Method for establishing a paired connection between media devices

• US 20060284982A1
• Filed: 12/02/2005
• Published: 12/21/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/17/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: FotoNation Limited (Adeia Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Tessera Technologies Ireland Limited (Adeia Inc.)
• Inventors: Steinberg, Eran, Bigioi, Petronel, Corcoran, Peter
• Granted Patent: US 7,792,970 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/207.100
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 15/16 Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs coordinating program control therefor G06F9/52; in regulating and control system G05B
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/08 Protocols for interworking; Protocol conversion
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00132 in a digital photofinishing system, i.e. a system where digital photographic images undergo typical photofinishing processing, e.g. printing ordering
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00145 from a remote location
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00209 Transmitting or receiving image data, e.g. facsimile data, via a computer, e.g. using e-mail, a computer network, the internet, I-fax
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00217 only involving computer data transmission protocols, e.g. SMTP, WAP or HTTP communication protocol aspects and techniques in packet data networks H04L69/00; network-specific arrangements or communication protocols supporting networked applications H04L67/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00278 with a printing apparatus, e.g. a laser beam printer
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0015 Control of image communication with the connected apparatus, e.g. signalling capability
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0039 Connection via a network
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0084 Digital still camera

Abstract

A method for establishing a paired connection between first and second media devices across a network includes transmitting a first information message across the network including an identifier that includes a request to pair the first and second media devices. When a second information message is received from the second media device within a first predetermined time period, the first device retrieves an identifier of the second device and transmits a confirmation message across the network including the device identifiers. A paired connection between the media devices is completed after a corresponding confirmation message from the second device is received within a second predetermined time period.

Claims

1. A method for establishing a paired connection across a network between first and second media devices including a digital camera adapter device, comprising:

responsive to user interaction with the first media device, transmitting a first information message across the network including an identifier that includes a request to pair the first media device with the second media device;

responsive to receipt of a second information message from the second device within a first predetermined time period, retrieving an identifier of the second device from the second information message and transmitting across the network a confirmation message including an identifier of the first device and an identifier of the second device;

responsive to receipt of a corresponding confirmation message from the second device within a second predetermined time period, completing a paired connection with the second device; and

initiating image transfer to a remote storage device from the digital camera adapter device that serves as temporary storage for a digital camera device.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the information and confirmation messages are transmitted via User Datagram Protocol.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein said first and second time periods are substantially the same.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein said first media device is responsive to receipt of an information message from a third media device, different from said second media device, upon failing to establish said paired connection with said second device during said first predetermined time period.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein said first media device is responsive to receipt of a confirmation message from a third media device, different from said second device, upon failing to establish said paired connection with said second media device during said second predetermined time period.

6. A method according to claim 1, further comprising establishing one or more further paired connections with further media devices.

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein each of said information and confirmation messages includes a protocol identifier.

8. A method according to claim 1, further comprising communicating according to the Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP).

9. A method according to claim 1, wherein the digital camera adapter device comprises a PTP camera adapter.

10. A method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second devices further include a printer.

11. A method according to claim 1, wherein upon receipt of said first message and actuation of a switch, said second device automatically generating and transmitting said second message.

12. A method according to claim 1, wherein upon receipt of said second message and actuation of a switch, said first device automatically generating and transmitting said confirmation message.

13. A method according to claim 1, wherein said paired connection employs a communications protocol which permits the first device to control the second device in providing a media acquisition, filtering or output service, or combinations thereof.

14. A method according to claim 1, wherein said digital camera adapter device communicates with the digital camera device using a bus protocol.

15. A digital camera adapter device for handling media and establishing a paired connection with a second media device across a network, comprising:

a media device housing containing a media handling component architecture;

a network interface coupled with the component architecture; and

a pairing actuator signal-coupled with the network interface such that, upon user interaction with the pairing actuator, transmission of an information message is initiated through said network interface, said information message including an identifier indicating that the user of the adapter device wishes to pair the device with a second media device,

wherein responsive to receipt of an information message through said network interface from the second media device within a first predetermined time period, the adapter device further for retrieving an identifier of the second device from the information message and for transmitting a confirmation message through said network interface including an identifier of the adapter device and an identifier of the second device; and

responsive to receipt of a corresponding confirmation message through said network interface from the second media device within a second predetermined time period, the adapter device further for completing a paired connection with the second device, and

wherein the adapter device is configured to initiate image transfer to a remote storage device from the adapter device which serves as temporary storage for a digital camera device.

16. A device according to claim 15, further comprising a microprocessor or one or more other general purpose computing device components, printer architecture, digital image acquisition device architecture, or an adapter, or combinations thereof.

17. A device according to claim 15, wherein the network interface comprises an Internet Protocol (IP) transport interface.

18. A device according to claim 15, wherein the network interface comprises a Wireless Local Area Network interface, a Bluetooth interface, or an Ethernet interface interface, or combinations thereof.

19. A device according to claim 15, further comprising an adapter that includes a bus interface for communicating with said network interface upon establishment of said paired connection.

20. A device according to claim 19, wherein said bus interface comprises a USB interface.

21. A device according to claim 19, wherein the adapter further comprises a PTP initiator module for communication with a PTP compliant device across said bus interface.

22. A device according to claim 21, further comprising a PTP responder module for communication with one or more PTP/IP compliant devices through said network interface.

23. A device according to claim 22, further for establishing one or more further paired connections with respective devices.

24. A device according to claim 23, further for establishing respective PTP sessions with each device for which a paired connection has been established through said network interface.

25. A device according to claim 24, wherein said device acts as a bridge when a paired connection has been established with only one device.

26. A device according to claim 24, wherein said device acts as a gateway when more than one paired connection has been established.

27. A device according to claim 15, the adapter device comprising a PTP camera adapter.

28. A device according to claim 15, wherein the second device comprises a printer.

29. A device according to claim 15, wherein upon receipt of said first message and actuation of a second pairing actuator associated with said second device, said second device automatically generating and transmitting said second message.

30. A device according to claim 15, wherein upon receipt of said second message and actuation of said pairing actuator, said adapter device automatically generating and transmitting said confirmation message.

31. A device according to claim 15, wherein said paired connection employs a communications protocol which permits the adapter device to control the second device in providing a media acquisition, filtering or output service, or combinations thereof.

32. A device according to claim 15, wherein the adapter device communicates with the digital camera device using a bus protocol.

33. A device according to claim 15 in which said network interface comprises an Internet Protocol (IP) transport interface.

34. A device according to claim 33 in which said network interface comprises one of a Wireless Local Area Network, a Bluetooth, or an Ethernet interface.

35. A device according to claim 15, further comprising a bus interface, said adapter device being configured on establishment of said paired connection to transmit messages between said bus interface and said network interface.

36. A device according to claim 35 in which said bus interface comprises a USB interface.

37. A device according to claim 35 arranged to implement a PTP initiator for communication with a PTP compliant device across said bus interface.

38. A device according to claim 37 arranged to implement a PTP responder for communication with one or more PTP/IP compliant device through said network interface.

39. A device according to claim 38 being arranged to establish one or more further paired connections with respective devices after establishment of each paired connection.

40. A device according to claim 39 being arranged to establish respective PTP sessions with each device for which a paired connection has been established through said network interface.

41. A device according to claim 40 in which said device acts as a bridge when a paired connection has been established with only one device.

42. A device according to claim 40 in which in which said device acts as a gateway when more than one paired connection has been established.

43. A system comprising a device according to claim 35, and a storage device, wherein said adapter device is arranged to connect to a camera via said bus interface and said adapter device is arranged to connect to said storage device via said network interface.

44. A system according to claim 43 wherein said storage device is arranged to send a request periodically via said adapter device to said camera to determine whether a backup of data stored on said camera may be performed and to monitor for a response.

45. A system according to claim 44 wherein said storage device is responsive to receipt of a response from said camera via said adapter device to send a request for data to the camera via said adapter device and to receive and store said data.

46. A system according to claim 43 wherein said storage device is arranged to send a single request to said adapter device and said adapter device is responsive to said request to periodically request the camera to determine whether backup of data stored on said camera may be performed and to monitor for a response.

47. A system according to claim 46 said adapter is responsive to receipt of a response to send a request for data to said camera and to receive and store said data for later retrieval by said storage device.

48. A system according to claim 46, wherein said request includes a request for data to be transferred.

49. A system according to claim 44, wherein said request includes a request for data to be transferred.

50. A system according to claim 43 wherein said adapter device is arranged to query said storage device to determine whether a memory of said storage device is full.

51. A system according to claim 43 wherein said storage device comprises a memory operable as a first-in-first-out, FIFO memory.

52. A system according to claim 43 wherein said adapter comprises a memory operable as a first-in-first-out, FIFO memory.

53. A system according to claim 43 wherein said storage device is arranged to mark data not to be deleted from said storage device.

54. A system according to claim 43 wherein said storage device is arranged to provide said camera with information about data stored in said storage device.

55. A backup system comprising an adapter device and a storage device, said adapter device being arranged to connect to a camera via a bus interface and arranged to connect to said storage device via a network interface, thereby enabling messages to be transmitted between said storage device and a camera.

56. A backup system according to claim 55 wherein said adapter device is arranged to communicate with each of said camera and said storage device using the PTP protocol.

57. A backup system according to claim 56 wherein said storage device is arranged initiate data transfer from said camera to said storage device via said adapter device.

58. One or more processor readable storage devices having processor readable code embodied thereon, said processor readable code for programming one or more processors to perform a method for establishing a paired connection across a network between first and second media devices including a digital camera adapter device, the method comprising:

responsive to user interaction with the first media device, transmitting a first information message across the network including an identifier that includes a request to pair the first media device with the second media device;

responsive to receipt of a second information message from the second device within a first predetermined time period, retrieving an identifier of the second device from the second information message and transmitting across the network a confirmation message including an identifier of the first device and an identifier of the second device; and

responsive to receipt of a corresponding confirmation message from the second device within a second predetermined time period, completing a paired connection with the second device; and

initiating image transfer to a remote storage device from the digital camera adapter device that serves as temporary storage for a digital camera device.

59. The one or more storage devices of claim 58, wherein one or more of the information and confirmation messages are transmitted via User Datagram Protocol.

60. The one or more storage devices of claim 58, wherein said first and second time periods are substantially the same.

61. The one or more storage devices of claim 58, wherein said first media device is responsive to receipt of an information message from a third media device, different from said second media device, upon failing to establish said paired connection with said second device during said first predetermined time period.

62. The one or more storage devices of claim 58, wherein said first media device is responsive to receipt of a confirmation message from a third media device, different from said second device, upon failing to establish said paired connection with said second media device during said second predetermined time period.

63. The one or more storage devices of claim 58, the method further comprising establishing one or more further paired connections with further media devices.

64. The one or more storage devices of claim 58, wherein each of said information and confirmation messages includes a protocol identifier.

65. The one or more storage devices of claim 58, the method further comprising communicating according to the Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP).

66. The one or more storage devices of claim 58, wherein the digital camera adapter device comprises a PTP camera adapter.

67. The one or more more storage devices of claim 66, wherein the first and second devices further comprise a printer.

68. The one or more storage devices of claim 58, wherein upon receipt of said first message and actuation of a second pairing actuator associated with said second device, said second device automatically generating and transmitting said second message.

69. The one or more storage devices of claim 58, wherein upon receipt of said second message and actuation of said pairing actuator, said first device automatically generating and transmitting said confirmation message.

70. The one or more storage devices of claim 58, wherein said paired connection employs a communications protocol which permits the first device to control the second device in providing a media acquisition, filtering or output service, or combinations thereof.

71. The one or more storage devices of claim 58, wherein said digital camera adapter device communicates with the digital camera device using a bus protocol.

72. An digital camera adapter device for establishing a paired connection with a second device across a network, said adapter device including a user actuator, a network interface and a bus interface, said adapter device being arranged on establishment of said paired connection to transmit messages between said bus interface and said network interface, and said adapter device being:

responsive to user interaction with the user actuator, to transmit an information message through said network interface, said information message including an identifier indicating that the user of the device wishes to pair the device with the second device;

responsive to receipt of an information message through said network interface from the second device within a first predetermined time period, to retrieve an identifier of the second device from the information message and to transmit a confirmation message through said network interface including an identifier of the device and an identifier of the second device; and

responsive to receipt of a corresponding confirmation message through said network interface from the second device within a second predetermined time period, to complete a paired connection with the second device.

73. A device according to claim 72, in which said bus interface comprises a USB interface.

74. A device according to claim 72 arranged to implement a PTP initiator for communication with a PTP compliant device across said bus interface.

75. A device according to claim 74 arranged to implement a PTP responder for communication with one or more PTP/IP compliant device through said network interface.

76. A device according to claim 75 being arranged to establish one or more further paired connections with respective devices after establishment of each paired connection.

77. A device according to claim 76 being arranged to establish respective PTP sessions with each device for which a paired connection has been established through said network interface.

78. A device according to claim 77 in which said adapter device acts as a bridge when a paired connection has been established with only one device.

79. A device according to claim 77 in which in which said adapter device acts as a gateway when more than one paired connection has been established.

80. A system comprising an adapter device according to claim 72, and a storage device, wherein said adapter device is arranged to connect to a camera via said bus interface and said adapter device is arranged to connect to said storage device via said network interface.

81. A system according to claim 80 wherein said storage device is arranged to send a request periodically via said adapter device to said camera to determine whether a backup of data stored on said camera may be performed and to monitor for a response.

82. A system according to claim 81 wherein said storage device is responsive to receipt of a response from said camera via said adapter device to send a request for data to the camera via said adapter device and to receive and store said data.

83. A system according to claim 80 wherein said storage device is arranged to send a single request to said adapter device and said adapter device is responsive to said request to periodically request the camera to determine whether backup of data stored on said camera may be performed and to monitor for a response.

84. A system according to claim 83, wherein said adapter device is responsive to receipt of a response to send a request for data to said camera and to receive and store said data for later retrieval by said storage device.

85. A system according to claim 83 wherein said request includes a request for data to be transferred.

86. A system according to claim 81 wherein said request includes a request for data to be transferred.

87. A system according to claim 80 wherein said adapter device is arranged to query said storage device to determine whether a memory of said storage device is full.

88. A system according to claim 80 wherein said storage device comprises a memory operable as a first-in-first-out, FIFO memory.

89. A system according to claim 80 wherein said adapter device comprises a memory operable as a first-in-first-out, FIFO memory.

90. A system according to claim 80 wherein said storage device is arranged to mark data not to be deleted from said storage device.

91. A system according to claim 80 wherein said storage device is arranged to provide said camera with information about data stored in said storage device.