Internet protocol (IP)-speaker with IP-camera

An internet protocol (IP)-based ceiling or wall-mounted speaker with optional IP-based camera and/or alarm indicator is provided. The IP-based speaker has a detachable add-on device for accommodating different types of interchangeable camera configurations and other components such as flush mount camera, camera providing angled view, night vision-type camera for different services and configurations. Multiple IP-based speakers are connected to an IP device to exchange audio data via an Ethernet connection for cost effective, flexible and convenient installations. The IP-based speaker has a speaker cone for talkback features, and relay for remote relay control of doors or gates for security applications as well as public address applications.

BACKGROUND

Field

Illustrative embodiments relate generally to an internet protocol (IP)-based ceiling or wall-mounted speaker with optional IP-based camera and/or alarm indicator. Illustrative embodiments also relate generally to an internet protocol (IP)-based speaker having a detachable add-on device for accommodating different types of camera configurations and other components.

Description of Related Art

Commercial speakers are used in commercial settings, industrial settings, or other relatively large places with need for output of announcements, pages, alarms, and the like, to people in these settings. Speakers are generally distributed throughout a facility or other areas, and particularly when the facility has several different levels or floors, to ensure people are within the output range of a speaker(s). Speaker installations therefore can be costly due to the cost per speaker and the number of speakers needed to provide adequate announcement/alarm coverage.

SUMMARY

An IP-based ceiling or wall-mounted speaker is provided in accordance with different illustrative embodiments.

It is an aspect of illustrative embodiments to provide a speaker comprising: a loudspeaker connected to a speaker amplifier; a codec configured to provide audio to the speaker amplifier; an Ethernet interface to an Ethernet link; a camera; and a processing device connected to the Ethernet interface and the codec and the camera, and configured to associate the speaker with an Internet Protocol (IP) address. The processing device is further configured to receive packets with the IP address from an IP device connected to the speaker via the Ethernet link and to transmit packets to the IP device via the Ethernet link, and output digitized audio in received packets via the loudspeaker, and to provide images from the camera to the IP device via transmitted packets.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the IP device is chosen from a session initiation protocol (SIP) server, an IP endpoint device, and a video surveillance device, and an IP endpoint device is chosen from a Voice over IP (VoIP) phone and a Public Address and General Alarm System (PA/GA) controller.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the speaker further comprises: a main housing having walls that enclose the loudspeaker, the codec, the Ethernet interface and the processing device except for a front side thereof; and a detachable cover that covers the front side of the main housing when detachably affixed thereto.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the main housing has a recess therein to receive an add-on device, and the cover has an opening through which the add-on device is inserted, the add-on device being detachably affixed to at least one of the main housing and the cover.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the camera is provided in the add-on device and is electrically connected to the processing device when the add-on device is affixed to at least one of the main housing and the cover.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the camera comprises a lens that is flush mounted with respect to the cover and provides a field of view parallel with respect to a longitudinal axis of the speaker.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the add-on device comprises a housing structure that extends away from the cover when the add-on device is affixed to the speaker, and a lens of the camera is provided in the housing structure and directed to provide an angled field of view with respect to a longitudinal axis of the speaker.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the cover has a grill comprising a pattern of apertures, and the add-on device comprises a second cover configured to cover the opening.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the second cover has a second grill comprising the pattern of apertures.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the speaker comprises at least one transformer and a power supply configured to supply power the speaker from the Ethernet link using at least one of using Power over the Ethernet (PoE) and PoE+.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the speaker further comprises at least one indicator that is visible to a user when the speaker is mounted to a surface, and is chosen from a light emitting diode (LED) and a bicolor LED.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the processing device is configured to control the at least one indicator to indicate a connection status chosen from when the speaker is connected to the Ethernet link, and when speaker is not connected to the Ethernet link.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the loudspeaker comprises a speaker cone configured to receive audio when not outputting audio, and the speaker is configured to operate in talkback mode wherein audio can be inputted via the speaker cone and the processing device is configured to control digitization and transmission of the inputted audio to the IP device.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the speaker comprises a talkback switch input to the processing device, the processing device being configured to initiate the talkback mode in response to receiving the talkback switch input upon activation of a talkback switch.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the speaker further comprises a relay configured to operate a device connected to the relay in response to a relay control output generated by the processing device.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the speaker further comprises a memory device configured to store audio files, the processing device configured to output at least one of the stored audio files via the loudspeaker in response to instructions received from the IP device identifying the at least one of the stored audio files for playback.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the camera is night vision-type camera, and further comprising an infrared light emitting diode (LED) to provide illumination for the night vision-type camera.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the camera comprises an infrared (IR) camera and an automatically switchable IR filter to block IR and pass visible light when camera image quality is determined to meet criteria for day-time image capture operation, and to not block IR when camera image quality is determined to meet criteria for night-time image capture operation.

It is an aspect of illustrative embodiments to provide a speaker comprising: a loudspeaker connected to a speaker amplifier; a codec configured to provide audio to the speaker amplifier; an Ethernet interface to an Ethernet link; at least one indicator visible to a user when the speaker is mounted to a surface; and a processing device connected to the Ethernet interface and the codec and the indicator, and configured to associate the speaker with an Internet Protocol (IP) address. The processing device is further configured to receive packets with the IP address from an IP device connected to the speaker via the Ethernet link, and output digitized audio in the received packets via the loudspeaker, and operate the at least one indicator to indicate a selected condition in accordance with indicator instructions in the received packets.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the IP device is chosen from a session initiation protocol (SIP) server, an IP endpoint device, and a video surveillance device, and an IP endpoint device is chosen from a Voice over IP (VoIP) phone and a Public Address and General Alarm System (PA/GA) controller.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the speaker comprises at least one transformer and a power supply configured to supply power the speaker from the Ethernet link using at least one of using Power over the Ethernet (PoE) and PoE+.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the at least one indicator is chosen from a light emitting diode (LED) and a bicolor LED.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the processing device is configured to control the at least one indicator to indicate a connection status chosen from when the speaker is connected to the Ethernet link, and when speaker is not connected to the Ethernet link.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the loudspeaker comprises a speaker cone configured to receive audio when not outputting audio, and the speaker is configured to operate in talkback mode wherein audio can be inputted via the speaker cone and the processing device is configured to control digitization and transmission of the inputted audio to the IP device.

Additional and/or other aspects and advantages of illustrative embodiments will be set forth in the description that follows, or will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the illustrative embodiments. The illustrative embodiments may comprise apparatuses and methods for operating same having one or more of the above aspects, and/or one or more of the features and combinations thereof. The illustrative embodiments may comprise one or more of the features and/or combinations of the above aspects as recited, for example, in the attached claims

Throughout the drawing figures, like reference numbers will be understood to refer to like elements, features and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to illustrative embodiments, which are depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described herein exemplify, but do not limit, the illustrative embodiments by referring to the drawings.

FIGS.1A and1Billustrate perspective views of an example IP-based speaker100configured in accordance with an illustrative embodiment, andFIGS.2A and2Bare front and side views, respectively, of the speaker100inFIGS.1A and1B. The speaker100comprises a housing102which can be made of molded plastic or other material that encloses speaker assembly components such as those illustrated inFIGS.6A and6Bas described below in accordance with illustrative embodiments. The speaker housing102can be constructed similarly to the housing of a B-650(T) speaker, for example, which is commercially available from DNH A/S, Kragero, Norway. The speaker housing102is configured for mounting into a recess in ceiling or wall surface, for example. The housing10has a main section104enclosing most of the speaker components and a removable cover108. The main section104can be installed through an opening in the ceiling or wall surface and secured in place against the surface via one or more screws received in mounting brackets or fasteners106. The cover108is removably secured to the main housing104via clips110to optionally expose the interior of the main housing when removed therefrom, and to otherwise present a grill112when attached to the main housing104. It is to be understood, however, that the speaker100can have a housing form factor wherein the speaker is flush mounted to a ceiling or wall surface.

With reference toFIGS.1B,2A and3B, at least a portion of the front surface of the speaker100comprises a grill112with plural openings that facilitate output of sound from a loudspeaker214(FIG.6B) provided within the housing102. The openings also allow a user to see light output from an alarm LED248provided on a speaker control board120(FIG.6A) mounted within the housing102.

With reference toFIGS.3A,3B,4and5, and in accordance with other example embodiments, the speaker100can be alternatively configured to have an opening114that receives an optional add-on device116such as a camera, LED device or other device, or simply a cover for the opening114. For example, the main section104of the housing102can have a recess therein that is sufficient to receive a least a portion of an add-on device116. The removable cover108can have the opening114, which is dimensioned to receive the add-on device116. For example, the opening114can be 2″ inches in diameter and or other diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the cover108.

The add-on device116has a pluggable electrical interface between the add-on device116and the control board120in the speaker main housing section104. For example, the add-on device116can have a flexible cable or ribbon cable electrically connected thereto at one end thereof that has an electrical plug or connector provided at the other end thereof for electrical connection to the control board120. The flexible cable or ribbon cable is configured to be disposed within the recess of the main section104of the housing102following assembly with the add-on device116, and to have sufficient length to allow the add-on device116to be rotated relative to the control board120without disconnecting the electrical plug or connector from the control board120. The electrical plug or connector of the add-on device116is electrically connected to a cooperating connector associated with the control board120to provide electrical power from the control board120to the add-on device116's components, and to allow exchange of inputs, outputs and/or control signals between the speaker control board120and the add-on device116. For example, the add-on device116can have a pressure fit connector that electrically connects to a plug on the board120when the add-on device116is installed in the speaker, and that is released from the plug upon application of a sufficient force that separates the add-on device116from the speaker100. The opening114and the add-on device116can be provided with cooperating mounting features that allow detachment of the add-on device116from the opening114. For example, the opening114can be provided with a helical groove along an inner circumferential surface thereof that cooperates with a screw thread provided along an exterior surface of the add-on device116. Alternatively, pressure mounted clips can be used to detachably mount an add-on device116within the opening114of the speaker100. In an alternative embodiment, the add-on device116is integral or otherwise connected to control board120and related components in a single sub-assembly that rotates relative to the main section104of the housing102.

With reference toFIGS.3A and3B, the add-on device114is a cover122having a grill pattern similar to the grill12. As shown inFIG.3B, an LED is visible through the add-on device116. For example, the LED can be part of the speaker control board120, in which case the LED can be visible through the grill112in the embodiment of the speaker100shown inFIGS.1B and2A, or through the add-on device116shown inFIGS.3A and3B. It is to be understood that placement of the LED within the housing102is not limited to viewing from the center of the housing102front or opening114and can instead be visible from a peripheral location within the speaker housing102. Also, the LED can be part of the speaker control board120or the add-on device116in accordance with example embodiments. In accordance with another example embodiment, the speaker100can be provided with an LED and the add-on device116can have another LED.

As shown inFIG.4, the add-on device116comprises a flush mount camera124having a lens providing a field of view that is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the housing102. InFIG.5, the add-on device116has a housing structure128(e.g., a dome-like structure) that extends away from the cover108enclosing a camera126with a lens that provides an angled field of view with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing102. The housing structure128can be configured to rotate relative to the add-on device116housing or otherwise relative to the speaker100to allow set up of a camera to a desired field of view. The housing structure128can be translucent to allow a user in the vicinity of the speaker to see output from one or more LEDs or other visual indicator(s) provided in the add-on device116such as a fire alarm that flashes.

In accordance with another example embodiment and with reference toFIG.10, the add-on device116comprises an infrared (IR) camera126to provide day-time and night-time images (e.g., for security applications) for a selected area in the field of view of the camera. The IR camera can have a switchable electromagnetic filter to automatically switch an IR filter from being in front of the camera to pass only visible light, to being away from the camera when the camera senses image quality degradation from insufficient visible light to output IR images instead. The dome128can be swiveled for desired angle and field of view. For example, the automatically switchable IR filter138can be operated by the camera126to block IR and pass visible light when camera image quality is determined to meet criteria for day-time image capture operation, and to not block IR when camera image quality is determined to meet criteria for night-time image capture operation. The IR camera126with switchable IR filter136can be accommodated in a dome128. The dome128is dimensioned in terms of length and diameter and look-down face angle to accommodate an IR camera, which can have a comparatively larger form factor than regular visible spectrum only camera because of the IR filter138. The add-on device116with IR camera126can be provided with a cap140. The cap140is beneficial to reduce any acoustical anomalies occurring in the cavity of the camera dome128on the frequency response of the speaker214output. The IR camera add-on116can have a ribbon connection or other electrical interface (not shown) with the speaker control board120to send images via Ethernet to IP endpoint device130and to optionally receive power. The IR camera126is indicated as installed as a pluggable add-on device116; however, it can also be mounted integrally to the speaker100.

As described below in connection withFIGS.6,7,8and9, the speaker100provides an Ethernet connection to an amplifier and loudspeaker, and is IP addressable to operate with other IP device(s)130connected via Ethernet (e.g., optic cable or CAT5 cable) to provide one-way and/or two-way IP communications. For example, the IP devices130can be IP end units (e.g., a HUBBCOM™ IP device, or Elemec3 Networked Public Address and General Alarm System (PA/GA) controller commercially available from GAI-Tronics, Reading, Pennsylvania) and a SIP server for two-way IP communications, and an optional video switch for one-way IP communications. As described below, the Ethernet connection provides bi-directional audio between the speakers100and the IP devices130and optional unidirectional video from a speaker(s)100with a camera to a video switch130. Regardless of the type of IP device130used, an IP device130and one or more speakers100are configured in accordance with example embodiments to allow the IP device130to send digitized audio to the speakers100for pages and public address (PA) announcements. The speakers100are powered via PoE/PoE+, and can be configured as addressable individually, as a zoned unit, and/or as an all-page unit with respect to an IP device130.

FIG.7depicts an example multi-Function IP endpoint device130available from GAI-Tronics and SIP server130that can be programmed to send pages, alarms, other announcements to speakers100that are connected via multicast technology, as well as to receive audio via a talkback function of the speaker(s)100. In addition, when used in connection with a video surveillance system, speakers100can provide video to an optional video switch130, Speakers100are provided with IP addresses and IP device(s)130can address pages/announcements to zones of speakers. For example, speakers100can be configured to be addressed in different zones whereby different speaker100identifiers are associated with one or more zone identifiers assigned to respective zones in an area or building where the speakers100are deployed. In addition, each speaker100can be configured to rebroadcast audio output to other IP devices using the multicast technology as depicted inFIG.8.

With reference toFIG.9, a speaker100can be configured to operate with a talkback switch or similar device134in the vicinity of the speaker100which allows an IP device130to sense speaker engagements. The loudspeaker214(FIG.6B) in the speaker100can operate as a microphone and user input audio to the speaker100is digitized and provided to the IP device130via IP communications. The input audio to the loudspeaker can also be ambient environment sound relative to the speaker100and therefore allowed ambient level sensing or monitoring by the IP device130(e.g., to control speaker output level based on detected ambient noise).

Since the speaker100has a high bandwidth data pipe similar to other IP devices such as HUBBCOM′ IP devices, the speaker100can be provided with an add-on device116that comprises a camera for surveillance, in addition to the services provided by the speaker100such as public address and general alarms (PA/GA) and emergency announcements. With continued reference toFIGS.7,8and9, a speaker can be provided with an optional add-on device116with a camera to allow camera output to be sent to the IP device so that an IP device130user can see and/or verbally communicate with a person in the vicinity of the speaker100in real-time.

With continued reference toFIG.9, the speaker100can be connected to a remote device134such as a call button or panel to provide building entry and gate or door control. For example, the remote device134can be a button such as a SPST switch contact. When the device134is activated, the speaker can initiate its talkback function and operate the loudspeaker as a microphone and digitize and send inputted audio to the IP device(s)130. Alternatively, an IP device130can send a control signal to the speaker100to operate the loudspeaker as a microphone (e.g., in response to a page).

As stated above, different types of IP devices130can be used. For example, the afore-mentioned HUBBCOM™ IP devices are configured to provide one or more of web application control, VoIP SIP telephone operation, overhead speaker broadcasts, and point-to-point serverless IP communication (audio and/or video). HUBBCOM™ IP devices can also provide an audio output for powering an external speaker100for overhead paging and broadcasting, access control for door or gate, emergency audible and visual alerts (e.g., public address and general announcements (PA/GA)).

The speakers100and the IP device(s)130have IP connectivity for convenient integration into an existing network through standard Ethernet cables132. For example, an IP device130can be connected to one or several speakers100via an Ethernet link132(e.g., cables) and then registered, for example, with a SIP server or IP-PBX. Alternatively, the speakers100can include control logic that allows serverless provisioning as described in commonly owned U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/051,129, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. IP connectivity of the speaker(s)100with an IP device130is advantageous because multicast technology can be employed to enable multiple speakers100to listen on a given broadcast address to receive data over an Ethernet network from a single source such as an IP device130.

Components on the control board120of the speaker100will now be described with reference toFIGS.6A and6B. The control board120has an Ethernet connector200for connection to an Ethernet link (e.g., Ethernet cable)132between the speaker and an IP device130and an Ethernet interface206. A processing device202and associated memory device(s)204are provided on the control board120. The control board also has an audio codec208that provides audio output to a loudspeaker214(e.g., 8-Ohm) via a current-controlled limiter circuit210and speaker amplifier (e.g., 15-Watt)212. A talkback amplifier216is provided to allow input audio via the loudspeaker cone. The processing device202is provided with control logic and configuration data for IP addressing and registration of the speaker100for communication with other IP devices, for control of the IP-based indicator(s) (e.g., LEDs) and optional camera(s)218, and processing of input and output of audio with respect to other IP devices130and remote devices134.

As stated above, the speaker100employs PoE/PoE+ power only; that is, no auxiliary power source is needed. PoE can be up to 6 watts, and variable via a configuration setting. PoE+ can be up to 15 watts, and variable via a configuration setting. The speaker100utilizes a speaker amplifier212rated for at least 15 watts into 8 ohms, and a current-controlled limiter circuit210to limit power to the speaker amplifier212as needed to support stable operation in PoE and PoE+ modes. The control board has PoE transformers222, a PoE power supply224and current sense resistor226to provide +3.3V and 5 VA via regulators228and230. The processor has a power management section232that receives 3.3V from the regulator228. The current-controlled limiter circuit210receives inputs CS+ and CS− from the current-sense resistor210and a POE/POE+ input from the PoE power supply224.

The control board120has a camera indicated at the camera board interface218. As described herein, a speaker can have an add-on device116with a camera218mounted in the center of the grill. The camera218can be rotatable relative to the add-on device126and/or housing112to orient camera coverage. For example, the add-on device126(FIG.5) can be used instead of add-on device124(FIG.4) when a user wishes to angle the camera lens toward the radius (e.g., outward) instead of straight down. The add-on device116can also be provided with a night vision-type camera. The current sense resistor226at the output of the PoE power supply224can provide +24V to a regulator234to provide +12 VDC to an optional IR illuminator in the event the speaker100is provided with a night vision-appropriate camera. For example, an optional infrared (IR) LED and driver circuit can be provided to the speaker100via an add-on device116with the night vision-appropriate camera.

As stated above, the add-on device122can also be a cover or blank insert. As such, the speaker100is configured to accommodate a removable/replaceable camera and different camera types such as cameras with different camera lens types (e.g., wide-angle, fisheye, etc.). Speaker100is therefore versatile which is advantageous in installations wherein different types of add-on devices116are needed to provide different capabilities depending on speaker location and desired functions.

As stated above, the control board120has a talkback amplifier216to allow a half duplex talkback capability using the speaker cone of the loudspeaker214. When the speaker100is not outputting audio, input audio is enabled for talkback function for a configurable time after no audio output activity. During a talkback mode, the loudspeaker214connections are fed back to a microphone input of the processing device120's audio codec208such that the loudspeaker214is being used as a microphone during talkback mode. In addition, the processing device120allows the speaker100to be configured for remotely activated talkback using a remote device134(e.g., an external dry contact input134inFIG.6A) connected to the speaker as illustrated inFIG.9.

With continued reference toFIGS.6A and6B, the control board120in the main housing104of the speaker100has an LED driver (200 mA)240to drive an external LED indicator for such things as indicating status of the speaker100(e.g., active, powered) or to illuminate the area in its vicinity for egress of people. The processing device202can be provided with logic for local control (e.g., versus IP device130control) for activity indication, or remote control for alarms, etc. The LED driver240can act as a current source with a maximum current rating of 200 mA. The output current can be reduced from the 200 mA value using a PWM signal from the processing device202. A heartbeat LED244and Ethernet LED(s)246can be driven by the processing device202to indicate that the speaker100has power and Ethernet connectivity. A bicolor LED driver242is provided to drive a common-cathode bicolor LED such as a red/green LED (e.g., whereby a third color (e.g., amber) can be produced if both LEDs are driven simultaneously) to provide an IP-based alarm LED248operated in accordance with control signals from an IP device130, for example, to flash or illuminate a selected color to indicate a designated event to personnel within the vicinity of the speaker100. As stated above, the speaker100can be provided with an add-on device116with night-vision appropriate camera, and therefore a possible need to drive an IR LED to allow night-vision with the appropriate camera. The regulator234can provide a +12 VDC voltage source to power an external IR illuminator. The +12 VDC voltage source can be switched on and off by the processing device202such as switched on at night and switched off during daytime.

The control board120has contact input to allow for talkback initiation from an external button (e.g., a call button switch or other device134) operated by a user to activate the talkback function. For example, the processing device202can be provided with an external dry contact input134. A relay220(e.g., small relay less than or equal to 2 A DC) and contact output250allow activation of an external DC-powered device (e.g., to activate an E3 alarm). The processing device202can be provided with logic for local control (e.g., versus IP device130control) for activity indication (e.g., operate the alarm LED248), or remote control for alarms, etc. The control board120can also have a processor module-controlled Form A (SPST) relay contact with a 30 VDC/2 A contact rating.

Ambient level sensing (ALS) and supervision via ambient noise as described above can be reported to E3 and/or SNMP systems. For example, output of the speaker is adjusted higher or lower to maintain a set level of output above sensed ambient level. A factory reset pushbutton238and MicroSD card connector254are also provided (e.g., for initial programming of the speaker100).

The IP-based speaker100described herein in accordance with various example embodiments realizes a number of advantages. The IP-based speaker100takes advantage of the high bandwidth data pipe afforded the speaker100by virtue of its Ethernet connection to an IP device130. The IP device130generally has a more powerful and higher quality and high cost amplifier for audio data sent to one or more IP-based speakers connected to it, allowing for a more cost effective amplifier to be used in each of the IP-based speakers and effectively lowering the unit cost of each IP-based speaker without degrading their sound quality. In addition, the high bandwidth data pipe allows for more data features and services to be provided by the IP-based speakers such as the use of different types of cameras and/or talkback features and/or remote relay control of doors or gates for security applications as well as public address applications.

It will be understood by one skilled in the art that this disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the above description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments herein are capable of other embodiments, and capable of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it will be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Further, terms such as up, down, bottom, and top are relative, and are employed to aid illustration, but are not limiting.

The components of the illustrative devices, systems and methods employed in accordance with the illustrated embodiments can be implemented, at least in part, in digital electronic circuitry, analog electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them. These components can be implemented, for example, as a computer program product such as a computer program, program code or computer instructions tangibly embodied in an information carrier, or in a machine-readable storage device, for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus such as a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers.

A computer program can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network. Also, functional programs, codes, and code segments for accomplishing the illustrative embodiments can be easily construed as within the scope of claims exemplified by the illustrative embodiments by programmers skilled in the art to which the illustrative embodiments pertain. Method steps associated with the illustrative embodiments can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing a computer program, code or instructions to perform functions (e.g., by operating on input data and/or generating an output). Method steps can also be performed by, and apparatus of the illustrative embodiments can be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), for example.

Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of claims exemplified by the illustrative embodiments. A software module may reside in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. In other words, the processor and the storage medium may reside in an integrated circuit or be implemented as discrete components.

Computer-readable non-transitory media includes all types of computer readable media, including magnetic storage media, optical storage media, flash media and solid state storage media. It should be understood that software can be installed in and sold with a central processing unit (CPU) device. Alternatively, the software can be obtained and loaded into the CPU device, including obtaining the software through physical medium or distribution system, including, for example, from a server owned by the software creator or from a server not owned but used by the software creator. The software can be stored on a server for distribution over the Internet, for example.

The above-presented description and figures are intended by way of example only and are not intended to limit the illustrative embodiments in any way except as set forth in the following claims. It is particularly noted that persons skilled in the art can readily combine the various technical aspects of the various elements of the various illustrative embodiments that have been described above in numerous other ways, all of which are considered to be within the scope of the claims.