which is another GUI (of hierarchy of control pages for DVCR) with a large selection of different names. User clicks one name out of the lists of names provided e.g. “Master Bedroom DVCR”. Software on the device changes the file names so that the file named NAME.HTM contains the text “Master Bedroom DVCR” (the old default NAME.HTM file that contained DVCR is changed to some other name).
Appearance of the GUI 220 is more stable in the event of ‘bad citizen’ devices having too much or oversized text or oversized logos. In this case the frames isolate the problem and prevent the bad items from adversely affecting the appearance of the entire top-level GUI 220.
Device Discovery ArchitectureReferring to
Referring to
All devices in the network 300 include the following information relevant to the discovery and IP address agents 404 and 406, respectively, for the 1394WEB in the 1394 configuration ROM 402: (1) Built-in 64 bit GUID (Global Unique ID, in 1394 specification); (2) Built-in IP address from the RFC 1918 private address space in the range ‘10.1.1.1’ to ‘10.127.254.254’. Manufacturers can select a value from the GUID such that chance of collision is minimized. The upper portion of the private address space (i.e., 10.128.1.1 to 10.254.254.254) is reserved for devices on bridged networks; (3) Assigned IP address in the range ‘10.1.1.1’ to ‘10.127.254.254’ (assigned by operating FWHCP agent 406); (4) IP address extension leaf for IP devices on bridged networks; (5) Assigned Count of 1394 devices (assigned by 1394DDA agent 404); (6) Control/status bits to indicate Configuration-in-Progress Synchronization control for 1394 Device Discovery Agent 404, and to indicate IP-Address configuration (The control bits indicate the configuration is in progress and therefore the values, in ROM data other than the control bits, for 1394DDA and IP address are not checked or not written and therefore should not be used). The bits further indicate which IP address is valid (assigned or built-in), and whether an FWHCP server agent 406 is present in the device; (7) HTTP web server to allow files in the device's file space to be accessed remotely; and (8) device information 202,204 including actual ‘icon’, ‘name’ and ‘logo’ HTML files and other referenced graphic files accessible through the Web Server. The above summarized information is detailed in the 1394 ROM space description below.
IEEE 1212 Configuration ROMThe content of the general 1394ROM structure 402 is specified in IEEE1212r, IEEE1212 and IEC61883. The ROM structure 402 is a hierarchy of information blocks, wherein the blocks higher in the hierarchy point to the blocks beneath them. The location of the initial blocks is fixed while other entries are vendor dependent, but can be specified by entries within the higher blocks.
Table 3 shows the Bus_Info_Block and Root_Directory of the configuration ROM 402. The first byte of each entry is known as a key and identifies the type of entry. The following can be implemented in the configuration ROM of all devices making use of the EIA-775 specifications, including display devices such as DTVs and source devices such as DVCRs, STBs, etc. There may be several other structures required based on other protocols to which each device conforms. Table 3 includes information for a device which also complies with the IEC61883 protocol. The Root_directory contains pointers to a Model_Directory and three Unit_Directory entries (IEC61883, EIA-775 and 1394WEB), to indicate that the device supports EIA-775 as well as 1394WEB protocols. The Root directory entries are useful to other 1394 devices to discover the protocols and software (also called services) supported by this 1394 device.
Wherein, 04 0C16 and 04 1016 are also known as the 64 bit GUID or Global Unique ID.
The IEC—61883 unit directory is shown in Table 5. This directory is referenced by the Unit_Directory offset, in the Root Directory (i.e., Table 3). In the Unit_SW_Version field, the least significant bit specifies AV/C (0) as specified in IEC 61883.
The EIA-775 Unit Directory is shown in Table 6. The following EIA-775 specific information appears in the EIA-775 Unit Directory.
The Unit_specification_ID specifies the identity of the organization responsible for the architectural interface of the device and the specification. In this example case, the directory and identity value=00506816 refers to the EIA as the responsible body and the EIA-775 control architecture specification.
The Unit_software_version designates EIA-775 revision level supported by the device. The format is shown in Table 7.
The 1394WEB Unit Directory is shown in Table 7a. The following 1394WEB specific information appears in the 1394WEB Unit Directory.
The Unit_specification_ID specifies the identity of the organization responsible for the architectural interface of the unit and the specification. In this example case the directory and identity value=00XXXX16 refers to the responsible body and the 1394WEB control architecture specification.
The Unit_software_version designates the 1394WEB-revision level supported by the device. The format is shown in Table 8.
Key value (3816) permitted by the IEEE1212R specification section 8.8 for the private use by the owner of the directory and architecture is used for the Discovery_control_bits immediate value.
These are control bits in 1394 ROM space 402 accessible by local and remote device. The control bits are used by the IP address configuration agent 406 and the User Interface description generation agent 408 as described further below.
In one embodiment of the invention, said control bits provide the following information:
Bit 0—Which IP address—Indicates which IP address is used or is in-use i.e, the Built-In address (=FALSE) or Assigned Address (=TRUE). This is set by the operating IP configuration agent FWHCP 406.
Bits 1, 2—Configuration Operating Do not use—When set indicate that the 1394 device discovery and also, separately, the IP configuration agents 404 and 406, respectively, are operating and therefore the values referred to are invalid as they can change or are not yet written. These bits are set by the local (device) 1394DDA agent 404. The 1394DDA agent 404 clears the 1394 Dev. Count bit and the operating FWHCP agent 406 clears the IP-address bit.
Bit 3—Presence of FWHCP Server Agent 406—Is set if the device has an operable FWHCP agent 406. This bit and GUID are used by the FWHCP agents 406 to determine which FWHCP agent 406 will operate.
Assigned_Count_of—1394_devices (3916)—Assigned immediate value of the count of 1394 devices in the network 300. The count is made as the 1394 interface goes though its self-ID cycles. The 1394 device discovery agent 404 generates the value, which is saved in ROM space 403 for subsequent use by the IP and UI configuration agents 406 and 408, respectively.
IP_Address_Built_In (3A16)—Assigned Immediate Value. This address is assigned at manufacture time and built-in to the device. If this Built-in address cannot be used, an alternative address can be saved in the Assigned address space and the control bit set to indicate such.
IP_Address_Assigned (3B16)—Assigned Immediate Value. If identical IP addresses are detected, the IP address configuration agent FWHCP 406 assigns this address to prevent collision. Further, the control bit is set to indicate such.
IP_Address_Extension Leaf_for_attached,-network (BC16)—This directory entry is for the address offset to the data leaf for the IP address extension table, see Table 10. The data leaf contains IP addresses for devices on connected non-1394 networks (but also could be bridged 1394 networks). The table is included in communications devices of types (e.g., bridge) that connect through to foreign (non-1394) networks. The table can be expanded to include as many IP addresses as required. The address of the communications device itself should not be included in the table.
In regards to Control word for Discovery Control Bits, use of a ROM entry for the actual Discovery Control Bits word as defined herein works but is an example implementation. As ROM is not designed to be written efficiently (i.e., ROM areas have to be erased and writing them is slow relative to other hardware e.g. register). Registers are provided in the 1394 hardware for data that must be written to frequently. In another version, a 1394 Register can be used for the ‘Discovery_control_bits’ control word. Registers are in a space also addressable by other devices, whereby another device can look up in the ROM the address of the Register and then write to that Register.
Referring
Referring to
Referring to
The discovery agent 404 writes the final count value of the devices to the 1394 ROM space to communicate it to other agents. The device discovery agent 404 is the first software agent to execute after a 1394 reset cycle, and control bits (Discovery Control Bits 2 and 1, Configuration Operating: 1394DDA, and IP_Address) are used to delay other agents, including the configuration agents 406 and 408, from execution until the discovery agent 404 has finished execution.
In one embodiment, the 1394DDA agent 404 in each device performs the steps 500, 502 including: (1) setting synchronization control bits (i.e., ‘1394DDA in progress’ and ‘IP configuration in progress’ bits) in the device's own 1394 ROM space 402 to indicate that the 1394DDA in progress and IP configuration is in progress (IP configuration will not be in progress if 1394 DDA is executing) and that the values of 1394 device count and IP address are not valid, whereby said control bits inhibit other agents (e.g., 408) from operating prematurely; as such the 1394 DDA executes, then an elected FWHCP executes, and then (usually for UI device) UIDGA executes; (2) counting the number of 1394 self-identity sequences after a 1394 Reset to discover the number of devices and effectively their local node addresses for use by the other agents 406, 408; (3) writing the device count value to the device's own 1394 ROM space 402; and (4) clearing (e.g., to false) the synchronization control bit for ‘1394DDA in progress’ in the device's own 1394 ROM 402, wherein the ‘IP configuration in progress’ bit remains set and is cleared later by the operating FWHCP agent 406.
Alternative Architecture for Configuration with IP Address list in network communication (bridge) device is possible. For example, the IP address list of IP addresses of devices on a bridged (e.g., non-1394 network) can alternatively be examined at the IP configuration stage by the FWHCP agent 406 rather than only at the UIDGA stage by the UIDGA agent 408. This allows the FWHCP agent 406 to detect and correct address collisions and therefore allow operation without having two separately defined address ranges, one for the 1394 network 300 and one for the non-1394 network 119. Correction of address collision can be accomplished by modifying the address of a colliding 1394 device as the bridged network IP address list cannot be modified by the aforementioned agents 406, 408 for the 1394 network 300. Configuration is more reliable if the FWHCP agent 406 can check the addresses in the bridged network 119 for collision prior to allowing the addresses used on the 1394 network 300.
IP Address Configuration Agent (FWHCP Agent)Referring to
In one embodiment, the IP Address configuration agent 406 in a device performs steps including polling the 1394DDA configuration operation control bit (i.e., the ‘1394DDA in progress’ bit) to determine if the 1394DDA configuration software agent 404 has executed to completion. If so, then the FWHCP agent 406 uses the count of devices determined by the 1394 DDA agent 404, and reads GUID's and Control Word's from every device (step 504) to determine which device in the network 300 is selected to execute its FWHCP agent 406 (step 506). The selected device is one with an FWHCP agent 406 that finds it has the highest GUID (step 508). All other FWHCP agents 406 in other devices remain dormant (step 510). The operating FWHCP agent 406 reads the ‘in-use’ (active) IP address (determined by Discovery_control_bits BIT 0) from each local node (e.g. units present on the interface, host) and listed (step 512). In one version, the software agent makes a list for saving the IP addresses to an ‘Array’ as they are read (steps 514-518). The list will be in memory (RAM or DRAM) under the control of the compiler and OS. In-use status is determined by a bit setting in the device, which indicates whether the built-in or assigned address is in-use. In Table 7 the IP_address_assigned and IP_address_built_in are in the 1394Web Unit Directory.
The operating FWHCP agent 406 examines said list for collision among IP addresses listed therein (other collision detection and resolution methods can also be used) (steps 520-522). If a collision is detected, the FWHCP agent alters the colliding addresses by e.g. substituting the least significant 6 bits of IP address for their 6 bit node address (step 524). Only the minimum number of alterations are performed to relieve the collision. If one of the colliding addresses is already an assigned address, then that address is altered in preference to the colliding built-in address by e.g. incrementing the 6 bit substitute value and re-checking until the collision is resolved. The FWHCP agent 406 writes the altered value back to the device and the control bit (Discovery_Control_Bits: Bit 0) is set to indicate that the assigned IP address is in-use, and the built-in default is no longer in-use (step 526). The process is repeated for each IP address (step 528). After the collision resolution process, the operating FWHCP agent 406 accesses each device in turn and sets the ‘IP configuration in-progress’ bits in each device to e.g. ‘false’ to indicate that the indicated IP address is valid.
UI Description Generation Agentin conventional WWW operation, users access the same top level page. Referring to
Non-UI devices, particularly those devices performing a gateway function, can also include a UI Description Generation agent 408 to generate top-level GUI descriptions 250, without including GUI Generation and Run-Time processes 410 (e.g., Web Browser 200) to generate and display GUIs 220. With appropriate address use (e.g., using the RFC1918 private addresses on the local HN), this allows external WWW access to the 1394WEB network devices. External addresses are assigned ‘real’ IP addresses suitable for Internet use. Generally there is a unit (e.g., gateway type unit) with the UIDGA 408 which represents the home to the outside Internet. The gateway's UIDGA generates a different UI description for the outside use (remote access case different from inside local device use), using the home's IP address with extended links to identify which home device local private IP address.
UI devices execute the following software processes to generate and display views 220 of the network 100/300: (1) 1394 Device Discovery Agent 404 described above, (2) UI Description Generation Agent (UIDGA) 408, and (3) GUI Generation and Run-Time (e.g., Web Browser 200) process 410. Referring to
The UIDGA agent 408 reads the IP address list (step 602) and generates the top-level network UI description 250 (
The GUI generation process 410 (e.g., Web Browser 200) utilizes the UI description 250 in e.g. HTML to generate GUI pages 220 on UI devices. In one example, to provide keyboard-less operation for consumer electronics devices (e.g., DTV) the Browser 200 at start-up defaults to reading and rendering a locally generated ‘top-level-devices.html’ description 250 to generate the network top-level control GUI 220. Locally as used here means in the same device (a UI device having a UIDGA that generates the device's own HN Directory (top-level) GUI of the network devices). HN Directory, Top level Network UI and Discovery page are the same. For personal computers (PC) with keyboard this need not be the default. For CE devices, launch of the Browser 200 is delayed until after completion of the UIDGA default page 250 generation by the UIDGA agent 408. In the event that UIDGA agent 408 cannot complete its tasks, then the Browser 200 displays an alternative UI page 220 showing a network configuration error occurred (e.g., “Unable to generate the HN_Directory Page because of xxxxxx. Try disconnecting device xxxxxxx. Network configuration error number xxxxxx occurred. Contact service Tel service xxx-xxx-xxxx or Web service http://www.service.com.”)
To generate the GUI 220, the Browser 200 fetches the ‘icon.htm’, ‘name.htm’ and ‘logo.htm’ files from device information 202, 204 in each referenced device (i.e., in the UI description, where for example ICON.HTM is in the HN_Directory Page HTML file) as defined by the HTML UI description 250. The contents of these pages 202, 204 (e.g. the icon graphic) need not be static and can be altered dynamically to reflect device status change, or after user customization. In order to display the most current top-level page 220, the Browser 200 does not cache the ‘icon.htm’, ‘name.htm’ and ‘logo.htm’ files. In another version, a check is always made first to determine if the device has made any changes to the HTML files 202, 204 it holds. HTTP “Conditional get” is used for checking the status of controlled device. Depending on the status code returned, the Browser 200 will either read from its cache or fetch a fresh or updated copy the HTML file 202, 204 from the devices. The HWWW GUI display is not affected unless there is any change of the status of the controlled device.
The browser 200 does not attempt to display the top-level HN directory until it has been completely generated. If the HTML 250 is not generated within some reasonable amount of time, the browser displays an alternate page. If a network configuration error is the source of the problem, the alternate page might provide some technical support or user diagnostic assistance.
Whenever the user returns to the top-level HN directory or causes it to be refreshed, the browser 200 redisplays the page 220 in its entirety. This is necessary because the HTML 250 that underlies the top-level HN directory may have been regenerated if a device has been added to or removed from the network 100. It is also possible for device icons to be updated to reflect changes in their device's operating state. As such, browsers implemented by EIA-775.1 devices use HTTP “conditional get” requests to determine whether or not fresh copies of web pages or graphics are retrieved from the server.
In this aspect, the present invention provides a User Interface description where user discovery of devices is thus made entirely with references (i.e. in the abstract), where the references are ‘containers’ for the discovery information (e.g., text and/or graphics) of each device and resident on each device. Each ‘container’ includes actual textual information and/or references to one or more graphics formatted information files where each file may include one or more images and/or text. Use of the reference ‘containers’ allows each device to choose its preferred UI content or graphics format or alter its UI content to be displayed (by changing the text or graphic information referred to) without need to have the UI description page altered in any way. Therefore, communication of changes with the generating agent software of the Discovery UI description is not required. In one version, devices reference their e.g. ICON and LOGO graphics files indirectly using HTML files enabled by creating the network Toplevel description using HTML frames. Similarly the device name that is displayed under the icon is represented by NAME HTML file. HTML files are used to reference e.g. the icon and logo graphics files and name data rather than include the raw icon.gif or logo.gif and raw name text. This allows the item to be changed to reflect current status, customized by the manufacturer or user configured at the device without causing any change in the top-level HTML description. This level of abstraction allows the Top-level UI description to be always the same regardless of the graphics ICON and LOGO file names and types and NAME text to be displayed. Also the device may use different, multiple or dynamically change the graphics files and text displayed in the Top-level GUI without the change needing to be communicated to the UIDGA. The change is automatically included whenever the GUI is redisplayed. Use of frames also stabilizes the GUI display in the event of bad citizen devices using non-displayable graphics or text as the error is confined to the particular frame and doesn't affect the whole GUI. The change is automatically included whenever the GUI is redisplayed.
Referring to Appendices 1-4, illustrative examples for the following are provided: (1) Top-Level Page description 250 (Appendix 1); (2) Background.htm (Appendix 2); (3) Icon.htm (Appendix 4); and (4) Name.htm (Appendix4).
Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with regard to the preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the appended claims should not be limited to the descriptions of the preferred versions contained herein.
Claims
1. A method for controlling and commanding devices that are currently connected to a physical layer of a network, the method comprising:
- employing a processor for: discovering a plurality of devices that are currently connected to the physical layer of the network; obtaining control commands for commanding and controlling at least one of the plurality of devices by at least one other device currently connected to the network, wherein the control commands include at least a device name and service type, and wherein the physical layer provides a communication medium that can be used by the plurality of devices to communicate with each other; generating a user interface based at least on the obtained control commands; and controlling the at least one of the plurality of devices to perform a service.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the service type comprises a type of service each device can provide and the user interface is generated and displayed based on at least an attribute and capability of the service type.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the user interface further includes device data corresponding to each device based on information obtained from each device.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein generating the user interface further includes associating a hyper-text link with the control commands in each of the devices currently connected to the network, such that each hyper-text link provides access from the user interface to the control commands in a device.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein the user interface includes at least one electronic link providing direct access from the user interface to the user control interface.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the user interface includes device data corresponding to each device based on the information obtained from each device, and wherein when the one electronic link in the user interface is user activated the activated link is used to access at least one of the connected devices and retrieve control interface description contained in the at least one of the connected devices to generate and display a device user interface based on the retrieved control interface description, for user interaction with the at least one of the connected device.
7. A network system for performing a service, comprising:
- a physical layer providing a communication medium that can be used by connected devices to communicate with each other;
- at least one of the connected devices storing information for user interaction with the at least one device; and
- an agent module in the at least one device for: discovering a plurality of devices that are currently connected to the physical layer of the network; obtaining control commands for commanding and controlling at least one of the plurality of devices by at least one other device currently connected to the network, wherein the control commands include at least a device name and service type; generating a user interface based at least on the obtained control commands; and controlling the at least one of the plurality of devices by accessing at least one of the connected devices and retrieving control interface description contained in the at least one of the connected devices to control function of the at least one device.
8. The network system of claim 7, wherein the service type comprises a type of service each device can provide and the user interface is generated and displayed based on at least an attribute and capability of the service type.
9. The network system of claim 8, wherein the user interface further includes device data corresponding to each device based on the information obtained from each device.
10. The network system of claim 9, wherein the agent further associates a hyper-text link in the user interface with the information in each of the devices currently connected to the network, such that each hyper-text link provides access from the user interface to the information in an associated device.
11. The network system of claim 10, wherein the agent generates the user interface such that the user interface further includes device data corresponding to each device based on the information obtained from each device, the device data providing at least one electronic link to the user interface in each device, such that when the one link is user activated the activated link is used to access the at least one of the connected devices and retrieve control interface description contained in the at least one of the connected devices to generate and display a device user interface based on the retrieved control interface description for user interaction with that corresponding device.
12. The network system of claim 10 further comprising means for using each link in the user interface to access the information in each connected device, and generating user interface device data corresponding to each device using the accessed information in each device.
13. A method for controlling and commanding devices that are currently connected to a physical layer of a wireless network, the method comprising:
- employing a processor for: discovering a plurality of devices that are currently connected to the physical layer of the network; obtaining control commands for commanding and controlling at least one of the plurality of devices currently connected to the network, generating a user interface based at least on the obtained control commands; and sending one or more control commands to at least two of the plurality of devices to cause a first device and a second device of the plurality of devices to communicate with each other to perform a service, wherein the control commands include at least a device name and service type, and wherein the physical layer provides a communication medium that can be used by the plurality of devices to communicate with each other.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the service type comprises a type of service that each device can provide and the user control interface is generated and displayed based on at least an attribute and capability of the service type.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the user interface including one or more references associated with each of the devices currently connected to the network.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein each reference in the user interface includes at least one electronic link providing direct access from the user interface to at least the user control interface description.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 22, 2009
Publication Date: Dec 31, 2009
Applicant: (Suwon City)
Inventors: Dongyan Wang (Santa Clara, CA), Richard Humpleman (Fremont, CA)
Application Number: 12/489,157
International Classification: G05B 15/02 (20060101); G06F 15/16 (20060101);
