U.S. patent application number 11/605477 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-28 for customizable display device.
This patent application is currently assigned to MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY (W.B.) INC.. Invention is credited to Ranjie Singh.
Application Number | 20070144047 11/605477 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38191949 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070144047 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Singh; Ranjie |
June 28, 2007 |
Customizable display device
Abstract
A display device including a base member and a display member
affixed to at least one surface of the base member. The display
member includes an image that is both fixed and selectively
alterable. The display device can includes an LED circuit strip
having a plurality of LEDs, which provides the appearance of a
moving image or other LED display. The display device can also be a
multi-media display device including a display member and
identification and data capture member for receiving a wireless
transmission The display device can be in the form of a wristband
and can include an audio chip a power source and fastening member
for securing the display device to a body or an article.
Inventors: |
Singh; Ranjie; (London,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARENT FOX PLLC
1050 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W.
SUITE 400
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Assignee: |
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY (W.B.)
INC.
|
Family ID: |
38191949 |
Appl. No.: |
11/605477 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60740682 |
Nov 30, 2005 |
|
|
|
60809797 |
Jun 1, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
40/633 ;
40/541 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 16/191 20150115;
A44C 5/0015 20130101; G09F 3/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
040/633 ;
040/541 |
International
Class: |
A44C 5/00 20060101
A44C005/00 |
Claims
1. A display device comprising: a base member; a display member
affixed to at least one surface of the base member, the display
member including an image that is both fixed and selectively
alterable; and a fastening member for securing the display device
to an article.
2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display
member comprises at least one of a lenticular and a photographic
image.
3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display
member comprises a continuum of images that display for a
predetermined time.
4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the base member
is formed from an anti-dermatitic material.
5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display
member is formed from a polymeric material.
6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display
device is water repellent and moisture proof.
7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the fastening
member is selected from the group consisting of snaps, clips,
hooks, buckles, Velcro.RTM., a lanyard and a lanyard pouch.
8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display
device is a wristband.
9. A method of making a display device comprising a display member
and a base member, the method comprising: mounting at least one
display member onto a first image sheet comprising at least one
base member, affixing the at least one display member to the at
least one base member; cutting the first image sheet to into a
plurality of image sheets; simultaneously removing sharp edges from
the combined display member and base member; and heat sealing the
at least one display member to the base member at adjoining
edges.
10. The method of making a display device according to claim 9,
wherein mounting a display member comprises: mounting a display
member including an image that is both fixed and selectively
alterable image.
11. The method of making a display device according to claim 9,
wherein mounting a display member comprises: mounting a display
member including a lenticular image.
12. The method of making a display device according to claim 9,
wherein mounting a display member comprises: mounting at least one
display member onto a first image sheet comprising at least one
base member formed from an anti-dermatitic material.
13. The method of making a display device according to claim 9,
wherein mounting a display member comprises: mounting at least one
display member onto a first image sheet comprising at least one
base member formed from a polymeric material.
14. A display device comprising: a first substrate including at
least one circuit line on a surface thereof and at least one
light-emitting member mounted on the at least one circuit line; a
second substrate coupled to the first substrate, a plurality of
controls for controlling the at least one light-emitting member,
and a power source mounted on the second substrate; and a fastening
member for securing the display device to an article.
15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein the first
substrate comprises a rigid member, and wherein the second
substrate comprises a flexible member.
16. The display device according to claim 14, wherein the fastening
member is selected from the group consisting of snaps, clips,
hooks, buckles, Velcro.RTM., a lanyard and a lanyard pouch.
17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein the
light-emitting member is selected from the group consisting of a
polymer light-emitting diode, a light-emitting diode circuit, an
organic light-emitting diode, a dendrimer member and a photovoltaic
member.
18. The display device according to claim 14, wherein the flexible
member comprises a flexible printed circuit board material.
19. The display device according to claim 18, wherein the plurality
of controls comprise an integrated circuit (IC) controller to issue
timed pulses to the at least one light-emitting diode.
20. The display device according to claim 14, wherein the first and
second substrates are formed from an anti-dermatitic material.
21. The display device according to claim 14, wherein the display
device is a wristband.
22. A multi-media display device comprising: a display member; an
identification and data capture member for receiving a wireless
transmission; an audio chip; a fastening member; and a power
source.
23. The multi-media display device according to claim 22, wherein
the display member comprises a liquid crystal display screen.
24. The multi-media display device according to claim 22, wherein
the identification and data capture member comprises one of a
microprocessor and a nano-integrated circuit.
25. The multi-media display device according to claim 22, wherein
the identification and data capture member comprises a device
selected from the group consisting of a bar code, a Radio Frequency
Identification tag, wireless and a combination Radio Frequency
Identification and wireless fidelity tag.
26. The multi-media display device according to claim 22, wherein
the identification and data capture member comprises a subscriber
identity module card.
27. The multi-media display device according to claim 22, wherein
the identification and data capture member comprises a
nano-electronic member.
28. The display device according to claim 22, wherein the display
device is a wristband.
29. A display device comprising: a base member; a display means for
displaying an image that is both fixed and selectively alterable,
the display means being affixed to at least one surface of the base
member; and a fastening means for securing the display means to an
article.
30. The display device according to claim 29, wherein the display
means comprises at least one of a lenticular and a photographic
image.
31. The display device according to claim 29, wherein the display
means comprises a continuum of images that display for a
predetermined time.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to applicants' co-pending
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/740,682 entitled
"CUSTOMIZABLE DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING AN ALTERABLE IMAGE" filed Nov.
30, 2005 and co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
60/809,797 entitled "MULTI-MEDIA DISPLAY DEVICE" filed Jun. 1,
2006. The entirety of these patent applications is incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a customizable
display device having an alterable image, and in particular to a
display device that displays altering visual multi-media images.
The present invention also relates generally to a display device
that can be customized with flash media as an embedded technology
of the display device.
[0004] 2. Background of the Technology
[0005] Display devices have been used to provide fixed messages,
such as for identification, security control, drinking age
verification, advertising, and use as a novelty item.
[0006] However, there remains an opportunity for a display device
to actively engage the user. Further, there remains an opportunity
for businesses to promote a product and expand their markets, for
sponsors to promote an event, and for other entities to deliver
information, in a visually pleasing manner through multi-media,
that also engages the user of the display device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention includes display devices that provide
alterable images or messages. In a first embodiment of the present
invention, the image or message is embedded in a display device
such as a wristband, tag or label that can be applied to a human
body, pets or property. Further, the images or messages can be
embedded in buttons, such as campaign buttons, signage, nametags,
general tags and packaging and display materials.
[0008] In one variation, viewing the image at different angles or
external manipulation of the display device can present a moving
image or an altering image. Another variation of the display device
of the first embodiment of the present invention includes an
alterable image that displays a continuum of images for a
predetermined time, such as a movie clip.
[0009] In a second embodiment of the present invention, the display
device also includes an illuminated alterable image, such as an
arrangement of glowing light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs can
be programmed to glow simultaneously or in an alternating manner,
so as to provide the appearance of a moving image or design.
[0010] In a third embodiment of the present invention, the display
device can be a multi-media display device including flash media
features that have a liquid crystal display (LCD)-type and other
types of electronic imaging receiving and/or transmitting section
that can receive wireless transmitted images or other information.
For example, images or messages, such as advertisements or
announcements can be transmitted from a remote location (e.g., from
a device having a processor and transmitter receiver) to the
display device for receipt by the display device.
[0011] Among other things, the display device can be used in
advertising by a variety of businesses and industries to promote
goods and services, activities, new product launches or new
amusements. Multiple messages can be embedded in the image. The
display device can also be a collectible used to commemorate
events, such as sporting events, concerts, and community
events.
[0012] Example embodiments of the present invention have now been
described in accordance with the above advantages. It will be
appreciated that these examples are merely illustrative of the
invention. Many variations and modifications will be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIGS. 1A-1D are example display devices in the form of a
wristband, according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is an example of the sheet assembly of the first
embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIGS. 3A-3B are example display device in the form of a
wristband, according to a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is an example, flash media display device wireless
transmission network of a third embodiment of the present
invention
[0017] FIGS. 5A-5B are example transmission systems according to
the third embodiment of the present invention
[0018] FIG. 6 is an example components diagram for a system, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of various system
components, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate an exemplary display device 10, shown
as a wristband, for example, according to a first embodiment of the
invention. The display device 10 can include a base member 2
embedded with a display member 4, for example, a lenticular image,
as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, that shows depth or motion as the
viewing angle changes. The lenticular feature of the image
optionally produces a three-dimensional effect. When changing the
viewing angle of the device, for example, the device provides the
appearance of a moving image. The display device 10 can be printed
on both an inner or top surface and an outer or bottom surface.
FIG. 1C shows, for example, a top surface of an exemplary display
device, and FIG. 1D shows the bottom surface of the same device.
The display device 10 can include any number of images in the
display member 4, such as, for example only, six or seven images,
as shown in FIG. 1D.
[0021] The base member 2 of the display device 10 can be formed
from any material, including, but not limited to, polyvinylchloride
(PVC), vinyl/antidermatetic material, a reflective vinyl material,
or other synthetic molded or extruded material. The embedded image
can be formed on a material such as a polymer, using a lenticular
(see, e.g., www.shortcourses.com/how/lenticular/lenticular.htm, as
reviewed Nov. 29, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference).
The base member 2 can be formed in any shape, so as to represent a
product or commemorate an event. For example, the base member 2 can
be formed in the shape of a car to represent a NASCAR event. The
display member 4 mounted to the base member 2 could also be formed
to correspond to the shape and size of the base member.
[0022] The embedded image, such as the lenticular image of FIGS. 1A
and 1B and the photographic images of FIGS. 1C and 1D, can be
affixed to or mounted on at least one surface of the base member 2
and trimmed as necessary, such as by cutting and heat sealing (see
further description of making device below). The display device 10
can also include bar coding, as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, to keep
track of a large number of people or items.
[0023] The embedded image(s) can include, but is not limited to,
any custom image, such as a logo, message, or approximated video
footage. In one example of the first embodiment, the video footage
approximation can run for a predetermined amount of time, such as
30 to 60 seconds, through use of a large number of images.
[0024] As illustrated, in FIGS. 1A-1D, the base member 2 also
includes at least one fastening device 6 to secure the display
device 10 to a user. The fastening devices can be reusable or
non-reusable. Examples of temporary fastening device can include,
for example, snaps, clips or hooks, buckles, Velcro.RTM., a lanyard
and a lanyard pouch for ease of fastening and reusability. An
example of a permanent fastening device can include glue or
tamperproof snap lock closures, resulting in a single fastenable
use of the display device 10, wherein the fastening member 6 or
device itself must be broken to remove the display device.
[0025] The present invention includes a method of making the
display device 10. In the method, the images or display members 4
are received from, for example, event sponsors, amusement parks
and/or other business entities. The images or display members
include information that business entities want to promote, such as
food and beverages, goods and services, activities, new product
launches or new amusements. In the first stage of manufacture, the
display members 4 can be mounted as lenticular images onto a PVC
vinyl/anti-dermatitic material, reflective vinyl material or other
synthetic molded or extruded material. Image sheets containing
multiple copies of particular set of display members 4 are produced
as shown in FIG. 2. In the second stage of manufacture, the image
sheets are run through a high-precision, high-frequency machine
that die cuts the image sheets into separate display devices,
sandwiches the display members 4 to the base member 2 material and
heat seals the two sections together in a manner that eliminates
sharp edges. In addition, heat sealing prevents water and moisture
from entering the space between the base member 2 and the embedded
image of the display member 4. Thus, the display device 10 can be
waterproof and/or moisture proof. Further, the polymeric material
containing the embedded image of the display member 4, can be water
repellent, so that the embedded image is not altered by water or
moisture. As a result, the display device 10 can be worn or used at
outdoor events, such as concerts or sporting matches, regardless of
the weather. In the third stage of manufacture, after the display
device 10 is heat sealed, it is transferred to a station where
fastening devices 6 are added thereto so that the display device
can be worn.
[0026] In another embodiment of the method of making the display
device, the display member 4 can be laminated to the base member 2.
The affixed display member 4 and base member 2 can then be die cut
from the sheet shown in FIG. 2, into individual display devices 10,
without heat sealing.
[0027] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a second embodiment of the
display device of the present invention. In the second embodiment,
a display device 20 includes an LED circuit strip 22, having a
plurality of LEDs 34, which provides the appearance of a moving
image or other LED display. In one embodiment, the LED circuit
strip 22 of the display device includes a first substrate 24
mounted on a second substrate 26. The first substrate 24 can be
rigid and the second substrate 26 can be flexible. The first or
rigid substrate 24 controls the moving image, for example, using a
power source 28, such as a DC battery, and, optionally, an ON/OFF
controller 30. The display device can also include a lithium
battery or other rechargeable power source in order to be
re-chargeable either through solar or AC current, for example.
[0028] The rigid substrate 24 can be an organic substrate and may
comprise an insulating base material or a flame resistant material,
such as FR-4 or the equivalent. The rigid substrate 24 can include
soldered or other wire connected couplings 36 to connect the rigid
substrate 24 to the flexible substrate 26. The LEDs 34 can be
mounted on the surface of the flexible substrate 26. The
flexibility of the substrate allows the user to adjustably mount
the display device 20 on their person or property. The flexible
substrate 26 can be a printed circuit board (PCB) substrate of
Kapton.RTM. made by the DuPont Company of Wilmington, Del. or an
equivalent. In one variation, the circuit strip 22 also includes a
control integrated circuit microchip, or other control device 32 to
provide timed pulses to the LEDs, for example.
[0029] The LEDs 34 on the circuit strip 22 can be a single color or
multiple colors and can be formed into any pattern or shape. In
operation, a group of LEDs 34 can give the impression of moving
light, such as a light moving back and forth, by each LED
sequentially turning on and off. The LEDs 34 can also flicker,
blink, or have a steady glow. The circuit strip 22 can also
include, for example, polymer light-emitting diodes (PLED),
light-emitting diode circuits (LEDCs), organic light-emitting
diodes (OLEDs), dendrimer technology, or photovoltaic or solar cell
technology for displaying an image.
[0030] In the second embodiment of the present invention, the LED
circuit strip 22 can be superimposed on the lenticular image of the
first embodiment, so that the display device 20 both has a moving
lenticular image and a glowing LED feature.
[0031] In addition to a battery or other power source, the display
device can be self-activated or powered automatically by the
physical movement of the user, for example. In the display device
of the present invention, for example, the display device 20, in
the form of a wristband, for example, can include motion activated
lighting modules such that the LEDs 34 can glow when the user moves
his or her wrist. The control of the LED operation may be made via
a serial (e.g., a manually operated button or a movement activated
switch) or other control device, such as a wireless communication.
The display device of the second embodiment can be applied to any
portion of a person's body, pets or property with an elongated
portion 25, and secured with a fastening member 6.
[0032] The display device 20 can also be embedded with at least one
audio chip for controlling an audio feature and flash media as
discussed below.
[0033] The display member on the surface of the display device can
also be formed of a combination of the lenticular and LED circuit
strip 22.
[0034] Another aspect of the second embodiment is that its display
device can serve a safety function, such as by making the wearer
more visible at night.
[0035] In the third embodiment of the present invention, as shown
in FIG. 4, a host can transmit a wireless message to a number of
display devices, such as simultaneously. For example, a sponsor of
a stadium event can distribute display devices with the sponsor's
trademark and/or message. At any time and from any location, the
sponsor can transmit a wireless advertising message simultaneously
or non-simultaneously to the distributed display devices, in the
manner of a wireless handheld device or live streaming multi-media
graphics video. Further, in an emergency situation, authorized
first responders can transmit wireless messages, such as emergency
broadcasts, to users.
[0036] In the third embodiment of the present invention, as shown
in FIGS. 4 and 5A-5B, the display device can include such features
as a flexible LCD screen 52 providing a color display for media
content, and an automatic identification and data capture member 54
for receiving a wireless transmission. The automatic identification
and data capture member comprises for example, microprocessors
and/or nano-integrated circuits for storage and rapid transmission
of large multimedia information, such as virtual reality files. The
microprocessor and nano-integrated circuits allow for webcasting
and streaming of both audio and visual data.
[0037] The automatic identification and data capture member 54 can
include a flash memory chipset, subscriber identity module (SIM)
card, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, or wireless
fidelity chip for storing graphical content or other remote
readable technology. The readable technology may be used, for
example, for reading information from the device and for wireless
transmission of information and combinations thereof. The automatic
identification and data capture member 54 can be a nano- or
micro-flash memory chipset, the SIM card can be a nano- or
micro-SIM card and the RFID/wireless fidelity chip can be a nano-
or micro-RFID/wireless fidelity chip or other nano-electronic
member.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, the display device 50 can be embedded
with an audio chip or sound card 56, so that an audible signal,
such as a spoken message, chime other sound, can also be
transmitted to and emitted by the device 50. The display device 50
can include instant messaging circuitry or other circuitry that can
receive wireless transmissions from a remote source, such as a
terminal connected to the World Wide Web. The display device 50 can
be formed as a console from an extruded polyvinylchloride (PVC)
vinyl and materials forming wireless handheld device housings or
telephones. The display device 50 can then be mounted on a flexible
member 58 that can be worn by a person or affixed to an
article.
[0039] The method of transmitting a wireless message to display
devices includes the user entering a designated server through a
secure socket layer (SSL) via an Internet connection, for example.
In one embodiment, the user can design the media content and send
the media content as either a unicast or multicast stream through
the Internet, where the streamed content is routed to a designated
cellular network and multi-cast through a secure wireless
application protocol and wireless fidelity combination. The unicast
or multicast stream is then routed to the display devices through
the cellular network. The display device then displays the unicast
or multicast message.
[0040] The display device of the third embodiment can include such
elements as, a flexible LCD screen, providing a color display for
media content, or a flash memory chipset for storing graphics. The
device and be embedded with an audio chip so that an audible
signal, such as a spoken message, chime other sound can also be
transmitted to and emitted by the device. The display device can
also include a SIM card and an RFID/wireless fidelity chip. The
display device can be attached to a body or article by a fastening
member, including, but not limited to, snaps, clips, hooks,
buckles, Velcro.RTM., a lanyard and a lanyard pouch.
[0041] The wireless information can be transmitted to the display
device through a cellular network or a satellite single directional
feed, Structured Query Language (SQL) servers and/or the Internet,
for example, as shown is FIG. 5B.
[0042] In the present invention, the end user can enter a
predetermined number, such as a number displayed on the display
device, through the display device and/or telephone and/or computer
back to the host server to thereby provide feedback to the host
server.
[0043] Applications of the multi-media display device of the
present invention include secure area access entry and re-entry;
patron identification; parent-child location; a medium for
receiving advertisements through the Internet; global tracking,
(e.g. to recover kidnapping victims); health and safety emergency
notification, such as crime alert, heart attack, seizure or,
accidents; pay-per-view band, providing continuous hourly global
advertising to marketing firms, sponsors, sports teams, stadiums
and events, continuous stream of global announcements and
advertisements during events; issuance of emergency broadcasts;
cause promotion and special interest broadcasts; educational
messages transmission; political information and address
transmission; and retail reciprocating promotions.
[0044] The user of the display device can enable active two-way
communications with a sponsor through the Internet or through a
global positioning system. The two way communication can be
achieved by entering into the device through a keyboard or other
data entry member, for example, a code that allows the user to
respond to a received transmission. The user can then provide
feedback on a particular message, elect or vote for a particular
issue or respond to the transmission, for example.
[0045] Access to the database and capabilities of the system of an
embodiment of the present invention occur via hardware and access
selections. As shown in FIG. 6, in an embodiment of the present
invention, with one option, a user 40, for example, a host, can use
locally loaded software at the user's terminal 41, such as a
personal computer (PC), minicomputer, microcomputer, mainframe
computer, telephone device, hand-held device such as a personal
digital assistant (PDA), or other wireless device with a processor,
display, and capability of connecting to a network 44, such as the
Internet. The user 40 can use the terminal to access a server 43
via couplings 45, 46. The server 43 includes, for example, a PC,
minicomputer, microcomputer, mainframe computer, or other device
having a processor and a repository for data or connection to a
repository for data. The couplings 45, 46 include, for example,
wired, wireless, or fiberoptic connections. In another embodiment,
the method and system of the present invention operate in a
stand-alone environment, such as on a single terminal.
[0046] The present invention may be implemented using hardware,
software or a combination thereof and may be implemented in one or
more computer systems or other processing systems. In one
embodiment, the invention is directed toward one or more computer
systems capable of carrying out the functionality described herein.
An example of such a computer system 200 is shown in FIG. 7.
[0047] Computer system 200 includes one or more processors, such as
processor 204. The processor 204 is connected to a communication
infrastructure 206 (e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar, or
network). Various software embodiments are described in terms of
this exemplary computer system. After reading this description, it
will become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art(s) how
to implement the invention using other computer systems and/or
architectures.
[0048] Computer system 200 can include a display interface 202 that
forwards graphics, text, and other data from the communication
infrastructure 206 (or from a frame buffer not shown) for display
on the display unit 230. Computer system 200 also includes a main
memory 208, preferably random access memory (RAM), and may also
include a secondary memory 210. The secondary memory 210 may
include, for example, a hard disk drive 212 and/or a removable
storage drive 214, representing a floppy disk drive, a magnetic
tape drive, an optical disk drive, etc. The removable storage drive
214 reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit 218 in a
well-known manner. Removable storage unit 218, represents a floppy
disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, etc., which is read by and
written to removable storage drive 214. As will be appreciated, the
removable storage unit 218 includes a computer usable storage
medium having stored therein computer software and/or data.
[0049] In alternative embodiments, secondary memory 210 may include
other similar devices for allowing computer programs or other
instructions to be loaded into computer system 200. Such devices
may include, for example, a removable storage unit 222 and an
interface 220. Examples of such may include a program cartridge and
cartridge interface (such as that found in video game devices), a
removable memory chip (such as an erasable programmable read only
memory (EPROM), or programmable read only memory (PROM)) and
associated socket, and other removable storage units 222 and
interfaces 220, which allow software and data to be transferred
from the removable storage unit 222 to computer system 200.
[0050] Computer system 200 may also include a communications
interface 224. Communications interface 224 allows software and
data to be transferred between computer system 200 and external
devices. Examples of communications interface 224 may include a
modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a
communications port, a Personal Computer Memory Card International
Association (PCMCIA) slot and card, etc. Software and data
transferred through communications interface 224 are in the form of
signals 228, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical or
other signals capable of being received by communications interface
224. These signals 228 are provided to communications interface 224
through a communications path (e.g., channel) 226. This path 226
carries signals 228 and may be implemented using wire or cable,
fiber optics, a telephone line, a cellular link, a radio frequency
(RF) link and/or other communications channels. In this document,
the terms "computer program medium" and "computer usable medium"
are used to refer generally to media such as a removable storage
drive 214, a hard disk installed in hard disk drive 212, and
signals 228. These computer program products provide software to
the computer system 200. The invention is directed to such computer
program products.
[0051] Computer programs (also referred to as computer control
logic) are stored in main memory 208 and/or secondary memory 210.
Computer programs may also be received through communications
interface 224. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the
computer system 200 to perform the features of the present
invention, as discussed herein. In particular, the computer
programs, when executed, enable the processor 204 to perform the
features of the present invention. Accordingly, such computer
programs represent controllers of the computer system 200.
[0052] In an embodiment where the invention is implemented using
software, the software may be stored in a computer program product
and loaded into computer system 200 using removable storage drive
214, hard drive 212, or communications interface 224. The control
logic (software), when executed by the processor 204, causes the
processor 204 to perform the functions of the invention as
described herein. In another embodiment, the invention is
implemented primarily in hardware using, for example, hardware
components, such as application specific integrated circuits
(ASICs). Implementation of the hardware state machine so as to
perform the functions described herein will be apparent to persons
skilled in the relevant art(s).
[0053] In yet another embodiment, the invention is implemented
using a combination of both hardware and software.
[0054] Although the invention has been described based upon these
preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those skilled in the
art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative
constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit
and scope of the invention. In order to determine the metes and
bounds of the invention, therefore, reference should be made to the
appended claims.
* * * * *
References