Method for context based discovery and filtering of portable collaborative networks

• US 8,725,865 B2
• Filed: 09/08/2009
• Issued: 05/13/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 07/25/2002
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Olbia Software Inc.
• Original Assignee: Colligo Networks, Inc. (Olbia Software Inc.)
• Inventors: Bartram, Linda Ruth, Blackstock, Michael Anthony, Spaay, Henk Gerardus Maris
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Tammy
• Application Number:
  US12/555,784
• Publication Number:
  US 20100146106A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,708 Days
• Field of Search: 709/220, 709/221, 709/224, 370/225, 370/390, 725/46
• US Class Current: 709/224
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/104 Peer-to-peer [P2P] networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/1042 using topology management mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/1068 Discovery involving direct consultation or announcement among potential requesting and potential source peers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/329 in the application layer [OSI layer 7]

Abstract

A peer-to-peer collaborative network system is described. The peer-to-peer collaborative network system allows for the existence of a number of collaborative networks. Within the collaborative networks, users can interact in ways such as messaging, file sharing, resource sharing, and the like. The user will query other users on the network to determine which collaborative networks are active. The user can then select an active collaborative network without having to be invited there.

Claims

1. A computer implemented method comprising:

at a first peer computing device in a peer-to-peer network, determining what units are on the a peer-to-peer network;

using a user interface to create a new selectable collaborative network, the new collaborative network being made known to the units on the peer-to-peer network using a shared unique identifier and without mediation by a server;

receiving from at least one of the units an indication that that the at least one of the units has joined the new collaborative network; and

collaborating with a unit connected to the new collaborative network.

2. A nontransitory computer-readable medium comprising a program of instructions for execution and when executed operable to:

at a first peer computing device in a peer-to-peer network, determine what units are on the a peer-to-peer network;

use a user interface to create a new selectable collaborative network, the new collaborative network being made known to the units on the peer-to-peer network using a shared unique identifier and without mediation by a server;

receive from at least one of the units an indication that that the at least one of the units has joined the new collaborative network; and

collaborate with a unit connected to the new collaborative network.

3. An apparatus comprising:

means for determining what units are on a peer-to-peer network;

means for using a user interface to create a new selectable collaborative network, the new collaborative network being made known to the units on the peer-to-peer network using a shared unique identifier and without mediation by a server;

means for receiving from at least one of the units an indication that that the at least one of the units has joined the new collaborative network; and

means for collaborating with a unit connected to the new collaborative network.