Changing view order of augmented reality objects based on user gaze

Disclosed embodiments provide techniques for adjusting the Z-index of an augmented reality (AR) object. When an AR object covers a first object, the user gazes at the first object for a predetermined amount of time, and then the AR object Z-index is adjusted with respect to the Z-index of the first object, such that the AR object is now rendered behind the first object, such that the user can continue to view the first object. The first object can be a physical object, a virtual object, or another augmented reality object. This allows the user to conveniently continue viewing the first object. Embodiments provide techniques for reverting the Z-index of the AR object at a later time when the user is ready to respond to the AR object. In this way, the user experience for augmented reality systems is enhanced.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments relate to augmented reality, and more particularly to changing the view order of augmented reality objects based on user gaze.

BACKGROUND

Augmented reality allows people to view their surroundings in the real world, usually through a set of eyeglasses and/or a screen, supplemented with virtual (i.e., augmented reality) images. This allows for an enhanced experience for the person exploring his/her surroundings. In some cases, though, a virtual image may obscure a real object or another virtual image that the user is interested in looking at. This may cause confusion and frustration for the user, as well as reduces efficiency. Accordingly, there exists a need for improvements in augmented reality systems and methods.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented method for controlling a Z-index of an augmented reality object in an augmented reality system, the method comprising: detecting a first object as currently focused on by a user; detecting the presence of an overlapping augmented reality object that obstructs a view of the first object; and, responsive to the user maintaining gaze on the first object for at least a predetermined period of time, adjusting the Z-index for the augmented reality object.

In another aspect, there is provided an electronic communication device comprising: a forward-facing digital camera; a user-facing digital camera; a processor; a memory coupled to the processor, the memory containing instructions, that when executed by the processor, perform the steps of: detecting a first object as currently focused on by a user; detecting the presence of an overlapping augmented reality object that obstructs a view of the first object; and, responsive to the user maintaining gaze on the first object for at least a predetermined period of time, adjusting a Z-index for the augmented reality object.

In yet another aspect, there is provided a computer program product for controlling a Z-index of an augmented reality object in an augmented reality system, for an electronic computing device comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by a processor to cause the electronic computing device to: detect a first object as currently focused on by a user; detect the presence of an overlapping augmented reality object that obstructs a view of the first object; and, responsive to the user maintaining gaze on the first object for at least a predetermined period of time, adjusting a Z-index for the augmented reality object.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merely representations, not necessarily intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. The drawings are intended to depict only example embodiments of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting in scope. In the drawings, like numbering may represent like elements. Furthermore, certain elements in some of the Figures may be omitted, or illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed embodiments provide techniques for adjusting the Z-index of an augmented reality (AR) object. The Z-index is an indication of where an object is displayed with respect to other objects in terms of foreground and background. As an example, a Z-index of zero may indicate an object that is in front of any other object, a Z-index of one may indicate an object that is rendered as behind objects with a Z-index of zero, and in front of any objects with a Z-index of two or higher. In some embodiments, when an AR object covers a first object, the user gazes in the direction of the first object for a predetermined amount of time, and then the AR object Z-index is adjusted with respect to the Z-index of the first object, such that the AR object is now rendered behind the first object, such that the user can continue to view the first object. The first object can be a physical object, a virtual reality object, or another augmented reality object. This allows the user to conveniently continue viewing the first object. Embodiments provide techniques for reverting the Z-index of the AR object at a later time when the user is ready to respond to the AR object. In this way, the user experience for augmented reality systems is enhanced.

Moreover, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope and purpose of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1is a block diagram of a device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Device100is shown as a simplified diagram of modules. Device100is an electronic computing device. Device100includes a processor102, which is coupled to a memory104. Memory104may include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), magnetic storage, and/or a read only memory such as flash, EEPROM, optical storage, or other suitable memory. In some embodiments, memory104may not be a transitory signal per se. Memory104includes instructions, which when executed by the processor, implement steps of the present invention. In embodiments, device100may have multiple processors102, and/or multiple cores per processor.

Device100further includes a user interface114. In some embodiments, the user interface may include a display system, which may include one or more displays, examples of which include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, or other suitable display technology. The user interface114may include a keyboard, mouse, and/or a touch screen, incorporating a capacitive or resistive touch screen in some embodiments. The device100further includes a microphone120. The device100further includes a user-facing camera118and a forward-facing camera108.

Device100further includes a network interface112. In some embodiments, the network interface112may include a wireless communication interface that includes modulators, demodulators, and antennas for a variety of wireless protocols including, but not limited to, Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi, and/or cellular communication protocols for communication over a computer network. Any communication interface, now known or hereafter developed, may be substituted.

The device100may further include an accelerometer116. The accelerometer may be bulk micromachined capacitive, bulk micromachined piezoelectric resistive, capacitive spring mass system base, DC response, electromechanical servo (Servo Force Balance), high gravity, high temperature, laser accelerometer, or other suitable type.

The device100may further include a geolocation receiver110. Geolocation receiver110can operate with one or more of GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, or other system now known or hereafter developed.

FIG. 2is an exemplary device200in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Device200includes display204and user-facing camera218. This camera faces the user when the user is looking at the display204of device200. In the example, on the display204is an image of a house206having a door209and a window211. The house206may be a real house captured by a forward-facing camera (a camera that faces forward when the user is looking at display204), or a virtual house.

FIG. 3is an exemplary display of an augmented reality object rendered on device300in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In embodiments, it is detected that a user's gaze is currently focused on a first object. The detecting is implemented by analysis of imagery captured by the user facing camera218. In embodiments, it is detected that an overlapping AR object is present that obstructs the view of the first object. In the example, there are two AR objects, including character224and text box225. These AR objects224and225obscure portions of door209and window211.

FIG. 4Ais an exemplary display400of an augmented reality object with an adjusted Z-index rendered on a device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In embodiments, responsive to the user maintaining gaze on the first object for at least a predetermined period of time, a new Z-index is set for the augmented reality object. The Z-index is an indication of where an object is displayed with respect to other objects in terms of foreground and background.

In some embodiments, adjusting the Z-index includes changing an opacity parameter for the augmented reality object. In embodiments, an AR object “goes behind another object” by setting the AR object's pixels to transparent in an overlap region. In some embodiments, alpha compositing may be used. In the example, pixels are of the RGBA model. Accordingly, the pixel color includes a red, green, and blue component, along with an alpha channel. The alpha channel indicates transparency, ranging from opaque to invisible. A pixel having a value of 0% in its alpha channel is completely transparent. This means it is invisible. A pixel having a value of 100% in its alpha channel is completely opaque. Values may be set anywhere between 0 and 100%, allowing for no, full, or partial transparency of pixels. Alpha of a pixel may be set to transparent when set “behind” another object, and opaque when set in “front” of another object. Thus, the transparency adjustment can be performed on a pixel-by-pixel basis. It should be recognized that any type of pixel formats and compositing processes may be substituted where feasible.

In the example, the predetermined period of time, after which Z-index adjustment is triggered, is six seconds. It is detected (by analysis of imagery from user-facing camera218) that, after the AR objects224and225appear, the user's gaze focuses on door209for at least six seconds. Accordingly, the Z-indexes for the AR objects224and225are adjusted. The alpha channels for the pixels of AR objects224and225that overlap with the door209, are set to a value of zero (i.e., transparent). This means that the AR objects224and225are moved from in front of, to behind, the door209. AR object text box225remains in front of the window because the user eye gaze is directed at the door209.

FIG. 4Bis an exemplary display403of an augmented reality object with an adjusted Z-index rendered on a device in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention. In the example, the user moves his/her gaze to AR object225. S/he stares at it for six seconds. Accordingly, the Z-index is adjusted for AR object225to cause it to be behind the door209, but in front of window211, as was the case forFIG. 4A. However, in the case ofFIG. 4B, the opacity parameter (alpha channel) is adjusted such that the AR object225is partially transparent in front of window211. Accordingly, here, instead of the alpha channel of the pixels that overlap with the window being set to 0 for complete transparency, they are instead set at a mid-level between transparent and opaque to allow partial transparency. Accordingly, the pixels of the window are still visible to an extent even though AR object225partially overlaps it.

FIG. 4Cis an exemplary display405of an augmented reality object with a confirmation message rendered on a device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In embodiments, a confirmation message is rendered prior to setting the new Z-index for the augmented reality object. In the example, instead of automatically adjusting the Z-index for the AR object in response to detecting user gaze for the period of time, a confirmation message is displayed to determine whether the user wants the adjustment. In the example, text box227is displayed requesting confirmation from the user as to whether the text box should be moved back. The user can answer by a voice command, or by eye gazing on the “YES” or “NO” areas, or any other gesture or suitable user input. Thus, embodiments can include rendering a confirmation message prior to setting the new Z-index for the augmented reality object.

FIG. 4Dis an exemplary display407of an augmented reality object moved to a non-overlapping location with respect to a first object. In embodiments, in addition to (or instead of) changing the Z-index, the AR objects224and225are moved to a different part of the display where they no longer overlap with the door209. Thus embodiments include moving a position of the overlapping augmented reality object to a non-overlapping location with respect to the first object.

FIG. 5illustrates a diagram500of a side view of a usage of embodiments of the present invention with an augmented reality object in front of a physical object. Device505has user facing camera518and forward facing camera508. The user502has eye541gazing along a line of sight542, that is directed towards screen503of device505. Line544is an extrapolation of the line of sight extending to door509of building506. Augmented reality object524is shown positioned in front of door509. The building506and door509are real objects captured in the forward facing camera508, but the AR object shown is not a real object, but instead a representation displayed on screen503of device505.

FIG. 6illustrates a diagram600of a side view of a usage of embodiments of the present invention with an augmented reality object behind a physical object. Embodiments may include, responsive to detecting an eye gesture, reverting the Z-index for the augmented reality object. In the example, the scenario is the same as inFIG. 5, except that now the AR object524is reverted to a position behind the door509, as a result of a detection of the user gazing at the direction of the door509for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., six seconds).

It should be recognized that diagrams500and600are representations. The AR object is not real and, accordingly, is not actually positioned in front of or behind the door in reality. The AR object is shown on the display503. The display also shows the real world objects captured by forward facing camera508.

The eye gesture may be any suitable gesture. In some embodiments, detecting an eye gesture comprises detecting a blink pattern. In some embodiments, the detecting of a blink pattern comprises detecting a predetermined first time period of closed eyes, followed by a predetermined second time period of opened eyes. For example, the pattern may be three seconds of eyes closed, followed by five seconds of eyes open. If the system detects that pattern, then the Z-index of the relevant AR object is adjusted (e.g. reverted).

In some embodiments, detecting a blink pattern comprises detecting a predetermined first time period of a first eye closed and a second eye opened, followed by a predetermined second time period of the first eye opened and the second eye opened. For example, the pattern may be three seconds of a first eye opened and a second eye closed, followed by six seconds of the first eye opened and the second eye opened. If the system detects that pattern, then the Z-index of the relevant AR object is adjusted.

In embodiments, detecting an eye gesture comprises detecting a wink pattern. In some embodiments, the detecting of a wink pattern comprises detecting a predetermined number of winks, followed by a predetermined second time period with eyes open, followed by a second predetermined number of winks. For example, the pattern may be four winks, followed by three seconds of eyes open, followed by three winks. If the system detects that pattern, then the Z-index of the relevant AR object is adjusted.

In embodiments, detecting an eye gesture comprises detecting an eye gaze pattern. In some embodiments, the detecting of an eye gaze pattern comprises detecting a gaze in a particular direction for a predetermined period of time, followed by a gaze in another direction for a second predetermined period of time. The direction could be left, right, up, down, etc. It can be instead a rolling of the eyes—from the left to the right, or top to bottom, etc. For example, the pattern may be a gaze to the left for two seconds, followed by a gaze upward for two seconds. If the system detects that pattern, then the Z-index for the relevant AR object is adjusted. Thus, in embodiments, detecting an eye gaze pattern comprises detecting eyes focused in a first direction for a predetermined first time period, followed by detecting the eyes focused in a second direction for a predetermined second time period.

FIG. 7shows an eyewear apparatus700in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Embodiments may include an eyewear apparatus comprising a first lens configured and disposed to be worn in front of a first eye of a user, a second lens configured and disposed to be worn in front of a second eye of a user, a first projection mechanism configured and disposed to display the augmented reality object on the first lens, and a second projection mechanism configured and disposed to display the augmented reality object on the second lens.

In the example, eyewear apparatus700comprises arms704and706configured to rest on a user's ears, and lenses710and712configured to be worn in front of the user's eyes. Eyewear apparatus700further comprises processing module708that contains some or all of the modules described with respect to device100inFIG. 1. Projection devices714and716project AR images onto the lenses710and712. Eyewear apparatus700comprises a user facing camera720and a forward facing camera718. Images732and734of the physical object702are seen through the lenses. AR objects747and749are seen projected onto the lenses710and712, respectively. Embodiments may utilize projectors, beam splitters, waveguides, and/or other suitable technologies to render images on the lenses. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, AR objects747and749may be rendered as “behind” all or part of the respective images732and734of the physical object702.

In embodiments, the user wears the eyewear apparatus700, and moves his/her gaze and/or head around as he/she looks around at the surroundings. The dimensions of motion are labeled X, Y, and Z. The tilt path, labeled T, is the amount the user tilts his/her head. The pan dimension, labeled P, is the amount the user moves his/her head left and right.

In embodiments, as the user moves his/her head or his/her body, the processor (102ofFIG. 1) periodically recalculates an overlap region of an AR object and the object it is obscuring. Based on a new set of overlap pixels, the opacity parameter (alpha) is adjusted accordingly. Pixels that were previously covering the first object but are no longer covering the object as a result of head motion have their corresponding opacity parameter reverted to its previous setting (e.g., opaque). Pixels that were previously not covering the first object but are now covering the object as a result of head motion have their corresponding opacity parameter set to a transparent (or partially transparent) setting to allow the first object that is “behind” the AR object to become visible.

In embodiments, the eyewear apparatus may utilize an optical combiner, such as a polarized beam combiner, and/or an off-axis combiner. Some embodiments may utilize a waveguide grating or waveguide hologram to extract a collimated image guided by total internal reflection (TIR) in a waveguide pipe. Any suitable projection and/or image combining technique may be used.

FIG. 8is a flowchart800indicating process steps for embodiments of the present invention. At850, a first object is detected. At852, an overlapping augmented reality object is detected. The overlap may be partial or complete. At854, a user gaze is detected in the direction of the first object for a predetermined period of time. At856, a Z-index of the augmented reality object is adjusted. At858, it is determined whether a user action is detected. The user action indicating that a user desires the Z-index adjusted is predetermined. If the user action is detected, at860, the Z-index is reverted. If the user action is not detected, at862, the Z-index is maintained.

Referring now toFIG. 9, a computerized implementation900of an embodiment for controlling a Z-index of an augmented reality object in an augmented reality system is described in further detail. Computerized implementation900is only one example of a suitable implementation and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the invention described herein. Regardless, computerized implementation900is capable of being implemented and/or performing any of the functionality set forth hereinabove.

In computerized implementation900, there is a computer system912. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with computer system912include, but are not limited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thin clients, thick clients, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframe computer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

This is intended to demonstrate, among other things, that the present invention could be implemented within a network environment (e.g., the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a virtual private network (VPN), etc.), a cloud computing environment, a cellular network, or on a stand-alone computer system. Communication throughout the network can occur via any combination of various types of communication links. For example, the communication links can comprise addressable connections that may utilize any combination of wired and/or wireless transmission methods. Where communications occur via the Internet, connectivity could be provided by conventional TCP/IP sockets-based protocol, and an Internet service provider could be used to establish connectivity to the Internet. Still yet, computer system912is intended to demonstrate that some or all of the components of implementation900could be deployed, managed, serviced, etc., by a service provider who offers to implement, deploy, and/or perform the functions of the present invention for others.

Computer system912is intended to represent any type of computer system that may be implemented in deploying/realizing the teachings recited herein. Computer system912may be described in the general context of computer system executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer system. Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and so on, that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. In this particular example, computer system912represents an illustrative system for gathering time-annotated web interaction and biometric sensor data of web page users to extrapolate emotional responses to a web page and generating an aggregated emotional map indicative of the emotional responses. It should be understood that any other computers implemented under the present invention may have different components/software, but can perform similar functions.

Computer system912in computerized implementation900is shown in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The components of computer system912may include, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processing units916, a system memory928, and a bus918that couples various system components including system memory928to processor916.

Processing unit916refers, generally, to any apparatus that performs logic operations, computational tasks, control functions, etc. A processor may include one or more subsystems, components, and/or other processors. A processor will typically include various logic components that operate using a clock signal to latch data, advance logic states, synchronize computations and logic operations, and/or provide other timing functions. During operation, processing unit916collects and routes signals representing inputs and outputs between external devices914and input devices (not shown). The signals can be transmitted over a LAN and/or a WAN (e.g., T1, T3, 56 kb, X.25), broadband connections (ISDN, Frame Relay, ATM), wireless links (802.11, Bluetooth, etc.), and so on. In some embodiments, the signals may be encrypted using, for example, trusted key-pair encryption. Different systems may transmit information using different communication pathways, such as Ethernet or wireless networks, direct serial or parallel connections, USB, Firewire®, Bluetooth®, or other proprietary interfaces. (Firewire is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG)).

In general, processing unit916executes computer program code, such as program code for gathering time-annotated web interaction and biometric sensor data of web page users to extrapolate emotional responses to a web page and generating an aggregated emotional map indicative of the emotional responses, which is stored in memory928, storage system934, and/or program/utility940. While executing computer program code, processing unit916can read and/or write data to/from memory928, storage system934, and program/utility940.

Computer system912typically includes a variety of computer system readable media. Such media may be any available media that is accessible by computer system912, and it includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

System memory928can include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM)930and/or cache memory932. Computer system912may further include other removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storage media, (e.g., VCRs, DVRs, RAID arrays, USB hard drives, optical disk recorders, flash storage devices, and/or any other data processing and storage elements for storing and/or processing data). By way of example only, storage system934can be provided for reading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media (not shown and typically called a “hard drive”). Although not shown, a magnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile optical disk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or other optical media can be provided. In such instances, each can be connected to bus918by one or more data media interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below, memory928may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out the functions of embodiments of the invention. Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium including, but not limited to, wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, radio-frequency (RF), etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

Program/utility940, having a set (at least one) of program modules942, may be stored in memory928by way of example, and not limitation. Memory928may also have an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data or some combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networking environment. Program modules942generally carry out the functions and/or methodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein.

Computer system912may also communicate with one or more external devices914such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display924, etc.; one or more devices that enable a consumer to interact with computer system912; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.) that enable computer system912to communicate with one or more other computing devices. Such communication can occur via I/O interfaces922. Still yet, computer system912can communicate with one or more networks such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via network adapter920. As depicted, network adapter920communicates with the other components of computer system912via bus918. It should be understood that although not shown, other hardware and/or software components could be used in conjunction with computer system912. Examples include, but are not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc.

As can now be appreciated, disclosed embodiments provide techniques for adjusting the Z-index of an augmented reality (AR) object. In embodiments, eye gaze and/or eye gestures can be used to change the Z-index of an AR object. In some embodiments, when an AR object covers a first object, the user gazes at the first object for a predetermined amount of time, and then the AR object Z-index is adjusted with respect to the Z-index of the first object, such that the AR object is now rendered behind the first object, such that the user can continue to view the first object. This allows the user to conveniently continue viewing the first object. Embodiments provide techniques for reverting the Z-index of the AR object at a later time when the user is ready to respond to the AR object. In this way, the user experience for augmented reality systems is enhanced. Additionally, in some embodiments, the user gaze can focus on the AR object instead of the first object, in which case no Z-index adjustments are made.

Some of the functional components described in this specification have been labeled as systems or units in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a system or unit may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A system or unit may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, or the like. A system or unit may also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. A system or unit or component of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified system or unit need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the system or unit and achieve the stated purpose for the system or unit.

Furthermore, systems/units may also be implemented as a combination of software and one or more hardware devices. For instance, location determination and alert message and/or coupon rendering may be embodied in the combination of a software executable code stored on a memory medium (e.g., memory storage device). In a further example, a system or unit may be the combination of a processor that operates on a set of operational data.

As noted above, some of the embodiments may be embodied in hardware. The hardware may be referenced as a hardware element. In general, a hardware element may refer to any hardware structures arranged to perform certain operations. In one embodiment, for example, the hardware elements may include any analog or digital electrical or electronic elements fabricated on a substrate. The fabrication may be performed using silicon-based integrated circuit (IC) techniques, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), bipolar, and bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS) techniques, for example. Examples of hardware elements may include processors, microprocessors, circuits, circuit elements (e.g., transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, and so forth), integrated circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic devices (PLD), digital signal processors (DSP), field programmable gate array (FPGA), logic gates, registers, semiconductor devices, chips, microchips, chip sets, and so forth. However, the embodiments are not limited in this context.

While the disclosure outlines exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. For example, although the illustrative embodiments are described herein as a series of acts or events, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited by the illustrated ordering of such acts or events unless specifically stated. Some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events apart from those illustrated and/or described herein, in accordance with the invention. In addition, not all illustrated steps may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the methods according to embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in association with the formation and/or processing of structures illustrated and described herein as well as in association with other structures not illustrated. Moreover, in particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, circuits, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of embodiments of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more features of the other embodiments as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Therefore, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of embodiments of the invention.