Patent ID: 12208635

Embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It is noted that sizes of various components and distances between these components are not drawn to scale in the figures. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The usable life of a printer ribbon, such as for a line matrix impact printer, may be determined by a total of characters, symbols and/or graphics being printed until reaching a point when prints are no longer readable or have an acceptable print quality. As a result, the uniformity and darkness of the prints are two important attributes for users to determine the end of ribbon life.

Depending upon ribbon construction and ink properties, the total amount of the ink being released during the tip impact is controlled by the impact force and ink distribution contained by the ribbon fabric. Since the tip impact forces of all the print elements are nearly the same, the ink release is predominately determined by the ink diffusion within the fabric bulk and the fabric surface. Excessive overstriking in the same area of the ribbon fabric creates a condition that the ink consumption rate is faster than the replenishing rate and causes “lighter” dots between the first strike and subsequent strikes. For these areas that are subject to heavy multiple overstrikes, the resulting wears are also heavier than the average areas. The bulk construction and surface properties of these areas can be damaged at an earlier stage and slow down the ink release. To the extreme condition, the ink cannot be further released from these areas due to the usable paths for the ink diffusion being completely blocked. These damaged areas would eventually affect ribbon life and create uneven print darkness.

A constant ribbon speed used throughout ribbon life may render an acceptable average ribbon life that gives acceptable print darkness. However, print jobs may vary in terms of print formats, print contents, print coverages, and print durations. Thus, a constant ribbon speed may not be suitable to cover the conditions with excessive tip overstrikes on the same areas of the ribbon. In addition, a constant ribbon speed is also not optimized to reduce the total mechanical wears of the inked fabric that are caused by the excessive movements passing through the cartridge house and across the print head.

Based on printer speed and print resolution requirements, high-speed print heads may have more print elements (e.g., hammersprings) than lower-speed print heads, which are more prone to have more overstrikes. Low-resolution print heads have bigger tip sizes than high-resolution print heads, which typically print larger dots. These two factors promote more overlapping of the dots on the ribbon surface and require different ribbon speeds to achieve desirable print darkness and ribbon life.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may utilize variable ribbon speeds based on print requirements. For example, a target ribbon speed may be determined by the total print dots that are created by the tip impacts, per unit time (dot output rate) and the type of print head used, among other characteristics. To reduce possible tip overstrikes onto the same ribbon area, a faster ribbon speed may be proposed for print jobs that have a higher dot output rate, larger tip sizes, and a greater number of print elements. Conversely, a slower ribbon speed may be proposed for print jobs that have a lower dot output rate, smaller tip sizes, and a smaller number of print elements.

Movement of the print head can be either opposite to the ribbon direction or along the ribbon direction. Although the print head moving speed can be much faster than the ribbon moving speed, the counter direction of the print head movement may be prone to have more overstrikes than the movement in same direction. Thus, the target ribbon speed may be based on the worst case, which is based on counter direction. The hammerspring actuation speed may also affect the rate of overstrikes.

Ribbon fabric properties (e.g., woven density, yarn size and surface properties) may also be important factors affecting ink retention, ink release, and wear resistance, for instance. The effect of tip overstrikes on an inked fabric may also be more tolerable if the ink fabrics have better wear resistance and/or a better ink replenishing rate. Thus, the target ribbon speed may also be a function of the properties of the inked ribbon. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more properties of the ink may affect ribbon life. For example, an oil-based ink may have good affinity to the surfaces of the ribbon fabric.

An adaptive ribbon system may use these and other considerations to determine the target ribbon speed for the print job. A ribbon motion sensing system, which may operate in a closed loop, can facilitate ribbon speed accuracy to achieve the desirable results. The actual ribbon speed is calibrated and compensated by using multiple sensors that detect the actual ribbon motion and speed. For example, a first group of sensors determines the continuous motion of the ribbon and calculates ribbon speed. A second group of sensors calculates ribbon speed based on actual ribbon movement. From the data collected by these sensors, a change of ribbon motion may be detected, and one or more adjustments of motor speed may be made. In this manner, the adaptive ribbon system may dynamically adjust ribbon speed to deliver an optimal amount of ink from the ribbon based on the type of print job to achieve the acceptable print quality.

In various embodiments, one or more first sensors detect ribbon motion. One or more second sensors detect ribbon motion and speed. This multi-sensor system may provide input information to a control system (e.g., of a ribbon cartridge, of the printer, of a control system, etc.) to validate the ribbon speeds and make adjustment when necessary. If any sensor detects an interruption or abnormal change of ribbon movement, the printer may stop due to “ribbon stall.” In embodiments, a warning message may be provided before ribbon stall has occurred. For example, if there is any mismatch of the speed or the absolute speed of each sensor below a threshold, an error message may be provided without stopping the printing to alert the user of possible ribbon failure and/or the change of print outputs before actual failure. If the ribbon speed cannot be corrected after allowable threshold limits, then the printer may be stopped.

FIG.1is a diagram illustrating a line matrix impact printer100(hereinafter “printer” without intent to limit) with certain features removed for illustration purposes, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. It is appreciated that printer100can be mounted on a stand or a base, or incorporated in a cabinet, although other configurations are contemplated. In embodiments, printer100may be supported within a base frame and/or otherwise be configured similar to the printer disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,789,922 B2, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. For example, printer100may include a ribbon cartridge102and a print head including a shuttle108and a hammerbank112, among other components, to produce letters and graphics in the form of a matrix of dots on a print medium114.

Ribbon cartridge102may include an “endless” or Mobius strip of ink ribbon120within a housing124that is fed across print medium114(e.g., paper, fabric, etc.) by a motor that creates tension on ribbon120by use of a drive system130(seeFIG.5). In one or more embodiments, drive system130includes one or more gears on one side and a tension spring on the opposite side of the cartridge (seeFIG.5). The ribbon cartridge102feeds ribbon120generally horizontally over print medium114to enable ink transfer from ribbon120to print medium114via hammerbank112to create printed images, graphics, etc., as detailed below.

Print medium114may include, for example, single sheets, fan-fold forms or continuous sheets, bar code labels, combinations of plastic and paper labels and formats, paper media for text and graphics, and other such materials. Print medium114may advance vertically over a support plate (not illustrated), such as by frictional wheels, sprocket drive “tractors,” or other known media drive mechanisms. In embodiments, a knob may be provided to manually increment the vertical position of print medium114(e.g., for indexing or initial alignment of print medium114, or for other purposes).

Shuttle108may incorporate one or more mechanisms (e.g., a scotch yoke mechanism) to drive hammerbank112back and forth over ribbon120and print medium114in a horizontal direction, such as laterally along print medium114. For example, hammerbank112may be coupled to shuttle108for horizontal reciprocating movement by the shuttle108relative to vertically movable print medium114. As described in more detail below, hammerbank112includes an inline row of printing tips (“hammers”) which are selectively triggered (e.g., electromagnetically released) as shuttle108drives hammerbank112back and forth over ribbon120and print medium114. For example, a printing tip may be triggered to impact print medium114through ribbon120to place a dot of ink on print medium114, as detailed below.

FIG.2is a diagram illustrating a partial front view of hammerbank112, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.FIG.3is a diagram illustrating a sectional view of hammerbank112, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Referring toFIGS.2-3, hammerbank112may be similar to those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,033 and/or U.S. Pat. No. 6,437,280 B1, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference. For instance, hammerbank112may include a body210having a fret212mounted thereto, with fret212including hammersprings216attached to or formed with a base portion218. Base portion218may be attached to body210using mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) or other fastening means.

As best illustrated inFIG.3, a hammerspring216(e.g., each hammerspring216) may include a first section222extending from base portion218, and a terminal second section224. For instance, first section222may be cantilevered from base portion218. In embodiments, first section222, which may be referred to as a spring finger, may include a spring portion formed as a necked-down portion terminating at second section224. Second section224, which may be referred to as a hammer head, may be an enlarged end portion including a print tip230(e.g., projecting forwardly therefrom). Print tip230may be brazed or fused to hammerspring216, although other configurations are contemplated.

As best shown inFIG.3, a cavity234may be formed behind hammerspring216to house a pair of pole pieces240connected to a magnet (e.g., a permanent magnet). The magnet may retain second section224of hammerspring216against pole pieces240. For example, a magnetic flux created at least partially by pole pieces240and the magnet may act to pull second section224towards pole pieces240and against a forward bias exerted by first section222. In embodiments, pole pieces240may include respective coils driven by a controller to control a release of hammerspring216from its retained position. For example, an electrical current may be passed through the coils to induce a magnetomotive force in the pole pieces240that interrupts the magnetic flux path, thereby releasing second section224, and hence print tip230, to spring forward to as to impact ribbon120and print a dot on print medium114. In this manner, the cantilevered, magnetically retracted hammersprings216may be selectively triggered according to a determined timing to electromagnetically release and impact print medium114through ribbon120.

FIG.4is a diagram illustrating a position of hammerbank112in relation to ribbon120of ribbon cartridge102, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Referring toFIG.4, ribbon120may extend at an angle relative to hammersprings216. For example, ribbon120may extend diagonally across the front of hammerbank112such that each hammerspring216contacts a different portion of ribbon120(e.g., a different print area of ribbon120) compared to adjacent hammersprings216. In this manner, ribbon wear may be reduced to prolong an operational life of ribbon cartridge102. As shown, ribbon120may be driven across hammersprings216in a ribbon direction410, such as at a ribbon speed. As described below, the ribbon speed may be adjusted dynamically to account for various print characteristics and/or further reduce ribbon wear, as desired.

FIG.5is a diagram illustrating an internal view of ribbon cartridge102, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Referring toFIG.5, ribbon cartridge102may be similar to those described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,317,420 B2 and/or U.S. Pat. No. 8,714,849 B2, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference. For example, housing124may hold most of ribbon120within a storage space508(e.g., with ribbon120folded within space508). Ribbon120exits housing124at an outlet512and is pulled into housing124at an inlet516, with ribbon120exposed for use to impart ink onto print medium114between outlet512and inlet516. In embodiments, a ribbon joint patch520may join ends of ribbon120to create a loop of ink ribbon. Ribbon joint patch520may include various features such that the patch is detectable via a sensor. For example, ribbon joint patch520may have various visual (e.g., one or more colors, graphics, etc.), structural, or other features to distinguish ribbon joint patch520from other portions of ribbon120.

In embodiments, drive system130includes various rollers, drives, gears, knobs, and other components to draw ribbon120into housing124through inlet516and fold or otherwise stuff ribbon120into space508. For example, as shown inFIG.5, ribbon cartridge102may include a ribbon gear528and a pair of drive gears530. Drive gears530may at least partially mesh or otherwise grip ribbon120to frictionally pull ribbon120and drive ribbon120at a ribbon speed. Ribbon gear528may function as a feed roller or idler pulley and rotates as ribbon120is pulled into space508via drive gears530.

In embodiments, ribbon cartridge102may include various features to control egress of ribbon120from space508and/or outlet512. For instance, ribbon cartridge102may include one or more bumps536to facilitate unfolding of ribbon120as ribbon120exits space508, such as in a manner as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,317,420 B2. In embodiments, ribbon cartridge102may include various gates or other structures to flip ribbon120through a mobius twist, such as in a manner as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,317,420 B2. In embodiments, ribbon120may pass through a pinch-point (e.g., a leaf spring flexed against a vertical rib edge in housing124), which provides sufficient back-tension in ribbon120to ensure accurate translation through the print station. Ribbon120continues through the print station and back into inlet516and space508, thus completing a loop.

FIG.6is a diagram illustrating a sensor assembly associated with ribbon cartridge102and with ribbon gear528removed from ribbon cartridge102for illustration purposes, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Referring toFIG.6, a first sensor604may be configured to detect ribbon joint patch520to determine a first ribbon speed of ribbon120. For example, first sensor604may be an optical sensor configured to detect a visual characteristic of ribbon joint patch520as ribbon joint patch520passes through first sensor604(e.g., through a wavelength beam generated by first sensor604). The first ribbon speed may be determined based on the time between patch detections and/or based on a length of time ribbon joint patch520is within a field of view of first sensor604, among other methods. As shown, first sensor604may be positioned at or near outlet512of ribbon cartridge102to determine an exit speed of ribbon120from ribbon cartridge102, although other configurations are contemplated.

With continued reference toFIG.6, a second sensor608may be configured to detect rotation of ribbon gear528(or other portions of drive system130) to determine a second ribbon speed of ribbon120. For example, second sensor608may be a Hall sensor to detect a magnet attached to or formed with ribbon gear528, although other configurations are contemplated. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG.6, second sensor608is positioned at or near inlet516of ribbon cartridge102to determine an entry speed of ribbon120into ribbon cartridge102.

Depending on the application, first sensor604and/or second sensor608may be included as part of ribbon cartridge102or another component of printer100, as detailed below. For example, first sensor604and/or second sensor608may define at least a portion of a control system612included as part of ribbon cartridge102and/or printer100. The first and second ribbon speeds (i.e., the exit and entry speeds of ribbon120) may be compared, such as to validate the ribbon speeds, and a ribbon speed adjustment may be made when necessary. Additionally, or alternatively, if any of the two sensors detects an interruption or abnormal change of ribbon movement, a ribbon fault or stall may be determined, and a notification may be provided to a user. In embodiments, control system612may provide an early failure indication based on a comparison between the first and second ribbon speeds. For example, a mismatch between the first and second ribbon speeds below a threshold may cause control system612to provide an error message without stopping printing operations, thereby alerting the user of possible ribbon failure and/or a change in print output before actual failure occurs. If ribbon speed cannot be corrected after allowable threshold limits, control system612may cause printer100to stop printing.

FIG.7is a flowchart of a method700of adaptively controlling a ribbon speed, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. For explanatory purposes, method700is described herein with reference toFIGS.1-6, although method700is not limited to the embodiments illustrated inFIGS.1-6. Note that one or more operations inFIG.7may be combined, omitted, and/or performed in a different order as desired.

In block710, method700includes receiving a print file command. The print file command may include data, commands, and other information configured to cause printer100to print letters and graphics in the form of a matrix of dots on print medium114using ribbon cartridge102and print head.

In block716, method700includes determining a target ribbon speed for ribbon120based on at least one print job characteristic. For example, block716may include generating one or more commands to run print head and ribbon cartridge102based on the received print file command. Block716may include determining the target ribbon speed based on a total print dot rate to print medium speed, among other print job characteristics. Other print job characteristics used to determine the target ribbon speed may include a dot coverage rate, a print tip size, a print tip spacing, a ribbon cartridge property, a print medium property, an ink replenish rate, an ink consumption rate, an ink property, a shuttle speed, a shuttle direction, or any combination thereof.

In block722, method700includes determining a current ribbon speed of ribbon120via one or more ribbon speed sensors. Block722may include determining the current ribbon speed via two or more sensors, such as first sensor604and second sensor608. As described above, first sensor604may be configured to detect ribbon joint patch520of ribbon120(e.g., to determine an exit speed of ribbon120). Second sensor608may be configured to detect the rotational speed of ribbon120gear (e.g., to determine an entry speed of ribbon120). Such examples are illustrative only, and multiple sensors may be used to detect ribbon speeds at different locations within ribbon cartridge102. The current ribbon speed may be calculated based on a combination (e.g., an average) of the determined entry speed and exit speed of ribbon120.

In block728, method700includes adjusting the ribbon speed based on a difference between the current ribbon speed and the target ribbon speed. For example, the ribbon speed may be increased based on the current ribbon speed being less than the target ribbon speed. Conversely, the ribbon speed may be decreased based on the current ribbon speed being greater than the target ribbon speed. In this manner, the ribbon speed may be adjusted dynamically during print operations to achieve a desirable ribbon speed based on print job requirements.

In block734, method700includes detecting a ribbon fault based on a comparison between the current ribbon speed and a motor speed of drive system130. For example, a ribbon fault may be detected based on a difference between the current ribbon speed and the motor speed. As described more fully below, a difference outside a threshold difference may indicate a ribbon fault.

In block740, method700includes providing a ribbon fault indication based on the difference between the current ribbon speed and the motor speed exceeding the threshold difference. For instance, a message or other notification may be sent or otherwise provided to alert the user of actual and/or possible ribbon failure. In embodiments, block740may include providing a command to printer100to stop printing operations. Such examples are illustrative only, and other ribbon fault indications may be provided.

FIG.8is a flowchart of a method800of adaptively controlling a ribbon speed to facilitate print quality and longer ribbon life, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. For explanatory purposes, method800is described herein with reference toFIGS.1-6, although method800is not limited to the embodiments illustrated inFIGS.1-6. Note that one or more operations inFIG.8may be combined, omitted, and/or performed in a different order as desired. In embodiments, one or more operations inFIG.8may be combined with method700, described above.

In block810, a print file is sent to printer100. For example, a print file containing data, commands, and other information configured to cause printer100to print letters and graphics in the form of a matrix of dots on print medium114using ribbon cartridge102and print head may be sent to printer100.

In block818, a controller (e.g., a software algorithm running on printer100) generates one or more commands to run print head, ribbon cartridge102, a paper motor, etc. based on the input print file.

In block826, information on total print dots sent to print head per unit time is captured before or during printing operations. For example, block826may include querying a look up table of total print dots sent to print head prior to printing operations. During printing operations, the total print dots sent to print head may be updated and/or analyzed separately.

In block834, a controller (e.g., a software algorithm running on printer100) determines the proper or target ribbon speed, such as in a manner as described herein. For instance, the proper or target ribbon speed may be determined based on total print dot rate, such as to set a desirable ribbon motor speed, etc.

In block842, method800includes checking whether a predefined time has elapsed for recalculating the total print dot rate. If the predefined time has not elapsed, method800proceeds to block850. If the predefined time has elapsed, method800proceeds to block858.

In block850, the ribbon speed is adjusted to the predetermined values based on the dot rate output (e.g., the values determined in block834). In block858, the dot rate output is recalculated after reaching the predefined time interval, and the ribbon speed setpoint is readjusted based on the updated dot rate output.

In block866, the actual ribbon speed is monitored by one or more sensors (e.g., first sensor604and/or or second sensor608), such as in a manner as described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, in block866, the actual ribbon speed is calibrated to the speed set point.

In block874, the ribbon120is running at an optimal speed based on print dot output rate to achieve a desirable print quality and ribbon life.

FIG.9is a flowchart of a method900of detecting a ribbon fault, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In embodiments, method900may be part of a ribbon fault early detection system, such as to warn a user of potential ribbon faults based on abnormal ribbon speeds and before actual fault occurs, as detailed herein. For explanatory purposes, method900is described herein with reference toFIGS.1-6, although method900is not limited to the embodiments illustrated inFIGS.1-6. Note that one or more operations inFIG.9may be combined, omitted, and/or performed in a different order as desired. In embodiments, one or more operations inFIG.9may be combined with method700and/or method800, described above.

In block910, method900includes receiving a print file command. The print file command may include data, commands, and other information configured to cause printer100to print letters and graphics in the form of a matrix of dots on print medium114using ribbon cartridge102and print head.

In block914, method900includes operating printer100based on the received print file command. For example, drive system130may be operated to pull ribbon120across hammerbank112at a ribbon speed (e.g., determined based on dot output rate, etc.), such as in a manner as described above. In embodiments, block914includes starting a ribbon motor to drive ribbon gear528across hammerbank112at a ribbon speed set by a controller (e.g., by a software algorithm running on printer100, etc.) based on dot output rate, as described herein.

In block918, method900includes monitoring ribbon speed using two or more sets of sensors. For example, in block920A, signals from first sensor604are used to detect ribbon joint patch520, as described above. In block920B, signals from second sensor608are used to detect the rotational speed of ribbon gear528, as described above.

In block922, method900includes calculating a current ribbon speed based on sensor output data from first sensor604and second sensor608. For example, the linear speed of ribbon120at or near inlet516or ribbon cartridge102may be determined based on the detected rotational speed of ribbon gear528. Additionally, or alternatively, the linear speed of ribbon120at or near outlet512of ribbon cartridge102may be determined based on the detected presence of ribbon joint patch520. The current ribbon speed may be calculated based on a combination (e.g., an average) of the determined entry speed and the exit speed of ribbon120.

In block926, method900includes comparing the current ribbon speed to a motor speed of a ribbon drive system (e.g., drive system130). For example, block926may include calculating a difference between the current ribbon speed and the motor speed, although other configurations are contemplated.

In block930, method900includes determining whether the difference calculated in block926is within an acceptable range. For instance, block930may include determining whether the difference is within a predetermined threshold difference. If the difference is within the threshold difference, method900may proceed to block934. If the difference is outside the threshold difference, method900may proceed to block938.

In block934, method900includes dynamically adjusting the ribbon speed to match the set or target speed. For example, a motor may be adjusted to fine tune the ribbon speed, as desired, such as in a manner as described herein.

In block938, method900includes providing a ribbon fault indication. For instance, a message or other notification may be sent or otherwise provided to alert the user of actual and/or possible ribbon failure. In embodiments, block938may include providing a command to printer100to stop printing operations.

FIG.10is a diagram illustrating an example computing or processing system1000in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. For example, control system612, described above, may be implemented using system1000. In some embodiments, method700ofFIG.7, method800ofFIG.8, and/or method900ofFIG.9, described above, may be implemented using system1000. System1000can be or include a computer, phone, PDA, tablet, server, controller, or any other type of electronic device. Such an electronic device includes various types of computer readable media and interfaces for various other types of computer readable media. As shown inFIG.9, system1000includes a controller1002, a memory1004, an input interface1006, an output interface1008, and a communications module1010.

Controller1002, according to various embodiments, includes one or more of a processor, a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an electronic control unit, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a single-core processor, a multi-core processor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD) (e.g., field programmable gate array (FPGA)), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processing (DSP) device, or other logic device that may be configured, by hardwiring, executing software instructions, or a combination of both, to perform various operations discussed herein for embodiments of the disclosure. Controller1002may be configured to interface and communicate with the various other components of system1000to perform such operations. For example, controller1002may be configured to receive and process data received from a network and/or one or more sensors (e.g., sensors118), store the data in memory1004, and/or retrieve stored data from memory1004.

Controller1002may include combinations of hardware and software processing functionality and may be provided with/in and/or communicatively attached to other components to execute appropriate instructions, such as software instructions and/or processing parameters stored in memory1004. In various embodiments, controller1002may be configured to execute software instructions stored in memory1004to perform various methods, processes, or operations in the manner described herein.

Memory1004includes, in one embodiment, one or more memory devices configured to store data and information, including magnetic flux data and position information. The memory1004may include one or more various types of memory devices including volatile and non-volatile memory devices, such as random-access memory (RAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically-erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, hard disk drive, and/or other types of memory. As discussed above, controller1002may be configured to execute software instructions stored in memory1004to perform method700and process steps and/or operations. Controller1002may be configured to store data in memory1004.

Input interface1006includes, in one embodiment, a user input and/or an interface device, such as one or more controls, knobs, buttons, slide bars, keyboards, sensors, cameras, and/or other devices, that are adapted to generate an input control signal. Controller1002may be configured to sense the input control signals from input interface1006and respond to any sensed input control signals received therefrom. Controller1002may be configured to interpret such an input control signal as a value, as generally understood by one skilled in the art. In one embodiment, input interface1006may include a control unit (e.g., a wired or wireless handheld control unit) having push buttons adapted to interface with a user and receive user input control values. In one implementation, the push buttons of the control unit may be used to control various system functions.

Output interface1008may enable, for example, the output of data or other information. Output interface1008may include, for example, one or more display devices, such as monitors or other visual displays (e.g., light emitting diode (LED) displays, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), head-up displays (HUDs), or other types of displays). Some implementations include devices such as a touchscreen that function as both input and output components. Controller1002may be configured to render data and information on output interface1008. For example, controller1002may be configured to render data on output interface1008, such as data stored in memory1004.

In some embodiments, various components of system1000may be distributed and in communication with one another over a network. In this regard, communications module1010may be configured to facilitate wired and/or wireless communication among various system components over the network. Such a network may include, for example, a local area network (“LAN”), such as an Intranet, or a wide area network (“WAN”), such as the Internet.

In embodiments, various components of system1000may be communicatively connected via a system communications bus1020. Bus1020collectively represents all system, peripheral, and chipset buses that communicatively connect the numerous devices of system1000. For instance, bus1020may communicatively connect controller1002, memory1004, input interface1006, output interface1008, communications module1010, or any combination thereof, together.

Where applicable, various embodiments provided by the present disclosure can be implemented using hardware, software, or combinations of hardware and software. Also, where applicable, the various hardware components and/or software components set forth herein can be combined into composite components comprising software, hardware, and/or both without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Where applicable, the various hardware components and/or software components set forth herein can be separated into sub-components comprising software, hardware, or both without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, where applicable, it is contemplated that software components can be implemented as hardware components, and vice-versa.

Software in accordance with the present disclosure, such as non-transitory instructions, program code, and/or data, can be stored on one or more non-transitory machine-readable mediums. It is also contemplated that software identified herein can be implemented using one or more general purpose or specific purpose computers and/or computer systems, networked and/or otherwise. Where applicable, the ordering of various steps described herein can be changed, combined into composite steps, and/or separated into sub-steps to provide features described herein.

While certain exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that the embodiments of the invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art. The intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the claims.

For example, the elements and teachings of the various embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the embodiments. In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various embodiments. In addition, while different steps, processes, and procedures are described as appearing as distinct acts, one or more of the steps, one or more of the processes, and/or one or more of the procedures may also be performed in different orders, simultaneously, and/or sequentially. In some embodiments, the steps, processes, and/or procedures may be merged into one or more steps, processes, and/or procedures. In some embodiments, one or more of the operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted.