The Universal Network Protocol, Made in Japan

Today's efforts to enable interoperability of devices over a network are still limited: UPnP and DPWS are centered on the Microsoft operating systems and work with compatible third-party devices; NAT-PMP is centered on Apple products; standards developed by the Mobile Imaging and Printing Consortium (MIPC) work for products made by consortium members only, and so on. There still exist numerous walls to true interoperability, but PUCC, a consortium of hi-tech companies and Japanese universities, seeks to eliminate those walls and stay steps ahead of the industry as the need for universal interoperability grows.

The Peer-to-Peer Universal Computing Consortium (PUCC) is developing a set of standards that will enable remote access of high-level services and content between all networked devices. PUCC aims to make the protocol truly universal, making it technology-neutral and not limited only to devices of consortium members. The protocol is centered on the mobile phone, which has the highest levels of widespread usage, remote operability and mobility all in one device.

The vision is to enable consumers to perform any task on any networked device regardless of their location, the device manufacturer or networking standards. While on the road or at work, consumers will be able to use their mobile phone to adjust the temperature of a home air conditioner; turn off the oven if accidentally left on; turn on the oven before arriving home to make sure the pot roast will be ready in time for dinner; monitor a home security system, i.e. camera feeds, system status; view movies and TV shows stored on home set-top boxes; print documents and show presentations stored on the mobile phone; stream content stored on a home computer to the mobile phone; manage a health sensor network, and more.

To realize this vision, PUCC is working aggressively to expand its membership into all major world markets. Many heavyweights in Japan are already on board, including NTT DoCoMo, I-O Data, Sharp Electronics, Mitsubishi Electronics, Hewlett-Packard (HP) Japan, Epson, Toshiba, Ericsson, and FUJISOFT. To garner membership of U.S. manufacturers and carriers, PUCC will host interested member candidates at the Sands Convention Center, booth #70638, during CES 2008. PUCC will show an in-depth presentation and the following six demonstrations of the protocols:

Audio Visual
1. Streaming content from a mobile phone to a projector without the need for a laptop.
2. Streaming content such as images and videos from a PC to a mobile phone.

Home Security
3. Receiving real time images from a security camera to a mobile phone. Zoom in, tilt, and turn the camera using a mobile phone.

Home Appliances
4. Controlling networked home appliances using a mobile phone.
5. Controlling a robot using a mobile phone.

Data Service
6. Sending data from health sensors (e.g. heart rate monitor, urine sample collection system) to a mobile phone, personal server or servers at a hospital / doctor's office.

Visit Booth #70638 at CES 2008 to learn more about the PUCC protocol and how your company can be involved in the development and implementations of the universal network protocol.

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