Method for discovering and discriminating devices on local collaborative networks to facilitate collaboration among users

Abstract

A method for identifying participants of a collaborative network is disclosed. The participants communicate over a larger electronic network wherein not all members may be participating in the collaborative session. The method begins by determining a unique session identifier for only the participants of the collaborative network. Next, a message having the session identifier is sent to all members of the network by an inquiring participant of the collaborative network. Only participants that have the session identifier respond to the inquiring participant. Finally, communication is established between the participants that responded to the message and the inquiring participant. In this regard, a collaborative network is formed including the inquiring participant.

1 . A method for identifying participants of a collaborative network from all members of a computing network, the method comprising the steps of: 
 a) determining a unique session identifier for the participants of the collaborative network;    b) transmitting, by an inquiring participant, a message having the session identifier to all members of the computing network;    c) responding by participants having the session identifier to the transmitted message sent by the inquiring participant; and    d) establishing communication between the participants that responded to the message and the inquiring participant such that the collaborative network is formed including the inquiring participant.    
     
     
         2 - 19 . (canceled)