Classifying devices using a local proxy server
US7337219B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 30, 2003 |
| Grant date | Feb 26, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 22, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L63/105
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A local proxy in a home network may identify the device class to which a particular device in the home network belongs based on the receipt of a message requesting a network address for use by the device. A device class may include a broad category to describe the device (such as, a gaming device, a personal computer, an appliance, or a PDA), the type of platform (e.g., the type of hardware, such as a Macintosh™ personal computer, a Windows™-based personal computer, a Linux™-based personal computer, a PDA, a home appliance, or an entertainment device), and/or the operating environment (e.g., operating system type and/or version). The local proxy associates the device class with the device. The local proxy may process a request from a device in a home network based on the device class of the device that sent the request. For example, access to a game available on the home network may be restricted to a gaming device or personal computer. Access to financial information stored on the home network may be restricted by a computing device capable of processing financial information, such as a personal digital assistant or personal computer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.