MXPA00000260A - A method and apparatus for including self-describing information within devices - Google Patents

Abstract

Self-describing information is included within a device and contains information relating to a graphical representation of the device, the controls available on the device and the interface required to access those controls. The self-describing information is preferably embedded within a ROM within the device and is read by other devices coupled to the device for presenting a graphical user interface through which the device can be remotely controlled by a user. The self-describing information can also include an address from which additional information about the device and upgrades are automatically obtained. This address is either an internet address or points to a location within a network of devices. The address can also be modifiable. Alternatively, the self-describing information also includes driving software for enhancing the graphical user interface and controlling the operation of the device through another system. This driving software is written either in the native language of the device on which it is uploaded and executed or in a platform neutral language such as JavaTM. The graphical user interface is presented on a television, computer or other appropriate system for controlling multiple devices through the system. The controlling system obtains the self-describing information from each device within the configuration. The graphical user interface includes a graphical representation of the devices and specific control features available to the user presented in a graphical orientation. Alternatively, a three-dimensional representation of the device is presented with controls represented on the device. If no controlling system is available, a graphical user interface is controlled by an application within the device and presented on an available display.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS TO INCLUDE INFORMATION SELF-DECRIPTION IN DEVICES Related Requests These applications claim priority under 35 USC section 119 (e) of the provisional patent application of the US. Serial No. 60 / 054,327, filed on July 31, 1997, and titled "METHOD AND APARATUS FOR INCLUDING SELF DESCRIPTION INFORMATION WITHIN DEVICES "(ONE METHOD AND • APPARATUS FOR INCLUDING SELF-DESCRIPTION INFORMATION WITHIN DEVICES). The provisional patent application No. of Series 60 / 054,327, filed on July 31, 1997, and titled "METHOD AND APARATUS FOR INCLUDING SELF DESCRIPTION INFORMATION ITHIN DEVICES "(ONE METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INCLUDE SELF-DECRIPTIVE INFORMATION WITHIN DEVICES), also here it is incorporated by preference. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of including self-describing information within a device. More particularly, the present invention relates to the field of including information within a device that describes the physical attributes, characteristics, capabilities and pressure in the device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The IEEE 1394-1995 standard, "1394-1995 Standard for a High Performance Serial Bus" (Standard 1394-1995 for a high-performance serial conduit) is an international standard for implementing a high-speed serial conduit architecture. economic, which supports both asynchronous and isochronous data transfer. Isochronous data transfers are real-time transfers that are carried out, so that the time intervals between significant distances have the same duration both transmission and reception applications. Each packet of data transferred in an isochrone way is transferred in its own time period. An example of an ideal application for isochronous data transfer would be from a video recorder to a television set. The video recorder records images and sounds and saves the data in discrete pieces or packages. The video recorder then transfers each packet representing the recorded image and sound over a limited period of time, during that period of time for display by the television crew. The IEEE 1394-1995 standard conduit architecture standard provides multiple channels for isochronous data transfer between applications. A 6-bit channel number is broadcasted with the data to ensure reception by the appropriate application. This allows multiple applications to simultaneously transmit isochronous data through the conduit structure. Asynchronous transfers are traditional data transfer operations that are carried out as soon as possible and transfer a quantity of data from a source to a destination. The IEEE 1394-1995 standard provides a high-speed serial conduit for interconnecting digital devices, thereby providing a universal I / O (1/0) connection. The IEEE 1394-1995 standard defines a digital interface for applications, thus eliminating the need for an application to convert digital data to analog data before it is transmitted through the conduit. Correspondingly, a receiving application will obtain the digital data of the conduit, not analog data and therefore will not require converting analog to digital data. The cable required by the IEEE 1394-1995 standard is very thin compared to other more bulky cables used to connect these devices. A node in the IEEE 1394-1995 serial conduit is considered a logical entity with a unique address in the conduit structure. Each node provides an identification ROM, a standardized set of control records and its own address space.

The IEEE 1394-1995 serial conduit provides plug-and-play capabilities for applications. Devices can be added and removed from an IEEE 1394-1995 conduit while the conduit is active. If such a device is added or removed, the conduit will then be automatically reconfigured to transmit data between the existing nodes. To control any of these devices, the user must manually operate each device separately through the controls on the device. Alternately, it is well known that infrared control devices exist for a variety of home entertainment type products such as VCR television and sound systems. There are even a number of so-called "universal remote" products available that can control a number of different brands or types of equipment. If a computer system is connected as one of the nodes within the network, the particular devices connected to the network can be controlled through the computer system. The computer system operates by directing software (specific software) for the particular device that provides an interface to the user and allows the user to control and operate the device through the computer system. This software (software) controller is typically packaged with the device and included in a floppy disk (floppy disk) or CD-ROM. The driver software is then loaded into the computer system by the user as part of the initialization procedure when the device first connects to the network or to the computer system directly. For example, when a printer first connects to a computer system, a user must load the software driver into the computer system before the computer system is able to recognize and communicate with the printer. After the printer driver software is loaded into the computer system,. the user has the ability to control the operation of the printer through commands supplied to the computer system. If the printer driver software is subsequently updated, the user must obtain the software update, again on a floppy disk or CD-ROM and load it into the computer system. For devices configured for operation with computer systems from different platforms such as MAC or PC-based platforms, multiple disks, each containing the controller software and capable of being loaded onto one of the available platforms, must be included with the device. . For many multimedia devices, such as camcorders and CD players, which can be connected to a computer system through an IEEE 1394-1995 network, this driver software is typically not available. While these devices may be able to communicate with the computer system, their control is effected through the device itself. Currently, a user is unable to control the operation of this device through the computer system. However, as new applications are created for these devices, the driver software can become critical for the successful operation of the device within the specific application. Devices are also connected together or to a network without a computer system available within the configuration. In this network or configuration, it is very likely that there is no device capable of operating driver software for the operation of other devices within the network. An example of this network is a configuration that includes a television and a VCR (videocassette recorder) connected to each other. The user currently programs the VCR, in this configuration, through text-based menus directed by the VCR and displayed on television. To provide commands related to this programming operation, the user uses either the front panel of the VCR or a remote control device that sends transmissions to the VCR. Currently there is no way to control the operation of the VCR through television. The current IEEE 1394-1995 technology also lacks a method to reliably determine characteristics of a device in a specific node, including the type of device, its characteristics and capabilities and user interface information to represent the device and its characteristics to the user. What is required is a method for storing information within a device with respect to that device, which can then be transmitted to other devices either through a direct connection through a network. What is also required is a method to retrieve that information from self-description of a device or from information that is provided by the device. What is also required is a method for automatically obtaining information and driver software for a device or information that is provided by the device, thus eliminating the need to include one or more discs containing the driver software with the device. device.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION Self-descriptive information is included within a device and contains information regarding a graphic representation of the device, the controls available on the device and the interface that requires accessing those controls. Preferred self-descriptive information is embedded within a ROM within the device and read by other devices coupled to the device, to present a graphical user interface through which the device can be controlled remotely by a user. The self-description information may also include an address from which additional information regarding the device and updates are obtained automatically. This address is already an Internet address or points to a site within a network of devices. The address can also be modified. Alternately, the self-descriptive information also includes controlled software to improve the graphical user interface and control the operation of the device through another system. This driver software is described either in the native language of the device on which it is loaded and executed or in a neutral platform language such as JAVA ™ The graphical user interface is presented on a television, computer or other appropriate system to control multiple devices through the system. The control system obtains the self-descriptive information of each device within the configuration. The graphical user interface includes a graphic representation of the devices and specific control features available to the user presented in a graphical orientation. In alternate form, a three-dimensional representation of the device with controls represented on the device is presented. If the control system is not available, a graphical user interface is controlled by an application within the device and presented in an available display. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 illustrates a network configuration that includes a video camera, a videotape recorder, a computer system and a television coupled together by the input / output I / O conduits (1/0 = Input / Output). Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of relevant components within the video camera of Figure 1. Figure 3 illustrates a memory map of the read-only memory of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, including self-descriptive information.

Figure 4 illustrates a read-only memory memory map of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary configuration window of the graphical user interface of the present invention. Figure 6 illustrates a flow window including two sub-panels presented within the graphical user interface of the present invention. Figure 7 illustrates an example of a flow window with a video camera as a source device and a videotape recorder as a collector device. Figure 8 illustrates an example of a flow window having a source device and multiple collector devices. Figure 9 illustrates an alternate sub-panel to be displayed within the flow window. Figure 10 illustrates an exemplary computer system in which the graphical user interface of the present invention is implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY A device according to the present invention includes self-descriptive training embedded within the device, which preferably contains information regarding the device, including information that can be used to generate a graphic representation of the device for use with a graphical user interface. The self-descriptive information also includes an Internet address of which additional information regarding the device, its features and controls, they are obtained. Alternately, self-descriptive information also includes driver software to improve the graphical user interface and control the operation of the device. The graphical user interface is preferably displayed on a television, if one is available within the network. Other display systems may be used such as a computer or other media device with an accompanying display. Through the graphical user interface, a user is able to control the operation of the coupled devices within the network. The graphical user interface presents the user with information and status of the devices, as well as allows the user to configure device connections to transmit data streams and complete tasks. Preferably, self-descriptive information embedded in a read-only memory (ROM = Read-only memory) within each device. Other devices coupled to a device either directly through a network, are then able to obtain the self-descriptive information of that device by a reading operation of the ROM of the device, in order to provide an improved user interface through the device. which the user can control more easily and efficiently the operation of the devices within the network. Alternately, the self-descriptive information is stored within any other appropriate memory circuit or component within the device, such as a tape memory, magnetic optical disk memory and flash memory. In an additional alternate mode, the self-descriptive information is stored in a media device such as digital video disc, video tape, compact disc and a minidisk or received through a satellite broadcast receiver. In a situation where the device is coupled to another device with a microprocessor and an exhibitor, such as a computer system, television with a microprocessor or decoder box in combination with the television, the computer system obtains the self-descriptive information of the device. device and provides a graphic user interface in the display through which a user is able to control the device. This graphic user interface includes a graphic representation of the device and the static control features available to the user. Through the graphical user interface, the user is able to control the device through the computer system, allowing the user to control the operation of multiple devices through a single computer system. Throughout this document, the term computer system will be used to refer to any digital control device including a microprocessor and an exhibitor. While a television with an internal microprocessor and a decoder box in combination with a television are two examples of these systems, it will be apparent that there are other general-purpose or special-purpose computer systems available. The application software needed to present the graphical user interface is preferably loaded into and resides within the controlling device. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the self-descriptive information that is received from the device must be in a format that is understood by the application software, in order to present the graphical user interface and send control instructions to the device. The application software provides a graphical user interface, as will be discussed below, which presents the graphic representation of the device and the controls available to the user. This graphical user interface is adaptable to very different positive types. In an alternate mode, the application software is obtained by the ROM computer system within the device itself. The self-descriptive information also includes an Internet address from which the computer system can automatically obtain additional or duplicate information regarding the device or even software to present an improved graphic user interface., to control the device. In an additional alternate mode, the self-descriptive information also includes an operating system driver for one of the most common operating systems including Windows 95MR, Macintosh ™, and Aperios ™. The driver software is written either in the active language of the device in which it is loaded and executed in a platform neutral language such as JAVAMR. When a device is coupled in a configuration without a computer system, the self-descriptive information and other software available within the device will be used to present a graphical user interface to the user. This graphical user interface will be presented in any display available to the device within the configuration. Through this graphical user interface, the user is then able to control the operation of the device. If there is no display available in the configuration, the user will then be able to manually control the device without the help of a graphical user interface. An exemplary network configuration including a video camera 10, a videotape recorder 14, a computer system 18 and a television 19 coupled together by the input / output I / O (I / O) ducts 12, 16 and 17 is illustrated in Figure 1. The I / O (I / O) conduit 12 couples the video camera 10 to the videotape recorder 14, allowing the video camera 10 to send data to the videotape recorder 14 for recording. Via the I / O conduit 12, the videotape recorder 14 is at least capable of sending communications to the video camera 10. The I / O conduit (1/0) 16 couples the videotape recorder 14 to the computer system 18, allowing the videotape recorder 14 to send data to the computer system 18 for display and allow the computer system 18 to send communications to the videotape recorder 14. Through the I / O conduits(1/0) 12 and 16, the computer system 18 is also capable of sending and receiving communications from the video camera 10. The I / O conduit (1/0) 17 couples the videotape recorder -14 to the television 19, allowing videotape recorder 14 to send data to television 19 for display. Through the I / O conduits (1/0) 12 and 17, the television is also capable of sending communications to and receiving communications from the video camera 10. Preferably, the I / O conduits (I / O) 12, 16 and 17 are IEEE 1394-1995 serial conduits. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that any other appropriate network or conduit configurations can be used to couple the devices together. A block diagram of relevant components within the video camera 10 is illustrated in Figure 2. A duct interface circuit 24 for interconnecting the device 10 to the I / O (12) duct and controlling communications on the I / O conduit (1/0) 12 is coupled to a controller circuit 22. The controller circuit 22 controls the operation of the device 10 and the components included within the device. A ROM 20 for storing the self-descriptive information of the present invention and necessary instructional codes are coupled to the controller 22. It should be apparent that the device 10 includes additional components not shown within Figure 2. It should also be apparent that other devices that include the self-descriptive information are similarly configured in this aspect.

The ROM 20 includes the self-descriptive information regarding the device 10. A memory map of the ROM 20, including self-descriptive information, within the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is illustrated in Figure 3. ROM 20 includes a section 25 containing information regarding the device, a section 26 containing information regarding the graphic representation of the device, a section 28 containing information regarding control descriptors and a section 30 containing information regarding functionality descriptors. The image section of the device 26 of the ROM includes data to form a graphic representation of the device. In order that these data can be read and understood by a variety of devices, the preference data is stored in a standard format. In the preferred embodiment, the data illustrating the graphic representation of the device is stored in a portable network graphic format (PNG = Portable Network Graphics). In the device information section 25 includes information regarding the device including the manufacturer, the model number and the type of device. The graphic representation of the device stored within the ROM 20 is preferably a representation of 256 colors, in order to completely represent the device and allow the graphic representation to adapt easily to different types of environment. Alternatively, in order to conserve space within the ROM 20, fewer colors may be used to graphically represent the device 10. As is known to those skilled in the art, the more colors are used to represent the device 10, the greater the the minimum bit depth needed for the image and the greater the storage space required within the ROM 20. Accordingly, the storage space available within the ROM may be a consideration regarding the detail of the graphic representation stored within the ROM. of self-descriptive information. As is well known to those skilled in the art, it is also possible to encode and store graphic information at depths or intensity of previous bits such as 16, 24, to 32 bits. In an alternate embodiment, the graphic representation includes additional information such as transparency and color conversion information. The control descriptor section 28 includes a description of each button or available physical control included in the device 10. Within the control descriptor section 28, preferably there is a description of each physical button or other control in the device 10, including localized text that provides a name for the control characteristic represented, the type of control and the location of the control in the device 10. The type of information Control refers to whether the control is discrete or continuous and includes other descriptive information regarding control, such as in the range of tolerable feeds. The location of the control is represented as a rectangle within the image rectangle of the total device that describes the relative position of the control in the device 10. In this mode, this control information is used to describe the type of functionality represented by the physical characteristics of the device. device 10. This information is then used by the computer system 18 or another device to generate a graphical user interface through which the user can control the operation of the device. As will be described in detail below, the graphical user interface of the preferred embodiment does not include the controls in the graphical representation of the device but instead includes them in a block of available controls. Alternatively, the available controls are presented in the graphic representation of the device for selection by the user. The functionality descriptor section 30 includes information that provides access to the control interface used by the device 10. The functionality descriptor information provides the information necessary for the computer system 18 or other device to invoke the appropriate commands to control the operation of device 10 with available controls. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the control and functionality descriptor sections are combined within the same section in the ROM 20. This allows each control and its associated functionality to be accessed together within the same physical space within the ROM 20. A memory map of a ROM 40 of an alternate embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 4. The ROM 40 includes information to illustrate a three-dimensional graphic representation of the device 10. The ROM 40 includes a device information section. 41. ROM 40 includes a section 42 that contains information regarding the graphic representation of the front of the device and a section 44 that contains control and functionality descriptors with respect to controls present when the device is viewed from the front. The ROM 40 also includes a section 46 that contains information regarding the graphic representation from the top of the device and a section 48 that contains control and functionality descriptors with respect to controls present when the device is viewed from the top. The ROM 40 also includes a section 50 containing information regarding the graphic representation of the back of the device and a section 52 containing control descriptors and functionality relating to controls present when the device is viewed from the rear. Again, this information is then used by the computer system 18 or another device to generate a three-dimensional graphic user interface through which the user can control the operation of the device. As should be apparent, device images from other sides of the device may be included as appropriate, depending on the device and the placement of the available controls. Presenting a three-dimensional graphic representation of the device 10 in this manner provides a user with a graphic representation of the controls, which are otherwise available to the user manually. In this way, devices with controls on or behind panels folded down can be graphically represented to correspond to the current appearance of the device and allow the user to control the operation of the device graphically through another device or system as otherwise control the device. device manually. The specific graphical user interface presented to the user depends on the types of other devices available to the device 10, via network. For example, if the video camera 10 is coupled to a network including the computer system 18, as illustrated in Figure 1, then a more elaborate graphic user interface for controlling the video camera 10 will be presented to the user by the computer system 18. If the video camera 10 however is coupled to a network that includes only the television 19, but not the computer system 18, then a less elaborate graphic user interface will be appropriate because this interface graphic user will be directed by the video camera itself and not the television 19, unless the television 19 includes an internal microprocessor or is coupled to a decoder box. In order to allow the devices to include self-descriptive information of the present invention easily adapt to very different configurations, the ROM 20 of the preferred embodiment also includes a section 32 containing an Internet address. This Internet address is used by the computer system to obtain information regarding the device 10, as necessary to present a more elaborate graphic user interface to the user. As will be apparent, the computer system 18 must include a modem in order to access the information in the Internet address. When using the Internet address, the computer system 18 automatically obtains more detailed or additional information regarding the device 10. This access of the Internet address, preferably is transparent to the user and is performed after initialization of the device 10 to the network . Through this Internet addition, the computer system 18 is able to obtain controller software, to control the operation of the device 10, thus eliminating the need to include a disk with the device. Also, through this Internet address, the computer system 18 may subsequently automatically obtain updates to the self-descriptive information or software. controller, allowing devices to be subsequently used in unavailable applications when the device was first designed. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, only the addition of the Internet is included within the device and the self-descriptive information is automatically obtained by a controlling device, after reading the Internet address from a target device. This mode minimizes the required storage space required within the device. Depending on the amount of available memory, it is also possible to include user instructions or "help" information in the ROM 20. The memory map of the ROM 20 illustrated in FIG.

Figure 3 is preferred because it provides high capacity to present a graphical user interface, while minimizing the general space and data and is always readily available to a control device. The ROM 20 within the device 10 includes a limited amount of memory space that is also used for other data and operational codes required by the controller 22. In order to minimize the amount of the ROM 20 required to store the self-descriptive information of the present invention, the ROM 20 includes the information within sections 25, 26, 28 and 30, as described above, to present a graphical user interface to the user. The Internet address in section 32 is provided for those configurations in which more information is appropriate. These systems will typically have available memory space, where the information received from the Internet address is loaded. Therefore, through the Internet address, a control device such as the television 19 is able to obtain the additional information to provide improved functionality for controlling a target device 10, such as the video camera 10. in a modality alternates, the ROM includes only the Internet address and a control device must be Internet-based to obtain self-descriptive information for the target device. In an additional alternate mode, the ROM includes a uniform resource locator address (URL = Uniform Resources Locater) from which the descriptive information for the target device is obtained. This URL can point to an Internet address, a local audio / video network site or a site within the target device itself. This URL address can point to a memory storage site such as a hard drive, either on the local audio / video network or within the target device, which contains the self-descriptive information. In a still further alternative mode, this URL address is modifiable allowing a user to download or download self-descriptive information, as discussed here, and store that information in a hard drive, for example. The URL for the target device can then be modified to point this hard disk file to obtain self-descriptive information for the device.

An exemplary configuration window that is constructed using the preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 5. This configuration window 62 is displayed on the computer system 18 and provides a user with a graphic representation illustrating the devices within a configuration. It should be apparent that this graphical user interface can be displayed on any other appropriate device within the network, through which the user is able to control the other devices. In the configuration window 62, the devices and connections of the configuration illustrated in Figure 1 are represented. Specifically, a graphic representation 60 of the video camera is illustrated coupled to a graphic representation 64 of the videotape recorder 14. The representation graph 64 of the videotape recorder 14 is illustrated coupled to a graphic representation 68 of the computer system 18 and a graphic representation 69 of the television 19. The configuration window 62 provides a collection of icons representing the devices available within the network and a representation of the current topology of the device connection. The icons are the graphic representations that are obtained by the computer system. 18 of ROM 18 within each device. Preferably, the location of the devices within the window is determined by the computer system 18 in order to minimize cross lines. The connections of the device of preference are determined using a media manager as illustrated in the patent application of the U.S.A. Do not give Series presented on May 8, 1998 and entitled "Media Manager for Controlling Autonomous Media Devices within a Network Environment and Managing the Flow and Format of Data Between the Devices" (Media manager to control the device of autonomous media within an environment of network and manage the flow and data format between the devices) that is incorporated here by reference. Alternately, device connections are determined by directly examining the IEEE 1394-1995 serial conduit. Within the configuration window 62, a user is able to obtain detailed information regarding the device to select the graphic representation or icon of the device. This detailed information includes information obtained from the self-descriptive information stored within the ROM of the device 20, including device-specific data. The detailed information also includes the current state of the device.

Within the graphical user interface, a flow window is illustrated in Figure 6, used to provide available controls and facilitate the completion of an application or task. The flow window 70 includes two sub-panels 72 and 74. The first sub-panel 72 includes a "start" control button (Start) 76. The second sub-panel 74 includes a "ready" control button.

(Ready) 78. When the pressure of the devices within the network is desired, a source device from which data will be transmitted is placed inside the sub-panel 72 when selecting the device in the configuration window 60 and dragging it to the first sub-panel 72. One or more collecting devices to which the data is to be sent from the source device, then placed within the second sub-panel 74 in the same way. As will be described below, when more than one collector device is included within the flow window, each collector device will preferably be included in a separate sub-panel. An example of a flow window with a video camera as a source device and a videotape recorder as a collector device is illustrated in Figure 7. Within the first sub-panel 72, the graphic representation 80 of the video camera it is displayed after being selected and moved from the configuration window 60. Once the graphic representation 80 is moved to the first sub-panel 72, the available control functions 81, which are obtained from the self-describing data within the ROM 20 of the video camera 10, are also displayed within the first sub-panel 72. Within the second sub-panel 74, the graphic representation 84 of the videotape recorder is displayed after being selected and moved from the configuration window 60. Once the graphic representation 84 is moved to the second sub-panel 74, the control functions available 85 which are obtained from the self-description data within the ROM of the videotape recorder 14, are displayed within the second sub-panel 74. From the flow window 70, which is displayed in the computer system 18, a user is able to control the operation of the video camera 10 and the videotape recorder 14 for the application of sending a video and audio data stream from the video camera 10 to the videotape recorder 14. The control device sends the necessary commands in order to activate the target device (s) and complete the appropriate task (s). When the user is then ready to send the data stream, the appropriate controls 81 are activated within the source sub-panel, in this case the playback button, and then the "start" control button 76 is activated. "Start" control button 76 is activated, the computer system 18 instructs the video camera to start sending the data stream to the videotape recorder 14. If necessary, commands are sent from the control device to the video recorder. the video camera 10 in order to activate the power to the video camera 10 and put the video camera 10 in a playback mode. The videotape recorder 14 will record the data stream from the video camera 10 once the appropriate controls 85 are activated within the collector sub-panel., in this case, the recording button and the "ready" control button 68 is activated. When the "ready" control button 78 is activated, the computer system 18 instructs the videotape recorder 14, which starts recording the data stream from the video camera 10. If necessary, commands are sent from the control device to the videotape recorder 14 in order to turn on the videotape recorder 14 and put the videotape recorder 14 in a recording mode . The controls are then deactivated, then the videotape recorder 14 will record the stream of data sent from the video camera 10. In order to complete this task, the computer system 18 initializes an appropriate channel in the IEEE 1394-1995 serial channel and controls the flow of data on the IEEE 1394-1995 serial conduit.

Additional collector devices are added to the flow window 70 by selecting the appropriate graphical representation of the desired device and moving it to the flow window 70. When the graphical representations of the additional devices are moved to the flow window 70, those devices will automatically be they return collector devices to receive the data stream from the source device. An example of a flow window having a source device and multiple collector devices is illustrated in Figure 8. The flow window 70 of Figure 8 includes the first and second sub-panels 72 and 74 of the flow window of the Figure 7, as discussed above. In addition the stream of Figure 8 includes a third sub-panel 86. Within the third sub-panel 86, the graphic representation 89, which illustrates the television 19, is displayed after being selected and moved from the configuration window 60. Once that the graphic representation 89 moves to the third sub-panel 86, the available control functions 90 of the television, which are obtained by the computer system 18 from the self-descriptive data within the ROM on the television 19, are they display within the third sub-panel 86. The third sub-panel 86 also includes a "ready" control button 88. In this stream, the television 19 will display the data stream transmitted from the video camera 10, once the appropriate controls are activated within the collector sub-panel, in this case the playback button, and the "ready" control button 88 is activated. When the "ready" control button 88 is activated, computer system 18 instructs the TV vision 19 starting to display the current from the video camera 10. If necessary, the control device will also send commands to ensure that the television 19 is activated or turned on and that the television 19 is in the appropriate channel, to display the video stream that is sent from the video camera 10. Until the controls are then deactivated, the videotape recorder 14 will record and the television 19 will display the data stream from the video camera 10. - An alternate sub-panel to be displayed within the flow window is illustrated in Figure 9. The sub-panel 100 includes the graphic representation of a videotape recorder 104, the available controls 108 and the "ready" control button 110. In addition, the sub- panel 100 also includes a status area 106 to display the user a status of the videotape recorder. In this example, the status area 106 exhibits a counter representing an account from a particular point on the videotape within the videotape recorder. The status area 106 initializes from the self-descriptive data stored within the ROM of the videotape recorder 14. The status area is then updated by communications between the videotape recorder 14 and the computer system 18. In the example illustrated in Figure 9, the counter is updated by signals that are sent from the videotape recorder 14 to the computer system 18 during the flow of the data stream from the video camera 10 to the videotape recorder 14. In a modality alternate of the graphical user interface of the present invention, used in conjunction with the ROM 40 illustrated in Figure 4, the graphic representations of the devices within the configuration are three-dimensional. Also, the available controls are displayed directly in the graphic representation of the device, instead of below the graphic representation of the device. In a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, the self-descriptive information is used to provide a graphical user interface as illustrated in the U.S. patent application. No. 08 / 747,452 titled "Graphical User Inferred Including Graphical Representation of Devices coupled to IEEE 1394-1995 serial bus and flow of Data Between Applications" (Inferid of graphical user that includes graphic representation of devices coupled to the serial IEEE 1394-1995 conduit and data flow between applications) and presented on November 12, 1996, which is incorporated herein by reference. While the graphical user interface of the present invention can be advantageously implemented in almost any conventional computer system or other processor controlled system, an exemplary computer system 400 in which the graphical user interface of the present invention is implemented, is illustrated in Figure 10. In Figure 10 the computer system 400 includes a central processor unit (CPU = Central Processor Unit) 401, a main memory 402, a video memory 403, a keyboard 404 for user feeding, supplemented by a conventional mouse 405 for manipulating graphic images as a cursor control device and a mass storage device 406, all coupled together by a system conduit conventional bi-directional 407. The mass storage device 406 may include both fixed and removable media using any one or more of magnetic, optical or magneto-optical storage technologies or any other mass storage technology available. The system conduit 407 contains an address conduit for directing any position of the memory 402 and 403. The system conduit 407 also includes a data conduit for transferring data between the CPU 401, the main memory 402, the video memory 403 and the mass storage device 406. A video shifter and gating circuit 408 is coupled to a video memory gate 403 and a video amplifier 409. The video amplifier 409 controls a monitor or display 410 in which the Graphic user interface of the present invention is displayed. The video shifter and multiplexer circuits 408 and the video amplifier 409, convert pixel data stored in the video memory 403 to suitable scanning signals for use by the monitor 410. The self-descriptive information included within a device and the interface graphic user of the present invention allow a user to control the operation of the devices preferably coupled by an IEEE 1394-1995 serial duct network. The graphical user interface incorporates the self-descriptive information of devices within the network, illustrating to the user a graphic representation of the devices and their available controls. It should be apparent that the graphical user interface of the present invention can also be used to control coupled devices in other types of networks and configurations. It should be apparent that many other types of graphical user interfaces can be generated using self-descriptive information. It should also be apparent that the self-descriptive information can be used for other types of applications and in other environments to those described and illustrated. The self-descriptive information of the present invention is preferably used to provide a graphically oriented interface through which a user has the ability to control one or more devices through a single device or system. This graphically oriented interface includes graphic representations of available devices and controls. An Internet address is also provided within the self-descriptive information, to allow the system through which the interface is provided to obtain additional information regarding the device or the software to control the device. The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments that incorporate details to facilitate the understanding of principles of construction and operation of the invention. This reference here for specific modalities and details is not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the selected mode for illustration, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (54)

1. CLAIMS 1. - A method for interconnecting devices, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) embedding self-descriptive information within a first device; and b) configuring the first device to allow a second device to access the self-descriptive information to interconnect with the first device.
2. 2. - The method according to claim 1, wherein the self-descriptive information includes a graphic representation of the first device.
3. 3. - The method according to claim 2, wherein the self-descriptive information also includes information regarding controls and functionality of the first device.
4. 4. - The method according to claim 3, wherein the self-descriptive information includes an address from which additional information is obtained with respect to the first device.
5. 5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that it further comprises the step of providing an interface in the second device using the self-descriptive information, wherein a user has the ability to control the operation of the first device through the interface.
6. 6. - The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the interface includes the graphic representation of the device and available controls.
7. 7. - The method according to claim 6, wherein the self-descriptive information includes an operating system driver.
8. 8. - The method according to claim 6, wherein the self-descriptive information includes a user application.
9. 9. - The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the user application provides a graphical user interface through which a user is provided with access to the user's application.
10. 10. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the address is an Internet address.
11. 11. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the address points to a site within a network of devices, which includes the first device and the second device.
12. 12. - The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the address is modifiable.
13. 13. - A device that includes self-descriptive information, characterized in that it comprises: a) means to store self-descriptive information; b) a physical interface to allow the device to communicate with other devices, including transmitting self-descriptive information; and c) a controller coupled to the storage means and the physical interface to control communication through the interface with other devices.
14. 14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the self-descriptive information includes a graphic representation of the device.
15. 15. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the self-descriptive information includes an address from which additional information regarding the device is obtained.
16. 16. The device according to claim 15, characterized in that the address is an Internet address.
17. 17. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the self-descriptive information includes information regarding controls and functionality of the device.
18. 18. The device according to claim 17, characterized in that the self-descriptive information is used to provide a graphical interface in a controlling device for the operation of the device through the controlling device.
19. 19. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the means for storing self-descriptive information include a memory device.
20. 20. The device according to claim 19, characterized in that the memory device is a read-only memory.
21. 21. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the means for storing self-descriptive information include a media device.
22. 22. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the means for storing self-descriptive information include a broadcast receiving device.
23. 23. - The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the physical interface is an IEEE 1394 interface for interconnecting the device with an IEEE 1394 serial conduit structure.
24. 24.- A system configuration, characterized in that it comprises: a) a plurality of devices coupled together, each of the plurality includes: i) means to store self-descriptive information; and ii) a physical interface to allow the device to communicate with other devices, including transmission of the self-descriptive information; and b) a system coupled to the plurality of devices for presenting a graphical interface, using the self-descriptive information of each of the plurality of devices through which the operation of the plurality of devices is controlled, the system includes a microprocessor and an exhibitor.
25. 25. The system configuration according to claim 24, characterized in that the self-descriptive information includes a graphic representation of a respective device.
26. 26. The system configuration according to claim 24, characterized in that the self-descriptive information includes information regarding controls and functionality of the respective device.
27. 27. - The system configuration according to claim 26, characterized in that the means for storing include a memory device.
28. 28. The system configuration according to claim 27, characterized in that the memory device is a read-only memory.
29. 29. The system configuration according to claim 28, characterized in that the self-descriptive information includes address through which the system is able to obtain additional information regarding the respective device.
30. 30. The system configuration according to claim 29, characterized in that the self-descriptive information includes an operating system driver.
31. 31. The system configuration according to claim 30, characterized in that the self-descriptive information includes a user application.
32. 32. The system configuration according to claim 31, characterized in that the address is an Internet address.
33. 33. The system configuration according to claim 31, characterized in that the address points to a site within one of the plurality of devices.
34. 34.- The system configuration according to claim 29, characterized in that the graphic interface includes graphic representations of the plurality of devices and connections between the devices.
35. 35.- The system configuration according to claim 34, characterized in that the operation of selected devices is controlled through the interface through system communications to the selected devices.
36. 36.- The system configuration according to claim 35, characterized in that the system and the plurality of devices are all coupled together by an IEEE1394 conduit structure.
37. 37.- A graphical interface for controlling operation of devices coupled together in a network configuration, the graphic user interface is characterized in that it comprises: a) a plurality of device images, each representing a device within the configuration of net; b) graphic representations of connections between the plurality of device images representing current connections of the devices within the network configuration; and c) control means, to display available controls for select devices and control the operation of the devices based on selected controls; wherein the plurality of device images and available controls are obtained from self-descriptive information stored within the devices.
38. 38.- The graphical user interface according to claim 37, characterized in that the graphical user interface is displayed in a computer system that has a display, a memory and a feeding device.
39. 39.- The graphical user interface according to claim 38, characterized in that the feeding device is a mouse.
40. 40.- The graphical user interface according to claim 37, characterized in that the graphical user interface is displayed on a television.
41. 41.- The graphical user interface according to claim 40, characterized in that the feeding device is an infrared remote control device.
42. 42. - The graphical user interface according to claim 37, characterized in that the self-descriptive information includes an address through which the image of the device and the available controls are obtained.
43. 43. - The graphical user interface according to claim 42, characterized in that the address is an Internet address.
44. 44. - The graphical user interface according to claim 42, characterized in that the address points to a site within the network configuration.
45. 45.- The graphical user interface according to claim 37, characterized in that the self-descriptive information for a device includes a graphic representation of the device and information regarding controls and functionality of the device.
46. 46.- System for controlling devices coupled to a conduit structure, characterized in that it comprises: a) a conduit structure configured to provide communications between devices; b) a plurality of devices coupled to the conduit structure for communicating through the conduit structure, each of the plurality of devices includes self-descriptive information; and c) a graphical user interface for controlling operation of the plurality of devices, including: i) a plurality of device images each representing one corresponding to the plurality of devices and each is obtained from the device's self-descriptive information correspondent; and ii) a conduit structure representation illustratively coupled with each of the plurality of device images representing the conduit structure, wherein the operation of the devices is controlled through the graphical user interface.
47. 47. The system according to claim 46, characterized in that the graphical user interface is displayed in one of the devices including a microprocessor and an exhibitor.
48. 48. The system according to claim 47, characterized in that the graphical user interface further comprises control means for displaying controls available for select devices and controlling the operation of the devices based on selected controls, wherein the controls available are obtained from the self-descriptive information of the corresponding device.
49. 49.- The system according to claim 48, characterized in that the conduit structure is an IEEE 1394 serial conduit structure.
50. 50.- The system according to claim 46, characterized in that the self-descriptive information for a device includes a graphic representation of the device and information regarding controls and functionality of the device.
51. 51.- The system according to claim 50, characterized in that the self-descriptive information also includes an Internet address through which additional information regarding the device is obtained.
52. 52. - The system according to claim 51, characterized in that each of the plurality of devices includes a memory for storing the self-descriptive information.
53. 53. - The system according to claim 52, characterized in that the memory is a read-only memory.
54. 54.- The system according to claim 46, characterized in that the self-descriptive information also includes an address that points to a site within the devices coupled to the conduit structure through which additional information regarding the device is obtained. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Self-describing information is included within a device and contains information regarding the graphic representation of the device, the controls or controls available in the device and the interface required to access those controls. The self-describing information is preferably embedded in a ROM of the device and read by other devices coupled to the device to present a graphical user interface through which the device can be controlled remotely by a user. The self-describing information may also include an address from which additional information regarding the device and updates are automatically obtained. This address is already an Internet address or points to a site within a network of devices. The address can also be modified. Alternatively, self-describing information also includes software (software) driver to improve the graphical user interface and regulate the operation of the device through another system. This driver software is written either in the native language of the device on which it is loaded and executed or in a platform neutral language such as JavaMR. The graphical user interface is presented to a television, computer or other appropriate system to control multiple devices through the system. The control system obtains the self-descriptive information of each device within the configuration. The graphical user interface includes a graphic representation of the devices and specific control features available to the user presented in a graphical orientation. Alternatively, a three-dimensional representation of the device with controls depicted in the device is illustrated, if a control system is not available, a graphical user interface is controlled by an application within the device and presented in an available display.