Multicast Control for Home Network Remote User Interface Servers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing home networking systems, controlling multiple Remote User Interface Servers (RUIS) using a Remote User Interface Client (RUIC) is inefficient due to the need for sequential selection and transmission of control commands, leading to cumbersome procedures and reduced control efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and apparatus that allows the RUIC to transmit control commands to multiple RUIS using multicast messages, enabling simultaneous control of multiple devices with a single message, thereby reducing the need for repetitive selections and transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sequential selection and transmission of control commands is used to control multiple RUIS, then each device can be controlled individually, but control efficiency deteriorates and operations become cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control commands into a single multicast message that can be simultaneously transmitted to multiple RUIS devices. Instead of sequentially selecting and controlling each device individually, the system combines control operations for multiple devices into one unified action, thereby improving control efficiency and reducing operational time.
Solution Approach 2:
The multicast message serves multiple functions simultaneously - it can control different types of RUIS devices (audio devices, video devices, display devices) with different control commands all through a single message transmission. This multi-functionality allows one control action to affect multiple devices with different operations, resolving the contradiction between individual control capability and operational efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If multiple control commands are transmitted sequentially to each device, then each command can be precisely controlled, but the complexity of controlling multiple devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control message into structured components that can be independently processed by different RUIS devices. Each control command within the multicast message is segmented with specific identifiers and parameters, allowing devices to selectively process only the commands relevant to them while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The multicast message acts as an intermediary carrier that simplifies the communication between the RUIC and multiple RUIS devices. Instead of establishing separate control channels with each device, the system uses the multicast message as a mediator to transmit control commands efficiently, reducing the complexity of managing multiple device connections.
3Productivity
If sequential control commands are used, then each device receives targeted control, but the number of transmission operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control transmissions into a single multicast operation. Instead of sending separate control commands to each RUIS device sequentially, the system merges these transmissions into one multicast message that is simultaneously delivered to all targeted devices, thereby increasing productivity and reducing the total number of transmission operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the multicast message with all necessary control commands for multiple devices before transmission. This allows the control operations to be executed in parallel across multiple devices simultaneously, accelerating the control process and reducing the quantity of sequential transmission operations required.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for controlling a Remote User Interface Server (RUIS) in a Remote User Interface Client (RUIC), wherein the method includes rendering an RUI page for controlling RUISs, receiving an input of a control command for controlling the RUISs from a user through the RUI page, generating a multicast control message for transmitting the input control command in a form of multicast, and transmitting the multicast control message to the RUISs.