Unified AV Interface via Uploaded Control Apps
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing HAVi standard for controlling AV devices in home entertainment networks requires users to handle separate user interfaces for each device, making it cumbersome to set up services between IEEE1394 devices, especially when controlling devices with unknown features.
Innovation Solution
A method where a control application is uploaded from a controlled device to a control device, allowing one device to manage and provide a combined user interface for multiple devices by using Device Control Modules and a Java Virtual Machine to translate commands and generate UI elements, enabling the control of devices with features unknown at production time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate user interfaces are used for each device in the HAVi network, then each device can be controlled independently, but the user must handle multiple separate UIs simultaneously which increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate user interfaces into a single unified user interface by embedding control applications from different devices within a common interface framework. The control application server consolidates UI elements from multiple controlled devices, allowing users to interact with all devices through one interface rather than multiple separate interfaces, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If UI by Havlets is used to provide high flexibility in user interface construction, then custom interfaces can be created, but setting up service between two IEEE 1394 devices becomes complex requiring two separate UIs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control application server that can serve multiple controlled devices through a single user interface. The server architecture allows one UI to perform multiple functions by dynamically embedding control applications from different devices, eliminating the need for separate UIs for each device while maintaining the flexibility to customize interfaces through Havlets
3Ease of operation
If control applications are uploaded from controlled devices to control device, then unified user interface is generated, but unknown features of future devices cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-configuring the control application server with the capability to receive and execute control applications from any device. The server is designed to proactively obtain control applications from controlled devices before full integration is needed, allowing the system to adapt to new devices with unknown features by downloading their control applications in advance and making them available through the unified interface
Data Source
AI summary
Two or more electronic devices are connected via a bus system, wherein one of the network devices controls other network devices. A first control application is uploaded from a first controlled device to the control device and a second control application is uploaded from a second controlled device into the first control application. The first and second controlled devices can be operated simultaneously using a single user interface shown on a display of the control device. The user interface of the first device is displayed as main user interface and the user interface of the second device is rendered within the main interface as reduced user interface, which includes only operation elements necessary for operation of the second device in combination with the first device. The generation of combined user interfaces is also possible when the second controlled device comprises features, which are not known at the production of the first controlled device.