U.S. patent application number 12/494539 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-27 for systems and methods for shared multimedia experiences.
This patent application is currently assigned to Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.. Invention is credited to Robert D. Dickinson, III, Blake C. Ramsdell, Michael Sievert.
Application Number | 20100131979 12/494539 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42195728 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100131979 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sievert; Michael ; et
al. |
May 27, 2010 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SHARED MULTIMEDIA EXPERIENCES
Abstract
An embodiment of the invention provides systems and methods for
a shared multimedia experience. An embodiment of the invention
identifies media content, automatically obtains related media
content and provides a wide variety of options for users of the
system to interact with the system and each other via other
electronic devices of choice. An embodiment of the invention
provides users with previews of related content, the ability to
select related content from the previews for combined display with
input media content, and the ability to augment the related content
with content obtained and/or transmitted via the other electronic
devices.
Inventors: |
Sievert; Michael; (Yarrow
Point, WA) ; Dickinson, III; Robert D.; (Woodinville,
WA) ; Ramsdell; Blake C.; (Sammamish, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FERENCE & ASSOCIATES LLC
409 BROAD STREET
PITTSBURGH
PA
15143
US
|
Assignee: |
Lenovo (Singapore) Pte.
Ltd.
Singapore
SG
|
Family ID: |
42195728 |
Appl. No.: |
12/494539 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61116972 |
Nov 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
725/37 ; 348/552;
348/E7.004; 725/109 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0255 20130101;
G08C 17/00 20130101; G06Q 30/0254 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/37 ; 725/109;
348/552; 348/E07.004 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/445 20060101
H04N005/445; H04N 7/173 20060101 H04N007/173 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: one or more processors; and a program
storage device tangibly embodying a program of instructions that
when executed by the one or more processors enable the apparatus
to: identify media input to the apparatus; automatically obtain
content related to the media; provide the content related to the
media to one or more electronic devices having a display.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the media input to
the apparatus is sourced from the one or more electronic
devices.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the media input to
the apparatus is not sourced from the one or more electronic
devices.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein to identify further
comprises: transmitting to a data center identification information
related to the media, the data center being configured to conduct
an identification analysis; and receiving an identification
result.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one or more
electronic devices comprise one or more of a laptop computer, a
desktop computer, a mobile phone and a mobile media player.
6. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the program of
instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further
enables the apparatus to: transmit a preview of the related content
to the one or more electronic devices; and receive from the one or
more electronic devices one or more selections from the
preview.
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the preview
comprises one or more web pages relevant to the media.
8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the one or more
selections comprise one or more post requests from the one or more
electronic devices.
9. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the program of
instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further
enables the apparatus to receive additional content from the one or
more electronic devices, the additional content comprising user
derived additional content.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the program of
instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further
enables the apparatus to receive commands from the one or more
electronic devices, the commands modifying the combined display of
the media and the content related to the media on a main display
device.
11. A method comprising: identify media input to an apparatus;
automatically obtain content related to the media; provide the
content related to the media to one or more electronic devices
having a display.
12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the media input to
the apparatus is sourced from the one or more electronic
devices.
13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the media input to
the apparatus is not sourced from the one or more electronic
devices.
14. The method according to claim 11, wherein to identify further
comprises transmitting to a data center identification information
related to the media, the data center being configured to conduct
an identification analysis, and receiving an identification
result.
15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the one or more other
electronic devices comprise one or more of a laptop computer, a
desktop computer, a mobile phone and a mobile media player.
16. The method according to claim 14, further comprising:
transmitting a preview of the related content to the one or more
electronic devices; and receiving from the one or more electronic
devices one or more selections from the preview.
17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the preview comprises
one or more web pages relevant to the media.
18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the one or more
selections comprise one or more post requests from the one or more
other electronic devices.
19. The method according to claim 15, further comprising receiving
additional content from the one or more other electronic devices,
the additional content comprising user derived additional
content.
20. A tangible program storage device, readable by machine,
embodying a program of instructions that when executed by a
processor of the machine enable the machine to: identify media
input to an apparatus; automatically obtain content related to the
media; provide the content related to the media to one or more
electronic devices having a display.
Description
CLAIM FOR PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/116,972, filed Nov. 21, 2008, which is
fully incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention is directed to systems and methods for
multimedia management. Specifically, the invention is directed to a
media management system for providing users of multiple electronic
devices with a shared multimedia experience.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] An increasing number of households now have high definition
televisions (HDTVs) and broadband Internet connections. Consumers
watch a significant amount of television on these HDTVs. Consumers
are also increasingly accessing media content via the Internet,
primarily on traditional desktop and laptop computers, as well as
mobile computing devices and the like. These trends are very likely
to continue as more HD programming becomes available, more
consumers buy HDTVs, and more consumers switch to or obtain wired
or wireless broadband Internet connections.
[0004] Consumers commonly use computing and mobile devices to
augment their television watching experiences (such as when using a
laptop to track election results or sports scores while watching
related content on the television). This trend is also likely to
continue, as consumers are constantly seeking out additional
information related to a television program, even while watching
the programming. Advances in television services and Internet media
content related to television services have facilitated this
behavior. Ever increasing and accessible ways of manipulating
television programs are becoming available (e.g. picture in picture
displays, pausing live programs via digital video recorders (DVRs)
and the like, etc.). Likewise, increasing amounts of Internet media
content related to television programs is becoming available.
[0005] However, there is currently no conventional way for allowing
a user to have a truly integrated television and Internet media
experience. Even when watching television programs on an
Internet-connected device (e.g. laptop, desktop or mobile computing
devices), a truly integrated experience is lacking, as consumers
must choose between watching the program or browsing the Internet.
Consequently, consumers resort to switching between media devices
(e.g. between television and laptop) or applications manually, in a
time consuming and disjointed fashion.
[0006] Accordingly, the inventors have recognized a need for an
integrated system that seamlessly combines the various capabilities
of conventional devices to provide a shared multimedia
experience.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] At least one presently preferred embodiment of the invention
provides systems and methods for a shared multimedia experience.
The invention identifies media content, automatically obtains
related media content and provides a wide variety of options for
users of the system to interact with the system and each other via
other electronic devices of choice. The invention provides users
with previews of related content, the ability to select related
content from the previews for combined display with input media
content, and the ability to augment the related content with
content obtained and/or transmitted via the other electronic
devices.
[0008] In summary, one aspect of the invention provides an
apparatus comprising: one or more processors; and a program storage
device tangibly embodying a program of instructions that when
executed by the one or more processors enable the apparatus to:
identify media input to the apparatus; automatically obtain content
related to the media; provide the content related to the media to
one or more electronic devices having a display.
[0009] Another aspect of the invention provides A method
comprising: identify media input to an apparatus; automatically
obtain content related to the media; provide the content related to
the media to one or more electronic devices having a display.
[0010] A further aspect of the invention provides a tangible
program storage device, readable by machine, embodying a program of
instructions that when executed by a processor of the machine
enable the machine to: identify media input to an apparatus;
automatically obtain content related to the media; provide the
content related to the media to one or more electronic devices
having a display.
[0011] For a better understanding of the present invention,
together with other and further features and advantages thereof,
reference is made to the following description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the scope of the
invention will be pointed out in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a computer system.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a media management system.
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a method for transmitting related content
to a connected device.
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a method of single click transfer of
related content.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] It will be readily understood that the components of the
present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the
figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of
different configurations in addition to the described presently
preferred embodiments. Thus, the following more detailed
description of the embodiments of the present invention, as
represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of
the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of selected
presently preferred embodiments of the invention.
[0017] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" (or the like) means that a particular feature,
structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present
invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or
"in an embodiment" or the like in various places throughout this
specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment.
[0018] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or
characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or
more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific
details are provided to give a thorough understanding of
embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will
recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one
or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components,
materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures,
materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to
avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
[0019] The illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best
understood by reference to the drawings. The following description
is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain
selected presently preferred embodiments of the invention as
claimed herein.
[0020] As noted above, conventional arrangements for media
management do not provide an integrated experience for the user. In
contrast, systems, devices and methods for providing an integrated
media experience are described in co-pending and commonly owned
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/415,638, filed on Mar. 31,
2009, and Ser. No. 12/463,020, filed on May 8, 2009, and the
application entitled "System and Method for Distributed Local
Content Identification" (Docket No. RPS920090016-US-NP), filed
concurrently herewith, all of which are incorporated by reference
herein. These applications provide some useful information on media
management systems that can identify a variety of media content,
obtain related content based on the identification, and
integrate/overlay media content from a plurality of sources for
selective, combined display.
[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, a computer of
a media management system is configured to utilize a communications
connection and communicate with other Internet-connected and/or
networked devices (hereinafter referred to as "connected devices").
These connected devices can include but are not limited to laptop
and desktop computers, mobile/smart phones and other devices (e.g.
web enabled mobile media/music players). The computer of the media
management system is also configured to communicate with a remote
electronic device, such as a data center as described below, to
facilitate identification and retrieval of content related to media
input to the computer from a component media source (e.g. a cable
TV box).
[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, software
running on the connected devices enables an operative connection
with the computer of the media management system. The connected
devices are configured to run a dedicated application and/or a
browser plug-in. The connection can be structured through
navigation to a specific address provided by the browser
application. In each instance, the connection can be maintained
through the computer of the media management system when the
computer is operative, as discussed herein.
[0023] Once a connection between the connected devices and the
computer of the media management system is established, the
computer is configured to share content with the connected devices,
and between them, including but not limited to related content
(e.g. customized Internet content) to provide a customized
multimedia experience. Software running on the computer of the
media management system permits recognition of the presence of
other connected devices (e.g. on the Internet or home network) that
have been registered and paired with the computer of the media
management system. This registration can be accomplished in a
variety of ways, including but not limited to running dedicated
software applications and/or plug-ins on the connected devices, or
by navigating the connected devices to a specific web site.
[0024] When a connected device is recognized by the computer of the
media management system, the devices of the system are configured
to allow an operable connection for content sharing. The media
management system utilizes uniquely relevant information (e.g. what
is currently being watched on a television connected to the
computer of the media management system) to select related content
(e.g. Internet web sites, etc.).
[0025] It should be noted that because the computer of the media
management system can access real-time and over-time
source-independent media consumption information (e.g. stored
historical data relating to one or more users' media consumption
habits), the computer of the media management system is positioned
to provide related content to the connected devices in an
intelligent way. For, example, the media management system is
configured such that the computer of the media management system
and/or the connected devices can retrieve web sites relevant to
what is (or has been) watched on the television and/or other stored
historical (e.g. profiling) data. In addition, the computer of the
media management system and/or the connected devices can display
streaming media content (e.g. a video clip) related to some
relevant parameter know to the media management system (e.g. what
is currently being watched on the television) and can display the
same at the connected devices and/or a display of the media
management system.
[0026] By way of a non-limiting example, if the computer of the
media management system is playing an episode of a television
program, a user of a connected device would be enabled to
automatically obtain at that connected device a list and/or a
display of related content (e.g. web sites) identified and provided
automatically by the media management system. The user of the
connected device would therefore be enabled to navigate to the web
sites. For example, if the computer of the media management system
is playing a football game, the connected device could obtain web
sites containing related content (e.g. scores of other football
games, statistics regarding players involved in the game,
etc.).
[0027] According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the
connected devices are enabled to provide a "single-click" transfer
of related content. For example, the connected devices can transfer
a web site to the computer of the media management system for
display on the main display (e.g. a high definition television set,
HDTV). Thus, the computer of the media management system allows
users of connected devices to display, using the connection between
the computer of the media management system and the connected
devices, the related content. For example, a user watching an
Internet video clip on a web site can single-click transfer
("flick") this content to the computer of the media management
system for display on the main screen (e.g. HDTV) for all to see.
This content transfer can include but is not limited to a link for
the content (e.g. hyperlink to the web site having the content) or
the actual content itself (e.g. display of the web site and video
therein).
[0028] According to an embodiment of the invention, a browser
plug-in is offered which puts control in a connected device to
allow, when clicked, any Internet media content or URL (uniform
resource locator) to be instantly sent to the computer of the media
management system and displayed (or queued for display) on the main
display. This allows a number of users of separate connected
devices to actively send content (e.g. web sites or links thereto)
for all to see on the main display. Once the connection is made and
the necessary application programs are installed on the various
devices, content can be sent to the main display upon a
single-click.
[0029] In addition, the computer of the media management system
itself may be controlled via suitable commands issued by one or
more of the connected devices, thus allowing the one or more
connected devices to act as a remote control. The computer of the
media management system also is configured to allow for
collaboration amongst the users of the connected devices. In this
context, collaboration includes but is not limited to multi-player
gaming, voting, and direct control media management system (via the
computer) user interface and display, in addition to the related
content sharing discussed above.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is depicted a block diagram
of an illustrative embodiment of a computer system 100. The
illustrative embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 may be a notebook
computer system, such as one of the ThinkPad.RTM. series of
personal computers sold by Lenovo (US) Inc. of Morrisville, N.C. or
a workstation computer, such as the Thinkstation.RTM., which is
also sold by Lenovo (US) Inc. of Morrisville, N.C. As will become
apparent from the following description, however, the present
invention is applicable to operation by any appropriately
configured data processing system or other electronic device.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, computer system 100 includes at least
one system processor 42, which is coupled to a Read-Only Memory
(ROM) 40 and a system memory 46 by a processor bus 44. System
processor 42, which may comprise one of the AMD.TM. line of
processors produced by AMD Corporation or a processor produced by
Intel Corporation, is a general-purpose processor that executes
boot code 41 stored within ROM 40 at power-on and thereafter
processes data under the control of operating system and
application software stored in system memory 46. System processor
42 is coupled via processor bus 44 and host bridge 48 to Peripheral
Component Interconnect (PCI) local bus 50.
[0032] PCI local bus 50 supports the attachment of a number of
devices, including adapters and bridges. Among these devices is
network adapter 66, which interfaces computer system 100 to LAN,
and graphics adapter 68, which interfaces computer system 100 to
display 69. Communication on PCI local bus 50 is governed by local
PCI controller 52, which is in turn coupled to non-volatile random
access memory (NVRAM) 56 via memory bus 54. Local PCI controller 52
can be coupled to additional buses and devices via a second host
bridge 60.
[0033] Computer system 100 further includes Industry Standard
Architecture (ISA) bus 62, which is coupled to PCI local bus 50 by
ISA bridge 64. Coupled to ISA bus 62 is an input/output (I/O)
controller 70, which controls communication between computer system
100 and attached peripheral devices such as a keyboard, mouse, and
a disk drive. In addition, I/O controller 70 supports external
communication by computer system 100 via serial and parallel ports.
The USB Bus and USB Controller (not shown) are part of the Local
PCI controller (52).
[0034] FIG. 2 depicts a non-limiting example of a media management
system 200 configured according to one embodiment of the invention.
The computer system 100 described above is for example a computer
202 of media management system 200. As shown, a component media
source 203 (e.g. cable TV box, satellite receiver, etc.) is
connected to the computer 202, which is in turn connected to at
least one main display 204 (e.g. HDTV set, computer monitor, etc.).
A user first plugs his or her existing component media source 203
into the computer 202. The component media source 203 may provide
uncompressed digital data via a high definition multimedia
interface (HDMI) or other digital or analog connection types. Then,
the user plugs the computer 202 into the display device 204. The
computer is appropriately connected (e.g. via network connection)
to a remote data center (210).
[0035] It is assumed in this example that an overlay passthrough
device (OPD) (not shown) is provided within or external to the
computer 202, though more than one OPD could be provided as
external components operatively connected to the computer 202, e.g.
in a home network environment. The OPD enables information
capturing, identification, retrieval of related content and
selective combined display of media from the component source 203
and related media content, for example derived from a remote source
such as data center (210). Exemplary OPD arrangements are described
co-pending and commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/463,020, filed on May 8, 2009, and which is incorporated by
reference herein.
[0036] The information necessary for identification of the input
media (e.g. a TV program) from the component media source 203 is
captured by the computer (e.g. OPD) 202. The input media can be
identified locally or remotely utilizing any of a wide variety of
identification techniques (e.g. digital fingerprinting). The
information necessary for identification of the input media (which
can include the identification result itself if the input media is
identified locally) is sent to the data center 410. The data center
410 can then identify the input media and obtain related content in
an automated way. The related content may also be obtained directly
by the computer 202, e.g. by conducting an Internet query. Thus,
the related content (e.g. web sites relevant to the identified
input media) can be gained in a wide variety of ways, locally or
remotely, including but not limited to conducting Internet queries
and/or consulting a database having pre-selected content
therein.
[0037] Once obtained, the related content (if derived via the data
center 210) is sent from the data center 210 to the computer 202.
The computer 202 is now in possession of the related content. This
related content could selectively be combined (e.g. overlaid by the
OPD) for display at the main display device 202 immediately, if
desired. The media management system 200 can however make the
related content available in a wide variety of other ways, as
discussed below.
[0038] As shown, one or more connected devices 212a, 212b, . . .
212n are in operable connection with the computer 202. The
connected devices are also configurable to be in operable
connection with one another. The operable connection can be any
suitable connection; however, it is presently preferred that the
computer and the connected devices be operably connected wirelessly
within a local (home) network environment. The computer 202 can
transmit the related content to one or more of the connected
devices 212a, 212b . . . 212n. The selection of which device(s) to
pass the related content to is configurable as desired and may be
dependent upon user selection (e.g. to receive the related content
at the device). Thus, the media management system 200 is capable of
displaying the input media from the component media source 203
alone on the display 204, or combining the related content and the
input media for combined display. Additionally, the media
management system can provide the related content to one or more of
the connected devices in addition to or in lieu of the combined
display at the main display 204.
[0039] As a non-limiting example, the input media from the
component media source 203 could be a popular television news
program. The computer 202 in combination with the data center 210
can identify that the news program is being watched and obtain the
news programs web site as related content. This news program web
site can then selectively be displayed on the display 204 along
with or in lieu of the input media (television news program). The
news program web site can also be transmitted directly to one or
more of the connected devices for display at those devices.
Accordingly, a user with a connected device (e.g. 212a) could
optionally view the news program web site, automatically provided
by the media management system 200, in addition to watching the
news program on the display 204. In contrast, another user 212b
could opt not to view the news program web site and simply watch
the program on the main display 204. Additionally, if both users
are interested in the news program web site, they could selectively
display it (e.g. via suitable remote control) on the main display
204 for all to see. Thus, the media management system 200 allows
for one or more users to view related content selectively, as
desired.
[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates a non-limiting example of communication
between connected devices and the computer of the media management
system. Utilizing a web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer.RTM.) of
the connected device, the connected device points to a web server
contained within the computer of the media management system at
301. To point to the web server the connected devices utilizes the
address (e.g. IP address) of the web server to locate the web
server in the (home) network utilizing known techniques, e.g. an
application program (e.g. UpNP (Universal Plug and Play) or DNLA
(Digital Living Network Alliance)) running on the connected device.
The application program can automatically locate/identify and point
to the web server). As above, the computer of the media management
system is configured to obtain related content based upon the
identification of input media from a component media source. As a
non-limiting example, a series of relevant web sites may be
obtained as related content by the computer of the media management
system. The computer is configured to display previews of these web
pages (e.g. in a cue of links, as thumbnail pictures, etc.) on the
main display and/or transmit the same to the connected devices.
[0041] The computer transfers the preview of related content to the
one or more connected devices at 302, preferably as a web page. The
connected device displays the previews on a local display (i.e. a
display of the connected device) using the connected device's
Internet browser. At 303 the user of the connected device may
review the previews (e.g. scroll through a list of thumbnail web
site previews utilizing a touch screen) and select a particular
preview as being of interest, e.g. clicking on it. Upon selection,
the connected device obtains the selected preview at 304 (e.g. the
connected device's browser obtains the selected web page for
display) and displays it on the device's local screen/display. The
web page containing the previews of related content by the web
server is updated/refreshed at desired rate. Similarly, the
retrieval by the connected device of the web page having the
previews from the web server is repeated as desired.
[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates a non-limiting example of a method for
single-click transfer of related content from the one or more
connected devices to the media management system (for combined
display on the main display device). Steps 401, 402 and 403
correspond to the steps 301, 302 and 303 as described in connection
with FIG. 3. As discussed, the user can display the related content
locally at 404. Additionally, at 403, the user of a connected
device can select a previewed page (or other page) for single click
transfer. The single-click transfer can be implemented by way of
appropriate user interface on the connected device (e.g. button or
area of a touch screen).
[0043] At 405, upon single-click transfer selection by the user,
the connected device can http post to the web server to a packet
giving the URL of the web page selected by the user. At 406 the web
server receives the post and then passes this information off to
the computer proper, which obtains the page and outputs it for
(e.g. combined) display at the main display device. It should be
noted that, as the connected devices are configured with browsers
capable of browsing the Internet at the user's discretion, web
pages, etc., can be derived by users independently and can also be
posted for combined display using a similar post.
[0044] The computer of the media management system is configured to
manage multiple posts from one or more connected devices and employ
logic for handling these requests, as is desirable. For example,
the computer of the media management system could place multiple
post requests in a side panel of the main (combined) display and
force the post requests to wait a predetermined amount of time
prior to being displayed as web pages in the combined display,
etc.
[0045] According to one embodiment, a peer-to-peer relationship is
enabled between the computer of the media management systems and/or
the one or more connected devices utilizing appropriate application
software implemented on the respective devices. This will enable
instant messaging capabilities, etc., between the component devices
of the system and allow for increased usability and user
interaction with one another and the media management system.
[0046] In brief recapitulation, at least one embodiment of the
invention enables automatic identification of input media content,
automatic retrieval of related content, transmission of related
content to and from connected devices, and combined display of a
plurality of media.
[0047] It should be understood that many of the functional
characteristics of the inventive system described in this
specification may be implemented as modules. Modules may include
hardware circuits such as one or more processors with memory,
programmable logic, and/or discrete components. The hardware
circuits may perform hardwired logic functions, execute computer
readable programs stored on tangible storage devices, and/or
execute programmed functions. The computer readable programs may in
combination with a computer system and the other described elements
perform the functions of the invention.
[0048] It will be readily understood by those having ordinary skill
in the art that embodiments of the present invention may take the
form of an entirely hardware embodiment or an embodiment containing
both hardware and software elements. An embodiment that is
implemented in software may include, but is not limited to,
firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.
[0049] The computer readable programs may be stored in tangible
computer/machine-readable (apparatus readable) medium. Examples of
a computer/machine-readable medium include a semiconductor or solid
state memory, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a
random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid
magnetic disk and an optical disk. Current examples of optical
disks include compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM), compact
disk-read/write (CD-R/W) and DVD.
[0050] Accordingly, elements of the present invention may be
implemented on at least one computer running suitable software
programs. These may also be implemented on at least one Integrated
Circuit or part of at least one Integrated Circuit. Thus, it is to
be understood that the invention may be implemented in a
combination of both hardware and software. Again,
computer/machine-readable programs may in combination with a
computer system perform the functions of the invention.
[0051] This disclosure has been presented for purposes of
illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive
or limiting. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiments were chosen and
described in order to explain principles and practical application,
and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the
disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as
are suited to the particular use contemplated.
[0052] In the drawings and specification there has been set forth a
preferred embodiment of the invention and, although specific terms
are used, the description thus given uses terminology in a generic
and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
[0053] If not otherwise stated herein, it is to be assumed that all
patents, patent applications, patent publications and other
publications (including web-based publications) mentioned and cited
herein are hereby fully incorporated by reference herein as if set
forth in their entirety.
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