Patent application title: ROTATING FOOTWEAR PLATFORM AND METHOD OF USING SAME
Inventors:
IPC8 Class: AA47B6104FI
USPC Class:
1 1
Class name:
Publication date: 2022-04-14
Patent application number: 20220110446
Abstract:
A rotating footwear platform comprising a base; a top configured to
receive footwear of a user; a rotator rotatably coupling the top to the
base to rotate the top relative to the base after one of more of the user
steps onto the top in the footwear and steps out of the footwear and off
the top, and the user steps into the footwear, onto the top, and steps
off of the top with the footwear.Claims:
1. A rotating footwear platform, comprising: a base; a top configured to
receive footwear of a user; a rotator rotatably coupling the top to the
base to rotate the top relative to the base after one of more of the user
steps onto the top in the footwear and steps out of the footwear and off
the top, and the user steps into the footwear, onto the top, and steps
off of the top with the footwear.
2. The rotating footwear platform of claim 1, wherein the rotator is configured to rotate the top 180 degrees after the user steps onto the top in the footwear and steps out of the footwear and off the top, and the user steps into the footwear, onto the top, and steps off of the top with the footwear.
3. The rotating footwear platform of claim 1, further including one or more springs between the top and the base.
4. The rotating footwear platform of claim 1, wherein the rotator includes a motor that rotates the top relative to the base.
5. The rotating footwear platform of claim 4, further include a controller and a sensor whereby the controller causes the motor to rotate the top relative to the base when the sensor senses that the user steps onto the top in the footwear and steps out of the footwear and off the top, and the user steps into the footwear, onto the top, and steps off of the top with the footwear.
6. The rotating footwear platform of claim 1, wherein the rotator includes a mechanical rotating mechanism that rotates the top relative to the base after the user steps onto the top in the footwear and steps out of the footwear and off the top, and the user steps into the footwear, onto the top, and steps off of the top with the footwear.
7. The rotating footwear platform of claim 6, wherein the mechanical rotating mechanism includes a spring that imparts lifting and rotating movement during decompressing.
8. The rotating footwear platform of claim 1, wherein the rotating footwear platform includes a wireless communication device configured to wirelessly control one or more actions after one of more of the user steps onto the top in the footwear and steps out of the footwear and off the top, and the user steps into the footwear, onto the top, and steps off of the top with the footwear.
9. The rotating footwear platform of claim 8, wherein the one or more actions include one or more of adjusting lighting, adjusting music, adjusting TV, adjusting window coverings, controlling a security alarm, monitoring how many times people enter and exit.
10. The rotating footwear platform of claim 1, wherein the rotating footwear platform includes a wireless communication device configured to communicate with an app of a user smart device, assisting the user to at least one of locate shoes amongst many pairs of shoes on many rotating footwear platforms and activate an alarm on the user smart device if the shoes are improperly removed from the rotating footwear platform.
11. A method of using the rotating footwear platform of claim 1, comprising: the top receiving the user stepping thereon in the footwear and stepping out of the footwear and there off; rotating the top relative to the base.
12. A method of using the rotating footwear platform of claim 1, comprising: the top receiving the user stepping into the footwear, onto the top, and stepping there off with the footwear; rotating the top relative to the base.
13. A method of using the rotating footwear platform of claim 1, the rotating footwear platform including a motor that rotates the top relative to the base, a controller, and a sensor, comprising the sensor sensing that the user steps onto the top in the footwear and steps out of the footwear and off the top; the controller causing the motor to rotate the top relative to the base.
14. A method of using the rotating footwear platform of claim 1, the rotating footwear platform including a motor that rotates the top relative to the base, a controller, and a sensor, comprising the sensor sensing that the user steps into the footwear, onto the top, and steps off of the top with the footwear; the controller causing the motor to rotate the top relative to the base.
15. A method of using the rotating footwear platform of claim 1, the rotating footwear platform including a spring that imparts lifting and rotating movement during decompressing, comprising: the top receiving the user stepping thereon in the footwear, compressing the spring, and stepping out of the footwear and there off the top, decompressing the spring; the spring imparting lifting and rotating movement to the top during decompressing of the spring.
16. A method of using the rotating footwear platform of claim 1, wherein the rotating footwear platform includes a wireless communication device, comprising: one of the top receiving the user stepping thereon in the footwear and stepping out of the footwear and there off, and the top receiving the user stepping into the footwear, onto the top, and stepping there off with the footwear; the wireless communication device wirelessly controlling one or more actions.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the one or more actions include one or more of adjusting lighting, adjusting music, adjusting TV, adjusting window coverings, controlling a security alarm, monitoring how many times people enter and exit.
18. A method of using the rotating footwear platform of claim 1, wherein the rotating footwear platform includes a wireless communication device configured to communicate with an app of a user smart device, comprising: one of the top receiving the user stepping thereon in the footwear and stepping out of the footwear and there off, and the top receiving the user stepping into the footwear, onto the top, and stepping there off with the footwear; the wireless communication device wirelessly communicating with the app of the user smart device, assisting the user to at least one of locate shoes amongst many pairs of shoes on many rotating footwear platforms and activate an alarm on the user smart device if the shoes are improperly removed from the rotating footwear platform.
Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/090,006, filed Oct. 9, 2020, under 35 U.S.C. 119, which is incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a rotating footwear platform.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A rotating platform for footwear, which may be, for example, located in an entryway of a home. A user walks into the home, stands on the platform with one's footwear, steps out of the footwear and off the platform with the user's footwear remaining on the platform. After a predetermined period of time the platform rotates 180 degrees so that when the user leaves the home the user's footwear is oriented in the proper direction.
[0004] Another aspect involves a rotating footwear platform comprising a base; a top configured to receive footwear of a user; a rotator rotatably coupling the top to the base to rotate the top relative to the base after one of more of the user steps onto the top in the footwear and steps out of the footwear and off the top, and the user steps into the footwear, onto the top, and steps off of the top with the footwear.
[0005] One or more implementations of the aspect of the invention described immediately above includes one or more of the following: the rotator is configured to rotate the top 180 degrees after the user steps onto the top in the footwear and steps out of the footwear and off the top, and the user steps into the footwear, onto the top, and steps off of the top with the footwear; one or more springs between the top and the base; the rotator includes a motor that rotates the top relative to the base; a controller and a sensor whereby the controller causes the motor to rotate the top relative to the base when the sensor senses that the user steps onto the top in the footwear and steps out of the footwear and off the top, and the user steps into the footwear, onto the top, and steps off of the top with the footwear; the rotator includes a mechanical rotating mechanism that rotates the top relative to the base after the user steps onto the top in the footwear and steps out of the footwear and off the top, and the user steps into the footwear, onto the top, and steps off of the top with the footwear; the mechanical rotating mechanism includes a spring that imparts lifting and rotating movement during decompressing; the rotating footwear platform includes a wireless communication device configured to wirelessly control one or more actions after one of more of the user steps onto the top in the footwear and steps out of the footwear and off the top, and the user steps into the footwear, onto the top, and steps off of the top with the footwear; the one or more actions include one or more of adjusting lighting, adjusting music, adjusting TV, adjusting window coverings, controlling a security alarm, monitoring how many times people enter and exit; the rotating footwear platform includes a wireless communication device configured to communicate with an app of a user smart device, assisting the user to at least one of locate shoes amongst many pairs of shoes on many rotating footwear platforms and activate an alarm on the user smart device if the shoes are improperly removed from the rotating footwear platform; a method of using the rotating footwear platform comprising the top receiving the user stepping thereon in the footwear and stepping out of the footwear and there off; and rotating the top relative to the base; a method of using the rotating footwear platform comprising the top receiving the user stepping into the footwear, onto the top, and stepping there off with the footwear; and rotating the top relative to the base; a method of using the rotating footwear platform comprising the rotating footwear platform including a motor that rotates the top relative to the base, a controller, and a sensor, comprising the sensor sensing that the user steps onto the top in the footwear and steps out of the footwear and off the top; the controller causing the motor to rotate the top relative to the base; a method of using the rotating footwear platform, the rotating footwear platform including a motor that rotates the top relative to the base, a controller, and a sensor, comprising the sensor sensing that the user steps into the footwear, onto the top, and steps off of the top with the footwear; the controller causing the motor to rotate the top relative to the base; a method of using the rotating footwear platform, the rotating footwear platform including a spring that imparts lifting and rotating movement during decompressing comprising the top receiving the user stepping thereon in the footwear, compressing the spring, and stepping out of the footwear and there off the top, decompressing the spring; the spring imparting lifting and rotating movement to the top during decompressing of the spring; a method of using the rotating footwear platform, the rotating footwear platform includes a wireless communication device, comprising one of the top receiving the user stepping thereon in the footwear and stepping out of the footwear and there off, and the top receiving the user stepping into the footwear, onto the top, and stepping there off with the footwear; and the wireless communication device wirelessly controlling one or more actions; the one or more actions include one or more of adjusting lighting, adjusting music, adjusting TV, adjusting window coverings, controlling a security alarm, monitoring how many times people enter and exit; a method of using the rotating footwear platform, the rotating footwear platform including a wireless communication device configured to communicate with an app of a user smart device, comprising one of the top receiving the user stepping thereon in the footwear and stepping out of the footwear and there off, and the top receiving the user stepping into the footwear, onto the top, and stepping there off with the footwear; and the wireless communication device wirelessly communicating with the app of the user smart device, assisting the user to at least one of locate shoes amongst many pairs of shoes on many rotating footwear platforms and activate an alarm on the user smart device if the shoes are improperly removed from the rotating footwear platform.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0006] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
[0007] FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotating footwear platform at various stages of use;
[0008] FIGS. 2A, 2B are cross-sectional views of the rotating footwear platform of FIGS. 1A-1E, and illustrate the rotating footwear platform in first position, before a user's weight W is applied to a top of the rotating footwear platform, and a second position, after the user's weight W is applied to a top of the rotating footwear platform;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of electrical components of the rotating footwear platform of FIGS. 1A-1E, 2A, 2B;
[0010] FIGS. 4A-4C are cross-sectional views of an alternative embodiment of a rotating footwear platform, and illustrate, in FIG. 4A, the rotating footwear platform in first position/condition, before a user's weight W is applied to a top of the rotating footwear platform, in FIG. 4B, a second position/condition, after the user's weight W is applied to a top of the rotating footwear platform, and, in FIG. 4C, a third condition, showing a disc-shaped top rotating as it is lifted relative to the disc-shaped base; and
[0011] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example wired or wireless processor enabled device that may be used in connection with various embodiments described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0012] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of a rotating footwear platform 100 will be described.
[0013] The rotating footwear platform 100 includes a disc-shaped top 110 and a disc-shaped base 120. The disc-shaped top 110 includes an upper surface 130 that a user stands on with the user's footwear (e.g., shoes, sandals, slippers) 260 and a circular bottom recess 145 along an undersurface 150. A hollow cylindrical shaft 160 extends downwardly from the disc-shaped top 110 in the circular bottom recess 145. The disc-shaped base 120 includes a motor 170 with a rotating motor shaft 180 that is slidably received within the hollow cylindrical shaft 160 of the disc-shaped top 110. A spring 190 coaxially surrounds the hollow cylindrical shaft 160 and the rotating motor shaft 180. The motor 170 is controlled by a controller 200. A switch/pressure sensor 210 is in electrical communication with the controller 200. A power supply 220 in the form of one or more rechargeable batteries or an AC power supply supplies power to the electrical components.
[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, the rotating footwear platform 100 may be located in an entryway 230 of, for example, a home, business, place of worship, etc. 240. A user 250 walks into the home 240, and stands on the rotating platform 100 with one's footwear 260. Weight W of the user 250 causes the disc-shaped top 110 to move downward relative to the disc-shaped base 120, compressing the spring 190, from the position shown in FIG. 2A to the position shown in FIG. 2B and causing the switch/pressure sensor 210 to emit a signal indicative of a user being present on the rotating footwear platform 100, which is received by the controller 200. As the user 250 steps out of the footwear 260 and off the rotating platform 100 with the user's footwear 260 remaining on the rotating platform 100, the spring 190 urges the disc-shaped top 110 to move upward relative to the disc-shaped base 120, to the position shown in FIG. 2A, so that the switch/pressure sensor 210 is no longer actuated/engaged. The controller 200 is configured so that, after a predetermined period of time, the controller 200 causes the motor 170 to rotate the disc-shaped top 110 by 180 degrees relative to the disc-shaped base 120, the position shown in FIG. 1D, where the user's footwear 260 (e.g., toes 270 of the user's footwear 260) are facing towards the exit. Accordingly, when the user exits the home 240 the user's footwear 260 are already oriented in the proper direction, facing the exit of the home 240.
[0015] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate an alternative embodiment of a rotating footwear platform 300, where like elements to those described above with respect to rotating platform 100 are shown with like elements, but with an "a" suffix. Instead of the rotating footwear platform 300 having an electrical rotator or rotating mechanism as shown in FIGS. 2A-3, the rotating footwear platform 300 includes a mechanical rotator or rotating mechanism 310 that, after the user steps off the disc-shaped top 110a, causes the disc-shaped top 110a to rise and rotate 180 degrees relative to the disc-shaped base 120, as shown in FIG. 4C. The mechanical rotator 310 includes a shaft 180a that is slidably received within the hollow cylindrical shaft 160a of the disc-shaped top 110a, and a mechanical rotating spring/spring mechanism 320 that imparts the lifting and twisting/rotation of the disc-shaped top 110a relative to the disc-shaped base 120. In FIG. 4A, the rotating footwear platform 300 is shown in a first position/condition, before a user's weight W is applied to a top of the disc-shaped top 110a. In FIG. 4B, the rotating footwear platform 300 is shown in a second position/condition, after the user's weight W is applied to a top of the disc-shaped top 110a. In FIG. 4C, the rotating footwear platform 300 is shown in a third condition, showing the disc-shaped top 110a rotating as it lifted relative to the disc-shaped base 120a by the mechanical rotator 310.
[0016] In an additional embodiment and/or implementation, the rotating footwear platform 100, 300 performs certain actions when a user enters or leaves. For example, the rotating footwear platform 100, 300, upon a user entering or leaving, adjusts lighting, music, TV, window coverings, enabling/disabling an alarm, etc. The rotating footwear platform 100, 300 identifies a specific person (by their weight or phone/Bluetooth) and performs some action specific to that person when the person arrives or leaves. The rotating footwear platform 100, 300 also monitors how many times a person enters or leaves.
[0017] In a house of worship application, where worshippers leave their shoes outside the place of worship, with many people and many shoes, it might be difficult to find one's shoes. Accordingly, there is one platform for each pair of shoes and as each person steps on the platform there is a communication (e.g., Bluetooth) with an app on user's phone. This pairs the holder of that phone with the shoes on the platform and also stores the location of the shoes, cutting down on shoe theft and also helping people locate their shoes. In one example, if someone removed a pair of shoes and didn't have the correctly paired phone, an alarm would actuate.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example wired or wireless system 550 that may be used in connection with various embodiments described herein. For example, the system 550 may be used as or in conjunction with the controller 200 respect to the rotating footwear platform 100. The system 550 can be a conventional personal computer, computer server, personal digital assistant, smart phone, tablet computer, or any other processor enabled device that is capable of wired or wireless data communication. Other computer systems and/or architectures may be also used, as will be clear to those skilled in the art.
[0019] The system 550 preferably includes one or more processors, such as processor 560. Additional processors may be provided, such as an auxiliary processor to manage input/output, an auxiliary processor to perform floating point mathematical operations, a special-purpose microprocessor having an architecture suitable for fast execution of signal processing algorithms (e.g., digital signal processor), a slave processor subordinate to the main processing system (e.g., back-end processor), an additional microprocessor or controller for dual or multiple processor systems, or a coprocessor. Such auxiliary processors may be discrete processors or may be integrated with the processor 560.
[0020] The processor 560 is preferably connected to a communication bus 555. The communication bus 555 may include a data channel for facilitating information transfer between storage and other peripheral components of the system 550. The communication bus 555 further may provide a set of signals used for communication with the processor 560, including a data bus, address bus, and control bus (not shown). The communication bus 555 may comprise any standard or non-standard bus architecture such as, for example, bus architectures compliant with industry standard architecture ("ISA"), extended industry standard architecture ("EISA"), Micro Channel Architecture ("MCA"), peripheral component interconnect ("PCI") local bus, or standards promulgated by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ("IEEE") including IEEE 488 general-purpose interface bus ("GPIB"), IEEE 696/S-100, and the like.
[0021] System 550 preferably includes a main memory 565 and may also include a secondary memory 570. The main memory 565 provides storage of instructions and data for programs executing on the processor 560. The main memory 565 is typically semiconductor-based memory such as dynamic random access memory ("DRAM") and/or static random access memory ("SRAM"). Other semiconductor-based memory types include, for example, synchronous dynamic random access memory ("SDRAM"), Rambus dynamic random access memory ("RDRAM"), ferroelectric random access memory ("FRAM"), and the like, including read only memory ("ROM").
[0022] The secondary memory 570 may optionally include an internal memory 575 and/or a removable medium 580, for example a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, a compact disc ("CD") drive, a digital versatile disc ("DVD") drive, etc. The removable medium 580 is read from and/or written to in a well-known manner. Removable storage medium 580 may be, for example, a floppy disk, magnetic tape, CD, DVD, SD card, etc.
[0023] The removable storage medium 580 is a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon computer executable code (i.e., software) and/or data. The computer software or data stored on the removable storage medium 580 is read into the system 550 for execution by the processor 560.
[0024] In alternative embodiments, secondary memory 570 may include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other data or instructions to be loaded into the system 550. Such means may include, for example, an external storage medium 595 and an interface 570. Examples of external storage medium 595 may include an external hard disk drive or an external optical drive, or and external magneto-optical drive.
[0025] Other examples of secondary memory 570 may include semiconductor-based memory such as programmable read-only memory ("PROM"), erasable programmable read-only memory ("EPROM"), electrically erasable read-only memory ("EEPROM"), or flash memory (block oriented memory similar to EEPROM). Also included are any other removable storage media 580 and communication interface 590, which allow software and data to be transferred from an external medium 595 to the system 550.
[0026] System 550 may also include an input/output ("I/O") interface 585. The I/O interface 585 facilitates input from and output to external devices. For example the I/O interface 585 may receive input from a keyboard or mouse and may provide output to a display 587. The I/O interface 585 is capable of facilitating input from and output to various alternative types of human interface and machine interface devices alike.
[0027] System 550 may also include a communication interface 590. The communication interface 590 allows software and data to be transferred between system 550 and external devices (e.g. printers), networks, or information sources. For example, computer software or executable code may be transferred to system 550 from a network server via communication interface 590. Examples of communication interface 590 include a modem, a network interface card ("NIC"), a wireless data card, a communications port, a PCMCIA slot and card, an infrared interface, and an IEEE 1394 fire-wire, just to name a few.
[0028] Communication interface 590 preferably implements industry promulgated protocol standards, such as Ethernet IEEE 802 standards, Fiber Channel, digital subscriber line ("DSL"), asynchronous digital subscriber line ("ADSL"), frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode ("ATM"), integrated digital services network ("ISDN"), personal communications services ("PCS"), transmission control protocol/Internet protocol ("TCP/IP"), serial line Internet protocol/point to point protocol ("SLIP/PPP"), and so on, but may also implement customized or non-standard interface protocols as well.
[0029] Software and data transferred via communication interface 590 are generally in the form of electrical communication signals 605. These signals 605 are preferably provided to communication interface 590 via a communication channel 600. In one embodiment, the communication channel 600 may be a wired or wireless network, or any variety of other communication links. Communication channel 600 carries signals 605 and can be implemented using a variety of wired or wireless communication means including wire or cable, fiber optics, conventional phone line, cellular phone link, wireless data communication link, radio frequency ("RF") link, or infrared link, just to name a few.
[0030] Computer executable code (i.e., computer programs or software) is stored in the main memory 565 and/or the secondary memory 570. Computer programs can also be received via communication interface 590 and stored in the main memory 565 and/or the secondary memory 570. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the system 550 to perform the various functions of the present invention as previously described.
[0031] In this description, the term "computer readable medium" is used to refer to any non-transitory computer readable storage media used to provide computer executable code (e.g., software and computer programs) to the system 550. Examples of these media include main memory 565, secondary memory 570 (including internal memory 575, removable medium 580, and external storage medium 595), and any peripheral device communicatively coupled with communication interface 590 (including a network information server or other network device). These non-transitory computer readable mediums are means for providing executable code, programming instructions, and software to the system 550.
[0032] In an embodiment that is implemented using software, the software may be stored on a computer readable medium and loaded into the system 550 by way of removable medium 580, I/O interface 585, or communication interface 590. In such an embodiment, the software is loaded into the system 550 in the form of electrical communication signals 605. The software, when executed by the processor 560, preferably causes the processor 560 to perform the inventive features and functions previously described herein.
[0033] The system 550 also includes optional wireless communication components that facilitate wireless communication over a voice and over a data network. The wireless communication components comprise an antenna system 610, a radio system 615 and a baseband system 620. In the system 550, radio frequency ("RF") signals are transmitted and received over the air by the antenna system 610 under the management of the radio system 615.
[0034] In one embodiment, the antenna system 610 may comprise one or more antennae and one or more multiplexors (not shown) that perform a switching function to provide the antenna system 610 with transmit and receive signal paths. In the receive path, received RF signals can be coupled from a multiplexor to a low noise amplifier (not shown) that amplifies the received RF signal and sends the amplified signal to the radio system 615.
[0035] In alternative embodiments, the radio system 615 may comprise one or more radios that are configured to communicate over various frequencies. In one embodiment, the radio system 615 may combine a demodulator (not shown) and modulator (not shown) in one integrated circuit ("IC"). The demodulator and modulator can also be separate components. In the incoming path, the demodulator strips away the RF carrier signal leaving a baseband receive audio signal, which is sent from the radio system 615 to the baseband system 620.
[0036] If the received signal contains audio information, then baseband system 620 decodes the signal and converts it to an analog signal. Then the signal is amplified and sent to a speaker. The baseband system 620 also receives analog audio signals from a microphone. These analog audio signals are converted to digital signals and encoded by the baseband system 620. The baseband system 620 also codes the digital signals for transmission and generates a baseband transmit audio signal that is routed to the modulator portion of the radio system 615. The modulator mixes the baseband transmit audio signal with an RF carrier signal generating an RF transmit signal that is routed to the antenna system and may pass through a power amplifier (not shown). The power amplifier amplifies the RF transmit signal and routes it to the antenna system 610 where the signal is switched to the antenna port for transmission.
[0037] The baseband system 620 is also communicatively coupled with the processor 560. The central processing unit 560 has access to data storage areas 565 and 570. The central processing unit 560 is preferably configured to execute instructions (i.e., computer programs or software) that can be stored in the memory 565 or the secondary memory 570. Computer programs can also be received from the baseband processor 610 and stored in the data storage area 565 or in secondary memory 570, or executed upon receipt. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the system 550 to perform the various functions of the present invention as previously described. For example, data storage areas 565 may include various software modules (not shown) that are executable by processor 560.
[0038] Various embodiments may also be implemented primarily in hardware using, for example, components such as application specific integrated circuits ("ASICs"), or field programmable gate arrays ("FPGAs"). Implementation of a hardware state machine capable of performing the functions described herein will also be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art. Various embodiments may also be implemented using a combination of both hardware and software.
[0039] Furthermore, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and method steps described in connection with the above described figures and the embodiments disclosed herein can often be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled persons can implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the invention. In addition, the grouping of functions within a module, block, circuit or step is for ease of description. Specific functions or steps can be moved from one module, block or circuit to another without departing from the invention.
[0040] Moreover, the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and methods described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor ("DSP"), an ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.
[0041] Additionally, the steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium including a network storage medium. An exemplary storage medium can be coupled to the processor such the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium can be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium can also reside in an ASIC.
[0042] The above figures may depict exemplary configurations for the invention, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the invention. The invention is not restricted to the illustrated architectures or configurations, but can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Additionally, although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in some combination, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present invention, especially in the following claims, should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.
[0043] Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term "including" should be read as mean "including, without limitation" or the like; the term "example" is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; and adjectives such as "conventional," "traditional," "standard," "known" and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction "and" should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as "and/or" unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction "or" should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as "and/or" unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although item, elements or components of the disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as "one or more," "at least," "but not limited to" or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.
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