Patent Publication Number: US-2003235169-A1

Title: Wireless peer system

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] 1. Technical Field  
       [0002] The current invention relates to wireless networks, and in particular, to a wireless peer network including intelligent peers.  
       [0003] 2. Background Art  
       [0004] Wireless communications has allowed for a more efficient implementation of numerous new applications incorporating multiple units that are mobile and/or widely spaced, and for the implementations of applications where the need for wires would make operation difficult or impossible. The wireless capability is crucial in allowing easy installation of the units and also allowing unrestricted mobility. For example, a wireless unit can be attached to a shopping cart as it moves about a store. Further, wireless units can be installed in parking lots to provide more efficient use of parking spaces. Countless other applications can also be implemented using wireless communications.  
       [0005] Several wireless networks have been disclosed in the art that solve the above-mentioned applications as well as other applications. Communications for these networks are commonly implemented in a master-slave format in which the master initiates the communication, and the slaves respond. Alternatively, communications have been implemented in a peer network in which any unit can initiate communications. However, both implementations generally only include communications between a single unit and a server. Moreover, current implementations that provide for peer-to-peer communications do not provide a system for streamlining and/or reducing communication with the server over time, or the ability for peers to cooperate independent of the server to implement certain functions.  
       [0006] In order to ensure portability, most wireless units in existing systems contain minimal functionality. These units rely on a constant communications link with the server in order to provide the desired functionality at the unit. As the number of wireless units increases, however, the performance of the server begins to suffer under the expanded communications demand. Additionally, wireless communications may be susceptible to electronic noise or other factors that degrade the reliability of the communications link. For example, an outdoor operating environment is susceptible to the weather and the use of other wireless communication devices, and a factory environment is susceptible to the noise and interference from the various machines operating in the factory. Further, mobile wireless units may be temporarily out of range of the server or be obstructed from a direct communications path with the server.  
       [0007] As a result, there exists a need for a wireless peer network that eases the communications burden on the server. For example, the wireless peers can be given additional intelligence to implement functions independent of the server, and/or a dedicated peer can be provided to streamline and reduce the communications burden of the server. Further, the wireless peers can be capable of communicating and cooperating with one or more peers to implement functionality and/or communicate with the server. There exists a further need for a wireless peer network that maintains its functionality when in environments that are not conducive to wireless communications.  
       [0008] The current invention provides a wireless peer system comprising a server, at least one gateway peer, and a plurality of network peers. Each network peer can generally communicate with the server via a gateway peer. Each gateway peer and network peer includes a wireless communications unit and a microcontroller.  
       [0009] A first aspect of the invention provides a wireless peer system, comprising: a server for storing and communicating information; a plurality of network peers; a gateway peer, wherein each of the plurality of network peers communicates with the server using the gateway peer; and wherein each of the plurality of network peers and the gateway peer comprises a wireless communications unit and a microcontroller.  
       [0010] A second aspect of the invention provides a wireless peer system, comprising: a server for storing and communicating information; a plurality of network peers in communications with the server, wherein each of the plurality of network peers cooperates with at least one other network peer to perform a function and wherein each of the plurality of network peers comprises a wireless communications unit and a microcontroller.  
       [0011] A third aspect of the invention provides a wireless peer system, comprising: a server for storing and communicating information; a plurality of network peers in communications with the server, wherein each of the plurality of network peers performs self-diagnostic operations and wherein each of the plurality of network peers comprises a wireless communications unit and a microcontroller.  
       [0012] A fourth aspect of the invention provides a wireless shopping system, comprising: a server for storing and communicating shopping information; a plurality of mobile network peers, wherein each of the plurality of network peers is attached to an item carrier, and wherein each of the mobile network peers communicates with an input device; a gateway peer, wherein each of the plurality of mobile network peers communicates with the server using the gateway peer; and wherein each of the plurality of mobile network peers and the gateway peer comprises a wireless communications unit and a microcontroller.  
       [0013] A fifth aspect of the invention provides a wireless shopping system, comprising: a server for storing and communicating shopping information; a plurality of mobile network peers, wherein each of the mobile network peers communicates with an input device and an output device; at least one installed network peer, wherein the at least one installed network peer communicates with the server, and wherein the at least one installed network peer and the plurality of mobile network peers cooperate independently of the server to implement a desired function; and wherein each of the plurality of mobile network peers and the at least one installed network peer comprise a wireless communications unit and a microcontroller.  
       [0014] A sixth aspect of the invention provides a wireless parking system, comprising: a server for storing and communicating parking information; at least one network peer for receiving communications from at least one sensing device, wherein the at least one sensing device detects a condition of a parking space; a gateway peer, wherein the at least one network peer communicates with the server using the gateway peer; and wherein each of the at least one network peer and the gateway peer comprises a wireless communications unit and a microcontroller.  
       [0015] A seventh aspect of the invention provides a wireless parking system, comprising: a server for storing and communicating parking information; a plurality of uniquely identified mobile network peers; and at least one installed network peer, wherein the at least one installed network peer communicates with the server, and wherein the at least one installed network peer and the plurality of mobile network peers cooperate independently of the server to implement a desired function; and wherein each of the plurality of mobile network peers and the at least one installed network peer comprise a wireless communications unit and a microcontroller.  
       [0016] The exemplary aspects of the present invention are designed to solve the problems herein described and other problems not discussed, which are discoverable by a skilled artisan. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0017] These and other features of this invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:  
     [0018]FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a wireless peer system according to one aspect of the invention;  
     [0019]FIG. 2 shows an exemplary schematic representation of a server;  
     [0020]FIG. 3 shows an exemplary schematic representation of a peer;  
     [0021]FIG. 4 shows a parking lot that includes a wireless peer system according to one aspect of the invention;  
     [0022]FIG. 5 is a side view of a parking space in the parking lot of FIG. 4;  
     [0023]FIG. 6 shows a store that includes a wireless peer system according to one aspect of the invention;  
     [0024]FIG. 7 is a side view of a shopping cart including a mobile network peer; and  
     [0025]FIG. 8 is a side view of a shopping basket including a mobile network peer. 
    
    
     [0026] It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings.  
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     [0027] The current invention provides a wireless peer system that includes a server, and a plurality of network peers. In one aspect, the system also includes a gateway peer. Each network peer generally communicates with the server using the gateway peer. Each network peer and gateway peer comprise a wireless communications unit and a microcontroller. Wireless communication allows for simplified installation into existing environments and buildings, and facilitates mobile components of the system. For example, the system can be installed into a parking lot to more efficiently utilize parking spaces. Additionally, the system can be incorporated into a store, allowing a customer to move freely about the store with a mobile network peer that provides the customer with helpful services.  
     [0028] I. Wireless Peer System  
     [0029]FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a wireless peer system  10  according to one aspect of the invention. Wireless peer system  10  is shown including a server  12 , a gateway peer  14 , and a plurality of network peers  16 . Server  12  stores information and communicates with gateway peer  14 , network peers  16 , and user  18 . Network peers  16  generally communicate with server  12  via gateway peer  14 . However, network peers  16  can communicate directly with server  12  when, for example, communications are lost with gateway peer  14 . Additionally, network peers  16  can communicate with one or more other network peers  16  to cooperate in implementing one or more desired operations and/or communicate with gateway peer  14 . While a single gateway peer  14  is shown, it is understood that a plurality of gateway peers  14  can be used in wireless peer system  10 .  
     [0030] Communications between server  12 , and network peers  16  can be implemented using any wireless communications system now known or later developed. For example, wireless peer system  10  can use wireless communications that comprise one or more of radio frequency (RF),  10  infrared, ultra high frequency (UHF), very high frequency (VHF), laser transmission, short wave, etc. The use of gateway peer  14  allows the communications from various network peers  16  to be prioritized and managed apart from server  12 . This allows for a smaller performance impact on server  12  when wireless peer system  10  has a large number of network peers  16 . Wireless peer system  10  can be implemented such that a plurality of gateway peers  14  manages the communications between a unique subset of network peers  16  and server  12 . Gateway peer  14  can further store and process information and respond to network peer  16  requests so that the required communications with server  12  further diminishes as system  10  operates.  
     [0031] To minimize communication requirements and any impact that a loss of communications may have on system  10 , network peers  16  can operate in a self-sufficient manner. Network peers  16  can include their own memory/database so that information can be stored and used without the need for continually communicating with server  12  and/or gateway peer  14 . For example, network peers  16  can retain information acquired from server  12  for future reference so that a second inquiry is not required. Network peers  16  can refresh this information based on an elapsed time since the information was last acquired and/or after a reset operation.  
     [0032] Network peers  16  can also communicate with one or more other network peers without the use of gateway peer  14  or server  12 . A network peer  16  can use another network peer  16  to establish a communications link with gateway peer  14  and/or server  12 , or acquire information from the other network peer. Network peers  16  can also be capable of cooperating with one or more network peers to perform one or more operations. This cooperation can be implemented by the two network peers  16  communicating directly or using server  12 . For example, a network peer  16  may have a complex task to perform. Network peer  16  may distribute some of the work required to perform the task to a second network peer  16  that is idle. In this manner, the complex task can be performed in less time, and the resources of system  10  are used in a more efficient manner.  
     [0033] A group of one or more network peers  16  and/or gateway peers  14  can dynamically configure the communications environment of system  10 . For example, several network peers  16  may determine that communications with server  12  is most efficient when a particular gateway peer  14  and/or network peer  16  is used as an intermediary. Consequently, these network peers  16  will route messages to server  12  using this communications path. The communications environment of system  10  can change and be reconfigured over time based upon communications demand, workload, communications performance, etc.  
     [0034] Each network peer  16  is intelligent and can be sufficiently self-reliant that it can continue to operate when communication with server  12  is lost totally. A network peer  16  can continue to collect, process, and store information that can subsequently be transmitted to server  12  once communications are reestablished. Additionally, each network peer  16  can perform self-diagnostic operations, i.e., when communications are lost, or certain data appears to be out of sync. A network peer  16  may self-diagnose a communication problem with server  12  by attempting to initiate communications with other network peers. Based on the success/failure of this attempt, a network peer  16  can alter its operation, use the other network peer to communicate with server  12 , cooperate with one or more network peers to implement some or all of the functions, etc. For example, server  12  may have a communications backlog causing it to become less responsive. A network peer  16  may then communicate with another network peer  16  and/or gateway peer  14  to obtain the desired information.  
     [0035] A user  18  can interact with one or more network peers  16  through the use of one or more input/output (I/O) devices  22  when at the physical location of system  10 . An I/O device  22  can communicate with a network peer  16  over an internal, external, or wireless connection. I/O devices  22  provide network peers  16  with information that each network peer  16  can subsequently process and/or transmit to I/O devices  22 , gateway  14 , and/or server  12 . For example, an I/O device  22  can comprise a device for identifying a user  18  that has selected a particular network peer  16 . Once a particular user  18  has been identified by a network peer  16 , server  12  can initialize one or more of the network peers based on user information about the particular user that is stored in server  12 . In addition, I/O devices  22  can include a keypad, display, or the like for communicating information to network peers  16 .  
     [0036] When not at the physical location of system I/O, user  18  can communicate with server  12  over a network  20  (e.g., Internet, LAN, WAN, VPN, etc.). This allows user  18  to provide, modify, and/or obtain information from server  12  without traveling to the physical location of system  10 . As discussed above, user information can subsequently be transmitted to one or more network peers  16  for use when user  18  is identified by a particular network peer  16 . The user information can include general information about the user, information on past usage of system  10  by the user, and/or information that the user communicates to server  12  over network  20 . For example, user  18  can communicate with server  12  from his/her home using an Internet connection. User  18  can provide server  12  with information that is subsequently utilized by system  10  when user  18  interacts with one or more network peers  16 . User  18  can individually choose whether system  10  retains information that remains associated with their identification regarding their usage of system  10 , and if so, how much information system  10  retains regarding their usage (e.g., a privacy feature). System  10  can also initialize one or more network peers  16  based on the recent usage of system  10  by all users  18 .  
     [0037]FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary server  12  according to one aspect of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2, server  12  generally comprises memory  30 , central processing unit (CPU)  32 , I/O interface  34 , and bus  36 . A database  38  may also be provided for storage of data relative to processing tasks. Memory  30  and/or database  38  may comprise any known type of data storage and/or transmission media, including magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a data cache, a data object, etc. Moreover, memory  30  and/or database  38  may reside at a single physical location, comprising one or more types of data storage, or be distributed across a plurality of physical systems in various forms. Likewise, CPU  32  may comprise a single processing unit, multiple processing units capable of parallel operation, or be distributed across one or more processing units in one or more locations, e.g., on a client and server. Server  12  can comprise an advanced mid-range multiprocessor-based server utilizing standard operating system software, which is designed to drive the operation of the particular hardware and which is compatible with other system components and I/O controllers. I/O interface  34  may comprise any system for exchanging information with one or more I/O devices  40 . For example, I/O devices  40  may comprise any known type of input/output device including an I/O port (serial, parallel, ethernet, etc.), a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a network system, modem, keyboard, mouse, scanner, voice recognition system, monitor (cathode-ray tube (CRT), liquid-crystal display (LCD), etc.), printer, disc drives, etc. Bus  36  provides a communication link between each of the components in server  12  and likewise may comprise any known type of transmission link, including electrical, optical, wireless, etc. In addition, although not shown, additional components, such as cache memory, communication systems, system software, etc., may be incorporated into server  12 .  
     [0038] User  18  can interact with server  12  to provide, modify, and/or retrieve information. To this extent, user  18  may interact with server  12  by interacting directly with I/O devices  40 , and/or by interacting with another computing device  44  in communication with one or more I/O devices  40  in a network environment. Computing device  44  could communicate with server  12  via I/O devices  40  through any type of network  20  (FIG. 1) including, for example, a direct connection, a private network, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, etc. For example, server  12  can be connected to the world wide web by using one or more I/O devices  40 . User  18  can subsequently access the world wide web using computing device  44  and interact with server  12 .  
     [0039] Program code  42  is shown stored in memory  30 . Program code  42  is shown including a peer communications module  46 , a network communications module  47 , a modify information module  48 , and a retrieve information module  49 . Peer communications module  46  can implement communications between server  12  and the gateway peers and network peers that are operating in the system. Network communications module  47  can implement communications between server  12  and the one or more networks described above. Modify information module  48  can implement functions that allow users  18  over network  20 , network peers  16  and/or gateway peers  14  (FIG. 1) to add, remove, and/or delete the information stored on server  12 . Retrieve information module  49  can implement functions that allow the retrieval of the information stored on server  12  by users  18 , network peers  16  and/or gateway peers  14 .  
     [0040]FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an exemplary peer  15  according to the invention. Peer  15  can act as either a gateway peer  14  or a network peer  16  shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, peer  15  comprises a microcontroller  50  and a wireless communications unit  52 . Microcontroller  50  generally comprises memory  54 , CPU  56 , I/O interface  58 , and bus  60 . Memory  54  may comprise any known type of data storage and/or transmission media, including optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a data cache, etc. CPU  56  may comprise a single processing unit or multiple processing units capable of parallel operation. I/O interface  58  may comprise any system for exchanging information with one or more I/O devices  22 . Bus  60  provides a communication link between each of the components in microcontroller  50  and likewise may comprise any known type of transmission link, including electrical, optical, wireless, etc. In addition, although not shown, additional components, such as cache memory, system software, permanent data storage, etc., may be incorporated into microcontroller  50 .  
     [0041] Wireless communications unit  52  generally comprises a wireless communications device  62  and an antenna  64 . Wireless communications device  62  communicates with microcontroller  50  through a connection  66  with I/O interface  58 . Wireless communications device  62  can comprise any device that converts electrical signals to/from wireless signals using any wireless communications method, including infrared, RF, etc. Wireless communications device  62  can use single channel or multi-channel communications, and can be capable of addressing data collisions and errors without the use of microcontroller  50 . Antenna  64  can comprise an appropriate external and/or internal antenna for receiving and transmitting the desired wireless communications signals.  
     [0042] I/O devices  22  can comprise any type of I/O device for receiving and communicating information. For example, user  18  can use one or more input devices, including a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, a keypad, a voice recognition system, etc. to directly input information into peer  15 . Alternatively, a user device  23 , such as an identification card, smart card, a license plate, a wireless transceiver, etc. can be used in conjunction with an I/O device  22 , such as a scanner, an optical recognition system, a wireless identification system, etc. to identify and/or acquire the necessary information about a particular user  18 . In still another alternative, user device  23  can comprise an electronic transceiver that can communicate with wireless communications unit  52  to identify user  18 . Similarly, any combination of output devices, including audio generators, displays, lights, etc. can be used by peer  15  to convey information to users  18 . Peer  15  can further receive data regarding a particular item or the environment in which system  10  is operating. For example, input devices such as temperature sensing devices, object sensing devices, weight sensing devices, light sensing devices, scanners, etc. can be used to acquire information about certain items and/or the environment.  
     [0043] When peer  15  is a gateway peer  14  (FIG. 1), wireless communications unit  52  or an additional communications unit can be used for communicating with server  12  and/or other gateway peers  14 . For example, an I/O device  22  can provide communications with server  12  over serial, parallel, ethernet, fiber optic, wireless, etc. Should communications with server  12  using one of the communications unit fail, gateway peer  14  can attempt to establish communications with server  12  and/or gateway peers  14  using the second communications unit.  
     [0044] Program code  72  is shown stored in memory  54 . Program code  72  is shown including a communications module  74 , self-diagnostic module  76 , cooperation module  78 , and a functional module  80 . Communications module  74  can perform functions that implement the communications between peer  15 , other peers and server  12 . Self-diagnostic module  76  can implement the ability of peer  15  to detect and diagnose potential problems and react to the problem in an appropriate manner. Cooperation module  78  can implement the functions for allowing peer  15  to cooperate (e.g., group) with other peers in performing one or more functions. Functional module  80  can implement the particular functions that peer  15  is to perform in the system. For example, functional module  80  can implement particular methods of interfacing with certain I/O devices  22 , performing certain calculations, storing, processing, and sending various information, etc.  
     [0045] While program code  42 ,  72  in FIGS. 2 &amp; 3 are shown including the various modules that implement specific functions, it is understood that the functionality implemented by each of the modules can be implemented in fewer or more modules or in different modules. Additionally, while all the modules are shown located within memory  30 ,  54 , it is understood that the modules can be distributed among a plurality of memory locations and implemented in a distributed or parallel fashion. The current configurations are provided for exemplary purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention to the current configurations.  
     [0046] The general system outlined in FIGS.  1 - 3  will be better understood with reference to two applications of the system. However, it is understood that the invention is not limited to these particular applications, and that these discussions are provided for clarity purposes only.  
     [0047] A. Wireless Parking System  
     [0048]FIG. 4 shows an exemplary parking lot  100  that includes a wireless peer system according to one aspect of the invention. As shown, the parking lot includes an entrance  102 , an exit  104  and a plurality of parking spaces  106 . While a single entrance  102  and exit  104  are shown, it is understood that parking lot  100  can include any number of entrances  102  and exits  104 . The wireless parking system is shown including a server  12 , a gateway peer  14 , and a plurality of network peers  16 A-F. Each network peer  16 A-F can be in communication with one or more I/O devices such as a sensing device, an output device, etc.  
     [0049] Entry network peer  16 A is shown located near entrance  102  of parking lot  100 . Entry network peer  16 A communicates with entrance gate  108 , touchscreen  110 , electronic recognition device  112 , and sensing devices  114 ,  116 . In operation, entry network peer  16 A can keep gate  108  lowered when no automobile is present at entrance  102 . When an automobile approaches, sensing device  114  detects its presence. Entry network peer  16 A then operates touchscreen  110  to welcome the user and locate a parking space  106  for the automobile. Additionally, electronic recognition device  112  (described below) can identify the user and entry network peer  16 A can communicate the user&#39;s arrival to server  12  using gateway peer  14 . Once an empty parking space  106  is selected, entry network peer  16 A can open gate  108  to allow the automobile to pass through. Sensing device  116  can detect the automobile passing and entry network peer  16 A can then close gate  108 .  
     [0050] As noted, entry network peer  16 A can operate touchscreen  110  to allow a user to select a desired parking space  106 . Entry network peer  16 A can maintain real-time communications with server  12  and/or other network peers  16  to provide an accurate status of the various parking spaces  106  to a user. Entry network peer  16 A can provide the user with the general locations of available parking spaces  106  and then allow the user to select a desired location or a particular parking space  106  within the desired location. For example, touchscreen  110  can present a map of parking lot  100  and allow a user to press the area of parking lot  100  in which the user desires to park. Alternatively, entry network peer  16 A can communicate the identification of the user to server  12  which can communicate back a desired location/parking space based on user information stored in server  12 . This can include, for example, past parking spaces selected by the user or a desired parking location that the user previously entered into the system. Should an automatically selected parking space  106  not be desired, the user can be given the opportunity to override the selection and select a different space. Other possibilities for assigning a parking space  106  include selecting an available parking space  106  that is closest to a particular pedestrian exit, vehicle exit, handicap exit, etc. Particular parking spaces  106  can also be reserved for certain users, i.e., handicap parking spaces, a subset of parking spaces  106  for visitors to a business, or certain users may be given a specific parking space  106 .  
     [0051] Entry network peer  16 A is also shown in communication with an electronic recognition device  112 . Electronic recognition device  112  can sense a unique electronic device placed within the automobile, can use optical character recognition to identify the license plate, or any other system now known or later developed for uniquely identifying users and/or automobiles. Alternatively, a uniquely identified mobile network peer can be placed in an automobile to communicate with entry network peer  16 A when the automobile arrives at parking lot  100 . Other alternatives include a user typing in an identification using touchscreen  110 , a parking attendant or machine providing each user with a unique ticket, a user swiping an identification card, etc. Further, a combination of automated and manual identifiers can be used when, for example, the system is implemented in a public parking lot that includes both regular users as well as single use or infrequent users.  
     [0052] While entry network peer  16 A is shown in communications with, and controlling various I/O devices at entrance  102 , it is understood that one or more additional network peers can be used to control the required I/O devices at entrance  102 . Further, various I/O devices can communicate directly with server  12  which subsequently communicates with network peers  16 .  
     [0053] Once a parking space  106  has been assigned, entry network peer  16 A can communicate the parking space to server  12  using gateway peer  14 . Server  12  can then communicate to the appropriate network peer  16 C-F that is monitoring the selected parking space  106 . Alternatively, entry network peer  16 A can communicate the selected parking space  106  to the appropriate network peer  16 C-F directly, using another network peer  16 B-F, using gateway peer  14 , etc.  
     [0054] Network peers  16 C-F can monitor one or more parking spaces  106  using one or more I/O devices. For example, FIG. 5 shows a side view of an exemplary parking space  106  having an automobile  118  parked therein. Network peer  16 C is shown in communication with sensing device  120  and output device  122 . When a parking space  106  that is being monitored by network peer  16 C has been selected by a user, network peer  16 C can provide a message that the parking space is reserved on output device  122 . As automobile  106  pulls into parking space  106 , sensing device  120  detects its presence. Network peer  16 C can then communicate a welcome message to the user using output device  122 . Output device  122  can comprise, for example, a text message system, an audio system, etc. Alternatively, output device  122  can comprise or one or more lights which are turned on/off accordingly (i.e., green is available, yellow is reserved, red is taken).  
     [0055] Returning to FIG. 4, when a network peer  16 C-F has been notified that a particular parking space  106  was selected, it can enter a waiting mode for a user to arrive at the selected parking space  106 . Should the user enter a parking space  106  that is not in a waiting mode (not reserved for him/her), network peer  16 C-F can communicate to server  12  and/or other network peers  16 C-F that a particular parking space  106  was entered without being selected. Server  12  can then communicate that parking space  106  is no longer available to entry network peer  16 A. After a certain amount of elapsed time in waiting mode, network peer  16 C-F can communicate to server  12  that the user did not enter the selected parking space  106 . Server  12  can then notify entry network peer  16 A that parking space  106  is again available. If the user parks in a parking space that has already been assigned to someone else, the network peer  16 C-F monitoring the parking space can display a message regarding an alternative parking space that can be used.  
     [0056] Server  12  can also maintain a list of parking violations associated with a user. System  10  can incorporate a change/loss of privileges if a sufficient number of violations occur. A parking violator can be identified through an algorithm that identifies which entrant parked in an incorrect parking space. For example, when a non-reserved parking space  106  is used and a reserved parking space  106  times out, the violator is likely a user that was assigned the reserved parking space  106  but parked in the other parking space  106 . Alternatively, an identification device can be provided at each parking space  106  to identify the user.  
     [0057] Once a user leaves a particular parking space  106 , the network peer  16 C-F can communicate to the server  12  that the space is available. Server  12  can then communicate to entry network peer  16 A that the parking space is newly available and to network peer  16 B the appropriate user information before the user exits parking lot  100 . Network peer  16 B can then operate display  124  to display information to the departing user. For example, display  124  can show the amount of time that the user was parked at the parking space, the total amount charged for the space, how the amount is to be paid, etc. Alternatively, this information can be displayed by a network peer  16 C-F using a display  122  for the particular parking space  106 .  
     [0058] Additional network peers and/or gateway peers can be provided in the current system. For example, a multi-tiered parking lot may include a gateway peer for each level. Additionally, network peers can be provided to provide additional functionality using sensing devices, displays, etc. For example, the motion of a car can be tracked in the parking lot to assist the driver in locating the appropriate parking space. Visual displays can be used to provide customized directions for a user to find the parking space. Additionally, a network peer can provide an interface for identifying a user and providing directions to the parking space where his/her car is located or for locating a desired exit.  
     [0059] Network peers  16 A-F can communicate with the various I/O devices using a physical connection, a wireless connection, and any combination thereof. The I/O devices described herein are only intended as an exemplary embodiment and the invention is not limited to this implementation. The described functionality of the system is also exemplary, and numerous modifications are readily apparent and apply equally to the current invention.  
     [0060] B. Wireless Shopping System  
     [0061]FIG. 6 depicts a store  200  having a wireless shopping system installed therein. The wireless shopping system is shown including a server  12 , a plurality of gateway peers  14 , and a plurality of mobile network peers  16 . Each mobile network peer  16  communicates to server  12  using one or more gateway peers  14 . Mobile network peers  16  can be attached to an item carrier, for example, a shopping cart  202 , or a shopping basket  204 . FIG. 7 shows an exemplary shopping cart  202  having a mobile network peer  16  attached thereto, while FIG. 8 shows an exemplary shopping basket  204  having a mobile network peer  16  attached thereto. The location of mobile network peers  16  in FIGS. 7 and 8 are for exemplary purposes only. The mobile network peers  16  can be located and adjusted to any position desired by a user. Each mobile network peer  16  can be temporarily attached to a shopping cart  202  and/or a shopping basket  204  by any means now known or later developed, including, one or more hooks, a hook and latch system, groove, a support system, etc.  
     [0062] Upon arrival, a user can select a mobile network peer  16  and an item carrier to use while shopping. Each mobile network peer  16  can be individually programmed with data from server  12  based on an identified user. For example, mobile network peer  16  can identify the user using any system previously discussed (e.g., identification card, etc.) and can be initiated with information from server  12  accordingly. The user may have entered a shopping list into server  12  from home using his/her personal computer and an Internet connection. When the user is identified by a particular mobile network peer  16 , server  12  can initialize the mobile network peer with the shopping list previously loaded by the user. Additionally, other user information can be sent to the particular mobile network peer  16 , including purchasing history, payment information, etc.  
     [0063] While server  12  can store and retrieve a user&#39;s purchasing history, a user can elect to limit the type of history data stored or have none of his/her history stored on server  12 . A user can elect how server  12  treats his/her history data via a user setup by accessing server  12  from home, via an I/O device on a mobile network peer  16 , etc. A user can have a default action that server  12  performs with the history data, and override the action for a particular shopping trip.  
     [0064]FIG. 6 also shows a plurality of installed network peers  17  located throughout store  200 . Installed network peers  17  can communicate with one or more I/O devices, for example displays  208 , to inform customers of specials, explain missing inventory, locate products, monitor temperatures, etc. This arrangement allows customers who do not obtain a mobile network peer  16  to interact with the system. Additionally, installed network peers  17  can communicate directly with mobile network peers  16  to customize displays  208  and/or customize a display on the mobile network peer. Should either network peer  16 ,  17  have a communication problem with gateway  14  and/or server  12 , network peer  16 ,  17  can attempt to reestablish communications via another network peer  16 ,  17 .  
     [0065] Mobile network peers  16  and/or installed network peers  17  can include a device for identifying products that a user wishes to purchase and/or obtain information. The device can be any device now known or later developed, including devices for optically scanning product bar codes, devices for wireless communications with a product microchip that transmits an electronic product code (Auto-ID), etc. This enables the network peer to, for example, display information on the product, add the cost of the item to the user&#39;s bill, remove the item from a shopping list, communicate with an installed network peer  17  and/or server  12  to update the current inventory, etc. In this fashion, an installed network peer  17  can track the current inventory and notify server  12  when one or more products need reshelving.  
     [0066] When a user is ready to check out, mobile network peer  16  can be detached from the item carrier and given to a cashier  206 . Mobile network peer  16  can also be placed so that it can communicate with a cash register  208 . Mobile network peer  16  can communicate with cash register  208  to confirm purchases and ensure that the list of purchased items is complete. Once check out is complete, mobile network peer  16  can communicate the purchased items to server  12  for a more permanent storage and further processing. Mobile network peer  16  can then be reinitialized and redistributed to a new user.  
     [0067] II. Conclusion  
     [0068] The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to a person skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.