U.S. patent application number 15/276766 was filed with the patent office on 2017-01-19 for system for wireless connectivity continuity and quality.
This patent application is currently assigned to Suitable Techologies, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Suitable Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Scott W. Hassan.
Application Number | 20170019826 15/276766 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49292252 |
Filed Date | 2017-01-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170019826 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hassan; Scott W. |
January 19, 2017 |
SYSTEM FOR WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY CONTINUITY AND QUALITY
Abstract
Configurations are described for maintaining a continuity and
quality of wireless signal connection between a mobile device and
systems accessible through the internet. In particular,
configurations are disclosed to address the challenge of a mobile
device that moves through a physical environment wherein the best
wireless connectivity performance is achieved by switching between
available connection sources and constantly evaluating a primary
connection with other available connections that may be switched in
to become a new primary connection. The mobile device may be
self-propelled or carried by some other mobilizing means.
Inventors: |
Hassan; Scott W.; (Menlo
Park, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Suitable Technologies, Inc. |
Palo Alto |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Suitable Techologies, Inc.
Palo Alto
CA
|
Family ID: |
49292252 |
Appl. No.: |
15/276766 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13858896 |
Apr 8, 2013 |
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15276766 |
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61621427 |
Apr 6, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 48/20 20130101;
H04W 88/08 20130101; H04W 36/30 20130101; H04W 84/12 20130101; H04W
48/16 20130101; H04W 36/18 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 36/30 20060101
H04W036/30; H04W 48/20 20060101 H04W048/20; H04W 48/16 20060101
H04W048/16; H04W 76/04 20060101 H04W076/04; H04W 36/18 20060101
H04W036/18 |
Claims
1. A system for maintaining wireless connectivity between a mobile
controller and a remote controller, comprising: a wireless adaptor
operatively coupled between the mobile controller and each of a
first wireless access point and a second wireless access point,
each of which is operatively coupled to the remote controller, the
wireless adaptor configured to have a timing-multiplexed
operational mode wherein connectivity may be maintained between the
mobile controller and the remote controller on both a first channel
to the first wireless access point, and a second channel to the
second wireless access point, such that data transmission between
the mobile controller and remote controller is switched between the
first channel and the second channel based at least in part upon
data transmission timing gaps associated with a protocol that is
operated by the wireless adaptor and the two wireless access
points; wherein the mobile controller is configured to operate the
wireless adaptor to automatically: a. scan to find available
wireless access points; b. connect to the remote controller through
the first wireless access point with the first channel and evaluate
the connectivity of the connection; c. while retaining connectivity
with the remote controller through the first channel, connect to
the remote controller through a second wireless access point with
the second channel and evaluate the connectivity of the connection;
d. compare the evaluated connectivities of the first and second
channels to find a highest evaluated channel and a lowest evaluated
channel; and e. maintain connectivity between the mobile controller
and remote controller through the highest evaluated channel.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless adaptor has a single
wireless transmitter.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the single wireless transmitter
is an RF antenna.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein in a background scanning mode,
data is alternated through the single wireless transmitter from
both the first channel and the second channel.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the data is alternated in bit
packets based upon a bit packet size.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the data is alternated based upon
a time interval.
7. The system of claim 5, wherein the bit packet size is
predetermined.
8. The system of claim 5, wherein the bit packet size is adjustable
using the mobile controller.
9. The system of claim 6, wherein the time interval is
predetermined.
10. The system of claim 6, wherein the time interval is adjustable
using the mobile controller.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless adaptor is
compatible with an IEEE 802.11 standard selected from the group
consisting of: 802.11A, 802.11B, 802.11G, and 802.11N.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless adaptor is a
cellular telephone adaptor.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless adaptor is an IEEE
802.16 compatible adaptor.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless adaptor is a
free-space optical adaptor.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile controller is
configured to operate the wireless adaptor to scan using a discrete
frequency band.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the discrete frequency band is
selected based upon a determined prevalence of active wireless
access points.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile controller is
configured to scan again to find available wireless access points
after disconnecting connectivity between the mobile controller and
remote controller through the lowest evaluated channel.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile controller is
configured to repeatedly cycle between scanning to find available
wireless access points and disconnecting connectivity between the
mobile controller and remote controller through the lowest
evaluated channel.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the mobile controller is
configured to repeatedly cycle at a frequency between about 100
cycles/second and about 1/2 cycles/second.
20. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile controller is coupled
to a motorized vehicle.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the motorized vehicle comprises
a robot.
22. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile controller is
configured to evaluate the connectivity of the connection with the
first or second channel based at least in part upon a factor
selected from the group consisting of: latency, packet loss, and
financial cost of connectivity.
23. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile controller further is
configured to operate the wireless adaptor to automatically
disconnect connectivity between the mobile controller and remote
controller through the lowest evaluated channel.
24. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the data
transmission timing gaps is based upon an IEEE 802.11 distributed
coordination function timing protocol.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein at least one of the timing gaps
represents a protocol element selected from the group consisting
of: a random backoff period, a DCF interframe spacing period, a
request to send period, a short interframe spacing period, a clear
to send period, and an acknowledgement period.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/858,896, filed on Apr. 8, 2013 which claims
the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/621,427 filed Apr. 6, 2012. The foregoing
application is hereby incorporated by reference into the present
application in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to wireless
connectivity of computing and controlling systems to each other,
and more particularly to configurations for switching between
connectivity partnering sources at relatively high frequency to
both discover and utilize updated wireless partnering relationships
as a mobile device is moved around relative to the sources.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There are many types of mobile computing systems designed to
be connected to other systems via wireless communication. For
example, relative basic systems such as that marketed under the
tradename iPod Touch.RTM. by Apple Computer of Cupertino, Calif.,
are designed to browse the internet through WiFi connectivity as
they are carried about by a user. On the more complex side, various
mobile computing systems are available that incorporate not only
WiFi type connectivity, but also wireless mobile network
connectivity, such as via a cellmodem. The presently available
systems are not particularly good at maintaining connectivity, as
the users of cellphones, cellmodems, and WiFi-connected systems
have experienced when moving about with the systems, such as by
moving in a car or even walking about from one location in a
building to another location in the same building. Typically what
happens is that the connectivity becomes interrupted or dropped,
and the user finds himself trying to regain connectivity, generally
by redialing or using software utilities to attempt reconnection.
Indeed, notwithstanding the millions of mobile communication and
computing devices, such as laptops and iPhone Touch.RTM. devices,
sold in the U.S. and other countries, there remains a lack of
solutions for connectivity robustness, and almost any consumer of
technologies can point to the numerous times he or she has dropped
a signal at an inconvenient moment, only to have to try to regain
connectivity manually. There is a need for systems and methods
configured to automatically assist with seeking out, testing,
utilizing, and upgrading wireless connectivity in real or near-real
time at a frequency high enough to make the overall connectivity
scenario relatively robust.
SUMMARY
[0004] One embodiment is directed to a system for maintaining
wireless connectivity between a mobile controller and a remote
controller, comprising: a wireless adaptor operatively coupled
between the mobile controller two wireless access points that are
operatively coupled to the remote controller, the wireless adaptor
configured to have a timing-multiplexed operational mode wherein
connectivity may be maintained between the mobile controller and
the remote controller on both a first channel to a first wireless
access point of the two wireless access points, and a second
wireless access point of the two wireless access points, such that
data transmission between the mobile controller and remote
controller is switched between the first channel and the second
channel based at least in part upon data transmission timing gaps
associated with a protocol that is operated by wireless adaptor and
the two wireless access points; wherein the mobile controller is
configured to operate the wireless adaptor to automatically: scan
to find available wireless access points; connect to the remote
controller through a first wireless access point with the first
channel and evaluate the connectivity of the connection; while
retaining connectivity with the remote controller through the first
channel, connect to the remote controller through a second wireless
access point with the second channel and evaluate the connectivity
of the connection; compare the evaluated connectivities of the
first and second channels to find a highest evaluated channel and a
lowest evaluated channel; and maintain connectivity between the
mobile controller and remote controller through the highest
evaluated channel. The wireless adaptor may have a single wireless
transmitter. The single wireless transmitter may be an RF antenna.
In the background scanning mode, data may be alternated through the
single wireless transmitter from both the first channel and the
second channel. The data may be alternated in bit packets based
upon a bit packet size. The data may be alternated based upon a
time interval. The bit packet size may be predetermined. The bit
packet size may be adjustable using the mobile controller. The time
interval may be predetermined. The time interval may be adjustable
using the mobile controller. The wireless adaptor may be compatible
with an IEEE 802.11 standard selected from the group consisting of:
802.11A, 802.11B, 802.11G, and 802.11N. The wireless adaptor may be
a cellular telephone adaptor. The wireless adaptor may be an IEEE
802.16 compatible adaptor. The wireless adaptor may be a free-space
optical adaptor. The mobile controller may be configured to operate
the wireless adaptor to scan using a discrete frequency band. The
discrete frequency band may be selected based upon a determined
prevalence of active wireless access points. The mobile controller
may be configured to scan again to find available wireless access
points after disconnecting connectivity between the mobile
controller and remote controller through the lowest evaluated
channel. The mobile controller may be configured to repeatedly
cycle between scanning to find available wireless access points and
disconnecting connectivity between the mobile controller and remote
controller through the lowest evaluated channel. The mobile
controller may be configured to repeatedly cycle at a frequency
between about 100 cycles/second and about 1/2 cycles/second. The
mobile controller may be coupled to a motorized vehicle. The
motorized vehicle may comprise a robot. The mobile controller may
be configured to evaluate the connectivity of the connection with
the first or second channel based at least in part upon a factor
selected from the group consisting of: latency, packet loss, and
financial cost of connectivity. The mobile controller further may
be configured to operate the wireless adaptor to automatically
disconnect connectivity between the mobile controller and remote
controller through the lowest evaluated channel. At least one of
the data transmission timing gaps may be based upon an IEEE 802.11
distributed coordination function timing protocol. At least one of
the timing gaps may represent a protocol element selected from the
group consisting of: a random backoff period, a DCF interframe
spacing period, a request to send period, a short interframe
spacing period, a clear to send period, and an acknowledgement
period.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIGS. 1A-1I depict embodiments of computing systems which
may be connected to the internet or other computing systems using
one or more wireless transceivers.
[0006] FIGS. 2A-2E depict an embodiment wherein a mobile computing
system connected via one or more wireless technologies is moved
through an environment that has a plurality of WiFi adaptors in
various locations.
[0007] FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of the invention wherein a
WiFi adaptor capable of background scanning on a second channel may
be utilized to improve connectivity robustness and quality.
[0008] FIGS. 4A-4D depict embodiments of computing systems which
may be connected to the internet or other computing systems using
two or more wireless transceivers.
[0009] FIG. 5 depicts one embodiment of the invention wherein a
controller coupled to two or more WiFi adaptors may be utilized to
improve connectivity robustness and quality.
[0010] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict mobile computing system variations
with two WiFi adaptors as well as a cellular wireless adaptor.
[0011] FIGS. 7A-7E depict an embodiment wherein a mobile computing
system connected via one or more wireless technologies and one or
more cellular wireless adaptors is moved through an environment
that has a plurality of WiFi adaptors and cellular transceiver
systems in various locations.
[0012] FIG. 8 depicts one embodiment of the invention wherein a
combination of WiFi connectivity and cellular connectivity may be
utilized to improve connectivity robustness and quality for a
mobile computing system.
[0013] FIG. 9 depicts one embodiment of a mobile computing system
having various multi-modal wireless communications capabilities
that may be utilized to improve connectivity robustness and quality
for a mobile computing system.
[0014] FIG. 10 depicts one embodiment of a mobile computing system
having various multi-modal wireless communications capabilities
that may be utilized to improve connectivity robustness and quality
for a mobile computing system.
[0015] FIG. 11 depicts one embodiment of a mobile computing system
having various multi-modal wireless communications capabilities
that may be utilized to improve connectivity robustness and quality
for a mobile computing system.
[0016] FIG. 12 depicts one embodiment of a mobile computing system
having various multi-modal wireless communications capabilities
that may be utilized to improve connectivity robustness and quality
for a mobile computing system.
[0017] FIG. 13 depicts one embodiment of a mobile computing system
having various multi-modal wireless communications capabilities
that may be utilized to improve connectivity robustness and quality
for a mobile computing system.
[0018] FIG. 14 depicts one embodiment of a mobile computing system
having various multi-modal wireless communications capabilities
that may be utilized to improve connectivity robustness and quality
for a mobile computing system.
[0019] FIG. 15 depicts one embodiment of a mobile computing system
having various multi-modal wireless communications capabilities
that may be utilized to improve connectivity robustness and quality
for a mobile computing system.
[0020] FIG. 16 depicts one embodiment of a mobile computing system
having various multi-modal wireless communications capabilities
that may be utilized to improve connectivity robustness and quality
for a mobile computing system.
[0021] FIG. 17 depicts one embodiment of a mobile computing system
having various multi-modal wireless communications capabilities
that may be utilized to improve connectivity robustness and quality
for a mobile computing system.
[0022] FIG. 18 depicts one embodiment of a mobile computing system
having various multi-modal wireless communications capabilities
that may be utilized to improve connectivity robustness and quality
for a mobile computing system.
[0023] FIG. 19 depicts one embodiment of a mobile computing system
having various multi-modal wireless communications capabilities
that may be utilized to improve connectivity robustness and quality
for a mobile computing system.
[0024] FIG. 20 illustrates an IEEE 802.11 distributed coordination
function protocol data transmission timing diagram.
[0025] FIG. 21 illustrates one embodiment wherein a multi-modal
communication configuration may be utilized to time-multiplex data
transmissions to yield efficiency and redundancy.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1I, various mobile computing scenarios
encounter connectivity challenges related to the notion that a
computing system and associated transceiver are being moved in and
out of proximity of one or more wireless networking connectivity
points. Referring to FIG. 1A, a typical mobile computing system (6)
is depicted comprising a laptop computer (16) that is equipped with
a single transceiver antenna designed to work with IEEE 802.11 type
networks (such as 802.11A, 802.11B, 802.11G, 802.11N), also known
as "WiFi" networks, to connect with other computing systems. In a
typical mobile computing scenario, the system (6) may be
transported to various locations that are in between two or more
WiFi transceiver access points (2, 4), and conventionally, a WiFi
adaptor operatively coupled to, or comprising a portion of, the
mobile computing system (6) may be utilized to connect with one of
the access points (2, 4) at a time, generally through a manual
selection configuration wherein the operator of the computing
system selects an access point for connectivity. Referring to FIG.
1B, the computing system (6) may be operatively coupled to an
external WiFi transceiver (14) in the event that one is not
integrated into the computing system. Referring to FIG. 1C, even
relatively large computing systems, such as the depicted desktop
computing system (18), may be mobilized between WiFi access points
(2, 4) using a cart, vehicle, or other transportation means that
bring about a need for solving connectivity robustness challenges
that are associated with the mobility relative to the positions of
the WiFi access points (2, 4).
[0027] Referring to FIG. 1D, a handheld (20) mobile computing
system (6), such as those distributed under the tradename iPod
Touch.RTM. by Apple Computer of Cupertino, Calif., comprises a
single WiFi transceiver antenna (8) and is configured to be carried
with the operator as the operator moves in an environment that may
be within the range of two or more WiFi access points (2, 4).
Referring to FIGS. 1E and 1F, the connectivity and mobility
challenge may be associated with a device that is self-propelled.
Referring to FIG. 1E, an electromechanically mobile toy robot (22)
comprises a computing system or microcontroller (6) and a
transceiver antenna (8). As the toy robot (22) is navigated using
instructions from a remote master input device (such as a joystick
that may be connected to a computer local to the operator), an
integrated camera and other devices may be utilized to capture
images and send them through a wireless network, such as a WiFi
network facilitated by one or more access points (2, 4), to a
computer that may be observed by the operator during the robot
navigation. Referring to FIG. 1F, an electromechanically mobile
remote presence system (24), such as those available from Vgo
Communications, Inc. of Nashua, N.H., InTouch Health, Inc. of Santa
Barbara, Calif., or Suitable Technologies, Inc. of Palo Alto,
Calif., is depicted, generally comprising a computing system or
microcontroller (6) and a transceiver antenna (8) mounted upon a
mobile base capable of electromechanically navigating floors and
other surfaces subject to commands from a remote operator
connecting to the mobile computing system (6) through some kind of
wireless network, such as a WiFi network that may be facilitated by
one or more wireless access points (2, 4) positioned in the
vicinity of the mobilized system (24). Typically control commands,
such as affirmative driving or navigation commands, or attempts to
communicate with others, such as transmitted sound and/or video,
are directed from a computer local to the operator, through a
wireless network, to the mobile remote presence system (24), and
captured video or photo images, sound, and other information are
directed from the mobile system (24) back to the computer local to
the remote operator through the same wireless network.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1H, 1H, and 1I, a mobile computing system
(6), in these cases comprising a mobile handset (20), may be
rapidly moved through the transmission ranges of various network
access points, such as WiFi access points (2, 4), with various
types of mobility configurations. For example, a person may carry a
system (6, 20) with them as they walk around an office environment
or out on a sidewalk, they may carry the system (6, 20) with them
as they (26) ride a bicycle (28), or they may carry the system (6,
20) with them as they mobilize within a faster vehicle, such as a
car (30) or even an airplane (32). With any of the connectivity
mobility challenges presented in FIGS. 1A-1I, there is a need for
systems and methods configured to automatically assist with seeking
out, testing, utilizing, and upgrading wireless connectivity in
real or near-real time at a frequency high enough to make the
overall connectivity scenario relatively robust.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2E, in one embodiment, a parallel
connectivity and switching scheme may be utilized to address the
wireless connectivity robustness challenge. Referring to FIG. 2A, a
mobile computing system comprising a handheld device (6, 20) is
located at a first location designated as point "A" (64). This
location (64) is surrounded by a plurality of WiFi access points
(2, 4, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42) that are distributed amongst a plurality
of physical structures (44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60), that
may be, for example, representative of cubicle dividers in an
indoor work environment, walls within an indoor work environment,
city blocks within a town, or other configurations. In the present
illustrative example, the shall be considered walls within an
indoor work environment. At the first location (64), the system (6,
20) appears to be closest to the WiFi access points in rooms 46,
48, and 50 (2, 4, and 34, respectively). In one embodiment, the
system (6, 20) comprises a WiFi adaptor that is configured to be
able to connect with one channel while continuing to scan on
another channel in the background. In such embodiment, absent an
initial connection, the system (6, 20) preferably is configured
such that the computing system (6) or controller will operate the
WiFi adaptor to scan to find available WiFi access points. In the
scenario depicted in FIG. 2A, let's assume that the scanning
exercise finds only the WiFi access points in rooms 46, 48, and 50
(2, 4, and 34, respectively). In this embodiment, the controller
will be configured to attempt to connect to the internet through
each of the available connected servers, and evaluate each of the
connections. In other words, whenever it does connect to a server,
it will try to send data to the server, and if successful in
sending data, will rate the connectivity based upon one or more
factors, such as lowest latency, lowest packet loss, least
expensive (in the event of a fee for service paradigm), etc. Given
an opportunity to choose between two available sources of
connectivity, the system is configured to route all traffic through
the best (i.e., most highly rated in view of the rating factors)
connection, which may be transiently deemed the "primary"
connection. With the primary connection established and data
flowing through the primary, the system generally will be
configured to not disturb the primary connection, but to scan very
aggressively with the other remaining channel (transiently the
"secondary" channel of the WiFi adaptor) to find other access
points and other associated connectivity that may rank above or
near the connectivity ranking of the current primary connection,
the notion being that the primary/secondary roles are transient,
and if the secondary starts to look better than the primary, the
system will automatically reverse the roles. In the abovedescribed
embodiment wherein one WiFi adaptor is utilized to allow scanning
of two channels, it may be somewhat difficult to leave the primary
channel undisturbed, as the transceiver needs to be also utilized
(i.e., via multiplexing, etc) for the secondary channel.
[0030] The switching of primary and secondary connection roles may
be accomplished by the system almost instantly by switching the
packet stream so that an outside connectivity gateway associated
with a remote server or computer to which the mobile system (6) is
being connected will be electronically notified that the packets
that used to be coming from one adaptor channel are now coming from
another adaptor channel, so the remote server or computer should
now stream the reply packets to the new location. Indeed, the world
of external computing systems to which the mobile system (6) will
be connected are well-suited for this kind of switching
configuration. Cryptographic hash techniques or other security
features may be utilized to prevent any other computing systems
from breaking into the communication established between the mobile
computing system (6) and the targeted remote server.
[0031] Another important feature of this embodiment is a frequency
scanning paradigm wherein not all frequencies are scanned with each
bout of scanning from the secondary channel (or in the case of an
adaptor that has no initial connectivity, both or all available
channels which may be scanning simultaneously to establish a
primary connection). For example, in a conventional scenario, such
as one involving the Linux Network Manager WiFi adaptor control
configuration, the WiFi adaptor will do a scan of the whole 802.11
A or 802.11 B band, which can take 5 or 10 seconds, after which it
will select an access point and try to connect. If that initial
attempt fails, the controller will reschedule another scan 5
seconds in the future. Then it will do another scan, select another
access point, and try to connect again. If that second attempt
fails, the operator of the computer is sitting waiting for a
connection for at least 30 seconds. The inventive system is much
more aggressive. For example, in one embodiment, the controller
generally is configured to operate the WiFi adaptor channels to not
do full scans of all available frequencies; rather, it is
configured to scan just a few selected frequencies on a "hot" list
in a staggered fashion, such that a new batch of scans comes in
every few milliseconds from one or more particular frequencies,
with new data for the entire hot list returning every few
seconds--such as on a cycle of about 3 seconds. With the new data,
the controller may be configured to immediately start making
decisions about whether to connect or not. So in such an
embodiment, scan time is minimized quite a lot relative to
conventional paradigms. Further, a "fail fast" logic paradigm
dictates that after a decision to try to connect is made, a
connection attempt is made very rapidly, after which connectivity
success or failure is monitored for a brief time--such as one
second (or perhaps two seconds on an encrypted network); if there
is no answer within two or three seconds, the connectivity is
deemed a failure and the system moves on. Further, once the system
(6) is connected to an outside server or computer, it needs an
address for communications. This generally involves what is known
as dynamic host configuration protocol, or "DHCP", and in the
preferred embodiment, the system is quite aggressive with this
also. In one embodiment, if a DHCP request is not answered within a
couple of seconds, the system will try a second attempt; if the
second attempt for an address is not successful very quickly,
connectivity is deemed a failure. Generally, the system is
configured to attempt to connect for at most two seconds, and will
be trying to connect every few hundred milliseconds. Thus the theme
of being very aggressive and having strict limits for timing out
and moving on.
[0032] Referring again to the aforementioned "hot" list of
frequencies and the notion of only scanning a select group of
frequencies, in one embodiment the system is configured to
categorize frequencies within a particular 802.11 WiFi paradigm.
For example, in an 802.11 B configuration, where there are 11
discrete wireless connection frequencies, the system may be
configured to have a prioritization organization for this group of
11, such that each frequency is labeled as either "hot", "medium",
or "cold" based upon factors such as strength of signal in a recent
timeframe, time in as a primary connection frequency in the a
recent timeframe, average latency over a given timeframe, average
packet loss over a given timeframe, or cost over a given timeframe.
In an scenario wherein 3 of the 11 802.11 B frequencies are on the
"hot" list, the system may be configured to quickly and
repetitively scan those three discrete frequencies only to
establish primary and secondary connectivity, without resorting to
the remaining 8 frequencies that only are categorized as "medium"
or "cold". In one embodiment, upon failure to connect within a
given period of time using one of the "hot" frequencies, the system
may be configured to include the "medium" frequencies in the
scanning routine, and perhaps even the "cold" frequencies to
observe whether any of them appear to be improving and potentially
moving from "cold" to "medium" or "hot"; similarly, scanning the
"medium" frequencies may assist in updating the evaluation of such
frequencies, and potentially reclassifying one or more of them as
"hot" or "cold" given the updated information. In one embodiment,
the "hot" frequencies may be scanned at relatively short intervals,
say every 2 or 3 seconds, while "medium" frequencies may be scanned
only every 5 seconds, and "cold" frequencies scanned only every 10
seconds. Such intervals may be tuned in accordance with the
available hardware configurations. We have found that the inventive
system is able to scan a frequency in as little as 100
milliseconds, so scanning all 11 of the 802.11 B frequencies can be
conducted in as little as 1.1 seconds. Other network protocols,
such as 802.11 A, have larger numbers of discrete frequencies (20,
30, or more), which may place even more value on employing a
frequency/scanning prioritization schema as described above, so
that the hardware may be utilized to scan at relatively high
frequency the frequencies that are known to be "hot", and not waste
as much time on the ones that are known to be "cold" or
"medium".
[0033] Referring to FIG. 2B, as the mobile system (6, 20)
approaches point "1" (70) on the path (68) between point "A" (64)
and point "B" (66), it may start to see signal from not only the
first three WiFi access points in rooms 46, 48, and 50 (2, 4, and
34, respectively), but also from two additional WiFi access points
in rooms 56 and 58 (36, 38, respectively). In a case wherein a
primary connection has already been established (say to WiFi access
point 1 (2)), the mobile wireless adaptor may be scanning in the
background to analyze all of the remaining available connections
through the other WiFi access points (4, 34, 36, 38), or may
utilize a "hot/medium/cold" or similar paradigm to mitigate the
number of scans by focusing initially only upon the "hot"
frequencies (which may be associated with any of the four other
WiFi access points 4, 34, 36, 38), for example, as described above.
Similarly, referring to FIG. 2C, as the mobile system (6, 20)
approaches point "2" (72) on the path (68) between point "A" (64)
and point "B" (66), it may start to see signal from not only the
first five WiFi access points in rooms 46, 48, 50, 56, 58 (2, 4,
34, 36, and 38, respectively), but also from two additional WiFi
access points in rooms 60 and 62 (40, 42, respectively). As the
system (6, 20) continues to move along the path (68), it will
continue to analyze potential secondary connections, and possibly
switch primary/secondary connection roles as described above.
Further, a "hot/medium/cold" or similar paradigm may be utilized to
mitigate the number of scans by focusing initially only upon the
"hot" frequencies (which at point "2" (72) may, for example, be
associated with any of the seven access points that can be
detected), for example, as described above. Referring to FIGS. 2D
and 2D, as the mobile computing system continues to move through
the environment along the path (68) to point "3" (74) and
ultimately point "B" (66), a similar persistent testing/analysis
and possible primary/secondary connection role switching may be
conducted to maintain a robust connectivity schema between the
mobile system (6, 20) and one or more computers or servers to which
the mobile system (6, 20) is trying to remain connected, through
the internet.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 3, a flowchart illustrates one embodiment
wherein a controller is operatively coupled to a WiFi adaptor that
is configured for background scanning on a second channel while
being connected using a first channel (76), as described above in
reference to FIGS. 2A-2E. Initially the controller may be
configured to operate the WiFi adaptor to scan and find WiFi access
points (78). Upon connection to a first WiFi access point with the
first channel of the WiFi adaptor, the controller may be configured
to try to send data to a first remote server or computer that is
operatively coupled to the WiFi access point (80). Upon success in
sending data to the first remote server, the controller may be
configured to evaluate the connectivity based upon one or more
predetermined factors (such as latency, packet loss, financial
expense of the particular connection, etc) (84). Simultaneously,
the second channel may be utilized to connect to a WiFi access
point using background scanning with the WiFi adaptor, and the
controller may be configured to send data to a remote server
operatively coupled to the WiFi access point (82). With success in
sending data to the second remote server, the controller may be
configured to evaluate the connectivity based on one or more
predetermined factors (such as latency, packet loss, financial
expense of the particular connection, etc) (86). The controller may
be configured to select the connection configuration with the best
connectivity evaluation results, and the winner may be established
as a primary connection using the WiFi adaptor (88), while the
non-selected channel may be utilized to continue scanning and
evaluating other connection opportunities which may become
secondary connections (90). The controller may be configured to
persistently evaluate whatever connection is transiently the second
connection relative whatever connection is transiently the primary
connection, with the best connection becoming the new primary
connection (92), and the non-selected channel continuing to scan to
find and establish alternative secondary connections which may
become primary connections themselves (94).
[0035] Mobile computing systems may be equipped with more than one
antenna or transceiver, and more than one networking capability.
For illustrative purposes, a few embodiments are shown in FIGS.
4A-4D. For example, referring to FIG. 4A, a mobile computing system
(6) in the form of a laptop computer (16) is shown having two WiFi
transceivers--one integrated into the laptop (8), and the other
(14) external but operatively coupled. FIG. 4B shows a similar
embodiment with two internal WiFi transceivers (8, 10). FIG. 4C
depicts a handheld (20) computing system (6) with two integrated
WiFi transceivers (8, 10). Finally, FIG. 4D depicts a mobile
telecommunications robot (24) having two intercoupled WiFi
transceivers (8, 10); such an electromechanically mobile system
(24) may comprise a remotely-operable electromechanically navigable
telecommunications and remote presence platform, such as those
available from Anybots, Inc. of Mountain View, Calif.
[0036] Having two independent WiFi adaptors provides the
opportunity for configuring the controller to run them in parallel,
simultaneously, to conduct connection robustness improvement
techniques similar to those described in reference to FIGS. 2A-3.
For example, referring to FIG. 5, a controller is operatively
coupled to two or more WiFi adaptors and configured to operate them
independently (98). The controller may operate the WiFi adaptors to
scan to find available WiFi access points providing connectivity to
the internet and/or other remote computing systems (100). Upon
connection to a WiFi access point with the first WiFi adaptor, the
controller may be configured to try to send data to a remote server
operatively coupled with the WiFi access point (102). Upon success
in sending data to the remote server, the controller may be
configured to evaluate the connectivity based upon one or more
factors, such as latency, packet loss, financial expense of the
particular connection, etc (106). Simultaneously, the second WiFi
adaptor may be utilized to connect to a WiFi access point and the
controller may be configured to attempt to send data to a remote
server operatively coupled to the WiFi access point (104). Upon
success in sending data to the remote server, the controller may be
configured to evaluate the connectivity based upon one or more
factors, such as latency, packet loss, financial expense of the
particular connection, etc (108).
[0037] The controller preferably is configured to select the
connection configuration with the best connectivity evaluation
results and connect to establish a primary connection (110). The
WiFi adaptor not chosen to carry the primary connection may be
utilized to continue to scan for WiFi access points, connect to
them, send data to them, and evaluate connectivity until a
secondary connection can be formed (112). The controller may be
further configured to evaluate the secondary connection in view of
the primary connection, and to select the connection configuration
with the best evaluation results to be the new primary connection
(114), which may involve a role reversal for primary/secondary
connections and associated WiFi adaptors. The WiFi adaptor not
chosen as the primary connection holder may then be utilized to
scan for WiFi access points, connect to them, send data, and
evaluate connectivity until a new secondary connection may be
formed (116).
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, in addition to two or more
WiFi type transceivers (8, 10), a mobile computing system (6), such
as a handheld device (20) or a mobile telecommunications robot (24)
may be operatively coupled to a cellular mobile transceiver (118),
such as one configured to operate with a TDMA network, CDMA
network, PDMA network, GSM network, 3G network, 4G network, or the
like. Such networks are conventionally utilized for cellular
telephone, but are being utilized for smartphone and cellmodem
connectivity as well. With the added element of one or more
cellular mobile connectivity points, a mobile computing system may
be afforded additional connectivity robustness. For example,
referring to FIGS. 7A-7E, a handheld mobile computing system (6,
20) is shown navigating a similar path as described in reference to
FIGS. 2A-2E, with the addition of a cellular mobile transceiver
(118) operatively coupled to the mobile computing system (6, 20),
as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6A or 6B, and four cellular
communication transceiver towers (120, 122, 124, 126) dispersed
about the region through which the mobile computing system (6, 20),
is navigated. Referring to FIGS. 7A-7E, as the mobile computing
system (6, 20) navigates from point "A" (64), to point "1" (70), to
point "2" (72), to point "3" (74), to point "B" (66), the
controller preferably is configured to consider not only the
existence and quality of available WiFi-based connectivity through
the nearby WiFi access points and intercoupled WiFi adaptor
systems, but also the quality and existence of available cellular
mobile based connectivity through the nearby cellular communication
transceiver towers and intercoupled cellular mobile transceiver
(118) configuration.
[0039] One example of an embodiment combining WiFi and cellular
mobile connectivities leveraged together to improve mobile
computing connectivity robustness is shown in FIG. 8. Referring to
FIG. 8, one embodiment is illustrated wherein a controller is
operatively coupled to two or more WiFi adaptors and one or more
cellular mobile adaptors, and configured to operate all of them
independently and/or simultaneously (134). The controller is
configured to operate the WiFi and cellular mobile adaptors to find
available access points (i.e., WiFi access points or cellular
transmission towers or transceivers) (136). Absent a preexisting
primary connection, each available adaptor may be utilized to
search for a connection which may become the primary connection.
Upon connection to a WiFi access point with the first WiFi adaptor,
the controller may be configured to attempt to send data to a
remote server operatively coupled to the WiFi access point (138).
Upon success in sending data to the remote server, the controller
may be configured to evaluate the connectivity based upon one or
more factors, such as latency, packet loss, financial expense of
the particular connection, etc (144). Upon connection to a WiFi
access point with the second WiFi adaptor, the controller may be
configured to attempt to send data to a remote server operatively
coupled to the WiFi access point (140). Upon success in sending
data to the remote server, the controller may be configured to
evaluate the connectivity based upon one or more factors, such as
latency, packet loss, financial expense of the particular
connection, etc (146). Upon connection to a WiFi access point with
the cellular mobile adaptor, the controller may be configured to
attempt to send data to a remote server operatively coupled to the
cellular mobile adaptor (142). Upon success in sending data to the
remote server, the controller may be configured to evaluate the
connectivity based upon one or more factors, such as latency,
packet loss, financial expense of the particular connection (such
as cellular mobile connectivity fees), etc (148). The controller
preferably is configured to select the connection configuration
with the best evaluation results and connect using the pertinent
adaptor to establish a primary connection (150). The adaptors not
selected to carry the primary connection preferably are commanded
by the controller to continue to scan for WiFi or cellular mobile
access points, connect to such points, send data, and evaluate
connectivity until one or more secondary connections are formed
(152). The controller preferably is configured to evaluate the one
or more secondary connections in view of the primary connection,
and select the connection configuration with the best evaluation
results to become the new primary connection (154). The adaptors
not selected to carry the primary connection may be commanded by
the controller to continue to scan for WiFi or cellular mobile
access points, connect to these points, send data, and evaluate
connectivity until one or more secondary connection options is
developed (156), and such a cycle may be repeated as the primary
connection is constantly and persistently upgraded while the mobile
computing system is moved about.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 9, many combinations and permutations of
connectivity hardware and software may be utilized within the scope
of this invention to provide improved connectivity robustness for
mobile computing systems. For illustrative purposes, FIG. 9 depicts
a handheld (20) mobile computing system (6) comprising three
WiFi-compatible wireless transceivers (8, 10, 12), an 802.16 WiMax
wireless transceiver (132), a freespace optical wireless
transceiver (130), and two cellular mobile transceivers--one for 3G
networks (118) and one for 4G networks (128), each of which may be
operated simultaneously to provide connectivity options which may
be evaluated by the controller and selected transiently as a
primary connection, while the other adaptors continue to
persistently search for other secondary connection options, any one
of which may become the next primary connection, as described
above.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 10-21, various embodiments and
configurations are illustrated for optimizing communications
between a mobile controller, such as a mobile remote presence
system (24), as shown in FIG. 6B, for example, and a
remotely-placed controller, such as a remote server.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 10, an embodiment is depicted wherein a
controller is operatively coupled to a single WiFi adaptor that is
configured to selectively maintain a connection on a first channel
with a reduced transmission rate, while also being able to
background scan on a second channel (96). The controller operates
the adaptor to scan to find WiFi access points and check upon the
signal strength of connectivity with these access points (158).
Using the first channel of the adaptor, the controller may operate
the adaptor to establish a primary connection with the WiFi access
point having the greatest signal strength (160); simultaneously,
the controller may also operate the adaptor to continue scanning on
the second channel to try to find other suitable or alternative
connectivity access points (162). Subsequent to identification of
an alternative access point, the controller may evaluate the signal
strengths of the connectivity options on the two channels relative
to each other, and select the option with the strongest signal
strength to be the primary connection (in which case the connection
may remain with the previous primary connection, or may be switched
to the other channel which then becomes the new primary connection)
(164). The WiFi adaptor not chosen to carry the primary connection
may be configured to continue to scan for alternative WiFi access
points and to evaluate the signal strength thereof (166); such
adaptor may also be configured to retain the connection it
previously had, notwithstanding the fact that such connection was
not chosen as the new primary--because at least in the event that
the chosen primary drops out, a live secondary would be ready to
activate without delay. In other words, the system may be
configured such that a primary is selected and utilized as the main
connection, but that the non-primary connection is retained until
another nonprimary is found that has greater signal strength than
the first non-primary, in which case it may be deemed worth the
transition risk to move to the second non-primary, and, indeed, to
compare the strength of this new non-primary to the primary to see
if it should be promoted to primary. As shown in FIG. 10, the
controller may evaluate the signal strength of alternatives to see
if a new primary is selected (168), and the channel that scanned to
the access point not chosen as primary may be utilized to continue
to scan for other alternatives (170).
[0043] Referring to FIG. 11, another embodiment is illustrated
wherein two WiFi adaptors are utilized to conduct analysis and
connection activity similar to the configuration described in
reference to FIG. 10, but with the exception that the embodiment of
FIG. 11 has multiple WiFi adaptors (the embodiment of FIG. 10 had
only one local WiFi adaptor with multiple channels). The controller
is operatively coupled to two WiFi adaptors (i.e., such as in a
configuration wherein two adaptors are carried on board a mobile
electromechanical telepresence system, such as that (24) shown in
FIG. 6B) that are configured to operate independently to connect
with available WiFi access points (98). The controller operates the
adaptors to find access points and evaluate signal strength thereof
(172). The controller connects with the strongest signal strength
access point as a primary connection (174) and continues to seek
other connectivity options with the other adaptor (176). The
controller continues to evaluate connections, and potentially
switch out the primary connection, depending upon what kind of
signal strength is found in the alternatives (178, 180, 182, 184),
and as with the embodiment of FIG. 10, the embodiment of FIG. 11
may be configured to not drop a secondary connection until a good
alternative replacement secondary connection (which may, indeed,
become a primary connection, depending upon signal strength) is
identified.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 12, in another embodiment, a controller
may be operatively coupled to two or more WiFi adaptors--and also
one or more cellular adaptors, with a configuration to operate all
of them independently (134). The controller may be configured to
have all of them scan to find access points, and to check the
signal strength thereof (186). The controller may evaluate the
signal strength results and establish a primary connection with the
strongest, leaving the other other adaptors free to seek other
suitable alternative connections (188). One or more of the two
secondary connections may remain connected to one or more of the
access points not chosen as the primary to provide non-latent
redundancy for the primary. A cycle of continued scanning, signal
strength analysis, and selection of an access point to carry the
primary connection may be continued, as shown (190, 192, 194,
196).
[0045] Referring to FIG. 13, an embodiment similar to that of FIG.
12 is shown, but with only one WiFi adaptor local to the controller
(198). A similar process of scanning for possible connections to
outside access points, evaluating signal strength, and selecting
the connection with the highest signal strength to carry the
primary connection while the other adaptor continues to search for
other alternatives may be utilized (200, 202, 204, 206, 208,
210).
[0046] Referring to FIG. 14, an embodiment similar to that of FIG.
11 is shown, but with two mobile (i.e., cellular wireless network)
adaptors local to the controller (212). A similar process of
scanning for possible connections to outside access points,
evaluating signal strength, and selecting the connection with the
highest signal strength to carry the primary connection while the
other adaptor continues to search for other alternatives may be
utilized (214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226).
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 15-19, configurations featuring a
two-phase analysis are depicted, wherein a first level of
connectivity analysis (signal strength comparison) is conducted
before connecting to a remote controller or server. After
connection, a second level of connectivity analysis may be
conducted (based upon factors such as latency, packet loss,
financial expense of the particular connection, etc) to complete
the analysis and selection of a primary connection, after which a
cyclic pattern may be conducted to continually update the
configuration with an optimized primary connectivity scenario.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 15, a two-phase analysis configuration is
illustrated featuring a controller operatively coupled to a single
WiFi adaptor with multi-channel connectivity capability (96). The
controller scans for access points and checks signal strength
thereof (158). The controller may be configured to the access point
to the strongest signal strength (228), and to then send data to a
remote server through the connection for the purposes of further
connectivity analysis based upon factors such as latency, packet
loss, financial expense of the particular connection, etc) (232).
For example, utilities such as that marketed as "MTR" may be
utilized; MTR is a diagnostic tool that combines "ping" timing
analysis and "traceroute" route analysis functionalities into a
single diagnostic application. Simultaneously and automatically,
the controller may operate the wifi adaptor to use the other
channel to find another alternative connection, analyze signal
strength, connect, and evaluate the connectivity (230, 234, 236).
The controller may be configured to deem the primary connection the
one that has the best evaluation results (238), and to continue to
utilize the other channel to seek alternatives, conduct the
two-stage analysis of them, and potentially switch out the primary
connection--to continually optimize the connection being utilized
as the primary (240, 242, 244).
[0049] Referring to FIG. 16, an embodiment similar to that of FIG.
15 is illustrated, with the exception that the embodiment of FIG.
16 features multiple independent WiFi adaptors instead of a single
WiFi adaptor with multi-channel capability (98). The controller may
be configured to scan the WiFi adaptors for alternatives and to
check signal strength (172), then conduct repeated rounds of
further analysis of the connectivity (246, 248, 250, 252, 254, 256,
258, 260, 262), with the objective again being to continually
optimize connectivity by selecting carefully the connection being
utilized as the primary.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 17, an embodiment similar to that of FIG.
16 is illustrated, with the exception that the controller of the
embodiment in FIG. 17 is operatively coupled to two or more WiFi
adaptors, and also to one or more cellular (i.e., mobile wireless)
adaptors (134). The controller is configured to scan all available
adaptors to seek connectivity options that have both high signal
strength (186) and also solid connection evaluation results based
upon factors such as latency, packet loss, and financial expense of
connectivity), while cycling through such analysis to continually
optimize connectivity by selecting carefully the connection being
utilized as the primary (264, 266, 268, 270, 272, 274).
[0051] FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment similar to that of FIG.
17, with the exception that the controller is operatively coupled
to one or more cellular adaptors, and one WiFi adaptor (198). The
controller is configured to scan all available adaptors to seek
connectivity options that have both high signal strength (200) and
also solid connection evaluation results based upon factors such as
latency, packet loss, and financial expense of connectivity), while
cycling through such analysis to continually optimize connectivity
by selecting carefully the connection being utilized as the primary
(276, 278, 280, 282, 284, 286).
[0052] FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment similar to those of FIGS.
16-18, with the exception that the controller is operatively
coupled to two cellular adaptors, and no WiFi adaptors (212). For
example, in one embodiment, one cellular adaptor may be on a
different provider network than the other. The controller is
configured to scan all available adaptors to seek connectivity
options that have both high signal strength (214) and also solid
connection evaluation results based upon factors such as latency,
packet loss, and financial expense of connectivity), while cycling
through such analysis to continually optimize connectivity by
selecting carefully the connection being utilized as the primary
(288, 290, 292, 294, 296, 298, 300, 302, 304).
[0053] Referring to FIG. 20, an IEEE 802.11 distributed
coordination function ("DCF") protocol timing diagram is depicted
to illustrate that a typical 802.11 data transmission (316) is
associated with certain wait times or wait periods (306--DCF
interfame spacing period "DIFS", 308--request to send period "RTS",
310--short interframe spacing period "SIFS", 312--clear to send
period "CTS", 314, 318, 320--acknowledgement period "ACK", 322,
324--random backoff period) that are at least somewhat predictable,
and which may be utilized in a time-multiplexed communication
configuration. For example, referring to FIG. 21, a multi-channel
(330, 342) single WiFi (328) configuration is shown such as that
which may be utilized in accordance with the embodiments of FIG. 3,
10, or 15. To minimize packet collision and maximize the use of
bandwidth between the mobile controller (326--wheels 344) and the
remote controller (340--such as a remote server), packet
transmission (316) timing (346) may be multiplexed or timed as
shown. In other words, with a multichannel configuration and a
single adaptor, to maximize the efficiency of primary and
background scanning and transmission, time multiplexing as shown
may be utilized.
[0054] Various exemplary embodiments of the invention are described
herein. Reference is made to these examples in a non-limiting
sense. They are provided to illustrate more broadly applicable
aspects of the invention. Various changes may be made to the
invention described and equivalents may be substituted without
departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s)
or step(s) to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the present
invention. Further, as will be appreciated by those with skill in
the art that each of the individual variations described and
illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may
be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of
the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or
spirit of the present inventions. All such modifications are
intended to be within the scope of claims associated with this
disclosure.
[0055] Any of the devices described for carrying out the subject
diagnostic or interventional procedures may be provided in packaged
combination for use in executing such interventions. These supply
"kits" may further include instructions for use and be packaged in
containers as commonly employed for such purposes.
[0056] The invention includes methods that may be performed using
the subject devices. The methods may comprise the act of providing
such a suitable device. Such provision may be performed by the end
user. In other words, the "providing" act merely requires the end
user obtain, access, approach, position, set-up, activate, power-up
or otherwise act to provide the requisite device in the subject
method. Methods recited herein may be carried out in any order of
the recited events which is logically possible, as well as in the
recited order of events.
[0057] Exemplary aspects of the invention, together with details
regarding material selection and manufacture have been set forth
above. As for other details of the present invention, these may be
appreciated in connection with the above-referenced patents and
publications as well as generally known or appreciated by those
with skill in the art. The same may hold true with respect to
method-based aspects of the invention in terms of additional acts
as commonly or logically employed.
[0058] In addition, though the invention has been described in
reference to several examples optionally incorporating various
features, the invention is not to be limited to that which is
described or indicated as contemplated with respect to each
variation of the invention. Various changes may be made to the
invention described and equivalents (whether recited herein or not
included for the sake of some brevity) may be substituted without
departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In
addition, where a range of values is provided, it is understood
that every intervening value, between the upper and lower limit of
that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated
range, is encompassed within the invention.
[0059] Also, it is contemplated that any optional feature of the
inventive variations described may be set forth and claimed
independently, or in combination with any one or more of the
features described herein. Reference to a singular item, includes
the possibility that there are plural of the same items present.
More specifically, as used herein and in claims associated hereto,
the singular forms "a," "an," "said," and the include plural
referents unless the specifically stated otherwise. In other words,
use of the articles allow for at least one of the subject item in
the description above as well as claims associated with this
disclosure. It is further noted that such claims may be drafted to
exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended
to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology
as "solely," "only" and the like in connection with the recitation
of claim elements, or use of a "negative" limitation.
[0060] Without the use of such exclusive terminology, the term
"comprising" in claims associated with this disclosure shall allow
for the inclusion of any additional element--irrespective of
whether a given number of elements are enumerated in such claims,
or the addition of a feature could be regarded as transforming the
nature of an element set forth in such claims. Except as
specifically defined herein, all technical and scientific terms
used herein are to be given as broad a commonly understood meaning
as possible while maintaining claim validity.
[0061] The breadth of the present invention is not to be limited to
the examples provided and/or the subject specification, but rather
only by the scope of claim language associated with this
disclosure.
* * * * *