Abstract: A media exchange description language (MX-DL) is disclosed. The media exchange description language (MX-DL) may be used to facilitate media exchange within a media exchange network, such as a home network. Methods of determining an operability of a media item within a media exchange network are also disclosed. The methods may utilize the media exchange description language (MX-DL) to convert a media format of the media item into a compatible media format usable within a media exchange network. Devices and device components for performing the disclosed methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system are provided for supporting hardware devices that are connected to the computer via a network. The existence of any hardware device connected on the network is detected in the method. Information descriptive of the connected device is then obtained, either from the device or from the user. Based upon the obtained information, a logical representation of the connected device is created. The driver for the detected device is then located and installed. From this point on, the network-connected hardware device appears to the computer in the same manner as a locally connected hardware device.

Abstract: A system and method for removable storage content transfer. A removable storage medium is passed between a terminal and a device, and a device file stored on the removable storage medium is used to communicate media content and other information between the terminal and the device. The device file may include “session information,” such as information that can be used to represent a network or direct connect session between the terminal and the device file. The session information may include, for example, media content and header information. The device file may allow the terminal to treat the removable storage medium as a locally connected device in some situations. For example, the terminal may create a device stack using device parameters stored on the removable storage medium, and use the device stack to communicate with the device via the removable storage medium.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable media are disclosed for retrieving configuration files from host units to devices. The system, method, and computer-readable media can, through a media device, detect when a surrounding condition has changed so that the media device can benefit from at least one configuration file. If the media device determines that a change to a surrounding condition has occurred, the media device can then retrieve a configuration file from a designated host unit.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing and storing pre-determined queries on devices with large re-writable media. This invention addresses the problem of processing of data query request on devices that may not have the processing power to return query results in a timely manner. A requesting device queries a target device for information, such as information relating to the content stored on the target device. If the target device is not capable of providing a timely query result, the target device does not respond to the query request, but instead stores the query. The next time the target device connects to a device with a high-powered processor, such as a personal computer, the processor device generates a query result and stores the query result on the target device. The next time the target device connects to the requesting device, the query result will be provided to the requesting device.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable media are disclosed for remotely controlling playback of content stored on a device. The system, method, and computer-readable media can transmit state-based commands from a host unit to the device in order to control playback of the content. The host unit can control playback of the content without requiring the device to transfer the content to the host unit. The host unit can also be updated as soon as there is a change in any state of the device.

Abstract: A system comprises a PC and a plurality of personal digital devices, each device to store one of a plurality of sets of credentials in an internal secured storage area. A method of managing a constellation of trusted devices comprises coupling a device with the PC, adding the device to the constellation if the device is not a member of the constellation, and transmitting the set of credentials from the PC to the internal secured storage area if the device does not have the credentials. A method of enabling communication between devices comprises coupling a first personal digital device with a second personal digital device, validating both devices, authenticating both devices, and prompting both devices to couple with the PC to become members of the constellation and obtain new sets of credentials if both devices are not authenticated and validated.

Abstract: Generation of an index database that is customized for a specific responder device using device parameters of the responder device is provided. The index database is generated on a device other than the responder device. In accordance with one method, an indication of a selection of objects is received. Device parameters of the responder device are also accessed. An index database is generated for the selection of objects using the device parameters of the responder device. The index database may then be transferred to the responder device.

Abstract: A system and method for removable storage content transfer. A removable storage medium is passed between a terminal and a device, and a device file stored on the removable storage medium is used to communicate media content and other information between the terminal and the device. The device file may include “session information,” such as information that can be used to represent a network or direct connect session between the terminal and the device file. The session information may include, for example, media content and header information. The device file may allow the terminal to treat the removable storage medium as a locally connected device in some situations. For example, the terminal may create a device stack using device parameters stored on the removable storage medium, and use the device stack to communicate with the device via the removable storage medium.

Abstract: A computer system and method uses script-based device drivers for operating hardware devices. The script-based driver architecture comprises a scripting driver, a script engine, and a driver script for a given hardware device, such as a scanner. The driver script is generally a text file containing a sequence of programming instructions defining the operational behavior of the hardware device. The scripting driver exports a set of objects whose functions can be called by the driver script to communicate with and control the device. When a request to operate the hardware device is received by the scripting driver, the script engine interprets the programming instructions in the driver script corresponding to the request and invokes the functions of the scripting driver objects called by the programming instructions to carry out the requested device operation.

Abstract: Various technologies and techniques are disclosed that improve synchronization of data between varying types of devices and/or services. A full participant receives a request from another participant to perform a synchronization operation. The synchronization engine determines whether the device or service is a full, partial, or simple participant. The device or service is a simple participant if it has a data store for synchronized data and no knowledge store. The device or service is a partial participant if it has a data store for synchronized data and a knowledge store, but does not understand the knowledge. The device or service is a full participant type if it has a data store for synchronized data and a knowledge store and understands the knowledge. The synchronization engine performs the synchronization operation with the device or service using a set of logic that is appropriate for the type of device or service.

Abstract: A computer system and method uses script-based device drivers for operating hardware devices. The script-based driver architecture comprises a scripting driver, a script engine, and a driver script for a given hardware device, such as a scanner. The driver script is generally a text file containing a sequence of programming instructions defining the operational behavior of the hardware device. The scripting driver exports a set of objects whose functions can be called by the driver script to communicate with and control the device. When a request to operate the hardware device is received by the scripting driver, the script engine interprets the programming instructions in the driver script corresponding to the request and invokes the functions of the scripting driver objects called by the programming instructions to carry out the requested device operation.

Abstract: A computer system uses simplified device drivers for operating hardware devices. A simplified device driver for a hardware device of a given device type, such as a flatbed scanner, works with a system-supplied common driver for that given device type. The common driver and the simplified driver together function like a regular device driver. The simplified device driver implements a small number of entry point functions corresponding to a pre-selected set of operation commands “generic” to hardware devices of that given device type. When an application makes a request for an operation by the device, the request is passed through a device driver interface (DDI) to the common driver. The common driver then calls the entry point functions in the simplified device driver to carry out the requested operation.

Abstract: A computer system uses simplified device drivers for operating hardware devices. A simplified device driver for a hardware device of a given device type, such as a flatbed scanner, works with a system-supplied common driver for that given device type. The common driver and the simplified driver together function like a regular device driver. The simplified device driver implements a small number of entry point functions corresponding to a pre-selected set of operation commands “generic” to hardware devices of that given device type. When an application makes a request for an operation by the device, the request is passed through a device driver interface (DDI) to the common driver. The common driver then calls the entry point functions in the simplified device driver to carry out the requested operation.

Abstract: A computer system uses simplified device drivers for operating hardware devices. A simplified device driver for a hardware device of a given device type, such as a flatbed scanner, works with a system-supplied common driver for that given device type. The common driver and the simplified driver together function like a regular device driver. The simplified device driver implements a small number of entry point functions corresponding to a pre-selected set of operation commands “generic” to hardware devices of that given device type. When an application makes a request for an operation by the device, the request is passed through a device driver interface (DDI) to the common driver. The common driver then calls the entry point functions in the simplified device driver to carry out the requested operation.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a Mass Storage Class Digital Imaging Device using a SCSI pass through protocol. The protocol is based on industry standard SCSI protocol with modifications and extensions to allow transparent communication over a medium and is referred to as SCSI Pass Through (SPT). This protocol defines a set of commands that are initiated in a computer. The commands also include and extend industry standard Picture Transfer Protocol and are targeted for application and execution in a Mass Storage Class Digital Imaging Device. The invention includes the definition of data buffers in the form of data structures that can be used for passing and receiving information related to the digital imaging device. The protocol is applicable to communication mediums that can be utilized in connecting any digital storage device to a computing device.

Abstract: A computer system uses simplified device drivers for operating hardware devices. A simplified device driver for a hardware device of a given device type, such as a flatbed scanner, works with a system-supplied common driver for that given device type. The common driver and the simplified driver together function like a regular device driver. The simplified device driver implements a small number of entry point functions corresponding to a pre-selected set of operation commands “generic” to hardware devices of that given device type. When an application makes a request for an operation by the device, the request is passed through a device driver interface (DDI) to the common driver. The common driver then calls the entry point functions in the simplified device driver to carry out the requested operation.

Abstract: Described herein are one or more implementations for exposing data content (e.g., digital media) of a portable digital media device over a network to one or more network-connected electronics devices, where such exposing is done via a network-connected personal computer to which the portable digital media device is directed coupled (e.g., via a USB). Also, described herein are one or more implementations for gathering a customized collection of data content from web-feeds at a web-connected personal computer and exposing that gathered web-feed data content to a network-connected electronics devices (such as a set-top box for a television).

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a Mass Storage Class Digital Imaging Device using a SCSI pass through protocol. The protocol is based on industry standard SCSI protocol with modifications and extensions to allow transparent communication over a medium and is referred to as SCSI Pass Through (SPT). This protocol defines a set of commands that are initiated in a computer. The commands also include and extend industry standard Picture Transfer Protocol and are targeted for application and execution in a Mass Storage Class Digital Imaging Device. The invention includes the definition of data buffers in the form of data structures that can be used for passing and receiving information related to the digital imaging device. The protocol is applicable to communication mediums that can be utilized in connecting any digital storage device to a computing device.

Abstract: A system and related techniques generate an interrogation request from an initiator device, such as a client desktop machine or other machine, to a mobile or other media player, such as a digital camera, MP3 player, video camera or other device or hardware to enumerate the media content contained in that device, along with associated properties. The collection of binary objects which encode the content, such as digital photographs, encoded audio files, digitized video or other media, may include or have associated with them a set of corresponding object properties which help to define each object, such as by defining a pixel color depth, audio codec or other property or attribute.