System and method for updating location information for distributed communication devices

DETAILED DESCRIPTION We claim: 1.
A method of updating location information for communication devices that are spatially distributed, the method comprising the steps of: at each of a plurality of communication devices and at multiple instances over a period of time, alternatively operating in first, second, and third distinct modes, wherein the first mode comprises sleeping for a particular period of time, the second mode comprises waking up and performing a particular function, and the third mode comprises communicating with others of the plurality of communication devices and collecting and storing location determining information; and updating location information for selected devices of the plurality of communication devices device based on location determining information collected by at least one of the plurality of communication devices over multiple instances of operation in the third mode.
2.
The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: detecting that a particular device of the plurality of communication devices has a change in location by comparing location determining information collected by at least one of the plurality of communication devices during multiple instances of operation in the third mode; and updating location information for the particular device in response to a detected change in location.
3.
The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of uploading to a centralized processor, by selected devices of the plurality of communication devices, location determining information for communication devices having a change in location for determining relative location information for the plurality of communication devices.
4.
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of coordinating communication activity for others of the plurality of communication devices while operating in the third mode.
5.
The method of claim 4, wherein the step of coordinating further comprises the step of managing timing schedule activity for others of the plurality of communication devices while operating in the third mode