Abstract: A method and system for topology adaptation. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for topology adaptation to support communication in a communicative environment. The embodiment of the method begins by measuring at least one performance metric for a plurality of nodes associated with a plurality of collaborators in the communicative environment. Then, the embodiment of the method dynamically adapts a communication topology for linking the plurality of nodes in the communication network to support communication in the communicative environment based on the at least one performance metric.

Abstract: A method for clustering data streams. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for clustering data streams for use in a virtual environment. The embodiment of the method begins by determining a cluster of receiving nodes in the virtual environment. Each of the cluster of receiving nodes have associated values for at least one clustering parameter that as a set satisfies a test. Then, the embodiment continues by generating a common data stream based on the clustering parameter. Thereafter, the embodiment sends the common data stream from a sending node to the cluster of receiving nodes.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting media service providers based on static resource information are described. A type of service to be performed on an item of content is identified. The item of content is identified during a session with a client device. A service provider is selected from a plurality of service providers. The selection is based on static service provider and static network information. The selection of a service provider is further based on service session information if the service session information has been received. Information is provided for transferring the session to the selected service provider. The selected service provider performs the service on the item of content.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a method for managing a streaming media service. The method includes receiving a request for a streaming media service from a client. It is noted that the streaming media service includes a media service component. Additionally, the method includes selecting a service manager from a plurality of service managers to provide the request to. Furthermore, the method includes selecting a provider from a plurality of providers of a network to assign the media service component. Moreover, the method includes informing said provider assigned to perform the media service component, enabling the streaming media service to be performed on a streaming media.

Abstract: A method and system for managing handoff of media service sessions among service providers in a network are disclosed. Information associated with the media service sessions is received at a service manager. The information at the service manager is used to determine whether to initiate a handoff of any of the media service sessions from a service provider to another service provider. Moreover, if it is determined to initiate the handoff, the handoff is initiated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for servicing content for delivery to a client device are described. An item of content is identified during a session with the client device. A type of service to be performed on the item of content is identified. A provider is selected from a plurality of providers capable of performing the service. The session is transferred to the selected provider, which performs the service on the item of content.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a method for managing a streaming media service. The method includes receiving a request for a streaming media service from a client and the streaming media service includes a media service component. A service location manager is selected to which to provide the request from a plurality of service location managers. Additionally, a service provider is selected to which to assign the media service component from a plurality of service providers of a network. Furthermore, the service provider is informed of the assignment to perform the media service component. The service provider is caused to prepare to perform the streaming media service on streaming media. Moreover, information is used to determine whether to initiate a handoff of the streaming media service from the service provider to another service provider. If it is determined to initiate the handoff, the handoff is initiated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for servicing and delivering content to a client device are described. A request that identifies an item of content is received at a portal from the client device. A type of service to be performed on the item of content is identified. A provider of the type of service is identified. Communication with the client device is transferred from the portal to the service provider. The service provider sends service result content to the client device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for servicing content for delivery to a client device are described. An item of content is identified during a session with the client device. A type of service to be performed on the item of content is identified. An estimate of resources associated with performing the service is used to select a provider from a plurality of providers capable of performing the service. Information for transferring the session to the provider is provided. The provider performs the service on the item of content upon being transferred the session.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting media service providers are described. A type of service to be performed on an item of content is identified. The item of content is identified during a session with a client device. Information regarding current resource availability is received from a plurality of service providers. The information is ascertained from ongoing resource measurements. A service provider is selected from the plurality of service providers based on the information that is received. Information is provided for transferring the session to the service provider. The service provider performs the service on the item of content.

Abstract: A portable wireless system is described. The portable wireless system has a controller that is operable to selectively configure the portable wireless system as a personal electronic appliance or a third party wireless repeater that is configured to relay wireless signals between a third party electronic appliance and a wireless network. Accordingly, the portable wireless system (e.g., a cellular telephone, a pager or a personal digital assistant) may act as a wireless repeater for third party wireless communications when the portable wireless system otherwise is not in use. In this way, the portable wireless system increases the utilization of existing wireless network infrastructures (e.g., a cellular telephone network) by making one or more unused wireless channels available to other devices. A novel incentives-based business model that encourages owners of portable electronic appliances to fully utilize existing wireless network capacity also is described.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus and method for using the same to generate a high-resolution image of a scene from a plurality of low-resolution images taken by the apparatus. The apparatus includes an array of image sensors and a lens for imaging the scene onto the array of image sensors such that each image sensor receives light from a different portion of the scene. The lens is rotationally symmetric about an optical axis that passes through the array of image sensors. The lens has a symmetric light collection function in which the portion of the scene that is imaged onto each of the image sensors depends only on the distance of the image sensor from the intersection of the optical axis. A plurality of low-resolution images taken at different angles of rotation are combined to form the high-resolution image.