Patent ID: 12231987

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

The present technology enables determining the location of client devices via radio scanning for triggered orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (“OFDMA”) uplinks. In Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 wireless network deployments, access points are configured for multi-user, multiple input, multiple output, and OFDMA transmissions. As OFDMA multiplexing enables parallel transmissions from multiple devices simultaneously, access points within the wireless network are unable to map an OFDMA uplink to different client devices to determine the location of the client devices. Accurate client device location is necessary for applications providing location-based services.

In an example embodiment, a first access point transmits a trigger frame on a particular channel to client devices, or stations, connected to the first access point. The trigger frame is a component of an OFDMA transmission in accordance with IEEE 802.11ax standards. The trigger frame is a downlink transmission from the first access point to each of the stations connected the first access point. The trigger frame is used to allocate resources for a subsequent multi-user OFDMA uplink transmission. The stations receive the trigger frame and determine a resource unit allocation for a subsequent multi-user OFDMA uplink transmission. In response to receiving the trigger frame, the stations transmit a multi-user OFDMA uplink to the first access point. The first access point receives the OFDMA uplink transmission from the stations. The process of sending trigger frames and receiving OFDMA uplinks is repeated in accordance with IEEE 802.11ax standards.

Occurring concurrently with the trigger frame and OFDMA uplink transmissions, neighboring access points scan for trigger frames. The neighboring access points perform a scan of the different channels in use in the wireless network for trigger frames. Upon detection of a trigger frame, the neighboring access points decode the trigger frame by associating a station identifier with each resource unit, determining a frequency allocation for each resource unit, and storing the associated station identifier and frequency allocation. The neighboring access points then receive the OFDMA uplink from the stations. As the neighboring access points have previously stored the associated station identifier and frequency allocation, the neighboring access points are able to determine which station identifier is transmitting on each frequency allocation.

The neighboring access points determine a received signal strength indicator value for each resource unit in the OFDMA uplink. The neighboring access points may be configured to determine a received signal strength indicator value or the neighboring access points may determine a received signal strength indicator value by performing a fast Fourier Transform capture.

The neighboring access points then transmit the received signal strength indicator values for each resource unit with the associated station identifier to the first access point. The first access point determines the location of each station. The first access point matches the station identifier for each resource unit to a MAC address. The first access point then maps each received signal strength indicator per resource unit to a distance value. The first access point determines a location of each station using the distance values and the locations of the neighboring access points by triangulation. After the determination of the location station, the first access point may transmit the location information to a server for location-based services. In an alternate example, the first access point may transmit the received signal strength indicator values for each MAC address to a server for station location calculations.

The present technology allows for determining the location of client devices via radio scanning for triggered orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (“OFDMA”) uplinks. In Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 wireless network deployments, access points within the wireless network are unable to map OFDMA uplinks to different client devices to determine the location of the client devices. Accurate client device location is necessary for applications such as location-based services. The present technology provides embodiments to determine client device locations in Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi wireless networks.

These and other aspects, objects, features, and advantages of the disclosed technology will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrated examples.

Example System Architecture

Turning now to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate like (but not necessarily identical) elements throughout the figures, examples of the technology are described in detail.

FIG.1is a block diagram depicting a wireless station location system100for Wi-Fi 6 network configurations, in accordance with certain examples. As depicted inFIG.1, the wireless station location system100comprises network99, location server110, and Wi-Fi 6 network120.

In example embodiments, network99includes one or more wired or wireless telecommunications systems by which network devices may exchange data. For example, the network99may include one or more of a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), an intranet, an Internet, a storage area network (SAN), a personal area network (PAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a virtual private network (VPN), a cellular or other mobile communication network, a BLUETOOTH® wireless technology connection, a near field communication (NFC) connection, any combination thereof, and any other appropriate architecture or system that facilitates the communication of signals, data, and/or messages. Throughout the discussion of example embodiments, it should be understood that the terms “data” and “information” are used interchangeably herein to refer to text, images, audio, video, or any other form of information that can exist in a computer-based environment.

Wireless station location system100comprises location server110. In an example, location server110is a server in communication with Wi-Fi 6 network120via network99. WhileFIG.1illustrates a single location server110, wireless station location system100may comprise multiple location servers110. In an example, location server110comprises one or more computing devices and executes applications and/or computer executable code to determine the location of stations140within Wi-Fi 6 network120.

Wi-Fi 6 network120is a wireless local area network (“WLAN”) that functions in accordance with the IEEE 802.11ax standard. Wi-Fi 6 network120supports Wi-Fi 6 functionality including multi-user, multiple input, multiple output (“MU-MIMO”) and orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (“OFDMA”) transmissions. OFDMA multiplexing is a method of data transmission where a single information stream is split among several closely spaced narrowband subchannel frequencies, also referred to as resource units (“RUs”), instead of a single wideband channel frequency.

Wi-Fi 6 network120comprises access points (“APs”)130-1through130-nand stations (“STAs”)140-1through140-n. APs130function to transmit and receive wireless (i.e., Wi-Fi) signals to and from devices within Wi-Fi 6 network120, such as STAs140. APs130support Wi-Fi 6 functionality including MU-MIMO and OFDMA transmissions. While APs130-1through130-nare depicted as similar devices inFIG.1, each AP130may be one of numerous different types of network hardware devices. Each AP130comprises one or more auxiliary radios and/or service channels for transmitting and receiving wireless signals. Each radio may have an internal antenna or both an internal and external antenna. The IEEE 802.11 standard designates the radio frequencies used by each AP130. Each AP130may connect to a router (not depicted inFIG.1) or may be a component of the router itself.

Each AP130comprises one or more auxiliary radios (“AUX”)135. Each AUX135is associated with a service channel for transmitting and receiving wireless signals. In an example, each AUX135is associated with a service channel for transmissions to STAs140.

Each AP130may comprise a location mapping stored in a memory of each of the APs130within Wi-Fi 6 network120. In an example, the location mapping of each of the APs130allows each AP130to triangulate distance values for STAs140to determine the location of STAs140.

Wi-Fi 6 network120comprises one or more STAs140. STAs140are computing devices capable of receiving and transmitting wireless signals. STA140may also be referred to as a wireless client, a client device, or a node. In an example, STAs140are devices with the capability to use the IEEE 802.11 protocol for wireless network communications. Each STA140can be a laptop, a desktop, a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), a Wi-Fi phone, an automated guided vehicle (“AGV”), an autonomous mobile robot (“AMR”), augmented reality (“AR”) or virtual reality (“VR”) headsets, Internet of things (“IoT”) devices, or any other devices with wireless communication capabilities. Each STA140can be fixed, mobile, or portable.

FIG.2is a block diagram depicting a wireless station location system200for Wi-Fi 7 network configurations, in accordance with certain examples. As depicted in FIG.2, the wireless station location system200comprises network99, location server110, and Wi-Fi 7 network220. Network99and location server110were previously described herein with reference toFIG.1.

In an example, location server110is a server in communication with Wi-Fi 7 network220via network99. WhileFIG.2illustrates a single location server110, wireless station location system200may comprise multiple location servers110. In an example, location server110comprises one or more computing devices and executes applications and/or computer executable code to determine the location of STAs140within Wi-Fi 7 network220.

Wi-Fi 7 network220is a wireless local area network (“WLAN”) that functions in accordance with the IEEE 802.11bc standard. Wi-Fi 7 network220supports Wi-Fi 7 functionality including MU-MIMO and OFDMA transmissions, as previously described herein with reference to Wi-Fi 6 network120. In addition, Wi-Fi 7 network220supports Multi-Link Operation (“MLO”), Multi-Access Point coordination, and scheduled channel access with 802.1 time sensitive networking (“TSN”) functionality.

Wi-Fi 7 network220comprises APs230-1through230-nand STAs140-1through140-n. APs230function to transmit and receive wireless (i.e., Wi-Fi) signals to and from devices within Wi-Fi 7 network220, such as STAs140. APs230support Wi-Fi 7 functionality including MU-MIMO, OFDMA, MLO, and multi-channel operation. MLO enables APs230to simultaneously transmit and receive across different bands and channels. While APs230-1through230-nare depicted as similar devices inFIG.2, each AP230may be one of numerous different types of network hardware devices. Each AP230comprises one or more auxiliary radios and/or service channels for transmitting and receiving wireless signals. Each radio may have an internal antenna or both an internal and external antenna. The IEEE 802.11 standard designates the radio frequencies used by each AP230. Each AP230may connect to a router (not depicted inFIG.2) or may be a component of the router itself.

Each AP230comprises a service channel (“SC”)231, and two or more auxiliary radios (“AUX”)232and233. Each AUX232and233has MLO capabilities. Each SC231is a channel within the Wi-Fi 7 320 MHz bandwidth for AP230to send and receive wireless transmissions within W-Fi 7 network220. Each AUX232and233has MLO functionality.

Each AP230may comprise a location mapping stored in a memory of each of the APs230within Wi-Fi 7 network220. In an example, the location mapping of each of the APs230allows each AP230to triangulate distance values for STAs140to determine the location of STAs140.

Wi-Fi 7 network220comprises one or more STAs140. STAs140were previously described herein with reference toFIG.1.

Wireless station location system100and wireless station location system200may comprise other devices such as routers, switches, modems, repeaters, and antennae that are not depicted inFIG.1orFIG.2.

The network computing devices and any other computing machines associated with the technology presented herein may be any type of computing machine, such as, but not limited to, those discussed in more detail with respect toFIG.7. For example, each device can include a server, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a television with one or more processors embedded therein and/or coupled thereto, a smart phone, a handheld computer, a PDA, a router, a switch, a hub, a gateway, a modem, an access point, a bridge, or any other wired or wireless processor-driven device. The computing machines discussed herein may communicate with one another, as well as with other computing machines or communication systems over one or more networks. Each network may include various types of data or communications networks, including any of the network technology discussed with respect toFIG.7.

Furthermore, any modules associated with any of these computing machines, such as modules described herein or any other modules (scripts, web content, software, firmware, or hardware) associated with the technology presented herein may be any of the modules discussed in more detail with respect toFIG.7.

The network connections illustrated are examples and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers and devices can be used. Moreover, those having ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure will appreciate that the devices illustrated inFIG.1andFIG.2may have any of several other suitable computer system configurations.

Example Processes

The methods illustrated inFIGS.3through6are described hereinafter with respect to the components of wireless station location systems100and200. The methods ofFIGS.3through6may also be performed with other systems and in other environments. The operations described with respect toFIGS.3through6can be implemented as executable code stored on a computer or machine readable non-transitory tangible storage medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, ROM, EEPROM, nonvolatile RAM, CD-ROM, etc.) that are completed based on execution of the code by a processor circuit implemented using one or more integrated circuits; the operations described herein also can be implemented as executable logic that is encoded in one or more non-transitory tangible media for execution (e.g., programmable logic arrays or devices, field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, application specific integrated circuits, etc.).

The methods ofFIGS.3through6describe determining the location of client devices, or stations, via radio scanning for triggered OFDMA uplinks. The methods ofFIGS.3through6describe determining the location of client devices by a first AP as an example embodiment. The methods ofFIGS.3through6can be performed concurrently and simultaneously by any of APs130or230of wireless station location systems100and200. In a first example, the methods ofFIGS.3through6are described herein in reference to wireless station location system100.

FIG.3is a block flow diagram depicting a method300for receiving signal strength indicator (“RSSI”) location tracking via radio scanning for triggered OFDMA uplinks, in accordance with certain examples. Method300proceeds in parallel paths to block305and block325.

In block305, a first AP130transmits a trigger frame on channel A to STAs140connected to first AP130. In a continuing example, the first AP130is AP130-1. In an example, channel A is a designated channel for AP130-1to send and receive wireless transmissions. The trigger frame is a component of an OFDMA transmission in accordance with IEEE 802.11ax standards. An example trigger frame is depicted inFIG.8.

The trigger frame is a downlink transmission from AP130-1to each of the STAs140connected to, or in communication with, AP130-1. The trigger frame may be used to allocate resources for a subsequent multi-user OFDMA uplink (“UL”) transmission. In an example, the trigger frame comprises an abbreviated station identifier (“STA ID”) for each STA140intended to receive the trigger frame transmission. The trigger frame also comprises an uplink frequency allocation, designated as a resource unit (“RU”), for each STA140.

In block310, STAs140receive the trigger frame from AP130-1. Upon receipt of the trigger frame, each STA140determines the RU allocation for a subsequent multi-user OFDMA UL transmission.

In block315, STAs140transmit an OFDMA UL to AP130-1. STAs140transmit the OFDMA UL simultaneously as a multi-user OFDMA UL transmission. In an example, the multi-user OFDMA UL transmission occurs at a designated period of time after the transmission of the trigger frame. In an example, the multi-user OFDMA UL transmission occurs 16 μs after the transmission the trigger frame.

In block320, AP130-1receives the OFDMA UL transmission from STAs140. From block320, the method300returns to blocks305and325, as part of the parallel paths of method300.

In block325, neighboring AP(s)130tune AUX135to channel A. In an example, neighboring APs130are APs130-2through130-nwithin Wi-Fi 6 network120. Each AP130-2through130-nhas a designated channel, other than channel A, to send and receive wireless transmissions. Each AP130-2through130-ntunes an associated AUX135-2through135-nto match the designated channel for AP130-1, i.e., channel A. APs130-2through130-ntune the associated AUX135-2through135-nto channel A to monitor for trigger frames and subsequent OFDMA UL transmissions. In an example, APs130scan for trigger frame transmissions from other APs130by tuning each AUX135to channels that match other APs130. In an example, AP130-2would scan channel A associated with AP130-1, then channel C associated with AP130-3, then the other channels associated with the other APs130for trigger frame transmissions.

In block330, neighboring APs130-2through130-nreceive the trigger frame from AP130-1.

In block335, neighboring APs130-2through130-ndecode the trigger frame. Block335is described in greater detail here with reference to method335ofFIG.4.

FIG.4is a block flow diagram depicting a method335for neighboring APs130-2through130-nto decode a trigger frame, in accordance with certain examples.

In block410, each neighboring AP130-2through130-nassociates a STA identifier (“STA ID”) with each RU in the trigger frame. As previously described herein, the trigger frame comprises a STA ID for each STA140intended to receive the downlink transmission and an uplink frequency allocation, designated as a resource unit (“RU”).

In block420, each neighboring AP130-2through130-ndetermines a frequency allocation for each RU. In an example, STA140-1may be designated a particular RU. The trigger frame comprises an uplink frequency allocation associated with each RU.

In block430, each neighboring AP130-2through130-nstores the associated STA ID and frequency allocation for each RU. From block430, the method335returns to block340ofFIG.3.

In block340, neighboring APs130-2through130-nreceive the OFDMA UL from STAs140. As previously described herein with reference to block315ofFIG.3, STAs140transmit the OFDMA UL simultaneously as a multi-user OFDMA UL transmission. As neighboring APs130-2through130-nhave previously stored the associated STA ID and frequency allocation for each RU, neighboring APs130-2through130-nare able to determine which STA ID is transmitting on each frequency allocation.

In block345, neighboring APs130-2through130-ndetermine an RSSI value for each RU in the OFDMA UL. Block345is described in greater detail herein with reference to method345ofFIG.5.

FIG.5is a block flow diagram depicting a method345for neighboring APs130-2through130-nto determine an RSSI value for each RU, in accordance with certain examples.

In block510, a determination is made if each of the neighboring APs130-2through130-nhas RSSI measurement capability. In an example, location server110has the capability to determine the functionality of each of the APs130within wireless station location system100. In an alternate example, a wireless network controller, not depicted inFIG.1orFIG.2, has the capability to determine the functionality of each of the APs130within wireless station location system100. In another example, a network operator determines the functionality of each of the APs130within wireless station location system100. Any suitable method may be used to determine if each of the neighboring APs130-2through130-nhas RSSI measurement capability.

In block520, for each AP130with RSSI measurement capability, the method proceeds to block530. In block530, each AP130with RSSI measurement capability measures the RSSI value for each RU in the OFDMA UL.

Returning to block520, for each AP130without RSSI measurement capability, the method proceeds to block540. In block540, each neighboring AP130-2through130-nwithout RSSI measurement capability schedules a Fast Fourier transform (“FFT”) of the OFDMA UL per RU for RSSI calculation. Based on the transmission of the trigger frame, each neighboring AP130-2through130-nwithout RSSI measurement capability knows the timing of the OFDMA UL. As previously described herein with reference to block315ofFIG.3, the multi-user OFDMA UL transmission occurs at a designated period of time after the transmission of the trigger frame. For example, the multi-user OFDMA UL transmission occurs 16 μs after the transmission of the trigger frame. Each neighboring AP130-2through130-nschedules a FFT capture to start 16 μs after the transmission of the trigger frame. In an example, a spectral scan of the OFDMA UL is scheduled at designated time periods beginning 16 μs after the transmission of the trigger frame. The spectral scan may be scheduled to occur every 1 μs, 2 μs, 3 μs, or any other suitable time period. The spectral scan may be used to provide sufficient snapshots of data in the time domain for the FFT capture. In an example, if the spectral scan is scheduled to occur every 3 μs, the FFT is performed every 3 μs for each RU in the OFDMA UL independently. In an alternate example, a continuous spectral scan is scheduled to occur 16 μs after the transmission of the trigger frame.

In block550, each neighboring AP130-2through130-n, without RSSI measurement capability, calculates an RSSI per RU using the FFT and frequency allocation in the trigger frame. In an example, the FFT captures in-phase data, Ii, and Quadrature data, Qi. In an example, the RSSI value for each RU may be calculated using the following equation:

RSSIi=1⁢0*log1⁢0(1n⁢∑1n(Ii2+Qi2),
example, the RSSI value may be adjusted for each RU based on a noise and a signal-to-noise (“SNR”) ratio. From block550, the method345returns to block350ofFIG.3.

In block350, each neighboring AP130-2through130-ntransmits the RSSI value for each RU with the associate STA ID to AP130-1. In an example, each neighboring AP130-2through130-nretrieves the stored STA ID for each RU and transmits the STA ID with the associated RSSI value to AP130-1.

In block355, AP130-1receives the RSSI value for each RU with the associated STA ID from each of the neighboring APs130-2through130-n.

In block360, AP130-1determines the location of each STA140connected to AP130-1. Block360is described in greater detail herein with reference to method360ofFIG.6.

FIG.6is a block flow diagram depicting a method360to determine a location of each STA140connected to AP130-1, in accordance with certain examples.

In block610, AP130-1matches the STA ID for each RU to a MAC address for each STA140.

In block620, AP130-1maps each RSSI per RU to a distance value. AP130-1has received an RSSI value for each STA140from each neighboring AP130-2through130-n. AP130-1determines a distance value for each received RSSI value for each STA140. In an example, a distance value may be determined using a regression model against a known table of distance/RSSI values for specific APs130and STAs140, the RSSI values, and the measured power (“MP”) for AP130-1. The measured power value is a constant for each AP130that indicates the expected RSSI value at a distance of 1 meter from the AP130. In the example, the distance may be calculated using the following equation:

distance=A*(RSSIMP)B+C,
wherein A, B, and C are constants determined by the regression model. In an alternate example, a distance value can be determined for each RSSI per RU using the MP, the RSSI value, and a constant, N, based on environmental factors within wireless station location system100. In an example, the distance is calculated using the following equation:

distance=10*(MP-RSSI1⁢0*N).
Any other suitable method to calculate or map the RSSI values for each RU to a distance value may be used.

In block630, AP130-1determines a location of each STA140connected to AP130-1using distance values from block625. As previously described herein with reference toFIG.1, AP130-1comprises a location mapping of each AP130within Wi-Fi 6 network120. In an example, AP130-1determines the location of each STA140using a triangulation process. AP130-1knows the location of each neighboring AP130-2through130-nand the distance value from each neighboring AP130-2through130-nto each STA140. AP130-1determines the location of each STA140by triangulating the distance values from the neighboring APs130-2through130-nand the known location of each neighboring AP130-2through130-n.

After the determination of the location of each STA140, AP130-1may transmit the location information for each STA140by MAC address to location server110. Location server110may use the location information for each STA140for location-based services related to each STA140. Example location-based services include, but are not limited to, navigation software, social networking services, location-based advertising, tracking systems, ride sharing, gaming, and assistive healthcare systems. In an alternate example, AP130-1may transmit the location information for each STA140by MAC address to a server for location-based services other than location server110.

In an alternate example, method360ofFIG.6may be performed by location server110. AP130-1may match the STA ID for each RU to a MAC address for each STA140as described in block610. Subsequently, AP130-1may transmit the received RSSI values for each RU with the associated MAC address to location server110to determine the location of each STA140connected to AP130-1.

The methods ofFIGS.3through6can also be performed in a Wi-Fi 7 configuration as described herein with reference to wireless station location system200ofFIG.2. In a Wi-Fi 7 configuration, the first AP230, in this example AP230-1, can transmit a buffer status report poll (“BSRP”) to neighboring APs230-2through230-n. The BSRP is a transmission that indicates that an OFDMA UL is going to occur. Neighboring APs230-2through230-ncan tune AUX232or AUX233to the transmission channel associated with the BSRP without scanning other channels for trigger frames.

In addition to BSRP capability, Wi-Fi 7 supports MLO operation. When AP230-1transmits a BSRP, an AUX232or233of a neighboring AP230-2through230-nmay observe the BSRP and send a signal on a shared MLO channel (via AUX232or233) to the other neighboring APs230-2through230-n. The other neighboring APs230-2through230-nreceive the signal on AUX232or233that a BSRP has occurred and on which channel. Neighboring APs230-2through230-ncan receive the OFDMA UL on either AUX232or233without changing the service channel231to match the service channel231of AP230-1.

Other Examples

FIG.7depicts a computing machine2000and a module2050in accordance with certain examples. The computing machine2000may correspond to any of the various computers, servers, mobile devices, embedded systems, or computing systems presented herein. The module2050may comprise one or more hardware or software elements configured to facilitate the computing machine2000in performing the various methods and processing functions presented herein. The computing machine2000may include various internal or attached components such as a processor2010, system bus2020, system memory2030, storage media2040, input/output interface2060, and a network interface2070for communicating with a network2080.

The computing machine2000may be implemented as a conventional computer system, an embedded controller, a laptop, a server, a mobile device, a smartphone, a set-top box, a kiosk, a router or other network node, a vehicular information system, one or more processors associated with a television, a customized machine, any other hardware platform, or any combination or multiplicity thereof. The computing machine2000may be a distributed system configured to function using multiple computing machines interconnected via a data network or bus system.

The processor2010may be configured to execute code or instructions to perform the operations and functionality described herein, manage request flow and address mappings, and to perform calculations and generate commands. The processor2010may be configured to monitor and control the operation of the components in the computing machine2000. The processor2010may be a general purpose processor, a processor core, a multiprocessor, a reconfigurable processor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (“DSP”), an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), a graphics processing unit (“GPU”), a field programmable gate array (“FPGA”), a programmable logic device (“PLD”), a controller, a state machine, gated logic, discrete hardware components, any other processing unit, or any combination or multiplicity thereof. The processor2010may be a single processing unit, multiple processing units, a single processing core, multiple processing cores, special purpose processing cores, co-processors, or any combination thereof. The processor2010along with other components of the computing machine2000may be a virtualized computing machine executing within one or more other computing machines.

The system memory2030may include non-volatile memories such as read-only memory (“ROM”), programmable read-only memory (“PROM”), erasable programmable read-only memory (“EPROM”), flash memory, or any other device capable of storing program instructions or data with or without applied power. The system memory2030may also include volatile memories such as random access memory (“RAM”), static random access memory (“SRAM”), dynamic random access memory (“DRAM”), and synchronous dynamic random access memory (“SDRAM”). Other types of RAM also may be used to implement the system memory2030. The system memory2030may be implemented using a single memory module or multiple memory modules. While the system memory2030is depicted as being part of the computing machine2000, one skilled in the art will recognize that the system memory2030may be separate from the computing machine2000without departing from the scope of the subject technology. It should also be appreciated that the system memory2030may include, or operate in conjunction with, a non-volatile storage device such as the storage media2040.

The storage media2040may include a hard disk, a floppy disk, a compact disc read only memory (“CD-ROM”), a digital versatile disc (“DVD”), a Blu-ray disc, a magnetic tape, a flash memory, other non-volatile memory device, a solid state drive (“SSD”), any magnetic storage device, any optical storage device, any electrical storage device, any semiconductor storage device, any physical-based storage device, any other data storage device, or any combination or multiplicity thereof. The storage media2040may store one or more operating systems, application programs and program modules such as module2050, data, or any other information. The storage media2040may be part of, or connected to, the computing machine2000. The storage media2040may also be part of one or more other computing machines that are in communication with the computing machine2000such as servers, database servers, cloud storage, network attached storage, and so forth.

The module2050may comprise one or more hardware or software elements configured to facilitate the computing machine2000with performing the various methods and processing functions presented herein. The module2050may include one or more sequences of instructions stored as software or firmware in association with the system memory2030, the storage media2040, or both. The storage media2040may therefore represent machine or computer readable media on which instructions or code may be stored for execution by the processor2010. Machine or computer readable media may generally refer to any medium or media used to provide instructions to the processor2010. Such machine or computer readable media associated with the module2050may comprise a computer software product. It should be appreciated that a computer software product comprising the module2050may also be associated with one or more processes or methods for delivering the module2050to the computing machine2000via the network2080, any signal-bearing medium, or any other communication or delivery technology. The module2050may also comprise hardware circuits or information for configuring hardware circuits such as microcode or configuration information for an FPGA or other PLD.

The input/output (“I/O”) interface2060may be configured to couple to one or more external devices, to receive data from the one or more external devices, and to send data to the one or more external devices. Such external devices along with the various internal devices may also be known as peripheral devices. The I/O interface2060may include both electrical and physical connections for operably coupling the various peripheral devices to the computing machine2000or the processor2010. The I/O interface2060may be configured to communicate data, addresses, and control signals between the peripheral devices, the computing machine2000, or the processor2010. The I/O interface2060may be configured to implement any standard interface, such as small computer system interface (“SCSI”), serial-attached SCSI (“SAS”), fiber channel, peripheral component interconnect (“PCI”), PCI express (PCIe), serial bus, parallel bus, advanced technology attached (“ATA”), serial ATA (“SATA”), universal serial bus (“USB”), Thunderbolt, FireWire, various video buses, and the like. The I/O interface2060may be configured to implement only one interface or bus technology. Alternatively, the I/O interface2060may be configured to implement multiple interfaces or bus technologies. The I/O interface2060may be configured as part of, all of, or to operate in conjunction with, the system bus2020. The I/O interface2060may include one or more buffers for buffering transmissions between one or more external devices, internal devices, the computing machine2000, or the processor2010.

The I/O interface2060may couple the computing machine2000to various input devices including mice, touch-screens, scanners, electronic digitizers, sensors, receivers, touchpads, trackballs, cameras, microphones, keyboards, any other pointing devices, or any combinations thereof. The I/O interface2060may couple the computing machine2000to various output devices including video displays, speakers, printers, projectors, tactile feedback devices, automation control, robotic components, actuators, motors, fans, solenoids, valves, pumps, transmitters, signal emitters, lights, and so forth.

The computing machine2000may operate in a networked environment using logical connections through the network interface2070to one or more other systems or computing machines across the network2080. The network2080may include WANs, LANs, intranets, the Internet, wireless access networks, wired networks, mobile networks, telephone networks, optical networks, or combinations thereof. The network2080may be packet switched, circuit switched, of any topology, and may use any communication protocol. Communication links within the network2080may involve various digital or an analog communication media such as fiber optic cables, free-space optics, waveguides, electrical conductors, wireless links, antennas, radio-frequency communications, and so forth.

The processor2010may be connected to the other elements of the computing machine2000or the various peripherals discussed herein through the system bus2020. It should be appreciated that the system bus2020may be within the processor2010, outside the processor2010, or both. Any of the processor2010, the other elements of the computing machine2000, or the various peripherals discussed herein may be integrated into a single device such as a system on chip (“SOC”), system on package (“SOP”), or ASIC device.

Examples may comprise a computer program that embodies the functions described and illustrated herein, wherein the computer program is implemented in a computer system that comprises instructions stored in a machine-readable medium and a processor that executes the instructions. However, it should be apparent that there could be many different ways of implementing examples in computer programming, and the examples should not be construed as limited to any one set of computer program instructions. Further, a skilled programmer would be able to write such a computer program to implement an example of the disclosed examples based on the appended flow charts and associated description in the application text. Therefore, disclosure of a particular set of program code instructions is not considered necessary for an adequate understanding of how to make and use examples. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more aspects of examples described herein may be performed by hardware, software, or a combination thereof, as may be embodied in one or more computing systems. Moreover, any reference to an act being performed by a computer should not be construed as being performed by a single computer as more than one computer may perform the act.

The examples described herein can be used with computer hardware and software that perform the methods and processing functions described herein. The systems, methods, and procedures described herein can be embodied in a programmable computer, computer-executable software, or digital circuitry. The software can be stored on computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can include a floppy disk, RAM, ROM, hard disk, removable media, flash memory, memory stick, optical media, magneto-optical media, CD-ROM, etc. Digital circuitry can include integrated circuits, gate arrays, building block logic, field programmable gate arrays (“FPGA”), etc.

The systems, methods, and acts described in the examples presented previously are illustrative, and, alternatively, certain acts can be performed in a different order, in parallel with one another, omitted entirely, and/or combined between different examples, and/or certain additional acts can be performed, without departing from the scope and spirit of various examples. Accordingly, such alternative examples are included in the scope of the following claims, which are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass such alternate examples.

Although specific examples have been described above in detail, the description is merely for purposes of illustration. It should be appreciated, therefore, that many aspects described above are not intended as essential elements unless explicitly stated otherwise. Modifications of, and equivalent components or acts corresponding to, the disclosed aspects of the examples, in addition to those described above, can be made by a person of ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of the present disclosure, without departing from the spirit and scope of examples defined in the following claims, the scope of which is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass such modifications and equivalent structures.