Methods and systems for determining local device proximity

#This invention relates to methods and systems for determining local device proximity.

#As computing environments become more and more mobile, the need to be able to locate devices and services becomes more important. For example, consider an individual with a laptop computer whose job requires them to travel to various geographically-separated company locations. Perhaps in the morning they attend a meeting in Boise, Id., and, in the afternoon have another meeting scheduled in Vancouver, Wash. Assume now that at each of the meeting locations, there are various computing devices or peripherals that would be convenient for the user to use and access using their laptop computer. For example, there may be printers, plotters, facsimile machines (electronic fax machines or services) and the like that are location specific and convenient for the user to use. There may also be electronic equipment in the meeting rooms that would be convenient to use.

#While there may be a number of devices that are available for use in each of the locations, the user will be unable to use them if they cannot discover the devices. Accordingly, this invention arose out of concerns associated with providing methods and systems that facilitate local device discovery.

#The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

#FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary system in which one or more embodiments can be utilized.

#FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary Internet system in which one or more embodiments can be utilized.

#Overview

#The methods and systems described below enable devices to discover each other when the devices are in a common location. A convenient, flexible and adaptable approach utilizes unique identifiers (UIDs) that are associated with one or more location. Each UID uniquely identifies a location. Devices that are located in a particular location that has a UID can register to create an association between the device and the UID. In turn, this creates an association between the device and a location. Subsequently, when another device (e.g. a laptop computer or PDA) enters the location, the device can discover the UID of the location and then ascertain which other devices are associated with that location.

#When a device leaves a location and enters a new location, it can simply acquire the UID of the new location to ascertain which other devices correspond to that location. The device can also register itself for the new location so that it can be discovered by other devices.