Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for determining one or more affinity groups in a distributed network is provided. A first distributed computing device is operably coupled to a plurality of clients for enabling electronic interactive activities therebetween. The first distributed computing device is configured to detect at least one network interaction among the plurality of clients. The first distributed computing device is further configured to generate at least one weighted value based on the number of detected network interactions. The first distributed computing device is further configured to establish an affinity group comprising at least one client from the plurality of clients based on the at least one weighted value.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for determining one or more affinity groups in a distributed network is provided. A first distributed computing device is operably coupled to a plurality of clients for enabling electronic interactive activities therebetween. The first distributed computing device is configured to detect at least one network interaction among the plurality of clients. The first distributed computing device is further configured to generate at least one weighted value based on the number of detected network interactions. The first distributed computing device is further configured to establish an affinity group comprising at least one client from the plurality of clients based on the at least one weighted value.

Abstract: A ball grid array inspection and location method and apparatus includes a raw feature finding processor which uses a feature finding algorithm to find ball features (irrespective of number) and generate a list of raw features as an X and Y location for each feature located. An angle estimation processor receives the list of raw features, a user estimated orientation angle, and ball-to-ball pitch information and determines an estimated grid angle. An on-grid check processor receives the estimated grid angle, the list of raw features and the ball-to-ball pitch information and produces a set or list of on-grid features in the form of a list X and Y translation parameters for each feature/ball found on-grid.

Abstract: A ball grid array inspection and location method and apparatus includes a raw feature finding processor which uses a feature finding algorithm to find ball features (irrespective of number) and generate a list of raw features as an X and Y location for each feature located. An angle estimation processor receives the list of raw features, a user estimated orientation angle, and ball-to-ball pitch information and determines an estimated grid angle. An on-grid check processor receives the estimated grid angle, the list of raw features and the ball-to-ball pitch information and produces a set or list of on-grid features in the form of a list X and Y translation parameters for each feature/ball found on-grid.

Abstract: The invention provides a two-phase method for identifying sets of collinear points in data points, e.g., derived from an image. During a first phase, the "angle-finding" phase, the angular orientation of the lines defined by the sets of points is estimated. During a second phase, the "line-finding" phase, sets of collinear points aligned at that angle are identified. The invention has application, for example, in finding parallel and perpendicular point sets in an image.