Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for controlling the number of users that attempt to concurrently utilize a peripheral device in a network. In a network many users share various peripheral devices such as microphones, cameras, speakers, etc. In one or more embodiments of the invention, to prohibit the concurrent use of a peripheral device by multiple users, a locking mechanism is utilized. The locking mechanism allows a first user that requests access to a peripheral device to maintain an exclusive lock on that device. Once the first user has concluded using the peripheral device, the lock is released to permit another user to access the device. The locking mechanism is controlled by two protocols: the request and the grant protocols. These protocols establish the rules for exclusive access to network peripheral devices using a locking mechanism. A request includes parameters associated with the particular device, and a return address for the requesting terminal or program. The request is processed to verify the availability of the requested device and whether that device is capable to support the request based on the parameters specified. If these conditions are satisfied the request is granted. The grant protocol allows the requesting user to maintain a lock on the device for exclusive use, and monitors the locking mechanism in case of any failures. For example, if the lock on a device is not released after a user concludes the utilization of the device, the lock is released after a default period expires.

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First Claim