U.S. patent application number 16/384364 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-15 for dynamically networked integrated swarm sensor tracking.
The applicant listed for this patent is INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Corville O. ALLEN, Andrew R. FREED, Joseph KOZHAYA, Shikhar KWATRA.
Application Number | 20200327793 16/384364 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005117868 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200327793 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ALLEN; Corville O. ; et
al. |
October 15, 2020 |
DYNAMICALLY NETWORKED INTEGRATED SWARM SENSOR TRACKING
Abstract
A computer-implemented method includes initiating a plurality of
devices, each device corresponding to a member of a group, the
group including a plurality of members; monitoring proximity
information for each of the plurality of devices relative to at
least one other one of the plurality of devices; establishing a
maximum distance for the devices to be spaced from each other; and
in response to one of the devices being separated from another of
the devices by more than the maximum distance, sending an alert to
at least one of remaining devices.
Inventors: |
ALLEN; Corville O.;
(Morrisville, NC) ; KWATRA; Shikhar; (Durham,
NC) ; FREED; Andrew R.; (Cary, NC) ; KOZHAYA;
Joseph; (Morrisville, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION |
Armonk |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005117868 |
Appl. No.: |
16/384364 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01S 5/0284 20130101;
G08B 21/182 20130101; G08B 21/22 20130101; H04W 4/029 20180201 |
International
Class: |
G08B 21/22 20060101
G08B021/22; G08B 21/18 20060101 G08B021/18; G01S 5/02 20060101
G01S005/02; H04W 4/029 20060101 H04W004/029 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: initiating, by a computer device, a
plurality of devices, each device corresponding to a member of a
group, the group including a plurality of members; monitoring, by
the computer device, proximity information for each of the
plurality of devices relative to at least one other one of the
plurality of devices; establishing, by the computer device, a
maximum distance for the devices to be spaced from each other; in
response to one of the devices being separated from another of the
devices by more than the maximum distance, sending an alert to at
least one of remaining devices; determining, by the computer
device, the one of the devices that is separated from the another
of the devices is within a maximum distance of a second group which
shares a common context with the group; and updating, by the
computer device, a membership of the group by removing from the
membership of the group the one of the devices in response to the
second group adding the one of the devices to a membership of the
second group.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the initiating the plurality of
devices comprises establishing identification information for each
device and the corresponding member, and establishing the common
context for all members of the group.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the identification information
comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a
network address, an identity of the corresponding member, a
proximity information of the device, a purpose of the corresponding
member, an age of the corresponding member, a cost of the
corresponding member, a lifetime of the corresponding member, and a
destination of the group.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring the proximity
information comprises transmitting the proximity information of
each device to at least one other one of the plurality of devices
within the group.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the transmitting the proximity
information comprises transmitting the proximity information of
each device to the at least one other one of the plurality of
devices via at least one selected from the group consisting of a
Bluetooth device, a radio-frequency transmission device, and a
low-power short range transmission device.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the transmitting the proximity
information comprises transmitting the proximity information at
regular time intervals.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the monitoring the proximity
information comprises establishing a dynamic network encompassing
the members of the group, the dynamic network being updated at the
regular time intervals.
8. The method of claim 2, wherein the common context comprises at
least one selected from the group consisting of a purpose, an
identity of each member of the plurality of members, an
identification of a the primary device from the plurality of
devices, a network address of each device, a purpose of the group,
a purpose of each member of the group, a destination of the group,
an age of each member, an interest of each member, a cost of each
member, and a lifetime of each member.
9. The method of claim 2, wherein the plurality of members are
packages, the common context includes the fact that the members of
the group are packages, the numbers of packages, the estimated time
of arrival of the packages, the common destination of the packages,
and any intermediate way stations for the packages on a way to a
common destination, and a proximity of each package is updated
every 0.5 hours.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising assigning a score to
each member of the plurality of members to determine whether each
member belongs to the group, wherein the sending the alert
comprises utilizing information from the common context and
metadata to produce a score to establish group similarity for
matching and moving group members in groups.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the initiating the plurality of
devices and the monitoring the proximity information are provided
by a service provider on a subscription, advertising, and/or fee
basis.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the computer device includes
software provided as a service in a cloud environment.
13. A computer program product, the computer program product
comprising a computer readable storage medium having program
instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions
executable by a computing device to cause the computing device to:
establish identification information for each of a plurality of
devices, each device corresponding to a member of a group, the
group including a plurality of members; establish a common context
for the plurality of members of the group by identifying metadata
associated with each device, the metadata including the common
context of the group and a set of rules identifying the group,
defined proximities of the group, and a defined number of members
of the group; monitor proximity information for each of the
plurality of devices relative to at least one other one of the
plurality of devices; establish a maximum distance for the devices
to be spaced from each other; in response to one of the devices
being separated from another of the devices by more than the
maximum distance, send an alert to at least one of remaining
devices; determine the one of the devices that is separated from
the another of the devices is within a maximum distance of a second
group which shares a common context with the group; and update a
membership of the group by removing from the membership of the
group the one of the devices in response to the second group adding
the one of the devices to a membership of the second group.
14. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the
identification information comprises at least one selected from the
group consisting of a network address, an identity of the
corresponding member, a proximity information of the device, a
purpose of the corresponding member, an age of the corresponding
member, a cost of the corresponding member, a lifetime of the
corresponding member, and a destination of the group.
15. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the program
instructions causing the computing device to monitor the proximity
information comprise program instructions causing the computing
device to transmit the proximity information of each device to at
least one other one of the plurality of devices within the
group.
16. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the program
instructions causing the computing device to monitor the proximity
information comprise program instructions causing the computing
device to transmit the proximity information of each device to the
at least one other one of the plurality of devices at regular time
intervals via at least one selected from the group consisting of a
Bluetooth device, a radio-frequency transmission device, and a
low-power short range transmission device.
17. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the program
instructions causing the computing device to monitor the proximity
information comprises program instructions causing the computing
device to establish a dynamic network encompassing the members of
the group, the dynamic network being updated at the regular time
intervals.
18. A system comprising: a processor, a computer readable memory,
and a computer readable storage medium; program instructions to
establish identification information for each of a plurality of
devices, each device corresponding to a member of a group, the
group including a plurality of members; program instructions to
establish a common context for the plurality of members of the
group which includes a reason for members of the group being
together and a set of rules which defines conditions for a member
to be part of the group; program instructions to monitor a
proximity information for each of the plurality of devices relative
to at least one other one of the plurality of devices; program
instructions to establish a maximum distance for the devices to be
spaced from each other; program instructions to, in response to one
of the devices being separated from another of the devices by more
than the maximum distance, send an alert to at least one of
remaining devices; program instructions to determine the one of the
devices that is separated from the another of the devices is within
a maximum distance of a second group which shares a common context
with the group; and program instructions to update a membership of
the group by removing from the membership of the group the one of
the devices in response to the second group adding the one of the
devices to a membership of the second group, wherein the program
instructions are stored on the computer readable storage medium for
execution by the processor via the computer readable memory.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the identification information
comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a
network address, an identity of the corresponding member, a
proximity information of the device, a purpose of the corresponding
member, an age of the corresponding member, a cost of the
corresponding member, a lifetime of the corresponding member, and a
destination of the group.
20. The system of claim 18, wherein the program instructions to
monitor the proximity information comprise program instructions to
transmit the proximity information of each device to the at least
one other one of the plurality of devices at regular time intervals
via at least one selected from the group consisting of a Bluetooth
device, a radio-frequency transmission device, and a low-power
short range transmission device.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a proximity-based
tracking application of members of a group, and, more particularly,
to dynamically tracking the members of the group while the group is
in motion.
[0002] When a group of members, organized to achieve a same
purpose, is in motion, it is typically advantageous to determine
whether the members of the group remain within a defined physical
distance from each other while the group is in motion so as to
continue to be able to achieve the same purpose.
SUMMARY
[0003] In a first aspect of the invention, there is a
computer-implemented method including initiating, by a computer
device, a plurality of devices, each device corresponding to a
member of a group, the group including a plurality of members;
monitoring, by the computer device, a proximity information for
each of the plurality of devices relative to at least one other one
of the plurality of devices; establishing, by the computer device,
a maximum distance for the devices to be spaced from each other;
and in response to one of the devices being separated from another
of the devices by more than the maximum distance, sending an alert
to at least one of remaining devices.
[0004] In another aspect of the invention, there is a computer
program product including a computer readable storage medium having
program instructions embodied therewith. The program instructions
are executable by a computing device to cause the computing device
to establish identification information for each of a plurality of
devices, each device corresponding to a member of a group, the
group including a plurality of members; establish a common context
for the plurality of members of the group; monitor a proximity
information for each of the plurality of devices relative to at
least one other one of the plurality of devices; establish a
maximum distance for the devices to be spaced from each other; and
in response to one of the devices being separated from another of
the devices by more than the maximum distance, send an alert to at
least one of remaining devices.
[0005] In another aspect of the invention, there is system
including a processor, a computer readable memory, and a computer
readable storage medium. The system includes program instructions
to establish identification information for each of a plurality of
devices, each device corresponding to a member of a group, the
group including a plurality of members; program instructions to
establish a common context for the plurality of members of the
group, the common context including at least one selected from the
group consisting of a purpose, an identity of each member of the
plurality of members, an identification of a primary device from
the plurality of devices, a network address of each device, a
purpose of the group, a purpose of each member of the group, a
destination of the group, an age of each member, an interest of
each member, a cost of each member, and a lifetime of each member;
program instructions to monitor a proximity information for each of
the plurality of devices relative to at least one other one of the
plurality of devices; program instructions to establish a maximum
distance for the devices to be spaced from each other; and program
instructions to, in response to one of the devices being separated
from another of the devices by more than the maximum distance, send
an alert to at least one of remaining devices. The program
instructions are stored on the computer readable storage medium for
execution by the processor via the computer readable memory.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The present invention is described in the detailed
description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of
drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments
of the present invention.
[0007] FIG. 1 depicts a cloud computing node according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 depicts a cloud computing environment according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 depicts abstraction model layers according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an exemplary environment in
accordance with aspects of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method in
accordance with aspects of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an exemplary environment in
accordance with aspects of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The present invention relates generally to a proximity-based
tracking application of members of a group, and, more particularly,
to dynamically tracking the members of the group while the group is
in motion.
[0014] Embodiments of the invention improve the technology of swarm
tracking by sending an alert to at least one remaining device of a
plurality of devices in response to one of the devices being
separated from another of the devices by more than a maximum
distance. Embodiments of the invention employ an unconventional
arrangement of steps including: initiating a plurality of devices,
each device corresponding to a member of a group, the group
including a plurality of members; monitoring proximity information
for each of the plurality of devices relative to at least one other
one of the plurality of devices; establishing a maximum distance
for the devices to be spaced from each other; and in response to
one of the devices being separated from another of the devices by
more than the maximum distance, sending an alert to at least one of
remaining devices. The steps themselves are unconventional, and the
combination of the steps is also unconventional. For example, the
step of monitoring proximity information for each of the plurality
of devices relative to at least one other one of the plurality of
devices creates new information that does not exist in the system,
and this new information is then used in subsequent steps in an
unconventional manner, namely to send an alert to at least one of
remaining devices in response to one of the devices being separated
from another of the devices by more than the maximum distance.
Further, the unconventional method limits the requirement for
Global Positioning System (GPS) in use, or geographic location
being required to keep a plurality of devices or the objects or
people attached to the devices together.
[0015] In embodiments, a method of tracking members of a group
while the group is in motion includes attaching, or alternatively
assigning, a device to each member of the group, the devices of all
the members of the group being able to communicate with each other
and to exchange proximity information with each other. In
embodiments, the devices include a primary device and a plurality
of secondary devices, the primary device communicating with the
secondary devices of the group and gathering proximity information
for each of the secondary devices at regular intervals. In
embodiments, the relative proximity of the various members of the
group can be monitored via their respective devices. In
embodiments, when a member of the group strays beyond a defined
distance from the group, an alert is sent to the devices of the
remaining members of the group, including the primary device and
the remaining secondary devices. Alternatively, when a member of
the group strays beyond a defined distance from the group, an alert
is sent only to the primary device.
[0016] In embodiments, the members of the group communicate with
each other via their respective devices, such as wearable sensors
or built-in sensors in smart phones, tablet computers, and the
like. For example, the devices include Bluetooth devices,
radio-frequency transmission devices, or low-power short range
transmission devices such as Near Field Communication (NFC)
devices. In embodiments, the devices are connected to each other
without global positioning system (GPS) and without internet
connectivity.
[0017] In embodiments, the devices exchange proximity information
with each other in order to monitor the relative proximities of
each member of the group relative to the other members, or relative
to the primary device. In embodiments, the proximity of each of the
secondary devices within a group is monitored with respect to their
relative distance to the primary device. In embodiments, while the
members of the group, and their associated devices, are either
moving in space or stationary, their respective relative distance
to the primary device, or to each other, is monitored. In
embodiments, while the members of the group are either moving or
stationary, if one of the members of the group having a secondary
device strays past a defined distance from the member of the group
having the primary device, then an alert is sent to all the
remaining members of the group via their respective devices.
Alternatively, if one of the members of the group having a
secondary device strays past a defined distance from the member of
the group having the primary device, then an alert is sent only to
the member having the primary device via the primary device.
[0018] In separate embodiments, the devices include GPS devices or
internet connectivity devices.
[0019] In embodiments, the members of the group share a common
context, the context including a set of rules identifying the
group. In embodiments, the group includes members moving within a
defined spatial environment such as, for example, a group of
students in an amusement park, a group of workers in a work site,
or a group of firefighters within the environs of a forest fire. In
the above examples, the context includes the fact that the members
of the group are students, workers or firefighters, the number of
students/workers/firefighters, the proximity of the amusement
part/work site/forest, and the reason for their being at that
proximity, namely a visit/work assignment/forest fire. In
embodiments, the group includes packages traveling to a destination
across a number of intermediate points, the intermediate points
including warehouses and/or way stations. In this example, the
context includes the fact that the members of the group are
packages, the numbers of packages, the estimated time of arrival of
the packages, the common destination of the packages, and any
intermediate way stations for the packages on the way to the common
destination.
[0020] In embodiments, a method of tracking a plurality of members
of a group, each member having a device, includes initiating each
of the devices by identifying each device and its network address.
In embodiments, the method also includes identifying metadata
associated with each device, the metadata including the context of
the group and the set of rules identifying the group, the defined
proximities of the group, and the defined number of members of the
group. In embodiments, the context of the group includes the
defined purpose of the group, and the set of rules defines the
conditions for a member to be part of the group. In embodiments,
the metadata also includes the identity of the primary member of
the group. In embodiments, the metadata also includes a maximum
distance within which each member of the group can be from the
primary member, or from each other, before setting off an alarm.
Accordingly, the members of the group travel as a swarm and monitor
each other's respective proximities so as to remain within a
defined distance from each other. In embodiments, if one of the
members of the group strays past the defined distance from another
member, or from the primary member, of the group, then an alert is
sent to the remaining members of the group, or alternatively the
alert is sent only to the primary member of the group.
[0021] In embodiments, a local network consists of the members of
the group, the members of the group being identified and the
devices of each member being initiated. In embodiments, the devices
are clustered in a group within a defined distance of each other,
and share a common context. For example, the common context is a
common purpose, such as a travel destination or a mission. In
embodiments, the common purpose is a reason to be together, such as
traveling to a destination. In embodiments, at regular intervals,
each of the devices scans for the other devices of each member of
the group to obtain a proximity of the other devices, and thus a
proximity of the other members of the group. Accordingly, at
regular intervals, the devices receive updated proximity
information for the proximity of each member of the group, the
updated information including, for example, a current proximity of
each member of the group. In embodiments, only the primary device,
associated with the primary member of the group, receives updated
proximity information for the proximity of each secondary member of
the group via their respective secondary devices. In embodiments,
the primary member is the leader of the group. In embodiments, the
identification information of each device, indicative of the
proximity of each respective member, is stored in a memory of the
primary device, associated with the primary member of the group. In
embodiments, the identification information of each device includes
an identity of the member to which the device belongs, an
identification of the primary device of the group, a network
address of the device, a purpose of the group, a purpose of each
member within the group, a destination of the group, an age of each
member, an interest of each member, a cost of each member, a
lifetime of each member, and the like.
[0022] In embodiments, the method assigns a score to the various
members of the group, the score determining whether the members
belong to the same group. For example, if the members are students,
the score for each student is based on age, type of project,
interests, and the like. If the members are packages to be shipped
to a destination, the score for each package is based on the type
of item being transported, the cost, and the distance to be
travelled by the package. The method utilizes similar metadata or
information in the common context of the device to allow flexible
transition or identification to a group or groups.
[0023] In other embodiments, the scores for each of the members are
stored in a monitoring server, and the scores of all the members of
a same group are close to one another, and are different from the
scores of all the members of a different group. In embodiments, the
proximity information of each member of a group is transmitted to a
monitoring server from the primary device of the group. In
embodiments, a display screen at the monitoring server displays the
dynamic relative proximity of each member of the group, the display
screen showing the regularly updated relative proximity of the
dynamic network created by the group of members over time and
distance.
[0024] In separate embodiments, the proximity information of each
member of the group is transmitted to the monitoring server via GPS
or internet connectivity.
[0025] In embodiments, a plurality of groups, each group including
a plurality of members, are in motion. In embodiments, if a member
of a first group strays beyond a defined distance from the
remaining members of the same first group, then the member joins a
second group, and is no longer a member of the first group, as long
as the member shares a common context with the members of the
second group. For example, if a runner from a first group of
runners (herein referred to as a "drifting runner") strays too far
from the remaining members of the first group and becomes close to
a second group of runners, then the drifting runner joins the
second group of runners and leaves the first group. Accordingly,
the primary member of the first group adjusts the membership of the
first group to remove the drifting runner from the first group. In
embodiments, the primary member of the second group adjusts the
membership of the second group to add the drifting runner to the
second group, and the drifting runner is added to the second group.
In embodiments, if the drifting runner is part of the first group
and strays too far from the remaining members of the first group,
then an alert is sent to the remaining members of the first group,
or alternatively to only the primary member of the first group. In
embodiments, if the drifting runner strays too far from the
remaining members of the first group, then the alert is also sent
to other neighboring groups, such as the second group, as long as
the neighboring groups share the common context as the first group.
As a result, if the drifting runner comes within a defined distance
of another group such as the second group, then the primary member
of the second group automatically adds the drifting runner to the
membership of the second group, and the primary member of the first
group automatically removes the drifting runner from the membership
of the first group.
[0026] In embodiments, a method of tracking a plurality of objects
(members) includes identifying each of the plurality of devices
associated with the objects based on a respective identification
and a respective network address of each device; clustering the
plurality of objects into a plurality of groups, wherein each of
the plurality of groups includes a corresponding non-overlapping
subset of the plurality of objects, each object of each respective
group sharing a common context with all of the other objects of the
same group, and each object of each respective group being
communicatively connected to the other objects of the same group;
designating one of the plurality of objects in each of the
plurality of groups as a primary object; monitoring a respective
distance of each object in a first group from the other objects in
the first group; in response to determining that a first object in
the first group exceeds a defined distance from the other objects
in the first group, sending an alert which includes information
identifying the first object and a next nearest group shares a
common context with the first object. In embodiments, each object
of each respective group is communicatively connected to the other
objects of the same group using low-power short range
connectivity.
[0027] The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a
computer program product at any possible technical detail level of
integration. The computer program product may include a computer
readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program
instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects
of the present invention.
[0028] The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible
device that can retain and store instructions for use by an
instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium
may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage
device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an
electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or
any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of
more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium
includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk,
a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable
programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static
random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only
memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a
floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or
raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon,
and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable
storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being
transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely
propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves
propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g.,
light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical
signals transmitted through a wire.
[0029] Computer readable program instructions described herein can
be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a
computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or
external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a
local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network.
The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical
transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls,
switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter
card or network interface in each computing/processing device
receives computer readable program instructions from the network
and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage
in a computer readable storage medium within the respective
computing/processing device.
[0030] Computer readable program instructions for carrying out
operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions,
instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine
instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware
instructions, state-setting data, configuration data for integrated
circuitry, or either source code or object code written in any
combination of one or more programming languages, including an
object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++, or the
like, and procedural programming languages, such as the "C"
programming language or similar programming languages. The computer
readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's
computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software
package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote
computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the
latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's
computer through any type of network, including a local area
network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may
be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet
using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments,
electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic
circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable
logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program
instructions by utilizing state information of the computer
readable program instructions to personalize the electronic
circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present
invention.
[0031] Aspects of the present invention are described herein with
reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of
methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products
according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood
that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block
diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations
and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable
program instructions.
[0032] These computer readable program instructions may be provided
to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose
computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to
produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via
the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing
apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts
specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in
a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a
programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to
function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable
storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an
article of manufacture including instructions which implement
aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block
diagram block or blocks.
[0033] The computer readable program instructions may also be
loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing
apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps
to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or
other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that
the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable
apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified
in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
[0034] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate
the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible
implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products
according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this
regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent
a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one
or more executable instructions for implementing the specified
logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the
functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in
the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in
fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may
sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the
functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of
the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations
of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can
be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that
perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations
of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
[0035] It is understood in advance that although this disclosure
includes a detailed description on cloud computing, implementation
of the teachings recited herein are not limited to a cloud
computing environment. Rather, embodiments of the present invention
are capable of being implemented in conjunction with any other type
of computing environment now known or later developed.
[0036] Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling
convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of
configurable computing resources (e.g. networks, network bandwidth,
servers, processing, memory, storage, applications, virtual
machines, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and
released with minimal management effort or interaction with a
provider of the service. This cloud model may include at least five
characteristics, at least three service models, and at least four
deployment models.
[0037] Characteristics are as follows:
[0038] On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer can unilaterally
provision computing capabilities, such as server time and network
storage, as needed automatically without requiring human
interaction with the service's provider.
[0039] Broad network access: capabilities are available over a
network and accessed through standard mechanisms that promote use
by heterogeneous thin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile
phones, laptops, and PDAs).
[0040] Resource pooling: the provider's computing resources are
pooled to serve multiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with
different physical and virtual resources dynamically assigned and
reassigned according to demand. There is a sense of proximity
independence in that the consumer generally has no control or
knowledge over the exact proximity of the provided resources but
may be able to specify proximity at a higher level of abstraction
(e.g., country, state, or datacenter).
[0041] Rapid elasticity: capabilities can be rapidly and
elastically provisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly
scale out and rapidly released to quickly scale in. To the
consumer, the capabilities available for provisioning often appear
to be unlimited and can be purchased in any quantity at any
time.
[0042] Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and
optimize resource use by leveraging a metering capability at some
level of abstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g.,
storage, processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource
usage can be monitored, controlled, and reported providing
transparency for both the provider and consumer of the utilized
service.
[0043] Service Models are as follows:
[0044] Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the
consumer is to use the provider's applications running on a cloud
infrastructure. The applications are accessible from various client
devices through a thin client interface such as a web browser
(e.g., web-based e-mail). The consumer does not manage or control
the underlying cloud infrastructure including network, servers,
operating systems, storage, or even individual application
capabilities, with the possible exception of limited user-specific
application configuration settings.
[0045] Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the
consumer is to deploy onto the cloud infrastructure
consumer-created or acquired applications created using programming
languages and tools supported by the provider. The consumer does
not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure including
networks, servers, operating systems, or storage, but has control
over the deployed applications and possibly application hosting
environment configurations.
[0046] Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): the capability provided
to the consumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and
other fundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to
deploy and run arbitrary software, which can include operating
systems and applications. The consumer does not manage or control
the underlying cloud infrastructure but has control over operating
systems, storage, deployed applications, and possibly limited
control of select networking components (e.g., host firewalls).
[0047] Deployment Models are as follows:
[0048] Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely
for an organization. It may be managed by the organization or a
third party and may exist on-premises or off-premises.
[0049] Community cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by
several organizations and supports a specific community that has
shared concerns (e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and
compliance considerations). It may be managed by the organizations
or a third party and may exist on-premises or off-premises.
[0050] Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to
the general public or a large industry group and is owned by an
organization selling cloud services.
[0051] Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of
two or more clouds (private, community, or public) that remain
unique entities but are bound together by standardized or
proprietary technology that enables data and application
portability (e.g., cloud bursting for load-balancing between
clouds).
[0052] A cloud computing environment is service oriented with a
focus on statelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic
interoperability. At the heart of cloud computing is an
infrastructure comprising a network of interconnected nodes.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 1, a schematic of an example of a
cloud computing node is shown. Cloud computing node 10 is only one
example of a suitable cloud computing node and is not intended to
suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of
embodiments of the invention described herein. Regardless, cloud
computing node 10 is capable of being implemented and/or performing
any of the functionality set forth hereinabove.
[0054] In cloud computing node 10 there is a computer system/server
12, which is operational with numerous other general purpose or
special purpose computing system environments or configurations.
Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/or
configurations that may be suitable for use with computer
system/server 12 include, but are not limited to, personal computer
systems, server computer systems, thin clients, thick clients,
hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems,
microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer
electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframe computer
systems, and distributed cloud computing environments that include
any of the above systems or devices, and the like.
[0055] Computer system/server 12 may be described in the general
context of computer system executable instructions, such as program
modules, being executed by a computer system. Generally, program
modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, logic,
data structures, and so on that perform particular tasks or
implement particular abstract data types. Computer system/server 12
may be practiced in distributed cloud computing environments where
tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked
through a communications network. In a distributed cloud computing
environment, program modules may be located in both local and
remote computer system storage media including memory storage
devices.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 1, computer system/server 12 in cloud
computing node 10 is shown in the form of a general-purpose
computing device. The components of computer system/server 12 may
include, but are not limited to, one or more processors or
processing units 16, a system memory 28, and a bus 18 that couples
various system components including system memory 28 to processor
16.
[0057] Bus 18 represents one or more of any of several types of bus
structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a
peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or
local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of
example, and not limitation, such architectures include Industry
Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA)
bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards
Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component
Interconnects (PCI) bus.
[0058] Computer system/server 12 typically includes a variety of
computer system readable media. Such media may be any available
media that is accessible by computer system/server 12, and it
includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and
non-removable media.
[0059] System memory 28 can include computer system readable media
in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM)
30 and/or cache memory 32. Computer system/server 12 may further
include other removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile
computer system storage media. By way of example only, storage
system 34 can be provided for reading from and writing to a
non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media (not shown and typically
called a "hard drive"). Although not shown, a magnetic disk drive
for reading from and writing to a removable, non-volatile magnetic
disk (e.g., a "floppy disk"), and an optical disk drive for reading
from or writing to a removable, non-volatile optical disk such as a
CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media can be provided. In such
instances, each can be connected to bus 18 by one or more data
media interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below,
memory 28 may include at least one program product having a set
(e.g., at least one) of program modules that are configured to
carry out the functions of embodiments of the invention.
[0060] Program/utility 40, having a set (at least one) of program
modules 42, may be stored in memory 28 by way of example, and not
limitation, as well as an operating system, one or more application
programs, other program modules, and program data. Each of the
operating system, one or more application programs, other program
modules, and program data or some combination thereof, may include
an implementation of a networking environment. Program modules 42
generally carry out the functions and/or methodologies of
embodiments of the invention as described herein.
[0061] Computer system/server 12 may also communicate with one or
more external devices 14 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a
display 24, etc.; one or more devices that enable a user to
interact with computer system/server 12; and/or any devices (e.g.,
network card, modem, etc.) that enable computer system/server 12 to
communicate with one or more other computing devices. Such
communication can occur via Input/Output (I/O) interfaces 22. Still
yet, computer system/server 12 can communicate with one or more
networks such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area
network (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via
network adapter 20. As depicted, network adapter 20 communicates
with the other components of computer system/server 12 via bus 18.
It should be understood that although not shown, other hardware
and/or software components could be used in conjunction with
computer system/server 12. Examples, include, but are not limited
to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external
disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival
storage systems, etc.
[0062] Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrative cloud computing
environment 50 is depicted. As shown, cloud computing environment
50 comprises one or more cloud computing nodes 10 with which local
computing devices used by cloud consumers, such as, for example,
personal digital assistant (PDA) or cellular telephone 54A, desktop
computer 54B, laptop computer 54C, and/or automobile computer
system 54N may communicate. Nodes 10 may communicate with one
another. They may be grouped (not shown) physically or virtually,
in one or more networks, such as Private, Community, Public, or
Hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combination thereof.
This allows cloud computing environment 50 to offer infrastructure,
platforms and/or software as services for which a cloud consumer
does not need to maintain resources on a local computing device. It
is understood that the types of computing devices 54A-N shown in
FIG. 2 are intended to be illustrative only and that computing
nodes 10 and cloud computing environment 50 can communicate with
any type of computerized device over any type of network and/or
network addressable connection (e.g., using a web browser).
[0063] Referring now to FIG. 3, a set of functional abstraction
layers provided by cloud computing environment 50 (FIG. 2) is
shown. It should be understood in advance that the components,
layers, and functions shown in FIG. 3 are intended to be
illustrative only and embodiments of the invention are not limited
thereto. As depicted, the following layers and corresponding
functions are provided:
[0064] Hardware and software layer 60 includes hardware and
software components. Examples of hardware components include:
mainframes 61; RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture
based servers 62; servers 63; blade servers 64; storage devices 65;
and networks and networking components 66. In some embodiments,
software components include network application server software 67
and database software 68.
[0065] Virtualization layer 70 provides an abstraction layer from
which the following examples of virtual entities may be provided:
virtual servers 71; virtual storage 72; virtual networks 73,
including virtual private networks; virtual applications and
operating systems 74; and virtual clients 75.
[0066] In one example, management layer 80 may provide the
functions described below. Resource provisioning 81 provides
dynamic procurement of computing resources and other resources that
are utilized to perform tasks within the cloud computing
environment. Metering and Pricing 82 provide cost tracking as
resources are utilized within the cloud computing environment, and
billing or invoicing for consumption of these resources. In one
example, these resources may comprise application software
licenses. Security provides identity verification for cloud
consumers and tasks, as well as protection for data and other
resources. User portal 83 provides access to the cloud computing
environment for consumers and system administrators. Service level
management 84 provides cloud computing resource allocation and
management such that required service levels are met. Service Level
Agreement (SLA) planning and fulfillment 85 provide pre-arrangement
for, and procurement of, cloud computing resources for which a
future requirement is anticipated in accordance with an SLA.
[0067] Workloads layer 90 provides examples of functionality for
which the cloud computing environment may be utilized. Examples of
workloads and functions which may be provided from this layer
include: mapping and navigation 91; software development and
lifecycle management 92; virtual classroom education delivery 93;
data analytics processing 94; transaction processing 95; and
dynamic swarm position tracking 96.
[0068] Implementations of the invention may include a computer
system/server 12 of FIG. 1 in which one or more of the program
modules 42 are configured to perform (or cause the computer
system/server 12 to perform) one of more functions of the dynamic
swarm position tracking 96 of FIG. 3. For example, the one or more
of the program modules 42 may be configured to: establish
identification information for each of a plurality of devices, each
device corresponding to a member of a group, the group including a
plurality of members; establish a common context for the plurality
of members of the group; monitor a proximity information for each
of the plurality of devices relative to at least one other one of
the plurality of devices; establish a maximum distance for the
devices to be spaced from each other; and in response to one of the
devices being separated from another of the devices by more than
the maximum distance, send an alert to at least one of remaining
devices.
[0069] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an exemplary environment in
accordance with aspects of the invention. In FIG. 4, a group 400
includes a plurality of devices 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 and 400-4, each
of the devices 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 and 400-4 being associated with
a member of the group 400, and each member of the group 400 sharing
a common context. In embodiments, the device 400-1 is a primary
device, and devices 400-2, 400-3 and 400-4 are secondary devices.
Accordingly, the devices 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 and 400-4 constitute a
local scatternet. In embodiments, although FIG. 4 illustrates the
group 400 including four (4) devices, the group 400 can include
more or less than four (4) devices. In embodiments, each of the
plurality of devices 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 and 400-4 includes one or
more computer systems/servers such as the computer system/server 12
illustrated in FIG. 1. In embodiments, the group 400 constitutes an
ad hoc network. In embodiments, the devices 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 and
400-4 are connected to each other without global positioning system
(GPS) and without internet connectivity.
[0070] In operation, each of the devices 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 and
400-4 of the group 400 transmits their proximity information to the
other devices of the same group 400 at regular intervals. In
embodiments, each device of the group 400 transmits their proximity
information to the primary device (e.g., device 400-1) of the group
400, and the primary device (e.g., device 400-1) stores the
proximity information of each device in a memory thereof. In
embodiments, the memory of the primary device (e.g., device 400-1)
includes a memory such as the system memory 28 illustrated in FIG.
1. In operation, each of the devices 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 and 400-4
of the group 400 transmits their proximity information via a
short-range communication device such as, e.g., a Bluetooth device,
a radio-frequency transmission device, or a low-power short range
transmission device. In embodiments, a range of operation of the
devices 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 and 400-4 of the group 400 is within a
defined distance, the defined distance being determined by an
administrator or manager and delimiting a boundary of the group
400.
[0071] In separate embodiments, each of the devices 400-1, 400-2,
400-3 and 400-4 of the group 400 transmits their proximity
information to a monitoring server (not shown) via a cloud
computing environment such as the cloud computing environment 50
illustrated in FIG. 2. In embodiments, the cloud computing
environment 50 is also connected to the group 400 including the
plurality of devices 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 and 400-4. In embodiments,
the relative proximities of the devices 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 and
400-4 are transmitted to the monitoring server via the cloud
computing environment 50, and are stored in a memory of the
monitoring server. In embodiments, the monitoring server includes
one or more computer systems/servers such as the computer
system/server 12 illustrated in FIG. 1. In embodiments, the primary
device of the group 400 transmits the proximity information of each
of the devices 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 and 400-4 of the group 400 to
the monitoring server via the cloud computing environment 50. In
embodiments, the monitoring server includes, or is coupled to, a
display screen of a display device and displays the dynamic
proximity of the group 400 on the display screen. In embodiments,
the monitoring server displays the dynamic proximities of each of
the devices 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 and 400-4 of the group 400 on the
display screen of the display device.
[0072] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method in
accordance with aspects of the present invention. Steps of the
method may be carried out in the environment of FIG. 4 and are
described with reference to elements depicted in FIG. 4.
[0073] At step S500, the system initiates a plurality of devices,
each device belonging to one of a plurality of members of a group.
In embodiments, and as described with respect to FIG. 4, the
primary device (e.g., device 400-1) of devices 400-1, 400-2, 400-3
and 400-4 records identification information of the devices 400-1,
400-2, 400-3 and 400-4, the identification information including at
least one of an identification of a defined group, an identity of
each member of the group to which each device belongs, an
identification of a primary device (e.g., device 400-1), a network
address of each device, a purpose of the group, a purpose of each
member within the group, a destination of the group, an age of each
member, an interest of each member, a cost of each member, a
lifetime of each member, and the like.
[0074] In embodiments, at step S510, the system monitors the
proximities of each device within the same group of devices. In
embodiments, the devices 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 and 400-4 communicate
their respective proximity information to each other. In other
embodiments, the devices 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 and 400-4 communicate
their respective proximity information only to the primary device.
In embodiments, the primary device (e.g., device 400-1) stores the
proximity information of all the devices 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 and
400-4 in a memory thereof. In embodiments, the primary device
(e.g., device 400-1) communicates the proximity information of all
the devices 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 and 400-4 to a monitoring server
via a network, such as the cloud computing environment 50
illustrated in FIG. 1. In embodiments, the proximity of each device
400-1, 400-2, 400-3 or 400-4 is updated at regular intervals, and
the updated proximity information of each device 400-1, 400-2,
400-3 or 400-4 is stored in the memory of the primary device (e.g.,
device 400-1) at the regular intervals. In embodiments, the updated
proximity information of each device 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 or 400-4
is transmitted to the monitoring server at the regular intervals.
Alternatively, the proximity information of each device 400-1,
400-2, 400-3 or 400-4 is stored at other intervals. In embodiments,
the proximity information of each device 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 or
400-4 is updated every 5 seconds (s), 15 s, 20 s, 30 s or 60 s. In
embodiments, when the members of the group are packages, the
proximity of each device 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 or 400-4 is updated
every 0.5 hours (h), 1 h, 2 h, 5 h or 10 h.
[0075] In embodiments, a dynamic network consists of the devices
400-1, 400-2, 400-3 and 400-4 belonging to each member of a same
group, the dynamic network being stored at the memory of the
primary device (e.g., device 400-1). In embodiments, the dynamic
network is stored at a memory of the monitoring server. In
embodiments, the stored dynamic network provides a representation
of the swarm of devices 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 and 400-4 at any
defined time. In embodiments, the dynamic network is updated every
time the proximity information of each of the devices 400-1, 400-2,
400-3 and 400-4 of the group is updated. Alternatively, the dynamic
network is updated at other times.
[0076] In embodiments, at step S520, one of the devices 400-1,
400-2, 400-3 and 400-4, e.g., the primary device (e.g., device
400-1), establishes a maximum distance, the maximum distance being
the largest distance that any device, and thus any member of the
group that corresponds to the device, can be from any other device
of the same group, and thus any other member of the group, at any
point in time. In embodiments, the maximum distance is the largest
distance that any device, and thus any member of the group that
corresponds to the device, can be from the primary device (e.g.,
device 400-1). In embodiments, the maximum distance constitutes the
effective largest size of the dynamic network constituted by the
members of the group. In embodiments, a user of the device, or an
administrator, determines the maximum distance.
[0077] In embodiments, at step S530, one of the devices 400-1,
400-2, 400-3 and 400-4, e.g., the primary device (e.g., device
400-1), determines whether any one of the devices 400-1, 400-2,
400-3 and 400-4, and thus any one of the members of the group, is
at a distance that exceeds the maximum distance established at step
S520. In response to none of the devices 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 and
400-4 being at a distance that exceeds the maximum distance
established at step S520, one of the devices 400-1, 400-2, 400-3
and 400-4, e.g., the primary device (e.g., device 400-1), continues
to monitor the dynamic network at step S510.
[0078] In embodiments, in response to any one of the devices 400-1,
400-2, 400-3 and 400-4 being at a distance that exceeds the maximum
distance established at step S520, one of the devices 400-1, 400-2,
400-3 and 400-4, e.g., the primary device (e.g., device 400-1),
sends an alert to the remaining devices 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 and
400-4 within the group at step S540. In embodiments, in response to
any one of the devices 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 and 400-4 being at a
distance that exceeds the maximum distance established at step
S520, one of the devices 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 and 400-4, e.g., the
primary device (e.g., device 400-1), sends an alert to the primary
device (e.g., device 400-1) at step S540.
[0079] In embodiments, in response to any one of the devices of a
first group, herein referred to as "separating device," being at a
distance that exceeds the maximum distance established at step
S520, one of the devices, e.g., the primary device, at step S550
determines whether the separating device is close to another group,
herein referred to as "second group," the second group sharing a
common context as the first group. In embodiments, the separating
device is close to another group if the separating device is within
the maximum distance established at step S520.
[0080] In embodiments, at step S560, in response to the separating
device being close to the second group as determined at step S550,
the separating device leaves the first group and becomes part of
the second group. In embodiments, at step S560, in response to the
separating device being close to the second group, the primary
device of the first group updates the membership of the first group
to remove the separating device from the membership of the first
group, and the primary device of the second group updates the
membership of the second group to add the separating device to the
membership of the second group. In response to the separating
device not being close to the second group, the separating device
does not leave the first group and does not become part of the
second group.
[0081] FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an exemplary environment in
accordance with aspects of the invention. In FIG. 6, a first group
600 of devices originally includes devices 600-1, 600-2, 600-3 and
600-4, each of the devices 600-1, 600-2, 600-3 and 600-4 being
associated with a member of the group 600, and each member of the
group 600 sharing a common context. In FIG. 6, a second group 650
of devices originally includes devices 650-1, 650-2 and 650-3, each
of the devices 650-1, 650-2 and 650-3 being associated with a
member of the group 650, and each member of the group 650 sharing
the common context as each member of the group 600. In embodiments,
the groups 600 and 650 each constitute an ad hoc network. In
embodiments, the groups 600 and 650 each constitutes a piconet that
includes an ad hoc network linking the wireless group of devices
600-1, 600-2, 600-3 and 600-4, and devices 650-1, 650-2 and 650-3,
respectively, using, e.g., Bluetooth technology protocols. In
embodiments, each of the plurality of devices 600-1, 600-2, 600-3,
600-4, 650-1, 650-2 and 650-3 includes one or more computer
systems/servers such as the computer system/server 12 illustrated
in FIG. 1. In embodiments, the devices 600-1, 600-2, 600-3, 600-4,
650-1, 650-2 and 650-3 are connected to each other without global
positioning system (GPS) and without internet connectivity.
[0082] In embodiments, the device 600-1 of the first group 600 is a
primary device, and devices 600-2, 600-3 and 600-4 are secondary
devices. Accordingly, the devices 600-1, 600-2, 600-3 and 600-4
constitute a local scatternet. In embodiments, device 600-4 has
drifted beyond the maximum distance at which any of the devices
600-1, 600-2, 600-3 and 600-4 can be from each other in order to
remain a part of the first group 600. The maximum distance is
illustrated by the dashed boundary 602. Accordingly, the device
600-4, and the member of the group associated with the device
600-4, are no longer part of the first group 600. In embodiments,
the device 600-4 has drifted within the boundary of the second
group 650, illustrated by the dashed boundary 652. Accordingly, the
device 600-4, and the member of the group associated with the
device 600-4, are now part of the second group 650.
[0083] In embodiments, a service provider could offer to perform
the processes described herein. In this case, the service provider
can create, maintain, deploy, support, etc., the computer
infrastructure that performs the process steps of the invention for
one or more customers. These customers may be, for example, any
business that uses technology. In return, the service provider can
receive payment from the customer(s) under a subscription and/or
fee agreement and/or the service provider can receive payment from
the sale of advertising content to one or more third parties.
[0084] In still additional embodiments, the invention provides a
computer-implemented method, via a network. In this case, a
computer infrastructure, such as computer system/server 12 (FIG.
1), can be provided and one or more systems for performing the
processes of the invention can be obtained (e.g., created,
purchased, used, modified, etc.) and deployed to the computer
infrastructure. To this extent, the deployment of a system can
comprise one or more of: (1) installing program code on a computing
device, such as computer system/server 12 (as shown in FIG. 1),
from a computer-readable medium; (2) adding one or more computing
devices to the computer infrastructure; and (3) incorporating
and/or modifying one or more existing systems of the computer
infrastructure to enable the computer infrastructure to perform the
processes of the invention.
[0085] The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present
invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are
not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments
disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope
and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used
herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the
embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement
over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of
ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed
herein.
* * * * *