Automated configuration enabled via interrogation over network

• US 6,941,356 B2
• Filed: 06/29/2001
• Issued: 09/06/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Meyerson, Matthew Scott
• Primary Examiner(s): Dinh, Dung O.
• Assistant Examiner(s): PARTON, KEVIN S
• Application Number:
  US09/896,747
• Publication Number:
  US 20030018805A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,530 Days
• Field of Search: 709220-221, 709217-219, 709232-233, 715/700, 715/740, 370/254, 710 8- 11
• US Class Current: 709/220
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0809 Plug-and-play configuration
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0813 characterised by the conditions triggering a change of settings
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0886 Fully automatic configuration
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/12 Discovery or management of network topologies

Abstract

A method and structure for a primary device adapted to communicate with secondary devices. The primary device has a central processing unit, a transceiver connected to the central processing unit which is adapted to transmit signals to and from the secondary devices and a user interface. The central processing unit automatically establishes communications with the secondary devices through the transceiver by sequentially (or in parallel) attempting communication with the secondary devices using a plurality of known communication protocols until communications are established, and the central processing unit changes the user interface depending upon which secondary devices are in communication with the primary device.

Claims

1. A primary device adapted to communicate with secondary devices, said primary device comprising:

a central processing unit;

a transceiver connected to said central processing unit and adapted to transmit signals to and from said secondary devices; and

a user interface,

wherein said central processing unit establishes communications with said secondary devices through said transceiver, and

where said central processing unit changes an appearance of said user interface depending upon which secondary devices are in physical proximity to said primary device.

2. A computer adapted to communicate with a plurality of networks and peripheral devices, said computer comprising:

a central process unit;

an interface connected to said central processing unit and adapted to transmit signals to and from said networks and peripheral devices; and

a user interface;

wherein said central processing unit establishes communications with said networks and peripheral devices through said interface, and

wherein said central processing unit changes an appearance of said user interface depending upon which networks and peripheral devices are in physical proximity to said computer.

3. A remote control device adapted to control secondary devices, said remote control device comprising:

a central processing unit;

a transceiver connected to said central processing unit and adapted to transmit signals to and from said secondary devices; and

a user interface,

wherein said central processing unit establishes communications with said secondary devices through said transceiver, and

wherein said central processing unit changes an appearance of said user interface depending upon which secondary devices are in physical proximity to said remote control device.