Patent Publication Number: US-2021180917-A1

Title: System and method for monitoring and assessing projectile performance

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit of and priority to provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/946,802, filed on Dec. 11, 2019, titled, “ System and Method for Monitoring and Assessing Projectile Performance,”  which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The disclosure relates generally to a method, system and computer program for monitoring, logging or assessing performance of a launcher device or a projectile launched from the launcher device, and for adjusting the launcher device for optimal trajectory to a target based on a projectile performance assessment for the launcher device or the projectile. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Projectile tracking can be a daunting task. Historically, projectile tracking has relied on human spotters using various optical gear, and in some cases, laser rangefinders. Once a target is ranged a shooter is offered information based on projectile performance that will aid in range compensation. However, human spotters may not be available in certain environments, such as, for example, target practice or hunting. Moreover, human spotters can provide erroneous or inconsistent information, resulting in costly and unnecessary expenditure of ammunition, arrows or other projectiles. An unfulfilled need exists for a solution that can monitor, log or assess performance of a launcher device or a projectile launched from the launcher device, and adjust the launcher device for optimal trajectory to a target based on a projectile performance assessment for the launcher device or the projectile. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     A projectile targeting solution is provided that can monitor, log and assess projectile performance of a launcher device or a projectile launched from the launcher device. The projectile targeting solution includes a method, system and computer program for monitoring, logging or assessing performance of the launcher device or projectile and adjusting the launcher device for optimal trajectory to a target based on a projectile performance assessment for the launcher device or the projectile. 
     According to a nonlimiting embodiment of the disclosure, a projectile targeting system is provided for monitoring, logging, assessing or adjusting performance of a launcher device or a projectile launched from the launcher device. The system comprises a transceiver arranged to receive projectile trajectory data from a communication device and a projectile launcher doping unit. The projectile launcher unit can be arranged to analyze the projectile trajectory data, determine an optimal trajectory for the projectile from the launcher device to a target, predict an actual trajectory for the projectile from the launcher device to the target, compare the optimal and predicted actual trajectories for the projectile, and generate correction parameters based on a result of the comparison. The transceiver can be arranged to transmit the correction parameters to the communication device to set or adjust viewfinder settings. In the system: the projectile trajectory data can comprise a distance from the launcher device to the target; and/or the projectile trajectory data can comprise global positioning system (GPS) coordinates; and/or the projectile trajectory data can comprise a horizontal doping setting; and/or the projectile trajectory data can comprise a vertical doping setting; and/or the projectile trajectory data can comprise projectile data; and/or the projectile trajectory data can comprise launcher device data; and/or the viewfinder settings can comprise riflescope doping settings. 
     According to another nonlimiting embodiment of the disclosure, a method for projectile targeting is provided for monitoring, logging, assessing or adjusting performance of a launcher device or a projectile launched from the launcher device. The method comprises receiving projectile trajectory data from a communication device, analyzing the projectile trajectory data, determining an optimal trajectory for the projectile to a target, predicting an actual trajectory for the projectile to the target, comparing the optimal and predicted actual trajectories for the projectile, generating correction parameters, and sending the correction parameters to the communication device to set or adjust viewfinder settings. In the method: the analyzing the projectile trajectory data can comprise analyzing historical performance data for the projectile or launcher device; and/or the projectile trajectory data can comprise a distance from the launcher device to the target; and/or the projectile trajectory data can comprise global positioning system (GPS) coordinates; and/or the projectile trajectory data can comprise a horizontal doping setting; and/or the projectile trajectory data can comprise a vertical doping setting; and/or the projectile trajectory data can comprise projectile data; and/or the projectile trajectory data can comprise launcher device data; and/or the viewfinder settings can comprise riflescope doping settings. 
     According to another nonlimiting embodiment of the disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided, storing computer program instructions for projectile targeting, including monitoring, logging, assessing or adjusting performance of a launcher device or a projectile launched from the launcher device. The program instructions comprise the steps of receiving projectile trajectory data from a communication device, analyzing the projectile trajectory data, determining an optimal trajectory for the projectile to a target, predicting an actual trajectory for the projectile to the target, comparing the optimal and predicted actual trajectories for the projectile, generating correction parameters, and sending the correction parameters to the communication device to set or adjust viewfinder settings. The analyzing the projectile trajectory data can comprise analyzing historical performance data for the projectile or launcher device. 
     Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the disclosure may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the disclosure and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the disclosure as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. No attempt is made to show structural details of the disclosure in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the disclosure and the various ways in which it may be practiced. 
         FIG. 1  shows a nonlimiting embodiment of a projectile targeting system. 
         FIG. 2  shows a nonlimiting embodiment of a projectile assessment and adjustment (PAAA) system. 
         FIG. 3  shows a nonlimiting embodiment of a process for monitoring, logging or assessing performance of a launcher device or projectile. 
         FIG. 4  shows a nonlimiting embodiment of a process for adjusting or setting performance of a launcher device. 
         FIG. 5  shows a nonlimiting embodiment of a viewfinder system. 
       The present disclosure is further described in the detailed description and drawings that follows. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The embodiments of the disclosure and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques can be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the disclosure. The examples are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the disclosure can be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure, which is defined solely by the appended claims and applicable law. Moreover, it is noted that like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     Launcher devices such as, for example, guns, pistols, rifles, bows, crossbows, compound bows, or any other device capable of a launching a projectile, can be used to launch a projectile at a target that is located at a distance from the launcher device. For a projectile to impact a specific point on the target, the launcher device must be positioned so that the point is aligned with and in the trajectory path of the projectile. While the mechanics of targeting the projectile and hitting the target are simple in concept, in reality these processes can be extraordinarily difficult, so much so that even the most-skilled marksmen can miss the target. Projectile accuracy is affected significantly by factors such as, for example, user experience, user skill level, condition or characteristics of the launcher device, condition or characteristics of the projectile, or ambient conditions such as, for example, wind speed, wind direction, temperature, precipitation, humidity, or any changes in the foregoing with respect to time. As a result, hitting a target with a projectile can elude even the most-skilled marksmen. There exists an unfulfilled need for a projectile targeting solution that can optimize target impact and projectile accuracy, regardless of user experience, user skill level, or ambient conditions. 
       FIG. 1  shows a nonlimiting embodiment of a projectile targeting (PT) system  1 , according to the principles of the disclosure. The PT system  1  can include a target  10 , a launcher device  20 , a projectile  30 , and a viewfinder  40 . The PT system  1  can include a communication device (CD)  50 . The PT system  1  can include a projectile assessment and adjustment (PAAA) system  60 . The communication device  50  can be arranged to interact with the viewfinder  40  via a communication link. The communication device  50  can exchange data and instruction signals with the viewfinder  40  over the communication link. 
     In the nonlimiting embodiment of the PT system  1  seen in  FIG. 1 , the launcher device  20  includes a bow, the projectile  30  includes an arrow, and the communication device  50  includes a mobile cellular telephone. In other nonlimiting embodiments, the launcher device  20  includes a firearm (for example, a rifle or a pistol) and the projectile includes ammunition. 
     The PT system  1  can be arranged for ranging, tracking or projectile compensation of the launcher device  20  based on, for example, data from previous projectile launch events or predetermined projectile and/or launcher device performance data. The viewfinder  40  can be configured to range the target  10 , and the communication device  50  can be arranged to, once the target  10  is ranged, display information based on projectile performance or launcher device performance that can aid in range compensation. Once the target  10  is engaged the PT system  1  can track the target with, for example, thermal imaging technology providing for geolocation. All of the aforementioned imagery can be captured via an imaging sensor (not shown) or camera (not shown) in the viewfinder  40  that is capable of visible light, infrared, or thermal imagery. 
     The communication device  50  can be arranged to interact with the PAAA system  60  via a communication link, which can include a cellular site  70  and/or a network  80 . The PAAA system  60  can be located in the network  80  or outside the network  80 . The PAAA system  60  can be accessible through the network  80  (for example, the Internet or a local area network (LAN)) or directly through a communication link. The PAAA system  60  can exchange data and instruction signals with the communication device  50  over the communication link(s). 
     The PAAA system  60  can be included in the communication device  50 . 
     The target  10  can include any object or animal. The object can include, for example, a bullseye target (for example, seen in  FIG. 1 ), a bottle, a can or any other object suitable for target practice; the animal can include, for example, a bear, coyote, deer, elk, rabbit, squirrel, or any other game animal. 
     The launcher device  20  can include any device that can hold, support, aim, direct, guide or launch the projectile  30 . The launcher device  20  can include, for example, a bow, a compound bow, a crossbow, a gun, a pistol, or a rifle; and, the projectile  30  can include, for example, an arrow, a bullet, a cartridge, or any object that can be launched from the launcher device  20 . 
     The viewfinder  40  can include, for example, a laser rangefinder, a ballistic smart laser rangefinder, a smart rifle scope, or a smart high definition (HD) thermal rifle scope (for example, ATN ThOR smart thermal scope, ATN OTS-HD 640 5-50x, Leupold LTO Tracker HD 174906, LTO Tracker HD Thermal Viewer). In a nonlimiting embodiment, the viewfinder  40  can include an electronic viewfinder system  40 A (shown in  FIG. 5 ). 
     The viewfinder  40  can be arranged to view and capture images of the target  10  in a field-of-view (FOV) in real-time. The viewfinder  40  can be arranged to measure a distance from the viewfinder  40  to a point on each object in the FOV, including one or more points on the target  10  when the target is in the FOV. The viewfinder  40  can be arranged to calculate a trajectory of the projectile  30  from the launch device  20  to an aimpoint in the FOV, such as, for example, a dot or an intersection point of the horizontal and vertical lines in a crosshair reticle in an aiming indicator in the viewfinder  40 . The launching device  20  can be manipulated and maneuvered until the aimpoint overlays a selected point or location (“target point”) on the target  10  to be impacted by the projectile  30 . 
     The viewfinder  40  can be arranged to detect, measure, monitor and log ambient conditions surrounding the viewfinder  40  or the target  10 . The viewfinder  40  can be arranged to communicate with one or more sensors (for example, sensor  40 - 3 , shown in  FIG. 5 ) to receive sensor data. The sensors can be located on, in, or proximate to the viewfinder  40 , such as, for example, on, in or near the launcher device  20 , on, in or near the target  10 , or elsewhere in the surrounding environment. 
     The aiming indicator (not shown) can include, for example, a dot, a reticle, a fine crosshair, a duplex crosshair, a German reticle, a target dot, a mil-dot, a circle, a range finder, an SVD-type reticle, or any other positioning, aiming or measuring indicator that can be used to range and align the trajectory of the projectile  30  with a point on the target  10 , including horizontal, vertical and distance values, such that when the projectile  30  is launched from the launcher device  20 , the projectile  30  will impact the target point that was overlayed by the aimpoint when the projectile  30  was launched. 
     The communication device  50  can include, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, or a portable computing device. The communication device  50  can be arranged to receive an image or a series of images of the FOV in real-time, including the target  10  when it is in the FOV of the viewfinder  40 . The images can be captured by the viewfinder  40  at, for example, 25, 30, 60, 120, or more frames-per-second (fps), or any other frame rate, depending on the application. For instance, for real-time ballistic imaging, the viewfinder  40  can be configured with an image capture device (for example, high speed camera) capable of capturing 30,000 fps, or more, allowing for frame-by-frame imaging of projectiles such as small arms bullets as they travel at speeds greater than, for example, 3,000 feet-per-second. The communication device  50  can be arranged to transmit data and instruction signals to the viewfinder  40 , including, for example, viewfinder correction parameters to adjust one or more viewfinder settings, such as, for example, an adjustment to a diopter setting, a magnification setting, an illumination setting, an elevation setting, a windage (or horizontal) setting or a parallax setting of the viewfinder  40 . The viewfinder settings can be adjusted to match and align the actual trajectory of the projectile  30  to a predicted optimal trajectory of the projectile  30 , such that the projectile  30  will impact the target point when the aimpoint overlays the target point. 
     The viewfinder  40  (or communication device  50 ) can monitor or store image data, viewfinder settings, ambient condition data, time data and positional data, including, geographic location data such as GPS coordinates and directional orientation, which can be transmitted to the communication device  50  (or PAAA system  60 ) over one or more communication links. 
       FIG. 2  shows a nonlimiting embodiment of the PAAA system  60 , constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The PAAA system  60  can include one or more computing devices or one or more computer resources. The PAAA system  60  can be provided separate from the communication device  50 , such as, for example, in a server located in a cloud network or on the Internet, or it can be included in the communication device  50 . In a nonlimiting embodiment, the PAAA system  60  can be included in the viewfinder  40 . 
     The PAAA system  60  can include a graphic processor unit (GPU)  110 , a storage  120 , a network interface  130 , an input-output (I/O) interface  140 , a user profile manager  150 , a database  160 , a launcher device doping (PLD) unit  170 , and a user dashboard generator  180 . The PAAA system  60  can receive a communication signal from the viewfinder  40  or the communication device  50  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), demodulate the communication signal and separate or parse out launcher device data, projectile data, target data, timestamp data, user data, user request data, positional data, or ambient condition data. The PAAA system  60  can generate and transmit to the communication device  50  (or viewfinder  40 ) user dashboard rendering instructions and data, launcher device data, projectile data, or viewfinder correction parameter data. The viewfinder correction parameter data can include viewfinder correction parameters to adjust one or more viewfinder settings, including, for example, a minute-of-angle (MOA) doping setting, a magnification setting, an illumination setting, an elevation setting, a windage (or horizontal) setting or a parallax setting. The viewfinder correction parameter data can cause the viewfinder  40  to adjust the viewfinder settings automatically, or they can be rendered on the communication device  50  to allow the user to manually adjust the viewfinder settings. 
     The launcher device data can include key specifications for the launcher device  20 . For instance, in the case of a gun, the launcher device data can include original equipment manufacturer (OEM) identification, gun type, gun model, year of manufacture of gun, caliber, action type, capacity, barrel length, barrel material, barrel style, stock type, length of pull, overall length, overall weight, manufacturer serial number, or UPC code. In the case of a bow, compound bow or crossbow, the launcher device data can include, for example, draw weight, weight, length, width, arrow length, arrow velocity, power-stroke dimensions, speed, axle-to-axle, or brace height. 
     The projectile data can include key specifications for the projectile  30 . For instance, in the case of small arms or gun ammunition, the projectile data can include an OEM identification, ammunition type, model, year of manufacture, cartridge type or size, bullet type or size, bullet weight, caliber, average weight-to-caliber ratio, muzzle velocity, trajectory, drop rate (e.g., inches/yard), or UPC code. 
     In the case of an arrow, the projectile data can include, for example, OEM, type, model, shaft length, total length, diameter, material, tip type, fletching type, spine, spine concentricity, straightness, or weight. 
     The target data can include, for example, a timestamp, a distance from the viewfinder  40  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) to the target  10 , dimensions of the target  10  (for example, width, height, length), or target type, such as, for example, a species type of animal. 
     The PAAA system  60  can be arranged to query, retrieve, or download launcher device data or projectile data from the database  160  or an external source (not shown) such as, for example, an OEM server (not shown). The PAAA system  60  can be arranged to query or retrieve historical data for the launcher device  20  or projectile  30  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The PAAA system  60  can be arranged to query or retrieve historical data for the user, including, for example, historical performance with the launcher device  20  or projectile  30 . The PAAA system  60  can be arranged to receive launcher device data or projectile data from the communication device  50  (or viewfinder  40 ). The PAAA system  60  can be arranged to analyze historical data for the launcher device  20 , projectile  30  or user and predict an actual trajectory for the projectile  30  based on the target data when it is launched by the launcher device  20  under operation by the user. The PAAA system  60  can be arranged to determine (or predict) an optimal trajectory for the projectile  30  based on the target data and current viewfinder settings, such that the projectile  30  will impact the target point when the aimpoint is overlayed on the target point and the projectile  30  launched by the launcher device  20 . The PAAA system  60  can be arranged to calculate viewfinder correction parameters for the viewfinder settings to adjust the settings from their current settings to adjusted viewfinder settings necessary to adjust the actual projectile trajectory to match the predicted optimal projectile trajectory. 
     For instance, where the launcher device  20  is a 30-06 REMINGTON RIFLE, the projectile  30  is a 180 Grain .30-06 Springfield cartridge, and the target  10  is located 272 yards away, the PAAA system  60  can predict an actual trajectory for the projectile  30  from the launcher device  20  to the target  10  when the projectile  30  is launched by the user. In this regard, the PAAA system  60  can determine current, real-time settings for the viewfinder  40 , such as, for example, diopter, magnification, illumination, elevation, windage, and parallax. The PAAA system  60  can determine an optimal trajectory for the projectile  30 , compare the optimal and actual trajectories, and generate viewfinder correction parameters to align the actual trajectory with the optimal trajectory. The viewfinder correction parameters can include, for example, horizontal and/or vertical doping instructions that can be used to set or adjust the minutes-of-angle (MOAs) on the viewfinder  40  so that the actual projectile trajectory path impacts the target point on the target  10  when the aimpoint overlays the target point and the launcher device  20  launches the projectile  30 . 
     The PAAA system  60  can include a computer-readable medium that can hold executable or interpretable computer code (or instructions) that, when executed by one or more of the components (for example, the GPU  110 ), cause the steps, processes and methods described in this disclosure to be carried out. The computer-readable medium can be included in the storage  120 , or an external computer-readable medium connected to the PAAA system  60  via the network interface  130  or the I/O interface  140 . 
     The GPU  110  can include any of various commercially available graphic processors, processors, microprocessors or multi-processor architectures. The GPU  110  can include a plurality of GPUs that can execute computer program instructions in parallel. The GPU  110  can include a central processing unit (CPU) or a plurality of CPUs arranged to function in parallel. 
     A basic input/output system (BIOS) can be stored in a non-volatile memory in the PAAA system  60 , such as, for example, in the storage  120 . The BIOS can contain the basic routines that help to transfer information between computing resources within the PAAA system  60 , such as during start-up. 
     The storage  120  can include a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM), a dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), a synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM), a static random-access memory (SRAM), a burst buffer (BB), or any other device that can store digital data and computer executable instructions or code. 
     A variety of program modules can be stored in the storage  120 , including an operating system (not shown), one or more application programs (not shown), application program interfaces (APIs) (not shown), program modules (not shown), or program data (not shown). Any (or all) of the operating system, application programs, APIs, program modules, or program data can be cached in the storage  120  as executable sections of computer code. 
     The network interface  130  can be arranged to connect to the network  80  or one or more external networks (not shown). The network interface  130  can include a wired or a wireless communication network interface (not shown) or a modem (not shown). When communicating in a LAN, the PAAA system  60  can be connected to the LAN through the wired or wireless communication network interface; and, when communicating in a WAN, the PAAA system  60  can be connected to the WAN through the modem. The modem (not shown) can be internal or external and wired or wireless. The modem can be connected to the backbone B via, for example, a serial port interface (not shown). 
     The I/O interface  140  can be arranged to receive instructions and data from, for example, an operator via a user interface device (not shown), such as, for example, a keyboard (not shown), a mouse (not shown), a pointer (not shown), a microphone (not shown), a speaker (not shown), or a display (not shown). The received commands and data can be forwarded to the GPU  110 , or one or more of the components  120  through  180  as instruction or data signals via the backbone B. 
     The I/O interface  140  can include a transmitter and receiver (transceiver) that can receive a communication signal from an external source, such as, for example, the viewfinder  40 , communication device  50 , or cell site  70  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
     The network interface  130  can include a data parser (not shown) or the data parsing operation can be carried out by the GPU  110 . Received communication signals from the viewfinder  40  or communication device  50  can be demodulated or depacketized and data can be transferred from the network interface  130  to the GPU  110 , user profile manager  150 , database  160 , launcher device doping unit  170  or dashboard generator  180 . The network interface  130  can facilitate communication between any one or more of the components in the PAAA system  60  and communication devices located internal (or external) to the network  80 . The network interface  130  can handle a variety of communication or data packet formats or protocols, including conversion from one or more communication or data packet formats or protocols used by the viewfinder  40  or communication device  50  to the communication or data packet formats or protocols used in the PAAA system  60 . 
     The user profile manager  150  can include a computing device or it can be included in a computing device as one or more computing resources. The user profile manager  150  can create, manage, edit, or delete a user record for each user, which can include, for example, information for the target  10 , the target point on the target  10 , launcher device  20 , projectile  30 , viewfinder  40  or communication device  50 . The user record can include, for example, a user identification, an email address, a username, a media access control (MAC) address, an Internet Protocol (IP) address, a device serial number, a device name, or any other user or device identification. The user profile manager  150  can communicate with the database  160  to search, retrieve, edit or store user records in the database  160 . The user profile manager  150  can manage and link multiple user profiles to enable group or individual-to-individual sharing of information between viewfinders  40  or communication devices  50 , including performance or position data. 
     The database  160  can include one or more relational databases. The database  160  can store and maintain a record for each user, target  10 , launcher device  20 , projectile  30 , viewfinder  40 , or communication device  50 . The record can include projectile data, launcher device data, user data, viewfinder data (including, for example, diopter, magnification, illumination, elevation, windage, or parallax data), ambient condition data, and timestamp data. The record can include historical performance data for the user, launcher device  20 , projectile  30  or viewfinder  40 . The historical performance data can include ambient conditions data, including, for example, ambient conditions during a launch event for which performance of the user, launcher device  20 , projectile  30  or viewfinder  40  was measured and logged. 
     The launcher device doping (PLD) unit  170  can include one or more computing devices or it can be included in a computing device as one or more computing resources. The PLD unit  170  can include a machine learning platform, including, for example, one or more supervised machine learning systems and/or one or more unsupervised machine learning systems. The machine learning platform can include machine intelligence, such as, for example, an artificial neural network (ANN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a deep CNN (DCNN), a region-based CNN (R-CNN), a Mask-RCNN, a deep convolutional encoder-decoder (DCED), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a neural Turing machine (NTM), a differential neural computer (DNC), a support vector machine (SVM), a deep learning neural network (DLNN), Naive Bayes, decision trees, logistic model tree induction (LMT), NBTree classifier, case-based, linear regression, Q-learning, temporal difference (TD), deep adversarial networks, fuzzy logic, K-nearest neighbor, clustering, random forest, rough set, or any other machine intelligence platform capable of supervised or unsupervised learning. 
     The machine intelligence can include a machine learning model that can be trained based on training datasets and validated based on testing datasets. The training datasets and testing datasets can be created in part or in whole from data received from, for example, the viewfinder  40  or the communication device  50 . In a nonlimiting embodiment, the training datasets can be annotated through interaction with the user via the communication device  50 . For instance, the training dataset can be created through interaction with the user over time based on numerous (for example, hundreds or more) of launch events, where the user launched the projectile  30  through operation of the launcher device  20  and provided feedback with respect to accuracy of the resultant impacts on the target  10 . 
     The PLD unit  170  can be arranged to analyze real-time data received from the viewfinder  40  or communication device  50  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and historical data queried or retrieved from the database  160 , including launcher device data, projectile data, target data, user data, user request data, positional data, timestamp data or ambient condition data and predict both an actual and an optimal trajectory of the projectile  30  between the launcher device  20  and target  10  when launched by operation of the user under existing viewfinder  40  settings. The PLD unit  170  can be arranged to generate viewfinder correction parameters (such as, for example, doping settings) for the viewfinder  40  to set or adjust its viewfinder settings such that the actual trajectory of the projectile  30  will be adjusted to impact the target point. The viewfinder correction parameters can be sent directly to the viewfinder  40  or through the communication device  50 . The viewfinder correction parameters can be sent to the communication device  50  and rendered on a display screen, in which case the user can reference the viewfinder correction parameters to manually adjust the viewfinder settings on the viewfinder  40 . 
     The dashboard generator  180  can interact with the user profile manager  150 , database  160 , or PLD unit  170  and generate instructions and data that cane be implemented by the communication device  50  to render a dashboard (not shown) on the display device  50 . The dashboard generator  180  can interact with the communication device  50  to cause the communication device  50  to display a graphic user interface (GUI) that can be operated by the user to enter data or commands, which can be transmitted in response to a user entry on the communication device  50 , such as, for example, selection, addition, deletion or change in user data, projectile data, launcher device data, target data, or ambient condition data. The GUI can be rendered on the display and superimposed on the image received from the viewfinder  40 . The data or commands can be transmitted to the communication device  50  via, for example, the network interface  130  or I/O interface  140  over a communication link, which can include the cell site  70 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a nonlimiting embodiment of a process  200  for monitoring, logging or assessing performance of the launcher device  20  or projectile  30  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), according to the principles of the disclosure. The process  200  can be carried out by the communication device  50 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the communication device  50  can exchange data with the viewfinder  40  over a communication link and display a projectile trajectory correction menu and/or an image of the FOV of the viewfinder  40  on the display of the communication device  50 . The communication device  50  can receive current viewfinder settings, such as, for example, diopter settings, elevation setting, windage setting, magnification setting, parallax setting or MOA (minute-of-angle) settings (Step  205 ). Any one or more of the viewfinder settings can be received automatically from the viewfinder  40  over a communication link or entered manually on the GUI by the user on the communication device  50 . The communication device  50  can receive a request for projectile trajectory correction (Step  210 ). The received request can include a selection on the GUI by the user, such as, for example, selecting an item on a dropdown menu or entering instructions into a command field of the GUI. 
     A determination can be made, for example, by a processor (not shown) in the communication device  50 , whether launcher device data and projectile data is stored locally on the communication device  50  for the launcher device  20  and projectile  30  (Step  215 ). If it is determined that launcher device data or projectile data is not stored (NO at Step  215 ), then launcher device data or projectile data can be entered by the user on the communication device  50  or downloaded from the PAAA system  60  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) (Step  220 ), otherwise (YES at Step  220 ) a distance to the target  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) can be determined by the viewfinder  40  (Step  225 ). In alternative embodiment, the launcher device data or projectile data can be received from an external data source (not shown) such as, for example, an OEM server. At this step, ambient conditions can be determined at the location of the viewfinder  40  or target  10 . The current viewfinder settings, target distance, projectile data, launcher device data or measured ambient conditions can be provided and sent to the PAAA system  60  (Step  225 ). 
     If projectile data or launcher device data is not available, or the user wishes to create new projectile data or launcher device data, the user can do so by repeatedly launching the projectile  30  from the launcher device  20 , impacting the target with the projectile  30  at varying distances, and assessing the actual point of impact each time compared to the aimpoint. In a nonlimiting embodiment, the user can build a training dataset by displaying and annotating images for each launch on the communication device  50 . The image data can include metadata that is automatically added to the image data based on the viewfinder trajectory settings, target distance, projectile data or launcher device data. The training dataset can be received by the PAAA system  60  and used to train or tune the machine learning model for the particular user, target  10 , launcher device  20 , projectile  30  or viewfinder  40 . 
     In a nonlimiting example, the launcher device data can include specifications received from an OEM for a hunting rifle and the projectile data can include specifications received from an OEM for ammunition included in the hunting rifle. 
     A process  300  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) for adjusting or setting performance of a launcher device can be carried out by the PAAA system  60  (Step  235 ). Projectile trajectory corrections, including viewfinder correction parameters, can be received from the PAAA system  60  (Step  240 ). In an embodiment in which the viewfinder  40  includes the viewfinder system  40 A (shown in  FIG. 5 ), the projectile trajectory corrections can be received by the viewfinder  40  directly from the PAAA system  60  or via the communication device  50 . The received viewfinder correction parameters can be used to set the viewfinder settings (Step  245 ) for optimal trajectory of the projectile  30  from the launcher device  20  to the target point on the target  10 . 
     In the case of a manually adjusted viewfinder  40 , the viewfinder settings can be set manually by the user while referencing the viewfinder correction parameters on the display of the communication device  50 . For instance, the user can view the viewfinder correction parameters displayed on the communication device  50  and manually adjust the viewfinder settings (for example, +1 MOA for elevation and +2 MOA for windage). 
     In the case of a smart viewfinder  40 , such as, for example, one equipped with the viewfinder system  40 A (shown in  FIG. 5 ), the viewfinder settings can be set automatically by the viewfinder  40  based on the received viewfinder correction parameters. 
     In an alternative embodiment, which does not include the communication device  50 , the process  200  can be carried out by the viewfinder  40 . In that embodiment, the steps relating to exchanges of data between the viewfinder  40  and communication device  50  can be omitted. 
     In a nonlimiting example of the process  200 , the target  10  can include a bullseye target, the launcher device  20  can include a 30-06 REMINGTON SPRINGFIELD hunting rifle, the projectile  30  can include 180 Grain .30-06 Springfield ammunition, and the viewfinder  40  can include a computing device and an image pickup device that can capture and record images of the field of view, including the target  10  when positioned in the field of view. The communication device  50  can include a smartphone. Referring to  FIG. 3 , the user can pull up or launch an app on the smartphone  50 , confirm the smartphone  50  is paired or linked to the viewfinder  40 . The smartphone  50  can receive current horizontal and vertical doping settings with (or without) image data from the viewfinder  40  (Step  205 ). The user can select “TRAJECTORY CORRECTION” from a dropdown menu or enter a command into the smartphone  50  (Step  210 ), in response to which the smartphone app can determine whether specifications (including performance specifications) are stored for the 30-06 REMINGTON SPRINGFIELD hunting rifle and 180 Grain .30-06 Springfield ammunition (Step  215 ), and, if not (NO at Step  215 ), then the specification data can be loaded or downloaded (Step  220 ). 
     The distance from the viewfinder  40  to the target  10  can be measured and sent to the smartphone  50 , which can determine and display the distance on the display device (Step  225 ). The smartphone  50  can send the projectile trajectory data, including current viewfinder settings (including doping settings), target distance, and any other information that can be used by the PAAA system  60  to determine optimal and actual trajectories for the  180  Grain . 30 - 06  Springfield ammunition (Step  230 ). In response, the smartphone  50  can receive viewfinder correction parameters from the PAAA system  60 , which can be received in real-time (Step  240 ). The smartphone  50 , via the app, can send corrected viewfinder settings (including doping settings) or adjustments to current viewfinder settings to the viewfinder  40  (Step  245 ) for an optimal trajectory to the target point on the target  10 . 
     As noted earlier, the PAAA system  60  can be included in the smartphone  50  or located remotely such as, for example, in the cloud or network  80  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
       FIG. 4  shows a nonlimiting embodiment of a process  300  for adjusting or setting performance of the launcher device  20  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), according to the principles of the disclosure. Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the PAAA system  60  can receive a communication signal from the communication device  50  that comprises projectile trajectory data (Step  305 ). The projectile trajectory data can be parsed and, based on the received communication signal, the user profile manager  150  can retrieve, update or create a record for the user (Step  310 ). The PLD unit  170  can analyze the projectile trajectory data, including the projectile data, launcher device data, target data, current viewfinder settings or ambient condition data (Step  315 ) and determine an optimal trajectory (Step  320 ) and an actual trajectory (Step  325 ) for the projectile  30  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) from the launcher device  20  to the target  10 . The optimal trajectory can be determined, for example, by analyzing historical data, OEM specifications or ambient conditions for the projectile  30  and launcher device  20  and determining the velocity (for example, yards/second) when the projectile  30  leaves the launcher device  20 , the deceleration rate of the projectile (for example, yards/second 2 ), and the drop rate of the projectile (for example, inches/yard) based on the distance from the launcher device  20  to the target point on the target  10 . 
     The actual projectile trajectory can be determined (or predicted) by the PLD unit  170  by determining external forces and their effects on the projectile  30  as it travels from the launcher device  20  to the target  10 . The external forces can include, for example, forces resulting from gravity, wind, pressure, temperature, precipitation, or user operation, or any changes in the foregoing as a function of time. For instance, the PLD unit  170  can interact with the database  160  and analyze historical data for the user, projectile  30 , launcher device  20 , target  10 , viewfinder  40 , geographic location or ambient conditions to predict the magnitudes and vectors of external forces, as well as their effects on the trajectory of the projectile  30  as it travels from the launcher device  20  to the target point, which can include, for example, external forces such as gravity, wind, precipitation, temperature, pressure, or user operation. The PLD unit  170  can predict how much and how fast the trajectory of the projectile  30  will deviate from a targeted point on the target  10  due to the external forces. 
     During operation of the launcher device  20 , a user can develop a unique force signature that can affect the trajectory of the projectile  30 . For instance, where the launcher device  20  is a 30-06 hunting rifle, the user may consistently demonstrate a 0.1° offset to the right due to an unequal user operation force applied when squeezing the trigger on the rifle. The PLD unit  170  can learn the user force signature, including the user signature associated with the specific launcher device  20 , projectile  30 , or target  10 , and predict a deviation of the projectile trajectory to the target point on the target  10  due to the user operation force. The PLD unit  170  can generate viewfinder correction parameters to counteract the deviation due to the user operation force, as well as other external forces, for a projectile launch event. 
     For instance, referring the nonlimiting example discussed above, the PLD unit  170  can be arranged to analyze past performance of the user with the same 30-06 REMINGTON rifle,  180  Grain .30-06 Springfield cartridge, at comparable distances to a target point. Based on the analysis of historical data, the PLD unit  170  can recognize patterns and, based on the analysis of real-time data, predict the likely trajectory of the bullet with respect to the aimpoint, including the drop rate and point of impact on the target  10 . 
     The PLD unit  170  can compare the actual and optimal projectile trajectories (Step  330 ) and generate viewfinder correction parameters to adjust the settings for the viewfinder  40  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and align the actual projectile trajectory with the optimal projectile trajectory so that they overlap and have the same or substantially the same trajectory (Step  335 ). The viewfinder correction parameters can include, for example, horizontal or vertical MOA settings for the viewfinder  40  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The viewfinder correction parameters can be sent directly to the viewfinder  40  or transmitted to the communication device  50  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), in which case the communication device  50  can send the viewfinder correction parameters to the viewfinder  40  to cause the viewfinder  40  to update the viewfinder settings (Step  340 ). 
     The PLD unit  170  can be arranged to generate and send commands (or instructions) and data to the communication device  50  that, when executed by a processor (not shown) in the device, cause the communication device  50  to render a display screen displaying an image of the FOV of the viewfinder  40  and overlaying the image with a software overlay for the aiming indicator (for example, a reticle) and informational display. In a nonlimiting embodiment, the commands and data can cause the processor to manage the storage of information from one or more measuring sensors (such as, for example, sensors  40 - 3 , shown in  FIG. 5 ), and to pass information wirelessly, including geo-positioning data, imaging data (visible and infrared), distance measurements, and values for angle-compensated ranging. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , in a nonlimiting embodiment, the communication device  50  can be arranged to interact with the viewfinder  40 , which can acquire a target object in the FOV of the viewfinder  40 , and display the FOV, including the target object, on the display screen. The captured image can include visible light, near-infrared (NIR) or longwave infrared (LWIR) wavelengths. This image can be improved optically and digitally to effect zoom. The user can select to range the target in the FOV. The position of the viewfinder  40  and the position of the target  10  can be recorded and geolocated. The user can select the projectile data (for example, ballistic data) most relevant to the launching platform, including the launcher device  20  and projectile  30 . The projectile data can include, for example, data driven by historical data on previous engagements or projectile performance data received from industry sources. The projectile data can be relayed to the user via the communication device  50  so that adjustments can be made either automatically in the case of, for example a smart scope, or manually by the user in the case of a non-connected viewfinder  40 . The viewfinder  40  can be linked to the communication device  50  wirelessly so that the data and the calculations can be performed by either device and the data can be stored and or recorded by either device. Once the target is engaged it can be tracked via a thermal imager so the harvest can be completed. 
     In a nonlimiting embodiment of the disclosure, the viewfinder  40  includes the viewfinder system  40 A, depicted in  FIG. 5 . In another embodiment, the viewfinder system  40 A can be included in the communication device  50 . 
     The viewfinder system  40 A includes a processor  40 - 1 , a storage device  40 - 2 , one or more onboard sensors  40 - 3 , a driver suite  40 - 4 , and a transceiver  40 - 5 , and an input-output ( 10 ) interface  40 - 6 . The viewfinder system  40 A can include a network interface  40 - 7 , a target tracker  40 - 8  and/or a viewfinder adjuster suite  40 - 9 . The system  40 A can include a bus B, which can be connected to any or all of the components  40 - 1  to  40 - 9  by a communication link. The processor  40 - 1 , storage  40 - 2 , IO interface  40 - 6 , network interface  40 - 7  and bus B can be similar to the GPU  110 , storage  120 , I/O interface  140 , network interface  130  and bus B, respectively, shown in  FIG. 2  (discussed above). 
     Any one or more of the components  40 - 1  to  40 - 9  in the viewfinder system  40 A can include a computing resource or a computing device. The components can include a computing resource or computing device that is separate from the processor  40 - 1 , as seen in  FIG. 5 , or integrated with the processor  40 - 1 . Any of the components can include a computer resource that can be executed on the processor  40 - 1  as one or more processes. The computer resources can be contained in the storage  40 - 2 . 
     In a nonlimiting embodiment, the viewfinder  40  is arranged to exchange data and instructions signals with the PAAA system  60  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). 
     The sensor(s)  40 - 3  can include a global positioning system (GPS) receiver or any device that can accurately determine the geographic location and/or physical orientation of the viewfinder system  40 A in real-time, regardless of whether the viewfinder  40  is stationary or moving. 
     The sensor(s)  40 - 3  can include a rangefinder, a laser rangefinder, a monocular, a binocular, a riflescope, a camera, a display, a three-dimensional (3D) depth camera, an infrared (IR) sensor, a two-dimensional (2D) Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor, a 3D LiDAR sensor, a laser ranger finder, an accelerometer, a motion detector, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a precipitation sensor, a wind sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a sound sensor, a light sensor, or any other device capable of detecting or measuring ambient conditions surrounding the viewfinder  40  and/or the target  10 . The camera or 3D camera can be arranged to capture and output image data, with or without 3D point cloud data, of the FOV. The camera can be arranged to capture visible and infrared images, including near visible and thermal wavelengths. 
     The sensor(s)  40 - 3  can be included in or attached to the viewfinder  40 , or fitted or attached to the launcher device  20  to enable sensory reception such as, for example, viewing and image capture of the target  10 . The sensor(s)  40 - 3  can include a computing device, a computer resource, or a suite of computing devices or computer resources. The sensor(s)  40 - 3  can be arranged to capture images in real-time of the FOV, including all objects in the FOV, measure distances to one or more points on each object in the FOV (including the target point overlayed by the aimpoint), and, in certain embodiments, measure ambient conditions surrounding the viewfinder or target. The sensor(s)  40 - 3  can be arranged to measure changes and rates of change in motion of the aimpoint (including magnitude and directional vectors) as a function of time, as well as any changes or rates of change in, for example, temperature, humidity, precipitation, pressure, wind, sound, or light. 
     One or more of the sensors  40 - 3  can be provided separate from the viewfinder  40 . For instance, one or more of the sensors  40 - 3  can be provided on the communication device  50 , on the launcher device  30 , or elsewhere in the surrounding environment. The sensor(s)  40 - 3  can exchange data and instructions signals with the viewfinder  40  or communication device  50  over one or more communication links. 
     The driver suite  40 - 4  can include a plurality of drivers, including a driver  40 - 4 B for each senor  40 - 3 . As seen, the driver suite  40 - 4  can include a video driver  40 - 6 A to drive the display device (not shown) and the sensor driver  40 - 4 B to drive, for example, the camera to capture images of the FOV in real-time, including visible and infrared wavelengths. The display device (not shown) can be arranged to display the field of view of the camera. 
     In a nonlimiting embodiment, the viewfinder system  40 A can receive ambient condition data for the geographic location of the viewfinder  40  from an external data source, such as, for example, a weather service website (for example, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service website). The received ambient condition data can include, for example, temperature, pressure, humidity, precipitation, wind speed, or wind direction data for the geographic location of the target  10  or viewfinder  40  (or communication device  50 ). 
     The transceiver  40 - 5  can include a transmitter  40 - 5 A and a receiver  40 - 5 B. The transceiver  40 - 5  can be arranged to transmit data and instruction signals between the viewfinder system  40 A and the communication device  50  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) over one or more communication links. The viewfinder system  40 A can transmit image data signals to the communication device  50 , which can be displayed by the communication device  50  on a display device. The image data signals can include rendering instructions and data that can be used by the communication device  50  to display an aiming indicator (for example, a crosshair) superimposed on the displayed field of view. 
     The IO interface  40 - 6  can receive or communicate commands and data from or to an operator via a user interface device (not shown), such as, for example, a keyboard, a touch-display, a mouse, a pointer, a microphone, a speaker, or a display. The commands and data can be communicated between any of the components in the viewfinder system  40 A and the user interface as instruction or data signals via the backbone B. In a nonlimiting embodiment, the IO interface  40 - 6  is arranged to receive viewfinder settings or viewfinder setting adjustment values entered by the user. 
     The network interface  40 - 7  can be arranged to connect to a network, such as, for example, the network  80  (show in  FIG. 1 ), and interact with the PAAA system  60 . 
     The target tracker  40 - 8  can be arranged to receive sensor data from the sensors  40 - 3 , including image data from the camera (not shown), and calculate a distance value to each point on an object in the FOV, including the aimpoint. The target tracker  40 - 8  can be arranged to receive thermal image data and track the aimpoint until the projectile  30  is launched and impacts the target object, or another object. 
     In a nonlimiting embodiment, the target tracker  40 - 8  can include a machine learning system arranged to recognize and track each object in the field of view, including characteristics of the object, such as, for example, color, size, and shape. The sensor data can include visible light image data, IR image data, viewfinder location data corresponding to the real-world geo-positioning, target geo-position data, target distance data, or ambient condition data. The target tracker  40 - 8  can be arranged to predict an actual trajectory for the projectile  30  from the launcher device  20  to the aimpoint. 
     The viewfinder adjuster suite  40 - 9  can include one or more computing devices or computing resources, including a diopter adjuster  40 - 9 A, elevation adjuster  49 - 9 B, horizontal (or windage) adjuster  40 - 9 C, illumination adjuster  40 - 9 D or parallax adjuster  40 - 9 E. The diopter adjuster  40 - 9 A can be arranged to adjust the diopter settings of the viewfinder based on a diopter setting in the received viewfinder correction parameters. The diopter adjuster  40 - 9 A can adjust an optical system (not shown) for optimal focus of an object in the FOV of the viewfinder  40 . 
     Similar to the diopter adjuster  40 - 9 A, the elevation adjuster  49 - 9 B, horizontal adjuster  40 - 9 C, illumination adjuster  40 - 9 D and parallax adjuster  40 - 9 E can be arranged to adjust elevation settings, windage settings, illumination settings and parallax settings, respectively, of the viewfinder  40  based on respective parameter values in the received viewfinder correction parameters. Once all viewfinder settings have been updated according to the received viewfinder correction parameters, the viewfinder  40  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) will be set for the particular user, the particular launcher device  20  and the particular projectile  30  such that, when the projectile  30  is launched and the aimpoint is overlayed atop of the target point, the projectile  30  will repeatedly and consistently impact the target point. 
     The terms “a,” “an,” and “the,” as used in this disclosure, means “one or more,” unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     The term “backbone,” as used in this disclosure, means a transmission medium that interconnects one or more computing resources to provide a path that conveys data signals and instruction signals between the one or more computing resources. The backbone can include a bus or a network. The backbone can include an ethernet TCP/IP. The backbone can include a distributed backbone, a collapsed backbone, a parallel backbone or a serial backbone. The backbone can include any of several types of bus structures that can further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures. 
     The term “communication device,” as used in this disclosure, means any hardware, firmware, or software that can transmit or receive data packets, instruction signals, data signals or radio frequency signals over a communication link. The communication device can include a computer or a server. The communication device can be portable or stationary. 
     The term “communication link,” as used in this disclosure, means a wired or wireless medium that conveys data or information between at least two points. The wired or wireless medium can include, for example, a metallic conductor link, a radio frequency (RF) communication link, an Infrared (IR) communication link, or an optical communication link. The RF communication link can include, for example, WiFi, WiMAX, IEEE 802.11, DECT, 0G, 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G cellular standards, or Bluetooth. A communication link can include, for example, an RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, or any other suitable serial interface. 
     The terms “computer,” “computing device,” or “processor,” as used in this disclosure, means any machine, device, circuit, component, or module, or any system of machines, devices, circuits, components, or modules which are capable of manipulating data according to one or more instructions, such as, for example, without limitation, a processor, a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit, a central processing unit, a general purpose computer, a super computer, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a palmtop computer, a notebook computer, a desktop computer, a workstation computer, a server, a server farm, a computer cloud, or an array of processors, microprocessors, central processing units, general purpose computers, super computers, personal computers, laptop computers, palmtop computers, notebook computers, desktop computers, workstation computers, or servers. 
     The terms “computing resource” or “computer resource,” as used in this disclosure, means software, a software application, a web application, a web page, a computer application, a computer program, computer code, machine executable instructions, firmware, or a process that can be arranged to execute on a computing device as one or more processes. 
     The term “computer-readable medium,” as used in this disclosure, means any non-transitory storage medium that participates in providing data (for example, instructions) that can be read by a computer. Such a medium can take many forms, including non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media can include dynamic random access memory (DRAM). Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can read. The computer-readable medium can include a “Cloud,” which includes a distribution of files across multiple (for example, thousands of) memory caches on multiple (for example, thousands of) computers. 
     Various forms of computer readable media can be involved in carrying sequences of instructions to a computer. For example, sequences of instruction (i) can be delivered from a RAM to a processor, (ii) can be carried over a wireless transmission medium, or (iii) can be formatted according to numerous formats, standards or protocols, including, for example, WiFi, WiMAX, IEEE 802.11, DECT, 0G, 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G cellular standards, or Bluetooth. 
     The term “database,” as used in this disclosure, means any combination of software or hardware, including at least one application or at least one computer. The database can include a structured collection of records or data organized according to a database model, such as, for example, but not limited to at least one of a relational model, a hierarchical model, or a network model. The database can include a database management system application (DBMS) as is known in the art. The at least one application may include, but is not limited to, for example, an application program that can accept connections to service requests from clients by sending back responses to the clients. The database can be configured to run the at least one application, often under heavy workloads, unattended, for extended periods of time with minimal human direction. 
     The terms “including,” “comprising” and their variations, as used in this disclosure, mean “including, but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     The term “network,” as used in this disclosure means, but is not limited to, for example, at least one of a personal area network (PAN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a campus area network (CAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a global area network (GAN), a broadband area network (BAN), a cellular network, a storage-area network (SAN), a system-area network, a passive optical local area network (POLAN), an enterprise private network (EPN), a virtual private network (VPN), the Internet, or the like, or any combination of the foregoing, any of which can be configured to communicate data via a wireless and/or a wired communication medium. These networks can run a variety of protocols, including, but not limited to, for example, Ethernet, IP, IPX, TCP, UDP, SPX, IP, IRC, HTTP, FTP, Telnet, SMTP, DNS, ARP, ICMP. 
     The term “server,” as used in this disclosure, means any combination of software or hardware, including at least one application or at least one computer to perform services for connected clients as part of a client-server architecture, server-server architecture or client-client architecture. A server can include a mainframe or a server cloud or server farm. The at least one server application can include, but is not limited to, for example, an application program that can accept connections to service requests from clients by sending back responses to the clients. The server can be configured to run the at least one application, often under heavy workloads, unattended, for extended periods of time with minimal human direction. The server can include a plurality of computers configured, with the at least one application being divided among the computers depending upon the workload. For example, under light loading, the at least one application can run on a single computer. However, under heavy loading, multiple computers can be required to run the at least one application. The server, or any if its computers, can also be used as a workstation. 
     The terms “send,” “sent,” “transmission,” “transmit,” “communication,” “communicate,” “connection,” or “connect,” as used in this disclosure, include the conveyance of data, data packets, computer instructions, or any other digital or analog information via electricity, acoustic waves, light waves or other electromagnetic emissions, such as those generated with communications in the radio frequency (RF), or infrared (IR) spectra. Transmission media for such transmissions can include subatomic particles, atomic particles, molecules (in gas, liquid, or solid form), space, or physical articles such as, for example, coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled to the processor. 
     Devices that are in communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices that are in communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries. 
     Although process steps, method steps, or algorithms may be described in a sequential or a parallel order, such processes, methods and algorithms may be configured to work in alternate orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be described in a sequential order does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order; some steps may be performed simultaneously. Similarly, if a sequence or order of steps is described in a parallel (or simultaneous) order, such steps can be performed in a sequential order. The steps of the processes, methods or algorithms described in this specification may be performed in any order practical. In certain non-limiting embodiments, one or more process steps, method steps, or algorithms can be omitted or skipped. 
     When a single device or article is described, it will be readily apparent that more than one device or article may be used in place of a single device or article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is described, it will be readily apparent that a single device or article may be used in place of the more than one device or article. The functionality or the features of a device may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly described as having such functionality or features. 
     The subject matter described above is provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. Various modifications and changes can be made to the subject matter described herein without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention encompassed by the present disclosure, which is defined by the set of recitations in the following claims and by structures and functions or steps which are equivalent to these recitations.