Abstract: A client device having at least one user configurable setting is detected by a user interface device. The user interface device and the client device are in electronic communication with each other. Setting signals identifying user configurable settings of the client device are received at the user interface device. A user interface, based on the setting signals, is formulated at the user interface device. Configuration of the user interface is controlled by the user interface device rather than the client device. User input may be received at the user interface device in view of the user interface. In response to receipt of this input, a control signal is transmitted to the client device to alter at least one user configurable setting of the client device. The user interface device may thus be utilized to view and alter configuration settings for one or more client devices.

Abstract: A method for providing a configurable software library is disclosed. User input to specify target settings for at least one configurable settings of a base software library is received. The base software library is designed to be configurable. At least one code segment to be added to or removed from the base software library is identified based on the target settings. A modified software library is created by altering the base software library in accordance with the target settings in an automated manner utilizing a computer program. Systems for performing the foregoing method are also disclosed. The base and modified software libraries may be in a human-readable or computer-readable (binary) format. The disclosed systems and methods may be utilized to, for example, streamline a software library incorporated into or referenced by programming code.

Abstract: A method for determining a time delay for sending an update request by a computing device is described. A first update request is sent by a computing device at the termination of a first random delay. A first load data is received. A second update request is sent by the computing device at the termination of a maximum update parameter. A second load data is received. The first load data is compared with the second load data. A next update time is adjusted if the first load data differs from the second load data.

Abstract: A method for reducing multicast traffic over a network is described. A control request is received. A first ranking indicator associated with the control request is compared with a second ranking indicator associated with a node that received the control request. A first response to the control request is generated. The first response is stored in a queue. A second response associated with the control request is received. The first response is removed from the queue without being sent to the network.

Abstract: A method for reducing multicast traffic over a network is described. A control request is received. A first ranking indicator associated with the control request is compared with a second ranking indicator associated with a node that received the control request. A first response to the control request is generated. The first response is stored in a queue. A second response associated with the control request is received. The first response is removed from the queue without being sent to the network.

Abstract: A method for distributing updates for a key is described. One or more update requests are received per unit of time. The number of received update requests per unit of time is multiplied by a maximum update period to estimate the number of active nodes in a group. The total number of received update requests per unit of time is determined. An amount representing additional update requests per unit of time is obtained from the difference between the total number of received updates and a determined maximum. A minimum update period for a group of nodes is determined.

Abstract: A method for reducing multicast traffic over a network is described. A control request is received. A first ranking indicator associated with the control request is compared with a second ranking indicator associated with a node that received the control request. A first response to the control request is generated. The first response is stored in a queue. A second response associated with the control request is received. The first response is removed from the queue without being sent to the network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing status data to a requesting device are disclosed. A request for status data is transmitted from a requesting device to a providing device. The request includes prior values of variables stored at the requesting device. At the providing device, the transmitted prior values are compared with current values of the variables stored at the providing device. Changed variables, which comprise variables for which the current value is different from the prior value, are identified. A variable map is formulated that identifies the changed variables. Current values for the changed variables and variable map are organized into a pre-defined format to form status data. The status data is transmitted to the requesting device.

Abstract: A system for selectively controlling electrical outlets using power profiling is disclosed. There is a plurality of electrical outlets that each comprises a power socket capable of receiving a plug, an outlet identification and a switch that when in a first position no power is available at the power socket, and when the switch is in a second position power is available at the power socket. A controller is in electronic communication with the plurality of electrical outlets. The controller includes a processor and memory in electronic communication with the processor. The controller also includes power profiles and operates to receive data from an electrical outlet of the plurality of electrical outlets. A device or class of device is identified based on the received data. A power profile is identified based on the received data. Action is taken based on the power profile.

Abstract: A method for determining a time delay for sending an update request by a computing device is described. A first update request is sent by a computing device at the termination of a first random delay. A first load data is received. A second update request is sent by the computing device at the termination of a maximum update parameter. A second load data is received. The first load data is compared with the second load data. A next update time is adjusted if the first load data differs from the second load data.

Abstract: A method for distributing updates for a key is described. One or more update requests are received per unit of time. The number of received update requests per unit of time is multiplied by a maximum update period to estimate the number of active nodes in a group. The total number of received update requests per unit of time is determined. An amount representing additional update requests per unit of time is obtained from the difference between the total number of received updates and a determined maximum. A minimum update period for a group of nodes is determined.

Abstract: A method for reducing multicast traffic over a network is described. A control request is received. A first ranking indicator associated with the control request is compared with a second ranking indicator associated with a node that received the control request. A first response to the control request is generated. The first response is stored in a queue. A second response associated with the control request is received. The first response is removed from the queue without being sent to the network.