Wireless control and modification of electronic audio signals of remote electronic devices

Systems and methods for wireless control and modification of electronic audio signals of remote electronic devices are disclosed. In an embodiment, a second computing device receives, from a first computing device that is configured to read radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, a first RFID tag address of a first RFID tag. A first mapping that associates each RFID tag address of a plurality of RFID tag addresses with a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) event message of a plurality of MIDI event messages is stored in one or more digital data repositories, the plurality of RFID tag addresses including the first RFID tag address. A second mapping that associates each MIDI event message of the plurality of MIDI event messages to a virtual action identifier of a plurality of virtual action identifiers is stored in one or more digital data repositories. The second computing device uses the first mapping to determine a first MIDI event message based on the first RFID tag address. The second computing device uses the second mapping to determine a first virtual action identifier based on the determined first MIDI event message. The second computing device instructs a sound producing device to execute an action associated with the determined first virtual action identifier.

TECHNICAL FIELD

One technical field of the present disclosure is wireless manipulation of software system parameters in real time. Another technical field is wireless control of software devices by a performer in real time. Yet another technical field is wireless control of electronic effects systems used in music performance and recording, such as guitar effects pedals or effects software.

BACKGROUND

Musicians often use sound manipulation effects devices during their performances. Recently, many sound manipulation effects devices have moved from the physical domain, such as an effects pedal, to the software domain, such as a software program that digitally simulates an effects pedal. A common protocol for controlling such software devices is Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI). Software effects have the advantage of being essentially unlimited in number for a performer, with the ability to control countless parameters from the software program.

However, manipulating a computing device such as a laptop, tablet or mobile phone that is running the effects software is not practical for a user or performer, who ultimately still requires a separate physical manifestation of the software device, such as a pedal board device, to manipulate its parameters in real time.

Electronic instrument manufacturers have historically accommodated this need by creating hardware pedal-board devices with a limited number of physical buttons or controls. Given that there are a limitless number of effects and parameter settings available in software programs, pedal board devices have increasingly been made larger and larger, with more physical buttons to give performers quick access to control more effects. However, this is not a scalable solution as practical limits exist as to the number of physical buttons a device maker can, or is willing to make, and the size, weight, and cost of a pedal board device that a user or performer is willing to use.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The text of this disclosure, in combination with the drawing figures, is intended to state in prose the algorithms that are necessary to program a computer to implement the claimed inventions, at the same level of detail that is used by people of skill in the arts to which this disclosure pertains to communicate with one another concerning functions to be programmed, inputs, transformations, outputs and other aspects of programming. That is, the level of detail set forth in this disclosure is the same level of detail that persons of skill in the art normally use to communicate with one another to express algorithms to be programmed or the structure and function of programs to implement the inventions claimed herein.

Embodiments are described in sections according to the following outline:

2. EXAMPLE SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION

3. EXAMPLE FUNCTIONAL IMPLEMENTATION

6. EXTENSIONS AND ALTERNATIVES

Systems and methods for wireless control and modification of electronic audio signals of remote electronic devices are disclosed. One embodiment uses two computing devices. In this embodiment, a second computing device receives, from a first computing device that is configured to read radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, a first RFID tag address of a first RFID tag. A first mapping that associates each RFID tag address of a plurality of RFID tag addresses with a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) event message of a plurality of MIDI event messages is stored in one or more digital data repositories, the plurality of RFID tag addresses including the first RFID tag address. A second mapping that associates each MIDI event message of the plurality of MIDI event messages to a virtual action identifier of a plurality of virtual action identifiers is stored in one or more digital data repositories. The second computing device uses the first mapping to determine a first MIDI event message based on the first RFID tag address. The second computing device uses the second mapping to determine a first virtual action identifier based on the determined first MIDI event message. The second computing device instructs a sound producing device to execute an action associated with the determined first virtual action identifier.

Other aspects, features and embodiments will become apparent from the disclosure as a whole. The described embodiments provide significant improvements to providing extensibility, scalability, and portability for live performers. Techniques described herein allow live performers to scale to and expressively control an unlimited number of live performance effects, resulting in enhanced displays of artistic expression. Additionally, techniques described herein allow live performers to extend their existing live effects configurations without investing substantial capital. Lightweight and compact RFID tags are easily transported and can be attached to any medium and used in synthesis with techniques described herein to control live performance effects, further enhancing the usability and value of such configurations. In amalgamation, techniques described herein enable vastly improved live performance capabilities of performers.

These techniques offer, in addition to the improvements discussed above, reduced usage of network bandwidth, CPU cycles, storage, and/or memory because of the efficiency and efficacy of the algorithms that are disclosed.

2. EXAMPLE COMPUTER SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION

FIG. 1Ais a block diagram of an example computer network system100in which various embodiments may be practiced.FIG. 1Ais shown in simplified, schematic format for purposes of illustrating a clear example and other embodiments may include other elements.

In the example ofFIG. 1A, a remote unit102, mapping database112, and computing device106are communicatively coupled directly or indirectly via network104. These elements are shown to illustrate a clear example of an operating environment for the computer-implemented techniques that are claimed in this disclosure, but an implementation of the claims may not require all such elements.

The remote unit102may comprise any type of computing device that allows scanning target devices114-120. Target devices114-120may each comprise a RFID tag or other similar technology. Any contactless smart card that works though other protocols may be used. The target devices114-120may be used to allow the remote unit102to extract the identification information, such as an RFID tag address, from each target device114-120without a user having to actively present the target device114-120to the remote unit102. Remote unit102may also transmit and store information on target devices. Four target devices114,116,118,120are depicted inFIG. 1A, however, any number of target devices may exist.

Remote unit102may communicate with computing device106and mapping database112using a wide variety of wireless communications and protocol and the invention is not limited to mobile wireless devices on any particular wireless communication method or protocol or any particular frequency range. Example wireless communication methods and protocols include, without limitation, cellular telephony communication methods (3G, 4G, etc.), 802.11x, 802.15x and Bluetooth.

FIG. 2is a block diagram that depicts an example architecture for remote unit102. In this example, the architecture for remote unit102includes several different types of modules that may be implemented in discrete hardware elements, computer software, or any combination of discrete hardware elements and computer software. Furthermore, remote unit102may include additional elements that are not depicted in the figures or described herein for purposes of brevity.

In the example ofFIG. 2, wireless receiver202, accelerometer204, and wireless transmitter208are communicatively coupled to microprocessor206. Memory and storage elements (not shown) may store information and instructions to be executed by microprocessor206. For example, the microprocessor206may execute instructions that cause the wireless transmitter208to send a signal to a nearby target device such as an RFID tag and then cause the wireless receiver202to read the response from the RFID tag. In an embodiment, the response received by the wireless receiver202may include a RFID tag address that uniquely identifies the RFID tag. The microprocessor206may execute instructions that cause the accelerometer to provide numerical acceleration metrics. The microprocessor206may execute instructions that cause the cause the wireless transmitter208to transmit data over network104such as data received from the RFID tags such as an RFID tag address and/or data received from the accelerometer such as acceleration metrics.

Returning toFIG. 1A, the computing device106may comprise a laptop computer, tablet computer, smartphone, or any other type of computing device that allows execution of applications. Typically, the computing device102executes a control module108and hosts music effects software110as one or more applications or apps, services or other executables. The control module108and music effects software110may receive input via network from remote unit102. The control module108and music effects software110may also query mapping database112for data required to execute procedures described herein. The computing device106by way of the control module108and/or music effects software110may send output to sound producing device122via an I/O interface.

FIG. 3is a block diagram that depicts an example architecture for control module108. In this example, the architecture includes several different types of modules that may be implemented in discrete hardware elements, computer software, or any combination of discrete hardware elements and computer software. Furthermore, control module108may include additional elements that are not depicted in the figures or described herein for purposes of brevity.

In the example ofFIG. 3, control module108comprises connection management instructions302, configuration management instructions304, message handler instructions306, and mode management instructions308. The instructions may be in machine executable code in the instruction set of a CPU and may have been compiled based upon source code written in JAVA, PYTHON, C, C++, OBJECTIVE-C, or any other human-readable programming language or environment, alone or in combination with scripts in JAVASCRIPT, other scripting languages and other programming source text.

The connection management instructions302may be programmed or configured to initiate and maintain an active wireless connection to the remote unit102via the network104. The connection management instructions302may also be used for implementing aspects of the flow diagrams that are further described herein.

The configuration management instructions304may be programmed or configured to enable mapping of RFID tag addresses to MIDI event messages and/or mapping of MIDI event messages to virtual action identifiers. For example, configuration management instructions304may interact with a graphical user interface (GUI) coupled, directly or indirectly to computing device106to receive mapping information from a user. Configuration management instructions304may interact with mapping database112to store mappings or retrieve stored mappings. The configuration management instructions302may also be used for implementing aspects of the flow diagrams that are further described herein.

The message handler instructions306may be programmed or configured to receive or transmit messages to and from the remote unit102via network104. For example, message handler instructions306may interact with the remote unit102to receive RFID tag addresses. The message handler instructions306may then interact with the configuration management instructions304to retrieve a mapping of RFID tag addresses to MIDI event messages, use the mapping to identify the corresponding MIDI event message, and transmit the corresponding MIDI event message to music effects software110. The message handler instructions302may also be used for implementing aspects of the flow diagrams that are further described herein.

The mode management instructions306may be programmed or configured to control an operating mode such as switching between a mode for creating mappings of RFID tag address to MIDI event messages or a run mode for executing actions or events. The message handler instructions302may also be used for implementing aspects of the flow diagrams that are further described herein.

Returning toFIG. 1A, execution of music effects software110may include executing one or more programs or instructions that simulate functionality of sound effect pedals that can modify electronic audio signals. For example, instructions may simulate a particular sound effect pedal that modifies an electronic audio signal by introducing a delay, echo, or reverb to the electronic audio signal. An example of music effects software110includes Guitar Rig Pro by Native Instruments GmbH. Sound effect pedals may include but are not limited to distortion, overdrive, reverb, delay, and phaser effects.

Mapping database112may include digital data that representing a mapping that associates RFID tag addresses to MIDI event messages. The mapping database112may also include digital data representing a mapping that associates MIDI event messages to virtual action identifiers. Although the mapping database112is shown inFIG. 1as connected to the computing device106and remote unit102via network104, the mapping database112may be stored internally in either the remote unit102and computing device106and accessed locally.

Sound producing device122may comprise a loudspeaker, guitar speaker, headphones, or any device that converts an electrical audio signal into a corresponding sound. A guitar speaker is defined as a speaker that converts an electrical audio signal generated by a guitar sound producing device into a corresponding sound. The sound producing device122may receive an electronic audio signal from the computing device106and convert the electrical audio signal into a corresponding sound. Sound producing device122may be specialized for producing sound for electrical audio signals originally generated by an electric guitar, bass guitar, or acoustic guitar, as discussed herein.

Network104may be implemented by any medium or mechanism that provides for the exchange of data between the various elements ofFIG. 1. Examples of network104include, without limitation, a cellular network, communicatively coupled with a data connection to the computing device106over a cellular antenna, one or more Local Area Networks (LANs), one or more Wide Area Networks (WANs), one or more Ethernets or the Internet, or one or more terrestrial, satellite or wireless links, or a combination thereof. For purposes of illustrating a clear example, network104is shown as a single element but in practice, network104may comprise one or more local area networks, wide area networks, and/or internetworks. The various elements ofFIG. 1Amay also have direct (wired or wireless) communications links, depending upon a particular implementation.

FIG. 1Bis a different view of system100, according to an embodiment.

As depicted inFIG. 1B, system100may additionally comprise an electronic audio signal generator124and an A/D converter126. Electronic audio signal generator124may comprise an electronic audio signal generating device such as a musical instrument that produces an electronic audio signal which may include an electric guitar, bass guitar, or acoustic guitar.

As a functional example of system100, electronic audio signal generator124generates an electronic audio signal and the signal is transmitted to the A/D converter126. The A/D converter converts the electronic audio signal, which may comprise converting an analog signal to a digital signal. The electronic audio signal is received at computing device106. Music effects software110executing on computing device106may modify the electronic audio signal and transmit the modified electronic audio signal through the A/D converter to the sound producing device122. The sound producing device122produces a sound corresponding to the modified electronic audio signal.

As electronic audio signals are generated by electronic audio signal generator124, processed and/or modified by computing device106, and transmitted to sound producing device122, remote unit102may scan target devices122-120to extract identification information, such as an RFID tag address. The remote unit102then transmits the identification information to the computing device106for processing. The computing device106may execute instructions that identify a mapping of RFID tag addresses to MIDI event messages, use the mapping to identify the corresponding MIDI event message, identify a mapping that associates MIDI event messages to virtual action identifiers, and use the mapping to identify the corresponding virtual action identifier. The corresponding virtual action identifier may be used by the music effects software110to select instructions to modify an electronic audio signal. Additional details and other example interactions are described through this application.

3. EXAMPLE FUNCTIONAL IMPLEMENTATION

FIG. 4shows an example flowchart400of a method for wireless control of remote electronic devices.

Although the steps inFIG. 4are shown in an order, the steps ofFIG. 4may be performed in any order and are not limited to the order shown inFIG. 4. Additionally, some steps may be optional, may be performed multiple times, or may be performed by different components. All steps, operations and functions of a flow diagram that are described herein are intended to indicate operations that are performed using programming in a special-purpose computer or general-purpose computer, in various embodiments. In other words, each flow diagram in this disclosure is a guide, plan or specification of an algorithm for programming a computer to execute the functions that are described.

In step405, a first RFID tag address of a first RFID tag is received from a first computing device at a second computing device. For example, remote unit102scans one or more of target devices114-120to retrieve the first RFID tag address of a first RFID tag. The remote unit102transmits the first RFID tag address to computing device106via network104.

In an embodiment, an RFID tag can be attached to a foot board, musical instrument, microphone stand, clothing, key ring, necklace, watch, wallet, or a sub-dermal tag inserted somewhere in a user's body.

FIG. 5illustrates RFID tags attached to a musical instrument, clothing, and a microphone stand. For example, RFID tag502is attached to clothing of a performer. RFID tag504is attached to a musical instrument504, such as an electric guitar. RFID tag506is attached to a microphone stand. When RFID tags502,504,506are scanned by remote unit508, which, as pictured is attached to the wrist of a performer, corresponding RFID tag addresses are retrieved and transmitted to computing device106as described with respect toFIG. 1andFIG. 2.

FIG. 6illustrates RFID tags attached to clothing. For example, RFID tag602is attached to clothing of a user. RFID tag604is also attached to clothing of a performer. When RFID tags602,604are scanned by remote unit606, which, as pictured is attached to the wrist of a performer, corresponding RFID tag addresses are retrieved and transmitted to computing device106as described with respect toFIG. 1andFIG. 2.

Returning toFIG. 4, in step410, a first mapping that associates each RFID tag address of a plurality of RFID tag addresses with a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) event message of a plurality of MIDI event messages is stored in one or more digital data repositories. The plurality of RFID tag addresses includes the first RFID tag address. For example, a user may interact with a graphical user interface (GUI) coupled, directly or indirectly to computing device106to create or configure the first mapping of the plurality of RFID tag addresses to the plurality of MIDI event messages. Computing device106then may store the first mapping in mapping database112.

In an embodiment, a MIDI event message comprises a MIDI command which can be transported in accordance with MIDI communication protocol. In some embodiments, a MIDI event message includes MIDI data parameters that correspond to a MIDI command included in the MIDI event message. For example, a MIDI event message may include a MIDI command that represents a note-off, note-on, aftertouch, control-change, or pitch-bend event. MIDI data parameters corresponding to a note-on event may include a key number parameter that represents a particular key or note, and an attack velocity parameter that represents the velocity of a key or note.

In step415, a second mapping that associates each MIDI event message of the plurality of MIDI event messages to a virtual action identifier of a plurality of virtual action identifiers is stored in one or more digital data repositories. For example, a user may interact with a graphical user interface (GUI) coupled, directly or indirectly to computing device106to create or configure a second mapping of the plurality of MIDI event messages to the plurality of virtual action identifiers. The GUI for configuring the second mapping may be accessible by a user via music effects software110. Computing device106then may store the second mapping in mapping database112or in an internal database associated with computing device106.

In step420, using the first mapping, a first MIDI event message is determined based on the first RFID tag address. For example, computing device106may query mapping database112to retrieve the first MIDI event message mapped to the first RFID tag address from the first mapping stored in mapping database112.

In step425, using the second mapping, a first virtual action identifier is determined based on the determined first MIDI event message. For example, computing device106may query mapping database112to retrieve the first virtual action identifier mapped to the first MIDI event message determined in step420from the second mapping stored in mapping database122.

In step430, the second computing device instructs a sound producing device to execute an action associated with the determined first virtual action identifier. For example, computing device106transmits an action, or the result of an action, associated with the first virtual action identifier to be executed by sound producing device122.

In an embodiment, a virtual action identifier is associated with an action. The action may include an action executed by computing device106or more specifically, music effects software110fromFIG. 1. For example, a virtual action identifier may be associated with an action that includes music effects software110executing instructions to turn a virtual sound effect pedal on or off. As discussed herein, execution of music effects software may include executing one or more programs or instructions that virtually simulate functionality of sound effect pedals that can modify electronic audio signals. For example, music effects software110executing instructions may simulate a particular sound effect pedal that receives an electronic audio signal and modifies the electronic audio signal by manipulating digital data that represents the electronic audio signal. Modifications to the electronic audio signal may include introducing a delay, echo, or reverb effect to the electronic audio signal. The electronic audio signal may then be transmitted or communicated to another system component. Such communications may take place via one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) and may use one or more networks or communication channels.

In an embodiment, an electronic audio signal is received at the second computing device. The second computing device modifies the electronic audio signal based on an action associated with the determined first virtual action identifier. The second computing device transmits the modified electronic audio signal to the sound producing device causing the sound producing device to convert the electrical audio signal into a corresponding sound.

Techniques described herein allow any number of virtual pedals to be created and programmed to enhance extensibility, scalability, and portability for a user or performer to control the modification of electronic audio signals. These techniques allow a user or performer to extend any existing hardware pedal board with additional virtual controls which are lightweight, portable, and operate wirelessly.

For performers of dance, benefits include being able to remotely control performance environment actions of either sound or lights by interaction with tags worn on clothing or a costume. Techniques herein enable singers to control stage lighting or vocal effects themselves without requiring special cues to be coordinated with offstage personnel.

Additional benefits include eliminating constraints of having effects controls solely placed on the floor. By attaching a wireless remote unit that includes an RFID reader to a wrist or arm instead of a foot, target devices such as RFID tags can be placed anywhere that a user or performer can access. Since RFID tags are extremely lightweight, thin, and have minimal footprint, RFID tags can be attached or placed directly on a user or performer's clothing, or anywhere that can be in proximity to a wireless RFID reader.

Other techniques for wireless control of electronic musical instruments contemplate transmission devices implemented as a ring worn on the hand, or plectrum held in the hand, both of which interfere with a user or performer's playing posture and ability to effectively play an instrument. Techniques herein include the benefit of being ‘worn’ on the feet, leg, upper arm, without being held, leaving the performer's hands free for an instrument or other electronic audio signal generating device.

FIG. 7is a block diagram that illustrates an example computer system with which an embodiment may be implemented.

Computer system700includes an input/output (I/O) subsystem702which may include a bus and/or other communication mechanism(s) for communicating information and/or instructions between the components of the computer system700over electronic signal paths. The I/O subsystem702may include an I/O controller, a memory controller and at least one I/O port. The electronic signal paths are represented schematically in the drawings, for example as lines, unidirectional arrows, or bidirectional arrows.

At least one hardware processor704is coupled to I/O subsystem702for processing information and instructions. Hardware processor704may include, for example, a general-purpose microprocessor or microcontroller and/or a special-purpose microprocessor such as an embedded system or a graphics processing unit (GPU) or a digital signal processor or ARM processor. Processor704may comprise an integrated arithmetic logic unit (ALU) or may be coupled to a separate ALU.

Computer system700includes one or more units of memory706, such as a main memory, which is coupled to I/O subsystem702for electronically digitally storing data and instructions to be executed by processor704. Memory706may include volatile memory such as various forms of random-access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device. Memory706also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor704. Such instructions, when stored in non-transitory computer-readable storage media accessible to processor704, can render computer system700into a special-purpose machine that is customized to perform the operations specified in the instructions.

Computer system700further includes non-volatile memory such as read only memory (ROM)708or other static storage device coupled to I/O subsystem702for storing information and instructions for processor704. The ROM708may include various forms of programmable ROM (PROM) such as erasable PROM (EPROM) or electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM). A unit of persistent storage710may include various forms of non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), such as FLASH memory, or solid-state storage, magnetic disk or optical disk such as CD-ROM or DVD-ROM and may be coupled to I/O subsystem702for storing information and instructions. Storage710is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium that may be used to store instructions and data which when executed by the processor704cause performing computer-implemented methods to execute the techniques herein.

Computer system700may be coupled via I/O subsystem702to at least one output device712. In one embodiment, output device712is a digital computer display. Examples of a display that may be used in various embodiments include a touch screen display or a light-emitting diode (LED) display or a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an e-paper display. Computer system700may include other type(s) of output devices712, alternatively or in addition to a display device. Examples of other output devices712include printers, ticket printers, plotters, projectors, sound cards or video cards, speakers, buzzers or piezoelectric devices or other audible devices, lamps or LED or LCD indicators, haptic devices, actuators or servos.

At least one input device714is coupled to I/O subsystem702for communicating signals, data, command selections or gestures to processor704. Examples of input devices714include touch screens, microphones, still and video digital cameras, alphanumeric and other keys, keypads, keyboards, graphics tablets, image scanners, joysticks, clocks, switches, buttons, dials, slides, and/or various types of sensors such as force sensors, motion sensors, heat sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors and/or various types of transceivers such as wireless, such as cellular or Wi-Fi, radio frequency (RF) or infrared (IR) transceivers and Global Positioning System (GPS) transceivers.

In another embodiment, computer system700may comprise an internet of things (IoT) device in which one or more of the output device712, input device714, and control device716are omitted. Or, in such an embodiment, the input device714may comprise one or more cameras, motion detectors, thermometers, microphones, seismic detectors, other sensors or detectors, measurement devices or encoders and the output device712may comprise a special-purpose display such as a single-line LED or LCD display, one or more indicators, a display panel, a meter, a valve, a solenoid, an actuator or a servo.

When computer system700is a mobile computing device, input device714may comprise a global positioning system (GPS) receiver coupled to a GPS module that is capable of triangulating to a plurality of GPS satellites, determining and generating geo-location or position data such as latitude-longitude values for a geophysical location of the computer system700. Output device712may include hardware, software, firmware and interfaces for generating position reporting packets, notifications, pulse or heartbeat signals, or other recurring data transmissions that specify a position of the computer system700, alone or in combination with other application-specific data, directed toward host724or server730.

Computer system700may implement the techniques described herein using customized hard-wired logic, at least one ASIC or FPGA, firmware and/or program instructions or logic which when loaded and used or executed in combination with the computer system causes or programs the computer system to operate as a special-purpose machine. According to one embodiment, the techniques herein are performed by computer system700in response to processor704executing at least one sequence of at least one instruction contained in main memory706. Such instructions may be read into main memory706from another storage medium, such as storage710. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in main memory706causes processor704to perform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions.

Various forms of media may be involved in carrying at least one sequence of at least one instruction to processor704for execution. For example, the instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk or solid-state drive of a remote computer. The remote computer can load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over a communication link such as a fiber optic or coaxial cable or telephone line using a modem. A modem or router local to computer system700can receive the data on the communication link and convert the data to a format that can be read by computer system700. For instance, a receiver such as a radio frequency antenna or an infrared detector can receive the data carried in a wireless or optical signal and appropriate circuitry can provide the data to I/O subsystem702such as place the data on a bus. I/O subsystem702carries the data to memory706, from which processor704retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by memory706may optionally be stored on storage710either before or after execution by processor704.

Computer system700also includes a communication interface718coupled to bus702. Communication interface718provides a two-way data communication coupling to network link(s)720that are directly or indirectly connected to at least one communication networks, such as a network722or a public or private cloud on the Internet. For example, communication interface718may be an Ethernet networking interface, integrated-services digital network (ISDN) card, cable modem, satellite modem, or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of communications line, for example an Ethernet cable or a metal cable of any kind or a fiber-optic line or a telephone line. Network722broadly represents a local area network (LAN), wide-area network (WAN), campus network, internetwork or any combination thereof. Communication interface718may comprise a LAN card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN, or a cellular radiotelephone interface that is wired to send or receive cellular data according to cellular radiotelephone wireless networking standards, or a satellite radio interface that is wired to send or receive digital data according to satellite wireless networking standards. In any such implementation, communication interface718sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals over signal paths that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

Network link720typically provides electrical, electromagnetic, or optical data communication directly or through at least one network to other data devices, using, for example, satellite, cellular, Wi-Fi, or BLUETOOTH technology. For example, network link720may provide a connection through a network722to a host computer724.

Computer system700can send messages and receive data and instructions, including program code, through the network(s), network link720and communication interface718. In the Internet example, a server730might transmit a requested code for an application program through Internet728, ISP726, local network722and communication interface718. The received code may be executed by processor704as it is received, and/or stored in storage710, or other non-volatile storage for later execution.

6. EXTENSIONS AND ALTERNATIVES