Method and apparatus for a home network auto-tree builder
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Abstract
A method and system is provided for detecting, commanding and controlling diverse home devices currently connected to a home network. An interface is provided for accessing the home devices that are currently connected to a home network. According to the method, a device link file is generated, wherein the device link file identifies home devices that are currently connected to the home network. A device link page is created, wherein the device link page contains a device button that is associated with each home device that is identified in the device link file. A hyper-text link is associated with each device button, wherein the hyper-text link provides a link to an HTML page that is contained on the home device that is associated with the device button, and the device link page is displayed on a browser based home device.
196 Citations
33 Claims
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1-8. -8. (Canceled).
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9. A method for implementing command and control for home devices via a home network, the method comprising the steps of:
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connecting a first home device to the home network;
connecting a second home device to the home network, which is capable of being controlled by said first home device;
detecting presently connected home devices on the home network in an autonomous manner;
accepting user input from a user by said first home device; and
controlling the second home device by sending control and command information from the first home device to the second home device based on the user input. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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33. A home network system for commanding and controlling home devices, the home network comprising:
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a configuration manager;
a first home device containing user interface data that defines a user interface for commanding and controlling the first home device;
a second home device having a viewable display unit, wherein the viewable display unit displays the user interface for commanding and controlling the first home device; and
a physical layer, wherein the physical layer provides a communication medium that can be used by the configuration manager, the first home device and the second home device to communicate with each other, the first home device and the second home device both being operational during the communication.
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Specification