Patent ID: 7565626
Filing Date: 2009-07-21
Classification: G06F,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling network devices via a home network, the network devices being connected to said home network via different protocol standards, comprising: displaying generated icons of the network devices having a plurality of functions regarding a reproducing and/or recording of an audio/video signal, icons of a plurality of services provided by each device grouped according to the type of services provided, and menus including the functions which are operable with the associated network device or service; at least partially displaying the generated icons with a hierarchical structure so as to show a relationship of network connections of the network devices in the home network; receiving a selection of a network device or a service by a user selecting one of the displayed icons; selectively displaying the menu of a selected network device or service, the menu including the functions which are operable with the selected network device or service; receiving a selection of a function in the selectively displayed menu; and controlling the network device or service to execute the selected function based on a respective one of the protocol standards, wherein the execution of the selected function results in a data stream of an audio/video signal stored in a providing network device being sent from the providing network device to the selected network device or to a device capable of receiving said data stream via the home network.