초록 ▼

A method and system for defining and discovering proxy functionality on a distributed audio video network. The present invention operates within a network of consumer electronic media devices (e.g., television, set-top-box, video cassette recorder, compact disc device, personal computer system, etc.

A method and system for defining and discovering proxy functionality on a distributed audio video network. The present invention operates within a network of consumer electronic media devices (e.g., television, set-top-box, video cassette recorder, compact disc device, personal computer system, etc.) that are coupled together using the IEEE 1394 serial communication standard. Specifically, the present invention enables a consumer electronic media device having increased functionality to act as a proxy device for other consumer electronic media devices. As such, the proxy device is able to provide a wide variety of advantageous proxy services for other consumer electronic media devices thereby increasing their original capabilities. For instance, the proxy device can act as a translator between two devices thereby enabling them to communicate. Additionally, the proxy device can enable Home Audio Video Interoperability (HAVi) devices to have greater control over non-HAVi devices. Moreover, the proxy device can extend the existing functionality of devices as well as provide new functionality for them. Furthermore, the proxy device can act as a command arbitrator for particular devices. Also, the proxy device can act as a proxy for all or a portion of the functionality of a device. It is appreciated that these are only examples of the possible advantageous proxy services that the proxy device can provide for other devices in accordance with the present invention.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. In a network of consumer electronic media devices, a method of communicating between a plurality of consumer electronic media devices, said method comprising the steps of:a) establishing a first consumer electronic media device as a proxy device for a second consumer el

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. In a network of consumer electronic media devices, a method of communicating between a plurality of consumer electronic media devices, said method comprising the steps of:a) establishing a first consumer electronic media device as a proxy device for a second consumer electronic media device within said network of consumer electronic media devices, wherein said plurality of consumer electronic media devices are coupled together as a network by a common bus, wherein step a) comprises the step of storing a data structure in memory of said first consumer electronic media device, wherein said data structure defines proxy services that said first consumer electronic media device performs for said second consumer electronic media device;b) transmitting a signal to said first consumer electronic media device indicating a particular proxy service to be performed;c) said first consumer electronic media device receiving said signal; andd) in response to receiving said signal, said first consumer electronic media device performing said particular proxy service for said second consumer electronic media device.