Synchronizing the behavior of discrete digital devices

Abstract

Methods, devices and systems for synchronizing actions taken by digital devices in a group wherein the digital devices to use a flocking protocol to establish time or behavior synchronization between individual digital devices within the group. The flocking protocol includes the transmission of synchronization information from one device to neighboring devices within the group and the processing/use of such synchronization information by the devices to synchronize the timing and/or other characteristics of their actions.

1 - 24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . A system comprising:
 a plurality of signaling devices which are positionable at spaced apart locations to demarcate a path or obstacle located on or near a roadway or other path of vehicular travel;   wherein each signaling device comprises a processing unit, memory, a radio transceiver and a function performer, and wherein the memory contains a program which controls the processing unit;   wherein each of said signaling devices listens for and receives radiofrequency signals from neighboring ones of said devices, on a single particular frequency;   wherein the program causes the processing unit of each signaling device to determine a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) for each radiofrequency signal received from the neighboring ones of said devices; and   wherein the program further causes the processing unit to use determined Received Signal Strength Indicators to ascertain its physical location relative to locations of neighboring ones of said devices; and   wherein the function performers of the signaling devices transmit signals which notify operators of oncoming vehicles of the location of the path or obstacle demarcated by the signaling devices.   
     
     
         26 . As system according to  claim 25  wherein the processing unit or each signaling device is programmed to apply a filtering technique to improve stability of the Received Signal Strength Indicators. 
     
     
         27 . A system according to  claim 26  wherein the filtering technique comprises averaging. 
     
     
         28 . A system according to  claim 25  wherein the processing unit of each device is further programmed to include its determined Received Signal Strength Indicators in an Association Matrix which that device then transmits to others of said devices. 
     
     
         29 . A system according to  claim 28  wherein the processing units of the signaling devices are further programmed to use a received associate matrix to cause the function performers to act in a coordinated manner that defines said region or zone. 
     
     
         30 . A system according to  claim 29  wherein the function performers emit flashes of light in series from a first-positioned one of said signaling devices to a last positioned one of said signaling devices. 
     
     
         31 . A system according to  claim 25  further comprising a global positioning system (GPS) apparatus useable for determining spatial location of said signaling devices. 
     
     
         32 . A system according to  claim 25  wherein the function performer comprises an emitter which emits a visual or other signal. 
     
     
         33 . A system according to  claim 32  wherein the emitter comprises a light emitter. 
     
     
         34 . A system according to  claim 33  wherein the light emitter comprises a light emitting diode. 
     
     
         35 . A system according to  claim 25  wherein the signaling devices additionally receive user-generated external impulses whereby a user may change the order, pattern or other characteristics of signals emitted by the function performers. 
     
     
         36 . A system according to  claim 25  wherein the processing unit of each signaling device is programmed to use a flocking protocol to ascertain its physical location relative to locations of neighboring ones of said devices. 
     
     
         37 . A system according to  claim 36  wherein the flocking protocol is used to maintain synchronization between signals emitted by the function performers of the signaling devices. 
     
     
         38 . A system according to  claim 25  wherein the signaling devices also transmit and receive a declaration message which specifies a pattern and/or characteristic of a function that is performed by the function performers.