Patent Abstract:
Disclosed herein are apparatuses, systems, methods, and machine readable media for using a charging device for delivering electrical power to components of a firearm. The charging device may be shaped to resemble an ammunition magazine. This form facilitates a simple and secure connection to the firearm by repurposing magazine attachment mechanisms already present on or within the firearm. The charging device may be inserted into the firearm while it is not in use, providing power to the firearm&#39;s electronics and/or batteries thereof. The charging unit is then removed, leaving the firearm mechanically unchanged and ready for normal operation and use.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/092,153, filed Dec. 15, 2014, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to apparatuses, systems, computer readable media, and methods for using an improved mechanism for providing electricity to electronic circuitry within a firearm. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Although fundamentally mechanical in their operation, modern firearms increasingly make use of electronic circuitry. Sometimes these electronics are embedded in the firearm itself, and other times they are found in accessories attached to the firearm; examples include tactical lights and lasers, electronic scopes, and onboard computer and sensor arrays. With such electronics may come the need for electrical power, most commonly delivered by rechargeable or replaceable batteries. 
         [0004]    The need to recharge or replace such batteries imposes compromises on the design of said electronic accessories. These design compromises introduce drawbacks—for example, allowances must be made to facilitate access to the battery or means of charging (e.g., either by removing the accessory from the firearm entirely, removing the battery from the accessory, or connecting a charging cable to the accessory). Moreover, providing readily accessible charging sockets and/or battery compartments can compromise an accessory&#39;s resistance to water, dust, and debris. Additionally, frequent removal and reattachment of the accessory to the firearm is inconvenient and a source of increased wear and fragility. 
         [0005]    There is a need for devices and systems that facilitate charging of a wide variety of firearm electronics that avoid or minimize these drawbacks. Disclosed herein are embodiments of an invention that address those needs. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    The above and other aspects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  shows views of a charging device, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  shows views of a charging device, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  shows views of a firearm with a charging device, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  shows a block diagram of a charging device in communication with a mobile device, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  shows three exemplary user interfaces for use in a system including a charging device, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  shows an exemplary user interface for use in a system including a charging device, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  shows an exemplary user interface for use in a system including a charging device, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram showing exemplary data flows for an exemplary system in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  is a flow chart depicting an exemplary method for charging a firearm accessory, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  is a block diagram showing an exemplary mobile computing device, consistent with some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 11  is a block diagram showing an exemplary computing device, consistent with some embodiments of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 12  is a block diagram showing an exemplary computing system, consistent with some embodiments of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    Disclosed herein are devices/apparatuses, systems, methods, and machine readable media for implementing and using an improved mechanism for providing power to electronic circuitry within a firearm. Embodiments of the present invention provide a charging unit for a firearm, such as a semi-automatic handgun or rifle, shaped to resemble the form of an ammunition magazine or clip for the firearm. As the shape of an ammunition magazine or clip varies between specific firearms, so too can the charging unit be shaped for individual makes and models of firearms. 
         [0020]    As used herein, a “firearm” refers to a ranged weapon, including a handgun, rifle, Taser®, Conducted Electrical Weapon (CEV), or additional types of weapons capable of firing a bullet. Certain embodiments of the disclosure may be specifically adapted for one or more of handguns, rifles, or Tasers. 
         [0021]    As used herein, a “firearm accessory” refers to an electronic device requiring power that is mounted on or within a firearm. In certain embodiments, firearm accessories may be a telemetry sensor, a laser sight, a fingerprint sensor, a pressure sensor, a taclight (tactical light), a tactical laser, an electronic scope, an onboard computer, sensor arrays, and the like. 
         [0022]    As used herein, a “charging device” refers to a removable charging unit for delivering electrical power to a firearm accessory. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  shows two depictions of an exemplary charging device  100 . In the embodiments shown in  FIG. 1 , device  100  is generally shaped to resemble the outer contour of the magazine for a Glock™ handgun. In  FIG. 1B , charging device  100  is shown to include a base  102  at the proximal end of device  100 , with a port  103  to receive power and/or data. Base  102  refers to the portion of device  100  that may be exposed when device  100  is mounted to a firearm. Base  102  may include one or more visual indicators such as lights to indicate the status of device  100  (e.g., a solid or flashing green or red light may indicate that the device  100  is currently charging a device, that it is powered on but not currently charging, that it is wirelessly paired or unpaired with another device, and the like). Port  103  may be, e.g., a coaxial power connector, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, a microUSB port, a Lightning™ port, and the like. Device  100  may include a locking mechanism to secure the charging device  100  within the empty magazine chamber of a firearm—e.g., it may include a notch  104  that interacts with a magazine catch. Device  100  may further include bolts  105  to help hold together the housing  106  of device  100 . The distal end  108  of device  100  may be inserted into a magazine chamber. 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  shows side-profile views of an exemplary charging device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 2B , base  102  may include port  103 , such that port  103  is directly or indirectly in communication with an inductive charging coil  204  and companion circuitry  206  mounted on an internal circuit board. 
         [0025]      FIG. 3  shows side profile views of an exemplary system  300  including a handgun  301 , a firearm accessory device  302 , and a charging device  100 . Upon removal of a magazine or clip from a firearm, the charging device  100  may be inserted into the empty magazine chamber as shown in  FIG. 3 . A protrusion (e.g., a lip) at base  102  of device  100  forms a tight coupling with the opening to the handgun  301  magazine chamber. Upon insertion, the charging device  100  may be secured within the magazine chamber using the same means by which an actual ammunition magazine or clip is secured (e.g., notch  104  that may interact with a spring-loaded magazine catch). In certain embodiments, the device  100  is secured within the magazine chamber using an after-market catch or latch, or by placing the firearm onto a mount supporting the device  100 .  FIG. 3  shows an exemplary firearm accessory device  302  (e.g., a sensor device that is attached to handgun  301  through insertion into an existing cavity within grip  306 , by comprising a grip replacement for a firearm, or by attachment to or integration within a backstrap replacement for a firearm). Exemplary accessory device  302  contains a power receiving coil  304  that is positioned proximal to and parallel to inductive charging coil  204  of charging device  100 . In certain embodiments, the entire housing  106 , or just the portion of housing  106  between coils  204  and  304  may be formed from plastic or another low dielectric material to facilitate transmission of current between the coils. In certain embodiments, the portion of housing  106  between the coils may be thinner than other portions of the housing  106 . 
         [0026]    In certain embodiments, the charging coil  204  or receiving coil  304  may be stacked with one or more layers of windings. In certain embodiments, the coil is formed from copper, silver, or gold. In certain embodiments, the coil windings of coil  204  and coil  304  may range from 17 to 27 winds, for example,  22  winds. In certain embodiments, the gauge of the wire in coil  204  and coil  304  may range from 28-32 gauge, for example, 30 gauge or 0.266 mm. In certain embodiments, the inductive charging coil is formed using integrated traces upon a printed circuit board. 
         [0027]    In certain embodiments, the charging device  100  may detect when it has been inserted into a firearm and initiate operation. For example, charging device  100  may automatically start to charge a firearm accessory upon insertion. In certain embodiments, insertion of the device  100  may cause a switch to be physically flipped, causing device  100  to activate. In certain embodiments, the charging device  100  will activate (e.g., begin charging an accessory) in response to a manually triggered event or control. For example, in certain embodiments, base  102  contains a switch that may used to activate charging when switched on. In certain embodiments, device  100  may receive a signal from a mobile device or a server instructing device  100  to activate. In certain embodiments, device  100  may detect that it is within close proximity to an accessory device  302  (e.g. e.g., with detection based on radio frequency identification (RFID), Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or iBeacon™ protocols between the device  100  and accessory device  302 ), and may activate accordingly. 
         [0028]    In certain embodiments, charging device  100  may automatically power down or stop charging when accessory device  302  is fully charged in order to facilitate thermal management and avoid overheating. In certain embodiments, charging device  100  may incorporate a heat sink. 
         [0029]    In certain embodiments, charging device  100  may be used to power two or more accessory devices  302  either simultaneously or in parallel. For example, charging device  100  may inductively power one or more accessory devices and additionally support lines out from device  100  to power/charge additional accessory devices. 
         [0030]    In certain embodiments, upon insertion of charging device  100 , the firing mechanism of the firearm is disabled. In certain embodiments, the firing mechanism of the firearm is disabled only during active charging. For example, handgun  301  may include a trigger  308  and trigger safety  310 , such that in normal operation, a finger is inserted into the trigger guard  312  and used to pull trigger  308  to fire a bullet from the handgun. In certain embodiments, device  100  may physically interfere with the firing mechanism when mounted on or within a firearm. For example, in certain embodiments, device  100  may include a protrusion on or near the distal end  108  that interferes with the movement of the trigger mechanism of the firearm once it is secured in place, or as it is being inserted into a magazine cavity. In certain embodiments, device  100  may include an extending structure that arrests trigger bar movement. Such a mechanism may prevent or reduce accidental discharge of the firearm during handling of the firearm, and/or while charging. 
         [0031]    In certain embodiments, electricity is supplied to the charging device  100  by means of a socket, plug, or wire connection at a location on the charging device which remains exposed when inserted into a firearm (e.g., port  103 ). In some embodiments, the charging device  100  may accept electrical power in the form of alternating current (AC) and convert this current as required by means of an embedded AC to direct current (DC) conversion circuit. In certain embodiments, the device  100  will accept power from an already-converted DC power source. Some embodiments may make use of common power and plug standards, such as the USB power specification and connector. In certain embodiments, the charging device  100  may receive power from a solar panel. 
         [0032]    In certain embodiments, the charging unit supplies electrical power to batteries and/or electronics in or attached to a firearm, such as a firearm accessory. In some embodiments, power is provided to the circuitry by means of direct connection, such as metal leads or contacts in direct physical proximity to similar contacts within the firearm, to form a closed circuit. In other embodiments, the charging device  100  may provide power by means of wireless transmission. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 2-3 , an exemplary handgun variant of the charging device  100  is portrayed with an inductive charging coil  204  that functions as a power transmitting antenna. In certain embodiments, when supplied with power, the charging device  100  activates its circuitry (e.g. companion circuitry  206 ) and transmits power via charging coil  204 . As depicted in  FIG. 3 , an exemplary electronic firearm accessory  302  is able to receive power from the charging device  100  by way of its own power receiving coil  304 . In certain embodiments, charging device  100  includes a rechargeable battery, and the battery of device  100  may be charged separately from the accessory, and then later device  100  may be inserted into a firearm to supply power to the accessory using the charge in the rechargeable battery. 
         [0033]    In certain embodiments, the system may be used to charge an accessory overnight. In certain embodiments, the system may be used to charge the battery of an accessory within 8 hours, within 6 hours, within 4 hours, within 2 hours, within 1 hour, or within 30 minutes. 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  shows a block diagram of an exemplary system  400  comprising an exemplary charging device  100  in communication with a mobile device  422 . Charging device  100  includes a processor  402  that may be in communication with a detector  404 , a communication module  406 , a storage component  408 , and a power system and/or battery  410 . The power system/battery  410  is in communication with one or more port(s)  412  (e.g., port  103  described above). 
         [0035]    Charging device  100  may include a detector  404 —e.g., a temperature sensor for monitoring thermal load, or a mechanism for detecting over-current or over-voltage or other improper charging conditions which would adversely affect the battery. Communication module  406  may include a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, cellular radio, Bluetooth radio, NFC radio, wireless local area network (WLAN) radio, GPS receiver, and antennas used by each for communicating data over various networks. Storage  408  may include one or more types of computer readable medium, such as RAM, optical storage devices, or flash memory, and may store an operating system, applications, and communication procedures. The power system/battery  410  may include a power management system, one or more power sources such as a battery and recharging system, AC, DC, a power status indicator, and the like. 
         [0036]    In certain embodiments, charging device  100  is in communication with a mobile device  422  via a network  420 . (In certain embodiments, charging device  100  is alternately or additionally in communication with a remote server (not shown in  FIG. 4 )). Network  420  may include a local area network (LAN), wired or wireless network, private or public network, or the internet. In one example, mobile device  422  may be used to monitor or control the activity state of charging device  100 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 5  shows three exemplary user interfaces for use in a system including a charging device  100 .  FIG. 5A  shows a user interface  500  displaying a list of firearms  504  available in a firearm remote monitoring system. In one embodiment of such a system, each firearm  504  is associated with a battery-powered accessory device, and the status of the battery for each device is shown using icons  506 . As shown, the accessory device associated with firearm  504   a  has greater charge remaining than firearm  504   b.  In certain embodiments, user interface  500  could further display the charging status for one or more accessory devices (e.g., charging, not charging, firearm/accessory co-localized with charging device  100  vs. separated from charging device, etc.). User interface  500  further includes an on-duty toggle  508  to control whether the system should monitor the associated firearms in “on duty mode” vs. “off duty mode”. For example, a user may desire an alert message to be provided to the user and additional recipients such as a supervisor when the firearm/accessory are separated from the charging device in “off duty mode”, because this may indicate that the firearm is potentially in use but is not authorized to be in use. Embodiments of the system may be configured to generate such a message. User interface  500  may further provide a drop-down menu  502  to access additional options, e.g., user interface  540  shown in  FIG. 5C . 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, selecting a particular firearm  504  in user interface  500  may display user interface  520 , shown in  FIG. 5B . User interface  520  may be used to register an accessory device  302  upon selecting register button  522 . Such an interface may be further modified to display additional information about the charging status for the accessory device  302  that is associated with firearm  504   a,  and/or the corresponding charging device  100 , as described above with respect to  FIG. 5A . User interface  520  may also display additional information about a firearm and its associated system components—e.g., accessory devices  302 , charging devices  100 , hub devices. A hub device may be a mobile device that is paired with or local to devices  302  and/or  100 , e.g., mobile device  422 . For example, the information may include the location of each component plotted on a map, the serial number or ID for the components, the user associated with each component, whether/how each component is connected to a network and/or links to other UIs for displaying such information, such as the interfaces shown in  FIGS. 6-7 ). 
         [0039]      FIG. 5C  shows an exemplary user interface  540  providing access to a home link  542 , an events link  544  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 7 ), a range link  546  concerning a gun range, and a map link  548  for accessing a display of the locations of system components (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 6-7 ). 
         [0040]      FIG. 6  shows an exemplary user interface  600  for use in a system including a charging device  100 . Such an interface may be used for displaying the locations of system components (e.g., a firearm and associated accessory devices  302  and charging devices  100 ). Panel  602  provides a listing of two users  604   a  and  604   b;  components associated with those users are displayed on a map in panel  620 . Panel  602  further provides a link  606  to add an additional user to the display, and a link  608  to access an event feed (see  FIG. 7 ). Toggle  610  controls a map centering option and toggle  612  controls whether the display in panel  620  updates to display live information or stops refreshing. 
         [0041]    Map panel  620  marks the location of the components associated with the users on the map using location markers  624 . The map may be stylized as shown, or may constitute a satellite photograph. A user may adjust the scale of the map using controls  626 . Additional information associated with the components at each location  624  is displayed in an overlay window  622 . For example, the overlay window  622  provides information about (1) the user associated with the component(s) at the location; (2) the time stamp associated with the information; (3) the coordinates of the location; (4) the accuracy/error estimate for the location; (5) information about the network type, strength, and operator; (6) hub device battery status. In certain embodiments, additional information about charging status could be provided as well. 
         [0042]      FIG. 7  shows an exemplary user interface  700  for use in a system including a charging device  100 . User interface  700  may be used to view an event feed (panel  702 ) alongside the locations associated with each event (displayed in panel  710 , showing a satellite image for the map). Panel  702  may display individual events  706  (e.g., status change from “Weapon active” to “Weapon charging”, or the reverse, or simply a list of the status for each component being monitored each time it is reported by a hub device or directly from another component such as a charging device  100 ), along with additional information such as the associated user name, a time stamp, and the event type. Events may be associated with icons  708  to quickly indicate the category of event. An event feed may be manually refreshed using a control  704 —for example, in certain embodiments, this may cause the system to poll each component to report its current status, or in other embodiments, it may update the list of components being tracked and/or displayed in user interface  700 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram showing exemplary data flows for an exemplary system  800 . In certain embodiments, data regarding the status of a component may be generated at charging device  100 , accessory device  302 , and/or mobile device/hub  422 . In certain embodiments, this data may be shared between components of the system (e.g., charging device  100 , accessory device  302 , mobile device  422 ) on a local area network such as a Bluetooth network even in the absence of a wireless connection providing communication with geographically remote devices (e.g., the device executing web client  802  or computing device  808  hosting server  810 ). 
         [0044]    In certain embodiments, mobile device  422  may be a radio, such as a police radio, and web client  802  may be executed at a command and control center (e.g., for police, military, or security professionals). 
         [0045]    All components of the system  800  are directly or indirectly connected using a combination of communication protocols represented by network  804 . Network  804  may include a LAN, wired or wireless network, private or public network, or the internet, including wireless communication protocols such as General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), 3G, 4G, Long Term Evolution (LTE) protocols, and communication standards such as Project 25 (P25), Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA), and satellite and/or field radio protocols. 
         [0046]    In certain embodiments, one or more computing devices  806  hosts a server  810 , such as an HTTP server, and an application  812  that implements aspects of the remote monitoring system (e.g., a situational intelligence platform). For example, status-related files and/or user account information may be stored in data store  816 . Application  814  may support an Application Programming Interface (API)  812  providing external access to methods for accessing data store  816 . In certain embodiments, client applications running on on client devices  100 ,  302 ,  422 , and  802  may access API  812  via server  810  using protocols such as HTTP or FTP. 
         [0047]      FIG. 9  is a flow chart depicting an exemplary process  900  for charging a firearm accessory. The process begins when a charging device  100  is received into a magazine chamber of a firearm ( 902 ). The charging device  100  may automatically detect it has been inserted into the magazine and/or is in position to charge an accessory, and activate charging ( 904 ). In certain embodiments, if the charging device  100  has a low battery or is not plugged into a power source, charging device  100  or accessory device  302  may provide an error message to mobile device  422  or computing device  806 . While the accessory is being charged, charging device  100  or accessory device  302  may provide a status message to mobile device  422  or computing device  806  on a regular basis ( 906 ). For example, the charging device  100  or accessory device  302  may report charging status every second, every 5 seconds, every 30 seconds, every minute, every 5 minutes, or every 15 minutes. In certain embodiments, mobile device  422  or computing device  806  may poll the status of charging device  100  or accessory device  302  every second, every 5 seconds, every 30 seconds, every minute, every 5 minutes, or every 15 minutes. When accessory device  302  is fully charged, charging device  100  automatically deactivates charging ( 908 ). In certain embodiments, the system components continue to receive charging status updates before and/or after the charging process is active. 
         [0048]    In certain embodiments, an instruction to activate or deactivate charging may be received from mobile device  422  or computing device  806 . Such a request may be initiated by web client  802 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 10  is a block diagram showing an exemplary mobile computing device (e.g., mobile device  422 ). The device  1000  may have a memory  1002  which may include one or more types of computer readable medium, such as RAM, optical storage devices, or flash memory. Memory  1002  may store an operating system, applications, and communication procedures. Device  1000  may include one or more data processors, image processors, or central processing units  1004 . Device  1000  may include peripherals interface coupled to RF module  1006 , audio processor  1008 , touch sensitive display  1016 , other input modules/devices  1018 , accelerometer  1020  and optical sensor  1022 . 
         [0050]    RF module  1006  may include a cellular radio, Bluetooth radio, NFC radio, WLAN radio, GPS receiver, and antennas used by each for communicating data over various networks. 
         [0051]    Audio processor  1008  may be coupled to a speaker  1010  and microphone  1012 . Touch sensitive display  1016  receives touch-based input. Other input modules or devices  1018  may include, for example, a stylus, voice recognition via microphone  1012 , or an external keyboard. 
         [0052]    Accelerometer  1020  may be capable of detecting changes in orientation of the device, or movements due to the gait of a user. Optical sensor  1022  may sense ambient light conditions, and acquire still images and video. 
         [0053]      FIG. 11  is a block diagram showing an exemplary computing system  1100  that is representative any of the computer systems or electronic devices discussed herein. Note, not all of the various computer systems have all of the features of system  1100 . For example, systems may not include a display inasmuch as the display function may be provided by a client computer communicatively coupled to the computer system or a display function may be unnecessary. 
         [0054]    System  1100  includes a bus  1106  or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a processor  1104  coupled with the bus  1106  for processing information. Computer system  1100  also includes a main memory  1102 , such as a random access memory or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus  1106  for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor  1104 . Main memory  1102  also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor  1104 . 
         [0055]    System  1100  includes a read only memory  1108  or other static storage device coupled to the bus  1106  for storing static information and instructions for the processor  1104 . A storage device  1110 , which may be one or more of a hard disk, flash memory-based storage medium, magnetic tape or other magnetic storage medium, a compact disc (CD)-ROM, a digital versatile disk (DVD)-ROM, or other optical storage medium, or any other storage medium from which processor  1104  can read, is provided and coupled to the bus  1106  for storing information and instructions (e.g., operating systems, applications programs and the like). 
         [0056]    Computer system  1100  may be coupled via the bus  1106  to a display  1112  for displaying information to a computer user. An input device such as keyboard  1114 , mouse  1116 , or other input devices  1118  may be coupled to the bus  1106  for communicating information and command selections to the processor  1104 . 
         [0057]    The processes referred to herein may be implemented by processor  1104  executing appropriate sequences of computer-readable instructions contained in main memory  1104 . Such instructions may be read into main memory  1104  from another computer-readable medium, such as storage device  1110 , and execution of the sequences of instructions contained in the main memory  1104  causes the processor  1104  to perform the associated actions. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry or firmware-controlled processing units (e.g., field programmable gate arrays) may be used in place of or in combination with processor  1104  and its associated computer software instructions to implement the invention. The computer-readable instructions may be rendered in any computer language including, without limitation, Objective C, C#, C/C++, Java, assembly language, markup languages (e.g., HTML, XML), and the like. In general, all of the aforementioned terms are meant to encompass any series of logical steps performed in a sequence to accomplish a given purpose, which is the hallmark of any computer-executable application. Unless specifically stated otherwise, it should be appreciated that throughout the description of the present invention, use of terms such as “processing”, “computing”, “calculating”, “determining”, “displaying”, “receiving”, “transmitting” or the like, refer to the action and processes of an appropriately programmed computer system, such as computer system  1100  or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within its registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within its memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices. 
         [0058]      FIG. 12  illustrates a computer system  1200  from the point of view of its software architecture. Computer system  1200  may be any of the electronic devices or, with appropriate applications comprising a software application layer  1202 , may be a computer system for use with the monitoring system described herein. The various hardware components of computer system  1200  are represented as a hardware layer  1208 . An operating system  1206  abstracts the hardware layer and acts as a host for various applications  1204 , that run on computer system  1200 . The operating system may host a web browser application  1204   y,  which may provide access for the user interfaces, etc. 
         [0059]    The foregoing description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein. 
         [0060]    In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” and the like are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7