Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Computer-to-computer data routing – Decentralized controlling
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-24
2003-12-30
Maung, Zarni (Department: 2154)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Computer-to-computer data routing
Decentralized controlling
C709S229000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06671737
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to networking systems, and more particularly, to a decentralized network system for networking heterogeneous devices which operates without a physical infrastructure and to a method of managing message exchanges between nodes in a decentralized network system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The value of networking in business via intranets and for personal use via the Internet is undisputed. Networking enables large numbers of people and equipment to work cooperatively together at multiple locations. Traditional networking involves dedicated servers, workstations and wired transmission media. Wireless communication provides some flexibility in traditional network systems. However, infrared (IR) media requires a clear line-of-sight between transmitter and receiver. Radio frequency (RF) communication avoids line of sight problems, but RF devices have relatively high power consumption, requiring either access to AC power or frequent battery replacement. Traditional networks involve substantial infrastructure, but do not provide for all networking needs.
Devices such as printers, workstations, mobile workstations and other devices are frequently networked using traditional means. However, many pieces of electronic equipment cannot be networked using traditional means; they are either too rudimentary to justify the cost of a network connection or are not compatible with the network protocol. Even those devices that are networked communicate via different protocols, requiring servers to translate and pass on messages and information from such devices.
There is a large volume of information pertaining to electronic devices (e.g., photocopiers, facsimile machines, video conferencing suites), which is not available in a traditional network system. Many of these devices are used infrequently, so users are not familiar with their operation, necessitating access to the device's manual. Most of the devices have operations manuals that are provided in a hard copy form and ideally located near the device. However, manuals may get lost or “borrowed,” or there may be no convenient place to keep them, or they are not available for viewing when needed. While it might be desirable to have all device manuals located on a network, it is generally not considered practical.
In addition to the information available in manuals, there is often a body of informal knowledge associated with complex, old and/or temperamental devices. However, even if this informal information is recorded, it may be stored in someone's office or on the web but probably not where it is needed, namely next to the device itself.
In a complex work environment, it is common for devices not to function as expected. Depending on the device's user-interface, such as a printer, it may not be clear why the device is not functioning. If a device does have a problem, the user would like to find possible fixes or alternative working devices or to be able to inform support personnel. Even in the case of a networked printer, the user will not know if other networked printers are available without returning to a workstation or calling and finding the location of a working printer.
In general, devices support specific kinds of tasks in a generic way. Within any given organization, devices tend to be used in ways that are specialized for the organization or for a particular group of people. For example, most phone calls will be to internal numbers. However, apart from specially programmed numbers, the telephones are not equipped to provide this specialization. A common solution is to provide a directory of phone numbers, which will not necessarily be ready-at-hand when the task of reaching someone occurs.
Various unstructured network systems have been developed to satisfy some of the functions not available with a traditional network system. For example, the Locust Swarm (T. Starner, D. Kirsh, S. Assefa, “The Locust Swarm: An Environmentally-powered, Networkless Location and Messaging System,” IEEE International Symposium on Wearable Computing, October 1997) uses solar powered devices positioned in buildings to store annotations and provide location information to users via their wearable computers. The Locust Swarm uses wireless communications to transmit messages from a passing user's wearable computer to an overhead infrared transceiver. While the Locust Swarm suggests using the individual IR transceivers to transmit messages by downloading to passing users, no method of managing message exchange or implementation is described.
Borovoy, R., Martin, F., Vemuri, S., Resnick, M., Silverman, B., Hancock, C. “Meme Tags and Community Mirrors: Moving from Conferences to Collaboration,” in proceedings of CSCW'98, November 1998, Seattle, USA, pp. 159-168, describe a device called a Meme Tag. The Meme Tag allows small textual messages to be passed among users via user-worn badges which communicate via infrared.
In the Factoid Project (http://www.research.digital.com/wrl/projects/Factoid/index.html), a user carries a tiny device that receives very small messages from other similar devices via short-range radio and stores them until they can be downloaded. Whenever the Factoid device comes within range of an Internet connected server, the information is passed on to the server, which uploads the messages to a special database associated with the user. Since the messages are small (on the order of 200 bytes), the Factoid Project contemplates that they are never deleted but will serve as a permanent record of the things that the person has encountered throughout life.
Local area wireless networks have been suggested as alternatives to traditional network systems. For example, Bluetooth (http://www.bluetooth.com/) is working on a short-range (~10 m) radio based network technology. Bluetooth envisions using this technology to provide networking between many devices both in the home and office, including: components of home-stereo systems, mobile phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), computer peripherals, and domestic appliances, such as refrigerators (for inventory control and communication), and washing machines (for communicating malfunctions to centralized service).
Another proposed alternative to a traditional network system involves using standard domestic power lines. Domestic power lines is a ubiquitous technology that was tried many years ago. In principle, anything plugged into the power mains can communicate with any other plugged-in device. However, such a network cannot handle communication across anything outside a home or a building and battery-powered or non-electronic devices cannot be easily networked.
There is a need for an inexpensive, decentralized network system for networking large numbers of small electronic devices without a substantial infrastructure. There is a need for a network system that can easily handle battery-powered devices or unpowered devices. There is a need for a network system that avoids the problems of line of sight and high power consumption. There is a need for a network system that can provide information pertaining to specific networked devices at the specific device. There is a need for a network system that can easily store informal information about a device at the device location. There is a need for a method of managing message exchanges in a decentralized network system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A decentralized network system according to the invention provides for the distribution and collection of information (or messages) without the constraints of a large physical infrastructure. A decentralized network system according to the invention includes a plurality of first nodes, each first node having a memory for storing messages and a communications port for transmitting and receiving messages. Preferably, the first nodes may also include a processor for processing messages in accordance with a predetermined relationship. The first nodes may be attached to some physical device, such as a printer, facsimile, telephone
Glance Natalie S.
Snowdon Dave
Maung Zarni
Walder Jeannette M
Xerox Corporation
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