Patent Publication Number: US-2016240069-A1

Title: System having location based proximity features and method therefor

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Over the last decade, personal devices have become the fastest growing segment of electronics. Personal devices can not only combine wireless calling capabilities but can also provide functions which have been traditionally limited to desktop computers. Personal device makers such as Samsung and Apple have become key players in this market. These companies have developed new technologies with bigger screens and more computing power taking the user experience outside those limitations associated with standalone electronics. 
     These personal devices have become quite expensive so protecting them has become equally important. A number of covers exist to protect and enclose these types of personal devices. These covers protect the personal devices from bumps, drops, scratches, and rough handling. A number of providers such as OtterBox specialize in the area of making the covers. 
     These covers can be made from a variety of materials. Some cases are made of metal such that the frame of the personal device does not get damaged when dropped. Other types of cases can be made of plastic which are typically cheaper in price. Plastic and rubber composites are also preferred choices of personal device cover makers. Some covers protect the entire personal device, while others protect portions of them. 
     These covers nevertheless lack functionality and merely provide protection or enclose the personal devices. Accordingly, what is needed is a cover with functionalities and not limiting the cover to a mere protective or enclosing implement. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     According to one aspect, a device cover is provided. The device cover can include an actuator triggering a message provided to an output device when the actuator is activated. 
     According to another aspect, a personal device cover having a switch, a speaker, and memory storing a sound file is provided. The personal device cover can include a processor and an activation module that causes the processor to detect actuation of the switch, retrieve the sound file within the memory, and play the sound file through the speaker. 
     According to a further aspect, a system is provided. The system can include a cover for a personal device, a holder securing the personal device through the cover, and an activation module providing an alarm when the cover and holder are disconnected. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed to be characteristic of the application are set forth in the appended claims. In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures can be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The application itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects and advances thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an exemplary schematic showing placement of a personal device into a cover having features described herein in accordance with one aspect of the present application; 
         FIG. 2  is an exemplary diagram showing components placed within the cover in accordance with one aspect of the present application; 
         FIG. 3  is an exemplary diagram showing the components in  FIG. 2  placed within the cover in accordance with one aspect of the present application; 
         FIGS. 4A through 4C  are illustrative actuators to provide features for the cover in accordance with one aspect of the present application; 
         FIG. 5  is an exemplary diagram showing placement of illustrative actuators within the cover in accordance with one aspect of the present application; 
         FIG. 6  is a flow chart showing illustrative processes for actuating functions within the cover in accordance with one aspect of the present application; 
         FIG. 7  is an exemplary diagram showing opening the cover to provide a warning message in accordance with one aspect of the present application; 
         FIG. 8  is a flow chart showing illustrative processes for providing the warning message in accordance with one aspect of the present application; 
         FIG. 9  is an exemplary schematic showing placement of a personal device having a cover into a clip in accordance with one aspect of the present application; and 
         FIG. 10  is an exemplary schematic showing illustrative sensors for providing a phone reminder in accordance with one aspect of the present application. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein. The definitions include various examples and/or forms of components that fall within the scope of a term and that can be used for implementation. The examples are not intended to be limiting. Further, one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the components discussed herein, can be combined, omitted or organized with other components or into organized into different architectures. 
     Generally described, the present application discloses a cover for a personal device that can provide a simulated ring tone and/or conversation afterwards. The device cover can include at least one actuator and an output device. An activation request can be provided through the at least one actuator and in response to the request, a response is provided through the output device. The response can be a pre-recorded message or dynamic message, which can correspond to the simulated ring tone. In one embodiment, the device can provide warnings to unauthorized users. In another embodiment, the device cover can also be coupled with a holder to enable a loss prevention system whereby a disconnected cover would provide the activation request. 
     As will become apparent from the embodiments below, a number of advantages can be provided by cover. For example, phone calls or simulated phone conversations to repel unwanted invitations can be provided. Furthermore, a number of comical messages can be provided adding entertainment value to a what-used-to-be a boring cover. Alerts and detractors can be given through the cover as warnings. In addition, the cover can notify a forgetful user of a misplaced or left behind phone. Further advantages will become apparent from the description provided below. 
     An exemplary system showing a personal device coupled with the cover is shown in  FIG. 1 . The components of the cover are provided in  FIGS. 2 and 3 .  FIGS. 4A through 4C, 5, and 6  depict different actuation/activation devices and methods for the system.  FIGS. 7 and 8  provide a cover of a personal device allowing a warning for unauthorized users.  FIGS. 9 and 10  depict a unique cover in combination with a holder to notify a user of a disconnected personal device. The covers can come in a variety of different configurations. Those shown in the FIGURES are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting to the present application. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary schematic showing placement of a personal device  102  into a cover  100  having features described herein in accordance with one aspect of the present application is provided. The personal devices  102  can include a personal digital assistant (PDA), smartphone, flip phone, tablet, desktop, laptop computer, gaming device, etc. Personal devices  102  can be produced from a number of manufacturers including Samsung, Apple, Blackberry, and LG, to name a few. While shown as having smartphone dimensions and features, personal devices  102  come in a number of configurations including having larger or smaller screens and different dimensions. The cover  100  protecting the personal device can also conform to these configurations. 
     The cover  100  can be referred to, but not limited to, a protective covering, case, protector, box, and enclosure. The cover  100  can protect the personal device  102  but does not necessarily have to, for example, the cover  100  can provide pure aesthetic values to a personal device  102 . The cover  100  can be snapped onto the device  102  or enclose the personal device  102 . Fasteners can also be used to secure the cover  100  to the personal device  102 , for example, hook and loop fasteners. The cover  100  can completely enclose the personal device  102 , for example, create a waterproof seal around the personal device, or the cover  100  can partially surround the personal device  102 . 
     As will be described in further detail below, an actuator  104  can also be provided on the cover  100  (although it does not necessarily have to be) and can be used to provide a request for a message to be played from the cover  100 . The actuator  104  can be referred to as a switch, activator, shifter, button or the like. The actuator  104  can be placed on a variety of locations on the cover  100  and is not limited to the position shown in  FIG. 1 . The actuator  104  can be used to activate a request for playing a sound, lighting the cover  100 , vibrating the cover  100 , or a combination thereof as will become apparent from the discussion below. The actuator  104  can be triggered through a simple press, sliding motion or general activation method to implement the functions of the cover  100 . In one embodiment, the actuator  104  can be a hook, or the like, that when disconnected from the cover  100  can activate the playing of a message or other output method which will be described below. The actuator  104  can be concealed. In the embodiment, for the simulated call, it would be desirable to not have the actuators  104  exposed, i.e., concealing them. 
       FIG. 2  is an exemplary diagram showing components placed within the cover  100  in accordance with one aspect of the present application. Additional or fewer components can be used depending on those features a user intends to have on their cover  100 . All or a portion of the components can be within or outside of the cover  100 . As shown, the cover  100  can include a bus  202 , at least one processor  204 , memory  206 , output device  208 , power supply  214 , microphone, and input port  222 . The memory can include prerecorded message  210  or dynamic messages  212 . 
     The bus  202  can refer to an interconnected architecture that is operably connected to connect components within the cover  100 . The bus  202  can be used to transfer data between the components within or outside the cover  100 . The bus  202  can communicate with various devices, modules, logics, and peripherals using other buses. The bus  202  can be a single internal bus interconnect architecture and/or other bus or mesh architectures (e.g., external). The bus  202  can be a memory bus, a memory controller, a peripheral bus, an external bus, a crossbar switch, and/or a local bus, among others. In some embodiments, the bus  202  can interconnect components inside the cover  100  using protocols such as Controller Area network (CAN), Local Interconnect Network (LIN), among others. Near field communications (NFC) as well as wireless can be adapted into the cover  100  through the bus  202 . 
     The processor  204  can process. Signals processed by the processor  204  can include digital signals, data signals, computer instructions, processor instructions, messages, a bit, a bit stream, or other means that can be received, transmitted and/or detected. Generally, the processor  204  can be a variety of various processors including multiple single and multicore processors and co-processors and other multiple single and multicore processor and co-processor architectures. The processor  204  can include various modules to execute various functions. 
     Coupled to the bus  202  is the memory  206 . The memory  206  can include volatile memory and/or nonvolatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include, for example, ROM (read only memory), PROM (programmable read only memory), EPROM (erasable PROM), and EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM). Volatile memory can include, for example, RAM (random access memory), synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDRSDRAM), and direct RAM bus RAM (DRRAM). The memory  206  can store an operating system that controls or allocates resources of a computing device. 
     Pre-recorded messages  210  can be placed within the memory  206  as shown in  FIG. 2 . These pre-recorded messages  210  can vary depending on the user of the cover  100 . In one embodiment, different pre-recorded messages  210  can be activated depending on different actuators  104 . For example, one actuator  104  can provide a simulated phone ring while another actuator  104  allows for a simulated voice of an interlocutor. Different languages can be used in the simulated conversation based on a user&#39;s preference. In one embodiment, warning sounds can be stored in the pre-recorded messages  210 . When an unauthorized user opens the cover  100  or presses the actuator  104  the warning sound can be provided. Alternatively, a siren can be used when the cover  100  is disconnected from a holder which activates the actuator  104 . 
     For dynamic messages  212 , these can be stored by the user into memory  206 . In one example, a microphone  220  located on the cover  100  can be used to take in sound. The sound can be captured and stored into a dynamic message  212 . The sound can be captured into sound bites and stored into dynamic messages  212 . Sound bites can be stored digitally or through analog methods. In one embodiment, to store a dynamic message  212 , the user would hold on or continuously press the actuator  104 . The user can also press the actuator  104  a predetermined amount of times within a set time period to record and then store the dynamic message  212 . Other methods can be used for storing the dynamic message  212  such as having a separate input button, which has not been shown, that would allow such dynamic messages  212  to be recorded. 
     The pre-recorded message  210  or dynamic message  212  can also include a delay. For example, when the user activates the actuator  104  of the cover  100 , a predetermined delay can be provided and then the message  210  and/or  212  can be played. The delay can be provided as part of the message  210  and/or  212  or delay circuits can be used to delay the message  210  and/or  212 . In one embodiment, the delay can be set to thirty seconds. The delay for the message  210  and/or  212  can also be programmed by the user. 
     In one embodiment, multiple actuators  104  can be used to retrieve pre-recorded messages  210  and/or dynamic messages  212 . Each actuator  104  can correspond to a different message  210  and/or  212 . For example, the personal device cover  100  can have three actuators  104 . A first actuator  104  can activate a warning message  210  and/or  212 , a second actuator  104  can activate a predetermined message  210 , and a third actuator  104  can activate a dynamically stored message  212 . A number of different combinations of using actuators  104  and different messages  210  and/or  212  can be used. The actuator  104  typically can be an external button, an embedded button, switch or light sensor according to one embodiment. 
     In one embodiment, the dynamic messages  212  can be received through other input devices alternatively, or in addition, to the microphone  220 . For example, a keyboard, pointing and selection device, cameras, images devices, video cards, disks, network devices, among others can be used to input the dynamic messages  212 . Text-to-sound can also be used to convert input into sound bites. 
     In one embodiment, the dynamically stored message  212  can be received through an input port  222  that can be provided in addition to the microphone  220  or separately thereform. A memory device can be connected to the cover  100  through a USB connection. The memory device can store sound bites which can be transferred into memory  206  and specifically, as a dynamic message  212 . The input port  222  can also receive sound bites through wireline communications where a computer can be connected to the cover  100  and messages  212  can be received from the computer. A user interface, which can be graphical, can be provided such that messages can be easily stored into memory  206 . The user interface can be provided through a connected computer. In one embodiment, the personal device  102  can be used to provide dynamically stored messages  212  through the input port  222  or through other methods. 
     Now describing the output device  208  of  FIG. 2 , once a message  210  and/or  212  has been retrieved, it can be provided as output. Beforehand, the output was described as messages  210  and/or  212  in the form of sound bites. The output, however, can be provided in different forms. For example, the output device  208  can be a vibrator, sound, light, or combination thereof. Other output mechanisms can be used for example, a display on the cover  100 . In one embodiment, the output can be provided through the connected personal device  102  via a wireline or wireless connection. A screen, vibrator, speaker of the personal device  102  can be used as the output device. 
     The cover  100  can also have its own power source or be connected to an alternative power source such as the personal device  102 . The power  214  can come from at least one battery fitted within the cover  100  or receive wireless power from the personal device  102 . The power source  214  can come from solar or from a variety of other sources. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the memory  206  can have both pre-recorded messages  210  and dynamic messages  212 . The cover  100  can include one or the other and is not limited to having both. A representative scenario for providing the messages  210  and/or  212  can include an actuator  104  press or activation. The processor  204  can then trigger a reading of instructions within memory  206  and then retrieve the appropriate message  210  and/or  212 . The messages can be played on the output device  208 . 
     Alternatively, and in one embodiment, the processor  204  can be removed. A trigger of the actuator  104  can cause the message to be activated without a message lookup in the memory  206 . When enabled, the actuator  104  can simply trigger a message provided to the output device  208 . No message would be retrieved, rather the message would simply be played. In one embodiment, this can occur through the contact of two simple mechanical pieces which when contacted together would play the message  210  and/or  212 . 
     A button (not shown) can also be provided on the cover  100  that would disable the actuator  104  or the system itself. For example, this mechanism can use switch logic that would discontinue any signal provided by the actuator  104 . In one embodiment, the disable button can be inside or outside of the cover  100 . Alternatively, the button can be completely off the cover  100 , for example, the personal device  102  can be used to disable the functions and features of the cover  100 . The system can be disconnected through the use of a button, switch, or other deactivation methods. Furthermore, the deactivator can be used to prevent the messages  210  and/or  212 , warnings, alarms, or other output from being provided. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , an exemplary diagram showing the components in  FIG. 2  placed within the cover  100  in accordance with one aspect of the present application is provided. Typically, the components can be relatively light and thin so they fit within the cover  100 . The components, such as those shown (bus  202 , processor  204 , memory  206 , output device  208  and power  214 , microphone  220 ) can be placed relatively flat in the back of the cover  100 . Alternatively, the components can be placed in a variety of locations within the cover  100 , for example, the sides, top and bottom. The actuator  104 , in one configuration, can be tied to the bus  202 . The placement of those components shown in  FIG. 3  represent one setup, but it should not be limited to such. 
       FIGS. 4A through 4C  are illustrative actuators  104  for the cover  100  in accordance with one aspect of the present application.  FIG. 4A , representing one embodiment, shows a push button type of implement to trigger the actuator  104 . The push button  104  can start at a location above the cover  100  and end at the cover  100  when pressed. A spring or the like can be used to return the button  104  to its original form after the user releases their finger. 
       FIG. 4B  shows an exemplary actuator  104  that also includes a push button. However, the push button  104  as shown is below the cover  104  and when pressed goes below the cover  100 . Similar to before, the push button  104  can return to its normal position with a spring.  FIG. 4C  depicts a switch for the actuator  104 . The switch  104  can be slid back and forth to activate the features of the cover  100 . 
     The previous embodiments depicted one actuator  104 , however, the cover  100  can include multiple actuators  104 . Each actuator  104  can provide different messages or outputs to the output device  104  (or output devices  104 ). For example, one actuator  104  can trigger a pre-recorded message  210 , a second actuator  104  can activate a dynamic message  212 , and a third actuator  104  can provide another output such as vibration, light or combination thereof. Different features will become apparent with multiple actuators  104  as described below. 
       FIG. 5  is an exemplary diagram showing placement of illustrative actuators  104 A,  104 B, and  104 C within the cover  100  in accordance with one aspect of the present application. Placement of the actuators  104 A,  104 B, and  104 C can be provided at most points on the cover  100 . For example, the actuators  104 A,  104 B, and  104 C can be placed on the sides, top, and bottom in addition to the back of the cover  100 . 
     A typical scenario for the actuators  104  to trigger a message  210  and/or  212  can begin with a push button  104  press on the outside cover  100 . The trigger from the actuator  104  can be provided over the bus  202  to the processor  204 . Alternatively, the actuator  104  can directly trigger the output to the output device  208  whereby an immediate message  210  and/or  212  is provided. When the processor  204  receives the signal, it can detect which message  210  and/or  212  to retrieve, if more than one message  210  and/or  212  is available. Depending if the cover  100  has more than one actuator  104  or how the actuator  104  is pressed, different messages  210  and/or  212  can be retrieved. Furthermore, the messages  210  and/or  212  do not have to be sound bites, rather they can be provided as output in the form of vibrations, sounds, lights, or a combination thereof. Thereafter, the appropriate output is directed to the output device  208 . 
     A number of different configurations can be realized through having actuators  104  for triggering messages  210  and/or  212 , or other output, to an output device  208 . One such configuration is illustrated in  FIG. 6  which provides a flow chart showing illustrative processes for actuating functions within the cover  100 . The process can begin at block  600 . At block  602 , a determination is made whether the actuator  104  receives a press or some other activation method. If no activation is received, the process goes back to block  602 . 
     At block  604 , and if a press or other activation method is received, a determination is made on whether a short press has been received. In this embodiment, the cover  100  can distinguish different functions using a long press and a short press. In this process  600 , the long press/short press can differentiate a delayed time in the message. One advantage of the shown process  600  would be to allow someone to remove the awkwardness of having the output device  208  activate immediately after the actuator  104  is activated. Other functions can be realized through short/long presses, for example, retrieving pre-recorded messages  210  or dynamic messages  212 . 
     If a short press is detected at block  604 , the audio file would be played at block  612  and the cover  100  would wait for another press at block  602 . In the alternative, at block  608  a long press can be detected. A long press, in accordance with one embodiment, can indicate that the user wishes for a delay to occur. At block  610  this delay can occur. The delay can be a predetermined time or can be set by the user. Alternatively, the delay can be set by the user through a variety of methods, for example, the input port  222  shown in  FIG. 2  can be used to set the delay period. The sound bite, or other output described above, can be played at block  612 . The processes can return to block  602 . 
     In other embodiments, a hard press or multiple presses can provide different functions for the cover  100 . For example, multiple presses can cause the cover  100  to store a new message into memory  206  loading it into a dynamic message  212 . Dynamic messages  212  can be stored in addition to other messages  212  or can be rewritten over one another. Sequences of actuator  104  presses can be used to select which message  212  to write over or which slot to place the message  212  into. Other functions can include setting which type of output the user wishes to provide, for example, sound, vibrating, or light which can be changed via the actuators  104  or separate buttons located on the cover  100 . 
     As briefly described above, and provided in more detail now, the cover  100  can be used to provide warnings to those who are unauthorized to open the cover or use the phone. Alternatively, a warning can be provided to those who open the cover  100  without the permission of the owner.  FIG. 7  is an exemplary diagram showing opening the cover  100  to provide a warning message  210  and/or  212  in accordance with one aspect of the present application. 
     The actuator  104  can be triggered by opening the cover  100  and exposing the personal device  102 . In a typical process, the actuator  104  would be triggered by the opening, which would cause the message  210  and/or  212  to be sent through the output device  208 . This can occur with or without the processor  204  as described above. The message  210  and/or  212  can include the phrase “Don&#39;t touch my phone”, “Go away”, or “Leave my phone alone.” In one embodiment, light, sound, vibrations, or a combination thereof can be used. 
     In one embodiment, the actuator  104  can be on the personal device  102 . The triggering of the actuator would send the message  210  and/or  212  to the output device  208  on the cover  100 . For example, if a user opens or starts the personal device  102 , the signal could be sent via the input port  222  to the processor  204  or the output device  208  directly. 
     A button, similar to the one described above, can be used to deactivate the warning system. The button can be used to turn on/off the warning system. The button can be placed on the cover  100  or can be accessed through the personal device  102 . In one embodiment, the personal device  102  could provide an application that would allow the user to turn on/off the actuator  104  thereby preventing the output. Typically, the button would be hard to locate by a person accessing the cover  100  or the personal device  102 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 8 , a flow chart showing illustrative processes for providing the warning message in accordance with one aspect of the present application is depicted. This represents one process, but not the only process for providing warnings or alarms. The processes can begin at block  800 . At block  802 , a user can set the alarm/warning system through the use of a button, switch or other activation method. 
     At block  804 , the cover  100  can detect an activated alarm. For example, and as shown in  FIG. 7 , the cover  100  is opened triggering the actuator  104 . Alternatively, a user press on a key on the personal device  104  could trigger an actuator  104 . At block  806 , the warning can be provided through the output device  208  of the cover  100  or through other output methods on the personal device  102 . One advantage of the cover  100  can be to deter malicious attempts to access data or personal information in the personal device  102 . 
     Turning now to another embodiment of the cover  100 ,  FIG. 9  is an exemplary schematic showing placement of a personal device  102  having a cover  100  into a clip  906  in accordance with one aspect of the present application. The cover  100  of the shown system can be used to alert a user of a misplaced, lost, or left personal device  102 . As will become apparent, an advantage of the shown system allows a user to be notified that their phone is misplaced while not leaving the premises. Further, the system would give the user quick notification if their personal device  102  has been disconnected from their body if not in use. 
     The clip  906  of the system can also be referred to as a holder, securing mechanism, holster, or the like. The purpose of the clip  906  is to secure the cover  100  which in turn protects or encloses the personal device  102 . When the clip  906  no longer detects the cover  100 , an alert/warning can be provided. Bringing the components of the previous FIGURES, the actuator  104  can be the triggering mechanism that would provide the alarm. For example, when the clip  906  does not sense the cover  100  or vice versa, the alarm can be provided. 
     The warning/alarm is typically not immediately activated. The warning/alarm can be provided through the output device  208  on the cover  100  or alternatively, on the clip  906  itself. A personal device  102  reminder can be provided if a number of conditions are present. For example, the system would not be activated if the personal device  102  is in use. Furthermore, a predetermined or user set time can be allowed to elapse before a warning is provided. A combination of whether the clip  906  is connected to the cover  100 , whether the phone is in use and whether a predetermined time has passed can be used to determine whether to provide the warning. Other factors that can be used to determine whether to activate the alarm could include, but are not limited to, whether the personal device  102  is charging and/or whether the personal device  102  is within a certain distance of the clip  906 . 
     The clip  906  can include additional components. For example, the clip  906  can include fasteners  902 . These fasteners  902  can be used to connect the clip  906  to a user, for example, through a user&#39;s belt  904 . Other attachment mechanisms and methods can be used to secure the clip  906  to the user. These can include hook and loop fasteners, plastic fasteners, or the like. 
     In a typical activation method, an actuator  104  can be activated by an involuntary action of the user, such as detaching the personal device  102  from the clip  906  by accident, or by a non-suspecting, non-authorized user of the cover  100 . The trigger by the actuator  104  causes either processor  204  to provide output or the direct connection to the output device  208  as described above. 
       FIG. 10  is an exemplary schematic showing illustrative sensors  1002  and  1004  for providing a phone reminder in accordance with one aspect of the present application. While shown as a phone, the embodiment can represent any personal device  102 . The sensors  1002  and  1004  could be used to detect the detachment of the cover  100  from the clip  906 . Those processes described above can then be used to determine whether to activate the output device  208 . 
     A “module”, as used herein, includes, but is not limited to, non-transitory computer readable medium that stores instructions, instructions in execution on a machine, hardware, firmware, software in execution on a machine, and/or combinations of each to perform a function(s) or an action(s), and/or to cause a function or action from another module, method, and/or system. A module can also include logic, a software controlled microprocessor, a discrete logic circuit, an analog circuit, a digital circuit, a programmed logic device, a memory device containing executing instructions, logic gates, a combination of gates, and/or other circuit components. Multiple modules can be combined into one module and single modules can be distributed among multiple modules. 
     The data structures and code, in which the present application can be implemented, can typically be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The storage can be any device or medium that can store code and/or data for use by a computer system. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes, but is not limited to, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, magnetic and optical storage devices such as disk drives, magnetic tape, CDs (compact discs), DVDs (digital versatile discs or digital video discs), or other media capable of storing code and/or data now known or later developed. 
     The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the relevant art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the relevant art, and generic principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown and described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this application that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. 
     It will be appreciated that various implementations of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives or varieties thereof, can be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein can be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.