US 9615204

US Patent 9615204: Techniques for Communication Within Closed Groups of Mobile Devices

Title: Techniques for communication within closed groups of mobile devices
Assignee: Piney Woods Mobility LLC (Current Assignee), X One Inc (Original Assignee)
Inventor: Richard D. Haney
Filing Date: July 22, 2015
Issue Date: April 4, 2017

Abstract:
The patent describes techniques for communication within closed groups of mobile devices. It allows for the exchange of GPS position data and historical GPS position data among mobile devices of "buddies" and "instant buddies" (e.g., a stranded motorist and a tow truck driver) via a "Buddy Watch" server. The system enables emergency monitoring services with notifications sent to pre-programmed individuals if a user doesn't respond to check-ins. It also supports displaying positions and tracks on maps, and includes features like TalkControl for simplifying walkie-talkie group operations. The core functionality is implemented via software on existing mobile phone platforms, which communicates with a central server over the internet, minimizing the need for cellular carrier infrastructure investment. Position information is encrypted during transmission.

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Independent Claim Overview:

The patent US9615204B1 includes several independent claims, which describe different aspects of the invention. A plain-language overview of each independent claim is provided below:

Independent Claim 1:
This claim describes a system for mutual, two-way location sharing among mobile devices. It involves a server that communicates with multiple wireless devices. Each device has software (Buddy Tracker) to exchange data packets through a cellular network to the server. The server authenticates users, processes packet content, and then prepares and sends a response, potentially including map data from a map server, back to the wireless device. The wireless device's Buddy Tracker software then processes this data, including displaying map information and location. A key aspect is the ability to turn location sharing on or off, with an exception for "parental monitoring" where location sharing cannot be disabled by the monitored device.

Independent Claim 2 (Method Claim):
This claim outlines a method for two or more mobile devices to exchange encrypted GPS position data. It starts with a request for a position update from a wireless device. The system then identifies the addresses of selected individuals or a group on a "Buddy List." The requesting device reads its GPS data, encrypts it, and sends it in messages to the cellular network, destined for the Buddy Watch server. The server, after authenticating and processing, routes these encrypted GPS data packets to the other wireless devices on the list. These receiving devices recover, decrypt, and display the position data, and can then respond by sending their own encrypted GPS positions back.

Independent Claim 3 (Computer Program Product Claim):
This claim is for a computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium. This program, when executed by a computer, performs the steps of: receiving an instant buddy request from a first wireless device for a second wireless device, authenticating both devices as subscribers to a location sharing service, forwarding the request to the second device, receiving an acceptance from the second device, recording the instant buddy relationship, and then facilitating the exchange of GPS position data between the two devices for a set period. This also includes retrieving and sending maps based on the devices' locations.

Independent Claim 4 (System Claim - focused on Instant Buddy):
This claim describes a system for establishing an "instant buddy" relationship between two wireless devices. It comprises a Buddy Watch server that receives an instant buddy request from an initiator, authenticates both the initiator and the proposed instant buddy, forwards the request, receives an acceptance from the instant buddy, records the relationship, and then enables the exchange of GPS position data and maps between the two devices for a defined period. The system also includes the functionality for the wireless devices to send and display this location information.

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USPTO Database and CAFC 2026 Dockets Search:

USPTO Search (as of April 26, 2026):
The patent US9615204B1 is titled "Techniques for communication within closed groups of mobile devices" and was issued on April 4, 2017, from an application filed on July 22, 2015. The priority date for the patent is April 4, 2005. The current assignee is Piney Woods Mobility LLC, having been reassigned from X One Inc on November 24, 2025. According to Google Patents, the patent's legal status is "Expired - Lifetime," with an adjusted expiration date of August 14, 2025.

CAFC 2026 Dockets Search (as of April 26, 2026):
The provided patent information indicates that the "Family has litigation," with "First worldwide family litigation filed." Specifically, it lists several US cases filed in the Texas Western District Court (e.g., 7:26-cv-00068) and the Texas Eastern District Court (e.g., 2:26-cv-00124, 2:26-cv-00123, 2:26-cv-00122, 2:26-cv-00121) in 2026. These indicate active litigation concerning the patent family in the specified district courts. No specific CAFC dockets for 2026 were directly returned in the search, but the existence of district court cases in 2026 suggests potential for appeals to the CAFC in the future.