Abstract: An arrangement for exposing self-describing device-hosted services on a client device to a host application or processes over MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) is provided by which an MTP extension comprising new MTP commands enables the device-hosted services to be backwards and forward compatible with existing MTP implementations. The new MTP commands in the extension enable discovery by the host of device-hosted services provided by a connected client device. In an illustrative example, the device-hosted services include storage services which supplement traditional MTP storages with service features, functional device services which support message-based interaction between the host and client device, and information services which may simply present a rich, static dataset of information to the host rather than providing additional storage or functional capabilities. These device-hosted services advantageously enable richer communication between the host and client device.

Abstract: An arrangement for exposing self-describing device-hosted services on a client device to a host application or processes over MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) is provided by which an MTP extension comprising new MTP commands enables the device-hosted services to be backwards and forward compatible with existing MTP implementations. The new MTP commands in the extension enable discovery by the host of device-hosted services provided by a connected client device. In an illustrative example, the device-hosted services include storage services which supplement traditional MTP storages with service features, functional device services which support message-based interaction between the host and client device, and information services which may simply present a rich, static dataset of information to the host rather than providing additional storage or functional capabilities. These device-hosted services advantageously enable richer communication between the host and client device.