U.S. patent application number 12/581389 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-21 for method and apparatus for an automatic recovery keyboard for slate tablet computers.
Invention is credited to William Arnholt, JR., Charles E. Kinkade, JR..
Application Number | 20110093630 12/581389 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43618017 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110093630 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Arnholt, JR.; William ; et
al. |
April 21, 2011 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AN AUTOMATIC RECOVERY KEYBOARD FOR SLATE
TABLET COMPUTERS
Abstract
A method and apparatus for reimaging of a computing device are
provided. The apparatus may include a recovery device which
connects to a computing device via a communication network or a
connector. The recovery device may have the capability to retrieve
data from and to transfer data to the computing device to simulate
inputs of an input device. Sometimes the simulated inputs are in
response to a prompt from the computing device for an input
response. The recovery device may reimage software applications,
operating systems, and data to replace and/or fix corrupted or
damaged portions of information stored on a memory of the computing
device without the need for other input devices.
Inventors: |
Arnholt, JR.; William;
(Portage, MI) ; Kinkade, JR.; Charles E.; (Warren,
MI) |
Family ID: |
43618017 |
Appl. No.: |
12/581389 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
710/63 ; 713/2;
714/15; 714/E11.023 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 11/1456 20130101;
G06F 11/1469 20130101; G06F 11/1417 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
710/63 ; 714/15;
713/2; 714/E11.023 |
International
Class: |
G06F 11/07 20060101
G06F011/07; G06F 9/00 20060101 G06F009/00; G06F 13/38 20060101
G06F013/38 |
Claims
1. A recovery device for reimaging a computing device, comprising:
a memory having at least one stored set of instructions for
reimaging at least part of stored contents of a computing device
memory; a processor communicatively linked to the memory, and
configured to access the memory, retrieve the at least one stored
set of instructions for reimaging and execute the at least one
stored set of instructions to reimage the computing device memory,
wherein the at least one stored set of instructions include the
steps of: simulating a first input from an input device to enter
the computing device's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) menu;
simulating a second input from the input device to access system
boot options in the computing device's BIOS menu; simulating a
third input from the input device to designate the recovery device
as a preferred boot device; simulating a fourth input from the
input device to exit the computing device's BIOS menu; and
reimaging the computing memory; and a connector to communicatively
link the processor and the computing device.
2. The recovery device of claim 1, further comprising at least one
selecting device to set an option for the reimaging of the
computing device.
3. The recovery device of claim 2, wherein the option for the
reimaging of the computing device is selected from a group
consisting of reimaging a select software, reimaging an operating
system, reimaging a stored data, the type of computing device to be
reimaged, and the software used to reimage the computing
device.
4. The recovery device of claim 1, further comprising a housing
enclosing at least the memory and the processor.
5. The recovery device of claim 4, further comprising a DIP switch
configured to set an option of the reimaging of the computing
device, wherein the DIP switch protrudes through the housing.
6. The recovery device of claim 4, wherein the connector protrudes
through the housing.
7. The recovery device of claim 1, wherein the connector is a USB
connector.
8. The recovery device of claim 1, further comprising a
semiconductor communicatively connected to the connector and the
processor.
9. The recovery device of claim 1, wherein the memory, the
processor and the connector of the recovery device are integral to
the computing device.
10. The recovery device of claim 9, further comprising a DIP switch
configured to set an option of the reimaging of the computing
device, wherein the DIP switch protrudes through a computing device
housing.
11. The recovery device of claim 1, wherein the recovery device is
configured to automatically reimage the computing device.
12. A method for reimaging a computing device using a recovery
device, comprising the steps of: retrieving at least one set of
instructions for reimaging at least part of stored contents of a
computing device memory from a recovery device memory; executing
the retrieved at least one set of instructions with a recovery
device processor; simulating a first input from an input device to
enter the computing device's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) menu
with the recovery device processor; simulating a second input from
the input device to access the system boot options in the computing
device's BIOS menu with the recovery device processor; simulating a
third input from the input device to designate the recovery device
as a preferred boot device with the recovery device processor;
simulating a fourth input from the input device to exit the
computing device's BIOS menu with the recovery device processor;
and reimaging a memory of the computing device via a connector
communicatively linked between the recovery device processor and
the computing device.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of
communicatively attaching the recovery device to the computing
device prior to booting the computing device.
14. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of
selecting an option to designate what to reimage on the memory of
the computing device.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the selecting the option is
selected from a group consisting of reimaging a select software,
reimaging an operating system, reimaging a stored data, the type of
computing device to be reimaged, and the software used to reimage
the computing device.
16. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of holding
for a predetermined amount of time prior to each simulating step to
ensure that each respective simulating step is executed only when
the computing device is ready to accept the corresponding first,
second, third or fourth simulated input.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the predetermined amount of
time differs for each individual simulating steps.
18. The method of claim 12, further comprising a step of simulating
a plurality of inputs from the input device to execute a computing
device reimaging program.
19. The method of claim 12, wherein the first, second, third, and
fourth simulated inputs from the input device represent keystrokes
from a keyboard.
20. The method of claim 12, wherein reimaging the memory of the
computing device occurs automatically.
21. A system for reimaging a computing device, comprising: a
non-transitory means for storing at least one set of instructions
for reimaging at least part of stored contents of a computing
device memory; a means for accessing the non-transitory means for
storing, retrieving the instructions for reimaging, and executing
the instructions to reimage the computing device memory, wherein
the instructions include the steps of: simulating a first input
from an input device to enter the computing device's BIOS (Basic
Input/Output System) menu; simulating a second input from the input
device to access system boot options in the computing device's BIOS
menu; simulating a third input from the input device to designate
the recovery device as a preferred boot device; simulating a fourth
input from the input device to exit the computing device's BIOS
menu; and reimaging the computing device memory; and a means for
communicatively connecting the system to the computing device.
22. The system of claim 21, further comprising a means for
selecting an option to designate what to reimage on the memory of
the computing device, wherein the option is selected from a group
consisting of reimaging a select software, reimaging an operating
system, reimaging a stored data, and the type of computing device
to be reimaged.
23. The system of claim 21, wherein the system is configured to
automatically reimage the computing device.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the recovery of
computing devices due to damage or corruption, for example, by
viruses, bad data transfers, writing errors, improper shutdowns,
etc. resulting in the need to reimage software and/or data. More
particularly, the present invention relates to the re-imaging of
slate tablet computers in a manner not requiring the use of a
certain peripheral devices such as, for example, a keyboard or an
external DVD-ROM device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Computing device failures are a common occurrence. On some
occasions such failures cause critical harm to the software running
or stored on the computing device. The damage or corruption of the
software will cause programs running on the computing device to
malfunction, resulting in programs not functioning in the way
intended or even at all. When the damage or corruption of software
occurs, a common way to correct the problem is to reimage or
reinstall the software. In some instances, reimaging a particular
software module or software program may be sufficient to fix the
issue. This solution is most common with software that is
nonessential to the general function of the computing device.
[0003] When essential software or multiple software programs fail,
because of damage or corruption, more often the solution is to
reimage the entire program, or even reimage the entire drive where
the program is stored. When reimaging a drive, the drive may be
wiped clean, resulting in the loss of all information on the
drive.
[0004] In any of the above cases, whether it is necessary to
reimage just a software module or the entire drive, the software
failure or the reimaging process may disable certain abilities of
the computing device, or the reimaging process may require certain
interaction with the computing device. Examples of these issues
include disabled input devices or required use of an input device.
In some instances, the disabled input device may hinder reimaging,
and in other cases where the required use of an input device may
not be feasible if the input device is not available.
[0005] It is desirable to provide a method and apparatus for an
automatic recovery keyboard for reimaging of software without the
use of certain peripheral devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] At least in view of the above, it would be desirable to
provide a method and apparatus for an automatic recovery keyboard
for reimaging of software without the use of a certain peripheral
devices.
[0007] The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by certain
embodiments of the present invention. According to one such
embodiment of the present invention, a recovery device for
reimaging a computing device is provided which can comprise a
memory having at least one stored set of instructions for reimaging
at least part of the contents of a computing device memory, a
processor communicatively linked to the memory, and configured to
access the memory, retrieve the instructions for reimaging and
execute the instructions to reimage the computing device memory,
and a connector configured to communicatively link the processor
and the computing device.
[0008] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
method for reimaging a computing device using a recovery device,
which can comprising the steps of simulating a first input from an
input device to enter the computing device's BIOS menu, simulating
at least a second input from the input device to access the system
boot options in the BIOS menu, simulating at least a third input
from the input device to designate the recovery device as a
preferred boot device, simulating at least a fourth input from the
input device to exit the BIOS menu, and reimaging a memory of the
computing device.
[0009] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, a system for reimaging a computing device is provided
which can comprise a means for storing at least one set of
instructions for reimaging at least part of the contents of a
computing device memory, a means for accessing the means for
storing, retrieving the instructions for reimaging, and executing
the instructions to reimage the computing device memory, a means
for simulating inputs from an input device, and a means for
communicatively connecting the system to a computing device.
[0010] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain
embodiments of the invention in order that the detailed description
thereof herein may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are, of course, additional embodiments of the invention that will
be described below and which will form the subject matter of the
claims appended hereto.
[0011] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described
and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is
to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed
herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0012] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a recovery device for
reimaging of a computing device according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2a is a top view of a recovery device for reimaging of
a computing device according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 2b is a side view of a recovery device for reimaging of
a computing device according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method for reimaging of a
computing device using a recovery device according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] An embodiment of the present inventive method and apparatus
for an automatic recovery keyboard for reimaging of software may
provide an apparatus for simulating the use of or replacing certain
required peripherals for recovery by reimaging software ("recovery
device"). The recovery device may be employed to reimage an entire
memory of a computing device, an operating system, individual
software and software modules, and data stored on the computing
device's memory.
[0018] The recovery device may include a processor to simulate
inputs of a peripheral input device so as to eliminate the need for
the input device. An example of an input device that may not be
needed when the recovery device is used is a keyboard. The
processor of the recovery device may send signals to the computing
device simulating a keystroke from a keyboard. The computing device
may then interpret the signal as a keystroke or series of
keystrokes from a keyboard and respond accordingly. It is
contemplated that other input devices may be simulated as well.
[0019] A memory may be included in the recovery device. The memory
of the recovery device may serve a couple purposes. Firstly, this
memory may store instructions necessary to execute the recovery of
the computing device. Such instructions may include which input
signals to simulate and when to simulate them. The memory of the
recovery device may also be used to provide the software and or
data used to reimage the computing device. For example, the memory
of the recovery device may contain the code for software
applications or operating systems that need to be reimaged, or it
may contain copied of data that were stored on the computing
device.
[0020] A further feature of the recovery device may be to have a
selection means, such as, for example, one or more DIP (dual
in-line package) switches, to select options for reimaging the
computing device. The one or more selection means may be arranged
in different ways to represent and effect different options. Such
options may include, for example, selecting the content with which
to reimage the computing device, or the type of computing device to
be reimaged.
[0021] The recovery device may also be either a separate device
from the computing device, or it may be integral to the computing
device. If the recovery device is a separate device, then it may
likely have a housing of its own and a connector, such as, for
example, a USB (universal serial bus) connector, to put the
recovery device in communication with the computing device. The
recovery device may even resemble a USB flash drive. If the
recovery device is integral to the computing device, then it may be
contained within the housing of the computing device and connected
to a common bus with the other components of the computing
device.
[0022] The invention will now be described with reference to the
drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like
parts throughout. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the
recovery device 10 according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] The recovery device 10 may include a processor 20, a memory
22, a connector 24, a selecting device 26, and a housing 28. The
electronic components of the recovery device 10 may be
interconnected by a datalink 30. It is further contemplated that
the recovery device 10 may be integral to a computing device (not
shown), and therefore may share some of these components with the
computing device. Some such shared components may include, for
example, the processor 20, the housing 28, the datalink 30.
[0024] The recovery device 10 may be a preprogrammed device, having
been built with a predetermined purpose. A preprogrammed recovery
device 10 may be suitable for use with only specific types of
computing devices because it was only built for use with those
computing devices. The programmed recovery device 10 in such an
instance may only have limited sets of instructions that allow for
reimaging of predetermined kinds of computing devices with certain
software. The preprogrammed recovery device 10 may be configured to
work with only one type of computing device, or multiple
predetermined computing devices.
[0025] Conversely, the recovery device 10 may be programmable,
allowing for modification of the function of the recovery device,
such as to adapt the recovery device 10 for use with multiple
computing devices with varying software configurations. The
programmable recovery device 10 may also allow for storage of data
from a computing device, much like a backup, so that the stored
data may be reimaged if necessary.
[0026] Depending on the configuration of the recovery device 10, be
it preprogrammed or programmable, different types of processors 20
may be suitable for use in the recovery device 10. Thus, the
processor 20 of the recovery device 10 may be, for example, an
FPGA, a CLPD, a PLA, a microprocessor, or a combination
thereof.
[0027] The processor 20 may have the ability to sense a voltage or
a current being provided to the recovery device 10 from the
computing device via the connector 24, for example, a USB
connector. Alternatively, a sensor (not shown) may be employed to
sense the voltage or the current and send a signal to the processor
20 to indicate that the recovery device 10 is receiving power.
[0028] Similarly, the configuration for the recovery device 10, be
it preprogrammed or programmable, may affect the choice of memory
22 used in the recovery device 10. Other factors may also affect
the choice of memory 22 type for use in the recovery device, such
as whether the recovery device 10 is a unit unto itself or if it is
integrated into a computing device, and the size of what is stored
it the memory. Thus, the memory 22 of the recovery device 10 may
be, for example, optical, magnetic, solid state, read only, or
rewritable.
[0029] The configuration of the recovery device 10 may also dictate
the type of connector 24 employed, if at all. In some instances,
for example, if the recovery device 10 were external to a computing
device, the connector 24 maybe of the type connectable to a serial
port, a parallel port, or both. The connector 24 may include on or
more of USB, Micro-USB, FireWire, Ethernet, etc.
[0030] A multitude of hardware interface devices 32 may be employed
such that the processor 20 may interface with the connector 24. In
one embodiment of the recovery device 10, using USB for the
connector 24, the interface device 24 allows for the processor to
send and receive data through the USB connector. In such an
instance, one option is that the interface device 32 is a Cypress
semiconductor, part number CY7C63413.
[0031] Now referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b, one embodiment of the
recovery device 10 may have the housing 28 enclosing the majority
of the components of the recovery device 10. Still some of the
components of the recovery device may extend through the housing
28. For example, the connector 24 extends beyond the bounds of the
housing 28 so that the connector may be inserted into a port of the
computing device. In another embodiment, the connector 24 may be
retractable when not in use. There exist other possible
constructions of the recovery device such that the connector 24 may
not extend beyond the bounds of the housing 28. The connector 24
may be a group of electrical contacts that are flush with or even
recessed beneath the surface of the housing, like in, for example,
and SD memory card or an Ethernet plug. In such an embodiment, the
port in the computing device would have electrical contacts
arranged to meet with the electrical contacts of the connector
24.
[0032] Also shown in the figures as extending beyond the housing is
the selecting device 26. The selecting device 26 allows for the
selection of options for reimaging the computing device. Such
options may include, but are not limited to, selecting the
appropriate reimaging process for the specific computing device,
selecting certain software to be reimaged, selecting a certain
operating system to be reimaged, and selecting data to be reimaged.
The options may also include selecting the correct reimaging
software, for example, selecting Ghost by Symantec Software, or
Recover Pro by Phoenix Software. The selecting device 26 may allow
for the selection of one or multiple options for reimaging the
computing device. There are different ways to implement the
selecting device 26. In one embodiment, the selecting device 26 may
be on or more DIP switches, each of which may turn on or off a
single option, or the combination of DIP switch settings may be
interpreted to signify a combination of options. The selecting
device 26 may also be implemented by, for example, buttons, slide
bars, knobs, or touch sensitive inputs.
[0033] The computing device previously mentioned (not shown) may
include an input device, a memory, a communication device, a
processor, and a display, all of which can be interconnected by a
data link. The computing device may be a general computer, such as
a personal computer (PC), a UNIX workstation, a server, a mainframe
computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular phone, a
smart phone, or some combination of these. Alternatively, the
computing device may be a specialized computing device, such as a
vehicle diagnostic scan tool or a vehicle communication interface.
An example of the computing device may be a slate tablet computer,
generally one that does not have physical keyboard. Such slate
tablet computers may be manufactured by, for example, Panasonic,
Motion Computing, TabletKiosk, Getac, Fujitsu, DT Research, or
Itronics. Another example of a computing device may be the AGCO
Electronic Diagnostic Tool. The remaining components can include
programming code, such as source code, object code or executable
code, stored on a computer-readable medium that can be loaded into
the memory and processed by the processor in order to perform
desired functions.
[0034] In various embodiments, the computing device and the
connector 24 may be coupled to a communication network (not shown).
The communication network allows for communication between the
computing device and the connector 24, which allows information to
pass between the computing device and the recovery device 10.
[0035] The computing device can be coupled to the communication
network by way of the communication device, which in various
embodiments can incorporate any combination of devices--as well as
any associated software or firmware--configured to couple
processor-based systems. Such communication devices may include
modems, network interface cards, serial buses, parallel buses, LAN
or WAN interfaces, wired, wireless or optical interfaces, and the
like, along with any associated transmission protocols, as may be
desired or required by the design. Various embodiments of the
communication network may include any viable combination of devices
and systems capable of linking computer-based systems, such as USB;
Bluetooth; Wi-Fi; the Internet; an intranet or extranet; a local
area network (LAN); a wide area network (WAN); a direct cable
connection; a private network; a public network; an Ethernet-based
system; a token ring; a value-added network; a telephony-based
system, including, for example, T1 or E1 devices; an Asynchronous
Transfer Mode (ATM) network; a wired system; a wireless system; an
optical system; a combination of any number of distributed
processing networks or systems or the like.
[0036] Additionally, an embodiment of the computing device can
communicate information to the user through the display and request
user input through the input device by way of an interactive,
menu-driven, visual display-based user interface, or graphical user
interface (GUI). As described above, the recovery device 10 may
respond to these requests for user input through simulating input
device signals of input devices such as, for example, a pointing
device, such as a mouse or a stylus, keys, buttons, a trackball, a
scroll wheel, a touch sensitive pad, a touch screen, or a
voice-activated system to select from a variety of selectable
fields, including selectable menus, drop-down menus, tabs, buttons,
bullets, checkboxes, text boxes, and the like.
[0037] The memory may include, for example, any form or combination
of volatile, solid state, magnetic, optical, permanent, removable,
writable, rewriteable, and read-only memory. The memory may contain
a number of instructions for use with the computing device. The
memory of the computing device may also be the memory 22 of the
recovery device 10. In the case where the memory of the computing
device and the recovery device 10 is shared, there may be a
partitioned section of the memory to store the instructions,
software, and data for use with the recovery device.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated is a flow diagram of a
method for reimaging of a computing device using the recovery
device 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Any
or all of the following steps to reimage the computing device may
be initiated manually or occur automatically. Initially, if the
recovery device 10 is a separate device from the computing device,
one may have to connect the recovery device 10 to the computing
device prior to booting the computing device (step 60). Also prior
to booting the computing device, one may choose to make option
selections for reimaging the computing device by setting the
selecting device 26 (step 62). Setting the selecting device 26 may
include, but is not limited to, setting options for selecting the
appropriate reimaging process for the specific computing device,
selecting certain software to be reimaged, selecting a certain
operating system to be reimaged, selecting data to be reimaged, and
selecting the correct reimaging software. Selecting the reimaging
options may optionally occur before connecting the recovery device
to the computing device when the two devices are separate.
Following connecting the recovery device (step 60), if necessary,
and making option selections for reimaging the computing device
(step 62), the computing device should be booted (step 64).
[0039] When the computing device begins to boot, the recovery
device may sense that it is receiving power from the computing
device and the recovery device begins to simulate inputs from an
input device in order to get the computing device to boot from the
recovery device (step 66). The simulated inputs and the timing for
which they should be simulated may vary depending on a number of
factors. The recovery device 10 may hold for predetermined amounts
of time prior to each simulating step to ensure that the simulating
step is executed when the computing device is ready to accept the
simulated input. The predetermined amounts of time may differ for
the individual simulating steps. Thus, the following is simply an
exemplary embodiment of implementing step 66, and it should be
understood that the number, type, and timing of the simulated
inputs may be designed for any application. In executing step 66,
the recovery device 10 may simulate a first input from an input
device to enter the computing device BIOS menu (step 66a). Then,
the recovery device 10 may simulate, at least, a second input from
the input device to access the system boot options in the BIOS menu
(step 66b), and simulate, at least, a third input from the input
device to designate the recovery device 10 as the preferred boot
device (step 66c). Once, the recovery device 10 is set as the
preferred boot device, it may simulate, at least, a fourth input
from the input device to exit the BIOS menu (step 66d).
[0040] Once step 66 is complete, the recovery device 10 may reimage
a memory of the computing device (step 68). As before, any inputs
simulated by the recovery device 10 may be generated in varying
types, numbers, and at varying time intervals depending on the
application of the recovery device 10. To reimage the computing
device, the recovery device may initiate installation or recovery
software, or copy data to the computing device's memory (step 68a).
Once, any software has been initiated and is running, the recovery
device 10 may be required to simulate further inputs in response to
prompts from the software (step 68b).
[0041] FIGS. 1-3 are diagrams and flowcharts of methods and systems
according to various embodiments of the present invention. It will
be understood that the steps of the flowchart illustration, and
combinations of steps in the flowchart illustration, can be
implemented by computer program instructions or other means.
Although computer program instructions are discussed, an apparatus
according to the present invention can include other means, such as
hardware or some combination of hardware and software, including
one or more processors or controllers, for performing the disclosed
functions.
[0042] Typically, computer program instructions, such as portions
of the instructions for reimaging a computing device, may be loaded
onto the computer or other general purpose programmable machine,
such as the recovery device 10, to produce a specialized machine,
such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other
programmable machine create means for implementing the functions
specified in the flowchart. Such computer program instructions may
also be stored in a computer-readable medium that when loaded into
a computer or other programmable machine can direct the machine to
function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored
in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture
including instruction means that implement the function specified
in the flowchart.
[0043] In addition, the computer program instructions may be loaded
into a computing device or other programmable machine, such as the
recovery device 10, to cause a series of operational steps to be
performed by the computing device or other programmable machine to
produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions
that execute on the computer or other programmable machine provide
steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart
steps.
[0044] Accordingly, steps of the flowchart support combinations of
means for performing the specified functions, combinations of steps
for performing the specified functions and program instruction
means for performing the specified functions. It will also be
understood that each step of the flowchart, as well as combinations
of steps, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based
computer systems, or combinations of special purpose hardware and
computer instructions, that perform the specified functions or
steps.
[0045] As an example, provided for purposes of illustration only, a
data input software tool of a search engine application can be a
representative means for receiving a query including one or more
search terms. Similar software tools of applications, or
implementations of embodiments of the present invention, can be
means for performing the specified functions.
[0046] The many features and advantages of the invention are
apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended
by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of
the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the
invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations
will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired
to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation
illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable
modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within
the scope of the invention.
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