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

What is this patent about?

'123 is related to the field of mobile communication systems, particularly those used in ad hoc networks for coordinating activities in emergency situations. The background involves the increasing use of cellular phones with integrated PDAs and GPS for communication, navigation, and data exchange. Existing solutions often require pre-entry of data or are cumbersome to set up quickly, especially in scenarios involving multiple organizations with different communication systems.

The underlying idea behind '123 is to enable rapid establishment 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 facilitates the exchange of location and status information between all connected devices, allowing users to see each other's positions on a georeferenced map without needing to manually enter contact details.

The claims of '123 focus on a computer-implemented method performed by a mobile device. The device receives a message to join a group, sends its location to a server, and receives location data for other group members. It then displays a georeferenced map with symbols representing the other members. The user can select a symbol on the map, specify an action, and the device will use Internet Protocol to send data to the corresponding member. The selection of the symbol is based on detecting user interaction with the display and identifying the symbol nearest to the selected position on the map.

In practice, each user enters a server IP address, an event name, and a password into their device. The device then reports its GPS location and status to the server. The server acts as a forwarder, distributing this information to all other devices logged in with the same credentials. This allows for a dynamic display of all participants on a map, enabling quick coordination. The system also supports sending targeted messages or initiating calls by selecting a participant's symbol on the map.

This approach differs from prior solutions by eliminating the need for pre-configured contact lists or manual data entry. The centralized server architecture simplifies network setup and management, especially in dynamic environments where participants may join or leave frequently. Furthermore, the use of a georeferenced map provides a visual and intuitive interface for coordinating activities, particularly useful for first responders or military personnel who need to quickly understand the spatial relationships between different units.