Method and apparatus for network-based mobile device coordination

• US 20090070127A1
• Filed: 09/10/2007
• Published: 03/12/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/10/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc. (Nokia Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc. (Nokia Corporation)
• Inventors: Gayde, Ruth Schaefer, Florkey, Cynthia, Morgan, Todd Cartwright
• Application Number:
  US11/900,197
• Publication Number:
  US 20090070127A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/319
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/542 Event management; Broadcasting; Multicasting; Notifications
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/01 Social networking
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/14 Session management for real-time applications in data packet communications networks H04L65/1066
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/303 Terminal profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/34 involving the movement of software or configuration parameters network booting or remote initial program loading [RIPL] G06F9/4416
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/62 Establishing a time schedule for servicing the requests
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42178 by downloading data to substation equipment
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/06 Selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS]; Services to user groups; One-way selective calling services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/12 Messaging; Mailboxes; Announcements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 56/00 Synchronisation arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 56/0015 one node acting as a reference for the others

Abstract

A system and method for network-based coordination of a plurality of devices using precise timing methods is provided. The method includes registering a device for an event that utilizes precise timing. The method continues with identifying a list of devices that will participate in the event, downloading a set of tools that enable the devices to perform the event, and initiating the event for the list of devices coordinated by precise timing. The system for network-based precision includes a timing source that provides precise timing for the devices, a subscription handler that organizes the devices and event application server that provides a list of registered subscribers and initiates the group event. The method and system disclosed may be used to coordinate mobile devices for collecting data and/or provide coordination for mobile devices to display video and play audio in a group coordinated manner.

Claims

1. A method for network based coordination of a plurality of devices using precise timing methods comprising:

registering a device for an event that utilizes precise time;

identifying a listing of devices that will participate in said event;

downloading a set of tools that enables said device to perform said event; and

initiating said event for said list of devices coordinated by precise timing.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising providing a check-in mechanism for said event.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein providing a check-in mechanism for said event includes providing a check-in kiosk.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein providing check-in mechanism for said event includes providing a web interface.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein providing check-in mechanism for said event includes allowing for check-in via short messaging.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising collecting end data from said event.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein said registering a device includes collecting the physical location of said device during said event.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising creating a permanent profile for said event.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising deregistering said device when a deregistration occurrence takes place.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising stopping said event when said event has reached an end point.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein said precise time for each said device is derived from a common source.

12. The method according to claim 1, further comprising performing an intermediate checkpoint after said event has been initiated.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein said device is a mobile device.

14. A system for network based precision timing coordination of a set of devices comprising:

a timing source that provides precise timing for a plurality of devices that participate in a group event;

a subscription handler that organizes said plurality of said devices that participate in said group event into a community; and

an event application server configured to provide a list of registered subscribers to said subscription handler and initiates said group event for said community utilizing precise timing.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein said subscription handler is configured to organize said plurality of devices into sub-groups based at least in part on said device capabilities, where each subgroup performs a different function for said group event.

16. The system according to claim 14, further comprising a short messaging system server configured to send a directive short message to said registered subscribers.

17. The system according to claim 14, further comprising a short messaging system server configured to receive short message registration.

18. The system according to claim 14, wherein said group event includes said plurality of devices capturing images.

19. The system according to claim 14, further comprising a kiosk configured to allow a device user to check-in before said event.

20. A system for precision coordination of a set of mobile devices within a community of interest for a precise timed event comprising:

a registration module configured to compile a plurality of mobile devices'"'"' information where said set of mobile devices are configured to register with said registration module for a precise timed event; and

an event application module configured to execute said precise timed event for said set of mobile devices in real time.

21. The system according claim 20, wherein said precisely timed event includes that said set of mobile devices play coordinated audio at precise times.

22. The system according to claim 20, wherein said precisely timed event includes that set of mobile devices download and play video.

23. The system according to claim 20, further comprising a collection module configured to collect, authenticate and time stamp data from said set of mobile devices and attach location information for forwarding to an associated database.

24. The system according to claim 20, further comprising a scheduling module configure to divide said registered mobile devices into subgroups and assign various tasks to each subgroup.

25. The system according to claim 24, wherein said various tasks are assigned, at least in part, based upon each mobile device'"'"'s capabilities.