Patent ID: 7103834
Filing Date: 2006-09-05
Classification: H04L,H04N

Abstract:
1. A method for providing an interface for accessing devices that are currently connected to a home network, the method comprising the steps of: (a) detecting devices that are currently connected to the home network, said devices having at least one controllable function; (b) creating a top menu that lists the detected devices for individually selecting each of said devices to activate said controllable function, by: (i) creating a device link page from the home network, wherein the device link page includes device controls that are associated with the devices that are detected in step (a), and (ii) associating a hypertext link with each device control, wherein the hypertext link provides a link to graphical or textual information that is contained in the detected device that is associated with the device control; (c) displaying said menu on a display device by displaying said device link page for a user to individually select each listed device and activate said controllable function; and (d) displaying a user interface for a selected device for a user to activate said controllable function.