Wrist Worn Platform for Sensors

Methods and apparatuses for sensors are disclosed. In one example, a sensor system includes a wrist worn apparatus and a plurality of sensors. The wrist worn apparatus includes a communications interface, a user interface, a processor, and a memory including an application to receive a sensor data. The plurality of sensors are configured to send sensor data to the wrist worn apparatus. In one example, each sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to be worn on a user finger.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of electronic sensors has increased recently. Furthermore, the use of mobile computing devices such as smartphones, tablet computers, and notebook computers has increased as well. These devices have improved significantly with respect to mobility, processing power and wireless communication capabilities.

Sensors can provide useful information in a variety of contexts and applications. For example, motion sensors can provide information which can be used to interpret human movement as a gesture. However, in the prior art, hand held devices have typically used motion sensors in limited applications, including only single sensor applications. In other cases, motion sensors are not worn or carried by a user at all, but operate at fixed locations, thereby limiting their usefulness.

As a result, improved methods and apparatuses for sensors are needed.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Methods and apparatuses for sensors are disclosed. The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Descriptions of specific embodiments and applications are provided only as examples and various modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

Block diagrams of example systems are illustrated and described for purposes of explanation. The functionality that is described as being performed by a single system component may be performed by multiple components. Similarly, a single component may be configured to perform functionality that is described as being performed by multiple components. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. It is to be understood that various example of the invention, although different, are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Thus, a particular feature, characteristic, or structure described in one example embodiment may be included within other embodiments unless otherwise noted.

In one example, a sensor system includes a wrist worn apparatus and a plurality of sensors. The wrist worn apparatus includes a communications interface, a user interface, a processor, and a memory including an application to receive a sensor data. The plurality of sensors are configured to send sensor data to the wrist worn apparatus. In one example, each sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to be worn on a user finger.

In one example, a method includes receiving a sensor data at a wrist worn apparatus associated one or more user fingers, and transmitting the sensor data to a computing device. The method includes processing the sensor data at the computing device to identify a user action, and performing an action at an application executing on the computing device responsive to the user action.

In one example, a method includes receiving a first sensor data at a wrist worn apparatus associated with one or more wireless sensors. The method further includes receiving a second sensor data at a wrist worn apparatus associated with one or more wired sensors coupled to the wrist worn apparatus via a wired interface, and receiving a third sensor data at a wrist worn apparatus associated with one or more sensors disposed on the wrist worn apparatus.

In one example, a sensor system includes a wrist worn apparatus. The wrist worn apparatus includes a wireless communications interface, a wired communications interface, a plurality of sensors, a user interface, and a processor. The wrist worn apparatus also includes a memory including an application to receive a sensor data. The sensor system includes a plurality of motion sensors coupled to the wired communications interface, where each motion sensor of the plurality of motion sensors is configured to be worn on a user finger.

In one example, a wrist worn sensor hub includes a wireless communications interface configured to receive a first sensor data from one or more wireless sensors and a wired communications interface configured to receive a second sensor data from one or more wired sensors. The wrist worn sensor hub includes one or more onboard sensors disposed on the wrist worn sensor hub configured to output a third sensor data. The wrist worn sensor hub further includes a user interface, a processor, and a memory including an application to receive the first sensor data, the second sensor data, and the third sensor data.

In one example, one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media have computer-executable instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more computers, cause the one more computers to perform operations including receiving a motion sensor data at a wrist worn apparatus associated with movement of one or more user fingers, and transmitting the motion sensor data to a computing device. The operations further include processing the motion sensor data at the computing device to identify a user action, and performing an action at an application executing on the computing device responsive to the user action.

In one example, one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media have computer-executable instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more computers, cause the one more computers to perform operations including receiving a first sensor data at a wrist worn apparatus associated with one or more wireless sensors, and receiving a second sensor data at a wrist worn apparatus associated with one or more wired sensors coupled to the wrist worn apparatus via a wired interface. The operations further include receiving a third sensor data at a wrist worn apparatus associated with one or more sensors disposed on the wrist worn apparatus, and operating the wrist worn apparatus responsive to the first sensor data, second sensor data, or third sensor data.

In one example embodiment, a bracelet forms a platform for sensors with attachable components. The bracelet contains a motion sensing device that can monitor the movement of the wrist for gestures. For example, the motion sensing device may be an InvenSense™ 9150 module capable of 9-axis motion tracking and including accelerometers, a gyroscope, and a compass. The bracelet also includes a wireless communication capability with a hub, like a PC, smartphone or possibly another clip on device which can communicate to the Internet to relay sensor data. In addition, the sensor bracelet has electrical attachments for one or more fingers. In particular, one finger can take a finger clip pulse sensor which looks like a single finger covering that hooks to the bracelet. The pulse sensor stays fixed on the finger and provides optimal medical-quality measurements and is comfortable. In effect, a glove with a single finger, such as a finger sock.

The finger clip can also or alternatively have a motion sensor as well at the tip. Up to four finger sensor covers can also be attached individually, or the design can be implemented as a complete or detachable glove. With all five fingers and wrist motion sensor, the glove can stream finger motion to a server. Virtual typing is possible with two gloves. With motion sensors in wrist and fingers, finger gestures can be deduced independent of the person's wrist orientation (horizontal or vertical). This lends itself to applications including real-time sign language interpretation as well as recognition of other types of gestures.

Advantageously, the wrist worn sensor hub is uniquely position to gather a variety of sensor data. In particular, the wrist worn sensor hub is ideally positioned to gather data from sensors disposed on a user hand and fingers. Furthermore, the wrist worn sensor hub is suited to advantageously operate as a go-between between sensors and a mobile computing device such as a smartphone. For example, the wrist worn sensor hub is easy to wear constantly and is easily accessible.

FIG. 1illustrates a system for receiving sensor data at a wrist worn sensor hub2in one example. For example, the wrist worn sensor hub2may be in a bracelet form-factor or a wrist-watch type form-factor. In one example, the wrist worn sensor hub2includes a wireless communications interface configured to receive a wireless sensor data6from one or more wireless sensors and a wired communications interface configured to receive a wired sensor data8from one or more wired sensors. The wrist worn sensor hub2includes one or more onboard sensors4disposed on the wrist worn sensor hub2configured to output onboard sensor data. The wrist worn sensor hub2further includes a user interface, a processor, and a memory including an application to receive the wireless sensor data6, the wired sensor data8, and the onboard sensor data. In one example, the one or more onboard sensors4may include an ambient light sensor, a pulse sensor, a capacitive sensor, a pressure sensor, a motion sensor, a conductivity sensor, a skin temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor.

In one example, the wrist worn sensor hub2includes an I2C (or I2C) data bus configured to receive the wireless sensor data6, wired sensor data8, or onboard sensor data. In one example, the wired sensor data8includes motion data associated with a first user finger, second user finger, third user finger, fourth user finger and fifth user finger. For purposes herein, the user thumb is considered to be a user finger. In a further example, a serial peripheral interface (SPI) data bus may be utilized.

In one example, the application is configured to process the onboard sensor data to detect whether the wrist worn sensor hub2is worn or not worn on a user wrist. This worn/not worn sensor may be disposed on a bracelet connector clasp, for example, and can be a capacitive sensor, a physical switch, magnetic switch, or a conductivity switch.

In one example, the wireless sensor data6, wired sensor data8, or onboard sensor data is capable of being processed to detect a user wrist or forearm orientation. For example, the wrist worn sensor hub2can determine whether the user wrist or forearm orientation is along an x-axis direction, y-axis direction, or z-axis direction, where the x-axis is across the user body (i.e., from left to right), the y-axis is away from the user body (i.e., from front to back), and the z-axis is perpendicular to the ground (i.e., from toe to head). The wrist worn sensor hub2is also operable to determine whether the forearm ventral side is facing the user or the forearm dorsal side is facing the user.

In one example, the wrist worn sensor hub2also includes a switch configured for one handed operation coupled to the wired communications interface or wireless communications interface, where the switch is configured to be worn on a user finger and operated by a user finger. For example, the switch may be a thumb switch such as a Mycestro™ 3D mouse device.

In one example, the application is configured to activate or deactivate one or more wrist worn sensor hub2components responsive to the wireless sensor data6, wired sensor data8, or onboard sensor data. For example, a microphone or speaker on the wrist worn sensor hub2may be activated or deactivated based on the user wrist or forearm orientation.

In one example, the wireless sensor data6or wired sensor data8are received from one or more sensors disposed in the fingers of a user-wearable glove and/or on the palm or top side of the glove. In one example, the wireless sensor data6or wired sensor data8includes a hand sensor data associated with a user hand. In one example, the application is configured to process the wireless sensor data6, wired sensor data8, or onboard sensor data to determine a finger motion relative to a user hand or user wrist motion or position.

In one example operation, the wrist worn sensor hub2receives a wireless sensor data6associated with one or more wireless sensors, and receives a wired sensor data8associated with one or more wired sensors coupled to the wrist worn sensor hub2via a wired interface. The wrist worn sensor hub2further receives onboard sensor data associated with one or more sensors4disposed on the wrist worn sensor hub2. The wrist worn sensor hub2is operated responsive to the wireless sensor data6, wired sensor data8, or onboard sensor data. The wireless sensor data6may be received, for example, over a Bluetooth communications interface or a near field communications (NFC) interface.

FIG. 2illustrates a system for utilizing sensor data received at a wrist worn sensor hub in one example. In the system shown inFIG. 2, wrist worn sensor hub2is in wireless communication with a computing device10via wireless communications link14. Computing device10executes an application12. For example, computing device10may be a smartphone, laptop computer, or personal computer.

In operation, wrist worn sensor hub2receives sensor data as described above in reference toFIG. 1. Wrist worn sensor hub2transmits the sensor data to computing device10. Computing device10may advantageously offer greater processing power and/or a better user interface (e.g., display) than wrist worn sensor hub2and may execute a variety of applications to make use of the received sensor data. In one example, the computing device10processes the sensor data to identify a user action, and performs an action at the application12responsive to the user action. For example, the sensor data may be motion, position, or orientation data associated with a user finger, hand and/or wrist. For example, the computing device10may process the sensor data to a finger motion relative to a user hand or user wrist motion or position, or determine a user finger motion relative to other fingers. In a further example, the computing device10may process the sensor data to detect a user wrist or forearm orientation. In one example, sensor data is constantly being transmitted from the wrist worn sensor hub2to the computing device10for processing.

FIG. 3illustrates an example implementation300of the system shown inFIG. 2, showing the flow of sensor data in one example. In implementation300, computing device10is capable of communications with one or more communication network(s)20over network connection18. A server24is capable of communications with one or more communication network(s)20over network connection22. For example, communication network(s)20may include an Internet Protocol (IP) network, cellular communications network, public switched telephone network, IEEE 802.11 wireless network, or any combination thereof. Network connection18may be either wired or wireless network connections. Server24can be a server on the local network, or a virtual server in the cloud.

Wrist worn sensor hub2is capable of communications with computing device10over a wireless link14. In operation, sensor data16from wrist worn sensor hub2is sent to computing device10.

In one implementation, an application12executing on computing device10collects sensor data16and transmits it to an application26executing on server24, which processes and responsively acts upon the sensor data16. For example, the sensor data16may include wireless sensor data6, wired sensor data8, or sensor data from on-board sensors4. In one implementation, computing device10operates as a relay, and any electronic device that subscribes to the computing device10can receive all sensor data16.

FIG. 4illustrates a simplified block diagram of the wrist worn sensor hub2shown inFIG. 1configured to implement one or more of the examples described herein. Examples of wrist worn sensor hub2include bracelets, wrist-watches, wristbands, etc. The term “wrist worn sensor hub” as used herein encompasses any wrist-worn device operable as described herein.

In one example, a wrist worn sensor hub2includes a microphone28, user interface38, speaker36, a memory32, and a communication interface(s)34. Wrist worn sensor hub2includes a digital-to-analog converter (D/A) coupled to speaker36and an analog-to-digital converter (A/D) coupled to microphone28. Microphone28detects sound and outputs a sound signal. In one example, the communication interface(s)34is a wireless transceiver and a wired network interface. User interface38may include various means to receive user actions to operate the wrist worn sensor hub2, such as buttons or keys, or capacitive touch sensors. Input buttons may include for example on/off buttons or arrow keys. The user interface38may also include one or more output interfaces, such as LED indicators or some form of a display. The speaker36may also be used as an interface output.

Wrist worn sensor hub2may include one or more onboard sensors4. For example, the onboard sensors4may include an ambient light sensor, a pulse sensor, a capacitive sensor, a pressure sensor, a motion sensor, a conductivity sensor, a skin temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor. The wireless sensors or wired sensors transmitting data to the wrist worn sensor hub2via wireless sensor interface40and wired sensor interface42may for example without limitation be one or more of these types of sensors.

Memory32represents an article that is computer readable. For example, memory32may be any one or more of the following: random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, or any other type of article that includes a medium readable by processor30. Memory32can store computer readable instructions for performing the execution of the various method embodiments of the present invention. In one example, the processor executable computer readable instructions are configured to perform part or all of a process such as that shown inFIGS. 8-10. Computer readable instructions may be loaded in memory32for execution by processor30.

Communication interface(s)34allows wrist worn sensor hub2to communicate with other devices. Communication interface(s)34include a wired connection and a wireless connection. Communication interface(s)34may include, but are not limited to, a wireless transceiver, an integrated network interface, a radio frequency transmitter/receiver, a USB connection, or other interfaces for connecting wrist worn sensor hub2to a telecommunications network such as a Bluetooth network, cellular network, the PSTN, or an IP network. Communication interface(s)34include a wireless sensor interface40. For example, wireless sensor interface40may be any wireless communication interface, including one or more short-range wireless communication subsystems. The short-range communications subsystem may include an infrared device and associated circuit components for short-range communication, a near field communications (NFC) subsystem, a Bluetooth subsystem including a transceiver, or an IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) subsystem in various non-limiting examples. Communication interface(s) include a wired sensor interface42. In one example, wired sensor interface42is an I2C interface, which supports multiple parallel devices.

In one example operation, the wrist worn sensor hub2includes a processor30configured to execute one or more applications and operate the wrist worn sensor hub2to receive, collect, process, or transmit sensor data. In one example, the processor30is further configured to detect whether the wrist worn apparatus3is worn or not worn on a user wrist.

In one example, the one or more applications are configured to detect a user wrist or forearm orientation. For example, the user wrist or forearm orientation is along an x-axis direction, y-axis direction, or z-axis direction. In a further example, the user wrist or forearm orientation is a forearm ventral side facing the user or a forearm dorsal side facing the user. In one example, the one or more applications are configured to process the sensor data to determine a finger motion relative to the user hand or user wrist motion or position. In one example, the one or more applications are configured to activate or deactivate one or more system components responsive to the sensor data. In one example, the one or more applications are configured to transmit the sensor data to a computer via the wireless communications interface.

FIG. 6illustrates the wrist worn sensor hub2shown inFIG. 1worn on a user wrist. In this example, wrist worn sensor hub2includes a motion detector606as one of the on-board sensors4and a display604. Illustrated inFIG. 6is a user left hand602positioned so that the ventral side608of the user forearm and hand (palm up) is facing the user, and a user left hand positioned so that the dorsal side610of the user forearm and hand (palm down) is facing the user. In the example shown inFIG. 6, display604is visible to the user when the forearm and wrist dorsal side is facing the user.

FIG. 7illustrates the wrist worn sensor hub2shown inFIG. 1with a plurality of motion sensors coupled to the wrist worn sensor hub using a wired interface. In this example, a wrist worn sensor hub2and a plurality of attached wired sensors are shown integrated with a left glove701. Wrist worn sensor hub2is disposed at the base of left glove701, and includes a motion sensor703. Wrist worn sensor hub2includes a motion sensor702coupled via a wire connector707, where the motion sensor702is disposed in the thumb of left glove701. Similarly, wrist worn sensor hub2includes motion sensors704,706,708, and710coupled via wire connectors, where motion sensors704,706,708, and710are disposed in the left hand index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and pinky finger, respectively.

In one example, a pulse monitoring sensor705may also be coupled via a wire connector to wrist worn sensor hub2. A hand sensor may be disposed on either or both the top of the hand or on the palm of the glove in one embodiment. In one implementation, each sensor has an I2C interface, which advantageously supports parallel devices. It consists of an SCL (clock) line and an SDA (Data) line. Each sensor has a unique address. They would have their common power, ground, SCL and SDA lines connected. The sensors are anchored in the glove to more or less keep close contact with the body part they are monitoring.

In the example shown inFIG. 7, a second wrist worn sensor hub2and a plurality of attached wired sensors are also shown integrated with a right glove711. The wrist worn sensor hub2is disposed at the base of right glove711, and includes a motion sensor724. Wrist worn sensor hub2includes a motion sensor712coupled via a wire connector722, where the motion sensor712is disposed in the thumb of right glove711. Similarly, wrist worn sensor hub2includes motion sensors714,716,718, and720coupled via wire connectors, where motion sensors714,716,718, and720are disposed in the right hand index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and pinky finger, respectively. A hand sensor may be disposed on either or both the top of the hand or on the palm of the glove in one embodiment.

In one example operation, each sensor is polled by a coprocessor for its current state (orientation, rotation rate, heading). For each instant in time at each hand, all 5 finger sensors are polled as well as the hand sensor and wrist sensor. A stick model of the fingers, hand and wrist can be made in software (e.g., executing on a mobile device or PC) using the information polled from the coprocessor. For example, in a piano or typing application, knowing the wrist and hand orientation provides detail as to how the fingers are oriented with respect to the wrist. This is utilized to determine if the keys are being touched or not. For example, the user finger may go from horizontal to vertical, but if the hand and wrist are not horizontal, it is not known for certain. Furthermore, if the user is doing the motion in the air, the sensor data is utilized to detect the relative motion of the fingers with respect to the hand and wrist to determine whether a key was touched.

FIG. 5illustrates a simplified block diagram of the wrist worn sensor hub2shown inFIG. 1in a further example. In the example shown inFIG. 5, wrist worn sensor hub2includes a sensor expansion connection port526. For example, sensor expansion connection port526is an I2C port allowing multiple wired I2C sensors to connect simultaneously in parallel to wrist worn sensor hub2. Data received at the I2C port is placed on I2C Bus502. I2C Bus502may also receive sensor data from one or more wireless sensors and onboard sensors, such as Don/Doff (i.e., worn/not worn) sensor528(e.g., a capacitive touch sensor), ambient light sensor530, pulse sensor532, motion sensor534, sweat/conductivity sensor536, pressure sensor538, skin temperature sensor540, and humidity and temperature sensor542.

Data from one or more of the sensors may also be input to coprocessor506via a different I2C bus or directly without the use of a data bus. The data from I2C bus502is input to coprocessor506. In turn, coprocessor506outputs data to controller508. The data from one or more sensors may also be provided directly to controller508. Controller508may also receive input via one or more programmed input outputs (PIOs). Wrist-worn sensor hub2includes a USB connector524. In one example, controller508is implemented at a Bluetooth module capable of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) wireless communication with one or more wireless sensors to receive sensor data. In one example, sweat/conductivity sensor536is utilized to determine whether the wrist worn sensor hub2is being worn, such as if sweat/conductivity is detected.

Coprocessor506is also coupled to an I2C bus504, which carries sensor data, near field communications (NFC) data, user interface data, and download data. Wrist-worn sensor hub2includes a user interface510. User interface510may include a display device518, vibrate motor520, one or more input buttons522, and clasp state detector512(e.g., mechanical switch or touch sense) operable to detect whether the wrist-worn bracelet is in a clasped state (i.e., the wrist worn sensor hub is being worn on the user wrist). User interface510may also include a microphone array514and speaker516.

FIG. 8is a flow diagram illustrating receiving sensor data received at a wrist-worn apparatus in one example. At block802, a first sensor data is received at a wrist worn apparatus associated with one or more wireless sensors. In one example, the first sensor is data is received over a Bluetooth communications interface and a near field communications interface.

At block804, a second sensor data is received at a wrist worn apparatus associated with one or more wired sensors coupled to the wrist worn apparatus via a wired interface. In one example, the second sensor data comprises motion data associated with a movement of each finger of the user hand. In one example, the first sensor data or second sensor data comprises a hand sensor data associated with a user hand.

At block806, a third sensor data is received at a wrist worn apparatus associated with one or more sensors disposed on the wrist worn apparatus. In one example, the one or more sensors disposed on the wrist worn apparatus comprise an ambient light sensor, a pulse sensor, a capacitive sensor, a pressure sensor, a motion sensor, a conductivity sensor, a skin temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor. In one example, the third sensor data is operable to be processed to detect whether the wrist worn apparatus is worn or not worn on a user wrist. In one example, the third sensor data is operable to be processed to detect a user wrist or forearm orientation. For example, the user wrist or forearm orientation is along an x-axis direction, y-axis direction, or z-axis direction. In a further example, the user wrist or forearm orientation is a forearm ventral side facing the user or a forearm dorsal side facing the user. In one example, the first sensor data, second sensor data, or third sensor data is processed to determine a finger motion relative to the user hand or user wrist motion or position.

At block808, the wrist worn apparatus is operated responsive to the first sensor data, second sensor data, or third sensor data. In one example, operating the wrist worn apparatus responsive to the first sensor data, second sensor data, or third sensor data comprises activating or deactivating one or more wrist worn apparatus components responsive to the sensor data. For example, the microphone may be activated or deactivated based on the user wrist or forearm orientation. In one example, the operations include transmitting the first sensor data, the second sensor data, or third sensor data to a computer via a wireless communications interface.

FIG. 9is a flow diagram illustrating utilizing sensor data received at a wrist-worn apparatus in one example. At block902, a motion sensor data is received at a wrist worn apparatus associated with movement of one or more user fingers. In one example, the motion sensor data is received at the wrist worn apparatus via a wired communications interface. In one example, receiving a motion data includes receiving a first motion data associated with movement of a first user finger, receiving a first motion data associated with movement of a first user finger, receiving a second motion data associated with movement of a second user finger, receiving a third motion data associated with movement of a third user finger, receiving a fourth motion data associated with movement of a fourth user finger, and receiving a fifth motion data associated with movement of a fifth user finger. In one example, the motion sensor data is associated with a plurality of motion sensors disposed in the fingers of a user-wearable glove.

At block904, the motion sensor data is transmitted to a computing device. At block906, the motion sensor data is processed at the computing device to identify a user action. At block908, an action is performed at an application executing on the computing device responsive to the user action. In one example, the operations further include receiving a sensor data operable to detect a user wrist or forearm orientation. For example, the user wrist or forearm orientation is along an x-axis direction, y-axis direction, or z-axis direction. In one example, the operations further receiving a switch data indicating a user depression of a switch.

In one example, the operations further include receiving a sensor data operable to detect a user wrist or forearm orientation, and where processing the motion sensor data at the computing device includes determining a finger motion relative to a user hand or user wrist motion or position. In one example, the operations further include receiving a sensor data disposed on a user hand.

FIG. 10is a flow diagram illustrating utilizing sensor data received at a wrist-worn apparatus in a further example. At block1002, a sensor data is received at a wrist worn apparatus associated one or more user fingers. At block1004, the sensor data is transmitted to a computing device. At block1006, the sensor data is processed at the computing device to identify a user action. At block1008, an action is performed at an application executing on the computing device responsive to the user action.

While the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated herein, it will be appreciated that they are merely illustrative and that modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Certain examples described utilize headsets which are particularly advantageous for the reasons described herein. In further examples, other devices, such as other body worn devices may be used in place of headsets, including wrist-worn devices. Acts described herein may be computer readable and executable instructions that can be implemented by one or more processors and stored on a computer readable memory or articles. The computer readable and executable instructions may include, for example, application programs, program modules, routines and subroutines, a thread of execution, and the like. In some instances, not all acts may be required to be implemented in a methodology described herein.

Terms such as “component”, “module”, “circuit”, and “system” are intended to encompass software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. For example, a system or component may be a process, a process executing on a processor, or a processor. Furthermore, a functionality, component or system may be localized on a single device or distributed across several devices. The described subject matter may be implemented as an apparatus, a method, or article of manufacture using standard programming or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control one or more computing devices.

Thus, the scope of the invention is intended to be defined only in terms of the following claims as may be amended, with each claim being expressly incorporated into this Description of Specific Embodiments as an embodiment of the invention.