System and method for device management using a social network
US9894177B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 2014 |
| Grant date | Feb 13, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L67/535
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method is provided for managing a social network of devices. The method provides a non-transitory memory, a network interface, and a social network application. Network-connected local devices create user accounts in the social network and populate a user profile listing device characteristics. Some examples of device characteristics include model and serial number. A central server is then able to access the user profiles in the social network, and cross-reference user profiles to a first device characteristic. The central server sends queries via the social network to selected local devices matching the first device characteristic and receives responses to the queries via the social network from the selected local devices. Further, the central server may maintain a database, stored in a central non-transitory memory, of queries and responses cross-referenced to the local devices. A system is also provided for managing devices using a social networking application.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.