Self coordinated machine network
First Claim
1. A self coordinated machine network encompassing at least one community of machines, characterized by;
- individual machine determination of identity in a network community, individual machine determination of function in the community, storage in individual machines about the machine'"'"'s and other community members'"'"' function and identity; and
, a communications link between individual machines and the network.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A self coordinated machine network is established by two or more machines in proximity with each other via a wired or wireless network infrastructure. The machines are configured to establish an ad hoc network between themselves for sharing information related to their common applications. New machines that come into proximity of the network infrastructure are configured to join an existing ad hoc network. Machines that power down or are removed from proximity of the network infrastructure are eliminated from the ad hoc network. Communications between the constituent machines of the ad hoc network allow the machines to self coordinate the network and redundantly store information pertaining to the common and disparate applications of the various machines that comprise the self coordinated machine network.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A self coordinated machine network encompassing at least one community of machines, characterized by;
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individual machine determination of identity in a network community, individual machine determination of function in the community, storage in individual machines about the machine'"'"'s and other community members'"'"' function and identity; and
,a communications link between individual machines and the network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of operating a number of machines, at least one of which requires payment for service to a customer;
- comprising,
associating each machine with an intelligent processing and communication device such that each machine is intelligently represented in an ad hoc self-coordinated network, interfacing the intelligent processing and communication device to an associated machine to control and/or monitor operation of the associated machine, provide the intelligent processing and communication device with means to read or access a customer payment identification means; and
,including at least one pay station on the network such that a customer pays an amount to the pay station, is provided with a readable or accessible identification of payment, and by presenting the payment identification to each intelligent processing and communication device representing a networked machine, may use any networked machine'"'"'s services, the network sharing information about total charges incurred, until the amount of payment is exhausted. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
- comprising,
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22. A self coordinated network encompassing at least one community of entities or machines, comprising;
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at least one intelligent device affixed to at least one host machine or entity whereby the intelligent device serves as a proxy for the host machine, representing characteristics of the host machine or entity to the outside world, wherein the network is characterized by functions including one or more of;
individual machine determination of identity in a network community, individual machine determination of function in the community, storage in individual machines about the machine'"'"'s and other community members'"'"' function and identity; and
,a communications link between individual machines and the network. - View Dependent Claims (23)
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Specification