TW200924460A - Automated real-time data stream switching in a shared virtual area communication environment - Google Patents

Abstract

Switching real-time data stream connections between network nodes (52, 54, 56, 64, 404) sharing a virtual area (28) is described. In one aspect, the switching involves storing a virtual area specification (60, 180). The virtual area specification (60, 180) includes a description of one or more switching rules each defining a respective connection between sources (66) of a respective real-time data stream type and sinks (68) of the real-time data stream type is terms of positions in the virtual area (28). Real-time data stream connections are established between network nodes (52, 54, 56, 64, 404) associated with respective objects (30, 32, 34) each of which is associated with at least one of a source (66) and a sink (68) of one or more of the real-time data stream types. The real-time data stream connections are established based on the one or more switching rules, the respective sources (66) and sinks (68) associated with the objects (30, 32, 34), and respective positions of the objects (30, 32, 34) in the virtual area (28).

Description

200924460 VI. INSTRUCTIONS: TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION C FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to automated data stream communication techniques in a shared virtual area communication environment. [Prior Art] 1 Background of the Invention When face-to-face communication is not practical, one often relies on one or more technical solutions to meet its communication needs. These solutions are typically designed to simulate one or more aspects of face-to-face communication. Traditional telephone systems allow voice communication between callers. Instant messaging (often referred to as "chat") The communication system allows users to instantly communicate text messages via instant messaging clients that are connected via an instant messenger server. Some instant messaging systems additionally allow users to control graphical objects (called "avatars") to present in a virtual environment. The interactive virtual reality communication system allows users at remote locations to communicate and interact with each other via a plurality of instant channels by manipulating their individual avatars in a shared three-dimensional virtual space. With the increased use of computer systems with high processing power and high-bandwidth network connectivity, interest in avatar-based virtual reality communication systems has increased. The primary goal of such a virtual reality system is to create a virtual space in which users can interact and communicate using instant data streams such as audio, video, and text chat. The virtual space is typically defined by a computer graphics specification that describes the visual geometry of the space, the color and texture mapped to the visual geometry, and how the user controls the internal collision of the space in the space. 3 200924460 Collision properties, and the space Sound effects such as reverberation and sound absorption properties. In a typical virtual reality system, each user communicates via an interface, which is a source point, a collection point, or a source point and a collection point of one or more of the instant data streams supported by the system. both. By means of the built-in, the virtual reality system is typically connected to each point of the virtual space representative to each collection point of the virtual space representative, accepting the global exchange rules, local user preferences, and the nature of the objects within the virtual space. Prescribed conditions. These conditions are typically dictated by the relative distance between the objects. 10 For example, some systems are grouped so that if the separation distance between avatars exceeds the maximum critical distance, no real-time data stream connection is established. In addition, certain objects are designed to affect how data streams are formed. For example, screen objects interfere with the vision and sound in a particular direction. Other objects are designed to affect the interaction area associated with the user's avatar when the user's avatar is inside the interactive area of the object. For example, the stage adapter object is added to the size of the avatar audio interaction space inside the interactive space of a virtual stage, and the table adapter object folds into the interactive space of all the avatars of a virtual table into the virtual table. A total of interactive spaces. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 3 In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of exchanging real-time data stream links between network nodes sharing a virtual area. According to this method, the virtual area specification is stored. The virtual area specification includes a description of one or more exchange rules, and the exchange rules are located in the virtual area, defined 200924460

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The source point of the individual instant (4) stream type and the type of the instant data stream: the individual links between the points. One or more real-time data stream links are established between (4) the network nodes associated with the other objects, and each of the objects is such that the real-time data stream is the source of the source and the at least one of the collection points One (four) joint. The data stream link is established based on the item or multiple exchange rules, the individual source points and collection points associated with the objects, and the individual locations of the objects in the virtual area. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an apparatus for exchanging instant data stream links between network nodes for sharing a virtual area. The device includes a computer readable memory limb - the department. «Brain can be used to store - virtual area specifications, the specification contains one or more exchange rules, just in the position of the virtual (four) towel, each specification - the source of the individual real-time data stream type - Individual links between the collection points of the instant data stream. The processing unit is operable to establish one or more real-time data stream links between the associated network node of the object, and each object is associated with the source point and the aggregation point of the one or more of the instant data stream types. At least one of the processing units that establish one or more based on the one or more exchange rules, individual source points and collection points associated with the objects, and individual locations in the virtual area of the Hai Instant data stream 20 links. In another aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a computer-readable instruction or a computer-readable medium, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the following operations: storage-virtual area specification Contains the description of one or more exchange rules, in the location of the virtual zone, each of the 5 200924460 rule forms - the source point of the individual instant data stream type and the collection point of the instant data stream - individual links And establishing one or more real-time data stream links between the networks associated with the individual objects, each object being associated with the source point and the aggregation point of the one or more of the instant data stream types At least - the processing unit establishes one or more real-time data based on the item or multiple exchange rules, individual source points and collection points associated with the objects, and individual locations of the objects in the virtual area Streaming links. 10 15 A. The present invention relates to a method of constructing a virtual area. In response to the user's input, a virtual area model is formed on the display monitor. The model includes geometric elements presented in a virtual area of the display monitor. In response to the user's round-in, the item or multiple exchange rules are related to the model of the virtual area. In the location of the virtual zone, each exchange rule defines - an individual link between the source point of the individual instant data stream type and the collection point of the instant data stream type. The virtual zone model and one or more interchangeable rules - virtual zone specifications are generated. The specifications of the financial district are stored on a computer readable storage medium. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a network switch for exchanging instant data stream connections between network nodes sharing a virtual area. The network 20 switch includes a computer readable memory and a processing unit. The computer can capture the memory and operate to store a virtual area specification, which includes a 交换f exchange specification (4), in the position of the virtual reduction towel, each rule boundary - the source point of the individual instant data stream type The individual links between the collection points of the instant data stream. The computer readable memory is also operational and 200924460 stores a table containing network topology information describing the routing paths routed to the network destination. The processing unit is operable to forward the instant data stream packet between the network nodes, and the source point and the aggregation point of each of the node and one of the virtual area and the one or more of the instant data stream types At least one of 5 is associated. The processing unit forwards the one or more real-time data stream packets based on the network topology information and the one or more exchange rules. The foregoing embodiments of the face of the present invention include one or more of the following structures. The 10 & zone specification typically includes a description of one or more segments in the virtual zone. The one or more exchange rules are associated with one or more of the following segments: (1) individual real-time data stream types from the segment and (9) individual real-time data stream types are those segments of the aggregation point Individual sections. The method of establishing an instant data stream link typically includes determining a location of a first object and a second object associated with one or more of the 15 segments of the zones, and establishing the one or more based on the determined location Instant data stream link. The method of establishing an instant bee stream linkage further includes identifying all segments occupied by a given one of the objects, and determining an immediate data string associated with the identified zone slaves such as - or multiple exchange rules One of the stream types is 20 dry collections. The method for establishing an instant data stream connection also includes: determining that one of the objects except the given object is included in one or more of the following sections, such as defined by an item or a plurality of exchange rules The segment is the segment of the source data stream type of the standard light collection and the real-time data stream type in the standard collection; the 200924460 疋 instant data stream a concatenated set, each stream belonging to one of the following: (1) sourced from one or more of the network peaks associated with the identified object and (9) incorporated into the Determining the one or more of the network nodes associated with the identified object 5; and determining the required real-time data based on a match between the source point and the collection point associated with the connectable set of the instant beet stream Stream type collection. At least one of the exchange rules may associate an individual role identifier with the 'instant data' class; and the method of establishing a real-time stream link includes the role identifier and the individual based on the source point One or more of the instant data stream links are established by comparing the role identifiers associated with one or more objects associated with the source point of the given instant data stream type. At least one of the change rules may associate a match point role 15 with a given one of the instant data stream types, and a method of establishing an instant lean stream link includes based on the gather point role identifier One or more of the real-time data stream links are established by comparing the individual character identifiers associated with one or more objects associated with the collection point of the given instant data stream type. The method of streaming connection may additionally be based on at least the item-adjacent policy rule, and only allow the source of money associated with the object within a specified distance within the virtual area. In point of compatible cases can be maintained - Object register the object temporary storage.

Each of the objects includes a personal, virtual Q, initial identification, allowing the network node associated with the object to establish a network connection; and identifying all of the instant data streams associated with the object. Interface data for source point types and collection point types. The object register is typically sent to one or more network nodes associated with objects in the virtual zone. The interface data can be received from a given node of the 5 network nodes. The interface data for each object associated with the given network node typically includes one of the instant data stream source point type and the instant data stream aggregation point type associated with the given network node. The object register is typically updated with interface data received from the given network node. The updated object register is typically sent to one or more other network nodes associated with the items listed in the 10 object registers. Determining an instant data stream processing topology that delivers a specified set of instant data stream types to a given network node; the virtual area specification may be one or more of one or more sectors in the virtual area The instant data stream 15 type specifies a stream attribute value; and the method for determining the instant stream topology typically includes selecting the stream stream based on one or more stream attribute values specified by the virtual area specification Handling topology. The virtual zone specification may assign the first stream priority attribute attribute value to the first real-time data stream type, and may assign the second stream priority order attribute value to the first stream priority attribute value not equal to 20 The instant data stream type; and the method for selecting the instant data stream processing topology includes selecting a topology as the stream processing topology, the topology is based on different first and second stream priority attribute values The priority order of the first and second instant data stream types is sorted in different ways. 9 200924460 The virtual zone specification may assign the first stream topology attribute value to the first instant data stream type, and assign a second stream topology attribute value different from the first stream topology attribute value to the second The instant data stream type; and the method for selecting the instant data stream processing topology includes selecting different strings for the first and second instant data stream types according to different 5th and 2nd stream topology attribute values Stream processing topology. The streaming processing topology selected for the first instant data stream type may deliver one of the first type of real-time data streams to the given network node in a mixed stream format; and the second instant data stream The type-selected stream processing topology may deliver one of the second type of instant data streams to the given network node in an unmixed stream format. The method of establishing an instant data stream link includes forming one or more real-time data stream links via individual links, the individual links having individual link bandwidths and individual transmit sets of one or more real-time data streams of the carrier. 15 virtual zone specifications may assign one or more individual bandwidth bits to each of one or more instant data stream types; and the method of forming a link may be individually assigned to the one or more instant messages based on the virtual zone specification One or more bandwidth levels of the stream type. The virtual zone specification may assign individual minimum bandwidth bits to each of one or more instant data stream types; and the method of forming a link includes individually assigning the one or more live data streams based on the virtual zone specification One or more minimum bandwidth levels of the type, determining the minimum link bandwidth level for each link, and forming only those individual link bandwidths that satisfy the determined individual minimum link bandwidth levels link. The virtual zone specification may assign each of the majority of the bandwidth level sets to one or more of the 10 200924460 data stream types; and the method of forming the link includes at least in part based on the bandwidth allocated by the virtual zone specification Leveling, attempting to form a given link in the first candidate link bandwidth level determined; and in response to failing to form the given at the first candidate link bandwidth level - 5 determining the link, attempting to form the given link at the determined second candidate link bandwidth level based at least in part on the bandwidth level assigned by the virtual zone specification. The virtual zone specification may assign a different stream priority attribute value to each of one or more instant data stream types; and the method of forming the link includes, for example, for each link, based at least in part on the virtual area specification Assigning to the one or more _stream priority attribute values of the one or more instant data stream types, assigning individual link bandwidths to one or more real-time data streams in the individual transmission set. It may be decided to deliver a set of instant data stream data sets to a given data stream processing topology for a given one of the network nodes. In this method 15, the bandwidth capacity of a given network node in the virtual zone and one or more of its network nodes associated with the object is determined, and based on the discovered I bandwidth capacity Select Streaming Topology. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of exchanging instant data stream links between network nodes sharing a virtual area. According to this method, an instant data stream set is determined. The live data stream allows one of the network nodes associated with one of the individual locations in the virtual zone to participate in a collaborative communication with one of the other network nodes associated with the individual locations in the virtual zone Talk. The one or more real-time data stream links that deliver the instant data stream set to the given network node are determined at least in part by the bandwidth capacity of the given network node. Establish an instant data stream connection between the given network node and one or more other network nodes. Embodiments in accordance with this aspect of the invention include one or more of the following features. 5 The method for determining the instant data stream connection comprises determining an individual form in which each of the real-time data streams is to be received, wherein the determined real-time data streams are respectively in the form of unmixed real-time data streams, or are derived from other network nodes. One of the instant data stream combinations sent is mixed with the instant data stream form. 10 The method for determining an instant data stream connection includes determining, by using the path, a network routing path of each of the instant data streams, wherein the determined network routing path is a direct peer-to-peer network routing path or Network routing paths mediated by one or more other network nodes. The virtual area specifications can be stored. The virtual area specification typically includes one or more 15 exchange rules. Each rule defines a location between the virtual data stream type source point and the instant data stream type aggregation point. An individual link, wherein at least one of the determination and the determination is based on the exchange rules. Derived from one of the instant data streams sent by other network nodes. One or more forms of hybrid real-time data streams can be sent to the given network node. The method of determining the live data stream connection includes discovering the bandwidth capacity of one or more other network nodes; and selecting one or more live data stream links based on the discovered bandwidth capacity. 12 200924460 The one or more determined real-time data stream links involve exchanging real-time data streams between network nodes in the first set via a central network node; and connecting directly through the same-level network connection, in the second Exchange real-time data streams between network nodes of the collection. One or more determined real-time data 5 stream links involve transmitting a hybrid instant data stream to the given network node, the stream containing the requested real-time data stream data and being in other network nodes The instant data stream sent by one is exported. The method of determining an instant data stream link includes determining one or more of the 10 live data stream links that maximize the delivery of the unmixed instant data stream to the given network node. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of exchanging instant data stream links between network nodes sharing a virtual area. According to such a method, each of the one or more recipients of the network nodes determines an individual 15 link through which one or more of the individual transmission sets of the instant data stream are transmitted. Each link has an individual link bandwidth. For each link, the individual link bandwidth is allocated between one or more channels configured for one or more of the instant data streams in the individual transmission set; and one or more of the individual transmission sets The instant data stream is sent to the individual receiving network nodes through the individually configured channels. 20 Embodiments of this aspect of the invention include one or more of the following characteristics. The method of determining an individual link includes determining, for each link, one or more individual bandwidth levels for each of one or more of the individual data streams in the individual transmission set; and configuring the individual chains based on the determined bandwidth level The road bandwidth is 13 200924460 to the key. For each link: determining individual bandwidth levels includes identifying individual minimum bandwidth levels for each of the individual transmission streams in the individual transmission set; and determining the individual minimum bandwidth levels by the one or more identified individual minimum bandwidth levels, Calculate the individual minimum link bandwidth levels. The method includes discarding any links in response to determining that the bandwidth level of the keyway 5 is insufficient to satisfy the individual minimum link bandwidth level. For each link: determining an individual bandwidth level includes, for each of the one or more of the individual data streams in the individual transmission group, by individual first: good frequency bandwidth level to individual second preferred frequency An individual preferred order of wide-level ordering to identify at least two individual bandwidth levels; and calculating an individual target link bandwidth level based at least in part on the first preferred bandwidth level identified by the identifier; And calculating an individual alternate link bandwidth level based at least in part on the identified second preferred bandwidth level. The method of determining individual links includes for each of the receiving network nodes: attempting to establish an individual link to the receiving network node at the target link bandwidth level, and responding to the failure to establish a target link bandwidth level of 15 An individual link to the receiving network node attempts to establish an individual link to the receiving network node at the alternate link bandwidth level. The method of attempting to establish an individual link includes comparing the target link bandwidth level with the current bandwidth amount available to transmit the individual transmission set and the current bandwidth amount available to the individual receiving network node. 20 A method of determining an individual link includes, for each of the receiving network nodes: attempting to establish an individual link to the receiving network node at an individual candidate link bandwidth level; and responding to failure to the individual candidate link bandwidth bits An individual link to the receiving network node is quasi-established, and at least one of the optional instant data streams in the set of transmitted data is discarded. 14 200924460 200924460

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20 The method for determining an individual link includes establishing, for each receiving network, an individual candidate link bandwidth level to the receiving network ^ point: tasting the air path; and responding to the failure of the individual candidate link bandwidth bits ^ The individual links of the individual key receiving network nodes are configured to send one or more real-time data streams through the network routing path by one or more to the medium of the reading medium. To the receiving network node, the method of determining the individual link includes the respective receiving network. Establishing an individual candidate keyway bandwidth level to the receiving network node, an attempted way path, and responding to an individual link that fails to establish an individual key receiving network node at an individual candidate link bandwidth level, One or more hybrid real-time data strings derived from the combination of the poor network streams of other network nodes: the time form, the establishment of the 'earth, H~+ ones that will be sent individually/吼The instant data stringer arrives at one of the links of the receiving network node. The method of determining individual links includes configuring individual bandwidths for each link based on the number of attribute shirts associated with the individual receiving network nodes. For each link, the individual link bandwidths may be assigned based on one or more stream priority order levels associated with one or more of the individual data streams in the individual transmission set. Each of the links may be an individual one-way key from one of the network nodes transmitting the individual transmission set to the individual node of the receiving network node. The present invention also relates to a type of server, comprising a computer readable memory and a processing unit for storing computer readable instructions, the processing unit is detachable to the computer readable memory, operable to execute instructions And at least some of the portions 15 200924460 engage in operations including the aforementioned method elements based on the execution of the operational instructions. The present invention additionally relates to computer readable media that stores computer readable instructions that cause the computer to perform operations including the elements of the foregoing methods. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a network adapter for exchanging instant data stream connections between network nodes sharing a virtual area 5. The network adapter includes a computer readable memory storing a computer readable command and a processing unit coupled to the computer readable memory, operative to execute the instructions, and at least The operations including the following operations are performed based in part on the execution of the operational instructions. For one or more of the plurality of network nodes, the processing unit determines that one of the individual transmission sets of the one or more instant data streams can be transmitted over the link. Each link has an individual link bandwidth. Configuring, for each link, the processing unit is configured to allocate an individual link bandwidth between one or more of the one or more real-time data streams in the individual transmission set; and send 15 to the individual configured channel One or more of the instant data streams in the individual transmission set are streamed to the individual receiving network nodes. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, including the accompanying drawings and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a network node, including a graphical user interface that presents a two-dimensional map of shared virtual regions. Figure 2A is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a shared virtual area communication environment in which network nodes communicate in a peer-to-peer network architecture. Figure 2B is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a shared virtual area communication environment. Figure 16 200924460, wherein the network nodes communicate in a server medium architecture. Figure 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a co-vulnerable virtual area communication environment that includes a set of descriptive instant data stream links between source points and collection points of three network nodes. 5 Figure 4 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a network node including a set of illustrative source points and a set of illustrative collection points. Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a graphical user interface showing a perspective view of a virtual area including segments associated with individual instant data stream exchange rules. 1A is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a graphical user interface showing a plan view of the three-dimensional virtual area shown in FIG. Figure 7 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a guest network node and a second guest network node connected to one of the zone server network nodes in an embodiment of a shared virtual zone communication environment. 15 Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of a shared virtual area communication environment shown in Figure 7. Figure 9 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method performed by a zone of client network nodes and a zone of server network nodes. Figure 10 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method by which the serial machine and the processor embodiment process the configuration data received from - (4) service H. Figure 11 shows a plan view of the virtual area shown in Figure 6, where the virtual area is flooded with four avatar objects. Figure 12 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for determining the delivery of the required data stream data to a real-time data stream link of a client-side peripheral node. 17 200924460 Figure 13 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of exchanging instant data streams between network nodes sharing a virtual area. Figure 14 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of exchanging instant data stream connections between network nodes sharing a virtual area. 5 Figure 15 is a block diagram of a host system including a network adapter with enhanced link management functionality. Figure 16 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the network adapter shown in Figure 15. Figure 17 is a flow chart showing one of the methods for determining the delivery of the required data stream data to one or more real-time data stream processing topologies of a regional client network node. Figure 18 is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of an instant data stream processing topology. Figure 19 is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of an instant data stream processing topology. 15 Figure 20 is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of an instant data stream processing topology. Figure 21 is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of an instant data stream processing topology. Figure 22 is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of an instant data stream processing topology. Figure 2 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a shared virtual area communication environment including an embodiment of a network switch that manages instant data stream connections in accordance with switching rules defined in virtual area specifications. [Embodiment 3 18 200924460 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In the following description, similar element symbols are used to designate similar elements. Further, the drawings are intended to illustrate the main features of the embodiments. The drawings are not intended to depict each feature of the actual embodiments, nor the relative dimensions of the elements shown. I. Summary The embodiments described herein provide a system and method for exchanging real-time data stream links in a shared virtual area communication environment. These embodiments allow for the exchange of real-time data between a plurality of network nodes communicating via a shared virtual area. 10 The exchange rules of the stream explicitly follow the rules of the virtual area. These embodiments allow the virtual zone designer to not only control the shape and appearance of the virtual zone, but also control the communicants that are connected to each other via the instant data stream. In this way, the virtual zone designer can share a virtual zone for a special communication purpose or a virtual zone for a special communication environment (such as a personal space, a gallery, a concert hall, a lecture hall, a conference room, and a clubhouse). ) Optimize the instant data stream connection between multiple correspondents. In addition, by combining the automatic exchange rules with the location in the virtual zone, these embodiments reduce the complexity involved in the link between the correspondent node and the break, and compare the properties and properties of the objects based on the virtual space to establish a 20-link and The system that ends the connection and the system that interleaves the signal processing function with the stream routing, connection, and interrupt connection functions can improve the system's extensibility. II. Definition of Terms “Virtual Area” is a representation of a space or scene managed by a computer. Virtual area 19 200924460 can be one-dimensional or two-dimensional representation. Frequently virtual areas are designed to simulate real, real world spaces. For example, using a traditional computer monitor, the virtual area can be viewed as a two-dimensional graphic of the space created by the three-dimensional computer. However, the virtual area does not require an associated visualization to implement the exchange rules. 5 “Virtual Area Specification” is a description of the virtual area used to form the shared virtual area communication environment. A "segment" is a zone of a virtual zone associated with at least one of the rules of the instant data stream exchanged (e.g., routed, linked, and broken) between the network nodes via the shared virtual zone. 10 “Recipients” are those who communicate or otherwise participate in shared virtual zone communication interlocutors. An "object" is any type of component in the virtual area that is separate from the virtual area geometry. - Objects typically have separate and distinct properties from the properties and properties of the virtual zone. 5 Incarnation is an object representing the communicator in the virtual zone. The "location" of a virtual zone refers to the location or volume of a point or zone in the virtual zone. A point is typically represented by a set of _ or three-dimensional coordinates (eg, x, y, z) defined in the virtual zone. A region is typically thinner than the = area to define a 20-dimensional coordinate representation of three or more coplanar vertices of a closed two-dimensional shape boundary. The volume is typically defined by the virtual zone defining a three-dimensional coordinate representation of four or more non-coplanar vertices of a closed one-dimensional shape boundary. 2. The examples of "network nodes" as contacts or connection points include, but are not limited to, terminal devices, computers, and network switches. p "Computer" is a machine that processes data based on machine-readable instructions (such as software) that are stored temporarily or permanently on machine-readable media. A collection of such instructions that perform a particular task is referred to as a program or software program. "Instant Data Streaming" is data that is structured and processed in a continuous stream and designed to receive without delay or only undetectable delay; real-time streaming includes voice, video, user movement, facial expressions And digital representation of other physical phenomena, as well as computer environment internal data that can benefit from fast transfer, fast execution, or fast transfer and fast execution, including, for example, avatar move instructions, text chat, instant data feeds (eg, sensors) Data, machine control commands, transactional streams and stock quotes feeds, and 10 file transfers. "Source Point" (herein referred to as "Source Point") is any device, part of a device (such as a computer), or software that generates data. The "data collection point" (hereinafter referred to as "collection point") is any device that receives data, some devices (such as a computer), or software. 15 "Exchange Rules" are instructions that require one or more conditions to be met to link or discontinue the connection of one or more instant source points to one or more instant data collection points. "Streaming Mix" is a combination of two or more real-time streams of the same type (such as audio, video, chat, and mobile data). 20 "Transceiver Switch" is a cross-connected network node that receives an analog or digital signal by a network node and transmits the received signal (or a copy of the received signal) to one or more other network nodes ( Network devices such as clients, servers, and network devices. "Streaming Topology" is a network routing path that is delivered to one or more network nodes through real-time data streams (each of which is a hybrid stream 21 200924460 or unmixed stream). III. INTRODUCTION The embodiments described herein provide a system and method for exchanging instant 5 data streams in a shared virtual area communication environment. Communicators typically access such an environment by performing individual network nodes that perform individual copies of communication software programs having two-dimensional and three-dimensional visualization capabilities. The communication software program controls the client processing program to be viewed in the virtual area of the individual network node, and establishes an instant data stream connection with other network nodes. Correspondents are typically presented in the Virtual Zone 10 by an individual avatar that moves around the virtual zone in response to input commands entered by the correspondent at their individual network nodes. The typical view of the virtual zone of the correspondent is presented by the perspective of the communicator's avatar, increasing the degree of immersion experienced by the communicator. Each communicant typically views any part of the virtual area surrounding its avatar. Figure 1 shows an example of implementation of a network node 10 implemented by a computer system including a display monitor 12, a computer mouse 14, a keyboard 16, speakers 18, 20, and a microphone 22. Display monitor 12 displays a graphical user interface 24. The graphical user interface 24 is a window-based graphical user interface that can include multiple windows, thumbnails, and indicators. In this particular embodiment, graphical user interface 24 presents a two-dimensional display of shared three 20-dimensional virtual regions 28 representing the corridor. The correspondent is represented in the virtual area 28 by individual avatars 30, 32, and 34, and the avatars have individual roles (such as administrators, family members, and visitors). As will be described in detail later, virtual area 28 includes sections 36, 38, 40, 42, 44 associated with a plurality of network nodes represented by avatars 30-34 in virtual area 28. 200924460 Managing Instant Data Streaming The individual rules of the exchange are associated. (During a typical communication session, the dashed line at the boundary of Section 36-44 in Figure 1 is not visible to the correspondent, but may have associated visual cues for such segment boundaries). The exchange rules indicate how the local link handlers executing on the various network nodes establish communication based on the location of the avatars 30-34 of the multiplexer in the virtual zone 28 segments 36-44. During the communication session, each correspondent network node generates a collection of instant data streams (e.g., mobile data stream, audio data stream, chat stream, file stream, and video stream). For example, each of the 10 correspondents operates one or more input devices (e.g., computer mouse 14 and keyboard 16) that generate a mobile data stream that controls the movement of the avatar in virtual area 28. In addition, the voice and other sounds of the correspondent that are locally generated near the network node 10 are captured by the microphone 22. The microphone 22 produces an audio signal that is converted to an instant audio stream. Individual copies of the audio stream are transmitted to other network nodes in the virtual area 15 28 that are represented by the avatar. The sounds generated locally by the other network nodes are converted into instant audio signals and sent to the network node 10. The network node 10 converts the received locally generated audio stream into an audio signal presented by the speakers 18, 20. Mobile data stream and audio stream can be sent directly or indirectly by each correspondent node to other correspondent network nodes 20 points. In several streaming processing topologies, each correspondent network node receives a copy of the instant data stream sent by other correspondent network nodes. In other streaming processing topologies, one or more correspondent network nodes receive one or more mixed contentions derived from an instant data stream originating from (or from) other network nodes. 23 200924460 FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a shared virtual area communication environment 50 in which three network nodes 52, 54, 56 are interconnected by a communication network 58 in a peer-to-peer architecture. Communication network 58 can be a local area network (LAN) or a global communication network (e.g., the Internet). Network nodes 52-56 are represented by individual computers. 5 In this architecture, each network node 52-56 sends a change in state, such as an avatar in the virtual zone, to various other network nodes. One of the network nodes (typically the network node that initiated the communication session) operates as a virtual area server. In this particular embodiment, network node 52 acts as the virtual area server. The virtual area server network node 52 maintains the general state information and acts as a data server for the other network nodes 54, 56. General Status Information includes all objects in the virtual area and their forms in individual locations in the virtual area. Virtual area server network node 52 periodically sends general status information to other network nodes 54, 56. The virtual area server network node 52 also temporarily stores and sends initialization information to other network nodes requesting to join the communication session. In this processing procedure, the virtual area server network node 52 sends a virtual area specification 60 copies to each of the joined network nodes, which can be stored in a local database or a remote database. If a communication error occurs, the virtual area server network node 52 also ensures that other network nodes 54, 56 can be synchronized to a common state. As detailed later, the virtual area specification 60 includes the geometric elements of the virtual area and one or more exchange rules governing the instant data stream connection between the plurality of network nodes. The description of the geometric elements allows individual communication applications operating on network nodes 52-56 to present individual virtual area views to correspondents on individual display monitors. The exchange rules indicate how the link handlers executed on the various network nodes 52-56 establish communication with other network nodes based on the avatars of the communicators in the virtual zone. Figure 2B is an embodiment of a shared virtual area communication environment 62 for network node 52-56 (referred to as "zone client node" in the architecture) for communication over the fabric by virtual area server 64 media. Graphical view. In the present embodiment, the zone server 64 has the zone server function performed by the network node 52 in the peer-to-peer architecture embodiment shown in FIG. 2A. In this regard, the zone server 64 maintains general state information and acts as a data server for the zone guest network nodes 52-56. As detailed later, this architecture allows for an instant data stream (flowing between the client network nodes 52-56 that are to be processed in a variety of topologies, including top-level topology, medium-area server 64 As a communication server operation between the network nodes 52-56, the complete server media topology, and the combination of the same level topology and the complete server media topology are mixed into one topology. Figure 3 shows the shared virtual In one embodiment of the area communication environment, a set of illustrative real-time stream links between the source points and the aggregation points of the 15 network nodes 52-56. For convenience of explanation, the arrows in the third figure are respectively An individual set of one or more instant data streams is shown. According to the embodiment described herein, the link shown in FIG. 3 is based on the exchange rules defined in the shared virtual area specification, and the correspondent avatar is in the shared virtual area. The location and location of the special source points and collection points available on each of the network nodes 52-56. Figure 4 shows a network including an illustrative source point set 66 and an illustrative collection point set 68. A specific embodiment of point 52. Each source point is a device or component of network node 52 that originates the data, and each aggregation point is a device or component of network node 52 that receives the data. Source point set 66 package 25 200924460 An audio source point 70 (eg, an audio capture device such as a microphone), a video source point 7 2 (eg, a video capture device such as a video camera), a chat source point 74 (eg, a text capture device such as a keyboard), a mobile data source Point 76 (eg, an indicator device such as a computer mouse), and an "other" source point 5 78 (eg, a file sharing source point or a customized instant data stream source point). The collection point set 68 includes an audio collection point 80. (eg, audio-sounding devices such as speakers or headphones), a video collection point 82 (eg, a video imaging device such as a display monitor), a chat collection point 84 (eg, a text presentation device such as a display monitor), a mobile data collection Point 86 (e.g., a mobile imaging device 10 such as a display monitor), and a "other" collection point 88 (e.g., for printing) One of the files is a printer, a device for presenting instant data, or a software for processing instant data for analysis or customized display, as described in the previous section. The road node embodiment exemplifies that a wide variety of source points and collection points may be available at each network node 15 points. By allowing the zone designer to control how to establish a connection between the source point and the collection point, the embodiment is described herein. The designer provides greater control over the communication experience of the communicator in the virtual area and interacts in other ways. In this way, the zone designer can optimize the virtual area for special communication purposes or for a special communication environment (eg 20 personal spaces, galleries, concert halls, lecture halls, conference rooms, and clubhouses). IV. Specification Virtual Area A. Introduction The shared virtual area is defined by a specification that includes a description of the geometric elements of the virtual area and controls one or more exchange rules for the real-time data stream connection between multiple network nodes. . The geometric elements of the virtual zone typically include the solid geometry and the collision geometry of the virtual zone. The solid geometry describes the shape of the virtual area. Solid geometry is typically formed by the surface of a triangle, quadrilateral, or polygon. Color and Texture Mapping 5 to the solid geometry to form a more realistic look of the virtual area. For example, light can be used to provide lighting effects by visually illuminating the visual geometry and by modifying the texture, color, or intensity to be close to the light. The collision geometry describes the visually invisible surface of the object in the virtual zone. The collision geometry can coincide with the visual geometry, corresponding to a simpler approximation of the visual geometry' or related to the designer's specific requirements. The exchange rules typically include a description of the conditions used to link the source and collection points of the instant data stream in the virtual zone. Each rule typically includes an attribute that defines the type of immediate data stream to which the rule applies and the location in the virtual area to which the rule applies. In some embodiments, each of the rules 15 may include one or more attributes that specify the required source role, the required collection point role, the priority order of the stream, and the requested stream processing topology. In some embodiments, if there is no explicit exchange rule for a particular portion of the virtual zone, one or more implied or built-in exchange rules can be applied to that portion of the virtual zone. An illustrative internal exchange rule is 20 rules that link each source point within a zone to each compatible collection point as long as the policy rules are followed. Policy rules are universally applied to all links in the zone's clients, or only to individual links to individual virtual zone clients. An example of a policy rule is that the proximity policy rule 'only allows source points associated with individual objects within a virtual zone within a specified distance (or radius) to be associated with a collection point that is compatible with 200924460. B. Descriptive ways to specify virtual zones 1. Specify the geometric elements of the virtual zone A wide variety of different 3D graphic design tools and game level design editors can be used to specify the geometric elements of a virtual zone. In general, the specification of the geometric elements of a virtual zone may be described in any type of three-dimensional description language, including but not limited to VRML (eg, reference http://www.web3d.org/x3d/specifications/vrml), X3D (eg, Refer to http://www.web3d.org/x3d/specifications/x3d), COLLADA 10 (for example, refer to http://www.COLLADA.org), and U3D (for example, refer to http://www_w3.org). In some embodiments, the virtual zone specification specifies the geometric elements of the virtual zone according to COLLADA, and the COLLADA is an XML-based digital asset exchange model that includes "tags" or "elements" (ie, "&lt;" and "&gt;" 15 characters) and "attribute" (ie attribute name = "value"). In some of these embodiments, the COLLADA specification of the geometric elements of the virtual zone is formed using a three-dimensional graphical tool such as SketchUp (available from Google Inc., Maya, USA, Maya or 3ds Max). It is from Autodesk, California. 20 2. Provisions relating to virtual area exchange rules a · Summary In several embodiments, the virtual area specification describes the exchange rules associated with the virtual area based on the extension of the XML-based COLLADA base model as follows. The model presented below describes the extension of COLLADA as a reminder. 28 200924460 Production model release version M.l April 2006 specification (available from http://www.khronos.org/collada/). This extension is referred to herein as a COLLADA stream reference. b.COLLADA Stream Springs 5 The exchange rules defined by the COLLADA Stream Reference refer to source points and collection points, which are typically defined at the system level. In several embodiments, the extended nature of the underlying XML system of COLL·ADA is used to describe the particular application stream type. In other embodiments, the supported stream type is updated in the system. The COLLADA Stream Reference allows the zone developer to define a new stream type for a given zone. In this case, if the correspondent's system enters a zone and is affected by an unknown type of streaming, the system activates the method specified by the developer to update the system with the required information, process the stream type, and match the correspondent's Appropriate streaming processing within the system. Typically, a stream source point type such as r-voice" and an actual local string 15 stream type (eg, a particular microphone) are associated with the source of any signal processing plug-and-play device or other stream processing plug-and-play device (eg, a compressor) / There is a link between the current limiter or the mobile data_stream source point based on voice-generated avatar movement. The “voice” type is typically defined by the system so that it can be used by any district designer, rather than requiring individual designers to define its own 20-tone type. On the other hand, a specific plug-and-play device that specifies better or required is a common part of the application design. The LLADA stream reference allows the correspondent to assign a stream source point type such as a voice-microphone, a record or a music source. Point ·, and plug-and-play devices defined inside a processor. A similar situation also affects the point of convergence. Examples of collection points for streaming types 29 200924460 For example, voice types are typically established at the system level (such as headphones or speakers). Additional plug-and-play devices (such as distance-based attenuator levels and relative position-based stereos) specified by the communicator or zone designer. The description section and the COLLADA stream reference element for the section description link stream source point and collection point rule 5 are defined as follows. The i.&lt;zone_mesh&gt;&lt;zone_mesh&gt; tag defines a section boundary. (1) Introduction Contains or describes enough information to describe the basic geometric grid. 10 (2) The definition of &lt;zone-mesh&gt; is the same as &lt;mesh&gt;, but instead of the full description (<source>, <vertices>, <polygons>, etc.)' can simply refer to another &lt;geometry&gt; To export its shape. The latter case typically indicates that the convex hull of &lt;geometry&gt; has to be operated as a section 15 boundary (indicated by the optional convex_hull_of attribute). This is extremely useful because it allows the re-use of &lt;mesh&gt; (e.g., &lt;mesh&gt; for imaging sound) for streaming processing to reduce file size and maintain the key to the original &lt;mesh&gt;. In this regard, &lt;zone_mesh&gt; is similar to the COLLADA&lt;convex_mesh&gt; element for the Entity Engine. 20 The required volume attribute indicates that the section is inside or outside the grid volume. The minimal way to describe &lt;convex_mesh&gt; is to specify its vertices (specified by the &lt;vertices&gt; element and its corresponding source point), and the convex hull that causes the inputter to operate the point cloud. 30 200924460 (3) The attribute &lt;zone_mesh&gt; element has the following attributes: volume text Indicates that the section boundary is outside the grid or internal volume. necessary. Convex hull_of xs:anyURI The URI string of the <geometry> of the convex hull. Optional. (4) Related elements The 5 &lt;convex_mesh&gt; elements are related to the following elements: Occurrences The number of elements defined in the schema

Parent Element Child Element Other Geometry Refer to the following section Benefits t 1〇 (5) Child Elements

If present, the child elements must appear in the following order: &lt;source&gt;, <vertices>, primitive elements, &lt;extra&gt; (where the primitive elements are <lines>, &lt;linestrips&gt;, < Polygons>, &lt;polylist&gt;, <triangles>, &lt;trifans&gt;, or &lt;tristrips&gt;. Name/Instance Description Built-in value Specific value &lt;source&gt; Provides most of the mesh's vertex data 1 or above <vertices> Describe the mesh vertex attribute and establish its topological identity 1 &lt;lines&gt; Contains linear primitives Or the above &lt;linestrips&gt; contains a linear-bar primitive 0 or more &lt;polygons&gt; contains a polygonal primitive which may contain a hole 0 or more &lt;polyIist&gt; contains a polygonal primitive which does not contain a hole 0 or more <triangles 〉 contains triangle primitive 0 or more &lt;trifans&gt; contains triangle-fan primitive 0 or more &lt;tristrips&gt; contains triangle-bar primitive 0 or more &lt;extra&gt; 0 or more 31 200924460 (6) Example here An instance of the basic &lt;zone_mesh&gt; element. <geometry id=“myZoneMesh''&gt;&lt;zone_meshvolume=''interior”&gt; 5 &lt;source&gt;...&lt;/source&gt; <vertices〉· ..</vertices> &lt;polygons&gt;.. .&lt;/polygons&gt;&lt;/zone_mesh&gt;&lt;/geometry&gt; 10 Here is another instance of the &lt;zone_mesh&gt; element. <geometry id=''myArbitraryMesh''&gt;&lt;mesh&gt;&lt;/mesh&gt; 15 〈/geometry> 〈geometry id=“myZoneMesh''&gt;&lt;zone_mesh volume=“exterior” convex_hull_of= “#myArbitraryMesh' /&gt; 〈/geometry> 20 ii. <stream> The <stream> tag is defined in the exchange rule inside &lt;zone&gt;. The <stream> element has a squat, J attribute: 32 200924460 Type This area has a stream of internal source points _$--- from the special application knowledge role identifier.铢 铢 令 令 令 令 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Selected) Logic-fixed string better _Frequency λ frequency sees the type of stream that is configured inside the segment (optional dare-small _ frequency sees the minimum bandwidth required by the region & internal stream surface - iii.&lt;sink&gt; The &lt;sink:&gt; tag defines the child elements of the <stream> of the stream destination defined by the section and the user role. The &lt;sink&gt; element has the following attributes: id name - section purpose Zone segment name One type of destination segment internal collection point stream type (optional) to special application role identifier. Set to all (live) radius source point and collection point to be connected distance (optional) c.COLLADA Streaming Instance - Example 1 Here is a description of the two sections: Section Name 1 and Section Name 2 10 <geometry id=“myRo〇mMesh,,&gt;&lt;zone_mesh volume=“interior Convex_hull_of= "#myArbitraryMesh''/&gt; 〈/geometry> 15 <library a zones> 〈z One id=''zonenamer' boundary=''myRoomMesh''&gt; <stream type=“voice” from=“participant''&gt; sink id=“voice_primary” zone=“zonenamel'7&gt; 33 200924460 &lt;sink Id=“voice_monitor” zone=“zonename2” to=''moderator” radius=10/&gt;&lt;/stream&gt;&lt;streamtype=“chat''&gt; 5 &lt;sink id=“chat_primary” zone=” Zonenamel'V&gt;&lt;/stream&gt; <stream type=“audio” from=“moderator”&gt; <sink id=“room_music''zone=”zonename 1 '' to=! “moderator”/> 10 〈/stream 〉 &lt;/zone&gt; <zone id=“zonename2” boundary=“anotherMesh”&gt;&lt;/zone&gt; 15 々library—zones&gt; In this example, the &lt;geometry&gt; element is described in a view (eg one The COLL AD A element of the volume shape in the virtual room). The &lt;zone_mesh&gt; element is a COLLADA stream reference element as defined above that establishes the relationship between the segment boundary and the existing mesh. The &lt;Hbrary_zones&gt; element declaration contains two sets of section "segment name 1" and "segment name 2" i&lt;zone&gt; elements. The boundary of the segment name 1 corresponds to the internal volume of the convex hull, and is referred to by the <geometry> operation of the URI r#myArbitraryMesh. The boundary of the section name 2 corresponds to the geometric grid defined by "anotherMesh". The first exchange rule associated with the zone name 1 specifies that a copy of each voice data stream from the zone 34 200924460 name 1 is sent to the zone name ^ which can aggregate the voice data stream and has "participants" Individual objects of the character's attributes. The first exchange rule also stipulates that a copy of each voice stream from the zone name is sent to each object in the zone name 2 that can aggregate voice data streams and has 5 "regulator" role attributes. The first parent-changing rule associated with the section name i is that a copy of each chat stream from the section name 1 is sent to the section name 各个 which can aggregate the objects of a chat stream. A third exchange rule associated with zone name 1 specifies that a copy of each audio 10 data stream from segment name 1 and associated with the "regulator" role attribute is sent to each of segment names 1 An object that collects sound § hole data streams and is not associated with the modifier character attribute. d. COLL ADA Streaming Point - Real You 2 Here is an example of a COLLADA stream reference point description with two sections: the stage section and the audience section of the model virtual zone. 15 <geometry id=“RoomMesh”&gt;&lt;zone_mesh volume=“interior” convex—hull_of=“#FullRoomMesh''/&gt; 〈/geometry> 〈geometry id=“StageMesh''&gt; 20 &lt;zone_mesh volume= "interior" convex-hull_of="#StageMesh"/&gt; 〈/geometry> &lt;library_zones&gt; 35 200924460 <zone id=“StageZone” boundary=“StageMesh”&gt; <stream type=“voice” from=”lead_singer” Priority 2 1 topology=direct&gt; <sink id=“singer_voice” zone=“AudienceZone” 5 to=''audience''/&gt;&lt;sink id=“singer_monitor” zone=“StageZone” to=“all_performers''/ &gt;&lt;/stream&gt; 10 &lt;/zone&gt; <stream type=“voice” priority=2&gt; <sink id=“fan_voice” zone=“AudienceZone,,/&gt;&lt;/stream&gt; 15 <stream type= "chat" topology=server-mix&gt; <sink id=“chat_primary” zone=“AudienceZone,,/&gt; 〈/stream〉 &lt;/zone&gt;&lt;/library_zones&gt; 20 In this example, the boundary of the 'stage segment And the "stage grid" The defined geometric grid corresponds. The boundary of the audience segment corresponds to the geometric grid defined by the r-room grid. The exchange rules associated with the Stage section specify the individual voices from the Stage section that are associated with the "lead-singer" attribute. 200924460 5 The copy of the application is sent to the audience section. In the voice data string can be collected and have the "view m attribute of each object. Voice data string ^ copy will be called the first age scale 1 and the lack of money ^ processing (four) learning to send. The father change rules are also specified from the stage section The copy of each voice data stream associated with the "Iead_Slnger" attribute is copied to the stage section to collect the voice data stream and each object having the "all_performers" color attribute. The first exchange rule associated with the viewer segment specifies that a copy of each voice data stream originating from the viewer segment is sent with priority order 2 to the viewer segment to collect the objects of the voice data stream. She is related to the public sector: the second exchange rule stipulates that each copy of the chat data string originating from the audience segment is sent to the viewer segment to aggregate the chat data stream preferences for the server mix. Forming a Virtual Zone 夂 Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a graphical user interface for forming a three-dimensional graphical design tool for virtual zone specifications. The graphical user interface 9 includes a % map area 92, a menu 94, and a toolbar 96. Menu 94 provides access to drawing tools, commands, and settings. The illustrative set of menu 94 shown in Figure 5 includes archives, edits, views, opinions, "Meeting Tools, Visual®, and Support. The 94 collection also includes the Sococo District and the menu 98' and provides access. Tools are used to define segments and stream links in the virtual zone. These tools can be an integrated component of a 3D graphical design tool' or can be provided as a 3D graphical tool such as sketchUp (available from the ancient city of Mountain View, California, USA) Company), Maya or 3ds Max (both from the US Plus 37 200924460 State Santa Fe Automatic Table Company) part of the plug-and-play extension product. Toolbar 96 contains user-definable tools and control sets. The illustrative set of toolbars 96 shown corresponds to the tools and 5 commands typically found in three-dimensional graphical design tools such as the SketchUp 6 3D graphical design software application. The drawing area 92 forms a three-dimensional model of the virtual area for the zone designer. 5, the drawing area 92 of the graphical user interface 90 displays a perspective view of the three-dimensional virtual area 100. In FIG. 6, the drawing area 92 of the graphical user interface 90 displays the virtual area 100. Floor plan. Graphic elements of virtual zone 100 (such as walls, ceilings, 10 floors, beams, countertops, and fixtures) typically use standard tools and commands typically found in 3D graphic design tools such as the SketchUp 6 3D graphic design software application. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in addition to the geometrical elements, the virtual area 100 additionally includes sections HH, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 15 which are bounded by dashed lines. Demarcation. Each section 101-112 is associated with one or more individual instant data stream exchange rules. Sections 101-112 use tools and command provisions accessible via the Sococo section menu 98. In several embodiments The segment designer can define the boundaries of the various segments 101-112 using standard three-dimensional graphical design tools; and then select one or more Sococo Zone 2 segment design tools to border the boundaries with individual &lt;20 _11^811&gt; Tag associations and attributes of the S&lt;zone_mesh&gt; tag. In some of these embodiments, the Sococo zone design tool guides the user through the process of defining the segments, The aforementioned COLLADA stream reference specification can be used (e.g., &lt;zone&gt;, <stream>, and &lt;sink&gt; tag). 38 200924460 冓Embodiment is typically performed by the side network node Wei-shared virtual area. Network nodes are typically implemented by a general purpose computer, a computer system (or "master"). Each network node performs communication in an individual view of the virtual area of each node, and sfl processes the data string immediately. ^One way node construction

Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a shared virtual area communication environment (10) of a mediator, wherein the network nodes (10) are referred to as "area client network nodes" or referred to as "zones" in this architecture. The guest") and the district feeding device 64 are interconnected by a communication network 58. In this embodiment, the client network nodes in each area are implemented by the network node 52 of the connection system of the individual computer system types described later; the area server 64 also uses the same type of general power (four) system. Implementation. As shown in FIG. 7, the area client network node 52 is a computer system. The system includes a processing unit 122, a system memory unit 24, and the processing unit 12 2 to the One of the various components of the computer system is a system bus 126. Processing unit 122 may include one or more data processors, each of which may be in the form of any of a variety of commercially available computer processors. System memory 124 can include read only memory (R〇M), which stores a basic input/output system (BIOS) containing the booting routine of computer system 20 and includes a random access memory (RAM). The system bus 126 can be a memory bus, a peripheral bus, or a local bus, and can be compatible with multiple bus profile data including PCI, VESA, MicroChannel, ISA, and EISA. The computer system also includes a persistent storage memory 128 (such as a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a CD ROM drive 39 200924460, a tape drive, a flash memory component, and a digital audio and video disc). And one or more computers that provide non-electrical storage or persistent storage of data, data structures, and computer-executable instructions&lt;&quot;&quot; The communicator can interact with the computer system using one or more input elements 5 such as one or more keyboards, a computer mouse, a microphone, a camera, a joystick, a physical motion sensor such as a Wii component, and a touchpad (eg, Enter the command or data). The information can be presented via a two-dimensional graphical user interface (GUI) or a three-dimensional GUI, and the GUHs are presented to the communicator on display monitor 132 and controlled by display controller 134. The computer system also includes peripheral output 10 devices such as speakers and printers. The computer system is coupled to other zone client network nodes 54, 56 and zone server 64 via network adapter 136 (also referred to as a "network interface card" or NIC). A plurality of program modules can be stored in system memory 24, including but not limited to operating system 140 (eg, Windows XP operating system from Microsoft Corporation, Washington, USA), communication application 142, GUI Driver 144, and data 146. The illustrative categories of data 146 include input data, output data, and program data such as logins (or configuration databases) 148. Operating system 140 includes an execution program that provides basic operating system services (e.g., memory management, processing and thread management, security, input/output, and inter-process communication) for forming an operational time execution environment on a computer system. The login 148 typically contains the following information: parameters required to start and assemble the system; system software settings that control the operation of the operating system 140; a security database; and settings based on the profile data of the user. The Natural Operations System (OS) 200924460 Application Interface (API) 150 exposes the executed basic operating system services to the communications application 142 and other user applications. As used herein, the term "service" (or "service module") refers to a component of an operating system that provides one or more functional collections. 5 In some embodiments, the communication application 142 includes a process for controlling the presentation of individual views of the virtual area and displaying objects on the monitor 132 in the virtual area; and the control area guest network node 52 and other area guest networks A process for real-time data stream exchange between the road nodes 54, 56 and the area server 64. The communications application 142 interfaces with the GUI driver 144 and the user input 13 to provide a view of the virtual zone and allows the correspondent to control the operation of the communications application 142.

Embodiments of the communication application 142 may be implemented by one or more separate modules (or data processing components) and are not limited to any particular hardware, firmware, or software configuration. Roughly, these modules can be implemented in any computing environment or data processing I5 ring &amp; 'included in digital electronic circuits (10) such as special application integrated circuits (ASIC) such as digital signal processor (DSP)) or computer hardware , firmware, 20 component drive [or (d) implementation. In a number of implementations, the module function group is combined into a single-data processing component. In several embodiments, the individual functions of the __ or modules are performed in conjunction with a plurality of data processing components. For a number of implementations, the method of the method implemented by the embodiment of the secret domain communication (4) (such as a machine readable password such as computer software) and the data generated thereof are stored in one or more Take the media. Suitable for specific reduction orders and (4) financial components including all non-electrical computer-readable forms 'for example including semiconductor memory components such as 41 200924460 EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory components, such as internal hard Disc and active hard drives, magneto-optical discs, DVD_R〇M/RAM, and CD-ROM/RAM. Communication application; [42 embodiments can be implemented in any of a wide variety of electronic components, including personal computer components (such as desktop computers, mobile computers, and communication components), network components (such as server computers, Routers, switches, and hubs), game consoles, cable TV and hybrid boxers, and modems. The execution environment stored in system memory 124 also includes a collection of network transport protocols 152 for transmitting and receiving instant data streams. In some embodiments, the communication over the network 58 is based on Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). The Tcp portion of the protocol provides a round-trip function by breaking the message into smaller packets, reassembling the packet at the other end of the communication network, and resending any packets lost along the way. The IP portion of the protocol provides routing functionality by assigning a destination packet to the destination network and the destination node on the destination network. Each data packet that uses TCP/IP protocol communication includes a header portion that contains TCP&amp;IP information. The IP protocol does not guarantee that packets are delivered to the top of the communication stack. On the other hand, the TCP protocol provides a link-oriented end-to-end transport service that guarantees sequential packet delivery. In this way, the TCP protocol provides a reliable transport layer link. In other embodiments, communication over the network 58 can be performed in accordance with the User Parent Data Protocol/Internet Protocol (UDP/IP). Instead of TCP, UDP can be used without reliable delivery. For example, 'UDP/IP can be used to lose data packets for any reason that is simply ignored for immediate audio and video streaming: these reasons are too late to forward, or the quality of the entire data. 2009 24460 Downgrade is acceptable. Several embodiments may use the Java Media Framework (JMF), which supports component capture, encoding, decoding, imaging, and Real Time Transport Protocol (RTP). A variety of network protocols can be used for the transmission and reception of RT P data between 5-6 of the client network nodes, including the same-level network framework, the use of TCP adapters or the combination of UDP. Server or multicast protocol. The execution environment also includes hardware link levels and access protocols, which correspond to the data link and physical layer of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model. In these particular embodiments, the communication between the zone client network nodes 52-56 and the zone servos 64 is performed in accordance with the TCP/IP protocol. In these embodiments, the computer system determines an IP address for each network interface before the computer system uses TCP/IP communication. This procedure involves contacting the server to obtain an IP address for one or more network interfaces. The computer system can use the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to issue a request for an IP address to a DHCP server. In this regard, I5 and 5, the switch system broadcasts a DHCP request packet at the start of the system to request the configuration of the IP address of the indicated network interface. Upon receiving the DHCp request packet, the DHCP server configures a network interface for the computer system to indicate. The computer system then stores the positive address from the server response as the Ip address associated with the network interface when communicating over IP protocol. 20 B. Descriptive System Architecture Figure 8 shows the shared virtual area communication environment of the server medium shown in Figure 7 - an embodiment 160, where the guest network node The intra-framework communication of the area server 64 medium. The zone server 64 maintains the general state information and acts as a packet server for the zone client network node 43 200924460 52 56. The general state resources maintained by the area server include the current specification 180 of the virtual area, the current temporary benefit 182 of each object in the virtual area, and any stream mixing generated by the Shi Guang/Yuan &amp; Server 64. The current form is 184. 5 As otherwise stated, the virtual area specification 180 includes geometric elements of the virtual area and descriptions of items or multiple exchange rules. The various exchange rules are the individual links between the source points of the individual instant data stream types in the virtual area and the collection points of the instant ^ and the members. In some embodiments, the virtual zone's shape factor is issued according to the COLLADA-digital asset model. The exchange rules are based on the COLLADA stream reference specification as suggested above. The object register 182 typically includes a unique object identifier (eg, a unique identifier identifying the object) for each item in the virtual area, and a link to establish a network connection with the network node associated with the object (eg, 丨p Bit 15), and interface material identifying the source stream source point and collection point (eg, source point and collection point of the network node associated with the object) associated with the object. The object register 182 typically also includes one or more optional object identifiers for each item, which may be externally assigned to the item by the correspondent or zone server 64, or may be inferred from other attributes of the object. In some real 20 cases, the object register 182 also includes the real-time mobile data stream analysis received from the client network section of the area: 6, and the objects in the virtual area determined by the area server material are determined. Current location. In this regard, the zone server 64 receives the instant mobile data link from the zone client network node 52-56. The mobile data tracker is avatar and enters, leaves, and receives. . 44 200924460 Other objects of the move. The area server 64 updates the object register 182 based on the current location of the object of the device.于弟8图赫巾' District Client Finance 52 includes an embodiment of a communication application 142 (refer to Figure 7), which includes a communication module 162, a three-dimensional visualization 64, a chat 165, and an audio processing engine (10) Each of the network nodes 54, 56 typically includes an embodiment of a communication application 142 that is the same as or similar to the one described by the _zone client network node 52.

&quot;Communication Module 162 Controls (4) The exchange of the real-time data_flow between the guest network node 52 and the other client network nodes 54, 56 and the district feeding device 64. The communication module 162 includes a stream utterer (10) and a «monitor||17 〇. The Stream Switch Manager 168 processes the incoming virtual zone and the leaving virtual zone of the avatar and other objects associated with the zone guest network node. The stream switching manager 168 also automatically determines how to exchange between the zone guest network node 52 and other zone guest network nodes 54, 56 and the zone server 64 (e.g., routing, linking, and disconnecting). Streaming. The streaming switch 168 is based on the parent change rule included in the virtual zone specification, the current location of the avatar and other objects in the virtual zone, and the real-time data stream class associated with the avatar and other objects in the virtual zone. Judgment. In several embodiments, the stream switch (4) (10) also includes the upload and download bandwidth limits of any of the two client network nodes 52, other network nodes 54, 56, or the area server 64. The consideration of the decision. In addition, the application of the official 168 responds to events (such as uploading or downloading frequencies, and seeking to enter or leave the virtual area), periodically or in response to the event, and the monthly _ re-evaluation of the current set of links. As a result of the re-evaluation of the target connection, the stream exchange tube (four) 168 can, for example, take the following action: 45 200924460 area feeder 64 requests streaming mixing; by the word server drag and drop string, ^ mouth, interrupted with one or more Other local area network nodes Μ, 6 or 夕 direct links; or one direct link with one or more end network nodes 54, 56. In the process of exchanging exchanges, the stream exchange, the tube, and the body material collection, including the interface data 186, the segment form 188, and the positions of the objects currently in the virtual area 192 . Interface material 186 Each of the objects associated with the guest_road node 52 includes a list of all source points and collection points of the (four) capital (four) stream type associated with the object 10 15 20 . Product # and Form 188 are the current sections of all the sections that are interesting to the Internet node of the district. When the first time enters the t &amp; T _&quot; 'L parent-changing ruler 168 typical to start the current situation by the location of the regional feeding device 64 to start the current object location database (9). The stream exchange manager 168 further analyzes the current object position by analyzing the current position of the mosquito cover from the current position of the virtual ship towel received by, for example, the computer mouse 3 node Μ, and the one or more Database 192. In the case of the rape, the object location 92 is incorporated into the object register 19〇. The tribute maintained by the stream exchange manager also includes the object register 182, the stream mixer form 184, and the copy 190, 194, and 196 of the zone code 180; these copies 190, 194, Typically, the local express service is downloaded by the zone server 64 and represents such information. The look-ahead engine 164 presents a view of the virtual area and any objects within the virtual area on the display monitor 132. In this processing program, the three-dimensional vision 46 200924460 engine 16 4 reads the virtual area specification data 丨9 6, the object register 丨9 〇, and the current object location database 丨92. In a number of implementations, the 3D visualization engine 164 also reads the correspondent avatar database 198, which contains the images required by the communicator's avatar to image in the virtual area. Based on this information, the 3D visualization engine 164 generates a perspective representation (ie, image) of the objects in the virtual area and the virtual area from the viewpoint (position and direction) of the avatar of the correspondent in the virtual area. The engine 164 then images the individual representations of the virtual regions on the display monitor 132. In several embodiments, the three-dimensional visualization engine 164 determines the visibility of the communicant's avatar and limits the amount of data that must be changed, processed, and imaged 10 to the portion of the virtual area visible on the display monitor 132. In several embodiments, the three-dimensional visualization engine 164 is additionally operable to generate a representative plan view of the virtual zone. In such embodiments, the correspondent may indicate one or both of the perspective representation of the virtual reality zone and the planar representation of the virtual zone on the display monitor 132 by the three-dimensional visualization engine 164. The communicator sends commands to the communication module 162 from an input component (such as the computer mouse 171) to control the view rendered by the virtual zone or the position of the avatar in the virtual zone. The 3D visualization engine 164 updates the virtual area view and the position of the object in the virtual area according to the updated position in the current object location database 192; and re-images the updated virtual area on the display monitor 132. Table version. The three-dimensional visualization engine 164 can update the imaged image periodically or only in response to movement of one or more objects in the virtual area. The chat engine 165 provides an interface for outputting chat (text) § fL information received from a local text input component (e.g., a keyboard) of the zone guest network node 52, and for input from other network nodes 54. ,56 chat string 47 200924460 stream. The chat engine 165 converts the chat (text) message entered by the correspondent via the text input component into a live chat stream that can be sent to other network nodes 54, 56. The chat engine 165 also converts the incoming chat stream into a text signal that can be imaged on the display monitor 132. 5 The audio processing engine 16 6 generates an audio signal, and the audio signal is amplified by the speakers 172, 174 in the receiver's earphone 176, and the audio signal generated by the microphone 178 in the earphone 176 is converted into a client network that can be sent to other areas. The audio signals of the nodes 54, 56. VI. Automated child streaming automation 10 A. Introduction As explained above, the shared virtual zone is defined by a specification that includes the description of the geometric elements of the virtual zone and the instant control between the nodes of the network. One or more exchange rules for data stream links. The exchange rules typically include a description of the source point of the instant data stream and the 15 collection points for the location in the virtual zone. Each rule typically includes an attribute that defines the type of immediate data stream to which the rule applies and the location in the virtual area to which the rule applies. In some embodiments, the rules may include one or more attributes, as required, a source point angle &amp; a required collection point role, a required stream priority order, and a desired or preferred string. Stream topology. 2〇 The rules apply to the movement of objects into the virtual area, the movement of objects in the virtual area, and the objects left by the virtual area. B. Virtual Zone Entry Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the method of entering the virtual zone by the zone client (referred to as the "incoming zone client" in this section). 48 200924460 The communicator begins the communication session (Figure 9, box 2〇〇) via the communication application 142 (refer to Figure 7) that begins on the zone's client network node. The communication application 142 presents a graphical user interface to the correspondent, through which the correspondent can interact with the communication application 142. The GUI variant provides the option for the correspondent to log in to a shared virtual zone. In response to receiving the command to log in to a shared virtual area, the application 142 sends a login message to the area server 64 (Fig. 9, block 202). The login message typically includes login information for identifying and authenticating the correspondent. The area server 64 authenticates the login information contained in the login message (block 101) and notifies the client of the area (Fig. 9, block 206).

If the authentication is successful (Fig. 9, block 207), the communication application 142 sends the &quot;face data to the zone server 64 (Fig. 9, block 2〇9). For each item that will enter the zone, the interface profile includes all of the instant beacon stream source point types and collection point types associated with the object. If the authentication fails (Fig. 9, block 2〇7), the communication application 142 aborts the login procedure and the login attempt fails (Fig. 9, block 2〇8). 20 The server 64 updates the object register (refer to Figure 9) to include the objects associated with the incoming area client and the instant data stream source point type and wire _ associated with the object. Figure 9, block 21 ()). The area servo_reading information is sent to the incoming area (10) map of the incoming area, block 212). Configuration: A copy of one of the virtual area specifications (refer to Figure 8) and the updated object: a copy of the 182-copy (refer to Figure 8). In a number of real; = including a stream of mixed objects - copying the 8th picture), it identifies a mixture of real-time data streams generated by the area before the regional servo session. 200924460 (or composition). The zone server μ also sends the individual copies of the updated object register just to the other zone clients associated with each object in the virtual zone (Fig. 9, block 214). As explained above, the zone server 64 receives the instant mobile data stream from the guest network node 52_56 in the zone, based on the 5 material tracking the avatar of the correspondent and other objects entering and leaving the virtual zone, and according to the tracking The object register 182 is updated with the current location of the object. The zone servo n64 periodically sends the updated object register 182 to the zone client associated with each object in the virtual zone. The communication application 142 executed on the incoming client network node is combined with the virtual area specification and the object temporary register (Fig. 9, block 216). The communication application 142 is based on the exchange rules defined by the virtual zone specification towel, the individual source points and collection points associated with the objects listed in the received copy of the object temporary register 182, and the individual locations of the objects in the virtual zone. One or more real-time data streams are formed between the incoming client network node and one or more of the client terminals listed in the object register, FIG. 9 'block 218). In the process of establishing a link, the communications application 142 launches and assembles a component module that allows capture, playback, streaming, and instant streaming of data that is available to the guest network node in the zone. Such components typically include a chat engine 165, an audio processing engine, and other two components (eg, one for encoding video data received from a local video capture component and one of the instant video streaming packets received from a remote network node). Video processing engine). °L Real-time data required for configuration (4) Far-cobalt coupling Figure 1 is a flow chart of an embodiment of the method, according to which embodiment of the cross-flow 50 200924460 change manager 168 (Fig. 8) Block 216 of the method of Figure 9 receives the configuration data from the catering server 64 to determine the desired set of instant data stream links. As explained earlier, the configuration data includes a copy of the virtual area specification (10) (refer to Figure 8) and a copy of the updated object register (refer to Figure 5, Figure 8). In some embodiments, the configuration data additionally includes a stream mixture form 184 (refer to Figure 8) that identifies the mixture (or composition) of the immediate client data stream currently generated by the zone server material. The stream exchange manager 168 activates the local object register i9 by a copy of the object temporary register 182 received from the area server 64 (block 220) (refer to Fig. 8). The stream exchange manager 168 also initiates the local stream mixture form m (see Figure 8) with a copy of the stream mixture form 184 received from the zone server (Fig. 10, block 222). The stream switch JJ|||168 additionally receives a copy of the virtual area specification of the self-region server 64 (No., block 22〇). The local virtual area specification cache memory 196 is activated (refer to Fig. 8). 15 Φ Flow Exchange Management 11 168 creates an occupied segment from virtual zone specification 196 Form 188 (see Figure 8) and the location of the correspondent's avatar in the virtual zone (Figure 10, block 226). In the present process, the stream exchange manager 168 retrieves the avatar of the correspondent from the current object location database 192 in the virtual location of the virtual area. The database contains the coordinates of the current location of the virtual area. These coordinates are determined by an instant mobile data stream received from an input device such as a computer mouse 171. The Stream Exchange Manager 68 then compares the current location of the correspondent's avatar with the section definition in the Virtual Zone Specification 196. The Stream Exchange Manager 168 compiles the occupied segment form 188 from all of the virtual zone specifications that coincide with the current location of the correspondent's avatar. For example, in the embodiment of the Japanese Patent Publication No. 51 200924460, the occupied segment form 188 contains all of the segments whose current location contains the avatar of the correspondent. The stream exchange manager 168 determines a set of target instant data stream types defined for the segments in the occupied segment form (Fig. 10, block 228). 5 Then, the stream exchange manager 16 8 determines the required real-time data stream data set by the target instant data stream type set, the location of the object in the virtual area, and the exchange rule defined by the virtual area specification (Fig. 10, block 230). In several embodiments, the stream exchange manager 168 determines that one of the objects (other than the given object) is included in one or more of the segments, such as one or more The exchange rule defines that one of the instant data stream types in the target set is originated by the segment, and one of the instant data stream types in the target set is merged into the segment. The stream exchange manager 168 determines a set of instant data streams that can be joined based on the determined object. The connectable streams are each (1) originated from one or more network nodes associated with the identified objects and (ii) incorporated into one or more network nodes associated with the identified object. At least one. The stream exchange manager 168 then determines the set of required real-time stream data based on the matching of the source and sink points associated with the set of connectable instant data streams. In some of these embodiments, the required set of real-time data stream data is aggregated into segments that are occupied by the avatar of the correspondent according to the exchange rules and the collection points available on the client network node. These instant data streams correspond. In these embodiments, the stream switching manager 168 determines 52 of the aggregation points defined for the occupied segments that the associated network node can aggregate.

The person's then decides all the source points of the collection points based on the location of other objects in the virtual area and the exchange rules. In this process, the stream exchange manager 168 assembles a set of target real-time stream types from all instant collection point types (eg, audio, chat, video, mobile data), and the 5 collection point types and communication. The avatar of the person is associated and defined as the type of collection point of any segment occupied by the avatar of the correspondent. The stream switch manager 168 then determines the target source point segment of each of the target instant data stream types from the exchange rules. The stream exchange manager 168 determines, by the object register 190 and the current object location database 192, a target source segment that can be one or more of the current source source stream types according to the exchange rule. All the objects in it. The stream exchange manager 168 is a collection of real-time data streams associated with the identified objects associated with the identified objects in the object register (10). % In a specific embodiment, the U-picture shows a plan view of the virtual gallery area (e.g., Figures 5 and 6) when the area is sub-extracted by &quot;objects A, B, C, and D. The avatars 8 and 8 are located in the segment 1 (H, and the red and the test are located in the segment 108. For the purpose of this specific embodiment. The system avatar AD and the voice, video 'and chat source point collection point type Correlation; ~ 20 • The exchange rule of section 101 stipulates that each voice associated with the avatar inside the section HH will be connected to each voice collection point inside the section 101, '', occupies, and sections ΚΠ Each of the internal video associated with the avatar will connect to each of the video collection points within the segment 101, and the respective chat source points associated with one of the avatars within the segment 101, ', 53 200924460 will be linked to the segment 101 Each of the internal chat summary points; the rules of the area ^ 108 only regulate the individual voice sources associated with the avatars within the section 1 〇 8 to be connected to each voice within the section 丨〇 8 to gather 5 points; And the serial 々u·parent change manager 168 implements a proximity policy rule at the top of the § hai section exchange rule, the rule only allowing related to individual objects within the virtual zone within a specified distance (or radius) Γρ Source point Compatible collection point links. 1 〇々本实财,段交(4) and neighboring f provide an individual exchange condition for determining how to establish a connection between avatars A, B, and c^D. Streaming exchange operation on the client network node associated with the avatar A. 16 8 requires that whenever the avatar B is within the adjacent segment 232 of the distance rP around the avatar a, the source is connected. Instant voice, video, and chat streams from the guest network nodes associated with the avatar b 15. Similarly, the stream exchange protocol operating on the guest network nodes associated with the avatar B 168 requires that whenever the Incarnation Eight is within the specified distance of the Incarnation B, it will link to the instant voice, video, and chat stream originating from the client network node associated with the Avatar A. Because the Avatar B is currently Located in the vicinity of the avatar A 20 adjacent to the segment 232, and vice versa, the nodes associated with the avatar AAB cannot be linked to each other as shown in Figure 11. Since the segment 108 only allows voice links, the avatar (10) is associated. Streaming switch manager 16 operating on the guest node The case of 8 would require linking only to the instant voice stream originating from the guest node associated with avatar D (assuming 54 200924460 meets the proximity conditions specified in the proximity policy rule). Similarly, associated with avatar D The case of the Stream Exchange Manager 168 operating on the guest node will require only instant voice streams originating from the guest nodes associated with the avatar C (assuming the proximity specified in the proximity policy rule is met) Condition). 5 Because the exchange rules of zone 101 and zone 108 do not allow the connection between zone 101 and zone 108, even if the proximity conditions specified in the proximity policy rule are met, the source points and collections associated with avatars A and B are aggregated. Points cannot be linked to any source and collection points associated with avatars C and D. In some embodiments, at least one of the zone clients 52-56 includes a network 10 adapter (eg, an Ethernet interface card) that provides connectivity to the network 58; and is further configured to perform One or more of the functions of the zone client stream exchange manager 168, including the functions required to perform the method of FIG. D. Establishing an instant data stream link 1. Determining the required real-time data stream link 15 In some embodiments, the stream exchange manager 168 has determined that the instant data stream data set allows the network node 52 to participate in the Sharing the collaborative communication session of other network nodes in the virtual zone (Fig. 10, block 230), the streaming exchange manager 168 determines the instant data stream link, which will result in the delivery of the required instant data stream to the zone client. Network node 5 2. In some such embodiments, the stream exchange manager 168 determines an instant data stream processing topology, based at least in part on the bandwidth capacity of a given network node, delivering an instant data stream set to the given network node. . In this process, the stream exchange manager 168 determines that each of the 55 200924460 real-time data streams is received by the unmixed real-time data stream and one of the stream streams derived from the composition of the instant data stream. The stream switching manager 168 also determines that each of the instant data streams is received from a direct peer-to-peer network routing path and one of the network routing paths mediated by one or more other network nodes. After the stream processing topology has been determined, the stream switching manager 168 5 establishes an instant data stream connection between the given network node and other network nodes based on the determined stream processing topology. Figure 12 shows the method of determining the topology of the instant data stream connection for determining the delivery of the required data stream data to the zone client network node. According to this method, the stream switching manager 168 determines whether the zone guest network node 10 point 52 has sufficient bandwidth to receive the desired set of instant data stream data 240 directly from other zone client network nodes (12th) Figure, block 242). In this procedure, the other zone guest network node sends a link request to the zone client network node 52. The link request indicates the individual bandwidth requirements of the individual instant data stream sets required by the transmitting area client network node 52 (see § V. D. 2 below). The string 15 stream switch manager 168 compares the total bandwidth required to establish the desired direct link with the download bandwidth available to the current zone client network node 52 as reported by the bandwidth monitor 170 (see Figure 8). If the available bandwidth is at least equal to the total desired bandwidth, then the Stream Switch Manager 168 is directly connected to the other guest nodes that provide the desired instant stream data (Figure 12, block 244). In this process, the communication application 142 and its associated operational time environment are between one or more of the zone guest network node 52 and other zone client network nodes 54, 56 and the zone server 64. Forming a mating receptacle (such as a TCP mating receptacle or a specialized instant mating receptacle optimized for performance). A typical mating receptacle includes a real-time data stream type of 56 200924460, a mating receptacle carrying an instant data stream, and an instant carrying associated with the transmission and reception of the associated instant stream packet A matching receptacle for data streaming and a mating receptacle for carrying control information (such as service quality information). The communication application 142 processes 5 and encodes the instant data stream, including recording and imaging the data stream into the client user interface. For example, locally generated audio data, video data, and chat data are typically captured, encoded, and encapsulated into a packet (eg, an RTP packet) that is sent out of the network. 58 If the available bandwidth is less than the required bandwidth (Figure 12) , block 242), then the serial stream exchange manager 16 8 checks the stream mixture form 19 4 (refer to FIG. 8) to determine whether one of the required stream data streams is currently being served by the zone servo. Generated by 64 (Fig. 12, block 246). If the desired stream mixture is available, the stream exchange manager 168 establishes a link with the zone server 64 through which the copy 15 of the desired instant stream stream mixture is sent by the zone server 64 to the zone client. Network node 52 (Fig. 12, block 248). If the f-stream mixture is not available, the stream exchange manager 168 sends a -stream mixture request to the ship 64 (Fig. 12, block 25). In one or more embodiments of the 'execution zone guest stream exchange manager', in some embodiments, the zone server 64 establishes one or more between network nodes 2〇52-54. The instant data stream is linked, where the network nodes 52-56 are associated with individual objects associated with each of the source and collection points of the one or more instant data stream types. The zone feeding device 64 is based on one or more of the methods of the first and fourth figures, based on one or more exchange rules, individual source points and collection points associated with the object, 57 200924460, and objects in the virtual area. One or more (4) data stream links are established in individual locations. a. Introduction 5 In several embodiments, the connections between network nodes are established in two layers: links and channels. The temple has at least "streaming directly from ~ nodes to another node, establishing a link between the two network nodes. The link is typically unidirectional' and is requested by the transmitter and received or rejected by the receiver. If rejected, it is still possible to communicate via the Uplink and Downlink ((4)) via the zone server (as described here for the current or transceiver type). The link table is configured by the two nodes for the full bandwidth of the instant messaging. This configuration is based on the available = total cost bandwidth, the amount of bandwidth desired at a given time, and the number of links, the *Pang plus link and the abandoned link are in progress. 15 moves inside the = area or moves from one area to one area for link connection and disconnection. An example of an important role in the performance of an ongoing system. Each link is divided into channels that carry individual instant data streams. The channel has been configured for a particular stream within the total bandwidth of the link. The channel frequency can be dynamically changed based on the total link bandwidth and the number of channels inside the link and the channel priority. Activation or deactivation of the channel provides information that can be used by a link-to-point link layer to change the desired bandwidth between the two nodes. 1 The negative Λ can also be shared by the nodes to establish the bandwidth level configured for the link. The framing framework provided by the embodiments allows the receiving network node to receive all the key pairs of the nodes in the network. The length of the length = and 58 200924460: The secret of the need for any given time and between the two nodes. Reducing the position of the shear channel. The amount of bandwidth plus or minus is specific to the simultaneous slot or video feed. • This is an example of a configuration decision process. The far-reaching and receiving network nodes are based on the available links within the link: also allow the compound to make decisions relative to individual streams. , Server 10 15 20 ^ If necessary, you can borrow the virtual (four) rules to change the system - set the money for the parameters of the fatigue link and the relative bandwidth configuration of the channel and h « and the twisted science ^ first. Due to these variable requirements and dynamic requirements... the uplink link between the network node and the zone server (or other high-bandwidth intermediate node) and the download=road typically have a high priority for the local bandwidth, due to the links The month b must be sent to multiple links to send links and channels. The virtual (4) designer can shape the link, channel, or both of the links. It cannot be borrowed—a given node performs a virtual area of operation. &quot; Frequency X is often a rare resource (compared to CPU time) , hard disk space, graphics imaging capabilities, etc.) Node-Linked Layered Links and Links (4) Channel Layer: Allows virtual zone designers and system administrators to control any given instant conversation involving an item or evening event How the node responds when the bandwidth is saturated. The layer allows the (10)m_ pole to manage the minimum material and the most domain width. The layering also provides the choice of controlling which nodes will receive the link (relative to the link required to pass through the zone feeder). In a specific embodiment, it is assumed that the first network node and the second network printing point communicate through the shared virtual area. The first node and the second node each require voice stream and mobile data stream from the other party. Item needs 59 200924460 seeking, the first node and the second node each establish an individual upload link with the area server 'the link _ points become a voice channel and a mobile data channel. The area server receives and receives from the first network And the voice string 5 10 15 20 of the second network node flows 'and mixes the mobile data stream received from the first network node and the second network node. The area server side and the first and second network The road node establishes a download link, and sends a voice stream and a box data stream in the voice channel and the mobile data channel configured by the wire (4). #第__ Node and the first-point link when it is connected Material bonding, miscellaneous requirements in the new channel in the link. If the bandwidth for the reasonable data transmission fan is insufficient, the developed person will turn the lower quality voice pair down to its bit rate; The link transmits and receives the standard transmission stream; or adjusts the channel and link according to the logic of the individual system values of the first and second network (4), or the performance of the virtual area specification. ... ',, ie, 'the moon water 5 hai virtual zone, the first and second network 各自 point each request voice stream and mobile data string from the third network node: when the standby bandwidth is allowed, the third The network node will request a separate voice data string from the first and the yth network nodes. . If the highest frequency is not available, and the third frequency is directly received by the third network node, the first and second network nodes will increase the upload link bandwidth and server download uploaded to the area server. Link bandwidth or both. Additionally, the first and second network nodes will require one or more server mixes. If the bandwidth is insufficient to achieve all of the connections required by the virtual zone specification, the third network node can be blocked from entering the virtual zone, or one or both of the first node and the second node can be instant paired. Abandoning in the tongue, in this case, the abandoned network node may need to be tested or connected through a faster network link. Later, 'the third network node is separated from the third network node, the two brothers first and the point link &amp; _ # ^ and the first - network section · "Occupy traffic> - port link and frequency treasure , on &amp; , , 5 heavy 靳 ... Tian may make the first - and the second network node to reconfigure the available bandwidth to the phase of the key. Wan Chu-, 任任1 』 见 see the younger three network nodes, the first-tree node has the ability to drill the priority of its key. In several embodiments == 10 15 20 rules sort the middle = _, Since the Luoju k γ 'dry virtual zone is set to 50..., the two character attributes (such as the adjuster) are higher priority connections with other network nodes, so: r has a virtual area. In other virtual area designs, even This allows "links to the order, the older links are ranked higher than the younger contiguous ages, with the oldest link, ° in the virtual zone (four) (four) (four), the last discard. Figure 13 shows Shared-virtual data, one of the methods of stream linking, illustrative implementation = inter-exchange is established on the link described in the previous section. The link here is performed by the traffic exchange manager 168 of the road node, and the method is typically required by the other network sites of the network area to share the virtual pair of individual or multiple receiving networks. The source of the road branch ~. It is determined that the individual links are transmitted through the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Each link is typically an individual link bandwidth (the 13th individual transmit network node to the individual 61 200924460 receive individual unidirectional links of the network node. However, in some embodiments, one or more of the links) The two-way (half-duplex or full-duplex) link may be used. For each link, the traffic exchange manager 168 allocates individual link bandwidths to the one or more real-time data strings in the individual transmission set. One or more than one channel of the stream; and through the individually assigned channels, one or more real-time data streams are transmitted to the individual receiving network nodes in the individual receiving sets (block 442). In several embodiments, the contention traffic is configured based on the number of at least one-item attribute associated with the individual receiving network node. The attribute corresponds to any of the following illustrative attributes: the location in the virtual area occupied by the avatar associated with the receiving network node; the link priority order associated with the receiving network node A role identifier that is assigned to one of the avatars associated with the receiving network node. In some embodiments, the allocation of individual link bandwidths is based on one or more than 15 stream priority order levels associated with one or more of the instant data streams in the set of 7 transmissions. In some embodiments, for each link, the stream switching manager 168 determines one or more senses for each of the one of the individual transmit sets, and based on the determined frequency. The wide level is used to configure the individual link bandwidth to the link. In some embodiments, the stream exchange manager 168 checks the system level setting values of the transmitting network node and polls any frequency of any of the stream types of the shared area (4) via the virtual (four) specification sheet. The wide level can determine the level of the scale. Each type of real-time data stream is typically „at least wide. For example, Lv’s client network nodes in each area typically include voice stream 62 200924460 ===_ level--speech code decoder, and view t different compression levels - video codec. These 2 are high to high voltage: = low (eg better or witness) compression level but the individual compression level range of the bit. The virtual area specification can be - = an instant data stream type each specifies - one or more special two, the level of the standard package (four) edge frequency level, the smallest « level, and the best frequency between the level and the minimum bandwidth level - One or more bandwidth levels.

10 μ "丨1干实_巾" For each link, the stream exchange manager 168 sends the instant data stream in the set to identify the individual minimum bandwidth and the individual identified by - or more The minimum bandwidth level is used to find the individual link bandwidth levels. The turbulent switching manager i 6 8 typically rejects any link in response to a decision that the available bandwidth of the link fails to meet the time interval of the individual minimum link bandwidth level requirement.

In several embodiments, for each link, the stream switching manager (10) identifies at least two individual bandwidths in the individual preferred hierarchical organization for each of the one or more of the individual data streams in the individual transmission set. The level hierarchy is ordered by individual first preferred bandwidth levels (e.g., built-in bandwidth levels) to individual first preferred bandwidth levels (e.g., minimum bandwidth levels). The stream switching manager 168 determines a 2 target target bandwidth level based at least in part on the identified first preferred bandwidth level; and based at least in part on the identified second 'bandwidth level The individual spare link bandwidth levels are determined. For each of the receiving network nodes, the stream switching manager 168 attempts to establish an individual link to the individual network nodes at the target link bandwidth level. In this process, the stream switching controller 168 compares the target link bandwidth level with the current bandwidth available for transmitting the individual transmission 63 200924460 set; the receiving network node also compares the target link bandwidth level with Can be used to send the current bandwidth amount of an individual send collection. In response to the individual link that is not established to the receiving network node at the target link bandwidth level, the streaming switching manager 16 8 attempts to establish the individual link of the alternate link bandwidth level to the receiving network node. road. The figure shows the specific implementation of the embodiment described in the preceding paragraph. In accordance with the present embodiment, the stream switching manager 168 determines the respective links (Fig. 14, block 444) &lt; individual candidate link bandwidth levels and - or more optional alternate candidate links. Bandwidth level (Figure 14, block 446). The Stream Switch Manager 168 attempts to establish the current link at the current individual candidate link bandwidth level (Figure 14, block 448). If a link is established (Fig. 4, block 45 〇), the _stream exchange manager 168 processes the next link (Fig. 14, block 444). Otherwise, the stream parent switch manager 168 determines if any other candidate link bandwidth levels are available for the current link (Fig. 14, block 452). If so, the stream switch controller I68 changes the current individual candidate link bandwidth level to a lower one of the lower link bandwidth level (Fig. 14, block 454), and attempts a new candidate link frequency. The current level is established at a wide level (Fig. 14, block 448). If there is no longer a candidate link bandwidth level (different 14 diagram, block 452), the stream switching manager Mg reports the current link error and repeats the processing for the next link (Fig. 14, square 20 block 444) ). In response to failure to establish any links, the links to which the receiving network node attempts to discard at least one of the optional instant streams in the transmitted data set are committed to comply with the existing bandwidth limitations. In addition, such a receiving network node may attempt to establish a link that provides the required real-time trickle turbulence data through individual network routing paths mediated by one or more of its 64 200924460 $ network nodes. . For example, the receiving network node may request a chain of data from the zone feeder 64, such as a non-aged format, such as a 6-in-one, for the required instant stream data.

10 15

In several embodiments, the link may be secure. A secure link has one or more of the following security features: authentication, integrity, and confidentiality. The authenticated link uses authentication techniques (such as distribution credentials as part of the public service infrastructure) such as the public key provided by Veris (four) to assist in determining each: the point is actually linked to another known _ Nodes, rather than impersonating sections, "a few good techniques (such as the use of the procedures in the security ensemble associated with the SHA deduction rule) are used to ensure that any changes in detectable link content between transmission and reception are made. (such as encrypting the link content by encoding and decrypting the rules before sending, and decrypting the link content based on the shared gold input before use) to help ensure that the eavesdropping shirt (4) unlinks the job. The technology can be selected to achieve specific The value of the 纯 及 及 及 及 及 四 四 四 四 四 四 p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p Zero) The bandwidth needs to be re-established over a long period of time to avoid bandwidth becoming available.

§ The Stream Switching Manager (10) described in VD2 has improved link management functions in any computing environment or data processing environment, including digital electronic circuits (such as special application integrated circuits such as digital signal processors). Psp)) is implemented in computer hardware, stencils, component drivers, or software. 65 200924460 In some embodiments, such functions are implemented in dedicated hardware modules such as network adapters and network switches. Embodiments of such modules can be combined to improve the acceleration performance of any of the following improved link management functions: the formation of a key; the routing path of the link; and the transmission of the given network node Bandwidth configuration between multiple 5 links; and bandwidth management between multiple channels within a given link. Figure 15 shows a descriptive application environment in which the Network Adapter Mail 2 with enhanced link management functionality is operational. The network adapter 咐 is incorporated into the host system 464&apos; including the communication controller bias and media access 10 control (MAC) interface 468. The network adapter 462 transitions between the host system and the network medium 470. The network medium 47 is the physical medium of the link of one or more other network nodes 472 established by the host system. Wires, fiber optics, and electromagnetic waves in free space are three illustrative types of network media. Host system 464 and other network nodes 472 can each be any type of device or system (e.g., personal computer, computer workstation, network switch, network backbone, and network repeater) that is coupled to network 15. Host communication controller 466 allows host system 464 to share access to network media 470. The MAC interface 468 links the communication control 466 to the network adapter ^ 462. One illustrative type of MAC interface is the Media Independent Interface (MII), which provides support for parallel communication with the parallel communication controller 20 466. Another illustrative type of parallel interface to the MAC interface is the general purpose serial interface conforming to IEEE 802.03. (GPSI) 'It supports serial communication with the serial communication controller 466. Figure 16 shows an embodiment of a network adapter 462 that includes a host interface 474, a network media interface 476, a processing unit 478, and a 66 200924460.

Transceiver 480, and a token 48, 丨L α . The host interface 474 can be linked to the ]viAc &quot; face 468 said media interface 476 can be linked to the network media tip. In the specific implementation, the network media interface 476 provides a physical interface between the transceiver and the media 470. 5 10 15 20 _ Ground unit 478 is typically the ancestor of the Mac layer function c processing unit 'MAC layer functions include but not limited to the enchantment (10) secret * and one or more other network nodes 472 and use the correct frame format and agreement communication. In addition, processing unit 478 is operable to perform the link and channel management functions described in V.D.2. To assist in the execution of such functions, processing unit 478 stores virtual (four) specification copies, link tables, and channel tables in memory. As illustrated herein, the virtual zone specification appears to contain any of the following parameter values that affect the management of the link and channel: - the preferred, smallest, and intermediate bandwidth levels of the stream type; stream type priority The order is processed by the top-level page of the application flow and assigned to a plurality of network nodes sharing a virtual area. The character identifier of the piece (for example, an avatar). Link table 486 contains the current link form established with other T-way nodes 472, as well as the current configuration between the keys. The channel table 488 contains, for each current link, an individual channel form configured for immediate data stream transmission through the link, and a bandwidth configuration for individual channels within the link. The data is stored in the 捸Cobalt Mountain. Figure 17 shows an embodiment of a method for determining the delivery of the required data stream data to a occupant: a real-time data stream connection of a network node. In the local = program, the zone server 64 determines that the required stream of current data can be provided to the best stream processing topology of the zone client network node 52. 67 200924460 Road dumplings ^ Server 64 manages the connection of the client network service according to the current stream management topology (Figure 17, box 251). In this respect, the district feeding virtual state data includes the definition of the district and all the avatars and the current state of the objects in the article. In this process, the server 64 tracks the objects in the virtual area; and in several embodiments: the service area 64 maintains the near-historical data cache memory, which is used for instant synchronization of the client network nodes. Chemical. The area feeding device also responds to the entry of the object into the virtual area, leaving the virtual new evaluation link. And the neck is cumbersome and heavy. 10 15 20 Respond to receiving the request from the time of the issuance of the request ^ "Issues the request of each end of the network node for the instant Becky stream data (Figure 17 is now on the object temporarily The storage device 190 (refer to FIG. 8) and the bandwidth capacity of the client network node of the object server 64 (FIG. 17). The area upload bandwidth capacity and its destination or periodicity are selected by the server 64. The amount of the client network node of the real-time data stream is requested to be sent, and the instant message processing is performed by the top-level ghost. Figure 256). The area server is based on the proposed extension. Pu Zi (typically selected for the bandwidth capacity of the road node - topology). Selected in the passenger terminal network area 64 - the type of stream processing topology, in the example, the maximum number of nodes and other network nodes receive Solicited net material stream. These non-azoles are mixed into the B ± , , & Kunming real-time records —::=== the object network such as audio vertical μ processing or attenuator encapsulation processing = Options (such as τ or both 68 200924460 to more realistically place the avatar in a stereo environment) to image the stream Into a more immersive experience or special application target (such as 5.1 audio processing or specialized avatar movement). In some embodiments 'virtual area specification for one or more of the virtual zone's one or more of the five segments _ The stream type specifies the stream attribute value. In these embodiments, the 'zone server 64 selects a stream processing topology based on one or more stream attribute values specified by the virtual area specification. The virtual virtual zone is set to § ten 'virtual zone specification allocation _ a ___stream priority attribute value to a first instant data stream type, and a different one of the 10th stream priority attribute value is assigned The second stream priority attribute value is assigned to a second real data stream type, for example, in the second COLLADA stream reference example described above, which is derived from StageZone and associated with the "lead_singer" role attribute. The voice stream is assigned to priority level 1, and the voice stream originating from AudienceZone is assigned a priority of 15 first order level 2. For these virtual area design specification types, the area server 64 attempts to select The stream processing topology, which ranks the first and second instant data stream type priorities according to different first and second stream priority attribute values. For example, the second COLLADA stream reference is used. For example, in the face of bandwidth utilization limitations, the zone server 64 will form and transmit a stream mixture from the LeadZing's lead_singer voice stream to form and transmit a stream mixture originating from the AudienceZone voice stream. In a number of illustrative zone designs, the 'virtual zone specification assigns a first stream topology attribute value to a first instant data stream type and a different value from the 69th 200924460 stream topology attribute value. The two stream topology attribute values are assigned to a second instant data stream type. For example, in the foregoing second COLLADA stream reference example, the voice attribute originating from the StageZone and the voice stream associated with the lead_singer character attribute is assigned rdirect"; and the chat stream originating from AudienceZone Associate the topology attribute value of "server-mix". As for these virtual area design specification types, the area server 64 attempts to select different stream processing topologies for the first and second instant data stream types based on the different first and second stream topology attributes. For example, 'in some cases, the zone server 64 selects a stream processing topology for the first 10 hour data stream type, which is one of the first type of instant data streams in a mixed stream format. Delivered to one or more of the given network node and other network nodes (eg, from the AudienceZone chat stream in the COLLADA stream reference instance); and to the second instant data stream The type selects a stream processing topology 15 that delivers one of the second type of instant data streams to one of the given network nodes and other network nodes in an unmixed streaming format Or more (eg, a voice stream originating from StageZone and associated with the lead_singer role attribute in the second COLLADA stream reference instance). The zone server 64 coordinates with the zone client to reconfigure the stream processing topology 20 into the selected topology (Fig. 258, block 258). In this processing procedure, the area server 64 coordinates with the area client to establish a connection set 5 between the areas, and the area &lt; the server 64 delivers the required data stream information to The requesting zone client network node. In some cases, the district service provider 64 issues an individual request to the zone 70 for one or more instant data streams. 200924460 The client's data stream will be relayed to the requesting zone's client network node. Or in combination with other real-time data streams into a stream of streams that will deliver the required instant data stream data to the requesting zone's guest network node. The topology selected on the right does not need to be streamed from the area server 64 (block d 26), and the area word processor 64 handles the relationship between the plurality of area guest network nodes according to the current stream processing topology. Link (1st &lt;7th figure, block hi). For example, in some cases (eg, referring to FIG. D), the selected topology directly delivers the required real-time data stream data to the requesting area of the guest network by one or more regional guest network nodes. Node, exempted from the district feeding device Μ 10 the need for this information. X. If the selected topology is indeed required to be from the zone server 64 (Fig. 17, block 260), then the zone is determined by the stream mixture form 184 (refer to Figure 8). The required server stream (that is, currently being generated) (Section 17®, block 262). The requested server stream may be in the form of a copy of the instant data stream from one of its 15 guest network nodes, or is being received by the zone server 64 from the request. Two or more real-time data streams received by one of the zone's guest network nodes other than the zone's guest network node are currently in the form of a stream mixture. If it is desired to pass the requested stream (Fig. 17 'block 262), then the server 64 sends a copy of the 2 requested server streams to the requesting zone client network node (Fig. 17' Block 270) 'and according to the current stream processing topology management 5 Sea Area Guest Link (Figure 17, block 251). If the required stream is not available (Fig. 17, block 262), the zone server 64 obtains the requested server stream (Fig., block 264). In the 71 200924460 processing procedure, the zone server 64 generates a copy of the instant data stream received from one of the other zone guest network nodes; or may generate a zone client network node that receives the request from the zone. A streamed mixture of two or more instant data streams of one of the guest network nodes. If a new stream 5 mixture is generated (Fig. 17, block 266), the zone server 64 updates the stream mixture form 184 (Fig. 17, block 268) and sends the requested server stream to the request. The area client (Fig. 17, block 270), and manages the area guest connection according to the current stream processing topology (Fig. 17, block 251). If a new stream mixture is not generated (Fig. 17, block 266), the zone server 64 sends the requested server stream of 10 to the requesting zone client (Fig. 17, block 270), and At present, the stream processing topology manages the client link in the area (Fig. 17, block 251). 4. Explanatory Instant Data Stream Processing Topology This section illustrates an illustrative example of the stream processing topology that can be selected by the server 64 in block 256 by the method shown in FIG. a. Descriptive Server Hybrid Flow Processing Topology Figure 18 shows an embodiment of an instant data stream processing topology 280 in which the zone server 64 receives real-time data streams by the zone client network nodes 52-56, respectively. Set 282, 284, 286. These data stream collections 282-286 20 include all real-time data streams required for multiple objects linked to the virtual area based on the virtual area specifications and their locations. Each stream borrowing client 52-56 is packetized into a packet. Each packet includes a header, a serial number, and other information containing a source identifier field identifying the source of the packet. The zone server 64 generates 72 200924460 raw stream mixture sets 288, 290, 292 from the received data stream sets 282-286, respectively, where each set 288-292 includes individual zone client network nodes 52-56. The type of real-time data stream (such as audio, video, chat, and mobile data) that one requires. In this process, the zone server 64 reassembles the packets by type (e.g., video, audio, chat, 5 mobile data, and control) and separate source stream packets with source identifiers, and by serial number. The zone server 64 then combines the same type of streams into individual stream mixtures and sends individual stream mixture sets 288-292 to individual zone guest network nodes 52_56. ί \

Comparing the same level topology as shown in Figure 19, Topology 28 reduces the number of network connections required by 10 clients in each zone, thus reducing the load on the clients and their networks in each zone; but increasing the load on the zone server 64. . b. Same-level client-side hybrid streaming processing 杈媸学夕^Children's example 19 shows the same-level real-time data stream processing topology—one embodiment, where the regional guest network nodes 52_56 are each sent The required 15 hour data stream is individually copied to each of the other client network nodes 52_56. Thus, in the example illustrated in FIG. 19, the zone client sends the first stream set 302 to the area client 54, and sends the second stream set to the area guest 56; the area client 54 sends the first string. The stream aggregates to the zone client, and sends the first-stream set 308 to the zone guest 56; and the zone client sends the set to the zone client 52, and the second stream set 312 to the zone (four) 54. The 4 stream _312 includes all real-time data streams required by the virtual zone specification and its location to be lighter than the plurality of objects in the shared virtual zone. Each of the following includes a header, a serial number, and other information including a source identifier field identifying the source of the packet. 73 200924460 The regional client network node 52-56 generates the required real-time data stream types (such as audio, video, chat, and mobile data) by the instant data stream received from the other client network nodes. A streamlined mixture. In this process, the client in each zone reassembles the packet by type (such as video, audio, chat, and control) and the instant data string &quot;IL packet and the serial number separated by the source identifier. Each zone client then sorts the reassembled packet stream by the parent's cross-correlation timestamp and source point ID to maintain synchronization between the instant data streams during imaging. The scalability of Topology 3 is subject to the overload of the client network node. As shown in Figure 19, Topology 300 also imposes significant load on the network when unicast transmission is used to send the required instant data stream. In a number of real-world examples, a single individual multicast that transmits each required data stream is sent to one or more switches by assembling each of the regional client network nodes 52-56, and the switches allocate the multicast string. Streaming copies to other network nodes can reduce the load on the local network by 15%. Figure 20 shows the same-level real-time data stream processing extension that can reduce the connection between the four-area guest network node 52_56 and the regional guest network node 32. An embodiment of Park 320. In Topology 320, each of the zone client network nodes 20 52-56, 322 sends a copy of each of the required instant data streams to the other two zone client network nodes 52-56, 322. Thus, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the area client 52 sends the first stream set 324 to the area guest 56 and the second stream set 326 to the area guest 322; the area client 54 sends the first stream set. 328 to the area client 322 and the second stream set 330 to the area client 56; the area client 56 sends the first 74 200924460 stream set 332 to the area client 52 and the second stream set 334 to the area client 54; The zone client 322 sends the first stream set 336 to the zone client 52 and the second stream set 338 to the zone client 54. In addition, the 'area clients 52-56, 322 each act as a transceiver switch, and the relay receives the instant stream stream from one of the other area clients to the other of the area clients. In particular, the zone client 52 relays a copy 340 from the stream set 336 of the zone client 322 to the zone guest 56; the zone client 54 relays a copy 342 of the stream set 334 from the zone client 56 to the zone The client 322; the area client 56 relays one copy 344 of the stream set 324 from the area client 52 to the area client 54; and the area client 322 relays the stream set 1 from the area client 54. One copy 346 to the zone guest 52. These stream sets 324-346 include all of the instant data streams required to link to multiple objects in the shared virtual zone based on the virtual zone specifications and their locations. Each stream is packetized into packets, each of which includes a header, a sequence number, and other information containing a source identifier field identifying the source of the packet. The 15th client network node 52·5ό, 322 pairs the required instant data string type (such as audio, video, chat, and mobile data), and receives the real-time data from the “street client network node”. Technique generation—individual streaming mixture is processed in the private sequence. The passengers in each area are separated by type (such as video, audio, mobile, and control) and the source identifier is separated by 2〇=(four). The packet is reassembled by the serial number and then the serial number is reassembled. Then, each client borrows and correlates the time and the source D is sorted and reassembled. ^ ^ During the imaging period, the synchronization between the instant data streams is maintained. The expansion of the 'brothers' party network node's overload upload requirements. As shown in Figure 2, when using unicast to send the required 75 200924460 real-time data stream, topology 3 2 造成 also imposes a significant load on the network. In some embodiments, a single-individual multicast that transmits each required data stream is sent to one or more by combining the various guest network nodes 52_56: The same The device distributes the multicast stream to other network nodes, 5 to reduce the load on the local network. d.sever 主 主 主 主 主 主 帮 洁 洁 洁 虚 苐 苐 图 图 图 图 图 图 图 图 图 图 图 图 图 图The stream processing twists the 350's area server 64 system as the area of the client network node 仏 brothers relay real-time data stream - transceiver switch. In the topology of 35 ,, each 10 district guest network The way node 52_56 uploads the individual required real-time data stream sets 352, 354, 356 to the area word server 64. The area server 64 relays the requested top stream copy i area guest network node according to individual requirements. 52-56. In the example shown in Fig. 21, the area server 64 transmits individual copies 358, 36 of the stream set 352 uploaded by the area client 52 to each of the other 15 area clients 54, 56; The server 64 transmits the individual copies 362, 364 of the stream set 354 uploaded by the zone client 54 to the respective other zone clients 52, %; and the zone server 64 transmits the stream set 356 uploaded by the zone client 56. Individual copies 366, 368 to various other area clients 52, 54. These stream sets 358-368 includes all of the real-time data streams required to link the plurality of objects in the shared virtual area 20 according to the virtual area specifications and their locations. Each stream is packetized into packets, each of which includes a source identifying the source of the packet. One of the identifier fields, a header, a serial number, and other information. The regional client network node 52-56 receives the desired type of real-time data stream (eg, audio, video, chat, and mobile data). The real-time f-streaming of the server network node 64 is generated as a financial stream mixture. In this process, in the b-sequence, the types of clients in each area are typed (for example, video, audio, chat, mobile data, and (4) And re-assemble the packet with the serial identifier separated by the source identifier. Then, the client in each zone sorts the reassembled packets by the time-correlated dollar and source point ID of the cross-correlation to maintain synchronization between the instant data streams during imaging.

10 &quot; In a number of real customs towel, the area servo ϋ 64 mobile Μ 递送 - 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特 特In this processing program, the area ship 64 selects __ kinds of topological learning for string processing, which involves learning through the towel core and the network node.

The _roads of the first-collection exchange real-time data streams, and exchange real-time data streams through the respective levels of the second level (4) and (4). The first set of nodes may be different from the second set of nodes. As described above, the node has a V object associated with an individual location in the virtual zone, and has at least one of the source point and the aggregation point of the instant data stream class. . The area server 64 forwards the instant data stream packet among the plurality of network nodes of the first set based on one or more switching rules and the determined real-time data stream processing topology. 20 Figure 22 shows an embodiment of an instant data stream processing topology 37 that dynamically combines the elements of the aforementioned stream processing topology. Specifically, in the illustrative topology shown in Figure 22, the regional client network node 52-56 receives the instant data stream through the same level of connection and the dynamic combination of the servo connection. , District Health as a district passenger network 77 200924460 transceiver node between the nodes. 10 15 20 In Topology 370, the zone client network nodes 52-56 each upload the required instant data stream sets 372, 374, 376 to the zone server material. In the example illustrated in FIG. 22, the zone servo (10) relays the stream set 372-copy 378 to the zone client 54 uploaded by the zone client 52; the zone health device relay is uploaded by the zone client 54. One of the stream collections 374 is individually read and transferred to other local area clients 52, 56; and the district feeder 64 relays the stream collection 376 uploaded by the area client 56 - copy 384 to the area client 54. In addition, the zone end 52 receives the required stream set 386 directly from the zone client 54 and the zone client 56 receives the requested stream set 388 directly from the zone client 52. These stream sets. 78 388 includes all real-time data streams required to link multiple objects in a shared virtual zone based on virtual zone specifications and their locations. Each stream packet becomes a packet 'each of which includes a header, a serial number, and other information containing a source identifier field of the source of the identification packet. $The client network points 52~56, 322 for each required real-time data string=type (such as audio, video, chat, and mobile data), received by the live data string from the gossip area client network (4) Flow generation - individual stream mixtures. In this case, the process 戽 φ τ, the type of the client in each area (for example, video, audio, chat, mobile-%; [γ% times; and control) and the input of the source identifier is separated by the W-packet W packet 'And reassemble the package by serial number. The time stamps of the mutual correlations and the source point order are reassembled in each area of the New Zealand area to maintain synchronization between the current data streams during imaging. The top-of-the-line data link 52_56 can be utilized by the top-of-the-line network node 52_56. The maximum number of ( 11 (9) 纟 节点 5 5 5 · 5 6 receives the maximum number of unmixed 78 200924460 real-time data stream. VII. Second System Architecture Embodiment

Figure 23 shows an embodiment of a shared virtual area communication environment 400 that includes an embodiment of a zone client network node 52-56, a zone server network 5 node 64, and a network. Switch 404. The structure and operation of each element of the shared virtual area communication environment 400 are the same as those of the elements of the co-dry virtual area communication domain described above, except for the following, the area server 64 and the client communication application M2 One or more of the instant data stream switching functions of at least one of (refer to FIG. 7) have been incorporated into the network switch 404, allowing the network switch 404 to operate according to one of the foregoing methods or Many perform automated real-time data stream exchange. 15 20 蜩峪 换 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 A network adapter, a network adapter of the network server. In operation, the network switch 404 uses the inspection data packet; determines the source of the packet; and forwards multiple packets to their respective destinations. Road segment. For each packet, the network switch ^ hard address source hard address and _ segment and address table _ for comparison of the same section to discard the packet; otherwise network switch 404 do not pass The packet is sent to the appropriate segment. The network switch contains the preferred route of the packet before the packet is read and the network is determined to be the destination of the network. The network switch is typically applied. Routing Interpretation: The routing table 411 contains a routing path routed to the shoulder destination near the network switch 404 to generate a preamble table. The preamble table 409 and the road 79 200924460 are routed from the table 411. The typical system is to describe the network switch 4〇4 and the network. The network topology information between the destinations specifies that the network switch 4〇4 does not forward bad or unpacked packets. The network switch 404 can operate in one or more of the OSI layers. The OSI layer includes a physical layer, a data link layer, a network 5 layer, and a transport layer. Illustrative embodiments of the network switch 404 include, but are not limited to, network switches, network routers, and network backbones. In some embodiments, the network switch 404 exchanges instant data stream links between a plurality of network nodes sharing a virtual area. The network adapter receives the virtual area specification 406 by the area server 402. The virtual area specification 406 includes a A description of the item or more than 10 exchange rules, each of which defines an individual link between the source point of the individual instant data stream type and the collection point of the instant data stream type in the location of the virtual area. The memory 4〇5 stores one or both of the virtual area specification 406 and the routing table 411 and the preamble table 4〇9, where each table 409, 411 includes a routing path describing the route to the network destination. Internet topology information. Processing The element 407 forwards the instant data stream packet between two or more of the network nodes 52-56, where each network node 52_56 is associated with an individual location of the virtual area and one or more instant data stream types. The source point and the aggregation point are associated with at least one of the source points and the collection points. The processing unit 4〇7 is one or more of the instant data stream packets forwarded by the network topology information and one or more exchange rules. In the example, the network switch performs one or more power cycles b of the guest stream exchange manager 168. In this embodiment, the processing unit 建立ο? establishes one or more between the network nodes 52-54. An instant data stream is connected, where network nodes 52-56 are associated with individual objects, each of which is associated with at least one of source points and collection points of one or more of the 200924460 instant data stream types. One is associated. The processing unit 407 is based on one or the other of the methods of FIG. 10 and FIG. 12_14, based on the item or multiple exchange rules, the individual source points and collection points associated with the objects, and the objects in the virtual area. Don't position, create one or more live data stream links. In some embodiments, network switch 404 performs one or more functions of a zone guest network node. In particular, the network switch 404 performs some or all of the instant data stream exchange functions of the area server 64 (see, for example, Figure 8). In this regard, network switch 404 receives configuration information from zone server 64. The configuration data includes a copy of the virtual area specification 180 (refer to Figure 8) and a copy of the object register 182 (refer to Figure 8). The network switch 4〇4 activates the local virtual area specification cache 4〇6 with a copy of the virtual area specification 180, and activates the local object register 4〇8 with a copy of the object register 182. Periodically, in response to an event (eg, avatar movement), or both periodically and in response to an object, the network 15 switch 404 tracks the 'away virtual area' and the virtual area based on the mobile data received from the area guest 52_56. The information of the avatar of the tfl person and its object is updated to update the local object register. The network switch is based on the method of the figure ’. The data stream data required by the mosquito delivery to the area = network node 52-56 real-time data stream connection. The processing program includes 20 determining the best stream processing topology for providing the required real-time data stream data to the zone (10). P', in a number of implementations, network exchange (4) 4 dynamic decision to deliver a specific day-to-day data stream collection - instant data stream processing for a given network node topology. In the processing program, the processing unit 4〇7 selects a topology learning 81 200924460 as a stream processing topology, which involves exchanging real-time data streams between network nodes in the first set via a central network node. And exchange of instant data streams between network nodes of the second set (typically different from the first set) through direct peer-to-peer network connections. As previously explained, each network 5 node is associated with at least one of a source location and a collection point of one or more of the individual locations and the instant data stream types in the virtual zone. The processing unit 40 7 forwards the instant data stream packet between the network nodes of the first set based on one or more exchange rules and the determined real-time data stream processing topology. 10 VIII. Conclusion The embodiments described herein provide a system and method for exchanging real-time data stream links in a shared virtual area communication environment. These embodiments allow the exchange rules for linking instant data streams between multiple network nodes communicating over a shared virtual area to understand the specifications of the virtual area. These embodiments allow the virtual zone designer to not only control the shape and appearance of the virtual zone, but also control how the communicants are connected to one another via instant data streams. In addition, by combining the automatic exchange rules with the location of the virtual zone, the system for establishing and ending the connection based on the attributes and properties of the objects within the virtual zone is compared, and the signal processing function is communicated with the stream routing, linking, and disconnection functions. These embodiments can reduce the complexity of connecting correspondent nodes and interrupting connections and increase the scalability of the system. Other embodiments are within the scope of the claimed patent. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a network node, including a graphical user interface for presenting a two-dimensional map of a virtual zone. Figure 2A is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a shared virtual area communication environment in which network nodes communicate in a peer-to-peer network architecture. Figure 2B is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a shared virtual area communication environment in which network nodes communicate in a server medium architecture. Figure 3 is a block diagram of a co-sponsored virtual zone. It consists of a set of illustrative real-time data stream links between the source and collection points of three network nodes. f Figure 4 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a network node that includes a set of 10 explicit source points and a set of illustrative collection points. Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a graphical user interface showing a perspective view of a virtual area including segments associated with individual instant data stream exchange rules. Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a graphical user interface showing a plan view of the three dimensional virtual area shown in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a guest network node and a second guest network node connected to one of the zone server network nodes in an embodiment of a shared virtual zone communication environment. Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment 20 of the shared virtual area communication environment shown in Figure 7. Figure 9 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method performed by a zone of guest network nodes and a zone of server network nodes. Figure 10 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method by which a streaming exchange manager embodiment processes configuration data received from a zone server. 83 200924460 Figure 11 shows a plan view of the virtual area shown in Figure 6, where the virtual area is filled with four avatar objects. Figure 12 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of determining an instant data stream connection for delivering a desired data stream data to a zone of a guest network node. 5 Figure 13 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of exchanging instant data streams between network nodes sharing a virtual area. Figure 14 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of exchanging instant data stream connections between network nodes sharing a virtual area. Figure 15 is a block diagram of a host system including a network adapter 10 with enhanced link management functionality. Figure 16 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the network adapter shown in Figure 15. Figure 17 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for determining the delivery of required data stream data to one or more instant data stream processing topologies of a zone of client network nodes. 15 Figure 18 is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of an instant data stream processing topology. Figure 19 is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of an instant data stream processing topology. Figure 20 is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of an instant data stream processing topology. Figure 21 is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of an instant data stream processing topology. Figure 22 is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of an instant data stream processing topology. 84 200924460 Figure 23 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a shared virtual area communication environment including an embodiment of a network switch that manages instant data stream connections in accordance with switching rules defined in virtual area specifications. [Main component symbol description] 10.. Network node 12.. Display monitor 14.. . Computer mouse 16.. Keyboard 18, 20, 172, 174. Speakers 22, 178... Microphone 24.. Graphic User Interface 26.. Indicators 28... Shared 3D Virtual Areas 30, 32, 34... Avatars 3644, 101-112... Sections 50, 62... Shared Virtual Areas Communication environment 52, 54, 56... zone server network node, zone guest network node, network node 58.. communication network 60.. . virtual zone specification 64.. . zone server 66.. Source Point Set 68...Collection Point Set 85 200924460 70.. . Audio Source Point 72.. View Ifl Source Point 74.. . Chat Source Point 76.. . Mobile Source Point 78.. . "Other" Source point 80... Audio collection point 82.. Video collection point 84.. . Chat collection point 86.. . Mobile data collection point 88.. . "Other" collection point 90.. . Graphic user interface 92.. Drawing area 94.. .Menu 96.. . Toolbar 98.. .50.oco section menu 100.. . 3D virtual zone, virtual corridor zone 120.. shared virtual zone communication environment 122,407,484. .. Processing Unit 124.. System Memory 126.. System Convergence Row 128... persistent storage memory 86 200924460 130... input component 132.. display monitor 134.. display controller 136.. network adapter 140.. operating system 142... communication application 144. .GUI Driver 146...Data 148.. Login, Configuration Library 150.. Application Programming Interface (API) 152.. Network Transport Protocol Set 160.. Server Media Shared Virtual Area Communication Environment 162.. Communication module 164... 3D visualization engine 165.. Chat engine 166.. Audio processing engine 168.. Stream switching engine, Stream switching manager 170.. Bandwidth monitor 171. .. Computer mouse 176... Headphones 180.. . Virtual _ area 别 梅 梅, virtual _ district rules only 87 200924460 182.. . Objects of the current register, object register 184, 194... Streaming mixture form 186.. . Interface data 188.. . Section form 190.. Object register 192.. . Object location, current object location database 196.. Virtual zone specification data 198... Correspondent avatar Databases 200-230, 240-250, 251-270, 440-454... Block 232.. Neighboring section 280. Instant data stream processing topology 28 2-292... Instant data stream collection 300, 320... Same level instant data stream processing topology 302-312, 324-346, 358-368, 378-388... Streaming set 322.. Guest network node 340, 342, 344, 346. · Stream collection copy 350.. Server data real-time data stream processing topology 370.. . Instant data stream processing topology 400.. . Virtual Area Communication Environment 402.. Area Server Network Node 403, 462... Network Adapter 88 200924460 404.. Network Switch 405.. Memory, Computer Readable Memory 406. . Virtual Area Specification 409.·· Forward Table 411.. Routing Table 460.. Application Environment 464.. Host System 466... Communication Controller 468.. Media Access Controller (MAC) Interface 470. . Network Media 472.. . Network Node 474.. Host Interface 埠 476.. . Network Media Interface 埠 480.. Transceiver 482.. Memory 484.. Virtual Zone Specification Copy 486... Link Table 488·.·Channel Table 89

Claims (1)

200924460 VII. Patent application scope: • A method for exchanging real-time data stream links between multiple nodes sharing a virtual area, wherein the improved part comprises: 夂 storing a virtual area containing one or more exchange rules And the parental change rules are located in the virtual zone, defining an individual connection between the source point of the individual instant data stream type and the collection point of the instant data stream type; and the network associated with the individual object When one or more p-times are connected between the road nodes, the objects are associated with at least one of the source data stream type and the source point and a collection point. The establishment of the county in the item or multiple exchange rules, individual source points and collection points associated with the objects, and individual locations of the objects in the virtual area. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein: the virtual zone specification is included in one or more of the virtual zones, or the item or multiple exchange rules are derived from one or more sections Associated with an individual real-time data stream type of the segment and (ii) an individual real-time lean stream type in which the individual segments are gathered; and the establishment includes a relationship - one or more segments determining the location of the object, and based on The determined location is established - the item or the number of days is light. The method of claim 2, wherein the _ 立 includes: identifying the middle section of the object; and all of the possession of one of the districts 90 3. 200924460 determining one of the sections associated with the identified section Or a target collection of one of the instant data stream types of multiple exchange rules. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the establishing comprises determining whether the one of the objects (other than the given object) is included in one or more of the sections, such as borrowing one The item or multiple exchange rules define 'in the real-time data stream type in the target set--from the δHai and other segments, and in the immediate data string &quot;IL type in the target set One is integrated into the segments; the __ connectable set of the instant bee stream is determined, and each instant data synchronizing machine is at least one of the following: (1) originating from a network associated with the determined object One or more of the nodes in the node and (9) the network node associated with the determined object; and a source point and collection based on the connectable set of the instant data stream Point e, decision - the required m material stream data set. 5. The method of claiming the patent scope, wherein at least one of the exchange rules associates an individual source role identifier with a given one of the instant data stream types; and the establishment includes The source role identifier is compared to the role identifier associated with one or more objects associated with the source point of the given instant data stream type. 'Create one or more of the instant data stream links. By. 6. If you apply for a patent range! The method of the item, wherein the ones in the exchange rules associate the individual pooled role identifiers with the instant data stream type, such as a given stream; and the set includes the color identifier based on the collection angle 200924460 and The role identifiers associated with the one or more objects associated with the collection point of the given instant data stream type are individually compared to establish one or more of the instant data stream links. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the establishing additional is based on at least an item proximity strategy (4), the rule allowing only one of the source points and the virtual area to be within a specified distance of each other. A compatible link in the collection point associated with the object. 8. If you apply for a patent scope! The term of the item* further includes: a maintenance-object register, wherein the object register stores the object in the virtual area, including an individual object identifier, and is allowed to be associated with the object. The link information of the road link, and the identification of all the real-time data stream source point types and the interface type of the collection point associated with the object; the associated Mao Yun &lt;Hai object register to the virtual (four) and objects One or more of the phase network nodes. 9. If the method of claim 8 is applied, the method includes: -_,, .s, the user receives the interface data, and the data in the first page is the same as the object of the given network node, 3 All real-time data stream point types associated with the county network node and the instant data stream aggregation point type-form; ', to receive from the given network name register; and the U-way (four) interface The data updates the object w, and the milkpot temporarily stores one or more other network nodes associated with the tannin object temporary storage object. 92 200924460 !〇 · The method of claim 4, further comprising delivering a specific set of data stream data to a given one of the network node orders - instant data (4) processing the butterfly, the towel The virtual zone specification specifies a stream attribute value for one or more of the one or more segments of the virtual zone; and the determining includes one or more strings based on the virtual zone specification The stream attribute value, select the instant data stream processing topology. 11. The method of claim H, wherein the virtual zone specification assigns a first stream priority attribute value to a first instant data stream type, and the first stream priority is prioritized One of the attribute values is different, and the second stream priority attribute value is assigned to a second instant data stream type; and the selection includes selecting the first and second stream priority order attribute values according to the difference, and ranking the difference differently The topological order of the first and second real-time data f stream types is used as the stream processing topology. 12. The method of claim 1G, wherein the virtual zone specification assigns a first stream priority attribute value to a first instant data stream type, and the first stream priority order attribute value Different one of the second stream priority attribute values is assigned to a second instant data stream type; and the selection includes the first and second streams according to different first and second streams The data stream type selects different stream processing topologies. 13' The method of claim 12, wherein the stream processing topology selected for the first instant data stream type is in a mixed stream format, delivering one of the first type of instant data streams For the given 93 200924460 network m and for the second-time conversion class, the serial machine processing (4) is to deliver the second type of real-time data stream to the given one in an unmixed streaming format. Network node. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the establishing comprises generating one or more instant f-stream links via individual links, each of the links having an individual link frequency i and carrying one or An individual delivery set of multiple instant data streams. The method of claim 14 (4), wherein the virtual zone specification assigns: one or more individual bandwidth bits to each of the one or more instant data stream classes, and the generation system is based on the virtual zone The specifications are individually assigned to one or more of the bandwidth levels of the one or more instant data stream types. The method of claim 15, wherein the virtual zone specification assigns an individual minimum bandwidth level to each of one or more instant data stream types, and the Zhao inclusion is assigned to the (four) virtual zone specification respectively One or more of the most current data stream types, one or more of the most 'speaker's wide level, for each link decision—the individual minimum link bandwidth level and/or the individual link bandwidth is determined The link of the individual minimum link bandwidth level. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein: the &quot;Hai virtual zone specification assigns an individual set of a majority of the bandwidth levels to each of one or more instant data stream types; and the generation Including attempting to generate one of the links, the given one is determined based on the bandwidth level assigned by the virtual area specification. 94 200924460: A candidate link bandwidth level, Forming the given 2nd (4)th link bandwidth level, attempting to give the given link: Xi:: the second candidate link based on the bandwidth level assigned by the virtual area specification Bandwidth level. 8.8. The method of claim 14, wherein the virtual zone specification assigns a stream priority property value to each of one or more instant data stream types, and the generation Including, for each link, based on at least part of the one or more streamed wire attribute values respectively assigned to the one or more instant data stream types by the virtual zone specification, configuring individual link bandwidths to individual Sending one or more of the instant data streams in the collection. 19.- Sharing------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _Virtual zone secret, each exchange rule is located in the virtual zone, defining an individual link between the source point of the data stream type and the collection point of the instant data stream type; and the processing unit The operation establishes an item or a plurality of real-time data stream links between the network nodes associated with the individual objects, and the objects are each at least one of a source point and a collection point of the current data stream type. Corresponding to, wherein the processing unit establishes the one or more real-time data stream links based on the one or more exchange rules, individual source points and collection points that are opposite to the objects, and objects 95 200924460 Individual locations of the virtual zone. 20. The device of claim 19, wherein: the virtual zone specification comprises a description of one or more zones in the virtual zone; the one or more exchange rules are one or more zones Associated with (1) an individual real-time data stream type originating from the segment and (1) an individual real-time lean stream type in which the individual segments are gathered; and the establishing includes one or more segments determining the location of the object, And establishing one or more live data stream links based on the determined location. 21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the processing unit is operable to: identify all of the segments occupied by the given one of the objects; and determine the associated segment with the identified segment One of the target data stream types of one or more exchange rules, a set of objects, and the (four) pieces of the towel (other than the given object) are included in the segment or more, such as By borrowing a term or a plurality of exchange rules, one of the instant data stream types in the target set is derived from the segments and in the instant data stream types in the target set One of the collections is incorporated into the segments; determining that one of the 0 temple data streams can be linked to the collection, and each of the instant data streams is at least one of: (1) originating from a network associated with the identified object One or more of the nodes and (9) the network savings of the identified objects and those associated with the identified objects; and based on the connectable collection of the instant data stream 96 200924460 The source point is matched with the collection point to determine a set of materials. Instant data stream required • ° The device of claim 19 of the patent scope, the number of the &amp;Hai and other exchange rules will be - the individual source role identifier - the material in the class of the data stream type; and the establishment includes The source role identifier is compared with the role identifier associated with each of the one or more objects associated with the source point of the given instant data stream type - establishing the instant data stream or more By. A computer readable medium storing a computer readable command, the instructions causing the computer to perform the following operations when executed by a computer: storing a virtual area containing one or more exchange rules (four) 'exchange ❹m is located at the location of the virtual zone towel, defining an individual connection between the source point of the individual instant data stream type and the aggregation point of the instant data stream type; and establishing an item between the network nodes associated with the individual object a plurality of real-time data stream links, each of which is associated with at least one of a source point and a collection point of one or more of the instant data stream types, wherein the establishing is based on the one or more exchange rules Individual source points and collection points associated with the objects, and individual locations of the objects in the virtual area. 2 4 - a network switch for exchanging instant data stream links between network nodes sharing a virtual area, wherein the improved part comprises: a computer readable memory operable to store an item or A number of exchange rules - virtual area specifications, the exchange rules are defined in the location of the 2009 2009460460 in the "real virtual area" and define a source point of the instant data stream type and the collection point of the instant data stream type One of the individual links, wherein the computer readable memory is additionally operable to store a table of network topology information including routing paths describing the destination to the network; and the processing unit is operable to each a network node associated with an individual location in the virtual zone and one of the one or more instant data stream types and at least one of the aggregation points, ie, the temple string, the IL packet, wherein the processing The unit forwards the one or more instant data stream packets based on the network topology information and the one or more exchange rules. 25. The network switch of claim 24, wherein the processing unit is operable to determine a real-time data stream processing topology to deliver a set of instant stream data to a particular set of network nodes One of the entrants determines that the instant data stream processing process, the processing unit finds that the given network node and other network nodes associated with the objects in the virtual area The bandwidth capacity of the plurality or more, and the streaming processing topology is selected based on the discovered bandwidth capacity. 26. A method for composing a virtual area, wherein the improved portion comprises: generating a virtual area-model in a display monitor in response to a user's round-in, wherein the model includes 5 displayed on the display monitor The geometry element of the virtual area; D should be associated with the user's input to associate the one or more exchange rules with the virtual area, and the exchanges are each located in the virtual zone 200924460. Defining - an individual connection between a source point of an individual instant data stream type and a collection point of the instant data stream type; generating a virtual area describing the virtual area model and one or more of the associated parent switching rules Specifications; and storing the virtual area specifications in a computer readable storage medium. 27. A method for exchanging real-time data stream links between network nodes in a shared-virtual zone, wherein the improved part comprises ··determining-instant collections, and the related stream is associated with an individual location in the box A given one of the associated network nodes participates in a collaborative communication session with one or more of the network nodes associated with the individual locations in the virtual zone; based at least in part on the bandwidth capacity of the given network node Determining to deliver the instant data stream collection to one or more real-time data stream links of the given network node; and w-porting to the π network to establish an instant data stream connection among the other network nodes Knot. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the determination comprises the individual form of receiving the instant data stream in the judgment, and the instant data stream is unbound, inward, and rectified, and not left. Combination of real-time data stream flow _ export _, sy ^ face hair instant data string 2q ^ A fly-type instant data stream form. 29. If the method of claim 27 is applied, the path is pure and the same day, “^-4 contains the judgment of the mouth*, f is the string of 丨L—the network routing path, the bean has been determined The network routing path is _ /, direct 冋 tier network routing path 99 200924460 or one of the network routing paths of the network node t or one of the media. 3〇_such as the scope of patent application (4) The method includes, for example, storing a virtual zone specification including (4) (4), each rule is a location in the virtual zone, and is defined as a source point of the individual instant data stream type and the instant One of the aggregation points of the data stream type is individual =, which makes at least one of the determination and the determination based on the exchange rules. 3 = The method of claim 27 of the patent scope further includes the transmission from the network The form of a combined instant data stream derived from the instant data stream of one of the way nodes is sent to the given 32:=: method of item 27, wherein the determination includes finding that the frequency is 1 One or more of the bandwidth capacity and based on the discovered 33^1 $ - an instant data stream link. =: _27 method, the one or f stream link involves switching the instant data string between the network nodes in the set via the -central network node to the direct peer network The network link is used to exchange the real-time data stream. The network node in the set 5 is the method of claim 27, wherein the one or more instant data stream links involve Contains the requested instant; 枓 streaming data and is derived from other network H capture data stream - Kunren (10) ± rabbit suitable instant data stream is sent to the network of 100200924460 35. The method of claim 27, wherein the determining comprises determining one or more instant data stream links that maximize unmixed instant data stream delivery to the given network node. - A device for exchanging real-time data stream links between network nodes sharing a virtual area, wherein the improved portion comprises: storing a computer readable command, a computer readable memory, and coupling to the memory body A data processing unit operative to execute the instructions and, operatively based at least in part on execution of the instructions, to perform an operation comprising determining a set of instant data streams, the streams being allowed to be associated with an individual location in the virtual area A cooperating communication session in which a given one of the associated network nodes participates in one or more of the network nodes associated with the individual locations in the virtual zone, based at least in part on the bandwidth capacity of the given network node Determining to deliver the instant data stream set to one or more instant data stream links of the given network node, and between the given network node and one or more of the other network nodes Create an instant data stream link. 37. A computer readable medium for storing computer readable instructions for exchanging instant data stream links between network nodes sharing a virtual area, wherein the improved portion comprises the computer readable command operable A computer is engaged in the following operations: Determining an instant data stream set that allows a given one of the network nodes associated with the individual locations in the virtual zone 101 200924460 to participate in an individual location in the virtual zone Linking a network node to one or more other parties for a communication session; determining, based at least in part on the bandwidth capacity of the given network node, the delivery of the instant data stream set to one of the given network nodes or Multiple instant data stream links; and establishing an instant data stream connection between the given network node and one or more of the other network nodes. 38^ A method for exchanging real-time data stream links between network nodes in a shared-virtual zone, wherein the improved part comprises: determining, by each of the one or more receivers of the network nodes, the link through the link Transmitting one or more of the instant data streams to each of the set of transmissions, wherein the links each have an individual key pair for each link's respectively configured to the one or more of the individual transmission sets One or more pass points of the instant data stream: the link bandwidth is transmitted to the one through the individually configured channel: the one or more instant data streams in the set are sent to the receiving Network node. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the determining comprises, for each link, for each of the one or more instants in the individual transmission set, each of the streams is determined to be one or more individual bandwidth bits The individual bandwidth bits are assigned to the link based on the determined bandwidth level. 40_ </ RTI> </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; A plurality of identified individual minimum bandwidth levels are calculated to calculate individual minimum link bandwidth levels. 41. The method of claim 40, further comprising discarding any of the keys in response to determining that the available bandwidth of the link fails to satisfy the individual minimum link bandwidth level. 42. The method of claim 39, wherein the determining comprises, for each link, one or more of the individual data streams in the individual transmission set, each of the individual first preferred bandwidth levels to an individual second Optimizing a preferred level hierarchy of bandwidth ordering, identifying at least two individual bandwidth levels, and calculating a target link bandwidth level based at least in part on the identified first preferred bandwidth level And calculating a different alternate link bandwidth level based at least in part on the identified second preferred bandwidth level. 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the determining comprises, for each receiving network node, attempting to establish an individual link to the receiving network node at the target link bandwidth level, and responding to failure to establish The individual link of the target link bandwidth level to the receiving network node attempts to establish the alternate link bandwidth level to the individual link of the receiving network node. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the attempt comprises comparing the target link bandwidth level with a current 103 200924460 bandwidth that can be used to transmit the individual transmit set and a current frequency available for the individual receiving network node Both are wide. 45. The method of claim 38, wherein the determining comprises, for each receiving network node, attempting to establish an individual link to the receiving network node at the link bandwidth level of the individual candidate, and responding to the An individual link capable of establishing a link bandwidth level of the individual candidate to the receiving network node and discarding at least one optional real-time data stream in the set of transmitted data. 46. The method of claim 38, wherein the determining comprises, for each receiving network node, attempting to establish an individual link to the receiving network node at the link bandwidth level of the individual candidate, and responding to the An individual link that can be established at the link bandwidth level of the individual candidate to the receiving network node is established and transmitted through a network route routed by one or more of the other network nodes. The one or more instant data streams in the individual transmission set are streamed to one of the receiving network node links. 47. The method of claim 38, wherein the determining comprises, for each receiving network node, attempting to establish an individual link to the receiving network node at the link bandwidth level of the individual candidate, and responding to the One or more of the individual link links that can be established at the individual candidate link frequency level to the receiving network node for the instant data stream composition sent by the other of the network nodes 104 200924460 Hybrid real-time data stream forms, establishing one or more real-time data streams delivered to an individual transmission set to one of the receiving network node links. 48. The method of claim 38, wherein the determining comprises configuring individual bandwidths for each of the links to determine an amount based on an attribute associated with an individual receiving network node. 49. The method of claim 38, wherein for each link, the individual link bandwidth is allocated based on one or more strings individually associated with one or more of the individual data streams in the individual transmission set. The flow is prioritized. 50. The method of claim 38, wherein the links are individual unidirectional links from an individual of the network nodes transmitting the individual transmission set to one of the respective ones of the receiving network nodes. 51. A device for exchanging an instant data stream connection between network nodes sharing a virtual area, wherein the improved portion comprises: storing a computer readable command in a computer readable memory; and coupling to the a data processing unit operable to execute the instructions and, operatively based at least in part on execution of the instructions, to perform operations comprising: determining, by the one or more recipients of the network nodes, through the chain The path will send one of the one or more real-time data streams to each of the individual transmit sets of the set, wherein the links each have an individual link bandwidth, and for each link, respectively configured for the individual transmit set 105 200924460 Allocating individual link bandwidths between one or more channels of the one or more instant data streams, and transmitting the one or more real-time data in the individual transmission set through the individually configured channels Streaming to the individual receiving network node. 52. A computer readable medium for storing computer readable instructions for exchanging instant data stream links between network nodes sharing a virtual area, wherein the improved portion comprises the computer readable command operable A computer performing the following operations comprises: determining, by the one or more recipients of the network nodes, an individual link of one of the one or more instant data streams to be transmitted through the link, wherein the Each of the links has an individual link bandwidth; and for each link, an individual link bandwidth is allocated between one or more channels of the one or more instant data streams respectively configured in the individual transmit set And transmitting the one or more real-time data streams sent to the individual transmission set to the individual receiving network node through the individually configured channel. 53. A network adapter for exchanging real-time data stream links between network nodes sharing a virtual area, wherein the improved portion comprises: storing computer readable commands in a computer readable memory; and And a processing unit coupled to the computer readable memory, operative to execute the instructions, and at least in part based on the execution of the instructions to perform the following operations comprising one or more of the network nodes Each of the receivers 106 200924460 determines that one of the one or more instant data streams is transmitted over the link to transmit one of the individual links of the set, wherein the links each have an individual link bandwidth; and for each link, Allocating an individual link bandwidth between one or more channels respectively configured for the one or more instant data streams in the individual transmission set, and transmitting the individual transmission set in the individual transmission set through an individually configured channel Waiting for one or more instant data streams to the individual receiving network node. 107