Patent Publication Number: US-2022222455-A1

Title: Industrial Digital Barcode Reader

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/713,252, filed on Dec. 13, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Barcode and other scanning devices generally capture images within a given field of view (FOV). Barcode readers may be provided to be used in a various orientations depending on environments. For example, some barcode readers may be implemented in a generally vertical orientation to be used in countertops, kiosks, and other vertical scanning environments, and may also be used in a generally horizontal orientation to be used in table or platter environments. Typically, horizontal and vertical barcode readers have different design requirements due to differing fields of view. More specifically, in vertical orientations, the FOV is typically parallel to the tabletop (i.e., perpendicular to the front face of the barcode reader). Conversely, in the horizontal orientation, the FOV is tilted in order to scan barcodes on packages in differing orientations. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for improved accessories having improved functionalities. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to a first aspect, a convertible slot scanner assembly for capturing at least one object appearing in a field of view (FOV) is provided that includes an imaging assembly, a controller, an image decoder, a chassis, a first window, and a housing. The chassis is configured to accommodate the imaging assembly and includes an optical cavity, an opening, and a flange portion at least partially surrounding the opening. The first window is configured to at least partially cover the opening of the chassis. The housing includes a housing cavity that is dimensioned to at least partially accommodate the chassis. The housing is positionable in a first, horizontal configuration and a second, vertical configuration. In the horizontal configuration, the first window is in a generally horizontal orientation. In the vertical configuration, the first window is in a generally upright orientation. 
     In some examples, the convertible slot scanner may further include a first adapter configured to be coupled with the chassis when the housing is positioned in the horizontal configuration. The first adapter may be in the form of a platter including a platter opening and a second window configured to at least partially cover the platter opening. In some of these examples, the first adapter may additionally include a tub. The tub is configured to engage at least one of the housing or the flange portion of the chassis. The platter is configured to engage at least one of the tub or the flange portion of the chassis. 
     In some examples, the convertible slot scanner assembly may include a second adapter. The second adapter may be coupled with the chassis when the housing is positioned in the vertical configuration. The second adapter may include an outer bezel configured to engage at least one of the housing or the flange portion of the chassis. The outer bezel may protrude outwardly from the first window to form a recessed region. 
     In some forms, the convertible slot scanner assembly includes at least one interface element. The at least one interface element may include at least one of at least one button, an illumination member, or a sound generating device. The at least one interface may be at least one of physically engagable, viewable, or audible from an outwardly facing side of the housing. In examples where the at least one interface element is in the form of a sound generating device, the flange portion of the chassis may further include at least one sound port. In examples where the interface element is in the form of at least one button, the button is engagable through the flange portion of the chassis. In examples where the interface element is in the form of the illumination member, the illumination member is viewable through the first window. 
     In some examples, the first window sealingly engages the optical cavity. In some examples, the flange portion of the chassis may include at least one mounting mechanism. Further, in some examples, the chassis may include a mirror support member. The mirror support member may include a plurality of support surfaces to accommodate a mirror in a plurality of positions. 
     In some examples, the chassis may further include an illumination cavity positioned a distance from the optical cavity. In some examples, the FOV may be arranged non-perpendicularly relative to the first window. 
     In accordance with a second embodiment, a convertible slot scanner assembly for capturing at least one object appearing in a field of view (FOV) is provided that includes an imaging assembly, a controller, an image decoder, a chassis, a first window, a housing, a first adapter, and a second adapter. The chassis is configured to accommodate the imaging assembly and includes an optical cavity, an opening, and a flange portion at least partially surrounding the opening. The first window is configured to at least partially cover the opening of the chassis. The housing includes a housing cavity that is dimensioned to at least partially accommodate the chassis. The housing is positionable in a first, horizontal configuration and a second, vertical configuration. In the horizontal configuration, the first window is in a generally horizontal orientation. In the vertical configuration, the first window is in a generally upright orientation. The first adapter is configured to be coupled with the chassis when the housing is positioned in the horizontal configuration. The second adapter is configured to be coupled with the chassis when the housing is positioned in the upright position. 
     In these examples, the first adapter may be in the form of a platter including a platter opening and a second window configured to at least partially cover the platter opening. In some of these examples, the first adapter may additionally include a tub. The tub is configured to engage at least one of the housing or the flange portion of the chassis. The platter is configured to engage at least one of the tub or the flange portion of the chassis. Further, the second adapter may be coupled with the chassis when the housing is positioned in the vertical configuration. The second adapter may include an outer bezel configured to engage at least one of the housing or the flange portion of the chassis. The outer bezel may protrude outwardly from the first window to form a recessed region. 
     In some forms, the convertible slot scanner assembly includes at least one interface element. The at least one interface element may include at least one of at least one button, an illumination member, or a sound generating device. The at least one interface may be at least one of physically engagable, viewable, or audible from an outwardly facing side of the housing. In examples where the at least one interface element is in the form of a sound generating device, the flange portion of the chassis may further include at least one sound port. In examples where the interface element is in the form of at least one button, the button is engagable through the flange portion of the chassis. In examples where the interface element is in the form of the illumination member, the illumination member is viewable through the first window. 
     In some examples, the first window sealingly engages the optical cavity. In some examples, the flange portion of the chassis may include at least one mounting mechanism. Further, in some examples, the chassis may include a mirror support member. The mirror support member may include a plurality of support surfaces to accommodate a mirror in a plurality of positions. 
     In some examples, the chassis may further include an illumination cavity positioned a distance from the optical cavity. In some examples, the FOV may be arranged non-perpendicularly relative to the first window. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention, and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an industrial digital barcode reader assembly in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the industrial digital barcode reader assembly of  FIG. 1  in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the industrial digital barcode reader assembly of  FIGS. 1 and 2  coupled with a housing in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the industrial digital barcode reader assembly of  FIGS. 1-3  coupled with a first adapter in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation cross sectional view of the industrial digital barcode reader assembly of  FIGS. 1-4  coupled with the first adapter in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation cross sectional view of the industrial digital barcode reader assembly of  FIGS. 1-5  illustrating the FOV in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of the industrial digital barcode reader assembly of  FIGS. 1-3  coupled with a second adapter in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a side elevation cross sectional view of the industrial digital barcode reader assembly of  FIG. 7  in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a side elevation cross sectional view of the industrial digital barcode reader assembly of  FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrating the FOV in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a front elevation view of a portion of the industrial digital barcode reader assembly of  FIGS. 1-9  in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a side elevation cross sectional view of the industrial digital barcode reader assembly of  FIGS. 1-10  having an offset illumination system in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a side elevation cross sectional view of an alternative industrial digital barcode reader assembly in a vertical orientation in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a side elevation cross sectional view of the alternative industrial digital barcode reader assembly of  FIG. 12  in a horizontal orientation in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  is a side elevation cross sectional view of the alternative industrial digital barcode reader assembly of  FIGS. 12 and 13  in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  is a close-up perspective view of a portion of the chassis of the industrial digital barcode reader assemblies of  FIGS. 1-14  in accordance with this disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. 
     The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Turning to the figures, reference numeral  10  generally identifies a convertible slot scanner assembly for capturing at least one image of an object appearing in a field of view (FOV). The convertible slot scanner assembly  10  includes a circuit board  11 , an imaging assembly  12 , a controller  16 , an image decoder  20 , a chassis  30 , a first window  50 , and a housing  60 . 
     The chassis  30  is configured to accommodate all of the opto-mechanics such as the imaging assembly  12 , the controller  16 , and the image decoder  20 , and includes an optical cavity  32 , an opening  34 , a flange  36  that at least partially surrounds the opening  34 , and a mirror support surface  40 . The flange  36  may act as a seal to seal the entire perimeter of the housing  60 . The system  10  may include a seal member such as a gasket (not illustrated) to further seal the housing  60  and to create a dust seal and/or an electrostatic discharge seal. The chassis  30  may be constructed from any number of suitable materials such as, for example, metals and/or polymers. Notably, by using the chassis  30  to mount the opto-mechanics separately from the housing  60 , the assembly  10  may be used in kiosk applications where the assembly  10  does not need the additional housing, thereby reducing costs. 
     In the illustrated example, the opening  34  further defines a supporting ledge or recess  35 . Further, the flange  36  may include any number of mounting features  37  (e.g., holes) to accommodate mounting of the chassis  30  as will be described in further detail below. 
     The optical cavity  32  is a generally hollow region that allows light to pass through to the imaging assembly  12 . The chassis  30  includes a mounting portion  38  (e.g., a generally flat surface) that accommodates the circuit board  11  by securing the circuit board  11  thereto via any number of suitable approaches. The imaging assembly  12 , the controller  16 , and the image decoder  20  may all be operably coupled with the circuit board  11  via any number of suitable approaches. The imaging assembly  12  is configured to capture an image frame appearing in a FOV and can include any number of image sensors  14 . The image sensor  14  has a plurality of photosensitive elements. The decoder  20  is communicatively coupled with the imaging assembly  12  and is configured to decode a barcode captured in an image by the imaging assembly  12 . In some examples, only the imaging assembly  12  is communicatively coupled to the decoder  20  and is used to process images for decoding indicia. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 12-14 , the FOV is arranged in a downwardly-tilted orientation. Such an orientation enables the horizontal scanner to capture vertical barcodes that are swiped by it from the leading side of the scanner. Slightly tilting the FOV allows for a tall enough FOV for the vertical scanner to still read barcodes that are high up on items that are swiped by. In these examples, an approximately 57°×36° FOV size using a 1920×1200 (2MP) sensor, and an approximately 3.92″ internal path length serves to achieve the desired resolution. This FOV results in an approximately 2.7″ tall×4″ wide at the front of the scanner. 
     A FOV tilt of approximately 14° downward is adequate to read as little as approximately 9 mil at approximately 3″ for a perpendicular barcode, approximately 6.9 mil at approximately 3″ when the code is tilted slightly (e.g., 10°) towards the scanner, approximately 6.7 mil at approximately 1″ for a perpendicular barcode and approximately 5 mil at approximately 1″ when the barcode is tilted slightly toward the scanner (e.g., approximately 10°). This ensures that the horizontal slot scanner can adequately read approximately 40% UPC barcodes that are standing near vertically from approximately 0-1″ and still have a tall enough FOV for the vertical slot scanner (approximately 4.3″ from the counter at approximately 5″ from the face of the scanner), so that it can compete well with the competition and perform even better on perpendicular codes. 
     In these examples, the off-axis illumination system  94  also has full coverage at the face of the scanner up to approximately 5″ from the face, with a baffle  94   a  in between the two systems to prevent internal reflections. The center axis of the illumination system  94  is tilted forward by approximately 38° and can provide approximately 62° of vertical coverage to achieve full FOV coverage between the nose and approximately 5″. 
     In other approaches, the same FOV and folded mirror path may be used for both vertical and horizontal configurations. For example, the image sensor  14  may generate a 48°×36° FOV size using a 1280×960 sensor, and approximately a 3.85″ internal path length may be used to achieve resolution requirements. This FOV may result in a 2.5″ tall×3.5″ wide area at the front of the scanner assembly  10 . 
     The window  50  is generally supported by the chassis  30  and is configured to allow light to pass between a product-scanning region and the cavity  32  of the chassis  30 . More specifically, in the illustrated example, the window  50  is configured to be positioned on the ledge or recess  35  of the chassis  30 . In other examples, the window  50  may simply be configured to at least partially cover the opening  34  of the chassis  30  via any number of suitable approaches. In the illustrated examples, the window  50  is configured to be generally flush with the flange  36  when disposed within (or covering) the opening  34  of the chassis  30 . Accordingly, the assembly  10  may be used in kiosk applications that do not include a recessed window what may accumulate debris. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , the housing  60  may include a housing cavity dimensioned to at least partially accommodate the chassis  30 . The housing may be approximately 5.4″ tall by approximately 6.0″ wide. The housing  60  further includes an exterior surface  64  that, in some examples, may have a generally tapered profile when viewed from the first end  64   a  to the second end  64   b  thereof. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the first end  64   a  of the housing includes a lip  66  that may be generally flush with the flange  36  and the window  50  when the chassis  30  is disposed therein. 
     The housing  60  is positionable in a first, horizontal configuration ( FIGS. 4-6 ) where the first window  50  is in a generally horizontal orientation and a second, vertical configuration ( FIGS. 7-9 ) where the first window  50  is in a generally vertical orientation. More specifically, the housing  60  may be operably coupled with first and second adapters  70 ,  84 , respectively, for selectively positioning the slot scanner assembly  10  in horizontal and vertical configurations. In horizontal configurations, the slot scanner assembly  10  may be disposed within a countertop where the scanner assembly  10  may be a part of a conveyor or similar checkout environment. In vertical configurations, the slot scanner assembly  10  may be used in kiosks, or countertop environments. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 4-6 , the first adapter  70  is used to position the slot scanner assembly  10  in the horizontal configuration, and includes a platter  72  including a platter opening  74  and a second window  52 . In some examples, the first adapter  70  may additionally include a tub  78 . As with the chassis  30 , the platter opening  74  further defines a supporting ledge or recess  75 . The platter  72  may be supported by the housing  60  (e.g., the lip  66 ), the flange  36  of the chassis  30 , and/or the tub  78 . In some examples, the platter  72  may simply rest on top of the housing  60 , and in other examples, the platter  72  may be operably coupled therewith. In any of these examples, the platter  72  may be removable from the assembly  10  for cleaning and/or inspection purposes while the housing  60  may be retained in the horizontal position. In some examples, the platter  72  may be keyed so that it senses coupling with the assembly  10 . 
     The second window  52  is generally supported by the platter  72  and is configured to allow light to pass from the product-scanning region, the second window  52 , the first window  50 , and into the cavity  32  of the chassis  30 . The second window  52  may be constructed from a harder material than the first window  50  such as, for example, sapphire and/or a glass having a diamond like carbon coating capable of resisting scratching or scuffing damage when items (e.g., products) are slid thereacross during the item scanning process. In some examples, the second window  52  may have a smaller area than the first window  50 . More specifically, the first window  50  may have a larger area to support a larger field of view for the vertical and kiosk embodiments, whereas the second window  52  may have a smaller area that clips or reduces the size of the FOV because the harder materials such as sapphire may be more costly, and such a reduced area may lower costs. 
     In the illustrated example, the second window  52  is configured to be positioned on the ledge or recess  75  of the platter  72 . In other examples, the second window  52  may be configured to at least partially cover the opening  74  of the platter  72  via any number of suitable approaches. In the illustrated examples, the second window  52  is configured to be generally flush with the platter  72  when disposed within (or covering) the opening  74  of the platter  72 . Accordingly, items desired to be scanned may slide across these surfaces without being bumped or otherwise jostled. The platter  72  may further include a directional indicator  73  to provide a user with a visual indication of the scan direction. 
     In some examples, the tub  78  has a tub cavity dimensioned to at least partially accommodate the housing  60 . In the illustrated example, the tub  78  includes a flange  80  that rests on the counter  8 . Accordingly, the counter  8  is configured to support the weight of the tub  78  as well as any components disposed therein. The tub  78  may further include any number of centering arms  82  that extend into the tub cavity. The tub  78  may be dimensioned to fit in standard 6″×6″ counter openings for horizontal mini slot scanners. The centering arms  82  may be used to center the housing  60  within the tub cavity due to the smaller size of the housing (e.g., approximately 5.4″×6″). Accordingly, the centering arms  82  may be used to retain smaller scan assemblies. In some examples, the centering arms  82  may be constructed from a resilient and/or a flexible material to allow differing housings to be disposed within the tub cavity. Other examples are possible. In other examples, the tub  78  may be configured to engage and couple with the flange  36  of the chassis  30 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 7-9 , the second adapter  84  is used to position the slot scanner assembly  10  in the vertical configuration, and includes an outer bezel  86  or ring member. The outer bezel  86  is configured to engage at least one of the housing  60  or the flange  36  of the chassis  30 . In some examples, the outer bezel  86  may include prongs (not illustrated) that are insertable into the mounting features  37  formed on the flange  36  of the chassis  30 . As a result, in the illustrated example, the outer bezel  86  may be snapped onto the chassis  30  and may retain the first window  50 , and can protrude outwardly from the first window  50  to form a recessed region  87 . 
     As previously noted, the scanner assembly  10  may also be used in kiosk environments. By removing the outer bezel  86  and/or the housing  60 , the mounting features  37  may be used to secure to a kiosk housing (not illustrated). In these examples, the first window  50  may be generally parallel with the kiosk housing to provide a wide FOV. By removing these components, the assembly  10  is less expensive and will occupy less space within the kiosk. 
     So configured, the scanner assembly  10  may be easily convertible to be used in horizontal or vertical environments. With reference to  FIGS. 6 and 9 , the same FOV and folded mirror path may be used for both vertical and horizontal configurations. For example, the image sensor  14  may generate an approximately 48°×36° FOV size using a 1280×960 sensor, and approximately a 3.85″ internal path length may be used to achieve resolution requirements. This FOV may result in an approximately 2.5″ tall×3.5″ wide area at the front of the scanner assembly  10 . 
     The scanner assembly  10  may include any number of additional components to assist in operation thereof. For example, the scanner assembly  10  may include any number of interface elements  90  that a user may interact with. The interface element  90  may be in the form of a button or buttons  92 , an illumination member or members  94 , a sound generating device  96  (e.g., a speaker or a beeper), and the like. Other examples are possible. Generally speaking, the interface elements  90  may be positioned at or near the flange  36  and/or a portion of the housing  60 . 
     More specifically, with reference to  FIGS. 4, 7, and 15 , the interface elements  90  may be engagable, viewable, or audible from an outwardly facing side of the housing. For example, the button or buttons  92  may be positioned along the flange  36  of the chassis  30  and may be physically engagable through the first adapter  70  and the second adapter  84 . The buttons  92  may be in the form of physical buttons or capacitive buttons. In examples using physical buttons, the first and second adapters  70 ,  84 , and more specifically the platter  72  and the outer bezel  86 , may include openings  72   a ,  86   a  through which the button or buttons  92  may protrude to be engaged by a user. In examples using capacitive buttons, the first and the second adapters  70 ,  84  may include an indicator (not illustrated) for where the user should press to engage the button  92 . In some horizontal implementations, it may be desired to position the buttons  92  under the platter  72  to prevent a user from inadvertently pressing the button  92 . Accordingly, the platter  72  may include a hollow cavity to accommodate any such button  92 . 
     The illumination member  94  may be in the form of an indicator lightpipe. The indicator lightpipe  94  may be positioned near and operably coupled with the circuit board  11  and may be illuminated through the opening  34  of the chassis  30 . In these examples, the indicator lightpipe  94  may be viewable through the first window  52  and the second window  52  when the scanner assembly  10  is used in the horizontal configuration. 
     The sound generating device  96  may be positioned near and operably coupled with the circuit board  11  and may be disposed on the flange  36  of the chassis  30 . As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the flange  36  may include any number of speaker ports  36   a  to allow sound to travel through the flange  36 . Similarly, the platter  72  and the outer bezel  86  may include openings  72   b ,  86   b  that allow the sound emitted from the sound generating device  96  to pass therethrough. 
     With reference to  FIG. 10 , in some examples, it may be desired to have different FOVs for the imaging systems for horizontal and vertical units. In such examples, the chassis  30  may be made to accept differing mirror angles. For example, it may be desired to have a FOV in horizontal environments that is tilted further to better scan perpendicular codes that are swiped across the platter  72 . In such examples, the chassis  30  may include an additional mounting surface  40   a  recessed into the mirror support surface  40  at the alternate angle. In these examples, the mirror may be attached to the additional mounting surface  40   a  via any number of suitable approaches such as, for example, a pad using double-sided tape to avoid interfering with the mounting surface  40 . In other examples, the chassis  30  may support a mirror holder (not illustrated) on a pivotable member (not illustrated). The mirror holder may be movable to a desired position by the user by engaging a switch or a knob for adjustment. In other examples, a separate chassis (not illustrated) may be used that incorporates a different FOV angle. 
     With reference to  FIG. 11 , the illumination member  94  may also be offset and can include a separate illumination compartment  95  of the chassis  30  used to provide separation between it and the imaging assembly  12 . The offset illumination compartment  95  may advantageously allow use of a parallel window  50  that is flush or nearly flush with the first end  64   a  of the exterior surface  64  of the housing  60 , thereby allowing the scanner assembly  10  to be used in horizontal and kiosk configurations. 
     In some examples, a FOV tilt of 10.6° downward relative to a vertical axis may be adequate to read as little as 11.7 mil at 3″ for a perpendicular barcode, 8 mil at 3″ when the barcode is tilted (e.g., approximately 15°) towards the scanner, and 8.7 mil at 1″ for a perpendicular barcode. This ensures that the horizontal slot scanner can read 60% UPC and lower densities and still have a tall enough FOV for the vertical slot scanner. 
     In these and other examples, illumination can be achieved in a number of ways: by using a lens in front of the LED to distribute the light evenly, or by tilting a separate illumination PCB at the angle above. In some examples, the LED may have a 70% intensity over the required 60°. 
     So configured, the scanner assembly  10  may be lower cost due to the use of shared parts and can easily be functionally adaptable as needed. By using a single scanner assembly for multiple orientations, a total number of product configurations may be reduced. The scanner assembly can be easily implemented in kiosks and self-checkout counters, and can easily be reused in stores even if they wish to change the type of scanner they are using. Further, by using a shared window for both configurations, the scanner assembly is more easily convertible and will maintain the seal for the optical cavity even if the configuration is switched. The shared window is the only window for vertical orientations, and is retained by the front bezel (which may be snapped on). The shared window becomes the inner window when using the scanner assembly in the horizontal configuration. 
     Further still, the user interface elements are usable in each configuration. By placing the indicator lightpipe behind the first window, visibility is ensured regardless of configuration of the scanner assembly. By making all of the interface elements accessible from the front face of the convertible unit, they may be accessible in any orientation thereof. Additionally, stores that store spare electronic equipment to replace out of service units will no longer need to keep as many spares available if they use more than one type of slot scanner in their retail environment. 
     In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings. Additionally, the described embodiments/examples/implementations should not be interpreted as mutually exclusive, and should instead be understood as potentially combinable if such combinations are permissive in any way. In other words, any feature disclosed in any of the aforementioned embodiments/examples/implementations may be included in any of the other aforementioned embodiments/examples/implementations. 
     The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued. 
     Moreover, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed. 
     It will be appreciated that some embodiments may be comprised of one or more generic or specialized processors (or “processing devices”) such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and unique stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the method and/or apparatus described herein. Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could be used. 
     Moreover, an embodiment can be implemented as a computer-readable storage medium having computer readable code stored thereon for programming a computer (e.g., comprising a processor) to perform a method as described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and a Flash memory. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation. 
     The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.