Patent ID: 6286054
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A method for allowing a host to support a plurality of digital imaging devices, the host including a application program, the method comprising the steps of:providing a first digital imaging device module including information relating to a first digital imaging device, the first digital imaging device module for controlling and providing a first connectivity to the first digital imaging device, the first connectivity to the first digital imaging device including providing control of a first physical connection to the first digital imaging device and controlling communication with the first digital imaging device;providing an interface layer, the interface layer supporting a plurality of protocols for communicating between the application and the first digital imaging device module, the interface layer communicating with the first digital imaging device module using a first protocol; andloading a second digital imaging device module, the second digital imaging device module including information relating to a second digital imaging device, the second digital imaging device module for controlling and providing a second connectivity to the second digital imaging device, the second digital imaging device module communicating with the interface layer using a second protocol, the second digital imaging device being accessible by the application through the interface layer, the second connectivity to the second digital imaging device including providing control of a second physical connection to the second digital imaging device and controlling communication with the second digital imaging device;wherein the interface layer, the first digital imaging device module and the second digital imaging device module allow communication between the application and the first digital imaging device and between the application and the second without requiring specialized software in the application.