Method and apparatus for user and device command and control in a network

A network system for performing a service, comprising:

• (a) a physical layer, wherein the physical layer provides a communication medium than can be used by devices to communicate with each other;
• (b) a first home device storing first capabilities data including information in a structured format for identifying the capabilities of the first home device;
• (c) a second home device storing second capabilities data including information in said structured format for identifying the capabilities of the second home device;
• (d) a client device including a user interface controller for displaying a user interface to provide selection information for at least the first home device to a user and to receive user input for selecting at least the first home device;
• the client device further including a software agent such that when the user selects the first home device from the user interface being displayed on the client device, the software agent reads and compares said first and second capabilities data, and if compatible, the software agent causes the controller means to update said selection information on the user interface to include selection information for the second home device, and
• wherein upon selection of the second home device from the user interface by a user, the client device sends control and command data to the first and second home devices to cause the first and second home devices to communicate with each other to perform a service requested by the user.

A method for performing a service via a home network, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) connecting a client device to the home network, wherein the client device is capable of displaying user interface data;
• (b) connecting a first home device to the home network, the first home device storing user interface data in a selected format that defines a user interface for user command and control of at least the first home device by a user via the network;
• (c) connecting a second home device connected to the home network, the second home device storing application interface description data in a structured format for device command and control of the second home device by one or more other home devices connected to the network;
• (d) receiving the user interface data of the first home device at the client device via the home network;
• (e) displaying the user interface defined by the user interface data of the first home device on the client device;
• (f) accepting user input from a user in response to the user interacting with the user interface displayed on the client device;
• and
• (g) sending control and command data from the client device to the first home device based on the user input to cause the first and second home devices to communicate with each other utilizing said application interface description data to perform the service.

A network system for commanding and controlling devices, comprising:

• (a) a physical layer, wherein the physical layer provides a communication medium than can be used by devices to communicate with each other;
• (b) a first server device storing user interface data in a selected format that defines a user interface for user command and control of at least the first device by a user;
• (c) a second server device storing application interface description data in a structured format for device command and control of the second sever device by one or more devices;
• (d) a client device capable of displaying user interface data, the client device including user interface controller means for displaying said user interface of the first server device on the client device to accept input from a user, and for sending control and command data to the first server device based on the user input, to cause the first and second sever devices to communicate with each other utilizing said application interface description data to perform a service requested by the user.