Abstract: Disclosed example methods for scheduling a computer-executable job include determining valid combinations of nodes and links from a network of nodes interconnected by links, the valid combinations of nodes and links having capability and capacity to complete the computer-executable job; determining, from the valid combinations of nodes and links, first combinations of nodes and links based on a total cost associated with execution of the computer-executable job on corresponding ones of the valid combinations of nodes and links; selecting one of the first combinations of nodes and links based on a load balancing status between the first combinations of nodes and links; and scheduling the computer-executable job to be executed by the one of the first combinations of nodes and links.

Abstract: Disclosed example methods for scheduling a computer-executable job include determining valid combinations of nodes and links from a network of nodes interconnected by links, the valid combinations of nodes and links having capability and capacity to complete the computer-executable job; determining, from the valid combinations of nodes and links, first combinations of nodes and links based on a total cost associated with execution of the computer-executable job on corresponding ones of the valid combinations of nodes and links; selecting one of the first combinations of nodes and links based on a load balancing status between the first combinations of nodes and links; and scheduling the computer-executable job to be executed by the one of the first combinations of nodes and links.

Abstract: A game system for running a game with access to rich media content for at least one player includes one or more gaming consoles that are connected to a network with a content server that is in communication with the gaming console. The content server provides rich media content through a network for use with the user-play game. A content information receiver, disposed in the gaming console and connected to the network, receives the rich media content provided from the content server. A compositor is used to composite the rich media content with the game, and a game executer, that is provided in the gaming console, executes the game while involving the at least one player.

Abstract: Disclosed example methods for network switch control include accessing link characteristics for a plurality of network switches. The disclosed example methods also include comparing the link characteristics for the plurality of network switches with resource characteristics associated with a data processing function to determine a first one of the network switches on which to execute the data processing function. The disclosed example methods also include scheduling data processing function to be executed by the first one of the network switches.

Abstract: Disclosed example methods for network switch control include accessing link characteristics for a plurality of network switches. The disclosed example methods also include comparing the link characteristics for the plurality of network switches with resource characteristics associated with a data processing function to determine a first one of the network switches on which to execute the data processing function. The disclosed example methods also include scheduling data processing function to be executed by the first one of the network switches.

Abstract: A disclosed example involves determining whether there is at least one valid combination of nodes and links from the network of nodes with capability and capacity over time to complete a computer-executable job by a deadline. A total cost combination of nodes and links is selected from among the at least one valid combination of nodes and links with the capability and capacity over time to complete the computer-executable job by the deadline. The computer-executable job is scheduled to be executed on at least one selected node. The scheduling is based on compiled instructions comprising the computer-executable job. At least some of the link capacity of at least one of the links connected to the at least one selected node is reserved, to match a job transport capacity requirement of the computer-executable job.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing packets in a network are disclosed. For example, the method scans one or more packets representing a content that is being transferred via the network, where the scanning acquires one or more content elements. The method then builds a keyterm index from the one or more content elements, and stores the keyterm index in a repository. A query handler then responds to queries in accordance with the keyterm index.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a user traffic weighted search in a network are disclosed. For example, the method receives a query from a customer and determines whether the customer has opted-in for a service for traffic data monitoring. The method then provides one or more search results to the customer in response to the query, where the one or more search results are prioritized in accordance with collected user usage data if the customer has opted-in for the service for traffic data monitoring.

Abstract: An arrangement provides optimal job scheduling in a distributed computing grid having a network of nodes. As jobs enter the system, their requirements are matched against the capabilities at each node to determine (step 202) candidate nodes. From this set of candidate nodes, a subset of valid nodes is selected (step 204) that has sufficient bandwidth for the duration of the job on each link that will need to be used by the job if run at that candidate node. For each valid node, a total cost is computed (step 206) to run the job. The cost may include such factors as bandwidth cost, server cost, storage cost, delay costs, and the like. Finally, a lowest cost node is selected (step 207), and the job is scheduled for execution (step 208) and then run (step 209) on that lowest cost node.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a user traffic weighted search in a network are disclosed. For example, the method receives a query from a customer and determines whether the customer has opted-in for a service for traffic data monitoring. The method then provides one or more search results to the customer in response to the query, where the one or more search results are prioritized in accordance with collected user usage data if the customer has opted-in for the service for traffic data monitoring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing packets in a network are disclosed. For example, the method scans one or more packets representing a content that is being transferred via the network, where the scanning acquires one or more content elements. The method then builds a keyterm index from the one or more content elements, and stores the keyterm index in a repository. A query handler then responds to queries in accordance with the keyterm index.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method in which users may join a communication mode such that the multimedia content received by the user is closely matched to a predefined profile. The content may be transmitted by unicast, multicast or radio broadcast. Moreover, depending on an individual's request(s) and that of other users in a network, a user may switch between a radio broadcast, multicast and unicast to meet the user's preferences based on a profile. Profile data may include content type, transmission quality, cost considerations, etc. The two-way nature of the system and method also enable a user to request and receive information and complete transactions.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for selectively controlling the interconnectivity of two or more active telephone lines and/or one or more audio characteristics of each of the active telephone liens during a multi-line call. A bridge or a call connection control may be implemented to provide selective call connection for each active telephone call. The user may thereby control the interconnectivity of each parry to the user and to the other parties to the conference or multi-line call. An audio controller may also be implemented within a multi-line telephone or at a telephony switch. The call connection control or the volume control may be implemented within the telephone network such as a switch or locally at the telephone unit. The user may provide the desired interconnectivity or volume parameters for the multi party call using a user interface.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for selectively controlling the interconnectivity of two or more active telephone lines and/or one or more audio characteristics of each of the active telephone liens during a multi-line call. A bridge or a call connection control may be implemented to provide selective call connection for each active telephone call. The user may thereby control the interconnectivity of each party to the user and to the other parties to the conference or multi-line call. An audio controller may also be implemented within a multi-line telephone or at a telephony switch. The call connection control or the volume control may be implemented within the telephone network such as a switch or locally at the telephone unit. The user may provide the desired interconnectivity or volume parameters for the multi party call using a user interface.

Abstract: Loss of synchronization, due to a digital data signal having the same signal value for an extended number of bit or symbol periods, is overcome through the use of a coding scheme which assures transitions after each such period despite the absence of transitions in the signal to be encoded. Broadly, within the encoder, a digital input signal having m signal levels is transformed into a coded digital output signal having n possible signal values, where m<n. The transformation alters the current digital input signal value as a function of the previous coded digital output signal value and the current digital input signal value performed in a number system whose modulus is n. In a disclosed embodiment, a binary input signal is coded into an output signal having three signal levels.