Data driven remote device control model with general programming interface-to-network messaging adaptor

Abstract

A general programmatic interface-to-network messaging adapter exposes a suitable object integration interface or application programming interface to applications on a controller device and sends network data messages to invoke services or query status of a controlled device. The adapter maps application calls to the interface into network data messages according to service protocols of the controlled device. The general adapter provides the interface suitable to any specific service of a controlled device based on a data description of the interface, and converts the application calls to network data messages based on a data description of a protocol and format for network data messages to interact with the specific service. Once the interface / messaging description is obtained, applications on the controller device can programmatically interact with the adapter, and the adapter then handles appropriate message exchanges with the service of the controlled device. The general adapter allows controller device applications to be written using object-oriented programming, while avoiding code download.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA [0001] This application is based on provisional application No. 60 / 139,137 filed and Jun. 11, 1999, and provisional application number [to be determined] filed Oct. 18, 1999.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This invention relates generally to dynamic configuration of interconnectivity among distributed devices and services, and more particularly relates to providing a capability to access device- or service-specific operational information and perform remote automation and control of embedded computing devices using a data-driven remote programming model, such as in a pervasive computing environment BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY [0003] The cost of computing and networking technologies have fallen to the point where computing and networking capabilities can be built into the design of many electronic devices in the home, the office and public places. The combination of inexpensive and reliable shared networking media with a new class of small computing devices has created an ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0003] The cost of computing and networking technologies have fallen to the point where computing and networking capabilities can be built into the design of many electronic devices in the home, the office and public places. The combination of inexpensive and reliable shared networking media with a new class of small computing devices has created an opportunity for new functionality based mainly on the connectivity among these devices. This connectivity can be used to remotely control devices, to move digital data in the form of audio, video and still images between devices, to share information among devices and with the unconstrained World Wide Web of the Internet (hereafter “Web”) and to exchange structured and secure digital data to support things like electronic commerce. The connectivity also enables many new applications for computing devices, such as proximity-based usage scenarios where devices interact based at least in part on geographical or other notions of proximity. A prevalent feature of these connectivity scenarios is to provide remote access and control of connected devices and services from another device with user interface capabilities (e.g., a universal remote controller, handheld computer or digital assistant, cell phones, and the like). These developments are occurring at the same time as more people are becoming connected to the Internet and as connectivity solutions are falling in price and increasing in speed. These trends are leading towards a world of ubiquitous and pervasive networked computing, where all types of devices are able to effortlessly and seamlessly interconnect and interact.

[0007] More specifically, this general adapter provides the interface suitable to any specific service of a controlled device based on a data description of the interface, and converts the application calls to network data messages based on a data description of a protocol and format for network data messages to interact with the specific service. Once the interface / messaging description is obtained, applications on the controller device can programmatically interact with the adapter, and the adapter then handles appropriate message exchanges with the service of the controlled device. With the described adapter, no code download is required, only the interface / messaging description is needed. The description can be obtained from the controlled device, a network server computer, or by pre-loading or caching on the controller device. The technology allows controller device applications to be written using object-oriented programming, while avoiding code download.

Problems solved by technology

Prior connectivity models are not adequate to bridge between object interfaces and the data messages exchanged with the controlled device over a network.

Such a code download requirement is unsuitable to the Web and other ubiquitous computing scenarios.

This approach leads to deployment hassles (e.g., user setup and configuration) and also is unsuitable to ubiquitous computing.

Images