Abstract: A media spooler system is described that provides a methodology for efficient transmission of media content from client devices, such transmission of digital images from wireless digital cameras. The media spooler or gateway addresses wireless transmission problems by acting as a protocol gateway between a thin-client device and a target host or server (supported by a server infrastructure). More particularly, the media spooler of the present invention acts as a protocol gateway between thin-client devices (e.g., “mobile visual communicator” in the form of a wireless digital camera) and server infrastructure (e.g., server-based computer systems or “Web servers” of a photographic service provider). This task entails accepting multiple, simultaneous connections from various client devices (e.g., wireless digital cameras), extracting information from those devices (e.g., digital photographs or other media content), and then uploading that information to the target server infrastructure.

Abstract: A method facilitating the transfer of information from a media or data capture device to a larger device while providing valuable feedback about the transfer is described. A transfer device including a simple user interface that can be easily implemented on a media or data capture device provides feedback about the transfer operation, enabling the user to take action when necessary. For example, the user is advised if the transfer is complete or, alternatively, that the transfer has failed and needs to redone. Feedback is provided by visual signals and may also be accompanied by audible signals. All necessary transfer functionality is included on the media capture device, thereby avoiding the requirement for dedicated software on a host (or pipeline) device, such as a cellular phone. This expands the number of pipeline devices that can be utilized with particular media capture devices.

Abstract: A methodology for providing FTP-like server capability to a portable, intermittently-connected device, such as a digital camera device, is described. Using XML syntax, a photo-serving protocols suite supporting FTP-like photo-serving capability is incorporated into a digital camera device (or other portable device), so that digital images (or other files) on that device may be easily accessed by a variety of disparate hosts over standard protocols. If desired, standard (e.g., generic) FTP may be employed instead of the photo-serving protocols. All hosts that are commonly available include implementations of industry-standard TCP/IP protocols on which the photo-serving protocols may be borne. As a result, no host need have a proprietary, one-off solution to bear the photo-serving protocols.

Abstract: A methodology for dynamic (i.e., run-time) uploading and execution of applications and drivers between devices (e.g., between “client” device and one or more (host) devices), in a fully automated manner, is described. The device which is to be hosted (e.g., the “client” device) initially probes its environment to determine which device or devices it is attached to (e.g., the “host” device(s)). Once it has correctly discerned the relevant host or target device(s), the client device includes the capability of immediately sending out (i.e., uploading) a particular driver or application (i.e., object or file of interest) for placement, and ultimately execution, at the host device. Once the particular object or file of interest has been “injected” into the host device and is executing, the client device may simply revert to a “listening mode” in which it waits to be told what to do (i.e., receive commands from the application or driver which is now executing at the host device).

Abstract: A media spooler system is described that provides a methodology for efficient transmission of media content from client devices, such transmission of digital images from wireless digital cameras. The media spooler or gateway addresses wireless transmission problems by acting as a protocol gateway between a thin-client device and a target host or server (supported by a server infrastructure). More particularly, the media spooler of the present invention acts as a protocol gateway between thin-client devices (e.g., “mobile visual communicator” in the form of a wireless digital camera) and server infrastructure (e.g., server-based computer systems or “Web servers” of a photographic service provider). This task entails accepting multiple, simultaneous connections from various client devices (e.g., wireless digital cameras), extracting information from those devices (e.g., digital photographs or other media content), and then uploading that information to the target server infrastructure.

Abstract: A method facilitating the transfer of information from a media or data capture device to a larger device while providing valuable feedback about the transfer is described. A transfer device including a simple user interface that can be easily implemented on a media or data capture device provides feedback about the transfer operation, enabling the user to take action when necessary. For example, the user is advised if the transfer is complete or, alternatively, that the transfer has failed and needs to redone. Feedback is provided by visual signals and may also be accompanied by audible signals. All necessary transfer functionality is included on the media capture device, thereby avoiding the requirement for dedicated software on a host (or pipeline) device, such as a cellular phone. This expands the number of pipeline devices that can be utilized with particular media capture devices.

Abstract: A methodology for dynamic (i.e., run-time) uploading and execution of applications and drivers between devices (e.g., between “client” device and one or more (host) devices), in a fully automated manner, is described. The device which is to be hosted (e.g., the “client” device) initially probes its environment to determine which device or devices it is attached to (e.g., the “host” device(s)). Once it has correctly discerned the relevant host or target device(s), the client device includes the capability of immediately sending out (i.e., uploading) a particular driver or application (i.e., object or file of interest) for placement, and ultimately execution, at the host device. Once the particular object or file of interest has been “injected” into the host device and is executing, the client device may simply revert to a “listening mode” in which it waits to be told what to do (i.e.

Abstract: A media spooler system is described that provides a methodology for efficient transmission of media content from client devices, such transmission of digital images from wireless digital cameras. The media spooler or gateway addresses wireless transmission problems by acting as a protocol gateway between a thin-client device and a target host or server (supported by a server infrastructure). More particularly, the media spooler of the present invention acts as a protocol gateway between thin-client devices (e.g., “mobile visual communicator” in the form of a wireless digital camera) and server infrastructure (e.g., server-based computer systems or “Web servers” of a photographic service provider). This task entails accepting multiple, simultaneous connections from various client devices (e.g., wireless digital cameras), extracting information from those devices (e.g., digital photographs or other media content), and then uploading that information to the target server infrastructure.