Configurable communications apparatus and kit

A configurable apparatus includes a housing, a cradle, and a handset. In a first configuration, a first bracket is releasably attached to the cradle and to the housing such that the cradle is disposed next to a first side of the housing. In a second configuration, a second bracket is releasably attached to the cradle and to the housing such that the cradle is disposed next to a second side of the housing. The first and second brackets can include L-shaped brackets, which can be mirror images of each other. The communication system may be used in multi-story buildings or similar structures to facilitate communications among multiple stations (e.g., emergency response stations) within the structures.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to communication consoles such as for multistory buildings.

BACKGROUND

Existing emergency communications systems for multistory buildings include a console and a cradle/handset that is fixedly attached to one side of the console. In one type of system, the cradle/handset is fixedly attached to the right side of the console. In another type of system, the cradle/handset is fixedly attached to the left side of the console. In order to provide both type of systems, manufacturers need to produce and stock both types of systems, which increases costs.

It would be desirable to overcome these and/or other deficiencies in the art.

SUMMARY

It would be advantageous to have the ability to integrate a cradle (for a handset) to each side of a housing for the console, and thereby facilitate the positioning of the handset on either side of the console, as may be desired.

It is an object of at least some embodiments to address one or more of the above technical challenges.

An aspect of the invention is directed to a configurable apparatus comprising: a housing having opposing first and second housing sides; a cradle; and a handset removably disposed on the cradle, wherein: the apparatus has a first configuration where a first bracket is releasably attached to the cradle and to the housing such that the cradle is disposed next to the first housing side, and the apparatus has a second configuration where a second bracket is releasably attached to the cradle and to the housing such that the cradle is disposed next to the second housing side.

In one or more embodiments, the first and second brackets are mirror images of each other. In one or more embodiments, the first and second brackets include first and second L-shaped brackets, respectively. In one or more embodiments, each L-shaped bracket includes orthogonal front and side bodies. In one or more embodiments, when the apparatus is in the first configuration the front body of the first L-shaped bracket is releasably attached to a back side of the cradle and the side body of the first L-shaped bracket is releasably attached to the first housing side, and when the apparatus is configured in the second configuration the front body of the second L-shaped bracket is releasably attached to the back side of the cradle and the side body of the second L-shaped bracket is releasably attached to the second housing side. In one or more embodiments, each of the first and second brackets includes a board bracket.

In one or more embodiments, the housing includes a front housing body and the first and second housing sides extend from the front housing body towards a back of the apparatus. In one or more embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a console assembly disposed in an opening defined in the front housing body. In one or more embodiments, the console assembly includes a control interface that selects a communication channel for the handset. In one or more embodiments, the console assembly includes a visual indicator of a status of the apparatus. In one or more embodiments, the console assembly further comprises a communications interface for bidirectional communication with a mobile computing device.

In one or more embodiments, the cradle includes at least one recess to removably receive a portion of the handset. In one or more embodiments, when the apparatus is in the first configuration the first bracket is releasably attachable to a control assembly, the first bracket disposed between the control assembly and the cradle, and when the apparatus is in the second configuration the second bracket is releasably attachable to the control assembly, the second bracket disposed between the control assembly and the cradle. In one or more embodiments, the control assembly includes a circuit board. In one or more embodiments, the housing and the cradle are disposed in a case, the case mountable on a wall.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to a kit comprising: a housing having first and second housing sides; a handset; a cradle having opposing front and back sides and a recess to removably receive the handset; a first bracket releasably attachable, in a first configuration, to the back side of the cradle and to the first housing side to dispose the cradle next to the first housing side; and a second bracket releasably attachable, in a second configuration, to the back side of the cradle and to the second housing side to dispose the cradle next to the second housing side.

In one or more embodiments, the first and second brackets are mirror images of each other. In one or more embodiments, the first and second brackets include first and second L-shaped brackets, respectively. In one or more embodiments, each L-shaped bracket includes orthogonal front and side bodies. In one or more embodiments, in the first configuration the front body of the first L-shaped bracket is releasably attachable to the back side of the cradle and the side body of the first L-shaped bracket is releasably attachable to the second housing side, and in the second configuration the front body of the second L-shaped bracket is releasably attachable to the back side of the cradle and the side body of the second L-shaped bracket is releasably attachable to the first housing side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As stated above, it would be advantageous to have the ability to integrate a cradle (for a handset) to each side of a housing for the console, and thereby facilitate the positioning of the handset on either side of the console, as may be desired.

FIG. 1is a front view of a system that addresses the above technical challenge, in a first configuration, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 1, in accordance with at least some embodiments, the system100includes a cradle102, a handset104(having a handle204, a receiver206, and a transmitter208) removably disposed on (e.g., supported by) the cradle102, a console assembly106, and a housing108that supports the console assembly106.

The cradle102defines at least one recess to removably receive a portion of the handset104. For example, the cradle102includes a first recess103to receive the transmitter208of the handset104and/or a second recess105to receive the receiver206of the handset104. In some embodiments, the cradle102defines only one recess, which can be the same as the first or second recess103,105or it can be a different recess. The cradle102may further include an extension107, which may extend over the handset104when seated in the cradle104, and/or which may be connected to the case114, via a fastener, catch and/or otherwise.

As stated above, the handset104may include a handle204, a receiver206, and a transmitter208. In at least some embodiments, including but not limited to the illustrated embodiment, the handle204(or portion(s) thereof), may be narrower than the receiver206and/or the transmitter208.

In addition, the cradle102and/or the handset104may define a catch to removably or releasably dispose the handset104on the cradle102. In some embodiments, the catch may comprise one or more male or other features on one surface and one or more female or other features on the other surface, wherein the one or more male or other features on the one surface releasably engage the one or more female or other features on the other surface to releasable retain the handset104to the cradle102via interference, friction, mechanical coupling, and/or otherwise.

The console assembly106may include a front side109, a control interface140, one or more visual indicators112and/or an audio system (which may include a speaker disposed behind speaker openings113on the front side109of the console assembly106). The control interface140includes one or more manual controls110. Although shown as buttons and knobs, the manual controls110may additionally or alternatively include a keypad (touch screen or otherwise) and/or any other type(s) of input device(s). The manual controls110can be used to select the wireless communication channel (e.g., an emergency communication channel) to receive and/or send wireless communications via handset104, which can be coupled to wireless antennae in a multi-story building (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 7). The one or more visual indicators112may indicate status and/or other information112of the system100. Although shown as light emitting diodes and/or miniature lamps, the one or more visual indicators112may additionally or alternatively include a display and/or any other type(s) of visual indicator(s).

The system100may further include a case114that supports, and/or within which may be disposed, in whole or in part, the cradle102, the handset104, console assembly106and/or the housing108. In at least some embodiments, the case114does not completely enclose the system100.

In at least some embodiments, the system100may be mounted on a wall (or other structure)116of a building or other structure. For example, the case114can include a hole or a projecting feature (e.g., a hook) to hang the system100on a wall. Alternatively, the system100can mechanically engage a mounting base that itself is mounted on a wall.

In the illustrated embodiment and configuration of the system100, the cradle102is positioned on the left side of the system100and/or to the left of the housing108(e.g., the cradle102is disposed next to the left side210of the housing108). For example, when viewing from the front side109of the console assembly106, the cradle102is positioned on the left side of the system100and/or to the left of the housing108. The relative position of the cradle102with respect to the system and/or the housing108can vary based on the user's point of view. For example, when viewing from the back side of the console assembly106, the cradle102is positioned on the right side of the system100and/or to the right of the housing108.

As stated above, it would be advantageous to have the ability to attach a cradle (for a handset) to each side of a housing for the console, and thereby facilitate the positioning of the handset on either side of the console, as may be desired.

FIG. 2is a front view of the system100, in a second configuration, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 2, in accordance with at least some embodiments, in the second configuration of the system100, the cradle102is positioned on the right side of the system100and/or to the right of the housing108. For example, the cradle102is disposed next to the right side212of the housing108.

In at least some embodiments, a width of the system with the cradle mounted on the first side of the housing is the same or at least substantially the same as a width of the system with the cradle mounted on the second side of the housing.

As used herein, a dimension that is “substantially the same” as a second dimension has a magnitude that is within +/−5% that of the second dimension.

In at least some embodiments, the system100, the cradle102and/or the housing108may have a rectangular outline in a front elevation view, e.g., as shown.

In at least some embodiments, the cradle102may have a longitudinal axis118and may have a configuration that is symmetrical about such longitudinal axis118. The housing108may have a longitudinal axis120and may have a configuration that is symmetrical about such longitudinal axis120. The case114may have a longitudinal axis122and may have a configuration that is symmetrical about such longitudinal axis122. The cradle102and/or the case114can also having a latitudinal axis130and either or both can have a configuration that is symmetrical about such latitudinal axis130.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of the system100, without the case114and in a first state, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

FIG. 4is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the system100, without the case114and in a first configuration, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

FIG. 5is an enlarged exploded view of a portion of the system100, without the case114and in a first state, in accordance with at least some embodiments;

Referring toFIGS. 3-5, in accordance with at least some embodiments, the housing108may have a front side400, and two sides402,404, which may be arranged in a U-shape (e.g., in cross section) and/or which may define a channel406. The sides402,404extend from the front side400to a back or a back side of the housing108

Unless stated otherwise, a “U-shape” is not limited to the U-shape shown in the figures. For example, a U-shape may have any suitable types of edges, e.g., rounded, e.g., as shown, beveled, squared and/or otherwise. The front and/or sides may be planar, e.g., as shown, but are not limited to such. For example, the front may have a radius or curve from side to side. The sides may be perpendicular (90 degrees relative) to the front, e.g., as shown, but are not limited to such. Additionally, the term “U-shaped” does not preclude the addition of a top, bottom and/or rear portions to the housing.

The front400of the housing108may define an opening408to receive the front side109of the console assembly106. The opening408may be rectangular, e.g., as shown, and/or may encompass a major portion (e.g., at least 50%) of the front400of the housing108. However, the front400of the housing108and the opening408, if present, are not limited to the above.

The console assembly106may further include a potentiometer230(which may be mechanically and/or electrically connected to one or more of the one or more manual controls110) and/or an interface board240(having electrical components mounted thereon), which may be electrically connected to the one or more manual controls110and/or the one or more visual indicators112to enable the console assembly to provide its functionality, as may be desired.

In at least some embodiments, including but not limited to the illustrated embodiment, the cradle102, the housing108and/or the front109of the console assembly106may have an open construction and may comprise walls having uniform (and/or substantially uniform) thickness and bends that define, at least in part, the shape of the cradle102, housing104and/or front side109of the console assembly106.

The system100may further include a rear assembly410or other rear component(s), which may comprise a circuit board assembly (which may include a printed circuit board414and electrical components attached thereto), which may perform one or more functions of the system100. In at least some embodiments, the rear assembly410may comprise a control assembly, which may perform one or more control functions of the system100.

As stated above, in accordance with at least some aspects, the cradle102is releasably attachable to a first one (e.g., right side402) of the two sides402,404(e.g., right side402, left side404) of the housing108to position the cradle102on a first side of the system100(adjacent to or otherwise to the side of a first one of the two sides402,402of the housing108), and releasably attachable to a second one (e.g., left side404) of the two sides402,404of the housing108to position the cradle102on a second side of the system100(adjacent to or otherwise to the side of a second one of the two sides402,404of the housing108).

In that regard, in at least some embodiments, including but not limited to the illustrated embodiment, the system100may include a bracket416that is connected between the cradle102and one of the two sides402,404of the housing108, as may be desired, to thereby attach the cradle102thereto (i.e., to the one of the two sides402,404of the housing108).

In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket416is connected between the cradle102and the left side404of the housing108, to thereby attach the cradle102thereto (i.e., to the left side404of the housing108) and position the cradle102on the left side of the system (adjacent to or otherwise to the side of the left side404of the two sides402,404of the housing108).

In at least some embodiments, including but not limited to the illustrated embodiment, the bracket416may comprise an L-shaped (or other type) bracket418having a front body420and a side body424that are orthogonal to each other. The front body (or front surface)420is releasably attachable to a back side (e.g., rear facing (or other) surface)422of the cradle102. The side body424(or side surface) is releasably attachable to an outer facing (or other) surface426of the one of the two sides402,404of the housing108. The front body420and the side body424can form first and second legs of the L-shaped bracket418.

In at least some embodiments, including but not limited to the illustrated embodiment, the bracket418may define openings427(FIG. 5) and the cradle102may define openings428(FIG. 5), in register therewith or otherwise corresponding thereto, to receive bolts or fasteners that connect (releasably or otherwise) and/or maintain (releasably or otherwise) the connection between the front body420of the bracket418and the back side422of the cradle102.

Additionally, the bracket418may define openings430and the housing108may define openings432(FIG. 4), in register therewith or otherwise corresponding thereto, that receive bolts or fasteners to connect (releasably or otherwise) and/or maintain (releasably or otherwise) the connection between the side body424of the bracket418and the outer facing surface426of the one of the two sides402,404of the housing108.

Alternatively, in place of one or more such opening(s) and fastener(s) that connect or otherwise maintain a connection between two surfaces, some embodiments may employ a catch to connect (releasably or otherwise) and/or maintain (releasably or otherwise) the connection between the two surfaces. In some embodiments, the catch may comprise one or more male or other features on one surface and one or more female or other features on the other surface, wherein the one or more male or other features on the one surface releasably engage the one or more female or other features on the other surface to connect (releasably or otherwise) and/or maintain (releasably or otherwise) the connection via interference, friction and/or otherwise.

It may also be desired to connect the cradle102to the rear assembly410. In that regard, in at least some embodiments, the bracket416may also be connected between the cradle102and the rear assembly410, to thereby connect the cradle102to the rear assembly310. The bracket416can include additional openings (e.g., openings430) to receive bolts or fasteners to form these connections.

In at least some embodiments, including but not limited to the illustrated embodiment, the bracket416may have the form of or otherwise comprise (or be coupled to) a board (or other type of) bracket that includes the bracket418discussed above and further includes a board (or other shape) portion440attached to the bracket418and having a rear facing (or other) surface442connected to a front facing (or other) surface444of the rear assembly410.

In at least some embodiments, including but not limited to the illustrated embodiment, the board portion440may define openings446(FIG. 5) and the rear assembly410may define openings448(FIG. 5), in register therewith or otherwise corresponding thereto, that receive bolts or fasteners (which may also pass through spacers) to connect (releasably or otherwise) and/or maintain (releasably or otherwise) the connection between the surface442of the board (or other shape) portion440and the surface444of the rear assembly410.

In at least some embodiments, including but not limited to the illustrated embodiment, the rear facing (or other) surface442of the board portion440may have a height and a width that is substantially the same as a height and a width, respectively, of the front facing (or other) surface444of the rear assembly410.

As discussed above, in place of one or more such opening(s) and fastener(s) that connect or otherwise maintain a connection between two surfaces, some embodiments may employ a catch to connect (releasably or otherwise) and/or maintain (releasably or otherwise) the connection between the two surfaces. In some embodiments, the catch may comprise one or more male or other features on one surface and one or more female or other features on the other surface, wherein the one or more male or other features on the one surface releasably engage the one or more female or other features on the other surface to connect (releasably or otherwise) and/or maintain (releasably or otherwise) the connection via interference, friction and/or otherwise.

If a connection between the cradle102and the rear assembly410is desired but the bracket416is not to be used for such, a separate bracket may be connected between the cradle102and the rear assembly410.

It may also be desired to connect the cradle102to the case114(FIGS. 1-2). In that regard, in at least some embodiments, the system100may include a bracket460that is connected between the cradle102and one side of the case114to thereby attach the cradle102thereto (i.e., to the one side of the case114).

In at least some embodiments, including but not limited to the illustrated embodiment, the bracket460may comprise an L-shaped (or other type) bracket having a front facing (or other) surface462of a first leg (or other portion) connected to a rear facing (or other) surface464of the cradle102, and having a side facing (or other) surface466of a second leg (or other portion) connected to an inner facing (or other) surface (not shown) of the one side of the case114.

In at least some embodiments, including but not limited to the illustrated embodiment, the bracket460may define openings472and the cradle102may define openings474, in register therewith or otherwise corresponding thereto, that receive bolts or fasteners to connect (releasably or otherwise) and/or maintain (releasably or otherwise) the connection between the surface462of the bracket460and the surface464of the cradle102.

Additionally, the bracket460may define openings476and the case114may define openings (not shown), in register therewith or otherwise corresponding thereto, that receive bolts or fasteners to connect (releasably or otherwise) and/or maintain (releasably or otherwise) the connection between the surface466of the bracket460and the surface (not shown) of the one of the sides of the case114.

Alternatively, in place of one or more such opening(s) and fastener(s) that connect or otherwise maintain a connection between two surfaces, some embodiments may employ a catch to connect (releasably or otherwise) and/or maintain (releasably or otherwise) the connection between the two surfaces. In some embodiments, the catch may comprise one or more male or other features on one surface and one or more female or other features on the other surface, wherein the one or more male or other features on the one surface releasably engage the one or more female or other features on the other surface to connect (releasably or otherwise) and/or maintain (releasably or otherwise) the connection via interference, friction and/or otherwise.

As stated above,FIGS. 3-5show the system in a first configuration. In at least some embodiments, if it is desired to attach the cradle102to a first one402of the two sides402,404of the housing108to position the cradle102on a first side of the system (adjacent to or otherwise to the side of a first one402of the two sides402,404of the housing108), instead of (and/or after) attaching the cradle to the second one404of the two sides402,404of the housing108to position the cradle102on the second side of the system100, a second bracket516(e.g., a second L-shaped bracket518) that is a mirror image of the first bracket416(e.g., of the first L-shaped bracket418) may be employed, and the attachments and connections described above may be modified accordingly for the second configuration, compared to those discussed above for the first configuration, in order to thereby position the cradle102on the first side of the system (adjacent to or otherwise to the side of the first one402of the two sides402,404of the housing108).

For example, in the first configuration the front body420of the first L-shaped bracket418is releasably attached to the back side422of the cradle102and the side body424of the first L-shaped bracket418is releasably attached to the first side402(e.g., right side) of the housing108. In the second configuration, the front body520of the second L-shaped bracket518is releasably attached to the back side422of the cradle102and the side body524of the second L-shaped bracket518is releasably attached to the second side404(e.g., left side) of the housing108. The second bracket516and/or the second L-shaped bracket518can include a second board-shaped bracket540.

Thus, in at least some embodiments, the system100has at least two configurations and is dynamically re-configurable between the first configuration and the second configuration without causing damage to or otherwise irreversibly modifying the structure of the cradle102, the handset104, the console106, the housing108, and/or the case114.

In at least some aspects, some or all of the above components of the system may be included in a kit for constructing the system, in a dynamically configurable state or otherwise.

In at least some embodiments, the modified connections may be assisted if the cradle102, the housing108and the case114are symmetrical (or at least substantially symmetrical). As used herein, “substantially symmetrical” means symmetrical to within +/−5%. In some other embodiments, the cradle102and/or housing108are not entirely symmetrical and/or not entirely substantially symmetrical, but the location and configuration of features that relate to the attachments and connections may be symmetrical and/or substantially symmetrical. Some embodiments may not include any of the above.

As can be seen, the system100includes a plurality of interconnected modules. Each module can be generally rectangular or another shape, and the size of each module can be the same or different than one or more of the other modules. For example, a console assembly module506(e.g., including console assembly106) is configured and arranged to be disposed in a housing module508(e.g., including housing108). In addition, a speaker module515and/or an interface board module525is configured and arranged to be disposed in a portion of the console assembly module506. A first bracket module516(e.g., including bracket416and/or L-shaped bracket418) and a second bracket module536(e.g., including second bracket516and/or second L-shaped bracket518) are configured and arranged to be removably attached to a cradle module502(e.g., including cradle102) and to the housing module508. The cradle module502is disposed next to a first side of the housing module508using the first bracket module516, and the cradle module502is disposed next to a second side of the housing module508using the second bracket module536. The cradle module502is configured and arrange to removably receive the handset104. In addition, a control board module is configured and arranged to be removably attached to the first or second bracket modules516,536.

FIG. 6is a schematic block diagram of a processing system600of the system100, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 6, in accordance with at least some embodiments, the processing system600may include a transmitter and receiver604of the handset104, input and output606of the console assembly106, a controller610of the controller assembly410, a plurality of internal communication links, e.g., communication links612,614, and a communications interface620.

In at least some embodiments, the console will allow for easy operation of all functions, with controls and switches/buttons being conveniently located and labeled. In at least some embodiments, this equipment meets all requirements established by New York, N.Y., (and/or other jurisdiction(s)) without adding undue complexity.

The communications interface620can include a wireless and/or a wired communication interface. The wireless and/or wired communication interface can be used to communicate with a mobile computing device (e.g., as discussed below).

In at least some embodiments, the processing system600may be (or comprise) an auxiliary radio communication (ARC) system that meets or exceeds the requirement for ARCs codified in the New York City Building Code (e.g., sections 403.4.4 and 907.2.13.2).

FIG. 7is a schematic block diagram of a system700that includes one or more of the systems100described herein, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

The system100may be mounted to a wall or other structure on a first or other floor of the building702, e.g., floor7041.

In at least some embodiments, the system100can include a communications interface for sending information to and/or receiving information from a mobile computing device706of a user. In at least some embodiments, the system100may send information to and/or receive information from a system, e.g., system750, which in at least some embodiments, may be the same as and/or similar to the system100, mounted to a wall or other structure on another, e.g., higher floor, of the building702, e.g., floor704N-1. In at least some embodiments, the system750may also send information to and/or receive information from a mobile computing device756of a user, which in at least some embodiments, may be the same as and/or similar to, the mobile computing device706. In addition or in the alternative, the system100can (e.g., via communications interface620on system100) send information to and/or receive information from at least one antenna710located on one or more floors such as floor7042. The antenna(e)710can relay the information wirelessly to emergency personnel who can receive the related information on a mobile radio or other device over the selected communication channel.

Having thus described several aspects and embodiments of the technology of this application, it is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the technology described in the application. For example, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the embodiments described herein.

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. In addition, any combination of two or more features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods described herein, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

The above-described embodiments may be implemented in any of numerous ways. One or more aspects and embodiments of the present application involving the performance of processes or methods may utilize program instructions executable by a device (e.g., a computer, a processor, or other device) to perform, or control performance of, the processes or methods.

In this respect, various inventive concepts may be embodied as a computer readable storage medium (or multiple computer readable storage media) (e.g., a computer memory, one or more floppy discs, compact discs, optical discs, magnetic tapes, flash memories, circuit configurations in field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other semiconductor devices, or other tangible computer storage medium) encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more computers or other processors, perform methods that implement one or more of the various embodiments described above.

The computer readable medium or media may be transportable, such that the program or programs stored thereon may be loaded onto one or more different computers or other processors to implement various ones of the aspects described above. In some embodiments, computer readable media may be non-transitory media.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that according to one aspect, one or more computer programs that when executed perform methods of the present application need not reside on a single computer or processor, but may be distributed in a modular fashion among a number of different computers or processors to implement various aspects of the present application.

FIG. 8is a block diagram of a computer architecture800according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, one or more of the systems (or portion(s) thereof), apparatus (or portion(s) thereof) and/or devices (or portion(s) thereof) disclosed herein may have an architecture that is the same as and/or similar to one or more portions of the architecture800.

In some embodiments, one or more of the methods (or portion(s) thereof) disclosed herein may be performed by a system, apparatus and/or device having an architecture that is the same as or similar to the architecture800(or portion(s) thereof). The architecture may be implemented as a distributed architecture or a non-distributed architecture.

Referring toFIG. 8, in accordance with at least some embodiments, the architecture800may include one or more processors810(e.g., hardware-based processors) and one or more articles of manufacture that comprise non-transitory computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory820and one or more non-volatile storage media830). The processor810may control writing data to and reading data from the memory820and the non-volatile storage device830in any suitable manner, as the aspects of the disclosure provided herein are not limited in this respect. The storage media may store one or more programs and/or other information for operation of the architecture800. In at least some embodiments, the one or more programs include one or more instructions to be executed by the processor810to provide one or more portions of one or more tasks and/or one or more portions of one or more methods disclosed herein. In some embodiments, other information includes data for one or more portions of one or more tasks and/or one or more portions of one or more methods disclosed herein. To perform any of the functionality described herein, the processor810may execute one or more processor-executable instructions stored in one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media (e.g., the memory820), which may serve as non-transitory computer-readable storage media storing processor-executable instructions for execution by the processor810.

When implemented in software, the software code may be executed on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided in a single computer or distributed among multiple computers.

In at least some embodiments, the architecture800may have one or more communication devices840, which may be used to interconnect the architecture to one or more other devices and/or systems, such as, for example, one or more networks in any suitable form, including a local area network or a wide area network, such as an enterprise network, and intelligent network (IN) or the Internet. Such networks may be based on any suitable technology and may operate according to any suitable protocol and may include wireless networks or wired networks.

Also, in at least some embodiments, the architecture800may have one or more input devices850and/or one or more output devices860. These devices can be used, among other things, to present a user interface. Examples of output devices that may be used to provide a user interface include printers or display screens for visual presentation of output and speakers or other sound generating devices for audible presentation of output. Examples of input devices that may be used for a user interface include keyboards, and pointing devices, such as mice, touch pads, and digitizing tablets. As another example, the architecture800may receive input information through speech recognition or in other audible formats.

It should be understood that the features disclosed herein can be used in any combination or configuration. Thus, in at least some embodiments, any one or more of the embodiments (or feature(s) thereof) disclosed herein may be used in association with any other embodiment(s) (or feature(s) thereof) disclosed herein. Similarly, in at least some embodiments, any one or more of the features disclosed herein may be used without any one or more other feature disclosed herein.

The present invention should therefore not be considered limited to the particular embodiments described above. Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures to which the present invention may be applicable, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention is directed upon review of the present disclosure.