Patent Abstract:
A method for controlling network devices via a man-machine interface including determining a connection of one or more devices to a network, determining availability of one or more multimedia services available via a respective one of the connected devices, and displaying a hierarchical view representative of one or more of the connected devices and one or more of the available multimedia services.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention generally relates to a method for controlling network devices via a MMI by which an easy and fast control of various kinds of devices is provided for a user. In addition, the present invention relates to a MMI for controlling said network devices, and to a computer program adapted to execute said method. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Generally, a network, such as a home network, comprises several devices. Such a device may be a controller to control other devices, or a target device, i.e. a controllable device which is controlled by a controller. As for example, a home network may comprise all various kinds of devices such as PC-, AV-, Telematics- and Communication-devices which are typically present in a home, e. g. in different places like first floor, second floor, distinct rooms etc. Due to the large variety of different devices it is an important aspect for said network that efficient data lines are provided by which large quantities of data and/or different kinds of data may be exchanged. Nowadays, an appropriate data transmission between the devices connected to such a network is advantageously realized on the basis of the IEEE 1394 standard which is a powerful technology that meets many of the requirements of home networks. 
     Since their widely-spread distribution due to falling prices and enhanced chip capabilities Personal Computers have become an integral part of the home network philosophy. Usually, Personal Computers are used in home networks as controllers in order to provide an easy control of other devices, e. g. by means of a common user interface. 
       FIG. 6  shows an example for a possible network configuration according to the prior art wherein a home network representing a typical structure of a home is constituted of a plurality of devices arranged in sub-networks. Said home network comprises e.g. a first sub-network  1  named “Home Floor  1 ” which is located on the first floor of the home, a second sub-network  2  named “Home Floor  2 ” which is located on the second floor of the home, a third sub-network  3  named “IP Network”, a fourth sub-network  4  named “Car” which is located within a car, a fifth sub-network  5  named “Friend” which is located in the home of a friend, and a sixth sub-network  6  named “any other network” which is located anywhere else outside the home. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the first sub-network  1  comprises various electronic devices such as a PC  101 , an Audio/Video Hard Disc (AVHD)  102 , a TV  103 , a Camcorder  104 , a Memory Stick Walkman  105  and a Data Video Home System (DVHS)  106 . Data transmission within the first sub-network  1  is based on the IEEE 1394 standard. For example, the PC  101  may be used as controller within the first sub-network  1 , e. g. to record files from the AVHD  102  to the Memory Stick Walkman  105 . 
     The second sub-network  2  comprises an Amplifier  107 , a Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB)-Tuner  108 , a Camcorder  109 , a Projector  110  and a Home Appliances Control System  132 . In this second sub-network  2 , the data transmission is also based on the IEEE 1394 standard. The Home Appliances Control System  132  behaves as a controller for numerous devices. For example, the devices  107 - 110  connected to the second sub-network  2  may be controlled by the Home Appliances Control System  132 . 
     Further, the second sub-network  2  is connected to the first sub-network  1  via a second bridge  129  which enables a data exchange between the first sub-network  1  and the second sub-network  2 . In the illustration of  FIG. 6 , the second bridge  129  is connected to the first sub-network  1  and the second sub-network  2  and is not included within one of said first or second sub-networks  1  or  2 . This signifies that the second bridge  129  does not perform a protocol conversion during a data exchange, because both first and second sub-networks  1  and  2  are based on the same standard, namely IEEE 1394. In case of a data transmission via the second bridge  129  it is possible to control the devices  107 - 110  connected to the second sub-network  2  not only via the Home Appliances Control System  132 , but also via the PC  101  connected to the first sub-network  1 . It is further possible to control the devices  101 - 106  connected to the first sub-network  1  via the Home Appliances Control System  132 . 
     With reference to the first sub-network  1  and the second sub-network  2 , the devices connected thereto may preferably use the Audio Video Command (AV/C)-protocol in accordance with their generic type. Alternatively, said devices may also use another appropriate protocol standard. 
     The third sub-network  3  shown in  FIG. 6  comprises electronic devices such as a Portable Phone  111 , a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)  112  and a Laptop  113 . For example, the PDA  112  may be a handheld computer. Said devices  111 - 113 , contrary to the devices connected to the first and second sub-networks  1  and  2 , may not use the AV/C-protocol, but rather the internet protocol. 
     The fourth sub-network  4  comprises electronic devices such as an Amplifier  114 , a Navigation Unit  115 , a Tuner  116 , a CD-Changer  117 , a MD-Changer  118 , a Display  119  and a Portable Phone  120 . Further, the fifth sub-network  5  comprises electronic devices such as a Camcorder  121 , an Audio/Video Hard Disc (AVHD)  122 , a Still Picture Camera  123 , a TV  124 , a Set-Top-Box  125  and a DVHS  126 . Both the fourth sub-network  4  and the fifth sub-network  5  are based on the IEEE 1394 standard. 
     The third sub-network  3  is connected to the first sub-networks  1 , the fourth sub-network  4  and the fifth sub-network  5  via a first bridge  128 , a third bridge  130  which is a remote bridge, and a fourth bridge  131 , respectively. Thus, data transmission is possible between the respective sub-networks. Due to different protocol standards of the first sub-network  1 , the fourth sub-network  4  and and the fifth sub-network  5  on the one hand, and the third sub-network  3  on the other hand, a protocol conversion has to be executed in case of a data exchange between the third sub-network  3  and one of the first, fourth or fifth sub-networks  1 ,  4  or  5 . With respect thereto, unlike the second bridge  129 , said first, third and fourth bridges  128 ,  130  and  131  are included within the corresponding sub-networks so that no further connection thereto is necessary, respectively. This signifies that said first, third and fourth bridges  128 ,  130  and  131  handle said protocol conversion, wherein AV/C frames are transmitted inside IP frames, and vice versa. 
     If data is transmitted from the first sub-network  1  to the fifth sub-network  5  via the third sub-network  3 , the latter is used as a transparent transport medium. This allows the first and fifth sub-networks  1  and  5 , which are based on the IEEE 1394 standard, to be connected via a non IEEE 1394 sub-network as if they were connected like two IEEE 1394 sub-networks, e. g. the first sub-network  1  and the second sub-network  2 . Through the provision of said first to fourth bridges  128 - 131  the electronic devices connected to the fourth or fifth sub-networks  4  or  5  are accessible from the first or second sub-networks  1  or  2 , for example. 
     In addition, it is obvious that said home network may be extended by any other discrete sixth sub-network  6  comprising any other device  127 . Furthermore, any number of devices connected to a sub-network are controllable by a control system which is connected to the home network via the same sub-network or a distinct sub-network. 
     Document WO 95/59282 A2 discloses a method and a system for controlling diverse home devices which are all connected to a network, e. g. a home network. The teaching of said document explicitly excludes Personal Computers being a part of said network. Control and command information is sent from a control device to a target device in order to control the target device according to an user input. Since the control device can display an user interface transmitted thereto from any target device connected to the network, a single control device may control a plurality of different target devices without requiring any change in the mode of operation of the control device. 
     According to the teaching of said document, communication on the home network is basically provided through the use of the TCP/IP-standard network protocols. Each target device connected to said network is discovered. Subsequently, a device link page is loaded which contains home device buttons for each home device connected to the home network. 
     Therefore, if the user wants to get access to services of a specific home device, a session manager generates an interface displaying a loaded top level home page of the respective home device with reference to said home device buttons. 
     Further, it is to be noted that each top-level home page for a respective home device has a different structure according to different operating functions associated therewith. Hence, the user has to concentrate on different structures of distinct top-level home pages, respectively. 
     Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to provide a method for controlling various kinds of devices connected to a network via a Man Machine Interface (MMI), by which an easy control is possible for the user. 
     This object is achieved by a method for controlling network devices via a MMI according to claim  1 . Preferred embodiments are defined in dependent claims  2  or  9 . 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: generating and at least partially displaying a hierarchical view of icons of all devices connected to the network and/or services corresponding to the devices, and coupling each of said icons with operating functions of the associated device and/or service, respectively, wherein said devices and/or services are operatable from said hierarchical view. 
     The method according to the invention is based on a tree-based control, wherein said network, preferably a home network, its devices and their services are preferably treated as an extension of an existing Personal Computer hierarchical file system which has been formerly known only for file management on a PC. According to the invention it is possible to control all devices and/or services corresponding to the devices in the same way, irrespective of their type and their local connection to said home network. Since the structure of said known hierarchical file system is similar to the view of icons generated according to the invention, the user can directly control all devices and/or services corresponding thereto, which are included within said home network, from one common MMI in a familiar and comprehensive manner. This approach provides a very easy and fast control for the user, because the operation mode thereof is self-explaining. 
     The method according to the invention supports not only non-computer devices like audio/video or communication devices and their services, but also computer storage devices (organized e.g. by folders and files). By means of this approach, it is possible to make use of all the functionality currently available from known browser systems. In this context, browser is used as a generic name, wherein the meaning thereof is not limited only to a HTML browser such as Microsoft Explorer® or Netscape Navigator®. Nevertheless, it is to be understood that the present invention is not exclusively browser-based, but rather related to a tree-like hierarchical structure in general. 
     Preferably, a sub-network being integrated in said home network is recognized via a bridge and integrated as an icon in said hierarchical view of icons similar to said devices and/or services, wherein said icon assigned to said sub-network has a higher order than icons assigned to devices and/or services of said sub-network. Hence, other networks that are connected to the local home network are included in this hierarchy. These sub-networks are made a logical part of the home network through the use of the aforementioned bridge devices, and thus a part of the hierarchy. The other sub-networks may be based upon the same or different protocols, and the same or different physical layer. 
     Further preferably, a device and/or service is operatable by drag and drop operations, e. g. for copying audio streams to a storage device like a memory stick. Alternatively, a device and/or service may also be operatable by cut/copy and paste operations. As for consequence, the user is enabled to execute any control of a device and/or service directly from said view of icons, which leads to a very easy and fast operation mode. The user is not required to take any preparatory steps before executing said control operations. 
     Still, further preferably, a device and/or service is operatable via context sensitive menus shown in said hierarchical view after selecting the icon associated with said device and/or service. As for example, the user can operate the device and/or the service corresponding thereto by using the right mouse button menu. In the same way as “right clicking” on a hard disk which allows to format and share the disk, the user may “right-click” on a DAB-receiver connected to the home network which would allow him to tune it up, find its properties, share it with other network users etc., even to users who may be outside the “own” network. For a more comprehensive control, specific applications may be associated to resources. These applications would launch when the appropriate action is taken, or situation arises. For example, an AV editing suite could be associated with audio and video files, and a DAB control panel for a DAB receiver. 
     Still further preferably, after operation at least one control signal and/or at least one data stream is sent from one device to at least one other device. By using of this kind of MMI-viewer/manager, the user does not need to be aware of the physical storage or transmission media, since only the access and processing of a respective object is of importance for the user. 
     Still further preferably, said hierarchical view of icons is organized according to predetermined user-selectable rules. In this way, it is possible for the user to organize said hierarchical view of icons according to respective control operations. Further, the user can advantageously adapt said hierarchical view of icons to frequent control steps being typical of his habits. 
     Still further preferably, or alternatively, said hierarchical view of icons is organized depending on the kind of said devices and/or sub-networks connected to the home network. 
     In this case, said hierarchical view of icons may comprise a properties dialog accessible through a context sensitive menu as explained above. Said properties dialog would be a small information dialog that may include basic controls such that the user is allowed to control certain parameters of a respective device. As for example, if a heating system is included within the home network, the properties dialog may include a basic control such as a timer combined with heating controls. Correspondingly, the information displayed within said small information dialog could be current ambient/water temperature. In another example the properties dialog could include information such as station frequency, station name and signal quality for a tuner unit included within the home network. In the example of a video recorder included within the home network the properties dialog could include information such as tape length, remaining play time or the like. 
     Still further preferably, or alternatively, said hierarchical view of icons is organized depending on the kind of services being available in correspondence with said devices. By means of this object-oriented view, all multimedia object types (audio-, video-, data-files, streams, services etc.) being available on the home network and all possible processing services (copying, storing, mixing, filtering, rendering, sending) corresponding to the devices can be identified and displayed, wherein said processing services can be accessed via said display. 
     As for example, the user is allowed to simply select a live audio stream on a DAB receiver and drag it to a memory stick walkman, both included within the home network. This would record the audio stream onto the walkman in a very simple way. As another example, an output of a security camera could be received by simply finding it within said hierarchical view of icons. A stream associated thereto could be displayed in real-time on-screen. This approach could be extended to a very effective video conferencing system or a nursery monitoring. 
     Still further preferably, the AV/C protocol is used for controlling the devices and/or services. Nevertheless, it is to be understood that within the home network, any other appropriate kind of protocol, such as the TCP-, IP- or FCP-protocol, may be used in order to support a device different from audio/video, such as printers, copy machines or the like. 
     Further, it is an object underlying the present invention to provide an interface device by which an easy and comprehensive control for the user is rendered possible. 
     This object is solved by a MMI for controlling network devices according to claim  10 , wherein said MMI is based on a known hierarchical file navigation concept and adapted to perform the method as defined in any one of claims  1  to  9 . 
     A further object underlying the present invention is to provide a computer program product by which an easy and comprehensive control for the user is rendered possible. 
     This object is achieved by a computer program product according to claim  11 , wherein said computer program product comprises a computer program means which is based on a known hierarchical file navigation concept and adapted to execute all steps defined in any one of claims  1  to  9 , when said computer program product is executed on a computer. 
    
    
     
       Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of advantageous embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a browser based MMI according to the present invention wherein a hierarchical view of icons generated according to the present invention is organized depending on the kind of devices and/or sub-networks included within a home network; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an example of a browser based MMI according to the present invention wherein a hierarchical view of icons generated according to the present invention is organized depending on the kind of services being available corresponding to said devices; 
         FIGS. 3   a,    3   b  illustrate an example of a network communication according to the present invention wherein a file transfer from a PC to a navigation unit is executed: 
         FIGS. 4   a,    4   b  illustrate another example of a network communication according to the present invention wherein a DV stream from a DVHS is copied to an AVHD via a control by a PC; 
         FIGS. 5   a,    5   b  illustrate still another example of a network communication according to the present invention wherein a DAB audio stream from a DAB tuner is copied to a memory stick walkman via a control by a PC, and 
         FIG. 6  shows a configuration of a prior art network including various kinds of devices and several sub-networks. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a browser-based MMI according to the present invention wherein a hierarchical view of icons generated according to the present invention is organized depending on the kind of devices and/or sub-networks included within a network, preferably a home network.  FIG. 1  shows a main window  7  of the MMI positioned on the left side, in which icons assigned to sub-networks, devices and services available on the home network are displayed. Said hierarchical view according to the present invention is similar to a view e. g. shown in a browser window of the Microsoft Explorer®, but it is of course not limited thereto. 
     In its highest order, said hierarchical view comprises icons which are assigned to a traditional computer file system  9  which is named “My Computer”, a seventh sub-network  15  named “Network Neighborhood”, an eighth sub-network  21  which is named “My AV-Network” and a ninth sub-network  36  which is named “My Communication-Network”. Said traditional computer file system  9  and said seventh to ninth sub-networks  15 ,  21  and  36  are all part of the home network and are all viewed in the same hierarchical manner, in conjunction with respective devices and/or services available within a respective sub-network which is further explained below. In said example each sub-network is treated as an extension of an existing file system which can be found on Personal Computers. 
     Further in detail, the icon assigned to “My Computer”  9  is superordinated to icons which are assigned to different drives of said computer, i. e. Floppy (A:)  10 , System (C:)  11 , Program (D:)  12 , Data (E:)  13  and Disc (F:)  14 , respectively. Further, the drive System  11  comprises directories OS  11   a  and Temp  11   b,  wherein icons assigned thereto are subordinated to the icon assigned to said drive System  11 . Still further, the directory Temp  11   b  comprises a sub-directory Private  11   c,  wherein an icon assigned thereto is subordinated to the icon assigned to said directory Temp  11   b.    
     The icon assigned to the seventh sub-network  15  is superordinated to further icons which are assigned to a PC A  17 , a PC B  18 , a Server A  19  and a Server B  20 , which are included within said seventh sub-network  15 . Further, an icon assigned to the Entire Network  16  of the seventh sub-network  15  is subordinated to the icon assigned to said seventh sub-network  15 . It is to be understood that the icon assigned to the Entire Network  16  defines a purely organisational tool which is configurable by the user. This tool allows to generate a display of simply all icons assigned to any device included within the seventh sub-network  15  regardless of the respective physical connection and hierarchical order therein. 
     The icon assigned to the eighth sub-network  21  is superordinated to icons which are assigned to a MD-Changer  23 , a CD-Changer  24 , a DVD-Player  25 , a DAB-Receiver  26 , a DVB-Receiver  27 , an AV-HD  28 , a Memory Stick Drive  29 , a Display  30  and a Camcorder  31 , which are included within the eighth sub-network  21 . Further,  FIG. 1  shows that as for example, three different CD titles  24   a - 24   c  are available from different compact disks available in the CD-Changer  24 . For this reason, three icons assigned to a CD-Title A (CD 1 )  24   a,  a CD-Title B (CD  2 )  24   b  and a CD-Title C (CD  2 )  24   c,  respectively, are subordinated to the icon which is assigned to the CD-Changer  24 . 
     Still further, in said example two radio stations DAB Stuttgart  42  and BBC National  43  are available from said DAB receiver  26 . Correspondingly, two icons assigned to DAB Stuttgart  42  and BBC National  43 , respectively, are subordinated to the icon assigned to the DAB receiver  26 . 
     Still further, in said example a plurality of radio programs is broadcast by the radio station BBC National  43 , i. e. BBC World Service  43   a,  BBC R1 Digita  43   b,  BBC Xtra  43   c,  BBC 5Live Sport+  43   d,  Heart  43   e,  Sunrise  43   f  and BBC Air Web  43   g.  Accordingly, icons assigned to these radio programs  43   a - 43   g  are subordinated to the icon assigned to the radio station BBC National  43 . In this context, it is to be noted that said icons assigned to the radio programs  43   a - 43   g  may symbolize directories in which streams corresponding to further services may be stored. 
     Still further, the Camcorder  31  comprises a Camera  32 , a Display  33 , a Tape Recorder  34  and a Memory Stick Drive  35 . Accordingly, icons assigned to the devices  32 - 35  are subordinated to the icon which is assigned to the Camcorder  31 . 
     In addition, the icon assigned to the eighth sub-network  21  “My AV-Network” is superordinated to an icon assigned to the Entire AV-Network  22  which defines a purely organisational tool that can be configurated by the user. As explained above for the icon assigned to the Entire Network  16 , this tool allows to generate a display of simply all icons assigned to any device included within the eighth sub-network  21  “My AV-Network” regardless of either a possible subordination to an icon of a device having a higher order or a subordination to an icon assigned to a workgroup (not shown) of devices, which could be a workgroup of all Audio Devices or all Video Devices, for example. 
     The icon assigned to the ninth sub-network  36  is superordinated to icons which are assigned to an ISDN-Phone  38 , a Mobile Phone  39 , a Pager  40  and a Video Conferencing System  41 , which are included within the ninth sub-network  36 . Further, the icon assigned to the ninth sub-network  36  is superordinated to an icon assigned to the Entire Communication Network  37 . Like the icons assigned to the Entire Network  16  and the Entire AV-Network  21 , the icon assigned to the Entire Communication Network  37  defines a purely organisational tool which is configurable by the user. This tool allows to generate a display of simply all icons assigned to any device included within the ninth sub-network  36  regardless of a possible subordination to an icon of a device having a higher order with respect to the respective physical connection. 
       FIG. 1  further shows an additional window  8  positioned on the right hand side next to the main window  7 , in which further information can be displayed for the user. This information include available components/streams and/or services, in accordance with a device and/or service displayed in the main window  7 , which has been selected by the user. As for example, the radio program BBC Xtra  43   c  offers services like BBC Xtra Audio  44  and BBC Xtra Traffic Data  45 . If the user selects said radio program BBC Xtra  43   c  displayed in the main window  7 , in order to execute further control operations, said services BBC Xtra Audio  44  and BBC Xtra Traffic Data  45  are displayed within said additional window  8 . 
     Alternatively, or additionally, it is possible to display further available devices and/or services via a first context sensitive menu  46 , which might be displayed simultaneously with said main window  7  and said additional window  8 . The context sensitive menu  46   a  can be activated by clicking e. g. the right mouse button. By means of said first context sensitive menu  46 , as for example, the user gets access to functional services, such as Explore  46   a,  Open  46   b,  Find  46   c,  Copy  46   d,  Sharing  46   e,  Map Network Device  46   f,  Rewind  46   g,  Play  46   h,  Fast Forward  46   i,  Pause  46   j,  Stop  46   k,  Create Shortcut  46   l,  Delete  46   m.  Rename  46   n  and Properties  46   o.  Of course, any other service and/or device can be displayed in said first context sensitive menu  46 . Still further, it is to be understood that either one context sensitive menu or a plurality of context sensitive menus can be activated with regard to a device and/or a service shown in the main window  7  and/or the additional window  8 . 
     From the display explained above and shown in  FIG. 1 , it is clear that the user is supplied with a complete overview of all available sub-networks, and further of all devices connected to the distinct sub-networks and/or services corresponding to the devices. A respective number of icons is generated according to the present invention, which is representative for all sub-networks, devices and/or services included within the home network. 
     As to explain the function of controlling said devices and/or services included within said home network according to the invention, reference is now made to the eighth sub-network  21  “My AV-Network”. As mentioned above, the radio program BBC Xtra  43   c  is broadcast by the radio station BBC National  43  available from the DAB Receiver  26  which is included within the eighth sub-network  21 . In said example, the user selects the radio station BBC Xtra  43   c  so as to execute further control operations with respect thereto. As for consequence, the symbol of “BBC Xtra”  43   c  is highlighted, and the services corresponding thereto, i. e. BBC Xtra Audio  44  and BBC Xtra Traffic Data  45 , are displayed within the additional window  8 . Based on this display mode, the user is now enabled to drag e. g. BBC Xtra Audio  44  and drop it e. g. on the icon assigned to the Memory Stick Drive  29 . By means of this drag and drop operation, the user can easily record the audio program of BBC Xtra  43   c  on the Memory Stick Drive  29 . Subsequently to this operation, a data stream is generated according to the invention, which is sent from the DAB Receiver  26  to the Memory Stick Drive  29 . 
     In the same way, the user might drop e. g. BBC Xtra Traffic Data  45  and drop it to any icon assigned to a device included within the eighth sub-network  21  which would be responsive to this kind of service. Of course, the control of said services  44  and  45  is not limited to the examples given above, and can also be executed with any suitable device included within a sub-network different from the eighth sub-network  21 . 
     Alternatively, or additionally, controlling of said devices and/or services may also be executed via said first context sensitive menu  46 . In order to explain the functioning thereof by way of example, reference is now made to the Tape Recorder  34  which is included within the Camcorder  31 . If the user selects the Tape Recorder  34  shown in the main window  7  in order to execute further control operations therewith, the symbol of “Tape Recorder”  34  is highlighted. Subsequently, said first context sensitive menu  46  can be activated by clicking e. g. the right mouse button, which displays further services associated with the Tape Recorder  34 . Alternatively the selection of a device and/or service and the activation of the corresponding context sensitive menu can be performed by one user action. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the first context sensitive menu first  46  is displayed simultaneously with said main window  7  and said additional window  8 . From the listing of services corresponding to the Tape Recorder  34 , which is displayed in said first context sensitive menu  46 , as mentioned above, the user may choose the service Play  46   h  associated with the Tape Recorder  34  simply by choosing the highlighted symbol “Play”. As for consequence a recording stored on said Tape Recorder  34  of said Camcorder  31  is reproduced. In general, said listing only includes services which are operatable with respect to a device that has been selected by the user. 
     With respect to the foregoing, it is to be understood that the control of the Tape Recorder  34  is not limited to the examples given above. Of course, any other control operation of a device and/or service would be possible within the home network via said hierarchical view of icons. Further, said first context sensitive menu  46  can also be activated with reference to a device and/or service which is not displayed in said main window  7 , but rather in said additional window  8 . Still further, any control operation can be executed not only by a drag/drop operation or via a context sensitive menu, but also by cut/copy and paste or other similar operations. 
     In general, it is obvious from the example explained in connection with  FIG. 1  that numerous combinations for a communication of one device connected to a first sub-network to another device connected to the same sub-network or to a second sub-network are rendered possible. It is pointed out that during controlling of a device and/or a service corresponding thereto, the user has not to deal with generating control signals and the like. According to the invention, each of said icons is coupled with operating functions of the associated device and/or service corresponding thereto, respectively. In this context, it is to be understood that said operating functions may preferably be identical with said functional services  46   a - 46   h  as mentioned above, but they are not limited thereto. After the user has terminated the operation, a control signal and/or at least one data stream is automatically generated by the method according to the invention, which is sent from one device to at least one other device. 
     Further with respect to the hierarchical view as explained above and shown in  FIG. 1 , the eighth and ninth sub-networks  21  and  36  included within the home network may not necessarily be understood only as physical networks wherein several devices are grouped depending on their location, i.e. a specific room in a house or a connection within a home network, and are served e.g. by the same physical bus. Alternatively, the eighth and ninth sub-networks  21  and  36  can also be considered as logical networks in which various devices are grouped together in accordance with their category, not depending on their respective location within the home and/or the home network, respectively. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an example of a browser-based MMI according to the present invention wherein a hierarchical view of icons generated according to the present invention is organized depending on the kind of services being available in correspondence with said corresponding devices. The view of icons shown in  FIG. 2  basically provides the same information as the view of icons shown in  FIG. 1 , but the structure thereof is organized in a different way compared to the view of icons shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 2  shows the main window  7  and the additional window  8 , in which icons assigned to various services are displayed. Within the main window  7 , in its highest order, said hierarchical view comprises icons which are assigned to services such as Audio  47 , Video  48  and Data  49 . Said services  47 - 49  are all available within the home network and are all viewed in the same hierarchical manner, in conjunction with further services related thereto. 
     In detail, service Audio Files  50  and Audio Streams  54  are subordinated to the service Audio  47 . As for consequence, the icon assigned to Audio  47  is superordinated to icons assigned to Audio Files  50  and Audio Streams  54 , respectively. In conjunction with the service Audio Files  50 , different directories are provided in which files having an extension such as MPEG  51 , Atrac  52  and .wav  53  can be stored, respectively. In accordance therewith, the icon assigned to the service Audio Files  50  is superordinated to icons assigned to MPEG  51 , Atrac  52  and .wav  53 . 
     The service Audio Streams  54  is superordinated to streams based on different languages such as English, German, French, Japanese. The service Audio Streams  54  is also superordinated to a stream including information of a Phone talk which has been conducted e. g. to Mr. Gates. According thereto the icon assigned to Audio Streams  54  is superordinated to various directories which are assigned to the streams of the different languages. As for consequence, icons assigned to English  55 , German  56 , French  57 , Japanese  58  and Phone Talk (Mr. Gates)  59 , respectively, are subordinated to the icon assigned to Audio Streams  54 . Further, the English streams  55  include different radio programs, such as BBC Worldwide Service  43   a,  BBC R1 Digital  43   b,  BBC Xtra  43   c,  BBC 5Live Sport+  43   d,  Heart  21   e  and Sunrise  43   f.  Correspondingly, icons assigned to said radio programs  43   a - 43   f  are related to the icon assigned to English  55 , wherein said icons may symbolize directories, respectively. 
     With reference to the service Video  48 , video files and video streams are subordinated. Correspondingly, the icon assigned to Video  48  is superordinated to icons which are assigned to services Video Files  60  and Video Streams  63 . According to different types of files which are available as video files, i. e. MPEG  61  and DV  62 , different directories are subordinated to Video Files  60 . According thereto, icons assigned to MPEG  61  and DV  62  are subordinated to the icon assigned to Video Files  60 . Further, video streams are available in English and German. In addition, a video stream is available including data about video conferencing, e. g. with Mr. Gates. Accordingly, icons assigned to English  64 , German  65  and Video Conferencing (Mr. Gates)  66 , respectively, are subordinated to the icon which is assigned to Video Streams  63 . 
     Said hierarchical view further provides information about data which is available e. g. in documents or via data services. Accordingly, the icon assigned to Data  49  is superordinated to icons which are assigned to Documents  67  and Data Services  68 , respectively. It is to be understood that said icons assigned to Documents  67  and Data Services  68 , respectively, may symbolize directories. Still further, data is available from different data services, such as EPG, e-Commerce, e-Mail, Weather, the radio program BBC Air Web and the radio program service BBC Xtra Traffic Data. In correspondence thereto, the icon assigned to Data services  68  is superordinated to icons assigned to EPG  69 , e-Commerce  70 , e-Mail  71 , Weather  72 , BBC Air Web  73  and BBC Xtra Traffic Data  74 , respectively, which may symbolize directories in which further files can be stored. 
     The additional window  8  displays further information for the user. This information includes available components/streams and/or services, in accordance with a device and/or service displayed in the main window  7 . In said example, based on the selection of the radio program BBC Xtra  43   c  of the category English Audio Streams  55 , the additional window  8  displays the radio program service BBC Xtra Audio  44 . In correspondence with said service BBC Xtra Audio  44 , a second context sensitive menu  75  is displayed simultaneously with said main window  7  and said additional window  8 , wherein processing services are indicated, such as Open  75   a,  Send To  75   b,  Cut  75   c,  Copy  75   d,  Create Shortcut  75   e,  Delete  75   f,  Rename  75   g  and Properties  75   h.  Of course, any other service could be displayed in said second context sensitive menu  75 . 
     Corresponding to the selection of the processing service Send To  75   b,  a third context sensitive menu  76  is displayed on the right hand side next to said second context sensitive menu  75 . Within the third context sensitive menu  76 , a selection of devices included within the home network is displayed, such as 3,5 Floppy  76   a,  Desktop  76   b,  Mail Recipient  76   c,  My Briefcase  76   d,  Amplifier  76   e,  AVHD  76   f,  TV  76   g,  Memory Stick Walkman  76   h,  Camcorder  76   i  and Video Telephone  76   j.  Alternatively any other context sensitive menu, or a plurality of context sensitive menus, can also be activated corresponding to a service which is displayed in said main window  7  and/or in said additional window  8 . In this context, with reference to the kind of hierarchical view shown in  FIG. 2 , it is generally to be understood that only such functional services and devices are displayed in said context sensitive menus, which may be operatable in conjunction with each other. 
     In the following, reference is made to the radio program BBC Xtra  43   c  in order to explain the control of the services shown in said hierarchical view of  FIG. 2 . In case that the user selects BBC Xtra  43   c  in order to execute a control operation therewith the symbol of “BBC Xtra”  43   c  is highlighted and subsequently the audio stream BBC Xtra Audio  44  which is provided by the radio program BBC Xtra  43   c  is displayed in the additional window  8 , as described above. In order to get access to processing services associated with BBC Xtra Audio  44  the user can activate said second context sensitive menu  75  by clicking e. g. the right mouse button. Among the selection of services displayed in said second context sensitive menu  75  the user can choose the service Send To  75   b  e. g. by mouse clicking or keyboard control. Subsequently to this operation the third context sensitive menu  76  is activated in which a selection of devices corresponding to said services displayed, as discussed above. Based on said selection of devices the user is now enabled to select e. g. the Memory Stick Walkman  76   h  from this common MMI in order to send data of said radio program service BBC Xtra Audio  44  to the Memory Stick Walkman  76   h.  Subsequently to this operation a data stream is generated according to the invention which is sent from the DAB Receiver supplying the radio program service BBC Xtra Audio  44  to the Memory Stick Walkman  76   h  in order to perform said recording. 
     With respect to said hierarchical view shown in  FIG. 2  it is to be understood that any other control can be executed with respect to any other service and/or device included within the home network. Also, said control can not only be executed via a context sensitive menu, as in the example discussed above, but also by a drag and drop operation and/or by cut/copy and paste or other similar operations. 
     By way of said example wherein data of BBC Xtra Audio  35  is sent to a Memory Stick Drive, it is clear that the same kind of data transmission can be executed either via the hierarchical view organized depending on the kind of devices and/ or sub-networks shown in  FIG. 1 , or via the hierarchical view organized depending on the kind of services shown In  FIG. 2 . 
     In the following, examples for control operations executed within said home network are explained with reference to  FIGS. 3 to 5 . In this context, the respective steps of data exchange between respective devices included within said home network will also be explained. 
     In general,  FIGS. 3   a,    4   a  and  5   a  illustrate an example of a network communication, respectively, which is basically constituted of the same devices and sub-net-works connected via the same bridges as shown in  FIG. 6 , respectively. The same devices and sub-networks are designated with the same reference signs and named with the same expression, respectively, wherein a detailed explanation thereof is omitted. Contrary to  FIG. 6 , the  FIGS. 3   a - 5   a  only show devices which are relevant for the respective control operations. For reasons of simplicity, all other devices included within the home network are not shown in  FIGS. 3   a - 5   a,  since they are not relevant. 
       FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  illustrate an example of a network communication, wherein a file transfer from a PC to a navigation unit is executed. Contrary to  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 3   a  only shows the devices which are relevant for the explained file transfer, i. e. the PC  101  which is connected to the first sub-network  1 , and further the Navigation Unit  115  which is connected to the fourth sub-network  4 . Further,  FIG. 3   a  shows a plurality of arrows  3001 , wherein an arrow  3001  is arranged between the PC  101  and the first bridge  128 , further between the first bridge  128  and the third bridge  130  extending through the symbol of the third sub-network  3 , and finally between the third bridge  130  and the Navigation Unit  115 , respectively. The plurality of arrows  3001  defines a bidirectional data connection between the PC  101  and the Navigation Unit  115  which is used to control the Navigation Unit  115  and to send streams, and which is realized via the first sub-network  1 , the first bridge  128 , the third sub-network  3 , the third remote bridge  130  and finally the fourth sub-network  4 . In the following, such a data connection is only referred to “first data connection  3001 ”. 
       FIG. 3   b,  the respective steps required for said file transfer shown in  FIG. 3   a  are explained. At first, in step S  301 , the user selects the icon assigned to the fourth sub-network  4 , by which an output signal to the PC  101  is generated. The PC  101  is provided with an explorer-based MMI, as shown for example in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively. Thereafter, in step S  302 , the PC  101  outputs a remote wake-up signal to the Navigation Unit  115  via said first data connection  3001 . 
     As a response to receiving the remote wake-up signal from the PC  101 , in step S  303 , the Navigation Unit  115  outputs a signal back to the PC  101  in order to announce being on the bus, also using said first data connection  3001 . In this step, also other devices connected to the fourth sub-network  4  “Car” might announce to be on the bus. Then, in step S  304 , the display of the MMI indicates the new bus topology to the user, i.e. all devices and/or services being directly subordinated to “Car”. Subsequently in step S  305 , the user selects the newly shown icon assigned to the Navigation Unit  115 , which generates a corresponding signal within the PC  101 . As for consequence, in step S  306 , the PC  101  reads the status/property data from the Navigation Unit  115  via said first data connection  3001 . Following this action, in step S  307 , respective signals representing the status/property data of the Navigation Unit  115  are sent back to the PC  101  via said first data connection  3001 . In general, these signals provide information which is used internally e.g. in the PC or any other controller as a part of an appropriate control protocol in order to determine type and capabilities of a device when included within the home network. 
     Subsequently, in step S  308 , the PC  101  reads the directory from the Navigation Unit  115  via said first data connection  3001 , whereinafter in step S  309 , the directory data are sent from the Navigation Unit  115  to the PC  101  via said first data connection  3001  and displayed within the MMI. By displaying said directory to the user, the user is allowed e. g. to view the map data which are already installed or available on the Navigation Unit  115 . However, this step may not be necessary for all types of navigation systems depending on the upgrade version of the system. 
     Subsequently, in step S  310 , the user drags a local file, e.g. route data, and drops it on the icon assigned to a directory of the Navigation Unit  115 , which is displayed on the MMI provided within the PC  101 . As for result, in step S  311 , the PC  101  executes a set-up for the Navigation Unit  115  via first said data connection  3001  for receiving data and saving to a file. In the last step S  312 , the PC  101  sends a file to the Navigation Unit  115  via said first data connection  3001 , wherein said file transfer from the PC  101  to the Navigation Unit  115  is accomplished. 
       FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  illustrate another example of a network communication, wherein the user decides to copy a DV stream from DVHS  106  to AVHD  102 . This network communication is executed preferably on the basis of a hierarchical view of icons depending on the kind of devices and/or sub-networks, as shown in  FIG. 1 , but is not limited thereto. 
     In addition to the first to sixth sub-networks  1 - 6  and with respect to devices included within the home network,  FIG. 4   a  only shows the PC  101 , the AVHD  102  and the DVHS  106 , which are all connected to the first sub-network  1 . Further, an arrow  1001  is shown which is arranged between the PC  101  and the DVHS  106 . This arrow  1001  defines a bidirectional asynchronous data connection between the PC  101  and the DVHS  106  which is used to control the DVHS  106  and is realized via the first sub-network  1 . In the following, such data connection is only referred to “first control connection  1001 ”. 
     Further,  FIG. 4   a  shows an arrow  1002  which is arranged between the PC  101  and the AVHD  102 . This arrow defines a bidirectional asynchronous data connection between the PC  101  and the AVHD  102  which is used to control the AVHD  102  and is realized via the first sub-network  1 . In the following, for such a data connection reference is only made to “second control connection  1002 ”. 
     Still further, there is shown an arrow  1003  arranged between the DVHS  106  and the AVHD  102  which defines a unidirectional isochronous data connection. Data streams can be transferred via this type of data connection. In the following, reference is only made to “first transfer connection  1003 ” for such a data connection between the DVHD  106  and the AVHD  102  which is realized via the first sub-network  1 . It is to be noticed that said first transfer connection  1003  is logically different from said first and second control connections  1001  and  1002 . The first and second control connections  1001  and  1002  are bidirectional asynchronous transient connections which are used to negotiate or set up the unidirectional isochronous first transfer connection  1003 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 4   b,  the respective steps will be explained which are necessary for copying said DV stream from the DVHS  106  to the AVHD  102 . Initially, in step S  401 , the user switches on the DVHS  106 . Subsequently, in step S  402 , the DVHS  106  announces to the PC  101  via said first control connection  1001  to be on the bus. An explorer based MMI, as it is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , for example, is provided within the PC  101  and presents the new bus topology including the DVHS  106  to the user in step S  403 . Subsequently, the user switches on the AVHD  102  in step S  404 , whereinafter in step S  405 , the AVHD  102  announces to the PC  101  via the second control connection  1002  to be on the bus. In the following, in step S  406 , this change of the bus topology is indicated to the user via the MMI. 
     After both devices DVHS  106  and AVHD  102  are in an operating mode, the user selects the icon assigned to the AVHD  102  in step S  407 . Subsequently, in step S  408 , the PC  101  reads the directory of the AVHD  102  via said second control connection  1002 . In return, in step S  409 , information representing the directory data AVHD  102  is sent back to the PC  101  via said second control connection  1002 . Thereafter, the present directory of the AVHD  102  is displayed to the user via the MMI according to the present invention in step S  410 . In the next step S  411 , the user selects on the icon assigned to the DVHS  106 , which makes the PC  101  read a status/property data from the DVHS  106  via said first control connection  1001  in step  412 . In return, in step S  413 , a data stream representing the status/property data of the DVHS  106  is sent to the PC  101  again via said first control connection  1001 . After the PC  101  has received the respective information, in step S  414 , the present stream of the DVHS  106  is displayed to the user via the MMI. 
     After the necessary information of the DVHS  106  and the AVHD  102  is displayed via the MMI, in step S  415 , the user subsequently drags the DVHS video stream and drops it on the icon assigned to a directory of the AVHD  102 , preferably based on the hierarchical view as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . After this operation, in step S  416 , the PC  101  sends a signal via the second control connection  1002  in order to set up the AVHD  102  for receiving a DV stream and writing to a file. In step  417 , the PC  101  also sends a signal via the first control connection  1001  to the DVHS  106  in order to set up this device for sending data to the AVHD  102 . Finally, in step S  418 , said DV stream is copied from the DVHS  106  to the AVHD  102  via the first transfer connection  1003  wherein the copying of said DV stream is accomplished. 
       FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  illustrate a further example of a network communication, wherein the user decides to copy a DAB audio stream from DAB-Tuner  108  to Memory Stick Walkman  105 . This network communication is executed preferably on the basis of a hierarchical view of icons depending on the kind of services, as shown in  FIG. 2 , but is not limited thereto. Correspondingly, in addition to the first to sixth sub-networks  1 - 6   FIG. 5   a  only shows the PC  101  and the Memory Stick Walkman  105  which are connected to the first sub-network  1 , and the DAB-Tuner  108  which is connected to the second sub-network  2 . 
       FIG. 5   a  further shows an arrow  2001  which is arranged between the PC  101  and the DAB-Tuner  108 . This arrow  2001  defines a bidirectional data connection between the PC  101  and the DAB-Tuner  108  which is used to control the DAB-Tuner  108  and is realized via the first sub-network  1 , the second bridge  129  and the second sub-network  2 . This data connection is of a asynchronous transient connection type. In the following, for such a data connection reference is only made to “third control connection  2001 ”. 
     Further,  FIG. 5   a  shows an arrow  2002  which is arranged between the Memory Stick Walkman  105  and the PC  101 . This arrow  2002  defines a bidirectional data connection between the Memory Stick Walkman  105  and the PC  101  which is used to control the Memory Stick Walkman  105  and is realized via the first sub-network  1 . In the following, for such a data connection reference is only made to “fourth control connection  2002 ”. Like the third control connection  2001 , the fourth control connection  2002  is also of a asynchronous transient connection type. 
     Still further,  FIG. 5   a  shows an arrow  2003  which is arranged between the DAB-Tuner  108  and the Memory Stick Walkman  105 . Said arrow  2003  defines a unidirectional isochronous data connection between the DAB-Tuner  108  and the Memory Stick Walkman  105 , which is realized via the first sub-network  1 , the second bridge  129  and the second sub-network  2 . Data streams can be transferred by this data connection. In the following, such data connection is only referred to “third transfer connection  2003 ”. It is to be noted that the third data connection is logically different from the third and fourth control connections  2001  and  2002  which are used to negotiate or to set up the third transfer connection  2003  as will be explained further below. 
     In the following, the necessary steps for copying the DAB audio stream from the DAB-Tuner  108  to the Memory Stick Walkman  105  are explained with reference to  FIG. 5   b.  In a first step S  501 , the user switches on the DAB-Tuner  108 . In return, in step S  502 , the DAB-Tuner  108  announces to the PC  101  via the third control connection  2001  to be on the bus, whereinafter the MMI implemented in the PC  101  displays the present new bus topology to the user in step S  503 . In step S  504 , the user switches on the Memory Stick Walkman  105 , wherein in step S  505 , the Memory Stick Walkman  105  announces to the PC  101  to be on the bus via the fourth control connection  2002 . After this change of the bus topology, in step S  506 , the MMI displays the present new bus topology to the user. 
     As soon as the user has taken said preparatory steps, in step S  507 , he selects the icon assigned to the Memory Stick Walkman  105 , which makes the PC  101  sending a control signal in step S  508  via the fourth connection  2002  in order to read the directory of the Memory Stick Walkman  105 . In return, in step S  509 , respective information of the directory data of the Memory Stick Walkman  105  is sent back to the PC  101  via the fourth control connection  2002 . Subsequently, in step S  510 , the present directory of the Memory Stick Walkman  105  is displayed to the user via the MMI. 
     In step S  511 , the user selects the icon assigned to the DAB-Tuner  108  which is displayed on the MMI, in order to make the PC  101  to send a control signal in step S  512  to the DAB-Tuner  108  via the third control connection  2001  in order to read its status/property data. As for result, respective information of the status/property data of the DAB-Tuner  108  are sent back to the PC  101  via the third control connection  2001  in step S  513 , which makes the MMI to display the present available DAB services to the user in step S  514 . 
     Subsequently in step S  515 , the user drags a DAB audio stream and drops it on an icon assigned to a directory of the Memory Stick Walkman  105 . Following this operation, in step S  516 , the PC  101  sends a control signal to the Memory Stick Walkman  105  via the fourth control connection  2002 , in order to setup the Memory Stick Walkman  105  for receiving data and writing to a file. In step S  517 , the PC  101  sends a control signal to the DAB-Tuner  108  via the third control connection  2001 , in order to setup the DAB-Tuner  108  for sending data to the Memory Stick Walkman  105 . Finally, as for result, the DAB-Tuner  108  copies said DAB audio stream to the Memory Stick Walkman  105  via the third transfer connection  2003 , wherein the copying of said data stream is accomplished. 
     With respect to the examples of transferring a data stream explained above with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , it is to be understood that it might be further possible to monitor the status of said stream transfer via the MMI of the PC  101 . In such a case the necessary data information would be transferred to the PC  101  through an unidirectional isochronous data connection between the respective device, e.g. the DVHS  106  or the DAB-Tuner  108 , respectively, and the PC  101 . 
     Of course, the possibility of monitoring the status of a stream transfer via the MMI of a PC included within the home network is not limited to the examples explained with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 . Said monitoring might also be executed during a data stream transfer between any other devices included within the home network wherein an appropriate unidirectional isochronous data connection is provided between a respective device and the PC included within the home network in order to transfer the necessary data information to the PC through said data connection. 
     It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the examples explained with reference to the  FIGS. 1 to 5 . Of course, any other operation between devices and/or services included within said home network may also be executed according to the present invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6