Intel Corporation

Nathan Y Smith

Cynthia S Bell

A first processor-based device (PBD), such as a personal computer functioning as a host and containing digital media files, may share a selected file with a second PBD. Media file-sharing may be facilitated by an automated technique including graphical user interfaces (GUIs). In one embodiment, when a device user wishes to transfer a file to another device, the user hovers the file over a particular desktop icon and drops it, causing it to be automatically transmitted to a corresponding destination. Optionally, in response to hovering, a software program automatically generates a GUI indicating potential destinations. The user then selects a destination, and the system automatically transfers the file to that destination. In another embodiment, media sharing can be initiated from a digital appliance, such as a digital picture frame, and a file can be sent to another PBD, such as another digital picture frame via an intermediary PBD.

User interface to facilitate exchanging files among processor-based devices

A first type of processor-based device, such as a personal computer functioning as a host and containing digital media files, may wirelessly communicate with a second type of processor-based device or appliance, such as a digital picture frame (DPF). Upon request and/or at periodic intervals, the host may transmit menu items and/or media files to the DPF. Responsive to user choices entered at the DPF and transmitted to the host, the host may transmit further menu items and/or media files to the DPF. Methods of polling and registering one or more DPFs by a host, of retrieving media files by a host from the Internet satisfying user-specified search criteria, and of uploading media files from a DPF to a host, are also described, in addition to a network and a machine-accessible medium.

Growing community of inventors

Scottsdale, AZ, United States of America

Nathan Y Smith