Abstract:
An apparatus and method for reducing power consumption in a digital image processor are disclosed. The apparatus includes a global positioning system (GPS) module using power and configured to generate initial GPS location information of the digital image processor; and a digital signal processor (DSP) configured to receive the initial GPS location information, to set user selected location information for recording in a captured image, and to cut the power to the GPS module. The method includes supplying power to a global positioning system (GPS) module; receiving initial GPS location information of the digital image processor, wherein the initial GPS location is generated by the GPS module; setting a user selected location information to capture an image; and cutting the power to the GPS module.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2009-0097440, filed on Oct. 13, 2009, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of reducing power consumption in a digital image processor, wherein power consumption of a global positioning (GPS) module that determines a current location thereof by receiving a satellite signal from a GPS satellite is reduced. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Apparatuses for processing a digital image include digital cameras, personal digital assistants (PDAs), phone cameras, and personal computer (PC) cameras, which process an image or use an image sensor. 
         [0006]    The apparatuses may process an image received through an image pickup device by using a digital signal processor (DSP), generate an image file by compressing the processed image, and store the image file in a memory. 
         [0007]    Also, the apparatuses may display an image file received through the image pickup device or stored in a storage medium on a displayer, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). 
         [0008]    The apparatuses may include a global positioning system (GPS) module, and may determine a current location thereof by receiving a satellite signal from a GPS satellite through the GPS module. 
         [0009]    The GPS module may add value to the apparatus by providing the user with location information. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    An apparatus for reducing power consumption in a digital image processor is disclosed. The apparatus for reducing power consumption in a digital image processor includes a global positioning system (GPS) module using power and configured to generate initial GPS location information of the digital image processor; and a digital signal processor (DSP) configured to receive the initial GPS location information, to set user selected location information for recording in a captured image, and to cut the power to the GPS module. 
         [0011]    The DSP may be configured to record the set user selected location information in a captured image. 
         [0012]    The DSP may be configured to record the received GPS initial location information in the captured image. 
         [0013]    The GPS module may include a GPS power supply configured to supply power and cut power to the GPS module according to a supply power signal or cut power signal received from the DSP. 
         [0014]    The DSP may include a user interface (UI) provider configured to provide a UI to set the user selected location information for recording in a captured image; a location setter configured to set the user selected location on the UI; a location storage unit configured to store the set user selected location information and the initial GPS location information received from the GPS module; and a controller configured to cut the power to the GPS module and configured to record the set user selected location information in the captured image. 
         [0015]    The UI provider may be configured to provide map information or regional name information for setting the user selected location information based on the initial GPS location. 
         [0016]    The controller may be configured to record the received initial GPS location information in the captured image. 
         [0017]    The controller may be configured to respond to a photographing location change received from a user, by supplying the power to the GPS module, providing the UI to set the user selected location information, and responsive to the user selecting a new user selected location information, storing the new user selected location information, and storing a new initial GPS location information received from the GPS module. 
         [0018]    An apparatus for reducing power consumption is disclosed. The apparatus for reducing power consumption may include a global positioning system (GPS) module using power and configured to generate initial location information of the digital image processor; and a digital signal processor (DSP) configured to receive the initial location information and configured to cut the power to the GPS module. 
         [0019]    The DSP may be configured to record the received initial location information in a captured image. 
         [0020]    The GPS module may include a GPS power supply configured to supply power and to cut power to the GPS module according to a supply power signal or cut power control signal received from the DSP. 
         [0021]    The DSP may include a location storage unit configured to store the initial location information received from the GPS module; and a controller configured to cut the power to the GPS module and configured to record the initial location information in the captured image. 
         [0022]    The controller may be configured to respond to a photographing location change by supplying power to the GPS module, and by storing the initial location information re-received from the GPS module. 
         [0023]    A method of reducing power consumption in a digital image processor is disclosed. The method may include supplying power to a global positioning system (GPS) module; receiving initial GPS location information of the digital image processor, wherein the initial GPS location is generated by the GPS module; setting a user selected location information to capture an image; and cutting the power to the GPS module. 
         [0024]    The method of reducing power consumption in a digital image processor may include capturing an image; and recording the user selected location information in the captured image. The method of reducing power consumption in a digital image processor may include capturing an image; and recording the initial GPS location information in the captured image. 
         [0025]    Setting may include providing a user interface (UI) for setting the user selected location information for recording in the captured image, wherein the UI provides location information based on the initial GPS location; receiving a selection from the user of the user selected location information; and storing the user selected location information. 
         [0026]    The method of reducing power consumption in a digital image processor may include responsive to receiving a change in location from the user, supplying power to the global positioning system (GPS) module; receiving a new initial GPS location information of the digital image processor, wherein the new initial GPS location is generated by the GPS module; setting the user selected location information to capture an image; and cutting the power to the GPS module. 
         [0027]    The UI is a map or a menu for selecting regional names for setting the user selected location information. 
         [0028]    A method of reducing power consumption in a digital image processor is disclosed. The method of reducing power consumption in a digital image processor may include supplying power to a global positioning system (GPS) module; receiving initial location information of the digital image processor, wherein the initial location information is generated by the GPS module; storing the initial location information; and cutting the power to the GPS module. 
         [0029]    The method of reducing power consumption in a digital image processor may include capturing an image; and recording the initial location information in the captured image. The method may further include, after the cutting of the power: capturing an image; and recording the received initial location information of the digital image processor in the captured image. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]    The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings in which: 
           [0031]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an example of an apparatus for reducing power consumption in a digital image processor; 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an example of a digital signal processor (DSP) and an example of a global positioning system (GPS) module of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  are diagrams of an example of a user interface provided by the DSP of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of the DSP and the GPS module of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  are diagrams of an exchangeable image file format (Exif) structure in a Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group (JPEG) file to which location information is input; 
           [0036]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are flowcharts illustrating an example of a method of reducing power consumption in a digital image processor; and 
           [0037]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of reducing power consumption in a digital image processor. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0038]    Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. 
         [0039]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an example of an apparatus for reducing power consumption in a digital image processor. 
         [0040]    The example apparatus is not limited to being applied to the digital image processor, and may be applied to an image processing apparatus, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, or a personal multimedia player (PMP). 
         [0041]    Operation of an apparatus for processing a digital image is controlled by a central processing unit (CPU)  100 . Also, the apparatus for processing a digital image includes a manipulator  200  including keys for generating an electric signal by a user, or the like. The electric signal from the manipulator  200  is transmitted to the CPU  100 , and the CPU  100  may control the apparatus for processing a digital image according to the electric signal. 
         [0042]    In a photographing mode, the user inputs the electric signal to the CPU  100  through the manipulator  200 , and the CPU  100  controls a lens driving unit  11 , an iris driving unit, and an image pickup device controller  31  according to the electric signal, thereby controlling a location of a lens  10 , an aperture of an iris  20 , and sensitivity of an image pickup device  30 . The image pickup device  30  generates analog signal from received light, and an analog/digital (A/D) converter  40  converts analog signal output from the image pickup device  30  into digital data. Here, the A/D converter  40  may not be required according to the characteristics of the image pickup device  30 . 
         [0043]    The digital data from the A/D converter  40  may be input to the DSP  50  directly or through a memory  60 , and also input to the CPU  100  if required. Here, the memory  60  may be a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM). The DSP  50  may perform a process, such as gamma correction or white balance, on a digital signal as occasion demands. The DSP  50  may include elements, such as a user interface (UI) provider  51 , a location setter  52 , a location storage unit  53 , and a controller  54 , as will be described later with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 4 . However, the UI provider  51 , the location setter  52 , the location storage unit  53 , and the controller  54  may be separate elements instead of being included in the DSP  50 , and operations of thereof will be described later. 
         [0044]    An image of the data output from the DSP  50  may be transmitted to a display controller  81  directly or through the memory  60 . The display controller  81  displays an image on a displayer  80  by controlling the displayer  80 . The displayer  80  may be a touch screen. Also, the data output from the DSP  50  may be input to a storage/read controller  71  directly or through the memory  60 . The storage/read controller  71  may store the data in a storage medium  70  automatically or according to a signal from the user. The storage/read controller  71  may read data from an image file stored in the storage medium  70 , and input the read data to the display controller  81  through the memory  60  or through another path so as to display an image of the image file on the displayer  80 . The storage medium  70  may be detachable from or fixed to the apparatus for processing a digital image. 
         [0045]    Meanwhile, the GPS module  300  may be installed inside or outside the digital image processor. 
         [0046]    The GPS module  300  may receive a satellite signal from a GPS satellite  400  so as to determine a current location coordinates of the digital image processor. Also, the GPS module  300  may determine a moved distance of the digital image processor from the change of a location coordinate according to time. The GPS module  300  may include a GPS information receiver  301  and a GPS power supply  302  as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , which will be described later. 
         [0047]    The DSP  50  and the GPS module  300  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 2 through 5 .  FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the digital signal processor  50  and the GPS module  300  of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0048]    The GPS information receiver  301  may determine a current location coordinates of the digital image processor by receiving the satellite signal from the GPS satellite  400 . Also, the GPS information receiver  301  may determine a moved distance of the digital image processor from the change of a location coordinate according to time. 
         [0049]    The GPS information receiver  301  may determine locations of the GPS satellite  400  and the GPS information receiver  301  by receiving satellite signals transmitted from at least three GPS satellites  400 . A distance between the GPS satellite  400  and the GPS information receiver  301  may be obtained by measuring a difference between a point of time when the GPS satellite  400  transmitted the satellite signal and a point of time when the GPS information receiver  301  received the satellite signal. 
         [0050]    Here, the satellite signal transmitted from the GPS satellite  400  includes information about a location of the GPS satellite  400 . Accordingly, when the locations of the at least three GPS satellites  400  and the distances between the GPS information receiver  301  and the at least three GPS satellites  400  are determined, the location of the GPS information receiver  301  may be determined by using a triangulation method, or the like. However, since a clock of the GPS information receiver  301  may not be accurate, at least four GPS satellites  400  may be used in order to correct the error. 
         [0051]    The GPS power supply  302  supplies or cuts the power that operates the GPS module  300  according to a control signal of the DSP  50 . 
         [0052]    When the digital image processor is booted on, i.e., when the GPS module  300  is turned on, the DSP  50  receives initial location information from the GPS module  300 , and cuts the power to the GPS module  300 , and sets location information to capture an image. 
         [0053]    The example of a DSP  50  includes the UI provider  51 , the location setter  52 , the location storage unit  53 , and the controller  54 . 
         [0054]    When the GPS module  300  is turned on as the digital image processor is booted, the controller  54  receives the initial location information from the GPS module  300 , and stores the received initial location information in the location storage unit  53 . 
         [0055]    After the initial location information of the digital image processor is stored, the UI provider  51  provides a UI for setting the location information to be recorded in a captured image.  FIG. 3  are examples of diagrams of a UI provided by the DSP  50  of  FIG. 2 . The UI provided by the UI provider  51  may be a map as shown in  FIG. 3  ( a ), or a menu for selecting regional names as shown in  FIG. 3  ( b ), and may be displayed on the displayer  80 . 
         [0056]    The location setter  52  sets the location information to capture an image on the UI provided by the UI provider  51 . For example, the location setter  52  may set the location information to be in the vicinity of Yeongtong-Gu in the map of  FIG. 3  ( a ), or Maetan-Dong, Yeongtong-Gu, Suwon-Si, Kyunggi-Do in the menu of  FIG. 3  ( b ). 
         [0057]    The location storage unit  53  stores the location information set by the location setter  52 . Also, the location storage unit  53  stores the initial location information received from the GPS module  300  when the GPS module  300  is turned on. 
         [0058]    After the initial location information has been received, the controller  54  outputs a cut power control signal for cutting the power to the GPS module  300 , and upon receiving the cut power control signal, the GPS power supply  302  cuts the power to the GPS module  300 . In embodiments, the GPS power supply  302  is not part of the GPS module  300 , but may be part of another module of the apparatus or may be a separate module. The controller  54  records the location information, which is set on the UI and stored in the location storage unit  53 , in the captured image. Also, the controller  54  may record the initial location information, which is stored in the location storage unit  53  after being received from the GPS module  300 , in the captured image. 
         [0059]    When the location information changes according to the set location information, the controller  54  outputs a supply power control signal for supplying power to the GPS module  300 , and upon receiving the supply power control signal, the GPS power supply  302  supplies the power to the GPS module  300 . After the power is supplied to the GPS module  300 , the controller  54  receives the initial location information from the GPS module  300 , stores the received initial location information in the location storage unit  53 , operates the UI provider  51  so as to re-set the location information, and stores the location information re-set on the UI in the location storage unit  53 . The controller  54  cuts the power to the GPS module  300  after receiving the initial location information, and when the image is captured, records the re-set location information in the captured image. 
         [0060]    As such, the location information may be recorded in the captured image without always turning on the GPS module  300 , and since the GPS module  300  is turned off, power consumption of the GPS module  300  is reduced, thereby increasing battery durability of the digital image processor. 
         [0061]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of an example of the DSP  50  and the GPS module  300  of  FIG. 1 . According to the previous example, the location information is set through the UI, and the power to the GPS module  300  is cut and the location information is recorded in the captured image. However, according to the current example, the GPS module  300  is turned on as the digital image processor is booted, the initial location information is received from the GPS module  300 , and the power to the GPS module  300  is cut and the initial location information is recorded in the captured image. 
         [0062]    When the digital image processor is booted, i.e. when the GPS module  300  is turned on, the DSP  50  according to the current example receives and stores the initial location information from the GPS module  300 , and cuts the power to the GPS module  300  after receiving the initial location information. 
         [0063]    Accordingly, the DSP  50  includes the location storage unit  53  and the controller  54 . 
         [0064]    When the GPS module  300  is turned on as the digital image processor is booted, the controller  54  receives the initial location information from the GPS module  300 , and stores the received initial location information in the location storage unit  53 . 
         [0065]    After receiving the initial location information, the controller  54  outputs a cut power control signal for cutting the power to the GPS module  300 , and upon receiving the cut power control signal, the GPS power supply  302  cuts the power to the GPS module  300 . The controller  54  records the initial location information stored in the location storage unit  53  in the captured image. 
         [0066]      FIG. 5  are diagrams of an exchangeable image file format (Exif) structure in a Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group (JPEG) file to which location information is input.  FIG. 5  ( a ) illustrates the Exif structure in an image file (the JPEG file) generated according to the DSP  50 . In  FIG. 5  ( a ), photographing day and time of compressed image data, additional information such as a product name, or thumbnail information is recorded in an application marker segment  1  (APP 1 ) area of the Exif structure.  FIG. 5  ( b ) illustrates an APP 1  structure. In  FIG. 5  ( b ), the APP 1  structure includes a GPS info image file directory (IFD) area in a 0 th  IFD area. The DSP  50  stores the initial location information stored in the location storage unit  53  in a GPS info IFD area.  FIG. 5  ( c ) illustrates the GPS info IFD structure, and the location information, such as a GPS version, latitude, longitude, altitude, speed, timestamp, and satellite information, is stored in the GPS info IFD area. 
         [0067]    When the location information changes after capturing the image according to the location information, the controller  54  outputs a supply power control signal for supplying power to the GPS module  300 , and upon receiving the supply power control signal, the GPS power supply  302  supplies the power to the GPS module  300 . After the power is supplied to the GPS module  300 , the controller  54  re-receives the initial location information from the GPS module  300 , stores the re-received initial location information in the location storage unit  53 , cuts the power to the GPS module  300 , and when the image is captured, records the re-received initial location information in the captured image. 
         [0068]    A example of a method of reducing power consumption in a digital image processor will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The method may be performed by the apparatus for processing a digital image of  FIG. 1 , and according to an embodiment, the method may be performed by the DSP  50  with help from peripheral elements of the apparatus for processing a digital image. 
         [0069]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are flowcharts illustrating an example of a method of reducing power consumption in a digital image processor. 
         [0070]    When the digital image processor is booted, the DSP  50  turns on the GPS module  300 , in operation  601 . When the digital image processor is booted, the DSP  50  outputs a supply power control signal to the GPS module  300 , and the GPS power supply  302  supplies power to the GPS module  300 . 
         [0071]    When the GPS module  300  is turned on, the DSP  50  receives and stores initial location information of the digital image processor from the GPS information receiver  301 , in operation  603 . The initial location information includes a GPS version, latitude, longitude, altitude, speed, timestamp, and satellite information 
         [0072]    Then, the DSP  50  determines whether to maintain the GPS module  300  in an ON-state, in operation  605 , and if a signal for maintaining the GPS module  300  in the ON-state is received from a user, location information during photographing is recorded in operation  609  on an image captured in operation  607 . A format of the location information recorded in an Exif structure of an image file (JPEG file) is identical to that of  FIG. 5 . 
         [0073]    Otherwise, if a signal for maintaining the GPS module  300  in an OFF-state is received from the user, the DSP  50  selects the location information, and determines whether to turn off the GPS module  300 , in operation  611 . 
         [0074]    If a signal for turning the GPS module  300  off is received from the user after selecting the location information, the DSP  50  displays a UI for setting the location information on the displayer  80 , in operation  613 . The UI provided by the DSP  50  may be the map as shown in  FIG. 3  ( a ) or the menu for selecting regional names as shown in  FIG. 3  ( b ). 
         [0075]    Then, the DSP  50  receives a signal for setting the location information on the UI from the user, in operation  615 . For example, the location information may be set to be in the vicinity of Yeongtong-Gu in the map of  FIG. 3  ( a ) or Maetan-Dong, Yeongtong-Gu, Suwon-Si, Kyunggi-Do from the menu of  FIG. 3(   b ). 
         [0076]    When the location information is set, the DSP  50  stores the set location information in operation  617 , and turns off the GPS module  300  in operation  619 . The DSP  50  outputs a cut power control signal for cutting the power to the GPS module  300 , and upon receiving the cut power control signal, the GPS power supply  302  cuts the power to the GPS module  300 . 
         [0077]    When an image is captured in operation  621 , the DSP  50  records the set location information in the captured image in operation  623 . Here, the DSP  50  may record the stored initial location information in the captured image. 
         [0078]    Next, the DSP  50  determines whether the location information is changed in operation  625 . If the location information is changed, the DSP  50  determines whether to supply power to the GPS module  300  in operation  627 . 
         [0079]    If a signal for supplying power to the GPS module  300  is received from the user, the DSP  50  performs operation  605  so as to output a supply power control signal for supplying power to the GPS module  300 , and upon receiving the supply power control signal, the GPS power supply  302  supplies the power to the GPS module  300 . After the power is supplied to the GPS module  300 , the DSP  50  receives and stores the initial location information from the GPS module  300 , provides a UI for re-setting the location information, and then stores the re-set location information. Next, the DSP  50  cuts the power to the GPS module  300 , and records the re-set location information in the captured image. 
         [0080]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of reducing power consumption in a digital image processor. 
         [0081]    According to the example method described above, the location information to capture an image is set through the UI, the power to the GPS module  300  is cut, and the set location information is recorded in the captured image; however, according to the method of the current example, the digital image processor is booted, the initial location information is received from the GPS module  300  as the GPS module  300  is turned on, the power to the GPS module  300  is cut, and the initial location information is recorded in the captured image. 
         [0082]    When the digital image processor is booted, the DSP  50  turns on the GPS module  300  in operation  701 . When the digital image processor is booted, the DSP  50  outputs a supply power control signal to the GPS module  300 , and upon receiving the supply power control signal, the GPS power supply  302  supplies the power to the GPS module  300 . 
         [0083]    After the GPS module  300  is turned on, the DSP  50  receives and stores initial location information of the digital image processor from the GPS information receiver  301  in operation  703 . The initial location information includes a GPS version, latitude, longitude, altitude, speed, timestamp, and satellite information. 
         [0084]    Then, the DSP  50  determines whether to maintain the GPS module  300  in an ON-state in operation  705 . If a signal for maintaining the GPS module  300  in an ON-state is received from a user, location information during photographing is recorded in operation  709  in an image captured in operation  707 . 
         [0085]    Otherwise, if a signal for maintaining the GPS module  300  in an OFF-state is received, the DSP  50  turns off the GPS module  300  in operation  711 . The digital image processor stores the initial location information of the digital image processor, and the DSP  50  outputs a cut power control signal for cutting the power to the GPS module  300 , and upon receiving the cut power control signal, the GPS power supply  302  cuts the power to the GPS module  300 . 
         [0086]    Then, when an image is captured in operation  713 , the DSP  50  records the initial location information in the captured image in operation  715 . 
         [0087]    Next, the DSP  50  determines whether location information to capture an image is changed in operation  717 . The DSP  50  may determine whether location information to capture an image is changed based on user input. If the location information is changed, the GPS module  300  determines whether to supply power to the GPS module  300  in operation  719 . 
         [0088]    If a signal for supplying power to the GPS module  300  is received from the user, the DSP  50  performs operation  705  so as to output a supply power control signal for supplying power to the GPS module  300 , and upon receiving the supply power control signal, the GPS power supply  302  supplies the power to the GPS module  300 . When the power is supplied to the GPS module  300 , the DSP  50  receives and stores the initial location information from the GPS module  300 . Then, the DSP  50  cuts the power to the GPS module  300 , and when an image is captured, records the re-set initial location information in the captured image. 
         [0089]    In embodiments, the location information may be recorded in an image without always maintaining a GPS module in an ON-state. And, since the GPS module can be turned off, power consumption of the GPS module is reduced, thereby increasing battery durability of a digital image processor. In embodiments, when a new location is not required to be determined, the GPS module is not used, and thus the GPS module may not consume unnecessary power. 
         [0090]    The various illustrative logics, logical blocks, and modules described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but, in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. 
         [0091]    Further, the steps and/or actions of a method or algorithm described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium may be coupled to the processor, such that 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. Further, in some aspects, the processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal. Additionally, in some aspects, the steps and/or actions of a method or algorithm may reside as one or any combination or set of instructions on a machine readable medium and/or computer readable medium. 
         [0092]    While the foregoing disclosure discusses illustrative aspects and/or embodiments, it should be noted that various changes and modifications could be made herein without departing from the scope of the described aspects and/or embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, although elements of the described aspects and/or embodiments may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. Additionally, all or a portion of any aspect and/or embodiment may be utilized with all or a portion of any other aspect and/or embodiment, unless stated otherwise.