A first computing device is connected to a second computing device over a conventional
communication network or other switching device or network using a predetermined
communications protocol or a unified protocol. The unified protocol enables remote
control of a display device by abstracting out differences in protocols, thereby
eliminating the need to develop different interfaces between systems. By implementing
the system as COM objects, other available protocols can be dynamically integrated.
Upon connection of the first computing device to the second computing device, the
screen of the second computing device is displayed on the screen of the first computing
device. The first computing device is capable of watching or monitoring the second
computing device, or the first computing device can control the second computing
device. The first computing device can switch between the watching/monitoring mode
and the controlling mode in a reversible or toggleable manner.
