Netflix, Inc.
Application discovery

Abstract:

The disclosure describes methods or communication protocols that enable second-screen applications, such as smartphones, to discover and launch first-screen applications on first-screen devices, such as Internet enabled high definition televisions. Second-screen devices can search local networks for the presence of discovery servers on first-screen devices. Well-known protocols such as RESTful HTTP services and Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) may be leveraged to implement the discovery servers. Once located, the discovery servers may assist communications and interactions between the first-screen and second-screen devices, allowing a specified application to be launched on the first-screen device and controlled from a local application on the second-screen device. The specified application may be installed if not previously installed, and may also be hosted as a web application on a cloud server accessible outside of the local network, for example on the Internet.