Abstract:
The proposed invention provides a way for sports fans to participate more fully in the game-race or his/her favorite sport. This invention provides the spectator with a single point of audio contact with the sport, bringing the fan into the game or race, preserving the passion and reverence for the game that he/she has for his/her sports choice. The communication system includes networking a plurality of existing recording devices with a centralized transmission system whereby selected information is broadcast to personal receivers. The individuals in possession of a personal receiver can select from a plurality of different broadcast selections, for example, conversations in the bullpen or press box.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/335,561 filed 31 Oct. 2001, entitled Sports Listening Device and System, naming Anthony Sinclair as inventor, said provisional application hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates generally to communication technology and, more specifically, to a system and method for receiving and transmitting a wide range of audio information at sporting events. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   In the related art, there is not a single state-of-the-art appliance or application, or a one-solution capability to provide spectators at any major sporting venue with the opportunity to listen to all game related action. People attending a game can only hear what is broadcast over the loudspeaker system. Thus there is presently no system to allow fans to hear audio transmissions from radio, television, local advertisers or supporters (who have audio commercials available to air), emergency announcements, or all available conversations from the playing field during any given game (college, professional, or any sports gathering). 
   When at a sporting event, such as either a professional or college sports event, the spectator in the stands is not given the opportunity to be involved, or to participate in the heart of the game (or effects of the game) using all of his/her senses. The spectator in the stands simply waits to hear any announcements or information provided to him/her by the stadium or sports team announcer. Presently, the spectator cannot hear the chatter of the players on the field of play or on the sidelines. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The proposed invention provides a way for sports fans to participate more fully in the game, race or his/her favorite sport. In one embodiment, the invention provides the spectator a single point of audio contact with the sport, bringing the fan into the game or race, preserving the passion and reverence for the game that he/she has for his/her sport of choice. In one embodiment, the communication system includes networking a plurality of existing recording devices with a centralized receiving/transmission system whereby selected information is broadcast to personal receivers. The individuals in possession of a personal receiver can select from a plurality of different broadcast selections, for example, conversations in the bullpen or press box. 
   As will be readily appreciated from the foregoing summary, the invention provides the avid sports fan access to the field of play and greater involvement in his/her game or race of choice. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings. 
       FIG. 1A  shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention including a communication system  20  having a system receiver/transmitter  22  configured to receive information from a plurality of remote recording devices  26 , encode the information and then broadcast selected audio data to a plurality of personal receivers  28 . 
       FIGS. 1B and 1C  depict a more pictographic representation of one embodiment of the baseball field system and example described in relation to  FIG. 1A . 
       FIGS. 2–6  depict the personal receiver  28  having a specifically designed AM or FM circuit board designed to fit within a housing  33  of the type used for current broadcast transmission and receiving equipment. 
       FIG. 7  depicts a more detailed block diagram representation of various components and processes previously depicted and described in relation to  FIGS. 1–6 . 
       FIG. 8  depicts a more detailed block diagram representation of various components and processes previously depicted and described in relation to  FIGS. 1–6 , wherein a handshaking operation is described. 
       FIG. 9  depicts a more detailed block diagram representation of various components and processes previously depicted and described in relation to  FIGS. 1–6 , wherein private decoding unit  714  has programmed itself to use the companion decoding algorithm to that encoding algorithm in use by private encoding unit  702 . 
       FIG. 10  depicts a more detailed block diagram representation of various components and processes previously depicted and described in relation to  FIGS. 1–6 . 
       FIG. 11  depicts a more detailed block diagram representation of various components and processes previously depicted and described in relation to  FIGS. 1–6 , which has features in common with previously described  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 12  depicts a cutaway view of a further possible physical implementation of personal receiver  28 . 
   

   The use of the same symbols in different drawings typically indicates similar or identical items. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides a system and method for collecting and selectively distributing audio information to personal receivers. By way of overview and with reference to  FIG. 1A , a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a communication system  20  including a system receiver/transmitter  22  configured to receive information from a plurality of remote recording devices  26 , encode the information and then broadcast selected audio data to a plurality of personal receivers  28 . The personal receiver  28  decodes the broadcast data  27  and allows an individual user to hear selected broadcast information. The communication system  20  and personal receiver  28  are described with more particularity below. 
   For purposes of example only, we have chosen to outline specifics of the invention as it relates to baseball. In accordance with other and future aspects of the invention, note that similar configurations of microphones and parabolic dishes (and all related figures) can be applied to other sports noted above, as well as sports popular in other cultures such as rugby, cricket, and the Olympic and Goodwill games. 
   The receiver/transmitter  22  receives and assembles audio transmissions from a plurality of remote listening/recording devices  26 , for example, a microphone, a parabolic dish, wireless transmission (e.g., microwave), audio from a TV/radio broadcast or data from a radio modem, within the stadium or affiliated TV/radio broadcast. The receiver/transmitter  22  processes the transmissions, for example, by encoding the signal into a sine wave that transmits it (under strict FCC-regulated frequency modulation) as radio waves  27  assigned to the personal receivers  28 , in essence, the internal microchip (the companion chip to  36  in  FIG. 2 ) of the transmitter scrambles, or locks, the signal. 
   The personal receiver  28  receives the radio waves  27  and decodes the message using a “key” algorithmic message from the sine wave it receives, then conveys the sounds to the listener through the speaker system, for example earphones ( 44  in  FIG. 2 ). The algorithmic message tells the personal receiver what decoding algorithm to use. 
   In one embodiment, the receiver/transmitter  22  utilizes existing antenna technology to radiate and capture the radio signal  23 . However, other communication systems are considered within the scope of this invention, for example, wireless capabilities, flat wire antenna capabilities, or optical communication devices. 
     FIG. 1A  depicts the communication system  20 . The remote recording devices  26  receive transmissions from a variety of sources. The remote sources include on-field and on-person microphones located in dugouts, bullpens, pre and post game radio/TV audio interviews, batting cages, under each base bag and on all managers, coaches, umpires, and selected individuals to be determined by teams and sports-related authorities. Other remote recording devices  26  include parabolic dish microphones/receivers in stands in right field, left field, centerfield, and behind home plate, as well as in appropriate television camera positions and other locations within the stadium yet to be determined. Still other sources include radio broadcast microphones in press boxes and other areas of game-related commentary located to transmit comments from existing broadcasts/simulcasts from local radio personality/commentators as well as foreign-language commentators. Still other sources include audio signals from microphones in press boxes located to transmit existing audio broadcasts/simulcasts from television commentators, as well as foreign-language broadcast commentary. In addition, in some embodiments receiver/transmitter  22  intermittently transmits on one or more channels of personal receivers  28  either live or recorded audio advertising from stadium and non-stadium game sponsors, including team-merchandising operations, where such audio advertising is provided by the advertisers. In addition, in some embodiments, receiver/transmitter  22  intermittently transmits, on one or more channels of personal receivers  28 , existing emergency audio broadcasts such as storm warnings, in-stand emergencies, national security updates, and post-game traffic reports while fans are still in the stadium or close proximity to the transmission area. In some embodiments, recording devices  26  transmit pre-game locker room discussions between coach/managers and the team, to be determined by the team and/or major league baseball or sports-related authorities, while in other embodiments recording devices  26  transmit pre-game, warm up field conversations including batting practice, and other on-field chatter to be transmitted by microphones or parabolic dishes/receivers noted above or telephone calls to the bullpen (e.g., in some embodiments a wireless phone is actually used as recording device  26 ). 
     FIGS. 1B and 1C  depict a more pictographic representation of one embodiment of the baseball field system and example described in relation to  FIG. 1A .  FIG. 1B  illustrates remote recording devices  26  in the form of audio pickups  26  transmitting signals which are received by receiving-transmitting station  22 . The signals can be transmitted by wireless methods, infrared, microwave, hardwire connection or any acceptable technique. Shown are pickups  26  located within the press box, bullpen, dugout, and stands (including box seats and bleachers) of baseball field  100 , which are examples of pickups  26  dispersed throughout baseball field  100 . Pickups  26  are transmitting wireless signals, which are received by receiving-transmitting station  22 . Standard broadcast station  102  is transmitting a wireless signal, which is received by receiving-transmitting station  22 . Examples of standard broadcast station  102  are a television broadcast station, a radio broadcast station, an audio simulcast of television broadcast station, a foreign language broadcast station, etc. As shown and described above and below, in one embodiment, pickups  26  transmit their wireless signals using an encoding scheme privately known to pickups  26  and receiving-transmitting station  22 . 
     FIG. 1C  shows a pictographic representation of receiving-transmitting station  22  transmitting wireless signals to personal receivers  28 . Personal receivers  28  are shown located in the bleachers of baseball field  100  for sake of example, but it is to be understood that receiving-transmitting station  22  typically will broadcast with power sufficient to communicate with personal receivers  28  both within the baseball field  100  and within parking lots (not shown) proximate to baseball field  100 . As shown and described above and below, in one embodiment receiving-transmitting station  22  transmits the wireless signals using a decoding scheme privately known to receiving-transmitting station  22  and personal receivers  28 . 
     FIGS. 2–6  depict the personal receiver  28  having a specifically designed AM or FM circuit board designed to fit within a housing  33  of the type used for current broadcast transmission and receiving equipment. The personal receiver  28  is preferably designed to receive an encoded transmission  27  from the system receiver/transmitter  22 . More specifically, the personal receiver is designed to decode the signal transmitted by the broadcasting entity through their usual broadcast medium (wireless or satellite transmission systems) under strict FCC-regulated frequency modulation as radio waves assigned to this invention. 
   A standard design integrated circuit board  38 , which can have, among other things, either AM or FM digital or analog circuitry, and constitutes electronics of the personal receiver  28 . In one embodiment, the board  38  is configured to mate with a “key” algorithmic receiving microchip  36 . 
   In one embodiment, the earphone wire of earphones  44  will be directly attached to the circuit board  38 . However, other speaker configurations are considered within scope of this invention, for example, stereo headsets or ear pieces, or possible wireless technology. Additionally, for embodiments including incorporated earphones  44 , a take-up wheel  46  for the earphone wire may be either inside or outside the housing  33 , which may be in the form of a molded plastic shell. In one embodiment, the earphones  44  will be of a standard design including soft or hard earpieces. Also included at a location appropriate to the earphones, will be pegs  56  (see  FIG. 6 ) around which the user can wrap the earphone cord for safekeeping, as well as a small clip for securing the earphones. Further iterations may include a take-up wheel. 
   The personal receiver includes a power and volume control switch  32 , a channel selection switch  34 , an “on” or low power indicator light  30 , and other user control devices. 
   In one embodiment, the circuit board  38  will house a power source  40 . Examples of power sources are batteries or an electrical terminal (not shown). Additionally, in one embodiment, for security purposes, at low-power or upon tampering, circuit board  38  includes circuitry such that a power surge or spike from the batteries may be sent to the reception chip that will destroy the algorithmic key code such as that contained in key algorithmic microchip  36 . Also in one embodiment, a low-power signal may signify, via indicator  30 , the need to change batteries. 
   In one embodiment, power switch  32  is connected to the circuit board  38  and is configured to control the volume setting. However, the power and volume may also be under separate control. When in the “on” position, an indicator  30 , for example, a green power light, will indicate the unit is an operation. As noted above, the indicator may also indicate low-power. 
   A channel selector  34  offering a plurality of channels will allow the user to select from a variety of broadcast data  27 . For example, an individual may listen to the following: 
   (a) radio broadcast and on field “chatter”; 
   (b) television broadcasting on field “chatter”; 
   (c) on-field “chatter” only; 
   (d) radio broadcast only; 
   (e) television broadcast only; 
   (f) foreign language broadcasts; 
   (g) a user selected location, whether from the stands, on the field, or broadcast; and 
   (h) other listening opportunities as previously described in relation to  FIG. 1A  and as described elsewhere herein. 
   Although channel selector  34  has been shown as a simple rotary knob for the sake of simplicity, in other embodiments the personal receiver  28  may have an LED display associated with channel selection and/or power, and push buttons for channel selection. 
   With reference to  FIGS. 2–6 , the housing  33  is preferably constructed of two pieces of molded plastic to be sealed together. The overall size of the device will be approximately 3-½″ tall×2-½″ wide×½″ thick, or roughly the size of a credit card. It may range in size from that of a small transistor radio to a credit card. 
     FIG. 3  depicts an antenna  50  of the personal receiver  28 . In one embodiment, a front panel of the personal receiver  28  contains a DeCorp Americas Flat Wire Ready Antenna, with the male connector positioned to meet the female receptor  42  noted in  FIG. 2 . However, other antennas are considered within scope of this invention, for example, short-range fixed antennas, or other new technology flat wire antennas of standard design. 
   As shown in  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment, the outer housing  33  of the personal receiver  28  is constructed from a molded plastic shell, which will allow for a plurality of advertisement sections  52 , for example, a logo stamp of an affiliated sports organizations or paid advertisements. This may be on the back, as shown in  FIG. 4 , or on the front or side. 
     FIG. 5  shows a receptor  42  which may be provided on a back side of the receiver  28 . The receptor  42  may mate with any appropriate electrical connector to provide instructions, data, or power to receiver  28 . It may be used for programming the microchip, establishing certain settings, charging a battery within the housing  33 , or performing other electrical functions. 
     FIG. 6  depicts an attachment clip  58  for the personal receiver  28 . Preferably, the personal receiver  28  will include a clip  58  on the back panel that will allow the user to easily clip it to a shirt pocket or other convenient location. Standoffs or clips  56  may optionally be provided on the side in some embodiments. 
     FIG. 7  depicts a more detailed block diagram representation of various components and processes previously depicted and described in relation to  FIGS. 1–6 . Illustrated is receiving-transmitting station  22  receiving wireless signals  1  through N via receiving-transmitting station  22 &#39;s receiving antenna  700 , where wireless signals  1  through N are representative of wireless signals transmitted by pickups  26 , or broadcast signals transmitted by broadcast stations such as broadcast station  102 . Reception unit  702  converts the received wireless signals  1  through N to representative logical channels  1  through N and thereafter transmits the representative logical channels  1  through N to private encoding unit  704 . Private encoding unit  704  encodes the logical channels  1  through N and thereafter transmits the encoded logical channels to transmission unit  706 . 
   Transmission unit  706  thereafter multiplexes the encoded logical channels  1  through N and transmits a multiplexed signal carrying encoded logical channels  1  through N via receiving-transmitting station  22 &#39;s transmitting antenna  708 . Transmission unit  706  can use any of a number of conventional multiplexing techniques such as frequency division multiplexing (FDMA), time division multiplexing (TDMA), code division multiplexing (CDMA), or wideband code division multiplexing (WCDMA), etc. In addition, in embodiments which use code division multiplexing, or other spectrum spreading techniques, private encoding unit  704  may not be necessary in that the spectrum spreading techniques themselves may be sufficient to serve as the private encoding utilized by aspects of the present invention. 
   Personal receiver  28  receives the wireless signal transmitted by receiving-transmitting station  22  via personal receiver  28 &#39;s receiving antenna  710 . (Although devices are shown herein with separate receiving and transmitting antennas, for the sake of illustration and ease of understanding, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in most instances the transmitting and receiving antennas are the same antenna.) Receiving unit  712  demultiplexes the received multiplexed signal transmitted by receiving-transmitting station  22  and thereafter transmits the demultiplexed encoded logical channels  1  through N to private encoding unit  714 . Private encoding unit  714  decodes the encoded logical channels  1  through N and thereafter transmits the decoded logical channels  1  through N to user-controlled channel selector and mixer unit  716 . Thereafter, user controlled channel and selector mixer unit  716  transmits the one or more selected and mixed channels to audio drivers  718 , which power earphones  44 . 
   Both private encoding unit  704  and private decoding unit  714  are shown as being programmable. In one embodiment, private encoding unit  704  is manually programmed by the system operator with one of a plurality of available encoding algorithms. In one embodiment, private decoding unit  714  is manually programmed by the user of the personal receiver  28 , via an input device (such as a pushbutton), to utilize the companion decoding algorithm in use by private encoding unit  704 . In one embodiment this is achieved via the system operator instructing the user of personal receiver  28  as to the decoding algorithm in use by private encoding unit  704 . This can be done by wireless instructions or connection to receptor  42 . 
   In another embodiment, private encoding unit  704  is programmed to use a specific encoding algorithm, and personal receiver  28  programs private decoding unit  714  to utilize the companion decoding algorithm via a handshaking operation which will now be described. 
     FIG. 8  depicts a more detailed block diagram representation of various components and processes previously depicted and described in relation to  FIGS. 1–6 , wherein a handshaking operation is described. Private decoding unit  714  of personal receiver  28  transmits a query via transmission unit  720  and personal receiver  28 &#39;s transmitting antenna  722 . The query requests format and instructions from private encoding unit  702 . In one embodiment, the query specifically requests that private encoding unit  702  inform private decoding unit  714  of the encoding algorithm in use by private encoding unit  704 . 
   Private encoding unit  704  receives the query from private decoding unit  714  via reception unit  702  and receiving-transmitting station  22 &#39;s receiving antenna  700 . In response to the received query, private encoding unit  704  of transmitting-receiving station  22  transmits a response to the query via transmission unit  706  and receiving-transmitting station  22 &#39;s transmitting antenna  708 . The response to this query contains format and instructions from private encoding unit  704 . In one embodiment, the format and instructions specifically indicate the encoding algorithm in use by private encoding unit  704  (e.g., “using encoding algorithm B”). 
   In one embodiment, upon receipt of the format and instructions, private decoding unit  714  programs itself to use the companion decoding algorithm to that encoding algorithm in use by private encoding unit  704 . An example of the foregoing will now be described. 
     FIG. 9  depicts a more detailed block diagram representation of various components and processes previously depicted and described in relation to  FIGS. 1–6 , wherein private decoding unit  714  has programmed itself to use the companion decoding algorithm to that encoding algorithm in use by private encoding unit  702 . Specifically, shown is that private encoding unit  704  is utilizing encoding algorithm B. Depicted is that, in response to a previously executed handshaking operation such as that depicted and described in relation to  FIG. 8 , private decoding unit  714  has programmed itself to use decoding algorithm B, which is the companion to encoding algorithm B in use by private encoding unit  704 . In addition to the foregoing,  FIG. 9  is also representative of the previously described operation where private encoding unit  704  is programmed by the system user to use encoding algorithm B, and private decoding unit  714  has been manually programmed by the user of personal receiver  28  such that private decoding unit  714  utilizes decoding algorithm B. 
     FIG. 10  depicts a more detailed block diagram representation of various components and processes previously depicted and described in relation to  FIGS. 1–6 . Specifically, shown is pickup  26  having microphone  1000 . Signals picked up by microphone  1000  are received by drivers  1002 . Drivers  1002  drive private encoding unit  1004  (shown as a programmable encoding unit). Private encoding unit  1004  transmits the encoded signal to transmission unit  1006 . Transmission unit  1006  transmits a wireless signal, carrying the encoded signal, via a transmitting antenna of pickup  26 . A wire or cable connection may also be used for the transmission of the signal from the pickup. 
   Reception unit  702  of receiving-transmitting unit  22  receives the encoded signal via receiving-transmitting unit  22 &#39;s receiving antenna  700 . Pickup-specific decoding unit  1008  (shown as a programmable decoding unit) receives and decodes the encoded wireless signal. Thereafter, reception unit  702  functions as has been described previously. 
   In one embodiment, private encoding unit  1004  programs itself to use the companion algorithm to the decoding algorithm in use by pickup-specific decoding unit  1008  of reception unit  702 , via a handshaking operation analogous to the described in relation to  FIGS. 8–9 . In another embodiment, both private encoding unit  1004  and pickup-specific decoding unit  1008  of reception unit  702  are manually programmed by the system operator. 
   Although only one pickup  26  paired with one pickup specific decoding unit  1008  have been shown, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in most embodiments reception unit  702  will have a unique pickup-specific decoding unit  1008  for each unique pickup  26  in use. 
     FIG. 11  depicts a more detailed block diagram representation of various components and processes previously depicted and described in relation to  FIGS. 1–6 , which has features in common with previously described  FIG. 7 . With respect to the features of  FIG. 11  in common with  FIG. 7 , the operation of such common features will not be re-described here in that the operation of such features in  FIG. 11  are analogous to the operation of such features as depicted and described in relation to  FIG. 7 . However, in addition to the features in common with  FIG. 7 , illustrated is that logical channel —   1  carries restricted content, logical channel —   2  carries unrestricted content, and logical channel — N carries unrestricted content. As used herein, examples of “restricted” content would be content captured by pickups  26  which are located where profanity is likely to be heard, such as pickups  26  located in the dugout or bullpen of baseball field  100 , or located on a manager or a catcher during a baseball game. Another example of restricted content would be direct feed of delayed broadcasts, such as signals which feed those network television channels which are typically delayed 7 seconds for purposes of censorship by the network. As used herein, examples of “unrestricted” content would be content wherein profanity is not likely to be heard, such as content obtained from broadcast station  102 . 
   In addition to the previously described components, personal receiver  28  further contains user controlled restricted/unrestricted content selector  800 . In one embodiment, user controlled restricted/unrestricted content selector  800 , in response to user input, ensures that those logical channels carrying restricted content are not delivered to audio drivers  718 . Consequently, user controlled restricted/unrestricted content selector  800  provides parents with the opportunity to ensure that their children are not exposed to the off-colored comments or profanity in use by players, coaches, and managers at professional sport events. In one embodiment, the logical channel carries “tags” which user controlled restricted/unrestricted content selector can recognize as indicative of either restricted or unrestricted content and screen accordingly. In another embodiment, the user is provided with a list of channels, such as on a paper card, which the user, or a user&#39;s parent or the operator can then use to manually screen selected channels by number. For example, a parent programming a child&#39;s personal receiver  28  such that the child&#39;s personal receiver  28  would screen out logical channel —   1  due to the content of logical channel —   1 . In one embodiment, such selection is by a simple manual selector, while in another embodiment such selection is done via a pushbutton labeled screen restricted content, while in yet another embodiment a parent&#39;s personal receiver  28  in proximity to a child&#39;s personal receiver  28  effects the restriction by radio control of the child&#39;s personal receiver  28  via conventional radio control techniques. 
   Each of these channels can be selected by the user turning the channel selector  34  to the appropriate channel corresponding to the broadcast the user wishes to hear, see for example  FIG. 2 , or pushing the desired buttons as shown in  FIG. 12 , described below. 
     FIG. 12  depicts a cutaway view of a further possible physical implementation of personal receiver  28 . Personal receiver  28  has, on its exterior, LCD screen  1200 , which in one embodiment displays alphanumeric characters (e.g., channels selected, mixed, screened, etc.). Personal receiver  28  has buttons  1202 , which in one embodiment can be used to select, mix, or screen various channels in the fashion described herein. Depicted in cutaway is that amplifier  1204  drives earphone adapter  1206 , which can be used to drive any one of a number of earphones. Amplifier  1204  is driven by (Digital Signal Processor) DSP  1208 , which is programmed to provide any one or more of the selecting, mixing, and content-based screening functions as described previously. DSP  1208  receives input from receiver  1210 . Receiver  1210  receives a signal (such as that sent by receiving/transmitting station  22 ) from antenna  1212 . 
   All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety, as are any applications or other documents which such documents themselves incorporated by reference. 
   Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the state of the art has progressed to the point where there is little distinction left between hardware and software implementations of aspects of systems; the use of hardware or software is generally (but not always, in that in certain contexts the choice between hardware and software can become significant) a design choice representing cost vs. efficiency tradeoffs. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there are various vehicles by which aspects of processes and/or systems described herein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/or firmware), and that the preferred vehicle will vary with the context in which the processes and/or systems are deployed. For example, if an implementer determines that speed and accuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a hardware and/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the implementer may opt for a solely software implementation; or, yet again alternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles by which aspects of the processes described herein may be effected, none of which is inherently superior to the other in that any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon the context in which the vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any of which may vary. 
   The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts, and examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will be understood as notorious by those within the art that each function and/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the present invention may be implemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in standard Integrated Circuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more controllers (e.g., microcontrollers) as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmware would be well within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms of the present invention are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative embodiment of the present invention applies equally regardless of the particular type of signal bearing media used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of signal bearing media include, but are not limited to, the following: recordable type media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, CD ROMs, digital tape, and computer memory; and transmission type media such as digital and analogue communication links using TDM or IP based communication links (e.g., packet links). 
   In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various embodiments described herein which can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof can be viewed as being composed of various types of “electrical circuitry.” Consequently, as used herein “electrical circuitry” includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of random access memory), and electrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electrical equipment). 
   The foregoing described embodiments depict different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected,” or “operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. 
   While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the scope of this invention. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is solely defined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present.