Abstract:
To form a wireless network, a network invitation signal is broadcast to potential members of the wireless network that are within a range of the wireless network. Upon a potential member of the wireless network responding affirmatively to join the wireless network, identification information is obtained from the potential member. The potential member is then included within the wireless network.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention pertains to networking of computing systems and pertains particularly to a wireless mobile device network. 
     Wireless networks connecting computer devices are gaining increasing acceptability as an efficient means to communicate between computers. Wireless networks allow for interconnection of computing devices without hardware interconnection. 
     Existing network methodologies typically presume that networks are somewhat static. Local area wireless networks, such as the AirPort wireless network available from Apple Corporation, require significant set up and configuration effort. Typically such a set-up includes, survey of a wireless site, verification of internet connections and an electrical outlet for a base station, an initial system and network configuration, installation of special cards in existing computers, installation of special networking software, and verification of network operation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a wireless network is formed. A network invitation signal is broadcast to potential members of the wireless network that are within a range of the wireless network. Upon a potential member of the wireless network responding affirmatively to join the wireless network, identification information is obtained from the potential member. The potential member is then included within the wireless network. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a simplified block diagram illustrating formed wireless mobile device networks in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a flowchart illustrating the formation of wireless mobile device networks in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 , and  FIG. 5  illustrate information exhibited on a network device display during formation and use of a wireless mobile device network in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention provides a methodology whereby wireless mobile devices can discover each other and form a local network. The networks are, for example, temporary networks where individual devices are dynamically added or dropped based on proximity and/or desire by users to be part of the any particular network. The networks allow for exchange, broadcast and generation of information. 
     The present invention allows users to connect into local networks without knowing a web address. Devices within a range within which the network is active are invited to join a network. If the user of a device accepts an invitation to join a network, the device is added to the network. The device stays a part of the network until the device leaves the range within which the network is active or the user of the device logs off the network, for example by selecting a log off option or turning off the power of the device. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, multiple networks can exist within the same range. A single device can simultaneously be part of more than one network. 
       FIG. 1  is a simplified block diagram illustrating formed wireless mobile device networks. Joined together in a wireless network  25  are a device  12 , a device  13 , a device  14 , a device  15  a device  16  and a device  23 . Joined together in a network  26  are device  12 , device  16 , a device  17 , a device  19 , a device  20 , a device  21 , and a device  22 . Device  11  and device  18  are both within a range within which wireless network  25  and wireless network  26  are active, but neither device  11  nor device  18  have joined either wireless network  25  or wireless network  26 . 
     Devices  11  through  23  are a variety of computing devices or computing capable systems with wireless communication capability. For example, devices  11  through  18  are personal digital assistants (PDAs). Device  19  is a pager. Device  20  is a cellular phone. Device  21  is a desktop computer. Devices  22  and  23  are notebook computers. Other types of computing capable system with wireless communication capability can also be connected together in wireless networks. For example, pagers, organizers, or any other device with computing capability can be used to join together in wireless network  25  and/or wireless network  26 . 
       FIG. 2  is a flowchart illustrating the operation of software within each device that facilitates joining a wireless network. In a step  31 , the device enters a range within which a wireless network is active. In a step  32  a network invitation broadcast signal is received by the device. The network invitation broadcast signal is a continuous signal sent whenever a wireless network is active and accepting additional devices. 
     In a step  33 , a login window is displayed on the device. The login window invites the user of the device to join the network and gives the user the option to join. Additional information may be displayed as well, depending upon the network. 
     For example, wireless network  26  is a network operating within a store. Upon a user carrying device  16  into the store, a login window is placed on a display  29  of device  16 . This is illustrated by FIG.  3 . 
     In  FIG. 3 , a message  41  on display  29  of device  16  identifies wireless network  26 . A user can use a YES button  42  or a NO button  43  to respond to the invitation to join the wireless network. An area  40  sets out advertising information displayed along with message  41 . 
     As shown by  FIG. 2 , in a step  34 , if a user joins the network, in a step  35 , a network welcome screen appears. The welcome screen, for example, requests identification information from the user of the device. Additional information may be displayed as well, depending upon the network. This is illustrated by FIG.  4 . 
     In  FIG. 4 , a request for identification information  51  is shown on display  29  of device  16 . The requested information can be supplied by the user of device  16  or filled in automatically by device  16 . The information requested by a network varies from network to network. An area  50  sets out additional information displayed along with request for identification information  51 . 
     Once the device supplies identification information the device is allowed full access to the network. This is illustrated by FIG.  5 . 
     In  FIG. 5 , a list of departments is shown in an area  60  of display  29  of device  16 . A user can select on any department for department specific information. In an area  61  of display  29  of device  16 , a user is given additional options. Selecting one of these options will allow a user to, for example, access customer service, chat with other customers, find other store locations, learn about specials, learn about featured items, access a map of the store, and/or access a map showing the location of other stores. A user is also given the option to log out. Information available via wireless network  26  includes, for example, daily discounts, aisle locator of goods, product data sheets, tips, information on inventory, e-mail messaging and so on. 
     As shown by  FIG. 2 , in a step  36  a user can exit a network by leaving the range within which the network is active or by logging out. In some networks a warning range is instituted that lets a user know that the user&#39;s device is in the outer fringes of a network range and the user is thus about to be logged off the network. Turning off the power to device  16  also causes device  16  to leave the network. As illustrated by a step  37 , when a device is not active in the network the device operates in a normal operating mode. 
     The sophistication of each network depends upon the organizing device. For example, wireless network  26  is organized by a device  21  which operates as a network server within the store. Since wireless network  26  is meant to be a semi-permanent network, wireless network  26  can make available a large amount of information to shoppers who enter the store and subsequently log on to wireless network  26 . Wireless network  26  is illustrative of wireless networks that can exist in an unlimited number of locations. For example, such wireless networks can reside in sports stadiums, sports pavilions, museums, tourist sites, universities, schools, apartment complexes, homes, manufacturing locations, research sites and so on. Information available from a network within a sports arena includes, for example, sports scores from other sporting events, player statistics, player history, player pictures, team statistics, team pictures, opportunity to purchase merchandise, access to instant replay, maps of the sports arena including seat locations and vendor booths, schedule of future events, and so on. 
     Wireless network  25 , however, is an impromptu network a customer initiated while shopping in the store. Device  15  initiated the network by broadcasting a network invitation broadcast signal. Once another device responded by logging in, wireless network  25  began. Wireless network  25  allows shoppers to communicate while they are within a close proximity of each other. Even when device  15  leaves wireless network  25 , wireless network  25  remains alive as long as there are at least two devices within wireless network  25 . Impromptu wireless networks can be initiated by any user at any location provided other devices are willing to join the network. 
     The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary methods and embodiments of the present invention. As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the disclosure of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.