Abstract: A wireless sensor node can obtain (102) a wireless sensor node group affiliation pursuant to an affiliation formation process and then subsequently transmit (103) information regarding that wireless sensor node group affiliation. By one approach this affiliation formation process can comprise, at least in part, using wireless sensor node group affiliation information as corresponds to other wireless sensor nodes. Such wireless sensor node group affiliation information as corresponds to other wireless sensor nodes might be received, for example, directly from that other wireless sensor node and/or via an intermediary wireless sensor node that acts to forward such information from the other wireless sensor node.

Abstract: A wireless sensor node can request, responds to requests for, and maintain executable code (101), including executable code for which the wireless sensor node is itself tasked with executing. Upon receiving (102), however, a request for executable code that the wireless sensor node is not itself tasked with executing, one determines (103) whether to forward that request. This determination can be based upon any of a variety of decision-making criteria as may pertain to a given application setting (such as whether a different wireless sensor node is, in fact, already responding to this request for executable code, information regarding a number of hops to a known point of executable code injection as may be required to facilitate transport of the executable code from that source to a requesting wireless sensor node, and whether the wireless sensor node itself has locally cached the requested executable code).

Abstract: A method, apparatus (100) and system (200) for altering the playback speed of recorded content (105) to match a target syllable rate is provided. A user may enter a desired, target playback syllable rate through a user interface (101), such as a keypad or touch screen. Alternatively, the target playback syllable rate may be determined from identification of the source of the recorded content (105). An actual playback syllable rate (106) associated with the recorded content (105) is then determined. The recorded content (105) is then altered, by time domain harmonic scaling in one embodiment, such that the altered playback speed (109) substantially matches the target playback syllable rate. In so doing, a listener is able to receive recorded content (105) at a faster or slower rate than it is produced.

Abstract: A self-contained installation program having at least one payload condition is provided (314) and distributed (316) to a plurality of selected nodes, using a wireless link, that subsequently installs the self-contained program based, at least in part, on a correspondence with the at least one payload condition.

Abstract: A plurality of executable software programs are received (101). By one approach these executable software programs are intended for distribution to one or more available candidate distributed network elements. Example network elements include, but are not limited to, wireless sensor elements. These executable software programs are then automatically assessed (102) with respect to at least one predetermined constraint to provide corresponding assessment information. One or more of the executable software programs are then automatically selected (103) to be permitted to be distributed to the network elements as a function, at least in part, of the aforementioned assessment information.

Abstract: A wireless communication device (101) for direct communication with one or more near-proximity devices (111, 113) to form an adhoc network is provided. The wireless communication device comprises a transceiver (201) configured to send, via wireless link, a beacon signal. The beacon signal includes a device identifier (305) and a service map (307) associated with the wireless communication device. The service map identifies one or more applications (223, 225, 227) that may operate on the wireless communication device.