U.S. patent application number 15/490723 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-03 for head-up display screen.
The applicant listed for this patent is Rigminder Operating, LLC. Invention is credited to Evan L. Gooch, Gregory A. Ward.
Application Number | 20170220125 15/490723 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58643456 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170220125 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gooch; Evan L. ; et
al. |
August 3, 2017 |
HEAD-UP DISPLAY SCREEN
Abstract
A head-up display screen improves the ability of operators to
operate equipment, allowing operators to view the equipment through
a transparent window and view information about the equipment on an
at least semitransparent display screen overlapping the transparent
window, while minimizing obstruction to the view of the equipment.
A head-up display screen may include touch capabilities, allowing
operators to modify a display while viewing the equipment. A
head-up display screen may be rugged and durable for an oil rig
environment.
Inventors: |
Gooch; Evan L.; (Houston,
TX) ; Ward; Gregory A.; (The Woodlands, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rigminder Operating, LLC |
The Woodlands |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58643456 |
Appl. No.: |
15/490723 |
Filed: |
April 18, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14102143 |
Dec 10, 2013 |
9645559 |
|
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15490723 |
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61864245 |
Aug 9, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/04847 20130101;
G06F 3/011 20130101; G06F 3/0304 20130101; G02B 2027/014 20130101;
G02B 2027/0141 20130101; E21B 41/00 20130101; E21B 7/00 20130101;
E21B 44/00 20130101; G02B 27/01 20130101; G06F 3/017 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/01 20060101
G06F003/01; E21B 41/00 20060101 E21B041/00; G02B 27/01 20060101
G02B027/01 |
Claims
1. A system for controlling machinery, comprising: a machinery
unit; an enclosure comprising a viewing port facing at least a
portion of the machinery unit, the portion of the machinery unit
viewable through the viewing port; at least one sensor configured
to measure at least one parameter of the machinery unit; a display
component comprising: a display screen positioned proximate at
least a portion of the viewing port; a projection device for
projecting an image onto the display screen, wherein the machinery
unit is visible through the image projected onto the display
screen; and a gesture-detector configured to detect an input
gesture of a user; a processor communicatively coupled to the at
least one sensor and the display component; and a memory
communicatively coupled to the processor, the memory bearing
processor-executable instructions that, when executed on the
processor, cause the processor at least to: receive the at least
one parameter from the at least one sensor; generate an image for
projection by the projection device onto the display screen based
on the at least one parameter; receive input-gesture data from the
gesture detector, the input-gesture data corresponding to the
detected input gesture of the user; and generate a command to
control the machinery unit based on the received input-gesture
data.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the display screen comprises a
mesh material.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/864,245, filed Aug. 9, 2013, the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This
application is a continuation of prior U.S. application Ser. No.
14/102,143, filed Dec. 10, 2013, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety
BACKGROUND
[0002] Drilling on an oil rig involves dangerous operations. In
order to enhance safety, a team leader, often known as a driller or
drill operator, may oversee a drilling process. A driller may be
responsible for a crew and may run a rig. Thus, a driller may
monitor a rig's operations. Such monitoring may comprise visually
viewing a rig, as well as interpreting signals and information
coming from a rig platform. A driller may also be responsible to
take appropriate countermeasures in the event of an emergency.
[0003] An inattentive driller poses a significant risk to a
drilling operation. A driller may be working in a cabin, known as a
doghouse, in which a window overlooks a rig floor. Thus, while
viewing a rig through a doghouse window, a driller can supervise
the work of a crew and visually oversee safe and proper operations
of a rig. A doghouse may also contain several instrumentation
monitors that assist a driller in controlling a rig. Such doghouse
monitors may be placed to the side of a window, so that a driller's
view through the doghouse window is not obstructed. However,
because a driller may need to divert attention away from the window
in order to view the information provided on the monitors, a
driller may inadvertently become inattentive to what is happening
on a rig floor. As a result, a driller's viewing of the
instrumentation monitors can prevent the driller from paying
sufficient attention to what is happening on the rig floor.
[0004] Inattentiveness of an operator is a concern in numerous
operating environments. In a manufacturing environment, an operator
may become inattentive while controlling machines and tools that
produce goods. For example, it may be that a product is
manufactured from raw materials that pose potential ecological
risks. Thus, the transformation of such hazardous raw materials
into finished goods may be isolated in a room separate from the
operator. The operator may safely view the manufacturing machinery
through a window, but may need to look away at information provided
on a nearby monitor. Operator inattentiveness could inadvertently
cause a breach of containment of the raw materials, possibly
causing an industrial disaster that threatens lives and the
surrounding ecosystem. Accordingly, there is a need for systems and
methods to improve operator attentiveness and operation of a
remotely viewed worksite.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] An embodiment of the present invention allows a user to see
pertinent information displayed in front of the user, while not
blocking a user's view of controlled equipment. An embodiment of
the present invention allows for an interactive, head-up approach
to drilling. Other embodiments of the present invention allow for
an interactive, head-up approach to a variety of environments, such
as manufacturing, mining, maritime, and construction, among others.
For example, embodiments of the present invention may include heavy
equipment capable of at least one of loading, excavating, material
handling, paving, boring, pumping, driving, and navigating, among
others. For further example, embodiments of the present invention
may include machinery capable of at least one of casting, molding,
forming, machining, joining, crushing, blasting, printing, and
chemical processing, as well as others.
[0006] In one aspect, a system for controlling drilling carried out
with an oil rig is provided that includes a drilling unit; an
enclosure comprising a viewing port facing at least a portion of
the drilling unit, the portion of the drilling unit viewable
through the viewing port; at least one sensor configured to measure
at least one parameter of the drilling unit; a display component
that includes a display screen positioned proximate at least a
portion of the viewing port, wherein the display screen is at least
semitransparent; a projection device for projecting an image onto
the display screen; a gesture-detector to detect an input gesture
of a user; a processor communicatively coupled to the at least one
sensor and the display component; and a memory communicatively
coupled to the processor, the memory bearing processor-executable
instructions that, when executed on the processor, cause the
processor at least to receive the at least one parameter from the
at least one sensor; generate an image for projection by the
projection device onto the display screen based on the at least one
parameter; and receive input-gesture data from the gesture
detector, the input-gesture data corresponding to the detected
input gesture of the user.
[0007] In another aspect, a method of controlling equipment can be
summarized as viewing the equipment through a viewing port; viewing
equipment information displayed on a display screen, the display
screen positioned proximate a viewing port such that a portion of
the display screen overlaps a portion of the viewing port; and
controlling the equipment based on viewing the equipment and the
equipment information.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary
environment in which embodiments of the display screen may be
used.
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary environment in which
embodiments of the display screen may be used.
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary display screen in accordance
with various embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary display screen in accordance
with various embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] In the following description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings which illustrate several embodiments of the
present invention. It is understood that other embodiments may be
utilized and mechanical, compositional, structural, electrical
operational changes may be made without departing from the spirit
and scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed
description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope
of the embodiments of the present invention is defined only by the
claims of the issued patent.
[0013] For purposes of this disclosure, the term transparent
generally means allowing light to pass through with no interruption
or distortion. For example, a typical glass window would be
considered transparent. The term semitransparent means almost
transparent, in which there is little interruption or distortion of
light passing through, such that viewed objects may be clearly
distinguished. For example, a typical screen door mesh would be
considered semitransparent.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary
environment 100 in which embodiments of the display screen may be
used. The environment 100 depicts an enclosure 110, such as, for
example, an oil rig doghouse, in which a driller or drill operator
may control and monitor equipment 120 located outside of the
enclosure 110. While the enclosure 110 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a
drilling rig doghouse, any structure containing the driller may be
utilized, such as, for example, a cabin, a building, a shack, a
shed, and the like. The controlled equipment 120 may be, for
example, drilling rig machinery for drilling holes into the ground.
A driller may be seated at a control chair 130 comprising a control
mechanism 132 for controlling the operation of the rig machinery
120. Alternatively, a driller may use a control console or other
input device to control the rig machinery 120.
[0015] A viewing port 140 (e.g., a window) enables the driller in
the doghouse 110 to view the controlled equipment 120 outside of
the doghouse 110. The viewing port 140 may face a floor of the
drilling rig, and a driller may view the rig floor and rig
machinery 120 through the window 140 while seated at the control
chair 130 or while moving about the doghouse. The window 140 may
comprise an opening in the wall of the doghouse 110, or may
comprise an opening having a transparent sheet, such as a sheet of
glass or acrylic plastic, that protects the interior of the
doghouse 110 from external elements, such as rain or snow.
[0016] The environment 100 includes a head-up display ("HUD")
component 150, which may provide a driller with information
regarding the rig machinery 120 without substantially obstructing a
driller's view through the viewing port 140. The HUD 150 may
comprise a screen and a projector for projecting a video image onto
the screen. The screen may comprise a transparent material, such as
glass, or a semitransparent material, such as mesh. The screen may
be positioned in front of or behind a glass pane in the viewing
port 140, or may be positioned within the viewing port 140 in place
of a glass pane. The projector may be positioned in front of or
behind the screen to project an image onto the screen (e.g.,
rear-project or front-projection). The HUD 150 may also include
touch-enabled or gesture-controlled functionality, so as to detect
movement of the driller's fingers across the surface of the screen
and to interpret such detections as user inputs, similar to
commercially-available touch-enabled tablet computing devices.
Touch-enabled or gesture-controlled functionality allows a driller
to provide user inputs to software generating the video images on
the HUD 150. These user inputs may be used to modify the
presentation of information on the HUD 150, as well as allowing for
the input of information by a driller.
[0017] As is known in the art, a dedicated display monitor 160 may
also provide a driller with information regarding the rig machinery
120. In order to enable the driller to maintain his view of the rig
machinery 120 through the window 140, the display monitor 160 may
be placed on the wall of the doghouse 110 to the side of the
viewing port 140 so that the placement does not obstruct a
driller's view through the viewing port 140.
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary environment 200 in which
embodiments of the display screen may be used. In a typical system
environment 200, there may be a computing device 210, such as a
desktop personal computer ("PC"). A computing device 210 may
include a processor, a memory, a communications interface, and a
user interface for receiving user input. In other embodiments, the
computing device 210 can be, for example, a server, a smart phone,
a notebook computer, a personal data assistant, a cellular phone,
or other computational system. The computing device 210 may run any
of a variety of operating systems, such as a version of the Android
operating system by Google, Inc., Microsoft Windows operating
system, the Mac OS or iOS by Apple, Inc., a UNIX-based or
LINUX-based operating system.
[0019] The computing device 210 can include one or more user
interfaces operable to receive inputs from a user. A user interface
can include, for example, a push button, touch pad, touch monitor,
wheel, joystick, keyboard, mouse, trackball, keypad or any other
such device or element whereby a user can provide inputs to the
computing device 210. These user interfaces may be incorporated
into the computing device 210 or operably coupled to the computing
device via a wired or wireless interface. For example, a computing
device 210 may be operably coupled to a display component 220
having a user interface of an input element 226, which may provide
user input to the computing device 210.
[0020] The computing device 210 may be communicatively coupled to a
display component 220. The display component 220 may comprise an
image generating element 222. In some embodiments, the image
generating element 222 may comprise technologies such as CRT, LCD,
LED, laser, or plasma. The image generating element 222 may
comprise a video projector that receives a video signal from the
computing device 210 and projects the corresponding image on the
screen element 224 using a lens system. The image generating
element 222 may project an image generated by the computing device
210 onto a separate surface, such as a screen element 224, either
from the front of the screen element 224 or from behind. A screen
element 224 may be equipped with features capable of displaying an
image projected thereupon while remaining transparent or
semitransparent such that a user can clearly observe an object
through the screen element 224.
[0021] A screen element 224 may comprise glass, plastic, polymer,
mesh or other transparent or semitransparent medium. A mesh may be
a fiberglass mesh, a polymeric mesh (e.g., a polyvinyl chloride or
PVC mesh, a PVC coated mesh, or a polyester mesh), or a mesh of
other materials such as metallic, synthetic, or natural material,
and combinations of such. A mesh may comprise loosely woven wire,
fiber, or thread, similar to a screen mesh used to create screen
doors and window screens. Such mesh is advantageous because it is
both durable and at least semitransparent. Transparency of the mesh
may be increased or decreased based in part on the width of
fiberglass thread and the tightness of the weave of the thread. For
example, a mesh may be made of loosely woven fiberglass thread
forming a crisscross pattern. A mesh size, denoted as number of
openings per inch, may be an 18.times.16 mesh which has 18 openings
across (warp) and 16 openings down (fill) per each square inch of
the screen.
[0022] A mesh may have a texture and depth that promotes visibility
of an image from various angles when an image is projected on the
mesh. Accordingly, a driller may view images projected on the mesh
even when not seated in a control chair. Additionally, a mesh may
be painted with a coat of matte white paint, light-reflective
paint, or the like in order to improve the visibility of an image
projected on the mesh. Such a coating of paint does not
substantially detract from the transparency of the mesh.
[0023] A mesh may be installed in a frame in order, for example, to
hold the mesh in a taut position. The frame may be placed in a
viewing port 140, for example, a doghouse window, to fully cover
the opening of the viewing port 140. Alternatively, the frame size
for the mesh may be larger than the viewing port 140, allowing for
projection of images on the mesh that is backed by a portion of a
wall near the viewing port 140. The frame size for the mesh may
alternatively be smaller than the viewing port 140, thereby
partially covering the viewing port 140 and allowing for a view
through the portion of the viewing port 140 not covered by a mesh.
The mesh may be touching the viewing port 140, or may be separated
from the viewing port 140, allowing for an optimal placement of the
mesh in relationship to where a user is located.
[0024] A screen element 224 comprising a mesh may provide an
improved side viewing angle, increased independence from ambient
light, lower cost, better strength, longer durability, and/or
increased environmental resistance to a harsh environment.
[0025] In embodiments described above, the image generating element
222 and the screen element 224 are provided as separate components.
Alternatively, they may comprise a single device. For example, a
commercially-available transparent display may be utilized, such as
the NL22B 22'' LED LCD Transparent Display by Samsung Electronics.
Technologies that may be utilized for display screens may include
projection mechanisms with transparent projection elements,
transparent liquid crystal display (LCD) screens, transparent
organic light emitting diode (OLED) screens, laser projections, and
wearable monitors. With transparent LCD screens, a projection
device may generate an image on a display screen by applying an
electrical field to the display screen to turn pixels on and
off.
[0026] The computing device 210 may be communicatively coupled to
an input element 226 of the display component 220. The input
element 226 may be touch-based, which may utilize technologies such
as capacitive, resistive, projected capacitive, surface acoustic
wave, near field imaging, infrared, 3-D camera, and the like. The
input element 226 may, for example, be a gesture-control device
that tracks a user's gestures such as hand movements without
requiring the user to physically contact the screen element 224.
For example, a user's gestures may be tracked using a gesture
sensor, such as a 3D camera based system, such that a user's
movements may be interpreted as controls of an application being
executed by the computing device 210. The input element 226 may,
alternatively, incorporate a touch sensitive surface onto the
screen element 224, such as a capacitive, resistive, or infrared
touch sensitive surface. If, for example, an infrared touch frame
is utilized, it may be aligned in front of the screen element 224.
Alternatively, the input element 226 may utilize technologies such
as a mouse or a joystick.
[0027] A screen element 224 may be constructed with the following
process. Kilz Latex Primer may be diluted to six parts primer to
one part water. The diluted primer may be applied with a spray gun
to one side of a heavy duty window screen with a 29-inch by 49-inch
dimension, such as New York Wire's Charcoal Pet Screen. A 55-inch
corner-to-corner frame may be constructed from 80/20 Inc.'s
one-inch by one-inch extruded-aluminum T-slotted frame profiles.
Edges of the heavy duty window screen may be inserted into the
slots of the aluminum frame profiles, and rubber mounting strips
may maintain tension of the window screen within the frame. A PQ
Labs Multi-Touch G45 may be assembled according to manufacturer
instructions, such that glass is adhered to an Infrared touch
frame. Utilizing double-sided tape, the Infrared touch frame of the
PQ Labs Multi-Touch G45 may be mounted to the T-slotted frame
profiles, such that the Multi-Touch G45 is mounted on the same side
of the window screen that was coated with the diluted primer. A
projector may then be aligned to project an image through the glass
of the Multi-Touch GRS and onto the coated side of the window
screen.
[0028] The computing device 210 may access a network 230 that may
be a local area network or a wide area network, such as the
Internet. The computing device 210 may access the network via an
access point, such as a wired or wireless router. The computing
device 210 may be used to access various servers 242, 244 via the
network 230. The network 230 may comprise multiple communication
networks working in conjunction with multiple servers. Data may be
communicated to and from servers utilizing the Wellsite Information
Transfer Specification (WITS), the Wellsite Information Transfer
Standard Markup Language (WITSML), or the like, as well as
utilizing a relational database management system such as
Structured Query Language (SQL).
[0029] The computing device 210 may also communicate with a control
console 250, which may control the controlled equipment 260. The
control console 250 may, for example, be incorporated into a chair
and/or a desk. The computing device 210 may interact with a sensor
that measures one or more parameters of the controlled equipment
260. The controlled equipment 260 may, for example, be a drilling
unit comprising a drill bit for penetrating through earth
formations.
[0030] The exemplary environment 200 permits a user to view
information on the screen element 224, which does not substantially
obstruct the user's view through a viewing port. The exemplary
environment 200 also permits a user to control the display of
information on the screen element 224 with gestures and/or touches
directed to an input element 226. Accordingly, a display component
220 may be located at a remote viewing location from equipment,
tools or machines being controlled, such as a drill, a crane, a
vehicle, and other heavy machinery or light instruments.
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary display screen 300 in
accordance with various embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment,
five images of control types 330 are displayed, respectively
labeled PPT T1, PPT T2, WOBA, Gamma, and MD. A user may add a
control type 330 with the ADD GAUGE control 310, and a user may
remove a control type 330 with the DRAG GAUGE HERE TO DELETE
control 320. Additionally, a user may remove a control type 330 by
dragging it off the screen. A control type may be, for example, a
gauge, an indicator, a tank, a chart, dial, and the like.
[0032] Control types may help a user visualize information that may
be useful in the operation of an object. For example, a user may
analyze engines and generators, geology data, down hole telemetry,
rig functionality such as mud analysis, pump monitoring,
temperature controls, torque, revolutions per minute, flow rates,
and the like. Control types may display information including:
drill string weight, pump pressure, pump strokes, stand pipe
pressure, directional Rosebud display detailing tool face
orientation, rotary revolutions per minute, penetration rate,
weight on bit, differential pressure, engine revolutions per
minute, engine temperature, transmission temperature, mud tank
fluid volume, trip tank volume, mud temperature, flow rates, water
tank volume, diesel tank volume, and engine monitoring. In
addition, information may be displayed related to the functionality
of a drilling rig including: daily operations reports, horizontal
drilling program drawings and charts as well as numerical data,
gamma or resistivity well logging data, Ouija board tool face
planner, and electronic drilling recorder data.
[0033] Data may be displayed in various ways on the display screen
300. For example, there may be digital indicators, tank indicators,
gauges, dials, graphs, charts, and Boolean indicators. Such images
may be added, removed, or modified by the user through touch or
other input capabilities. A user may select any combination of
indicators and gauges to display. A user may also choose colors,
sizes, shapes, locations, maximums, minimums, labels, and the like.
Accordingly, a user may customize a display based on the user's
preferences, and this customization may be saved as a template for
use at a different time.
[0034] As described above, touch and/or gesture recognition
capabilities may be incorporated into the display screen 300. Some
touch maneuvers may be one touch while others may be two touches.
There may be more touches, such as when multiple people are
operating controlled equipment. Additionally, a user may draw on
the display screen 300, for example, by initiating a draw mode, in
which the drawing is done through gestures and/or touches.
[0035] The screen may also display streaming video in addition to
data. Such allows for teleconferencing, training, and the like.
Additionally, cameras may capture video to allow the user to see
different views of the controlled equipment, such as the back of
the controlled equipment that cannot be seen through a viewing
port.
[0036] An operator at a remote viewing location may visually
monitor controlled equipment, while also monitoring operational
data. Such operational data may include tool data (e.g., load data
and pump pressure data), plan data (e.g., difference between plan
and actual data), and site information (e.g., geology of rock,
Gamma, and resistivity).
[0037] As shown, the images to be displayed are a light color (such
as white), and the background is a dark color (such as black),
which is sometimes referred to as an inverse display. Such
coloring, in combination with a mesh screen, facilitates the
illusion that the image floats in midair, but does not
substantially block the field of view. Alternatively, the images
may be a dark color and the background may be a light color.
[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary display screen 400 in
accordance with various embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment,
a dialog box 410 is displayed, allowing for user input. As shown,
dialog box 410 allows the adjustment of a tank gauge setting, in
which the WITS value may be chosen, and the range of the gauge may
be indicated. Thus, the dialog box 410 facilitates the
customization of the display of a display screen 400. For example,
a user may control colors, ranges, tick mark spacing, fill
patterns, opacity, and behaviors such as locking, positioning, and
resizing.
[0039] Embodiments of the present invention may provide various
advantages not provided by prior art systems. For example, the
display screen can provide for an operator of an object viewing the
object to be controlled. In comparison, prior art systems provide
for an operator being in an object that is controlled, such as a
car, and the operator is viewing the landscape surrounding the
object, not the object itself.
[0040] While the invention has been described in terms of
particular embodiments and illustrative figures, those of ordinary
skill in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited
to the embodiments or figures described. For example, the
illustrated embodiment of the display screen is utilized on an oil
rig. In other embodiments, the display screen is located at a
remote viewing location from equipment being controlled, such as
construction, medical, military, marine environments, or the like.
For example, with respect to manufacturing equipment, a robotics
technician operating from a clean or sanitized room can monitor a
robot's functionality while looking at the display screen attached
to the inside of a viewing window. For further example, with
respect to cranes (e.g., construction cranes, container loading
cranes, heavy lift barge cranes, offshore drilling platform
cranes), an operator can view operational data of a crane while
looking at the display screen attached to the inside of the viewing
window. For further example, with respect to marine equipment
(e.g., maritime supply vessels, tenders, tugboats), an operator can
view operational data, including navigation data, while looking at
the display screen attached to the inside of a viewing window. It
is to be appreciated that the ability to view operational data
while looking at a display screen attached to the inside of a
viewing window is beneficial to a variety of environments and
equipment such as coiled tubing units, frac trucks, remote command
centers, and wireline trucks. For example, a display screen may be
attached to the inside of a window of a cabin of a vehicle, such as
a truck, car, or ship, in order to control the operation of
equipment located outside of the cabin.
[0041] Although various systems described herein may be embodied in
software or code executed by general purpose hardware as discussed
above, as an alternative the same may also be embodied in dedicated
hardware or a combination of software/general purpose hardware and
dedicated hardware. If embodied in dedicated hardware, each can be
implemented as a circuit or state machine that employs any one of
or a combination of a number of technologies. These technologies
may include, but are not limited to, discrete logic circuits having
logic gates for implementing various logic functions upon an
application of one or more data signals, application specific
integrated circuits having appropriate logic gates, or other
components, etc. Such technologies are generally well known by
those of ordinary skill in the art and, consequently, are not
described in detail herein. If embodied in software, each block or
step may represent a module, segment, or portion of code that
comprises program instructions to implement the specified logical
function(s). The program instructions may be embodied in the form
of source code that comprises human-readable statements written in
a programming language or machine code that comprises numerical
instructions recognizable by a suitable execution system such as a
processing component in a computer system. If embodied in hardware,
each block may represent a circuit or a number of interconnected
circuits to implement the specified logical function(s).
[0042] Although the flowcharts and methods described herein may
describe a specific order of execution, it is understood that the
order of execution may differ from that which is described. For
example, the order of execution of two or more blocks or steps may
be scrambled relative to the order described. Also, two or more
blocks or steps may be executed concurrently or with partial
concurrence. Further, in some embodiments, one or more of the
blocks or steps may be skipped or omitted. It is understood that
all such variations are within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0043] Also, any logic or application described herein that
comprises software or code can be embodied in any non-transitory
computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an
instruction execution system such as a processing component in a
computer system. In this sense, the logic may comprise, for
example, statements including instructions and declarations that
can be fetched from the computer-readable medium and executed by
the instruction execution system. In the context of the present
disclosure, a "computer-readable medium" can be any medium that can
contain, store, or maintain the logic or application described
herein for use by or in connection with the instruction execution
system. The computer-readable medium can comprise any one of many
physical media such as, for example, magnetic, optical, or
semiconductor media. More specific examples of a suitable
computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, magnetic
tapes, magnetic floppy diskettes, magnetic hard drives, memory
cards, solid-state drives, USB flash drives, or optical discs.
Also, the computer-readable medium may be a random access memory
(RAM) including, for example, static random access memory (SRAM)
and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), or magnetic random access
memory (MRAM). In addition, the computer-readable medium may be a
read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an
erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically
erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or other type of
memory device.
[0044] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments
of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of
implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the
principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may
be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing
substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All
such modifications and variations are intended to be included
herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the
following claims.
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