Method to provide ad hoc and password protected digital and voice networks

What is this patent about?

'251 is related to the field of mobile communication systems, particularly those used for coordinating groups of people in ad hoc networks. The background involves the need for rapid deployment of communication networks, especially in emergency situations where pre-configured systems are impractical. Traditional cellular telephony and conference call services lack the flexibility and ease of setup required for these scenarios, often requiring pre-entry of contact information.

The underlying idea behind '251 is to enable the quick formation of a temporary, password-protected communication network among mobile devices. This is achieved by having each device connect to a central server using a shared event name and password. The server then acts as a relay, distributing location and status information between all connected devices, allowing users to see each other on a map and communicate without needing to exchange IP addresses or other contact details directly.

The claims of '251 focus on a computer-implemented method and a system where a first device joins a group by connecting to a server, sending its location, and receiving locations of other devices in the group. The device displays these locations on an interactive, georeferenced map. The user can then interact with symbols on the map to select other devices and send data to them via the server, all without knowing the IP addresses of the other devices.

In practice, the system allows first responders or other teams to quickly establish a communication network by simply entering a server IP address, an event name, and a password. Once connected, each device reports its GPS location to the server, which then distributes this information to all other connected devices. This allows users to see the location of their team members on a map displayed on their device, and to initiate communication with them by selecting their symbol on the map. The server handles the routing of messages, eliminating the need for direct device-to-device communication.

This approach differs from prior solutions by providing a simplified setup process and eliminating the need for pre-existing contact lists. The use of a central server to relay location and communication data allows for a more secure and manageable network, especially in situations where devices may be entering and leaving the network frequently. Furthermore, the system supports the dynamic loading of map data and the integration of various communication methods, such as voice and text messaging, all accessible through an interactive map interface.