Abstract: Disclosed are methods, computer program products, apparatus, and systems for sending and receiving uniform serial bus (“USB”) messages between a host computer and a USB device over a data network, using a USB server in communication with the data network and the host computer, and a USB client in communication with the data network and the USB device. An association is established between the USB server and the USB client. The USB server receives a first USB message from the host computer. The first USB message is translated to a format suitable for sending over the data network, and sent as a first network message from the USB server to the USB client over the data network. The USB server receives a second network message from the USB client over the data network, and translates the second network message to a USB format.

Abstract: Method and devices are provided for to simplify, for the user of a home network, the sharing of content with remote users. Some such implementations allow remote users who have logged into the home network to have access to devices and services within the home network. Some implementations of the invention provide solutions for sharing multiple devices within the home network in a grouping to a particular remote user who logs into the home network in a secure fashion. Some methods of the present invention are implemented in part by controlling a gateway of the home network. As such, the necessary hardware and/or software for implementing the invention can be located in a gateway of the home network. In alternative implementations, aspects of the invention may be implemented via a portal service offered by a service provider who also controls the gateway, or by a device in the home network.

Abstract: A solution is provided for controlling universal serial bus (USB) messages between a plurality of host computers and a USB device. First and second USB servers may communicate with first and second host computers, respectively. A USB client may then communicate with the USB device. A first control path between the USB client and the first USB server and a second control path between the USB client and the second USB server may be established. Then a first data transfer path may be established between the USB client and the first USB server, the first data transfer path enabling the sending of data between the USB client and the first USB server over a data network. Then a busy message may be sent from the USB client to the second USB server over the second control path when the first data transfer path is established with the first USB server.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for identifying, locating and provisioning individual RFID devices in a network with “personalities” that are appropriate for the roles of the RFID devices. According to some implementations of the invention, a combination of EPC code information and existing networking standards form the basis of identifying and provisioning methods. For example, MAC address information and EPC information can be combined to identify a particular device and its location in a network. For implementations using the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (“DHCP”), DHCP Options may be used to pass provisioning information. Some implementations employ Domain Name Service (“DNS”) and dynamic DNS (“DDNS”) to allow easy identification of RFID devices.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for configuring a device that is non-conforming with a management system using configurations provided by the management system over a network. A network event generated from the device is detected. In response to the network event, the set of configurations from the management system are retrieved for the device. The set of configurations are converted into a form that is suitable for the device. The device is enabled to use the set of configurations to communicate over the network.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the provisioning and redundancy of RFID middleware servers. Middleware servers can be automatically provisioned and RFID device/middleware server associations can be automatically updated. Some implementations of the invention provide for automatic detection of middleware server malfunctions. Some such implementations provide for automated provisioning and automated updating of RFID device/middleware server associations, whether a middleware server is automatically brought online or is manually replaced. Changes and reassignments of the RFID device populations may be accommodated.

Abstract: Some implementations of the invention involve forming “logical” or “virtual” devices by aggregating a plurality of physical devices. The physical devices may be, for example, controllers, RFID readers and/or storage devices. Some logical devices comprise components of physical devices, such as individual antennas from a plurality of RFID readers. The physical devices may be located near one another or may be distributed over a wide geographical area. Logical device definitions can also be concatenated to include devices having two or more levels of logical device definitions. A single logical device grouping may include physical devices at differing levels of a network hierarchy.

Abstract: The present invention provides enhanced flexibility regarding the use of media devices, including media communication peripheral devices, in communication sessions. Communication sessions can be conducted between devices having differing capabilities. According to some implementations, requests for communication sessions may be accepted according to the capabilities and/or preferences indicated for local media communication peripheral devices. Some components of an incoming communication signal may be selected for reproduction by a local media communication peripheral device and others may be ignored.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices using location detection to enable MMMDs to activate and tune to appropriate radios and networks. Some preferred embodiments use radio frequency identification (“RFID”)—based location detection. Preferably, the location detection occurs at or near wireless domain boundaries. Some implementations employ proximity/boundary detection to enhance handoff triggers, which initiate handoff mechanisms between different networks, as an MMMD moves between wireless networks, via a wireless domain portal. Some implementations involve methods and devices for device validation and authorization. An MMMD is provided with local wireless network awareness, which may be used by the MMMD to have the appropriate radio turned on and properly tuned. Accordingly, the methods and devices of the present invention achieve power savings and improved handoff across networks.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, computer program products, apparatus, and systems for controlling sending and receiving of universal serial bus (“USB”) messages between a plurality of host computers and a USB device over a data network. A first USB server is in communication with a first one of the host computers and the data network. A second USB server is in communication with a second one of the host computers and the data network. A USB client is in communication with the data network and the USB device. A first control path is established between the USB client and the first USB server, and a second control path is established between the USB client and the second USB server. A data transfer path is established between the USB client and the first USB server. The data transfer path enables sending of data between the USB client and the first USB server over the data network.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, computer program products, apparatus, and systems for sending and receiving uniform serial bus (“USB”) messages between a host computer and a USB device over a data network, using a USB server in communication with the data network and the host computer, and a USB client in communication with the data network and the USB device. An association is established between the USB server and the USB client. The USB server receives a first USB message from the host computer. The first USB message is translated to a format suitable for sending over the data network, and sent as a first network message from the USB server to the USB client over the data network. The USB server receives a second network message from the USB client over the data network, and translates the second network message to a USB format. At the USB server, the translated second network message is provided as a second USB message for the host computer.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for determining the status of a networked device. Messages from such devices may include information indicating the health, accuracy and/or reliability of a device and/or of the network that includes the device. Multiple message formats may be supported, e.g., heartbeat only, partial statistics, full statistics, etc. Transmission of such messages may be triggered by the occurrence of various conditions, such as the passage of a predetermined time interval, a predetermined change in one or more criteria, etc. In some implementations, a time-based message throttle establishes a minimum time interval between messages. Messages may be created in a format that is compatible with SNMP. Messages may be transmitted in more than one packet, if necessary. Messages may be sent to one or more devices, e.g., to one or more servers, according to various criteria.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for determining the status of a networked device, e.g., a networked RFID device. In some embodiments of the invention, a customized packet is used to transmit a “heartbeat” from each of a plurality of networked devices to a server. Some such embodiments use a customized syslog packet for the heartbeats. The heartbeat includes identification information regarding the device, e.g., the unique electronic product code (“EPC”) of the device. The identification information may include other identification and/or authentication information, such as a shared secret and time data, which may be hashed with the identification information. The heartbeat may include information indicating the health, accuracy and/or reliability of the device and/or of the network that includes the device.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for identifying, locating and provisioning individual RFID devices in a network with “personalities” that are appropriate for the roles of the RFID devices. According to some implementations of the invention, a combination of EPC code information and existing networking standards form the basis of identifying and provisioning methods. For example, MAC address information and EPC information can be combined to identify a particular device and its location in a network. For implementations using the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (“DHCP”), DHCP Options may be used to pass provisioning information. Some implementations employ Domain Name Service (“DNS”) and dynamic DNS (“DDNS”) to allow easy identification of RFID devices.

Abstract: According to some implementations of the present invention, RFID devices and middleware servers are automatically provisioned with a network address and with instructions for sending a request for a middleware server to a middleware server assigner. In some implementations, the middleware server assigner is a load balancer. In some implementations, a middleware server is associated with a plurality of RFID devices by associating a middleware server network address or names with the network addresses of the RFID devices. Preferred methods also provide for redundancy of middleware servers and dynamic re-assignment of RFID devices from an unavailable middleware server to an available middleware server.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for identifying, locating and provisioning individual RFID devices in a network. According to some implementations of the invention, a combination of EPC code information and existing networking standards form the basis of identifying and provisioning methods. For example, MAC address information and EPC information can be combined to identify a particular device and its location in a network. For implementations using the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (“DHCP”), DHCP Options may be used to pass provisioning information. Some implementations employ Domain Name Service (“DNS”) and dynamic DNS (“DDNS”) to allow easy identification of RFID devices.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for identifying and provisioning individual RFID devices in a network. According to some implementations of the invention, a combination of EPC code information and existing networking standards form the basis of identifying and provisioning methods. For example, MAC address information and EPC information can be combined to identify a particular device and its location in a network. For implementations using the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (“DHCP”), DHCP Options may be used to pass provisioning information. Some implementations employ Domain Name Service (“DNS”) and dynamic DNS (“DDNS”) to allow easy identification of RFID devices.

Abstract: Method and devices are provided for to simplify, for the user of a home network, the sharing of content with remote users. Some such implementations allow remote users who have logged into the home network to have access to devices and services within the home network. Some implementations of the invention provide solutions for sharing multiple devices within the home network in a grouping to a particular remote user who logs into the home network in a secure fashion. Some methods of the present invention are implemented in part by controlling a gateway of the home network. As such, the necessary hardware and/or software for implementing the invention can be located in a gateway of the home network. In alternative implementations, aspects of the invention may be implemented via a portal service offered by a service provider who also controls the gateway, or by a device in the home network.