Remote Application Delivery in Home Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home network technologies, such as those using Universal Plug and Play (UPnP), do not provide a method for a client device to directly use an application stored on a remote server, requiring the client to receive an AV stream even when only the application is needed, which complicates providing both the AV stream and application together.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow a server to transmit documents with information for remotely using an application to a client, including UPnP device and service descriptions, metadata, and control requests, enabling the client to search, extract, and control the application using UPnP service descriptions, allowing the server to operate as an OpenCable-Digital Media Server and the client as an OpenCable-Digital Media Player.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the client receives an AV stream to use a remote application, then the application can be executed, but the system complexity increases and bandwidth is wasted when only the application is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the application binary from the AV stream packaging. Instead of requiring the complete AV stream (which contains both video/audio data and application metadata), the system allows the client to request and receive only the application binary file directly from the server. This is achieved by storing applications as separate files on the server and enabling direct file transfer protocols, thus eliminating the need to process unnecessary AV stream data while still providing the application execution capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the server stores AV stream and application separately, then storage flexibility improves, but providing both together becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the application delivery mechanism with the existing content delivery infrastructure. The server maintains separate storage for applications (as binary files) and AV streams (as media files), but implements a unified provisioning system where the content directory service can deliver both types of content through similar protocols. The server's file system is configured to serve both application binaries and media files, and the content directory metadata structure is extended to describe both application and media content, allowing seamless integration without physical consolidation.
3Loss of energy
If the client requests only the application without AV stream, then bandwidth efficiency improves, but compatibility with existing UPnP CDS deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the UPnP Content Directory Service to provide universal access to both media content and application content. The CDS metadata schema is enhanced to include application-specific attributes (such as executable format, required middleware, application parameters) while maintaining backward compatibility with existing media content descriptions. The content directory service interface is made multi-functional, allowing it to publish, search, and deliver both AV stream metadata and application binary files through the same UPnP protocols, thus maintaining protocol compatibility while enabling efficient application-only delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method and apparatus for providing a client with an application received through a data broadcast channel as a type of content of a content directory service (CDS) or a Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) service newly defined to provide applications by a server.