Method and system for dynamic information exchange on a mesh network in a vehicle

[0001] This application is a Continuation-In-Part (CIP) of U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 12/884,521, filed on Sep. 17, 2010, which is a CIP of U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 11/880,271, filed Jul. 20, 2007, that claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/833,741, filed Jul. 27, 2006, said application Ser. No. 11/880,271 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,801,058, on Sep. 21, 2010, the contents of all which are incorporated by reference.

[0002] This invention relates to mesh networks. More specifically, it relates to a method and system for dynamic information exchange on mesh network devices in a vehicle.

[0003] There are many types of computer and communications networks in existence. One variety of such networks is a mesh network.

[0004] A mesh network is a self-organizing network built from plural mesh network nodes that may spontaneously create an impromptu network, assemble the network themselves, dynamically adapt to device failure and degradation, manage movement of mesh network nodes, and react to changes in task and network requirements. The plural mesh network nodes are reconfigurable smart network nodes that are self-aware, self-reconfigurable and autonomous.

[0005] A mesh network is a network that employs one of two connection arrangements, “full mesh” topology or “partial mesh” topology. In the full mesh topology, each node is connected directly to each of the others. In the partial mesh topology, nodes are connected to only some, not all, of the other nodes.

[0006] There are a number of problems associated with wired and wireless mesh networks. One problem is that a number of independent mesh devices each make a local decision and then try to combine these decisions at a central point to generate a global decision. Routing, bandwidth, and power constraints determine the quality of the distributed detection and/or estimation decision. Another problem is that is often difficult to determine a load on a mesh network and what resources are required to determine a desired quality of service.

[0007] Another problem is that some mesh networks are mobile networks in which it is assumed at least some of the nodes of the network are mobile units that change position over time. The dynamic management of complex routing information is very difficult. Mobile sensor networks include plural client units in such as a personal digital/data assistant (PDA), mobile phone, or other mobile unit for airport lounges, shopping malls, offices, etc.

[0008] There have been attempts to solve some of the problems associated with mesh networks. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,785,725 entitled “Signaling address resolution in a communication network,” that issued to Ramanan teaches “a network configuration and method provide communication setup between neighbor nodes in a communication network, without broadcasting this setup information over the network. A signaling bandwidth separated from the data communication channel bandwidth facilitates address resolution over a common transmission medium. The user is not required to know any physical address properties of the neighbor nodes. This reduces the complexity of the information that a network administrator is required to manage. This processing feeds into a complete address resolution table, which is employed for controlling network communication over the main data communication channel bandwidth. Typically, substantially continuous transmission and/or reception over the signaling bandwidth is useful not only to determine the neighbor node's active address upon startup, but also while the network is running, to detect if a signaling element has been exchanged or has changed activity. The address resolution is automatically updated to reflect a new configuration.”

[0009] U.S. Published Patent Application No. 20050272430 entitled “Reconfigurable micro-mesh communication system,” that was published by Griebling teaches “wide area wireless networks with high network throughput and low provisioning and maintenance costs. The wireless networks comprise a distributed reconfigurable micro-mesh cluster having direct wireless link capability. Multiple channels operating at different frequencies can be used per direct wireless link. To further reduce the provisioning and maintenance costs, narrow beam antennas are used at the point of presence. To expand the wide area wireless networks into the home market, adjustable antennas are installed at homes.”

[0010] U.S. Published Patent Application No. 20050243765 entitled “Mesh network and piconet work system and method” that was published by Schrader et al. teaches “a method of distributed control of a wireless mesh network without knowledge of global topology. The method includes: a station joining the network with any current member by propagating the join-request, or two meshes merging using the steps of: one mesh joining the other as a whole and then re-synchronizing its timing. The method further includes: first, each station periodically transmits a beacon; second, in response to a beacon being no longer detected, a station transmitting a bitmap of stations that it can still receive; third, each station responds by adding stations that it can receive with all of the bitmaps received from other members, and retransmitting the updated bitmap; fourth, after time for all stations to respond, all stations base current membership on the bitmap. The method further includes: determining sharable time slots that will not interfere with neighbors or other slot sharers, using and then releasing those slots.”

[0011] U.S. Published Patent Application No. 20050190778 entitled “Multi-system mesh network,” that was published by Ozluturk teaches “a transmission is simultaneously provided on multiple mesh networks. Retransmission between two nodes may be performed for the same communication along multiple networks in a mesh topography for the multiple networks. This permits communication to be effected in a mesh topography where one or all systems would not be able to provide a complete network connection within any given system.”

[0012] U.S. Published Patent Application No. 20050074019 entitled “method and apparatus for providing mobile inter-mesh communication points in a multi-level wireless mesh network,” that was published by Handforth et al. teaches “a mobile backhaul intermesh communication point forms an interface between a wireless mesh network on a first level and a wireless mesh network on a second, higher bandwidth, level. The two wireless networks are differentiated, e.g., by causing the mesh networks to be formed using different spectra, protocols or coding, or antennae. The mobile intra-mesh communication point functions as an access point in the lower level mesh network and as a relay point in the upper level mesh network. Utilizing mobile inter-mesh communication points facilitates deployment of wireless network access points while enabling the location of access points to follow the concentration of network users. Mobile inter-mesh communication points may be deployed in personal vehicles such as cars, trucks, and motorcycles, public transportation vehicles such as busses, trains, and aircraft, emergency vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances, and many other types of vehicles.”

[0013] However, none of these solutions solve all of the problems associated with mesh networks. Thus, it would be desirable to solve some of the problems associated with mesh networks.

[0014] In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, some of the problems associated with sensor networks are overcome. A method and system for dynamic information exchange on a mesh network in a vehicle is provided

[0015] The dynamic information exchange includes determining if a vehicle needs immediate repair. And if so, automatically determining a nearest repair facility and sending a message to the nearest repair facility indicating the vehicle will be arriving shortly. The message also includes a list of parts required to repair the vehicle. The dynamic information exchange on the mesh network also includes information about vehicle movement, including, an accident impact, theft or illness or injury to an operator of the vehicle.

[0016] The foregoing and other features and advantages of preferred embodiments of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description. The detailed description proceeds with references to the accompanying drawings.

Exemplary Mesh Network System

[0036] Mesh networking is a type of networking wherein each node in the mesh network may act as an independent gateway/router/switch, regardless of whether it is connected to another communications network or not. It allows for continuous connections, disconnections and reconfigurations until a desired destination is reached. Mesh networks differ from other communications networks (e.g., the Internet, an intranet, the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN), a data network (e.g., Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)/Internet Protocol (IP), etc.) in that component parts can all connect to each other via multiple hops. Mesh networks are also considered as one type of ad hoc network. Mesh networks are self-healing: the network can still operate when one node breaks down or a connection goes bad. As a result, the network may typically be very reliable, as there is often more than one path between a source and a destination in the network.

[0037] One advantage of wireless mesh networks—as opposed to wired or fixed wireless non-mesh networks—is that they are truly wireless. Most traditional “wireless” access points still need to be wired to another non-mesh communications network to broadcast their wireless signal. For large wireless communications network wire cables need to be buried in ceilings and walls and throughout public areas. In a wireless mesh network, only one mesh node needs to be physically wired to a network connection like a DSL or cable modem. That one wired node then shares its Internet connection wirelessly with all other mesh nodes in its vicinity. Those mesh nodes then share the connection wirelessly with the nodes closest to them. The more nodes, the further the connection spreads, creating a wireless mesh “cloud of connectivity” that can serve a small area or a city of millions.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary mesh network 10. A mesh network is a short range local area network (LAN) that employs one of two connection arrangements, “full mesh topology” or “partial mesh topology.” In the full mesh topology 12, each node is a mesh network device 14, 16, 18 is connected directly to each of the other mesh network device. In the partial mesh topology 20 some mesh network devices 22 are connected to all the others, but some of the mesh network devices 22 are connected only to those other mesh network devices 18 with which they exchange the most data. The connections can be wired or wireless in a mesh network 12 or partial mesh 20 network topologies. A mesh network is reliable and offers redundancy. If one mesh node can no longer operate, all the rest can still communicate with each other, directly or through one or more intermediate nodes. Mesh networks work well when the nodes are located at scattered points that do not lie near a common line. The mesh network 12 and the partial mesh network 20 includes both wireless 3 and wired mesh networks 5 and wireless 3 and wired partial mesh networks 5.

[0039] Some characteristics for mesh networks 12 or partial-mesh networks 20 include a network infrastructure that is decentralized, avoids a central point of failure and control, is cost effective and be maintained and expanded locally. A mesh network 12 or partial mesh network 20 includes many-to-many connections and is capable of dynamically updating and optimizing these connections. The mesh networks 12 or partial-mesh networks 20 include “mobile mesh networks” in which it is assumed that one or more of the mesh network devices dynamically change geographical location over time. Such mesh network devices may continuously change geographical location over time.

[0040] The mesh networks 12, 20 may also include embedded mesh network devices that form an “embedded mesh network.” An embedded mesh network is typically a component of a larger more complex mesh network. Industrial machines, automobiles, medical equipment, cameras, household appliances, airplanes, vending machines, toys, etc. typically include embedded mesh networks. For example, an automobile may include a first embedded mesh network for anti-lock braking, a second for monitoring and maintaining oil pressure, etc. An embedded mesh network is designed to run on its own without intervention, responds to events (e.g., data collection, data transfer, etc.) in-real time and provides data to the larger more complex network.

[0041] The plural mesh network devices 14, 16, 18, 22 include, but are not limited to, multimedia capable desktop and laptop computers, tablet computers, facsimile machines, mobile phones, non-mobile phones, smart phones, Internet phones, Internet appliances, personal digital/data assistants (PDA), two-way pagers, digital cameras, cable television (CATV) set-top boxes, digital televisions including high definition television (HDTV), three-dimensional (3D) televisions and other types of network devices. The plural mesh network devices 14, 16, 18, 22 also include embedded mesh network devices. The plural mesh network devices 14, 16, 18, 22 may also be embedded or connected to non-mesh network devices.

[0042] The plural mesh network devices 14, 16, 18, 22 may also include mesh network tags and/or sensors and/or biometrics. A mesh network sensor is a device that receives and responds to a signal or stimulus. For example a mesh network sensor may be used to measure a physical quantity such as temperature, pressure, sound, etc. and convert it into an electronic signal (e.g., digital data, digital signal, etc.). A mesh network sensor may also measure an electrical quantity (e.g., a radio signal, Radio Frequency IDentification signal (RFID) signal, etc.) and convert it into another electronic signal. Mesh network device 22 is illustrated as an RFID mesh network device.

[0043] As is known in the art, an “RFID tag” is an object that can be applied to or incorporated into a product, animal, or person for the purpose of identification and/or tracking using RF signals.

[0044] As is known in the art, an “RFID sensor” is a device that measures a physical quantity and converts it into an RF signal which can be read by an observer or by an instrument (e.g., RFID controller/RFID portal server network device 29, etc.)

[0045] As is known in the art, a “biometric” is method for uniquely recognizing humans or non-human entities based upon one or more intrinsic physical or behavioral traits. Thus, an RFID biometric tag is an object that can be applied to or incorporated on or into a human or animal for the purpose of identification.

[0046] The plural mesh network devices 14, 16, 18, 22 may be used for unique identity identification via voice, biometrics, supply chain management, medical, for Data, Information and Knowledge (DIaK) sensors and sensor tracking extended services such as those used as part of capabilities offered by Integrated Systems Health Management (ISHM) as ISHM sensors and for other applications.

[0047] The architecture plural mesh network devices 14, 16, 18, 22 brings a rich set of state-of the-art capabilities to support ISHM systems for sensing, processing, control, and distribution. Such devices enable a mesh network, a mesh sensor network or other sensor network to significantly to increase capabilities for improved identification and tracking, data sharing, information dissemination, online data processing, automated feature extraction, data fusion, and parallel and distributed computing functions.

[0048] In one embodiment, the mesh network sensor is a simple device that includes an electrical circuit and a wired or wireless transceiver. In another embodiment, the mesh network sensor is a complex device (e.g., computer, PDA, mobile phone, smart phone, table computer, etc.) including additional sensor functionality.

[0049] The plural network devices 14, 16, 18, 22 include one or more of a wired interface and/or a wireless interface used to connect to a mesh network or partial mesh network to provide voice, video and data communications.

[0050] The plural network devices 14, 16, 18, 22 include one or more of a wired interface and/or a wireless interface used to connect to non-mesh communications network 23 to provide voice, video and data communications such as the Internet, an intranet, the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN), etc. The non-mesh network communications network 23 has a non-mesh architecture based on the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model, Internet Protocol suite model, or other conventional non-mesh networking models.

[0051] The non-mesh communications network 23 may include one or more gateways, routers, bridges or switches As is known in the art, a gateway connects computer networks using different network protocols and/or operating at different transmission capacities. A router receives transmitted messages and forwards them to their correct destinations over the most efficient available route. A bridge is a device that connects networks using the same communications protocols so that information can be passed from one network device to another. A switch is a device that connects communications paths for voice, video and data streams.

[0052] The non-mesh communications network 23 may include one or more server network devices 25, 27 (two of which are illustrated) and one or more web-sites accessible by users to send and receive information. The one or more servers 25, 27 may also include one or more associated databases 25′, 27′ for storing electronic information.

[0053] Preferred embodiments of the present invention include mesh network devices, non-mesh network devices and wired and wireless interfaces that are compliant with all or part of standards proposed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), International Telecommunications Union-Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU), European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), U.S. National Institute of Security Technology (NIST), American National Standard Institute (ANSI), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) Forum, Bluetooth Forum, or the ADSL Forum. However, network devices based on other standards could also be used.

[0054] An operating environment for devices and interfaces of the present invention include a processing system with one or more high speed Central Processing Unit(s) (CPU) or other processors and a memory. In accordance with the practices of persons skilled in the art of computer programming, the present invention is described below with reference to acts and symbolic representations of operations or instructions that are performed by the processing system, unless indicated otherwise. Such acts and operations or instructions are referred to as being “computer-executed,” “CPU executed” or “processor executed.”

[0055] It will be appreciated that acts and symbolically represented operations or instructions include the manipulation of electrical signals by the CPU. An electrical system represents data bits which cause a resulting transformation or reduction of the electrical signals, and the maintenance of data bits at memory locations in a memory system to thereby reconfigure or otherwise alter the CPU's operation, as well as other processing of signals. The memory locations where data bits are maintained are physical locations that have particular electrical, magnetic, optical, or organic properties corresponding to the data bits.

[0056] The data bits may also be maintained on a computer readable medium including magnetic disks, optical disks, organic memory, and any other volatile (e.g., Random Access Memory (RAM)) or non-volatile (e.g., Read-Only Memory (ROM)) mass storage system readable by the CPU. The computer readable medium includes cooperating or interconnected computer readable medium, which exist exclusively on the processing system or be distributed among multiple interconnected processing systems that may be local or remote to the processing system.

[0057] As is known in the art, the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model is a layered architecture that standardizes levels of service and types of interaction for computers exchanging information through a communications network. The OSI reference model separates network device-to-network device communications into seven protocol layers, or levels, each building-and relying—upon the standards contained in the levels below it. The OSI reference model includes from lowest-to-highest, a physical, data-link, network, transport, session, presentation and application layer. The lowest of the seven layers deals solely with hardware links; the highest deals with software interactions at the application-program level.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the wired and wireless interfaces include wired and wireless interfaces and corresponding networking protocols for wired connections to the non-mesh communications network 23 including, a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or a cable television network (CATV) including HDTV that connect the network devices 14, 16, 18, 22 via one or more twisted pairs of copper wires, digital subscriber lines (e.g. DSL, ADSL, VDSL, etc.) coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, other connection media or other wired connection interfaces. The PSTN is any public switched telephone network provided by AT&T, GTE, Sprint, MCI, SBC, Verizon and others.

[0059] The non-mesh communications network 23 may also include a paging and wireless messaging network, a wireless cellular telephone network, a Packet Cellular Network (PCN), Global System for Mobile Communications, (GSM), Generic Packet Radio Services (GPRS), network/Personal Communications Services network (PCS), a Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) network, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)/User Datagram Protocol (UDP)/Internet Protocol (IP) network, Voice over IP (VoIP) network or other types of network.

[0060] The wireless cellular telephone network includes, but is not limited to Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), or other wireless technologies.

[0061] As is known in the art, PCS networks include network that cover a range of wireless, digital communications technologies and services, including cordless phones, mobile phones, voice mail, paging, faxing, mobile personal digital/data assistants (PDAs), etc. PCS devices are typically divided into narrowband and broadband categories.

[0062] Narrowband devices, which operates in the 900 MHz band of frequencies, typically provide paging, data messaging, faxing, and one- and two-way electronic messaging capabilities. Broadband devices, which operate in the 1850 MHz to 1990 MHz range typically provide two-way voice, data, and video communications. Other wireless technologies such as GSM, CDMA and TDMA are typically included in the PCS category.

[0063] As is known in the art, GSM is another type of digital wireless technology widely used throughout Europe, in Australia, India, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. GSM is gaining popularity in the United States. GSM is a wireless platform based on TDMA to digitize data. GSM includes not only telephony and Short Message Services (SMS) but also voice mail, call forwarding, facsimile, caller ID, Internet access, and e-mail.

[0064] As is known in the art, SMS is type of communications service that enables a user to allow private message communications with another user. GSM typically operates at three frequency ranges: 900 MHz (GSM 900) in Europe, Asia and most of the rest of the world; 1800 MHz (GSM 1800 or DCS 1800 or DCS) in a few European countries; and 1900 MHz (GSM 1900 also called PCS 1900 or PCS) in the United States. GSM also operates in a dual-band mode including 900/1800 Mhz and a tri-band mode include 900/1800/1900 Mhz.

[0065] As is known in the art, GPRS is a standard for wireless communications, which runs at speeds up to 150 kilo-bits-per-second (“kbit/s”). GPRS, which supports a wide range of bandwidths is an efficient use of limited bandwidth and is particularly suited for sending and receiving small bursts of data such as e-mail and Web browsing, as well as large volumes of data.

[0066] As is known in the art, CDPD is a wireless standard providing two-way, 19.2-Kbps or higher packet data transmission over existing cellular telephone channels. As is known in the art, a Packet Cellular Network (PCN) includes various types of packetized cellular data.

[0067] In one embodiment, of the invention, the wireless interfaces include WPAN wireless personal area network (WPAN) interfaces. As is known in the art, a WPAN is a personal area network for interconnecting devices centered around an individual person's devices in which the connections are wireless. A WPAN interconnects all the ordinary computing and communicating devices that a person has on their desk (e.g. computer, etc.) or carry with them (e.g., PDA, mobile phone, two-way pager, etc.)

[0068] Typically, a wireless personal area network uses some technology that permits communication only within about 10 meters. One such technology is “Bluetooth.” Another such technology is “Zigbee.”

[0069] A key concept in WPAN technology is known as “plugging in.” In the ideal scenario, when any two WPAN-equipped devices come into close proximity (within several meters of each other) or within a few kilometers of a central server (not illustrated), they can communicate via wireless communications as if connected by a cable. WPAN devices can also lock out other devices selectively, preventing needless interference or unauthorized access to secure information.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention, the wireless interfaces include but are not limited to, an IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.15.4 (ZigBee), 802.16a, 802.16g, “Wireless Fidelity” (WiFi), “Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access” (WiMAX), ETSI High Performance Radio Metropolitan Area Network (HIPERMAN) “RF Home,” or other types of wireless interfaces. However, the present invention is not limited to such wireless interface and other types of wireless interfaces can also be used.

[0071] In another embodiment of the present invention, the wireless mesh network device 14, 16, 18, 22 includes a wireless sensor device that comprises an integral or separate Bluetooth and/or infra data association (IrDA) module for wireless Bluetooth or wireless infrared communications.

[0072] As is known in the art, an 802.11b is a short-range wireless network standard. The IEEE 802.11b standard defines wireless interfaces that provide up to 11 Mbps wireless data transmission to and from wireless devices over short ranges. 802.11a is an extension of the 802.11b and can deliver speeds up to 54M bps. 802.11g deliver speeds on par with 802.11a. However, other 802.11xx interfaces can also be used and the present invention is not limited to the 802.11 protocols defined. The IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g standards are incorporated herein by reference.

[0073] As is known in the art, WiFi is a type of 802.11xx interface, whether 802.11b, 802.11a, dual-band, etc. WiFi devices include an RF interfaces such as 2.4 GHz for 802.11b or 802.11g and 5 GHz for 802.11a.

[0074] As is known in the art, 802.15.4 (Zigbee) is low data rate network standard used for mesh network devices such as sensors, interactive toys, smart badges, remote controls, and home automation. The 802.15.4 standard provides data rates of 250 kbps, 40 kbps, and 20 kbps., two addressing modes; 16-bit short and 64-bit IEEE addressing, support for critical latency devices, such as joysticks, Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance, (CSMA-CA) channel access, automatic network establishment by a coordinator, fully handshaked protocol for transfer reliability, power management to ensure low power consumption for multi-month to multi-year battery usage and up to 16 channels in the 2.4 GHz Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) band (Worldwide), 10 channels in the 915 MHz (US) and one channel in the 868 MHz band (Europe). The IEEE 802.15.4-2003 standard is incorporated herein by reference.

[0075] As is known in the art, WiMAX is an industry trade organization formed by leading communications component and equipment companies to promote and certify compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless access equipment that conforms to the IEEE 802.16XX and ETSI HIPERMAN. HIPERMAN is the European standard for metropolitan area networks (MAN).

[0076] The IEEE The 802.16a and 802.16g standards are wireless MAN technology standard that provides a wireless alternative to cable, DSL and T1/E1 for last mile broadband access. It is also used as complimentary technology to connect IEEE 802.11XX hot spots to the Internet.

[0077] The IEEE 802.16a standard for 2-11 GHz is a wireless MAN technology that provides broadband wireless connectivity to fixed, portable and nomadic devices. It provides up to 50-kilometers of service area range, allows users to get broadband connectivity without needing direct line of sight with the base station, and provides total data rates of up to 280 Mbps per base station, which is enough bandwidth to simultaneously support hundreds of businesses with T1/E1-type connectivity and thousands of homes with DSL-type connectivity with a single base station. The IEEE 802.16g provides up to 100 Mbps.

[0078] The IEEE 802.16e standard is an extension to the approved IEEE 802.16/16a/16g standard. The purpose of 802.16e is to add limited mobility to the current standard which is designed for fixed operation.

[0079] The ESTI HIPERMAN standard is an interoperable broadband fixed wireless access standard for systems operating at radio frequencies between 2 GHz and 11 GHz.

[0080] The IEEE 802.16a, 802.16e and 802.16g standards are incorporated herein by reference. WiMAX can be used to provide a WLP.

[0081] The ETSI HIPERMAN standards TR 101 031, TR 101 475, TR 101 493-1 through TR 101 493-3, TR 101 761-1 through TR 101 761-4, TR 101 762, TR 101 763-1 through TR 101 763-3 and TR 101 957 are incorporated herein by reference. ETSI HIPERMAN can be used to provide a WLP.

[0082] As is known in the art, Bluetooth is a short-range radio frequency technology aimed at simplifying communications among network devices and between network devices. Bluetooth wireless technology supports both short-range point-to-point and point-to-multipoint connections. The Bluetooth Specification, GL 11r02, March 2005, prepared by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference.

[0083] As is known in the art, IP is an addressing protocol designed to route traffic within a network or between networks. For more information on IP see IETF RFC-791 incorporated herein by reference.

[0084] TCP provides a connection-oriented, end-to-end reliable protocol designed to fit into a layered hierarchy of protocols that support multi-network applications. For more information on TCP see RFC-793, incorporated herein by reference.

[0085] UDP provides a connectionless mode of communications with datagrams in an interconnected set of networks. For more information on UDP see ITEF RFC-768 incorporated herein by reference.

[0086] As is known in the art, VoIP is a set of facilities for managing the delivery of voice information using IP packets. In general, VoIP is used to send voice information in digital form in discrete data packets (i.e., IP packets) over data networks rather than using traditional circuit-switched protocols used on the PSTN. VoIP is used on both wireless and wired data networks.

[0087] VoIP typically comprises several applications (e.g., Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), Service Location Protocol (SLP), H.323, H.324, Domain Name System (DNS), Authentication Authorization and Accounting (AAA), codecs (G.7xx), etc.) that convert a voice signal into a stream of packets (e.g., IP packets) on a packet network and back again. VoIP allows voice signals to travel over a stream of data packets over a communications network.

Security and Encryption

[0088] Devices and interfaces (e.g., security interface 46) of the present invention include plural security and/or encryption methods for secure communications. Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP) (also called “Wired Equivalent Privacy) is a security protocol for WiLANs defined in the IEEE 802.11b standard. WEP is cryptographic privacy algorithm, based on the Rivest Cipher 4 (RC4) encryption engine, used to provide confidentiality for 802.11b wireless data.

[0089] As is known in the art, RC4 is cipher designed by RSA Data Security, Inc. of Bedford, Mass., which can accept encryption keys of arbitrary length, and is essentially a pseudo random number generator with an output of the generator being XORed with a data stream to produce encrypted data.

[0090] One problem with WEP is that it is used at the two lowest layers of the OSI model, the physical layer and the data link layer, therefore, it does not offer end-to-end security. One another problem with WEP is that its encryption keys are static rather than dynamic. To update WEP encryption keys, an individual has to manually update a WEP key. WEP also typically uses 40-bit static keys for encryption and thus provides “weak encryption,” making a WEP device a target of hackers.

[0091] The IEEE 802.11 Working Group is working on a security upgrade for the 802.11 standard called “802.11i.” This supplemental draft standard is intended to improve WiLAN security. It describes the encrypted transmission of data between systems 802.11X WiLANs. It also defines new encryption key protocols including the Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP). The IEEE 802.11i draft standard, version 4, completed Jun. 6, 2003, is incorporated herein by reference.

[0092] The 802.11i is based on 802.1x port-based authentication for user and device authentication. The 802.11i standard includes two main developments: Wireless or Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Robust Security Network (RSN).

[0093] WPA uses the same RC4 underlying encryption algorithm as WEP. However, WPA uses TKIP to improve security of keys used with WEP. WPA keys are derived and rotated more often than WEP keys and thus provide additional security. WPA also adds a message-integrity-check function to prevent packet forgeries.

[0094] RSN uses dynamic negotiation of authentication and selectable encryption algorithms between wireless access points and wireless devices. The authentication schemes proposed in the draft standard include Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP). One proposed encryption algorithm is an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption algorithm.

[0095] Dynamic negotiation of authentication and encryption algorithms lets RSN evolve with the state of the art in security, adding algorithms to address new threats and continuing to provide the security necessary to protect information that WiLANs carry.

[0096] The NIST developed a new encryption standard, the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to keep government information secure. AES is intended to be a stronger, more efficient successor to Triple Data Encryption Standard (3DES).

[0097] As is known in the art, DES is a popular symmetric-key encryption method developed in 1975 and standardized by ANSI in 1981 as ANSI X.3.92, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. As is known in the art, 3DES is the encrypt-decrypt-encrypt (EDE) mode of the DES cipher algorithm. 3DES is defined in the ANSI standard, ANSI X9.52-1998, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. DES modes of operation are used in conjunction with the NIST Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) for data encryption (FIPS 46-3, October 1999), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0098] The NIST approved a FIPS for the AES, FIPS-197. This standard specified “Rijndael” encryption as a FIPS-approved symmetric encryption algorithm that may be used by U.S. Government organizations (and others) to protect sensitive information. The NIST FIPS-197 standard (AES FIPS PUB 197, November 2001) is incorporated herein by reference.

[0099] The NIST approved a FIPS for U.S. Federal Government requirements for information technology products for sensitive but unclassified (SBU) communications. The NIST FIPS Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules (FIPS PUB 140-2, May 2001) is incorporated herein by reference.

[0100] As is known in the art, RSA is a public key encryption system which can be used both for encrypting messages and making digital signatures. The letters RSA stand for the names of the inventors: Rivest, Shamir and Adleman. For more information on RSA, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,405,829, now expired, incorporated herein by reference.

[0101] As is known in the art, “hashing” is the transformation of a string of characters into a usually shorter fixed-length value or key that represents the original string. Hashing is used to index and retrieve items in a database because it is faster to find the item using the shorter hashed key than to find it using the original value. It is also used in many encryption algorithms.

[0102] Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA), is used for computing a secure condensed representation of a data message or a data file. When a message of any length<2⁶⁴ bits is input, the SHA-1 produces a 160-bit output called a “message digest.” The message digest can then be input to other security techniques such as encryption, a Digital Signature Algorithm (DSA) and others which generates or verifies a security mechanism for the message. SHA-512 outputs a 512-bit message digest. The Secure Hash Standard, FIPS PUB 180-1, Apr. 17, 1995, is incorporated herein by reference.

[0103] Message Digest-5 (MD-5) takes as input a message of arbitrary length and produces as output a 128-bit “message digest” of the input. The MD5 algorithm is intended for digital signature applications, where a large file must be “compressed” in a secure manner before being encrypted with a private (secret) key under a public-key cryptosystem such as RSA. The IETF RFC-1321, entitled “The MD5 Message-Digest Algorithm” is incorporated here by reference.

[0104] As is known in the art, providing a way to check the integrity of information transmitted over or stored in an unreliable medium such as a wireless network is a prime necessity in the world of open computing and communications. Mechanisms that provide such integrity check based on a secret key are called “message authentication codes” (MACS). Typically, message authentication codes are used between two parties that share a secret key in order to validate information transmitted between these parties.

[0105] Keyed Hashing for Message Authentication Codes (HMAC), is a mechanism for message authentication using cryptographic hash functions. HMAC is used with any iterative cryptographic hash function, e.g., MD5, SHA-1, SHA-512, etc. in combination with a secret shared key. The cryptographic strength of HMAC depends on the properties of the underlying hash function. The IETF RFC-2101, entitled “HMAC: Keyed-Hashing for Message Authentication” is incorporated here by reference.

[0106] As is known in the art, an Electronic Code Book (ECB) is a mode of operation for a “block cipher,” with the characteristic that each possible block of plaintext has a defined corresponding cipher text value and vice versa. In other words, the same plaintext value will always result in the same cipher text value. Electronic Code Book is used when a volume of plaintext is separated into several blocks of data, each of which is then encrypted independently of other blocks. The Electronic Code Book has the ability to support a separate encryption key for each block type.

[0107] As is known in the art, Diffie and Hellman (DH) describe several different group methods for two parties to agree upon a shared secret in such a way that the secret will be unavailable to eavesdroppers. This secret is then converted into various types of cryptographic keys. A large number of the variants of the DH method exist including ANSI X9.42. The IETF RFC-2631, entitled “Diffie-Hellman Key Agreement Method” is incorporated here by reference.

[0108] However, the present invention is not limited to the security or encryption techniques described and other security or encryption techniques can also be used.

[0109] As is known in the art, the HyperText Transport Protocol (HTTP) Secure (HTTPs), is a standard for encrypted communications on the World Wide Web. HTTPs is actually just HTTP over a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). For more information on HTTP, see IETF RFC-2616 incorporated herein by reference.

[0110] As is known in the art, the SSL protocol is a protocol layer which may be placed between a reliable connection-oriented network layer protocol (e.g. TCP/IP) and the application protocol layer (e.g. HTTP). SSL provides for secure communication between a source and destination by allowing mutual authentication, the use of digital signatures for integrity, and encryption for privacy.

[0111] The SSL protocol is designed to support a range of choices for specific security methods used for cryptography, message digests, and digital signatures. The security method are negotiated between the source and destination at the start of establishing a protocol session. The SSL 2.0 protocol specification, by Kipp E. B. Hickman, 1995 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0112] As is known in the art, Transport Layer Security (TLS) provides communications privacy over the Internet. The protocol allows client/server applications to communicate over a transport layer (e.g., TCP) in a way that is designed to prevent eavesdropping, tampering, or message forgery. For more information on TLS see IETF RFC-2246, incorporated herein by reference.

[0113] In one embodiment, the security functionality includes Cisco Compatible EXtensions (CCX). CCX includes security specifications for makers of 802.11xx wireless LAN chips for ensuring compliance with Cisco's proprietary wireless security LAN protocols. As is known in the art, Cisco Systems, Inc. of San Jose, Calif. is supplier of networking hardware and software, including router and security products.

Exemplary Mesh Network Device

[0114] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary mesh network device architecture 24. The architecture 24 includes, but is not limited to, a mesh network device 26 comprising a universal serial bus (USB) interface (I/F) 28, a selectable communications bit-interface (e.g., 16/32 bit) 30, a flash memory 32, an erasable electronically programmable read only memory (EEPROM) 34, a first-in-first-out (FIFO) buffer 36, a data-link chip 38 (e.g., Medium Access Control (MAC) chip, etc.), a baseband and/or ultra wideband transciever (e.g., Zigbee, Bluetooth, WiFi, WiMax, etc.) 40, a wireless Radio Frequency (RF) antenna 42, a clock 44, and a security interface 46.

[0115] The EEPROM 34 may include one or more software modules used for networking (e.g., TCP/IP/UDP, etc.), security or for other purposes. In one embodiment, the security interface 46 is not a separate hardware interface but includes one more software modules included in the EEPROM 34 or in the flash memory 32.

[0116] As is known in the art, a “baseband” transceiver is a transceiver in which information is carried in digital form in one or more channels on a transmission medium. A baseband includes any frequency band on which information is superimposed, whether or not a frequency band is multiplexed and on which digital information can be sent on sub-bands.

[0117] In one embodiment, the mesh network device 26 further comprises an external power source 48 (e.g., via USB, etc.), an external flash memory or external disk drive 50, an external wireless radio frequency (RF) front end 52 (e.g., a wireless RF antenna, etc.) and an external host network device 54 (e.g., computer, PDA, mobile phone, etc.). The external flash or disk drive 50 includes, but is not limited to, a removable device such as a Compact Flash (CF), Secure Digital Card (SD), Memory Stick (MS), Micro Drive, MultiMediaCard (MMC) xD-Picture Card (xD), SmartMedia (SM) card or other removable device. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and more, fewer or other components can also be used to practice the invention.

[0118] In one embodiment, the mesh network device 26 includes Complementary Code Keying (CCK). As is known in the art, CCK is a modulation scheme used with wireless networks (WLANs) that employ the IEEE 802.11b specification. A complementary code includes a pair of finite bit sequences of equal length, such that a number of pairs of identical elements (e.g., one or zero) with any given separation in one sequence are equal to a number of pairs of unlike elements having the same separation in the other sequence.

[0119] In one embodiment, the mesh network device 26 includes differential quadrature phase shift keying (DQPSK). DQPSK modulates using differential quaternary phase shift keying. DQPSK transmits only differences between values of a phase of a sin wave, rather than a full absolute value. DQPSK makes use of two carrier signals, separated by 90-degrees. The output is a baseband representation of the modulated signal.

[0120] In one embodiment, the mesh network device 26 includes differential binary phase shift keying (DBPSK). DBPSK modulates using the differential binary phase shift keying. DBPSK maps phase differences of θ and π+θ, respectively, to outputs of zero and one, respectively, where θ is a phase rotation parameter. The output is a baseband representation of the modulated signal.

[0121] In one embodiment, the mesh network device 26 includes Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). OFDM is also called discrete multi-tone modulation (DMT) and is a transmission technique based upon the idea of frequency-division multiplexing (FDM) where multiple signals are sent out at different frequencies. OFDM uses a composite of narrow channel bands to enhance its performance in high frequency bands (such as 5.x GHz) in urban and rural applications where building clutter and foliage can negatively impact the propagation of radio waves for wireless devices.

[0122] In one embodiment, the mesh network device 26 includes Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA). CSMA/CA is a data-link layer protocol used in the data-link chip 38 for carrier transmission in 802.11xx networks. CSMA/CA acts to prevent collisions before they happen.

[0123] In one embodiment, the mesh network device 26 is an internal device to a mesh network device 12, 14, 16, 22. In another embodiment, the mesh network device an external portable removable device as illustrated in FIG. 3. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

[0124] In one embodiment, mesh network device 26 includes one or more audio codecs (encoder/decoder) 41 including, but not limited to a voice encoder and/or a voice decoder compliant ITU-T G.711, G.722, G.723, G.728 and G.729 standards, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) codecs can also be used. In such an embodiment, the mesh network device 26 can accept voice commands or other audio inputs such as those from an animal (e.g., dog bark from a service dog, etc.) and/or an RF signal and/or an RF from an RFID tag, etc.

[0125] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an outer view 56 of a specific exemplary implementation 58 of the mesh network device 26 of FIG. 2.

[0126] FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating an inner view 59 specific exemplary implementation 58 of the mesh network device of FIG. 3A. Mesh network device 26 can be used as an embedded component in other electronic devices (e.g., mobile phone, PDA, smart phone, tablet computer, etc.) with or without the USB interface component 28.

[0127] In one embodiment, the mesh network device 58 further comprises a first light emitting diode (LED) 60 indicating when the mesh network device is connected to a mesh network or partial mesh network and a second LED 62 indicating whether the mesh network device is active. The mesh network device 58 further includes a cover 64 for the USB interface 28.

[0128] In one specific exemplary embodiment, the mesh network device 58 is called “MOBEE®” and is a self-contained USB based-mesh network device for exchanging multimedia content between mesh network devices (e.g., host devices, PC/Laptop/PDA/Smart Phone/Mobile/Smart Home devices, etc.) through a meshed mobile network to maximize communication portability. MOBEE® is a registered U.S. Trademark of the Mobitrum Corporation.

[0129] In one embodiment, a mesh network device 26, 58 further includes a Smart Transducer Interface Modules (STIM) with an Ultra wideband transceiver (e.g., in a physical layer), a mesh network protocol adapter (e.g., in a data-link layer (e.g. MAC layer, with CCK, DBPSK, OFDM encoding etc.)) and authentication and encryption software (e.g., in data-link layer).

[0130] Ultra-wideband (UWB) refers to a radio communications technique based on transmitting very-short-duration pulses, often of duration of only nanoseconds or less, whereby the occupied bandwidth goes to very large values.

[0131] In another embodiment, the mesh network device 58 includes a Wireless Sensor Portal (WSP) with a Thin Film Transistor (TFT) high-resolution user graphic interface (GUI) 65 for displaying WSP information and sensor topology information and an Organizing Agent (OA). The OA manages the WSP and TFT. The OA is also responsible for collecting and organizing sensor data in a fashion that allows for a particular class of mesh network queries to be answered. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and other embodiments can also be used.

[0132] As is known in the art, a TFT is type of LCD flat panel display screen in which each pixel is controlled by one to four transistors. TFT displays are sometimes called active matrix Liquid Crystal Diodes (LCDs).

[0133] In one exemplary embodiment, the mesh network device 26, 58 is a tiny device that integrates at least three elements together: (1) a wireless baseband module 40 such as 802.11g/b/a, 802.15.4 (ZigBee), Bluetooth, Ultra wideband 802.16x, (e.g., WiMAX, etc.) etc. (2) a flash memory 32; and (3) an external power source 46. The mesh network device 26, 58 may further include an external removable memory module 48 such as a Secure Digital (SD) card, Pro Multimedia Card (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Microdrive, XD card or other external storage cards. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and more, fewer or other components can also be used to practice the invention.

[0134] In one embodiment the mesh network device 26, 58 includes at least the features illustrated in Table 1. However, the present invention is not limited to the features listed in Table 1 and more, fewer or other components can also be used to practice the invention.

[0135]

TABLE 1
Wireless module such as: IEEE 802.11a/b/g, IEEE 802.15.4 (ZigBee),
Bluetooth, Ultra wideband, or IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX) and others.
Wireless + NAND Flash combo solution with external removable Flash
memory such as Secure Digital (SD) card, Pro Multimedia Card (MMC),
Memory Stick (MS), Microdrive, and XD.
Mesh networking and WPAN software
USB 2.0+ interface and compatible with USB 1.1
IEEE 1394
TCP/IP/UDP/HTTP/HTTPs
Programmable wireless RF interface
High level security includes, but are not limited to, WEP64/128/256,
WPA (HWTKIP support) and AES128.
Auto-installation function
Software wireless access point

[0136] In another embodiment, the specific implementation 58 of the mesh network of FIG. 3 includes at least the features illustrated in Table 2. However, the present invention is not limited to the features listed in Table 2 and more, fewer or other components can also be used to practice the invention.

[0137]

TABLE 2
Wireless Standards	IEEE 802.11b/g, 802.15.4
Host Interface 28	USB 2.0+ Plug and Play
Wireless Antenna Connector 42	Chip Antenna
Frequency Range	2.412 GHz-2.4835 GHz
Number of Selectable Channels	USA, Canada: 11 channels
	Europe: 13 channels
	Asia (e.g, Japan): 14 channels
Modulation Techniques	Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum
	(CCK, DQPSK, DBPSK) Orthogonal
	frequency division multiplexing
	(OFDM)
Security 46	64/128/256 bit WEP, WPA, WPA2,
	CCX1.0, CCX2.0, 802.1x
Data-Link 38 Protocol	CSMA/CA (Collision Avoidance) with
	acknowledgment
Output RF Power	11 g: 13 dBM
	11b: 16 dBM
Sensitivity	−71 dBM@54 Mbps
	−84 dBM@11 Mbps
Data Rate	802.11 g (54 Mbps, 48 Mbps, 36 Mbps,
	24 Mbps, 18 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 9 Mbps,
	6 Mbps) 802.11b (11 Mbps, 5.5 Mpbs,
	2 Mbps, 1 Mbps)
Throughput	33 Mbps @ 11 g + mode
	24 Mbps @ 11 g mode
LEDs 58, 60	Link: Green
	Active: Green
Weight	10 g
Dimensions	71.5 mm(L) × 19 mm (W) × 9 mm (H)
Power 48 Requirements	Operating Voltage: 5 V DC
	Continuous TX Current: 350 mA
	@54 Mbps
	Continuous TX Current: 330 mA
	@11 Mbps
	Continuous RX Current: 245 mA
	Typical Current 240 mA

Exemplary Mesh Network Device Method of Use

[0138] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a Method 66 for mobile mesh networking. At Step 68, a first mobile mesh network device (e.g., 14) moves within a pre-determined distance of a second mobile mesh network device (e.g., 16), wherein the second mobile mesh network device 16 is also moving. At Step 70, mobile mesh network data is exchanged over a secure communications channel between the first mobile mesh network 14 and the second mesh network device 16. At 72, the mesh network data is verified on the second mobile mesh network device. At Step 74, the verified mesh network data is distributed to other mesh network devices (e.g., 18), if any, on the mesh network 12, thereby creating an N-way mobile mesh network 12 between the plural network devices 14, 16, 18.

[0139] Method 66 is illustrated with an exemplary embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to such and embodiment and other embodiments can also be used to practice the invention. In such an exemplary embodiment at Step 68, a first mobile mesh network device (e.g., 14) moves within a pre-determined distance of a second mobile mesh network device (e.g., 16). The first mobile mesh network device 14 and the second mobile mesh network device 16 include implementations 26, 58 described above.

[0140] At Step 70, mesh network data is exchanged over a secure communications channel between the first mobile mesh network 14 and the second mesh network device 16 to create a mobile mesh network 12. The mesh network data includes, but is not limited to, routing data, spatial data, mesh network load data and other mesh network data.

[0141] At 72, the mesh network data is verified on the second mesh network device 16. The verification includes verifying routing paths, spatial data, mesh network load data and other mesh network data.

[0142] At Step 74, the verified mesh network device is distributed to other mesh network devices (e.g., 18), if any, on the mesh network 12, thereby creating an N-way mobile mesh network 12 between the plural network devices 14, 16, 18.

[0143] FIG. 5 is a block diagram 76 illustrating an N-way mesh network formed using the mesh network device of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 illustrates two additional network devices including a television 78 and a laptop computer 80. The network devices 14, 16, 18, 22, 78, 80 in FIG. 5 are attached to the mesh network device 26 that is used to create an N-way mesh network. FIG. 5 illustrates a full mesh topology 12. However, the mesh network devices 26,58 can also be used to form a partial mesh topology 20 (not illustrated in FIG. 4).

Wireless Mesh Sensor Networks

[0144] Wireless sensor networks provide distributed network and Internet access to sensors, controls, and processors that are deeply embedded in equipment, facilities, and the environment. Wireless sensor networks provide monitoring and control capability for applications in transportation, manufacturing, health care, environmental monitoring, and safety and security. Wireless sensor networks provide low power signal processing, low power computation, and low power, low cost wireless networking capability in a compact system. Wireless sensor networks provide sensing, local control, and embedded intelligent systems in structures, materials, and environments.

[0145] In one embodiment, the mesh network device 26, 56 is an embedded mesh network device. In such an embodiment, the mesh network device 26, 56 is embedded into a mobile telephone, PDA, hand-held gaming device, smart phone, RFID tag, and other portable/mobile electronic devices.

[0146] In another embodiment, the mesh network device 26, 56 is a wireless mesh network sensor to collect and monitor spatial data. In such an embodiment, the mesh network device 26, 56 may include only selected ones of the components illustrated in FIG. 2 to make the wireless mesh sensor device simpler, smaller and less expensive.

[0147] Mesh sensor networks are used to determine spatial data including the location of objects. Location prediction is used to determine locations of a spatial phenomenon from maps of other spatial features such as building walls, natural phenomenon such as mountains, etc.

[0148] The method and system described herein also integrate wireless and wired sensor data acquisition for distributed sensing and monitoring for example, for rocket propulsion testing, agricultural efficiency, coastal management, disaster management, ecological forecasting, energy management, homeland security, and detecting ice accretion and detection of emissions, air quality, other data sensed around specific environments and other applications.

[0149] The method and apparatus described herein can be used for at least these exemplary applications: (1) Sensing and monitoring for Aircraft—icing on wings—data from heaters and sensors; (2) Aircraft emissions—collection of data around airports; (3) Verification and validation of equipment (e.g., Radio Frequency Identifiers “RFID”); and (4) Security—geo-location and personal location. However, the present invention is not limited to these applications and the present invention can be applied to other applications.

[0150] The method and apparatus described herein may provide at least the following advantages: (1) Spatial data is Extremely Difficult to Intercept—Wideband pulsed radar spreads the signal and allows more users access to a limited amount of scarce frequency spectrum, thus allowing spectrum reuse; (2) Multipath Immunity—A low path loss and low energy density minimizes interference to other services. UWB is very tolerant of interference, enabling operation within buildings, urban areas, and forests; (3) Precision Network-wide timing—Real-time, continuous position location down to a centimeter of resolution results in precision geolocation systems (4) Low Cost—Requires minimal components resulting in small size and weight; (5) Low Power—Typical consumption is in microwatts; and (6) Antennas—Can be very small (2 cm) because they are non-resonant.

Mesh Network Device Dynamic Information Exchange

[0151] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a Method 78 for dynamic information interchange for mesh network devices. At Step 80, a first set of profile information is received on a first mesh network device. At Step 82, a wireless signal is periodically sent from the first network device to a mesh network including plural other mesh network devices including other sets of profile information. At Step 84, one or more wireless signals from the plural other mesh network devices on the mesh network are received on the first mesh network device. The one or more wireless signals include other sets of profile information stored on the plural of other mesh network devices. At Step 86, a test is conducted to determine from the received one or more wireless signals whether any items in first set of profile information on the first network device match any items in other sets of profile information stored on the plural other mesh network devices. At Step 88, if any profile items match, a set of data is exchanged between the first network device and the one or more other mesh network devices via the mesh network.

[0152] Method 78 is illustrated with one exemplary embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments can also be used to practice the invention.

[0153] In such an exemplary embodiment at Step 80, the mesh network device 56 is equipped with a short-range wireless module and flash memory as is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. In another embodiment, the small mesh network device is embedded within an audio player (e.g., MP3 player, etc.) or other popular handheld devices.

[0154] At Step 80, the user profile information 91, 91′ (FIG. 7) includes, but is not limited to, an e-mail address, an IP address, a hardware address (e.g., Medium Access Control (MAC) address, etc.), a URL, a name, an address, an telephone number, an instant message identifier, a text message identifier, a encryption key, a digital signature, a secure message digest, a security identifier, a mesh network identifier or other types of profile information such as advertisements, public or emergency notices, location specific information including location-aware information and/or physical location information (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS) information, street address information, two-dimensional (2D) (e.g., X,Y) (e.g., building, floor), three-dimensional (3D) (X, Y, Z) (e.g., building, floor, floor location (e.g., room, office, desk, etc.)) or other physical location information (e.g., longitude, latitude, street address, etc.). However, the present invention is not limited to such profile information and other profile information can also be used.

[0155] The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based global navigation satellite system (GNSS) that provides reliable location and time information in all weather and at all times and anywhere on or near the Earth. A GPS receiver calculates its position by precisely timing signals sent by GPS satellites 168 (one of which is illustrated in FIG. 13). A GPS receiver uses the messages it receives to determine a transit time of each message and computes a distance to each GPS satellite 168. These distances along with the satellites' 168 locations are used with the possible aid of triangulation, depending on which algorithm is used, to compute a current physical position of the GPS receiver. This position is then displayed, perhaps with a moving map display (e.g., at a street level, etc.0 and/or latitude and longitude and/or elevation information may also be included. Many GPS units also show derived information such as travel direction and speed, calculated from position changes. The GPS coordinates include standard GPS, GPS map, Digital GPS (DGPS) and/or other types of GPS information.

[0156] At Step 80, a user profile 91 is entered or edited through a template stored on the mesh network device 56 or via a web-site on a server on the mesh network 12 or on another public or private network such as the Internet or an intranet. The user profile 91 is saved to the first mesh network device 56 via USB connection. Personal information is stored in the flash 32. The user of the mesh network device selects one, several or all of the items in the user profile to match to user profiles in other mesh network devices. The profile information may also be entered through the display 66.

[0157] At Step 82, a wireless signal is periodically sent out via the wireless antenna 42 periodically to the mesh network 12. (e.g., sent out to other mesh network devices up to 10 meters away).

[0158] The user profile includes virtually any type of information such as, gender, age, Looking for . . . , Hobby, e-mail address, home address, home telephone number, work information, advertising, etc.

[0159] At Step 84, one or more wireless signals from the plural other mesh network devices 56′, 56″ on the mesh network 12 are received on the first mesh network device 56. The one or more wireless signals include other sets of profile information stored on the plural of other mesh network devices 56′, 56″.

[0160] At Step 86, a test is conducted to determine if the first set of profile information matches any other sets of profile information stored on other mesh network devices 56′, 56″, and if so, the first mesh network device 56 exchanges a set of data with the one or more other mesh network devices 56′, 56″.

[0161] At Step 88, when a mesh network device 56′ 56″, etc. matches any selected information (one, several, all items) in the first mesh network device 56, data is dynamically exchanged wirelessly and stored on each other's Flash memory in the mesh network devices. In one embodiment, the data is securely exchanged using a pre-determined security and/or encryption method.

[0162] The received data is retrievable via display 66, a computer or other interface (e.g., web-site page, etc.). The data dynamically exchange includes one, several or all items stored in the profile and/or other types of data stored on the mesh network devices. For example, a user of the first mesh network device 26, 56, may wish to dynamically exchange audio files such as MP3 files, etc. with a friend's mesh network device 26′, 56′. At Step 88, the two mesh user devices 26, 56 and 26′ and 56′ may exchange MP3 files based on a set of designated e-mail addresses (e.g., the first user's and the friend's e-mail, etc.).

[0163] As is known in the art Motion Picture Expert Group (MPEG) Audio Layer 3, more commonly referred to as “MP3,” is a popular encoding format for audio information.

[0164] In such an example both the user profile on the first mesh network device 26, 56 and the friend's mesh network device 26′, 56′ may include both e-mail addresses. In another embodiment, the user profiles may only include one designated e-mail address (e.g., the e-mail address of the user of the first mesh network device, etc.).

[0165] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a data flow 90 for dynamic information interchange for mesh network devices using Method 78.

[0166] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a Method 90 for enabling dynamic information interchange for mesh network devices. At Step 92, a user profile template is activated on a first mesh network device. At Step 94, plural profile information items are received on the first network device for the profile template. At Step 96, the profile information in the profile template is stored in non-volatile storage on the first mesh network device. At Step 98, a wireless signal including the stored profile information is periodically broadcast from the first mesh network device to plural other mesh network devices on a mesh network. The stored profile information allows the first mesh network device to exchange data with one or more of the plural other mesh network devices on the mesh network whose stored profile information that matches any of stored profile information of the first mesh network device.

[0167] Method 90 is illustrated with one exemplary embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments can also be used to practice the invention.

[0168] In such an exemplary embodiment at Step 92, a user profile template 91 is activated on a first mesh network device 26, 56. In one embodiment the user profile template 91 is activated when a user plugs the mesh network device 26, 56 in a USB port on a computer or other device. In such an embodiment, flash 32 or EEPROM 34 includes a URL to allow the first mesh network device to obtain a profile template. The URL is used to access the user profile template 91 at another location on the mesh network 12. In such an embodiment, a user is directed via the URL to a user login page or web page from which the user is allowed to obtain, view and fill a profile template 91.

[0169] In another embodiment, at Step 92 the user profile template 91 is stored directly in flash 32 or EEPROM 34 of the first mesh network device 26, 56 and is activated as part of an initialization sequence for the first mesh network device 26, 56. In such an embodiment, the profile template can be re-activated at a later time to change profile items. In one embodiment, the profile template is securely stored using a pre-determined security and/or encryption method.

[0170] In either embodiment, the profile items can be viewed via display 65 or via host 54 (e.g., a user computer via a USB port, etc).

[0171] At Step 94, plural profile information items are received on the first network device 26, 56 for the user profile template 91.

[0172] At Step 96, the profile information in the user profile template 91 is stored in non-volatile storage (e.g., flash 32, etc.) on the first mesh network device 26, 56. The profile information may also be stored in other devices (e.g., a mesh network server) on other locations on the mesh network 12. For example, if the profile template was activated via a URL, the profile template items may also be stored on the device identified by the URL.

[0173] At Step 98, a wireless signal including the stored profile information is periodically broadcast from the first mesh network device 26, 56 to plural other mesh network devices 56′, 56″ on the mesh network 12. The stored profile information allows the first mesh network device to exchange data with one or more of the plural other mesh network devices on the mesh network whose stored profile information that matches any of stored profile information of the first mesh network device using Method 78 and other methods.

Social Networking Mesh Network Device Dynamic Information Exchange

[0174] FIGS. 9A and 9B are a flow diagram illustrating a Method 100 for dynamic information interchange for location aware mesh network devices. In FIG. 9A at Step 102, a wireless message including a first set of profile information is received from a first mesh network device with one or more processors on a second network device with one or more processors over a wireless mesh network. The first mesh network device includes an ultra wideband wireless transceiver and a mesh network protocol adapter with Complementary Code Keying (CCK), Differential Quaternary Phase Shift Keying (DQPSK) or Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) encoders. The second network device resides at a pre-determined physical location. At Step 104, The second network device obtains from the first set of profile information in the received wireless message a list of electronic identifiers for plural designated social contacts of an owner of the first mesh network device, wherein each of the plural designated social contacts include one or more electronic identifiers for one or more designated social contact network devices or one more social networking web-sites. At Step 106, a first set of plural different types of wireless or wired communications messages are sent from the second network device over the wireless mesh network or a wired mesh network to selected ones of the one or more designed social contact network devices indicating the first message network device is physically located at a pre-determined distance from the pre-determined physical location of the second network device. The first set of the plurality of types of wireless and wired communications messages include an invitation message to join the owner of the first message network device at the pre-determined physical location of the second network device. In FIG. 9B at Step 108, a second set of a plural different types of wireless or wired communications messages are sent from the second network device to other selected ones of the one or more designed location contact network devices and to one more social networking web-sites over the non-mesh communications network indicating the first message network device is physically located at the pre-determined distance from pre-determined physical location of the second network device. The second set of plural types of wireless and wired communications messages include an invitation message to join the owner of the first message network device at the pre-determined physical location of the second network device.

[0175] Method 100 is illustrated with one exemplary embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments can also be used to practice the invention.

[0176] In such an exemplary embodiment in FIG. 9A at Step 102, a wireless message including a first set of profile information 91 is received from a first mesh network device (e.g., 14, 26, 56, etc.) with one or more processors on a second network device 25 with one or more processors over a wireless mesh network 12. The first mesh network device 14, 26, 56 includes an ultra wideband wireless transceiver 40 and a mesh network protocol adapter with Complementary Code Keying (CCK), Differential Quaternary Phase Shift Keying (DQPSK) or Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) encoders (Table 1 and 2, etc.).

[0177] The second network device resides at a pre-determined physical location. For example, the second network device may be a wireless access point at a coffee shop, retail store, bar, restaurant, park, health club, recreational facility, etc.

[0178] In one embodiment, the ultra-wideband wireless transceiver 40 includes a (WiMAX) wireless transceiver. In another embodiment, the first mesh network device 14, 26, 56 includes a baseband wireless transceiver 40. However, the present invention is not limited to the wireless transceivers described and other wireless transceivers can also be used to practice the invention.

[0179] In one embodiment, first mesh network device 14 includes a mobile telephone, personal digital/data assistant (PDA), smart phone, Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) tag, RFID sensor or RFID biometric tag mesh network device or a the mesh network device 26, 56 is embedded into another non-mesh network device 16, 18, 22. However, the present invention is not limited to the mesh network devices described and other mesh network devices and other non-mesh network devices can also be used to practice the invention.

[0180] In one embodiment, the second network device 25 includes a mesh or non-mesh server network device, a gateway, router, switch, wired access point, wireless access point or Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) sensor portal 29, RFID tag portal 29, or RFID biometric tag portal 29 network device. The second network device 25 also includes a mesh network device 14, 16, 18, 22, 26, 56, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to the network devices described and other network devices and/or mesh network devices and/or non-mesh network devices can also be used to practice the invention.

[0181] At Step 104, The second network device 25 obtains from the first set of profile information 91 in the received wireless message a list of electronic identifiers for plural designated social contacts of an owner of the first mesh network device 14, 26, 56, wherein each of the plural designated social contacts include one or more electronic identifiers for one or more designated social contact network devices 16, 18, 22 or one more social networking web-sites 19 (e.g., FACEBOOK, U-TUBE, TWITTER, MY-SPACE, MATCH.COM, E-HARMONY, etc.). The social networking web-sites include dating web-sites, blogs, RSS feeds, and other types of information web-sites in which messages can be left or posted for a variety of activities. However, the present invention is not limited to the social networking sites described and other public and private social networking sites can also be used to practice the invention.

[0182] In one embodiment, the first set of profile information 91 includes an e-mail address, an Internet Protocol (IP) address, a hardware address, a universal resource locator (URL), a name, a street address, a telephone number, an instant message identifier, a text message identifier, a encryption key, a digital signature, a secure message digest, a security identifier, a mesh network identifier, a physical location information, public or emergency notices or location specific information including location-aware information or a social networking web-site login identifier However, the present invention is not limited to the first set of profile information described and more fewer or other types of profile information 91 can also be used to practice the invention.

[0183] In one embodiment, the one or more electronic identifiers for one or more designated location contact network devices include a telephone number, an e-mail identifier, an instant message identifier, a text message identifier, a multi-media identifier, a mesh network identifier, a Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) identifier or a social networking web-site login identifier. However, the present invention is not limited to the electronic identifiers described and other electronic identifiers can also be used to practice the invention.

[0184] At Step 106, a first set of plural different types of wireless or wired communications messages are sent from the second network device 25 over the wireless mesh network 3 or wired mesh network 5 to selected ones of the one or more designed social contact network devices 16, 18, 22 indicating the first message network device 14 is physically located at a pre-determined distance 21 from the pre-determined physical location of the second network device 25. The first set of the plurality of types of wireless and wired communications messages include an invitation message to join the owner of the first message network device 14, 26, 56 at the pre-determined physical location of the second network device 25.

[0185] For example, a user of a mesh network device 14, 26, 56, may be in close proximity to other mesh network devices 16, 18, 22, etc. that form a mesh network 12 or a partial mesh network 20 because of their close proximity. Step 106 is used to send messages directly on the mesh network 12 or partial mesh network 20 without having to use a non-mesh network 25 (e.g., the Internet, etc.). This allows for much faster message sending and receiving than can be accomplished by accessing and using a non-mesh network 25. The mesh network 12 and partial mesh network are ad hoc networks. Mesh network devices join and leave the mesh network by moving in range and out of range of other mesh network devices.

[0186] In one embodiment, the first set of plural different types of wireless or wired communications messages include text messages, instant messages, multi-media messages, voice messages, RFID messages, social networking site messages (e.g., FACEBOOK post, a TWITTER tweet, etc.)

[0187] For example, the first mesh network device 14, 26, 56 may be located inside a coffee shop within 250 feet of the second network device 25 which may include a wireless access point, etc.

[0188] In FIG. 9B at Step 108, a second set of a plural different types of wireless or wired communications messages are sent from the second network device 25 to other selected ones of the one or more designed social contact network devices 16, 18, 22 and to one more social networking web-sites 19 over the non-mesh communications network 23 indicating the first message network device 14 is physically located at the pre-determined distance 21 from pre-determined physical location of the second network device 25. The second set of plural types of wireless and wired communications messages include an invitation message to join the owner of the first message network device 14 at the pre-determined physical location of the second network device 25.

[0189] For example, there are likely mesh network devices and non-mesh network devices that are not on a mesh network 12 or partial mesh network 20 that are included in the user profile information 91 associated with the first mesh network device 14, 26, 56. Such devices are contacted using a non-mesh network 23 such as the Internet, PSTN, an intranet, etc.

[0190] In one embodiment, if the second network device is successful using Step 106 to contact a designated social contact network device, then Step 108 is not executed. In another embodiment, both step 106 and 108 are executed to ensure all designate social contact network devices are contacted on mesh networks and non-mesh networks.

[0191] In one embodiment, the first set and second set of the plural different types of wireless communications messages include an IEEE 802.15.4 (ZigBee), IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16a, 802.16g, Bluetooth or Infrared wireless protocol communications messages. However, the present invention is not limited to the wireless communications messages described and more, fewer or other types of wireless communications messages can also be used to practice the invention.

Activity Event Mesh Network Device Dynamic Information Exchange

[0192] FIGS. 10A and 10B are a flow diagram illustrating a Method 110 for dynamic information interchange for location aware mesh network devices. In FIG. 10A at Step 112, a selected type of wireless communications message from a first set of plural wireless activity messages is sent over a wireless mesh network or a wireless non-mesh communications network from a first mesh network device with one or more processors to a second network device with one or more processors located at a pre-determined physical location. The first mesh network device includes an ultra wideband wireless transceiver and a mesh network protocol adapter with Complementary Code Keying (CCK), Differential Quaternary Phase Shift Keying (DQPSK) or Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) encoders. The first set of plural wireless activity messages includes: a first type of wireless activity message including a security identification authorization message to determine if the first mesh network device is allowed access to a secure area within a pre-determined distance of the pre-determined physical location of the second network device, a second type of wireless activity message including a building management message to dynamically and automatically manage heating, ventilation or air conditioning (HVAC) of an area with the pre-determined distance of the pre-determined physical location of the second network device, or a third type of wireless activity message including a emergency location information message that includes physical location information to dynamically and automatically locate the first mesh network device at a three dimensional (3D) physical location in the building at the pre-determined physical location of the second network device in the event of an emergency situation. At Step 114, the first mesh network device receives over the wireless mesh network or the wireless non-mesh communications network from the second network device a request for a first set of profile information stored on the first mesh network device in response to sending the selected type of wireless communications message. At Step 116, the first set of profile information is sent from the first mesh network device to the second network device over the wireless mesh network or the wireless non-mesh communications network. In FIG. 10B At Step 118, one or more wireless acknowledgement messages are received on the first mesh network device from the second network device over the wireless mesh network or the wireless non-mesh communications network indicating that the second network device has acknowledged the first mesh network device being physically located within the pre-determined distance of the physical location of the second network device.

[0193] FIG. 11A is a block diagram 120 illustrating a mesh activity message 122 for entering a secure area 124.

[0194] FIG. 11B is a block diagram 126 illustrating a mesh activity message 128 for automatically and dynamically managing HVAC 130.

[0195] FIG. 11C is a block diagram illustrating a mesh activity message 132 for providing 3D emergency location information 134.

[0196] Method 110 is illustrated with one exemplary embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments can also be used to practice the invention.

[0197] In such an exemplary embodiment in FIG. 10A at Step 112, selected type of wireless communications message from a first set of plural wireless activity messages is sent over a wireless 3 mesh network 12 or a wireless non-mesh communications network 23 from a first mesh network device (e.g., 14, 26, 56, etc.) with one or more processors to a second network device 25 with one or more processors located at a pre-determined physical location. The first mesh network device 14, 26, 56 includes an ultra wideband wireless transceiver 40 and a mesh network protocol adapter with Complementary Code Keying (CCK), Differential Quaternary Phase Shift Keying (DQPSK) or Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) encoders.

[0198] The first set of plural wireless activity messages includes the first type of wireless activity message 122 (FIG. 11A) including a security identification authorization message to determine if the first mesh network device 14, 26, 56, is allowed access to a secure area 124 (e.g., room, laboratory, building, etc.) within a pre-determined distance 21 of the pre-determined physical location of the second network device 25.

[0199] The first set of plural wireless activity messages further includes the second type of wireless activity message 128 (FIG. 11B) including a building management message to dynamically and automatically manage heating, ventilation or air conditioning (HVAC) 130 of an area with the pre-determined distance 21 of the pre-determined physical location of the second network device 25.

[0200] The first set of plural wireless activity messages further includes the third type of wireless activity message 134 (FIG. 11C) including a emergency location information message that includes physical location information to dynamically and automatically locate the first mesh network device 14, 26, 56 at a three dimensional (3D) physical location 136 in the building at the pre-determined physical location of the second network device 25 in the event of an emergency situation.

[0201] Returning to FIG. 10A at Step 114, the first mesh network device 14, 26, 56 receives over the wireless 3 mesh network 12 or the wireless non-mesh communications network 23 from the second network device 25 a request for a first set of profile information stored on the first mesh network device 14, 26, 56 in response to sending the selected type of wireless communications message.

[0202] At Step 116, the first set of profile information is sent from the first mesh network device 14, 26, 56 to the second network device 25 over the wireless 3 mesh network 12 or the wireless non-mesh communications network 23.

[0203] In FIG. 10B at Step 118, one or more wireless acknowledgement messages are received on the first mesh network device 14, 26, 56 from the second network device 25 over the wireless 3 mesh network 12 or the wireless non-mesh communications network 23 indicating that the second network device 25 has acknowledged the first mesh network device 14, 26, 56 being physically located within the pre-determined distance of the physical location of the second network device 25.

[0204] In one embodiment, Method 110 further includes the additional steps of: the selected type of wireless communications message is received over the wireless 3 mesh network 12 or a wireless non-mesh communications network 23 on the second network device 25. The second network device 25 sends the first mesh network device 14, 26, 56 over the wireless 3 mesh network 12 or the wireless non-mesh communications network 23 a request for a first set of profile information 91 stored on the first mesh network device 14, 26, 56 in response to receiving the selected type of wireless communications message. The first set of profile information 91 from the first mesh network device 14, 26, 56 is received on the second network device 25 over the wireless 3 mesh network 12 or the wireless non-mesh communications network 23. The one or more wireless acknowledgement messages are sent to the first mesh network device 14, 26, 56 from the second network device 25 over the wireless 3 mesh network 12 or the wireless non-mesh communications network 23 indicating that the second network device 25 has acknowledged the first mesh network device 14, 26, 26 being physically located within the pre-determined distance 21 of the physical location of the second network device 25. The first set of profile information 91 is stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium (e.g., database, etc.) on the second network device 25 to indicate the first mesh network device being physically located within the pre-determined distance 21 of the physical location of the second network device 25. However, the present invention is not limited the additional steps described and more, fewer or other steps can also be used to practice the invention.

[0205] The dynamic information exchange includes allowing a mesh network device to communicate location information with a network device at pre-determined physical location and invite social contacts of the mesh network device to come to the pre-determined physical location. The network device sends various types of electronic messages (e.g., text message, e-mail, etc.) on a mesh network and/or a non-mesh communications network (e.g., the Internet, etc.) and to social networking sites. The dynamic information exchange also includes exchanging plural activity messages including a security identification authorization message for allowing access to a secure area, a building management message for automatically and dynamically managing heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning (HVAC) and/or an emergency location message for providing three-dimensional (3D) emergency location information.

[0206] The dynamic information exchange includes allowing a mesh network device to communicate location information with a network device at pre-determined physical location and invite social contacts of the mesh network device to come to the pre-determined physical location. The network device sends various types of electronic messages (e.g., text message, e-mail, etc.) on a mesh network and/or a non-mesh communications network (e.g., the Internet, etc.) and to social networking sites. The dynamic information exchange also includes exchanging plural activity messages including a security identification authorization message, a building management message and/or an emergency location message.

Mesh Network Device Dynamic Information Exchange in a Vehicle

[0207] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating a Method 138 for dynamic information interchange in a vehicle. At Step 140, a first wireless mesh message is received on a first mesh network device via a wireless mesh network including plural other mesh network devices each with one or more processors in a vehicle. The first mesh network device is communicating with the plural mesh network devices monitoring plural different components on the vehicle. The first mesh network device including an ultra wideband wireless transceiver, a mesh network protocol adapter for communicating with the wireless mesh network and a wireless communications network protocol adapter for communicating with a non-mesh wireless communications network. The first mesh network device includes Complementary Code Keying (CCK), Differential Quaternary Phase Shift Keying (DQPSK) and/or Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) encoders. At Step 142, first mesh network device automatically determines whether the first wireless mesh message includes information about a problem detected in the vehicle that requires an immediate repair of the vehicle. If the detected problem in the vehicle requires immediate repair, at Step 144, the first mesh network device automatically determines a current physical location of the vehicle via a wireless non-mesh communications network. At Step 146, the first mesh network device automatically determines a closest vehicle repair facility based on the determined current physical location of the vehicle via the wireless non-mesh communications network. At Step 148, the first wireless mesh network device automatically sends a wireless non-mesh communications message to a first server network device with one or more processors via the wireless non-mesh communications network at the determined closest vehicle repair, thereby indicating the vehicle will be arriving at the determined closest vehicle repair facility for repairs and automatically generating an including a list of replacement parts necessary to repair the vehicle. At Step 150, the first mesh network device automatically notifies an operator of the vehicle about the detected problem and the determined closest vehicle repair facility via a first audio message or a first visual message displayed inside the vehicle.

[0208] FIG. 13 is a block diagram 156 illustrating an exemplary vehicle 158.

[0209] The exemplary vehicle 158 illustrated is an automobile with a first mesh network device 160 (e.g., 26, 29, 58, etc.) in a first portion of the vehicle 158, and a plurality of other mesh network devices each with one or more processors only one of which is illustrated as a second mesh network device 162 (e.g., 26, 58, etc.) in a second portion of the vehicle 158 for simplicity. The vehicle 158 includes a wired and/or wireless mesh network 12, 20. The mesh network 12, 20 includes both wired and wireless components in the vehicle 158. The vehicle 158 includes an audio display component 164 and a visual display component 166. A GPS satellite 168 and a vehicle 158 repair facility 27″ is also illustrated in FIG. 13. FIG. 13 also illustrates a list 169 of replacement parts automatically sent to the repair facility via Method 138.

[0210] Method 138 of FIG. 12 is illustrated with one exemplary embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments can also be used to practice the invention.

[0211] In such an exemplary embodiment at Step 140, a first wireless mesh message is received on a first mesh network device 22, 26, 56, 160 via a wireless mesh network 12 including plural other mesh network devices each with one or more processors in a vehicle 158. The first mesh network device communicates with the plural mesh network devices monitoring plural different components on the vehicle 148. In another embodiment, the first mesh message is a wired mesh message received from a wired mesh network 20.

[0212] The first mesh network device 22, 26, 56, 160 includes an ultra wideband wireless transceiver 40, a mesh network protocol adapter for communicating with the wireless mesh network 12, 20 and a wireless communications network protocol adapter for communicating with a non-mesh wireless communications network 23. The first mesh network device 22, 26, 56, 160 includes a Complementary Code Keying (CCK), Differential Quaternary Phase Shift Keying (DQPSK) or Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) encoders.

[0213] In one embodiment, the ultra-wideband wireless transceiver 40 includes a (WiMAX) wireless transceiver. In another embodiment, the first mesh network device 26, 29, 58, 160 includes a baseband wireless transceiver. In another embodiment, the first mesh network device 26, 29, 58, 160 includes an RF transceiver and/or a WiFi transceiver. However, the present invention is not limited to the wireless transceivers described and other wireless transceivers can also be used to practice the invention.

[0214] In one embodiment, the vehicle 158 includes a land vehicle (car, truck, motorcycle, all terrain vehicle (ATV), etc.), marine vehicle (boat, ship, personal watercraft (e.g., jet ski, etc.), etc.), aviation vehicle (airplane, helicopter, etc.), space vehicle (space shuttle, space craft, rocket, satellite, etc.) and/or rail road vehicle (locomotive, etc.). However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and other types of vehicles can be used to practice the invention.

[0215] In one embodiment, the first mesh network device includes a Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) tag 22, RFID sensor 22, RFID biometric tag 22 mesh network device, a stand-alone mesh network device 26, 56, 100, and/or a non-mesh network device 14, 16, 18 including the first mesh network device 22, 26, 56, 160 embedded therein. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and other types of mesh network devices can be used to practice the invention.

[0216] In one embodiment, the first mesh network device 26, 29, 58, 160 also includes a Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) sensor portal 29, RFID tag portal 29, RFID biometric tag portal 29 mesh network device and/or a non-mesh network device 14, 16, 18, including the first mesh network device 26, 29, 58, 160 embedded therein.

[0217] In one embodiment, the first wireless mesh network message includes an IEEE 802.15.4 (ZigBee), IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16a, 802.16g, Bluetooth or Infrared wireless protocol communications message sent via the mesh communications network 12 within the vehicle 158. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and other types wireless mesh messages can be used to practice the invention.

[0218] However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and other types mesh network devices and other combinations of mesh network devices with different configurations of features can be used to practice the invention.

[0219] At Step 142, first mesh network device 22, 26, 56, 160 automatically determines whether the first wireless mesh message includes information about a problem detected in the vehicle 158 that requires an immediate repair of the vehicle.

[0220] If the detected problem in the vehicle requires immediate repair, at Step 144, the first mesh network device 22, 26, 56, 160 automatically determines a current physical location of the vehicle 158 via a wireless non-mesh communications network 23.

[0221] In another embodiment, at Step 144, first mesh network device 22, 26, 56, 160 automatically determines a current physical location of the vehicle 158 via the mesh communications network 12, 20 in the vehicle. In such an embodiment, the mesh communication network 12, 20 includes a physical location (e.g., GPS, 3D (X,Y,Z)) sensor and/or a physical location mesh network device in the vehicle 158 and a current physical location of the vehicle is always known within the vehicle 158 and available in real-time to the first mesh network device 22, 26, 56, 160.

[0222] In one embodiment, the current physical location of the vehicle 158 is automatically determined using 3D (X,Y,Z) space as described above. The 3D (X,Y,Z) space of the vehicle 158 includes a current physical location of the vehicle 158 on land (e.g., street, highway, floor on a parking garage, length, width, height from a know physical point (e.g., longitude and latitude, cell tower location, etc.) in water and/or in the atmosphere and/or in space.

[0223] In another embodiment, the current physical location of the vehicle 158 is automatically determined using GPS coordinates (e.g., longitude, latitude, elevation, etc.). The GPS coordinates are obtained from a GPS satellite 168 via the non-mesh wireless communications network 23.

[0224] At Step 146, the first mesh network device 26, 29, 58, 160 automatically determines a closest vehicle repair facility based on the determined current physical location of the vehicle via the wireless non-mesh communications network 23.

[0225] In one embodiment, the closest vehicle repair facility includes a car and/or truck dealership repair shop, other land vehicle repair shop, an airport repair shop, a marine repair shop, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and more, fewer of other types repair shops can be used to practice the invention.

[0226] At Step 148, the first wireless mesh network device 26, 29, 58, 160 automatically sends a wireless non-mesh communications message to a first server network device 25 with one or more processors via the wireless non-mesh communications network 23 at the determined closest vehicle repair facility, thereby indicating the vehicle 158 will be arriving at the determined closest vehicle repair facility for repairs. The first wireless mesh network device 26, 29, 58, 160 automatically generates and includes a list of replacement parts 169 necessary to repair the vehicle 158 in the wireless non-mesh communications message.

[0227] In one embodiment, Step 148 includes sending a cellular telephone, a Packet Cellular Network (PCN), Global System for Mobile Communications, (GSM), Generic Packet Radio Services (GPRS), network/Personal Communications Services network (PCS), a Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) network, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)/User Datagram Protocol (UDP)/Internet Protocol (IP) network, Voice over IP (VoIP), Short Message Service (SMS) (i.e., text, etc.), electronic mail (e-mail), facsimile, and/or social networking, non-mesh wireless communications message via the wireless non-mesh communications network 23. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and more, fewer of other types of wireless non-mesh communications messages be used to practice the invention.

[0228] In one embodiment, Step 148 includes sending the wireless non-mesh communications message using a pre-determined security method over the wireless non-mesh communications network 23. In such an embodiment, the pre-determined security method includes a Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP), Wireless-Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), Robust Security Network (RSN), Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), Data Encryption Standard (DES), Triple Data Encryption Standard (3DES), Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA), Message Digest-5 (MD-5), Electronic Code Book (ECB), Diffie and Hellman (DH), HyperText Transport Protocol Secure, (HTTPs), Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and/or Transport Layer Security (TLS) security method. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and more, fewer of other types of the pre-determined security methods can be used to practice the invention.

[0229] In one embodiment, the wireless non-mesh communications message includes one or more electronic identifiers comprising: a vehicle identification number (VIN), a vehicle license number, a vehicle owner name, a telephone number, an e-mail identifier, an instant message identifier, an SMS (i.e., text) message identifier, a mesh network identifier, a mesh network 12, 20 address, a non-mesh network 23 address (e.g., IP address, MAC address, etc.), a URL, a Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) identifier, RFID biometric identifier and/or a social networking web-site login identifier. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and more, fewer of other types of electronic identifiers can be used to practice the invention.

[0230] At Step 150, the first mesh network device 26, 29, 58, 160 automatically notifies an operator of the vehicle about the detected problem and the determined closest vehicle repair facility via a first audio message or a first visual message displayed inside the vehicle 158.

[0231] In one embodiment, the first audio message may be displayed via a speaker component 164 in the vehicle 158. In one embodiment, the first visual message is displayed inside the vehicle 158 on a display component 166. In one embodiment, the visual message includes an audio-visual and/or multi-media message.

[0232] In another embodiment, the visual message includes an Light Emitting Diode (LED), or other digital display and/or display on an existing analog and/or digital component (e.g., dial, gauge, etc.). However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and more, fewer of other types of messages can be used to practice the invention.

[0233] In one embodiment, Method 138 further includes an additional step of automatically providing from the first mesh network device 26, 29, 58, 160 navigation directions to the determined closest vehicle repair facility via a second audio message or a second visual message displayed inside the vehicle 158. In one embodiment, the navigation directions include driving, air traffic control directions, marine directions, rail-road switching directions, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and more, fewer of other types of navigation direction can also be used to practice the invention and the invention can be practiced without this additional step.

[0234] In another embodiment, Method 138 further includes the steps illustrated in FIG. 14. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiments and the invention can be practiced with and/or without the additional steps of Method 170. In addition, in one embodiment, Method 170 can be practiced as a stand alone method.

[0235] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating a Method 170 for dynamic information interchange in a vehicle. At Step 172, a type movement of the vehicle is detected from the first mesh network device. The type of movement of the vehicle includes an impact from an accident, a theft of the vehicle or an impact from an injury or illness of the operator of the vehicle detected from within the vehicle. At Step 174, a second wireless non-mesh communications message is automatically sent from the first mesh network device in the vehicle to a second server network device with one or more processors via the wireless non-mesh communications network thereby indicating a type of detected movement of the vehicle.

[0236] Method 170 is illustrated with one exemplary embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments can also be used to practice the invention.

[0237] In such an exemplary embodiment at Step 172, a type movement of the vehicle 158 is detected from the first mesh network device 26, 29, 58, 160. The type of movement of the vehicle includes an impact from an accident, a theft of the vehicle or an impact from an injury or illness of the operator of the vehicle 158. The type of movement is detected via the plural other mesh network devices inside the vehicle 158.

[0238] The plural other mesh network devices and/or RFID tags and/or RFID sensors can determine if an operator of a vehicle has slumped over in an operator's seat and/or if the operator has impacted another portion of the interior of the vehicle 158. In one embodiment, the operator also has the option of manually activating and sending an emergency message to the first mesh network device 26, 29, 58, 160 (e.g., with a manual push of a button, a voice command (as the first mesh network device 26, 29, 58, 160, includes audio/voice encoders/decoders 41), etc.).

[0239] The plural other mesh network devices can also determine if the vehicle 158 is experiencing unauthorized movement. For example, if the vehicle 158 has been stolen.

[0240] At Step 174, a second wireless non-mesh communications message is automatically sent from the first mesh network device 26, 29, 58, 160 in the vehicle 158 to a second server network device 27 with one or more processors via the wireless non-mesh communications network 23 thereby indicating a type of detected movement of the vehicle 158.

[0241] In another embodiment, Method 170 of FIG. 14 further includes the steps illustrated in FIG. 15. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiments and the invention can be practiced with and/or without the additional steps of Methods 176. In addition, in one embodiment, Method 176 can be practiced as a stand alone method.

[0242] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating a Method 176 for dynamic information interchange in a vehicle. At Step 178 a test is conducted to determine on the second server network device whether the detected type of movement includes movement from an emergency situation in or around the vehicle. If the detected type of movement includes movement from an emergency situation, at Step 180 an emergency wireless non-mesh communications message is automatically sent from the second server network device to an emergency server network device via the wireless non-mesh communications network thereby indicating emergency situation has occurred in or around the vehicle. The emergency wireless non-mesh communications message includes the determined current physical location of the vehicle.

[0243] Method 176 is illustrated with one exemplary embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments can also be used to practice the invention.

[0244] In such an exemplary embodiment at Step 178, At Step 178 a test is conducted to determine on the second server network device 27 whether the detected type of movement includes movement from an emergency situation in or around the vehicle 158.

[0245] If the detected type of movement includes movement from an emergency situation, at Step 180 an emergency wireless non-mesh communications message is automatically sent from the second server network device 27 to an emergency server network device via the wireless non-mesh communications network 23 thereby indicating emergency situation has occurred in or around the vehicle. The emergency wireless non-mesh communications message includes the determined current physical location of the vehicle 158. In one embodiment, the emergency wireless non-mesh communications message includes a 911 and/or an Enhanced 911 (E911) message and/or another type of emergency messages.

[0246] However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and the invention including Method 138 can be practiced with and/or without the additional steps of Methods 170 and/or 176.

[0247] The methods and system described herein can also be practiced with a smart application on a smart phone, such as the iPhone by Apple, Inc., the Droid by Samsung, Inc., the Blackberry by Research In Motion, etc. and/or on a table computer such as the iPad, by Apple, Inc., etc. In such an embodiment, the functionality of the methods are included in the smart application and hardware of the smart phone and/or table computer is used to provide hardware for the mesh network devices described herein. In another embodiment, network devices 26, 29, 58 are plugged into, and manufactured as an integral component of a smart phone and/or a table computer. In such embodiments, the smart phone and/or tablet computer is placed somewhere inside the vehicle 158 and/or carried by an operator of the vehicle 158.

[0248] It should be understood that the architecture, programs, processes, methods and It should be understood that the architecture, programs, processes, methods and systems described herein are not related or limited to any particular type of computer or network system (hardware or software), unless indicated otherwise. Various types of general purpose or specialized computer systems may be used with or perform operations in accordance with the teachings described herein.

[0249] In view of the wide variety of embodiments to which the principles of the present invention can be applied, it should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the present invention. For example, the steps of the flow diagrams may be taken in sequences other than those described, and more or fewer elements may be used in the block diagrams.

[0250] While various elements of the preferred embodiments have been described as being implemented in software, in other embodiments hardware or firmware implementations may alternatively be used, and vice-versa.

[0251] The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. In addition, use of the term “means” in any claim is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, and any claim without the word “means” is not so intended.

[0252] Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.