Automatic embedded host configuration system and method
First Claim
1. A method of finding control software for a device attached to a host system having a system platform, said method comprising:
- in response to detecting the attachment of a device to a host system, automatically retrieving control software for the device, such that the control software is compatible with system platform and the device requirements.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for automatically detecting the attachment of a peripheral device to a host system, and configuring the host system for communication with the peripheral device is described. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, when a peripheral device is attached to the host system, the host detects the attachment of the device. If a device driver for controlling and communicating with the peripheral device is locally available, then the host system installs and loads the device driver. If the device driver is not locally present, then the host system establishes a connection with a server system that includes a database with the device driver needed for operation of the device. The device driver is forwarded to the host system and is then integrated into the host'"'"'s system software, so that the host can communicate with and control the peripheral device. In accordance with certain aspects of the invention, advertisements or other relevant information about the peripheral device or the host system is displayed to a user, when the host system detects the attachment of the device.
116 Citations
33 Claims
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1. A method of finding control software for a device attached to a host system having a system platform, said method comprising:
in response to detecting the attachment of a device to a host system, automatically retrieving control software for the device, such that the control software is compatible with system platform and the device requirements. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 31, 32)
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11. A host computing system configured to receive a device, said host comprising:
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system software for controlling the operation of the host and detecting the attachment of one or more devices to the host;
application software for querying a device attached to the host for device information, and automatically submitting a request for a device driver to a remote server, if a compatible device driver for the device is not present on the host. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 33)
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21. A method of automatically configuring a host system to communicate with a hardware device, comprising the acts of:
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detecting the attachment of a hardware device to a host system including system software;
querying the hardware device for device information, said device information comprising information about the hardware device characteristics; and
locating a device driver to configure the host system to communicate with said hardware device. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
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25. A method for directed information delivery to a host system comprising:
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detecting the attachment of a hardware device to a host system;
querying the hardware device for device information;
establishing a connection with a remote server system;
forwarding to the server system host related information including device information; and
delivering to the host system display information based on said information forwarded to the server. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification