Abstract: A system for sharing files among different virtual machine images includes a processor, a memory, and an input/output subsystem. The processor is configured for: a) creating a first virtual image; b) determining whether there exists a second virtual image similar to the first virtual image; c) comparing the files of the first and second virtual images to determine a set of common files; d) creating a common file collection; f) creating a second version of the first virtual image with files in the first virtual image that are not in the common file collection; g) creating a second version of the second virtual image with files in the second virtual image that are not in the common file collection; h) receiving a request for modification of the file within one of the virtual images; and i) determining whether the file to be modified is in the set of common files.

Abstract: A system for monitoring performance of a machine for detection of visible signs of failure, the system including: a machine enclosure housing a plurality of machine parts; a visual conduit for providing a view of an interior of the machine; an interface to the machine configured to receive images from the visual conduit; and a repair network for linking the interface to a monitoring center that provides for the repair of problems with the machine.

Abstract: A services broker provides session suspend and resume capabilities to a computer-supported multi-user session made up of associations between a plurality of participants and the services broker. The services broker includes: a memory; an input/output subsystem for transmission of session data and for communicating with the plurality of participants; a processor, operatively connected to the memory, for carrying out instructions. The instructions cause the processor to: receive a trigger event from at least one of the plurality of participants, the trigger event for resuming a suspending session; verify that the suspending session can be resumed; transmit a resume request to the plurality of participants; and re-establish associations among the plurality of participants. Additionally, the services broker will transmit a stored session state and stored session data to at least one environmental device for resuming the suspended session at the point where the suspended session ended.

Abstract: A system for monitoring performance of a machine for detection of visible signs of failure, the system including: a machine enclosure housing a plurality of machine parts; a visual conduit for providing a view of an interior of the machine; an interface to the machine configured to receive images from the visual conduit; and a repair network for linking the interface to a monitoring center that provides for the repair of problems with the machine.

Abstract: A services broker provides session suspend and resume capabilities to a computer-supported multi-user session made up of associations between a plurality of participants and the services broker. The services broker includes: a memory; an input/output subsystem for transmission of session data and for communicating with the plurality of participants; a processor, operatively connected to the memory, for carrying out instructions. The instructions cause the processor to: receive a trigger event from at least one of the plurality of participants, the trigger event for resuming a suspending session; verify that the suspending session can be resumed; transmit a resume request to the plurality of participants; and re-establish associations among the plurality of participants. Additionally, the services broker will transmit a stored session state and stored session data to at least one environmental device for resuming the suspended session at the point where the suspended session ended.