Patent ID: 12194534

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, embodiments of the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly known and understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure relates. The term “or” is used herein in both the alternative and conjunctive sense, unless otherwise indicated. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Still further, to facilitate the understanding of this disclosure, a number of terms are defined below. Terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to the present disclosure. Terms such as “a”, “an” and “the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the disclosure, but their usage does not delimit the disclosure, except as outlined in the claims.

The term “three-dimensional structures” and the like as used herein refer generally to intended or actually fabricated three-dimensional configurations (e.g., of structural material or materials) that are intended to be used for a particular purpose. Such structures, etc. may, for example, be designed with the aid of a three-dimensional CAD system.

The term “electron beam” as used herein in various embodiments refers to any charged particle beam. The sources of charged particle beam can include an electron gun, a linear accelerator and so on.

FIG.1shows a flow chart schematically illustrating one example embodiment of a method for controlling an energy beam.

The method described hereinafter is performed in an additive manufacturing (AM) machine. Thus, the method is implemented when forming a three-dimensional article layer by layer by successive fusion of selected areas of powder layers, which selected areas correspond to successive layers of the three-dimensional article. The equipment for melting the powder can be any suitable device for transferring energy by means of an energy beam to the selected areas, such as an electron beam source or laser beam source.

The method for controlling an energy beam comprises the step100of radiating a powder layer by the energy beam and the step200of creating a set of images of the powder layer for a set of positions on the powder layer by detecting particles emitted, backscattered or reflected from the powder layer when being radiated. Further, the method comprises the step300of comparing data representing the set of images and reference data with each other for identifying a difference between the energy beam when used on the powder layer and the reference data, with respect to at least one energy beam parameter, and the step400of adjusting the energy beam based on such an identified difference between the energy beam when used on the powder layer and the reference data.

It should be stressed that such radiation by the energy beam is performed with a relatively low energy beam power and/or a relatively high scanning speed of the energy beam along the powder layer surface for avoiding the powder to be melted. As soon as the energy beam quality has been verified by the method, the energy beam power can be adapted to a subsequent melting procedure. By using a high scanning speed, a relatively high power level utilized in the subsequent melting procedure can be used for creating the images. The set of images can be created while moving the energy beam for pre-heating the powder layer, and in some embodiments, the set of images is created after raking of the powder layer. After raking is here meant after that a new powder layer has been formed and prepared for a subsequent melting of selected areas of the powder layer.

In the example embodiment schematically illustrated inFIG.1, the method also comprises the step100′ of radiating a reference powder layer by the energy beam and the step200′ of creating a set of reference images of the reference powder layer for a set of positions on the reference powder layer by detecting particles emitted, backscattered or reflected from the reference powder layer when being radiated. This set of reference images is then used in the comparing step300or in other words; the reference data used in the comparing step300represents the set of reference images created in the reference image creating step200′.

This means that the radiating step100′ and the reference image creating step200′ are suitably performed initially when the energy beam is assumed to have a sufficient quality, and the radiating step100, image creating step200, comparing step300and the adjusting step400are performed later on when it can be assumed that the energy beam quality may have been deteriorated.

For example, the set of reference images is created after, and in some embodiments, immediately after calibration of the energy beam has been performed, and before starting to melt the powder for forming the three-dimensional article. The set of reference images can be created after raking of the reference powder layer while moving the energy beam for pre-heating the reference powder layer.

It should be stressed that the reference powder layer can be a powder layer to be used for forming the three-dimensional article.

The reference images can provide information about energy beam parameters for the current energy beam, such as the energy beam spot size and energy beam spot shape, to be used as set-point values when adjusting the energy beam.

When reference images are used, the method may comprise the step of selecting the set of positions on the powder layer and the set of positions on the reference powder layer such that they have same coordinates in a coordinate system of the AM machine.

In another example embodiment of the method, another reference data could be used. For example, instead of creating reference images, set-point values could be selected for the energy beam spot size and/or energy beam spot shape based on the material of the powder, the powder fraction distribution, the desired resolution in the melting procedure, etc.

The method can comprise the step of comparing the data representing the set of images and the reference data with each other with respect to focus. Since focus in the images and the energy beam spot size have a derivable relationship, one way of controlling the focus of the energy beam is adjustment of the energy beam spot size. The method is suitably repeated or iterated for continuously correct for any spot size deviation and adjust the spot size towards the set-value. For example, the spot diameter of the energy beam can be determined from a frequency spectrum resulting from frequency analysis of the images and be compared with reference data.

The method can comprise the step of comparing the data representing the set of images and the reference data with each other with respect to astigmatism. Since astigmatism in the images and the energy beam spot shape have a derivable relationship, one way of controlling the energy beam is adjustment of the energy beam spot shape. The method is suitably repeated or iterated for continuously correct for any spot shape deviation and adjust the spot shape towards the set-value. For example, the spot shape of the energy beam can be determined from a frequency spectrum resulting from frequency analysis of the images and be compared with reference data. In this case the roundness or ellipticity of the energy beam spot is determined.

Thus, by the method an automatic focusing and/or astigmatism correction function can be obtained for continuously improve or maintain the quality of the energy beam.

InFIG.2an arrangement1for an AM machine is schematically illustrated. The arrangement1comprises a control unit2for controlling an electron beam3, and a particle detector device4. Further, an electron beam source5for providing the electron beam3is schematically illustrated. A powder layer6is radiated by the electron beam3and a set of images of the powder layer6is created for a set of positions on the powder layer by detecting particles from the radiated powder layer6by the particle detector device4. The detected particles can be emitted or back-scattered electrons, x-rays or photons as previously described hereinabove.

The control unit2is configured to compare data representing the set of images and reference data with each other for identifying a difference between the electron beam3when used on the powder layer6and the reference data, with respect to at least one electron beam parameter, and to adjust the electron beam3based on such an identified difference between the electron beam3when used on the powder layer6and the reference data.

The electron beam source5can be designed in a way well known to the person skilled in the art. The electron beam source5may have an electron gun7with an emitter electrode which is connected to a high voltage circuit and a current source for accelerating electrons and releasing electrons from the emitter electrode. These electrons form the electron beam3. The electron beam source7has also focus coils8, stigmator coils9and deflection coils10for focusing and directing the electron beam3on various positions of the powder layer surface. The electron beam source5has further focus amplifiers, stigmator amplifiers and deflection amplifiers11connected to the focus coils8, stigmator coils9and the deflection coils10, respectively.

The coils8,9,10and the amplifiers (shown as one component)11are schematically illustrated inFIG.2. The control unit2controls the electron beam3by transmitting signals to the coils8,9,10via the amplifiers11. Hereby, the electron beam3can be adjusted.

The detected particles can be for example back-scattered electrons originating from the electron beam source or secondary electrons emitted from the material of the powder layer. The particle detector device4may use any suitable equipment for detecting electrons. For example, the particle detector device4can have an additional bias voltage for selective detection of the electrons. The particle detector device can generate data signals to be transmitted to the control unit. The data can be further processed and utilized for creating images for comparing with the reference data.

It would also be possible to use a photon detector device, since photons can be emitted from the powder layer as a physical reaction to the target materials intrinsic interaction with the absorbed energy from the electron beam. In such a case, a photon detector device may use any suitable equipment, such as for example photodiode, phototransistor, CCD, CMOS, PMT or similar.

The control unit2may comprise one or more microprocessors and/or one or more memory devices or any other components for executing computer programs to perform the method. The control unit may comprise an image processing unit, which may include a frequency analysis calculation unit. Thus, the control unit may be provided with a computer program for performing all steps of any embodiment of the method described hereinabove. The control unit can be a separate component or be integrated in another controller.

In addition to control the equipment for focus, astigmatism and deflection, the control unit can be arranged to control one or more parameters of the energy beam source, such as the energy beam current, the energy beam power, the temperature of the cathode, etc. The control unit can be part of a controller used also for other functions of the AM machine, such as movement of the build table, control of a powder distribution device, etc.

The arrangement1for an AM machine and the control unit2itself can be combined with any of the features disclosed hereinabove, for example discussed with reference to the method and/or related to the AM machine.

FIG.3shows an example of an SEM-image of a powder layer surface with high resolution making the powder particulates visible, andFIGS.4A,4B and4Cshow SEM-images of the same powder layer surface created with different electron beams.

InFIG.4A, a Gaussian beam with FWHM 50 μm is used. InFIG.4B, a Gaussian beam with FWHM 80 μm is used and inFIG.4C, a Gaussian beam in 2D with FWHM 40 μm and 80 μm is used.

These Gaussian electron beams are shown inFIGS.3A,3B and3C.

For creating the data representing the SEM-images, frequency analysis can be applied on the SEM-images. In some embodiments, Fourier analysis may be used in the frequency analysis. InFIGS.5A,5B and5Cspatial frequency spectrums from Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the SEM-images inFIGS.4A,4B and4Care illustrated.

The pattern of the spatial frequency spectrum is correlated to the spot size and spot shape of the electron beam. InFIGS.5A,5B and5C, a white dotted line has been added for illustration purposes only. Thus, the spot size and spot shape of the electron beam can be derived from the spatial frequency spectrum and be compared with the corresponding reference data.

In case a difference between the electron beam calculated from one or more SEM-images and the reference data, with respect to at least one electron beam parameter, such as the spot size and/or spot shape, the electron beam can be adjusted based on such an identified difference between the electron beam when used on the powder layer and the reference data.

InFIG.6a further example embodiment of an arrangement1′ for an AM machine is schematically illustrated. The arrangement1′ comprises a control unit2′ for controlling a laser beam3′, and a particle detector device4′ in form of a photon detector device. Further, a laser beam source5′ for providing the laser beam3′ is schematically illustrated. A powder layer6′ is radiated by the laser beam3′ and a set of images of the powder layer6′ is created for a set of positions on the powder layer6′ by detecting photons emitted or reflected from the radiated powder layer6′ by the photon detector device4′.

The control unit2′ is configured to compare data representing the set of images and reference data with each other for identifying a difference between the laser beam when used on the powder layer and the reference data, with respect to at least one laser beam parameter, and to adjust the laser beam3′ based on such an identified difference between the laser beam when used on the powder layer and the reference data.

The laser beam source5′ can be designed in a way well known to the person skilled in the art. The laser beam source5′ may have a laser emitter7′ for emitting photons. These photons form the laser beam3′. The laser beam source5′ has also focus units8′, stigmator units9′ and deflection units10′ for focusing and directing the laser beam3′ on various positions of the powder layer surface. The focus and stigmator units8′,9′ can comprise an actuator11′ and a driver12′ for adjustment of the actuator11′. The focus and stigmator actuators are suitably lenses11′. The deflection unit10′ can comprise a deflection actuator13′ and a deflection driver14′ for controlling the movement of the deflection actuator13′. The deflection actuators are suitably mirrors13′.

The focus units8′, stigmator units9′ and deflection units10′ are schematically illustrated inFIG.6. The control unit2′ controls the laser beam by transmitting signals to the focus, stigmator and deflection drivers. Hereby, the laser beam3′ can be adjusted.

The detected photons can be reflected or backscattered photons originating from the laser beam. The photon detector device4′ may use any suitable equipment, such as for example photodiode, phototransistor, CCD, CMOS, PMT or similar. The photon detector device can generate data signals to be transmitted to the control unit. The data can be further processed and utilized for creating images for comparing with the reference data.

In another aspect, there is provided a program element configured and arranged when executed on a computer (e.g., via a computer program) to implement the methods and to configure the apparatuses described herein. The program element may be installed in a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium may be the control unit described elsewhere herein or another control unit. The computer readable storage medium and the program element, which may comprise computer-readable program code portions embodied therein, may further be contained within a computer program product or a computer program, as described previously.

As mentioned, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in various ways, including as computer program products. A computer program product may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing applications, programs, program modules, scripts, source code, program code, object code, byte code, compiled code, interpreted code, machine code, executable instructions, and/or the like (also referred to herein as executable instructions, instructions for execution, program code, and/or similar terms used herein interchangeably). Such non-transitory computer-readable storage media include all computer-readable media (including volatile and non-volatile media).

In one embodiment, a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium may include a floppy disk, flexible disk, hard disk, solid-state storage (SSS) (e.g., a solid state drive (SSD), solid state card (SSC), solid state module (SSM)), enterprise flash drive, magnetic tape, or any other non-transitory magnetic medium, and/or the like. A non-volatile computer-readable storage medium may also include a punch card, paper tape, optical mark sheet (or any other physical medium with patterns of holes or other optically recognizable indicia), compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), compact disc compact disc-rewritable (CD-RW), digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc (BD), any other non-transitory optical medium, and/or the like. Such a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium may also include read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory (e.g., Serial, NAND, NOR, and/or the like), multimedia memory cards (MMC), secure digital (SD) memory cards, SmartMedia cards, CompactFlash (CF) cards, Memory Sticks, and/or the like. Further, a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium may also include conductive-bridging random access memory (CBRAM), phase-change random access memory (PRAM), ferroelectric random-access memory (FeRAM), non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM), magnetoresistive random-access memory (MRAM), resistive random-access memory (RRAM), Silicon-Oxide-Nitride-Oxide-Silicon memory (SONOS), floating junction gate random access memory (FJG RAM), Millipede memory, racetrack memory, and/or the like.

In one embodiment, a volatile computer-readable storage medium may include random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), fast page mode dynamic random access memory (FPM DRAM), extended data-out dynamic random access memory (EDO DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), double data rate type two synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR2 SDRAM), double data rate type three synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR3 SDRAM), Rambus dynamic random access memory (RDRAM), Twin Transistor RAM (TTRAM), Thyristor RAM (T-RAM), Zero-capacitor (Z-RAM), Rambus in-line memory module (RIMM), dual in-line memory module (DIMM), single in-line memory module (SIMM), video random access memory VRAM, cache memory (including various levels), flash memory, register memory, and/or the like. It will be appreciated that where embodiments are described to use a computer-readable storage medium, other types of computer-readable storage media may be substituted for or used in addition to the computer-readable storage media described above.

As should be appreciated, various embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented as methods, apparatus, systems, computing devices, computing entities, and/or the like, as have been described elsewhere herein. As such, embodiments of the present disclosure may take the form of an apparatus, system, computing device, computing entity, and/or the like executing instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium to perform certain steps or operations. However, embodiments of the present disclosure may also take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment performing certain steps or operations.

Various embodiments are described below with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of apparatuses, methods, systems, and computer program products. It should be understood that each block of any of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively, may be implemented in part by computer program instructions, e.g., as logical steps or operations executing on a processor in a computing system. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer, such as a special purpose computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a specifically-configured machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus implement the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including computer-readable instructions for implementing the functionality specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide operations for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations support various combinations for performing the specified functions, combinations of operations for performing the specified functions and program instructions for performing the specified functions. It should also be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, could be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions or operations, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

FIG.7is a block diagram of an exemplary system1320that can be used in conjunction with various embodiments of the present disclosure. In at least the illustrated embodiment, the system1320may include one or more central computing devices1110, one or more distributed computing devices1120, and one or more distributed handheld or mobile devices1300, all configured in communication with a central server1200(or control unit) via one or more networks1130. WhileFIG.7illustrates the various system entities as separate, standalone entities, the various embodiments are not limited to this particular architecture.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more networks1130may be capable of supporting communication in accordance with any one or more of a number of second-generation (2G), 2.5G, third-generation (3G), and/or fourth-generation (4G) mobile communication protocols, or the like. More particularly, the one or more networks130may be capable of supporting communication in accordance with 2G wireless communication protocols IS-136 (TDMA), GSM, and IS-95 (CDMA). Also, for example, the one or more networks1130may be capable of supporting communication in accordance with 2.5G wireless communication protocols GPRS, Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), or the like. In addition, for example, the one or more networks130may be capable of supporting communication in accordance with 3G wireless communication protocols such as Universal Mobile Telephone System (UMTS) network employing Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) radio access technology. Some narrow-band AMPS (NAMPS), as well as TACS, network(s) may also benefit from embodiments of the present disclosure, as should dual or higher mode mobile stations (e.g., digital/analog or TDMA/CDMA/analog phones). As yet another example, each of the components of the system1320may be configured to communicate with one another in accordance with techniques such as, for example, radio frequency (RF), Bluetooth™, infrared (IrDA), or any of a number of different wired or wireless networking techniques, including a wired or wireless Personal Area Network (“PAN”), Local Area Network (“LAN”), Metropolitan Area Network (“MAN”), Wide Area Network (“WAN”), or the like.

Although the device(s)1110-3100are illustrated inFIG.7as communicating with one another over the same network1130, these devices may likewise communicate over multiple, separate networks.

According to one embodiment, in addition to receiving data from the server1200, the distributed devices1110,1120, and/or1300may be further configured to collect and transmit data on their own. In various embodiments, the devices1110,1120, and/or1300may be capable of receiving data via one or more input units or devices, such as a keypad, touchpad, barcode scanner, radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, interface card (e.g., modem, etc.) or receiver. The devices1110,1120, and/or1300may further be capable of storing data to one or more volatile or non-volatile memory modules, and outputting the data via one or more output units or devices, for example, by displaying data to the user operating the device, or by transmitting data, for example over the one or more networks1130.

In various embodiments, the server1200includes various systems for performing one or more functions in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, including those more particularly shown and described herein. It should be understood, however, that the server1200might include a variety of alternative devices for performing one or more like functions, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, at least a portion of the server1200, in certain embodiments, may be located on the distributed device(s)1110,1120, and/or the handheld or mobile device(s)1300, as may be desirable for particular applications. As will be described in further detail below, in at least one embodiment, the handheld or mobile device(s)1300may contain one or more mobile applications1330which may be configured so as to provide a user interface for communication with the server1200, all as will be likewise described in further detail below.

FIG.8is a schematic diagram of the server1200according to various embodiments. The server1200includes a processor1230that communicates with other elements within the server via a system interface or bus1235. Also included in the server1200is a display/input device1250for receiving and displaying data. This display/input device1250may be, for example, a keyboard or pointing device that is used in combination with a monitor. The server1200further includes memory1220, which typically includes both read only memory (ROM)1226and random access memory (RAM)1222. The server's ROM1226is used to store a basic input/output system1224(BIOS), containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within the server1200. Various ROM and RAM configurations have been previously described herein.

In addition, the server1200includes at least one storage device or program storage1210, such as a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a CD Rom drive, or optical disk drive, for storing information on various computer-readable media, such as a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, or a CD-ROM disk. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, each of these storage devices1210are connected to the system bus1235by an appropriate interface. The storage devices1210and their associated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage for a personal computer. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the computer-readable media described above could be replaced by any other type of computer-readable media known in the art. Such media include, for example, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks, and Bernoulli cartridges.

Although not shown, according to an embodiment, the storage device1210and/or memory of the server1200may further provide the functions of a data storage device, which may store historical and/or current delivery data and delivery conditions that may be accessed by the server1200. In this regard, the storage device1210may comprise one or more databases. The term “database” refers to a structured collection of records or data that is stored in a computer system, such as via a relational database, hierarchical database, or network database and as such, should not be construed in a limiting fashion.

A number of program modules (e.g., exemplary modules1400-1700) comprising, for example, one or more computer-readable program code portions executable by the processor1230, may be stored by the various storage devices1210and within RAM1222. Such program modules may also include an operating system1280. In these and other embodiments, the various modules1400,1500,1600,1700control certain aspects of the operation of the server1200with the assistance of the processor1230and operating system1280. In still other embodiments, it should be understood that one or more additional and/or alternative modules may also be provided, without departing from the scope and nature of the present disclosure.

In various embodiments, the program modules1400,1500,1600,1700are executed by the server1200and are configured to generate one or more graphical user interfaces, reports, instructions, and/or notifications/alerts, all accessible and/or transmittable to various users of the system1320. In certain embodiments, the user interfaces, reports, instructions, and/or notifications/alerts may be accessible via one or more networks1130, which may include the Internet or other feasible communications network, as previously discussed.

In various embodiments, it should also be understood that one or more of the modules1400,1500,1600,1700may be alternatively and/or additionally (e.g., in duplicate) stored locally on one or more of the devices1110,1120, and/or1300and may be executed by one or more processors of the same. According to various embodiments, the modules1400,1500,1600,1700may send data to, receive data from, and utilize data contained in one or more databases, which may be comprised of one or more separate, linked and/or networked databases.

Also located within the server1200is a network interface1260for interfacing and communicating with other elements of the one or more networks1130. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that one or more of the server1200components may be located geographically remotely from other server components. Furthermore, one or more of the server1200components may be combined, and/or additional components performing functions described herein may also be included in the server.

While the foregoing describes a single processor1230, as one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, the server1200may comprise multiple processors operating in conjunction with one another to perform the functionality described herein. In addition to the memory1220, the processor1230can also be connected to at least one interface or other means for displaying, transmitting and/or receiving data, content or the like. In this regard, the interface(s) can include at least one communication interface or other means for transmitting and/or receiving data, content or the like, as well as at least one user interface that can include a display and/or a user input interface, as will be described in further detail below. The user input interface, in turn, can comprise any of a number of devices allowing the entity to receive data from a user, such as a keypad, a touch display, a joystick or other input device.

Still further, while reference is made to the “server”1200, as one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to traditionally defined server architectures. Still further, the system of embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited to a single server, or similar network entity or mainframe computer system. Other similar architectures including one or more network entities operating in conjunction with one another to provide the functionality described herein may likewise be used without departing from the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, a mesh network of two or more personal computers (PCs), similar electronic devices, or handheld portable devices, collaborating with one another to provide the functionality described herein in association with the server200may likewise be used without departing from the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to various embodiments, many individual steps of a process may or may not be carried out utilizing the computer systems and/or servers described herein, and the degree of computer implementation may vary, as may be desirable and/or beneficial for one or more particular applications.

FIG.9provides an illustrative schematic representative of a mobile device1300that can be used in conjunction with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Mobile devices1300can be operated by various parties. As shown inFIG.9, a mobile device1300may include an antenna1312, a transmitter1304(e.g., radio), a receiver1306(e.g., radio), and a processing element1308that provides signals to and receives signals from the transmitter1304and receiver1306, respectively.

The signals provided to and received from the transmitter1304and the receiver1306, respectively, may include signaling data in accordance with an air interface standard of applicable wireless systems to communicate with various entities, such as the server1200, the distributed devices1110,1120, and/or the like. In this regard, the mobile device1300may be capable of operating with one or more air interface standards, communication protocols, modulation types, and access types. More particularly, the mobile device1300may operate in accordance with any of a number of wireless communication standards and protocols. In a particular embodiment, the mobile device1300may operate in accordance with multiple wireless communication standards and protocols, such as GPRS, UMTS, CDMA2000, 1xRTT, WCDMA, TD-SCDMA, LTE, E-UTRAN, EVDO, HSPA, HSDPA, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, UWB, IR protocols, Bluetooth protocols, USB protocols, and/or any other wireless protocol.

Via these communication standards and protocols, the mobile device1300may according to various embodiments communicate with various other entities using concepts such as Unstructured Supplementary Service data (USSD), Short Message Service (SMS), Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency Signaling (DTMF), and/or Subscriber Identity Module Dialer (SIM dialer). The mobile device300can also download changes, add-ons, and updates, for instance, to its firmware, software (e.g., including executable instructions, applications, program modules), and operating system.

According to one embodiment, the mobile device1300may include a location determining device and/or functionality. For example, the mobile device1300may include a GPS module adapted to acquire, for example, latitude, longitude, altitude, geocode, course, and/or speed data. In one embodiment, the GPS module acquires data, sometimes known as ephemeris data, by identifying the number of satellites in view and the relative positions of those satellites.

The mobile device1300may also comprise a user interface (that can include a display1316coupled to a processing element1308) and/or a user input interface (coupled to a processing element1308). The user input interface can comprise any of a number of devices allowing the mobile device300to receive data, such as a keypad1318(hard or soft), a touch display, voice or motion interfaces, or other input device. In embodiments including a keypad1318, the keypad can include (or cause display of) the conventional numeric (0-9) and related keys (#, *), and other keys used for operating the mobile device1300and may include a full set of alphabetic keys or set of keys that may be activated to provide a full set of alphanumeric keys. In addition to providing input, the user input interface can be used, for example, to activate or deactivate certain functions, such as screen savers and/or sleep modes.

The mobile device1300can also include volatile storage or memory1322and/or non-volatile storage or memory1324, which can be embedded and/or may be removable. For example, the non-volatile memory may be ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, MMCs, SD memory cards, Memory Sticks, CBRAM, PRAM, FeRAM, RRAM, SONOS, racetrack memory, and/or the like. The volatile memory may be RAM, DRAM, SRAM, FPM DRAM, EDO DRAM, SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, RDRAM, RIMM, DIMM, SIMM, VRAM, cache memory, register memory, and/or the like. The volatile and non-volatile storage or memory can store databases, database instances, database mapping systems, data, applications, programs, program modules, scripts, source code, object code, byte code, compiled code, interpreted code, machine code, executable instructions, and/or the like to implement the functions of the mobile device1300.

The mobile device1300may also include one or more of a camera1326and a mobile application1330. The camera1326may be configured according to various embodiments as an additional and/or alternative data collection feature, whereby one or more items may be read, stored, and/or transmitted by the mobile device1300via the camera. The mobile application1330may further provide a feature via which various tasks may be performed with the mobile device1300. Various configurations may be provided, as may be desirable for one or more users of the mobile device1300and the system1320as a whole.

It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.