Abstract: A media manager provides data flow management and other services for client applications on devices coupled together within a network. Preferably, these devices are coupled together within an IEEE 1394-1995 serial bus network. A device control module is generated for each available device for providing an abstraction for all of the capabilities and requirements of the device including the appropriate control protocol, physical connections and connection capabilities for the device. The media manager also manages the flow and format of data transfers between the devices on the network. Through an interface, a user accesses the media manager and enters functions which are to be completed using the devices coupled together on the network. If the appropriate devices are available, the media manager controls and manages the completion of the requested task.

Abstract: A media manager provides data flow management and other services for client applications on devices coupled together within a network. Preferably, these devices are coupled together within an IEEE 1394-1995 serial bus network. A device control module is generated for each available device for providing an abstraction for all of the capabilities and requirements of the device including the appropriate control protocol, physical connections and connection capabilities for the device. The media manager also manages the flow and format of data transfers between the devices on the network. Through an interface, a user accesses the media manager and enters functions which are to be completed using the devices coupled together on the network. If the appropriate devices are available, the media manager controls and manages the completion of the requested task.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a secure transaction and authentication system through a gaming console are described. The invention allows a consumer to utilize a game console to conduct secure transactions and authenticate the identity of the consumer using the game console. In one embodiment, the invention includes a game console for use by a consumer; a biometric pad coupled to the game console for receiving a biometric input from the consumer to authenticate an identity of the consumer; and a control pad coupled to the game console for entering information by the consumer.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing, entering, and editing information through a transparent screen are described. The invention allows a user to interactively view, enter, and edit information on a transparent window. In one embodiment, the window display device includes a transparent media configured for allowing the user to see through the transparent media; a display module coupled to the transparent media wherein the display module is configured for displaying information to the user; and an input module coupled to the transparent media wherein the input module is configured for receiving an input from the user, wherein the user is capable of viewing through the transparent media while viewing the information.

Abstract: Information-based digital currency and bartering shares a pre-defined level of information about a consumer to a party offering an item to the consumer. A value for the item is based on the level of information shared with the party. In a barter situation with another consumer, a barter valuation for the level of information shared is calculated. The item may be a physical or non-physical product or a service.

Abstract: A system and method of same for performing a search of stored data in a network of electronic devices connected by a network bus, wherein at least one of the electronic devices is a target device containing the stored data and another one of the electronic devices is a controller device. In one embodiment, the electronic devices are compliant with audio visual control (AV/C) protocol and the network is compliant with IEEE 1394. In accordance with the present invention, search criterion are specified in a command structure transmitted from the controller device to the target device. The target device recognizes the command as a request to perform the search of the stored data and executes the command, thereby causing the search to be performed. As a result of a successful search, data on the target device that satisfy the search criterion are identified and an identifier locating that data is also specified. The target device transmits a response containing the identifier to the controller device.

Abstract: A system and method of same for performing a search of stored data in a network of electronic devices connected by a network bus, wherein at least one of the electronic devices is a target device containing the stored data and another one of the electronic devices is a controller device. In one embodiment, the electronic devices are compliant with audio visual control (AV/C) protocol and the network is compliant with IEEE 1394. In accordance with the present invention, search criterion are specified in a command structure transmitted from the controller device to the target device. The target device recognizes the command as a request to perform the search of the stored data and executes the command, thereby causing the search to be performed. As a result of a successful search, data on the target device that satisfy the search criterion are identified and an identifier locating that data is also specified. The target device transmits a response containing the identifier to the controller device.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a user interface for a networked target device within a home audio/visual network. The DDI allows any DDI target to describe its physical appearance including controls and displays, etc., to a DDI controller. The controller can be a remote physical device or can be a software program resident on the same or separate device as the target. The controller interfaces with the target to obtain the DDI data and generates a user interface for the target including: 1) interactive controls; and 2) user display information pertinent to the target. The DDI allows the controller to trigger actions on the target as if a user had physically manipulated the controls of the target. The controller and the target are connected to the same communication network. A particular embodiment operates within the HAVi architecture. The controller communicates with the user by using the input and output devices of (typically) the device upon which the controller is executing.

Abstract: Transaction information from more than one supplier on a network-enabled portal is consolidated by a consolidation payment service and a user provides payment information to the consolidation payment service a single time to pay the suppliers. A consolidation payment service receives a first transaction data from a first supplier located on a network-enabled portal. The consolidation payment service receives a second transaction data from a second supplier located on the network-enabled portal. The consolidation payment service consolidates the first transaction data and the second transaction data. The consolidation payment service receives payment information a single time from a user to pay the first supplier and the second supplier. The user is presented with a single transaction history that includes the first transaction data and the second transaction data.

Abstract: A system and method for effecting a transaction between a person and a provider of goods or services over a network are provided. The method includes establishing, from a communication device, a communication link over the network with the provider, entering into the communication device information pertinent to effecting the transaction and activating in conjunction with effecting the transaction a biometric device to generate a unique identification trait (UIT) associated with the person. The method further includes, in response this activating, automatically transmitting from the communication device over the network to the provider both the information and a signal corresponding to the UIT. This signal may be a coded or uncoded signal verifying the person's identity. A communication device for performing this method also is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for performing financial transaction clearing, settlement, and fraud prevention in real time over a network. The invention uses intelligent agents and component based objects in an interactive network to allow secure financial transactions to be conducted.

Abstract: A method of conducting a transaction between a user of a remote communications device and a second party includes: creating a transaction data structure based on input from the user that defines the transaction; creating a deferred transaction data structure, corresponding to the transaction data structure that defines a deferred transaction, when establishing communication between the remote communications device and the second party is delayed; storing the deferred transaction data structure in a memory; establishing communication between the remote communications device and the second party; and transmitting the deferred transaction data structure to the second party when the communication between the remote communications device and the second party is established.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention perform services in a multimedia network, for example an audio/video (AV) network, by storing in a proxy device a plurality of requests and the associated data for performing services. The proxy device receives via a serial interface from requesting devices in the AV network a plurality of requests for performing the services. When the proxy device detects that the requesting devices or other devices that provide the data associated with the stored requests are on-line, the proxy device retrieves the associated data from these devices. When the proxy device detects that the servicing devices are on-line, the proxy device transfers the requests and the associated data to the servicing devices. The servicing devices then perform the services associated with the requests, and return one or more results associated with the services to the proxy device.

Abstract: A system and method to manage and control access to content and transactions for use by a transaction device are described in detail below. In addition, authorization for an account to request content or conduct transactions may be confirmed locally within the transaction device. Further, setting levels of access and account management for each account can be performed locally within the transaction device. In one embodiment, access is requested from a secure entity. The access to the secure entity is granted if authentication information identifying a user requesting the access is provided to the secure entity. In one embodiment, a control parameter is stored on a local device; content is requested from the local device; and the content is locally compared with the control parameter on the local device to determine whether requesting the content is allowed.

Abstract: Self-describing information is included within a device and contains information relating to a graphical representation of the device, the controls available on the device and the interface required to access those controls. The self-describing information is preferably embedded within a ROM within the device and is read by other devices coupled to the device for presenting a graphical user interface through which the device can be remotely controlled by a user. The self-describing information can also include an address from which additional information about the device and upgrades are automatically obtained. This address is either an internet address or points to a location within a network of devices. The address can also be modifiable. Alternatively, the self-describing information also includes driving software for enhancing the graphical user interface and controlling the operation of the device through another system.

Abstract: On-screen-display graphics data is transmitted from a source device to a display device over an IEEE 1394-1995 serial bus network utilizing an isochronous data format. The on-screen-display graphics data is generated by the source device and transmitted to a display device, as a stream of isochronous data, separate from video data. Each packet of isochronous data within the stream of on-screen-display graphics data includes an address value corresponding to a memory address within the display device forming a buffer. When received by the display device the on-screen-display graphics data is loaded into the appropriate memory locations within the buffer corresponding to the address values. At the display device, an embedded stream processor is utilized to strip the header information from each packet and determine the appropriate memory location that the data is to be stored. A trigger packet is sent at the end of the data stream for a screen of on-screen-display graphics.

Abstract: A media manager provides data flow management and other services for client applications on devices coupled together within a network. Preferably, these devices are coupled together within an IEEE 1394-1995 serial bus network. A device control module is generated for each available device for providing an abstraction for all of the capabilities and requirements of the device including the appropriate control protocol, physical connections and connection capabilities for the device. The media manager also manages the flow and format of data transfers between the devices on the network. Through an interface, a user accesses the media manager and enters functions which are to be completed using the devices coupled together on the network. If the appropriate devices are available, the media manager controls and manages the completion of the requested task.

Abstract: A system and method for a help system for teaching previously unused features in a multi-function system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a processor, a display to communicate with the processor, and a menu of unused features shown on the display.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system in which a limited function access device interacts with a multifunctional portable base station are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for a virtual tutorial system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a processor, a memory adapted to communicate with the processor, a display adapted to communicate with the processor, and a virtual electronic device shown on the display by the processor to emulate operation the electronic device.