Abstract:
A method of establishing, configuring, and managing a transient social group includes identifying, through a processor, at least one communication hub associated with the transient social group, linking to the at least one communication hub through at least one communication protocol, and developing, through the processor, a communication path through the at least one communication hub to connect a first peer of the transient social group with a second peer of the transient social group using the at least one communication protocol.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the art of social networking and, more particularly, to a method and system for establishing, configuring, and managing a transient social group. 
         [0002]    Internet social networking allows large numbers of individuals, companies, groups and the like to communicate through various applications. Internet social networking allows those individuals, companies, groups etc. to express an interest in one another, follow updates, share news, ideas, points of view, and other information. Unfortunately, Internet communication is not available in all locations. Shopping malls, sports arenas, city streets, and other locations oftentimes either lack, or include Internet connections that are slow due to high traffic that may overwhelm connection capacity. Social groups that may form in such places are at a communication disadvantage due to slow Internet speeds and/or lack of connectivity. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of establishing, configuring, and managing a transient social group includes identifying, through a processor, at least one communication hub associated with the transient social group, linking to the at least one communication hub through at least one communication protocol, and developing, through the processor, a communication path through the at least one communication hub to connect a first peer of the transient social group with a second peer of the transient social group using the at least one communication protocol. 
         [0004]    According to another aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a computer program product for establishing, configuring, and managing a transient social group comprising a computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied therewith, the computer readable program code, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to: establish, through a processor, at least one communication hub associated with the transient social group, link to the at least one communication hub through at least one communication protocol, and develop, through the processor, at least one communication path through the at least one communication hub to connect a first peer of the transient social group with a second peer of the transient social group using the at least one communication protocol. 
         [0005]    According to yet another aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a system includes a social networking device, and a system for establishing, configuring, and managing a transient social group provided in the social networking device. The system includes a processing unit (CPU) arranged operatively connected to a non-volatile memory, a communication path (CP) development and management module and a communication module. The communication path development and management module is configured and disposed to establish a communication path between a first peer of the transient social group and a second peer of the transient social group through one or more other social networking devices. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The forgoing and other features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  depicts a system for establishing, configuring, and managing a transient social group, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  depicts a flow chart illustrating a method of establishing, configuring, and managing a transient social group; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  depicts a multi-hub communication path, in accordance with an aspect of an exemplary embodiment 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  depicts a multi-hub probabilistic communication path, in accordance with another aspect of an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  depicts a multi-hub probabilistic communication path, in accordance with yet another aspect of an exemplary embodiment; and 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  depicts a multi-hub probabilistic communication path, in accordance with still yet another aspect of an exemplary embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    With reference now to  FIG. 1 , a system for establishing, configuring, and managing a transient social group is indicated generally at  2 . System  2  includes a central processing unit (CPU)  4  operatively connected to a non-volatile memory  6 . System  2  also includes a communication path (CP) development and management module  9  and a communication module  12 . System  2  may be incorporated into a portable social networking device  14  such as a smart phone, a smart tablet, a laptop computer, and the like. Communication module  12  may employ a variety of communication protocols, such as Bluetooth® to link multiple social networking devices into a transient social group. Portable social networking device  14  may receive local inputs  16  through a local input device  18  such as a touchscreen, a keyboard, and the like, as well as remote inputs  20  through a receiver  22 . Receiver  22  may be configured, for example, to receive Bluetooth® communications. Additionally, portable social networking device  14  may include a probabilistic path output  24  and a communication output  30 . 
         [0014]    The term “transient social group” should be understood to describe a group of individuals gathered at a place for a purpose and whom which to communicate with one another. For example, a transient social group may exist at a sporting event, a shopping mall, a political rally, a demonstration, or an airport. Individuals gathered at such places may wish to communicate with one another to share news updates, perspectives, and the like. The individuals may be known to one another, or part of other social networking groups having a shared interest. Further, the transient social group may develop in a location with limited wired and or wireless service such that real-time communication between group members may be hampered. 
         [0015]    Reference will now follow to  FIG. 2  in describing a method  40  of establishing, configuring, and managing a transient social group, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In block  50 , entry into a transient social group  51  is initiated. Entry into the group  51  may be initiated through a variety of pathways. For example, a first peer  52  ( FIG. 3 ) may have an application on portable social networking device  14  that passively monitors for transient social groups  51  and provides an option for entry. Alternatively, first peer  52  may enter an area where a transient social group  51  is expected and scan, through portable social networking device  14 , for a group of interest. In block  60 , a determination is made whether first peer  52  is an active member of the group, e.g., desired to communicate with one or more members of the group, or a passive member, e.g., will allow portable networking device  14  to act as a hub and allow pass-through communications, in block  70 . 
         [0016]    If first peer  52  chooses to be an active member of transient social group  51 , communication hubs associates with transient social group  52  are identified in block  76 . At this point, it should be understood that the term “associated” describes communication hubs such as hubs  81 - 90 , which may represent active and/or inactive members of transient social group  51 . That is, hubs  81 - 90  may represent social networking devices associated with other peers in the transient social group (active members), or social networking devices that are enabled to facilitate communication between members of the transient social group (inactive members). As noted above, inactive members are willing to facilitate a communication path through for example an application or the like stored on their social networking device and thereby allow pass-through communications. Active members are engaged in peer-to-peer(s) communication. In block  100  attributes of communication hubs  81 - 90  are identified. Attributes may include communication type, signal strength, speed, communication load, and the like. That is, one or more of communication hubs  81 - 90  may be facilitating communication between a large number of peers while others of communication hubs  81 - 90  may be facilitating communication between a smaller number of peers. 
         [0017]    In block  110 , first peer  52  initiates communication with a second peer  115 . In block  130 , CP development and management module  9  establishes a multi-hub communication path  1168  between first peer  52  and second peer  115 . In accordance with an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, CP development and management module  9  may broadcast a communication request from first peer  52  to second peer  115 . Communication hubs  81 - 90  sends a connect request to one another building a connection path from first peer  52  to second peer  115 . A determination is made in each communication hub  81 - 90  whether the multi-hub communication path  116  represents a viable communication path between first peer  52  and second peer  115 . Once established, the communication path is confirmed and forward communications, e.g., communications from first peer  52  to second peer  115  and return communications, e.g., from second peer  115  to first peer  110  may be initiated. 
         [0018]    In accordance with another aspect of an exemplary embodiment, CP development and management module  9  may determine a probabilistic communication path between first peer  52  and second peer  115 . For example, CP development and management module  9  employ GPS positioning data to calculate a direction and distance from first peer  52  to second peer  115 . One or more of communication hubs  81 - 90  within communication range of first peer  52  will forward a communication based on a probability equation (PEQ.1). Thus, when following PEQ.1, multi-hub communication path  118  becomes a multi-hub probabilistic communication path  118 . 
         [0019]    (PEQ1): P(H)=(1−((d(H,T)−D+R)/2R) n ; where R=a range of a typical transmission/communication; S=first peer  52 , T=second peer  115 , P(H) denotes a probability that one of communication hubs  81 - 90  will forward a message; n is the number of times one of communication hubs  81 - 90  has received the same message. Further D=d(S,T). Therefore, if D&gt;R, a message from S (first peer  52 ) may travel through one or more of communication hubs  81 - 90  to reach T (second peer  115 ). Equation PEQ1 describes that a probability of a peer (hub H) forwarding a message from first peer  52  is larger if H is closer to second peer  115  than first peer  52 ; and smaller if b H is farther away to second peer  115  than first peer  52 ; and the probability reduces exponentially when other devices have already forward a given message. It should be understood that equation PEQ1 generally favors devices that align along the direction from first peer  52  to second peer  115  and decrease exponentially with respect to the number of times a message has been re-transmitted. It should also be understood that equation PEQ1 provides an example of one algorithm for forwarding messages. Exemplary embodiments may include alternative probabilistic formula(s) as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0020]    Multi-hub probabilistic communication path  118  creates a communication link between first peer  52  and second peer  115  through select ones of hubs  81 - 90 , in block  140 . CP development and management module  9  evaluates communication hubs  81 - 90  to determine which path would provide enhanced communication. For example, where possible and/or practical, CP development and management module  9 , may establish multi-hub probabilistic communication path  118  between select ones of communication hubs  81 - 90  which are part of other probabilistic communication paths (not shown), have faster speeds and the like. Therefore, multi-hub probabilistic communication path  118  may not represent a shortest distance between first peer  52  and second peer  115 . 
         [0021]    For example, if first peer  52  and second peer  115  are sitting on opposite sides of a stadium (not shown), the shortest path may be directly across a playing field (also not shown). Given that the playing field would be unlikely to support communication hubs, such a path may not lead to desired communication speeds. Similarly, a clock-wise path about the stadium may represent a shorter physical distance but could include a number of heavily loaded communication hubs. Therefore, PCP development and management module  9  may establish multi-hub probabilistic communication path  118  in a counter-clockwise path about the stadium. Thus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, CP development and management module  9  establishes multi-hub probabilistic communication path  118  designed to enhance communication speeds, accuracy, and reliability. Once multi-hub probabilistic communication path  118  is established, communication module  12  links with select ones of communication hubs  81 - 90 , and communications are sent from first peer  52  to second peer  115  in block  150 . 
         [0022]    In further accordance with an exemplary embodiment, CP development and management module  9  monitors multi-hub probabilistic communication path  118  for any communication hub issues that may develop in block  160 . If no issues exist, communication continues in block  170 . However, communication hub  84  may become a missing communication hub, e.g. communication hub may drop out of transient social group  51  as shown in  FIG. 4 . That is, hub  84  may lose power, may be transported out of the area, or may otherwise completely intentionally or unintentionally disengage. As such, an open may exist in multi-hub probabilistic communication path  118 . In such a case, PCP development and management module  9  reviews remaining ones of hubs  81 - 90 , and determines whether any new hubs exist, such as communication hub  173 . PCP development and management module  9  then determines a new multi-hub probabilistic communication path  175 , in block  180 , and communication continues in block  170 . New multi-hub probabilistic communication path  175  may include new communication hub  173 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , or may simply define a new path through communication hubs  81 - 90 . 
         [0023]    In another example, CP development and management module  9  may determine that one or more of communication hubs  81 ,  82 ,  84  and/or  86  has a heavy or high workload becoming a heavily loaded or overloaded hub(s).  FIG. 6  depicts communication hubs  84 ,  85  and  86  as overloaded communication hubs. In such a case, in block  180 , CP development and management module  9  determines a new multi-hub probabilistic communication path  185  that avoids overloaded communication hubs  84 - 86  in favor of low work hubs, or communication hubs having a lower workload than others of the communication hubs yet maintains a desired communication link so that communication may continue in block  170  and method  40  may end in block  200 . Communications continue through existing communication hubs  81 - 90 , new communication hub(s)  173  with the new multi-hub probabilistic communication path  175  dynamically and autonomously adapting to maintain a desired communication link between first peer  52  and second peer  115 . Communication continues until, for example, transient social group  51  ceases to exist or, first peer  52  withdraws. 
         [0024]    At this point, it should be understood that the system for establishing, configuring, and managing a transient social group in accordance with an exemplary embodiment enables a first peer to communicate with the second peer, and/or others of the transient social group through one or more dynamically configured and managed probabilistic communication paths. The CP development and management module automatically establishes, maintains and/or adopts each multi-hub probabilistic communication path to accommodate a changing communication landscape within the transient social group. Further, the CP development and management module may employ a variety of techniques, including GPS positioning of each communication hub to form the multi-hub probabilistic communication path. 
         [0025]    The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof. 
         [0026]    The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated 
         [0027]    The flow diagrams depicted herein are just one example. There may be many variations to this diagram or the steps (or operations) described therein without departing from the spirit of the invention. For instance, the steps may be performed in a differing order or steps may be added, deleted or modified. All of these variations are considered a part of the claimed invention. 
         [0028]    While the preferred embodiment to the invention had been described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the invention first described. 
         [0029]    The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.