Architecture of the I2HOME platform
I2HOME will provide an open user interface platform for home appliances based on the URC standards and the Universal Control Hub architecture.
In this architecture a hub component provides a connection point between end user devices (URCs) and home appliances. This means that anybody can write user interfaces for the control of networked home appliances from any vendor. Also, home appliances that implement the URC standards are ready for more advanced user interaction mechanisms of the future, such as activity-oriented user interfaces and natural language interaction.
An open market for user interfaces for home control will be established, thus providing opportunities for the provision of fine-tuned user interfaces tailored for, in principle, any user group. This may also include user interfaces provided by assistive technology. It is expected that the Universal Control Hub will be a core component of the average home of the future.
Based on our dissemination and exploitation concept, I2HOME will make the Universal Control Hub available to the public. It will also provide a Web-based Resource Service that will function as a registration and distribution point for user interfaces. Users will be able to download user interfaces for their URCs, similar to today’s online music stores.