Abstract: Providing a software distribution service via ad hoc peer-to-peer networks involves configuring a first device to offer a peer-to-peer software distribution service that facilitates access to a plurality of programs. The peer-to-peer software distribution service is advertised via the first device using a service discovery protocol of an ad hoc peer-to-peer network. At least one query for a description of the peer-to-peer software distribution service from a target device of the ad hoc peer-to-peer network is received at the first device in response to advertising the peer-to-peer software distribution service. Downloading of a program to the target device is facilitated via the peer-to-peer software distribution service. The program is selected from the plurality of programs and capable of operating on a processor of the target device.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for obtaining selected metadata from a user device. The user device has a metadata engine that stores and accesses metadata in response to a metadata query. A metadata broker verifies the authenticity of the metadata query from a service provider and returns selected metadata if the service provider has rights to obtain the metadata. The user device has a communications interface that sends a service request that is indicative of the selected service over a communications channel and receives the metadata request that is indicative of the selected metadata. An authorization center receives a metadata request from a service provider, accesses a rule set to determine selected metadata in accordance with predetermined rights, and returns a signed metadata request to the service provider. The signed metadata request has an electronic signature of an authorizing party and is indicative of the selected metadata.

Abstract: Providing a gaming service via an ad hoc peer-to-peer network involves configuring a device to offer a generic peer-to-peer gaming service that facilitates access to a plurality of specific networked games of the device. The device advertises the gaming service using a service discovery protocol of the network. Game play is facilitated via the gaming service. Accessing a gaming service via an ad hoc peer-to-peer network involves coupling a device to the network. The device discovers a generic peer-to-peer gaming service using a service discovery protocol of the network. The generic gaming service is offered by a peer device and facilitates access to a plurality of specific networked games of the peer device. The device selects a networked game from the plurality of specific networked games of the peer device, and play of the networked game occurs at least between the device and a peer device of the network.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a social network diagram in a P2P network device includes a communication element and an updating element. The communication element is configured to receive an access ticket from an originating node, the access ticket for accessing content via a network. The updating element is configured to determine a true degree of separation between the originating node and the apparatus embodied as a recipient node based on a delivery route of the access ticket and past delivery routes of past access tickets.

Abstract: A UPnP device control protocol for mobile telephones. The device control protocol of the present invention defines the services, actions, and state variables that a UPnP mobile device would expose to a UPnP network. According to the present invention, a mobile telephone or device would act primarily as a UPnP device, offering its services to other devices, such as televisions. These services may include messaging, telephone calls, telephone book functions, calendar functions, and other functions.

Abstract: Utilizing information of a local network for determining presence state involves coupling a mobile device to a local, ad-hoc, peer-to-peer network. State information of a data-processing device of the network is determined using the mobile device. A presence state is formed at the mobile device based on the state information of the data-processing device. The presence state indicates conditions under which the mobile device may be contacted. In one configuration, a connection request for user communications may be received at the mobile device. The mobile device may respond to the connection request based on the presence state of the mobile device.

Abstract: Selecting media for public rendering via user devices involves coupling one or more proximately co-located mobile devices to a network. Metadata of the mobile devices is discovered via the network. The metadata is indicative of media preferences of users associated with the mobile devices.

Abstract: Bridging between ad hoc local networks and Internet based peer-to-peer networks involves coupling a bridge device to a local network using an ad-hoc, peer-to-peer protocol used for exchanging data between consumer electronics devices. The bridge device is coupled to a public network using an Internet-based peer-to-peer networking protocol. In one arrangement, metadata related to media accessible from a media server of the local network is determined via the bridge device, and the metadata is transformed via the bridge device to enable peer-to-peer devices of the public network to discover the media via the bridge device using the Internet-based peer-to-peer networking protocol. In another arrangement, metadata related to media accessible from the public network is determined via the peer-to-peer networking protocol, and the metadata is transformed via the bridge device to enable a device of the local network to discover the media via the bridge device using the ad-hoc, peer-to-peer protocol.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and software product use a complex task signal that indicates a desired complex task which will be implemented by at least one electronic device, such as setting up a particular environment. In response to the complex task signal, a fetching application fetches a representation of a sequence of actions that will be taken by the electronic devices. An interpreter is configured to signal a control point layer in response to the representation, and, in response to that signal, a control point directs the sequence of actions to perform the complex task. This apparatus, method, and software can be implemented in a portable electronic apparatus, such as a mobile telephone, that is remote from the electronic devices.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the remaining free storage capacity of a media database in a media server device (MSD), such as one used in a universal plug and play audio-visual (UPnP AV) architecture. The present invention allows a user of a MSD hosting a content directory service (CDS), prior to a large copy or move operation, to query the media database of the MSD as to the remaining free storage capacity. In one embodiment of the present invention, a query action is implemented in a control point (CP), allowing the CP to query the CDS, which in turn queries the MSD file system/operating system (OS) to determine the remaining free capacity storage of the media database. This capacity information is then sent back to the CP for presentation to a user of the MSD. In a second embodiment, the query is implemented as a dedicated AV MSD service. In a third embodiment, UPnP eventing and a new state variable capable of indicating the remaining free storage capacity is used.

Abstract: A method, a terminal, and a server are provided to enable to remotely and securely grant, by an owner of a server, access to the server for a third party. A mechanism is defined to establish a trust relationship between a mobile device and a home gateway while in a home network and later to use that trust relationship when granting access to the home network (via remote access through the home gateway) to other devices.

Abstract: A system for providing various overlay information one UPnP AV media renderers. According to the present invention, indications of messages and/or other information received by a UPnP mobile telephone or other UPnP control point can be directly transmitted to a renderer and exhibited in different manners. The present invention also permits the UPnP control point to transmit an event subscription to the renderer for subsequent use. The renderer permits accept or reject the receipt of various information at the particular time.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling the integration of mobile telephone functions and the UPnP-enabled digital home. In an UPnP control point device, such as a UPnP mobile telephone, implementing the present invention, events such as the receipt of an incoming telephone call or message in the UPnP control point device application program interface can trigger the requesting of different UPnP actions in UPnP devices that relate to the event. In the UPnP environment, the UPnP control point device serves as a control point and transmits instructions to other devices. For example, the receipt of a phone call could cause the volume on a stereo or television to be lowered or muted, it could cause both live and taped television programs to pause, or it could perform other functions. A UPnP control point device of the present invention can also transmit instructions based upon requests received from remote locations.

Abstract: An environment variable for use cases such as UPnP AV use cases. The environment variable of the present invention is used to store the physical location of the user. For example, the environment variable can be used to identify a particular location as being a user's living room, kitchen, etc. The information stored in the environment variable can be used to enhance the user experience of the digital home or other environment by minimizing the number of manual selections that the user has to make in order to initiate a use case such as playing music in a bedroom or watching movies in a living room. The environment variable is used to trigger a change of a profile and select the devices needed to implement different use scenarios.

Abstract: An advanced search system for UPnP media items such as audio and video. According to the present invention, a content directory service of a UPnP media server is capable of creating various “favorite” lists of most requested, accessed and/or played media items. A UPnP AV control point, when entering a UPnP network including the media server, can request a particular favorite list based upon a wide variety of criteria. In response to this request, the UPnP media server can provide the UPnP AV control point with the requested favorite list.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, method and computer product and medium are provided to implement transmission of information indicating at least a location of a user device; and reception of a broadcast in a selected region from a plurality of broadcast regions in response to the transmitted information. The broadcast includes personalized service for the user of the user device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to link two Universal Plug and Play (“UPnP”) networks to enable the devices in one to communicate directly with the devices in the other. Specifically, a mobile station visiting a first UPnP network may establish communication with a second UPnP network via Web Services (“WS”) protocol with a network gateway of the second UPnP network. The UPnP devices in the first UPnP network can then communicate with those in the second. According to another aspect, a secure communication link is provided between the UPnP network and the remotely located mobile station. Specifically, a network gateway acts as an entry point to the UPnP network and authenticates and authorizes messages from the mobile station. According to yet another aspect, a mobile station lacking UPnP capabilities can communicate with UPnP devices using a network gateway that converts between WS messages and UPnP commands.

Abstract: Synchronizing content description data between devices on an ad hoc peer-to-peer network involves storing a plurality of data entries on a directory server. Each data entry describes one or more multimedia data objects accessible via the network. A synchronization object of the directory server is associated with the data entries. The synchronization object is capable of describing changes to the data entries. The data entries are downloaded from the directory server to a cache of a control point device via the network. The synchronization object of the directory server is changed in response to a change in at least one of the data entries of the directory server. The cache of the control point device is updated with the change in the at least one data entry based on the changing of the synchronization object of the directory server.

Abstract: A system and method for updating and/or refreshing service announcements at regular intervals to a limited device within a network. The limited device sends a signal to the other devices in the network, requesting that refreshments and/or updates be provided at certain intervals. During these intervals, the limited device can enter a sleep mode, preserving battery life. At the end of the interval, the limited device exits the sleep mode and accepts any necessary updates and/or refreshments.