U.S. patent application number 15/808323 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-09 for information handling system having acoustic noise reduction.
The applicant listed for this patent is DELL PRODUCTS, LP. Invention is credited to Ray V. Kacelenga, Travis C. North, Merle J. Wood, III.
Application Number | 20190139533 15/808323 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66327488 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-09 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190139533 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kacelenga; Ray V. ; et
al. |
May 9, 2019 |
Information Handling System Having Acoustic Noise Reduction
Abstract
An information handling system includes a processor configured
to operate in one of a plurality of power states. An audio circuit
measures an ambient audio environment within the information
handling system, classifies the measured ambient audio into one of
a plurality of categories, and implements a power management policy
for the processor in response to the measured ambient audio being
classified into the one of the categories.
Inventors: |
Kacelenga; Ray V.; (Austin,
TX) ; Wood, III; Merle J.; (Round Rock, TX) ;
North; Travis C.; (Cedar Park, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DELL PRODUCTS, LP |
Round Rock |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
66327488 |
Appl. No.: |
15/808323 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/3206 20130101;
G06F 1/325 20130101; G06F 1/3278 20130101; G10K 11/178 20130101;
G10K 2210/3031 20130101; G10K 2210/11 20130101; G10K 2210/30351
20130101; G06F 1/3287 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G10K 11/178 20060101
G10K011/178; G06F 1/32 20060101 G06F001/32 |
Claims
1. An information handling system comprising: a processor
configured to operate in one of a plurality of power states; and
audio circuitry to receive a measured ambient audio data within the
information handling system, to classify the measured ambient audio
data into one of a plurality of categories, and to implement a
power management policy for the processor in response to the
measured ambient audio being classified into the one of the
categories, wherein during a training mode, the audio circuitry to
store audio data within the information handling system during
usage scenarios of the processor that create circuit board
vibrations within the information handling system, to create an
audio model based on the stored audio data, and to store the audio
model for the one of the categories.
2. (canceled)
3. The information handling system of claim 1, the audio circuitry
to derive a confidence level with respect to the measured ambient
audio data being classified within the one of the categories.
4. The information handling system of claim 1, further comprising:
a microphone to communicate with the audio circuitry, the
microphone being located near a circuit board within the
information handling system.
5. The information handling system of claim 4, wherein a frequency
of vibration of the circuit board from ceramic capacitors on the
circuit board being charged and discharged causes the ambient audio
environment to be within an electrostrictive noise category of the
categories.
6. The information handling system of claim 1, the audio circuity
to determine if the classified category has changed, and to provide
a notification to the processor in response to the change in the
classified category.
7. The information handling system of claim 1, wherein the ambient
audio data is measured at a predetermined interval.
8. A method comprising: receiving, at audio circuitry of an
information handling system, measured ambient audio data within the
information handling system; classifying, by the audio circuitry,
the measured ambient audio data into one of a plurality of
categories; implementing a power management policy for a processor
of the information handling system in response to the measured
ambient audio being classified into the one of the categories,
placing the audio circuitry in a training mode: and during the
training mode, storing audio data within the information handling
system during different usage scenarios of the processor; creating
an audio model based on the stored audio data: and storing the
audio model for the one of the categories, wherein each of the
different usage scenarios create circuit board vibrations within
the information handling system.
9-10. (canceled)
11. The method of claim 8, wherein a frequency of vibration of the
circuit board from ceramic capacitors on the circuit board being
charged and discharged causes the ambient audio environment to be
within an electrostrictive noise category of the categories.
12. The method of claim 8, further comprising: deriving a
confidence level with respect to the classifying of the measured
ambient audio data within the one of the categories.
13. The method of claim 8, further comprising: determining if the
classified category has changed; and providing a notification to
the processor in response to the change in the classified
category.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein the ambient audio data is
measured at a predetermined interval.
15. A method comprising: receiving, at audio circuitry of an
information handling system, measured ambient audio data within an
enclosure of the information handling system; comparing the
measured ambient audio data to audio data stored within an audio
classification table, wherein the stored audio data corresponds to
a plurality of audio categories; classifying, by trained audio
models within the audio circuitry, the measured ambient audio data
into one of the categories based on the measured ambient audio data
matching audio trained classifier models stored for the one of the
categories; implementing a power management policy for a processor
of the information handling system in response to the measured
ambient audio being classified into the one of the categories;
placing the audio circuitry in a training mode: and during the
training mode: storing audio data within the information handling
system during different usage scenarios of the processor: creating
an audio model based on the stored audio data: and storing the
audio model for the one of the categories, wherein each of the
different usage scenarios create circuit board vibrations within
the information handling system.
16-17. (canceled)
18. The method of claim 15, wherein a frequency of vibration of the
circuit board from ceramic capacitors on the circuit board being
charged and discharged causes the ambient audio environment to be
within an electrostrictive noise category of the categories.
19. The method of claim 15, further comprising: deriving a
confidence level with respect to the classifying of the measured
ambient audio data within the one of the categories.
20. The method of claim 15, further comprising: determining if the
classified category has changed; and providing a notification to
the processor in response to the change in the classified category.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to information
handling systems, and more particularly relates to an information
handling system having acoustic noise reduction.
BACKGROUND
[0002] As the value and use of information continues to increase,
individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and
store information. One option is an information handling system. An
information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores,
or communicates information or data for business, personal, or
other purposes. Technology and information handling needs and
requirements can vary between different applications. Thus
information handling systems can also vary regarding what
information is handled, how the information is handled, how much
information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly
and efficiently the information can be processed, stored, or
communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow
information handling systems to be general or configured for a
specific user or specific use such as financial transaction
processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or
global communications. In addition, information handling systems
can include a variety of hardware and software resources that can
be configured to process, store, and communicate information and
can include one or more computer systems, graphics interface
systems, data storage systems, networking systems, and mobile
communication systems. Information handling systems can also
implement various virtualized architectures. Data and voice
communications among information handling systems may be via
networks that are wired, wireless, or some combination.
SUMMARY
[0003] An information handling system includes a processor
configured to operate in one of a plurality of power states. An
audio circuit measures an ambient audio environment within the
information handling system, classifies the measured ambient audio
into one of a plurality of categories, and implements a power
management policy for the processor in response to the measured
ambient audio being classified into the one of the categories.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of
illustration, elements illustrated in the Figures are not
necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some
elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements. Embodiments
incorporating teachings of the present disclosure are shown and
described with respect to the drawings herein, in which:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information handling system
according to at least one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method for training audio
circuitry to detect electrostrictive noise according to at least
one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method for monitoring audio
events according to at least one embodiment of the disclosure;
and
[0008] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a general information handling
system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0009] The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings
indicates similar or identical items.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The following description in combination with the Figures is
provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein.
The description is focused on specific implementations and
embodiments of the teachings, and is provided to assist in
describing the teachings. This focus should not be interpreted as a
limitation on the scope or applicability of the teachings.
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a portion of an information handling system
100. For purposes of this disclosure, an information handling
system may include any instrumentality or aggregate of
instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit,
receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest,
detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of
information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific,
control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, an
information handling system may be a personal computer, a PDA, a
consumer electronic device, a network server or storage device, a
switch router or other network communication device, or any other
suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance,
functionality, and price. The information handling system may
include memory, one or more processing resources such as a central
processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic.
Additional components of the information handling system may
include one or more storage devices, one or more communications
ports for communicating with external devices as well as various
other I/O devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video
display. The information handling system may also include one or
more buses operable to transmit communications between the various
hardware components.
[0012] The information handling system 100 includes a system on a
chip (SOC) 102, which in turn includes a processor 104, audio
circuitry 106, an integrated sensor hub 108, wireless communication
circuitry 110, memory 112, and a security engine 114. The processor
104 can be a multiple core processor, such that the processor 104
includes one or more central processing cores 120, one or more
graphic processing cores 122, and a memory controller 124.
[0013] The processor 104 includes a first terminal coupled to a
storage device 130, a second terminal coupled to the wireless
communication circuitry 110, and a third terminal coupled to the
memory 112, and a fourth terminal coupled to the audio circuitry
106. In an embodiment, the processor 104 can communicate with the
storage device 130 via the memory controller 124 and a first
terminal of the processor 104. The audio circuitry 106 includes a
first terminal coupled to a microphone 132, a second terminal
coupled to speakers 134 of the information handling system 100, a
third terminal coupled to the integrated sensor hub 108, and a
fourth terminal coupled to the processor 104. The integrated sensor
hub 108 can include a first terminal coupled to a sensor 136, a
second terminal coupled to the wireless communication circuitry
110, a third terminal coupled to the memory 112, a fourth terminal
coupled to the security engine 114, and a fifth terminal coupled to
the audio circuitry 106. The wireless communication circuitry 110
includes a first terminal coupled to the integrated sensor hub 108,
second, third, and fourth terminals each coupled to a different
wireless communication devices, such as a Blue Tooth (BT) device
138, a wireless fidelity (WiFi) 140, and a global navigation
satellite system (GNSS) 142, and a fifth terminal coupled to the
processor 104. The memory 112 includes a first terminal coupled to
the processor 104, a second terminal coupled to the security engine
114, and a third terminal coupled to the integrated sensor hub 108.
The security engine 114 includes a first terminal coupled to the
integrated sensor hub 108, and a second terminal coupled to the
memory 112.
[0014] During operation of the information handling system 100, the
different components within the SOC 102 can perform different
functions. As the components start and end these operations, the
processor 104 can transition between different power states. For
example, the CPU cores 120 may transition from a lowest idle power
state (P-states) to a wake up power state, from a sleep power state
to the wake up power state, from a running power state to a sleep
power state, or the like. During these power state transitions,
capacitors within the processor 104 can be charged and discharged.
In an embodiment, the capacitors can be ceramic capacitors or the
like. The rapid charging and discharging of ceramic capacitors
during entry into and exit from various power states can induce an
electrostrictive effect that can cause a circuit or motherboard
within the information handling system 100 to vibrate. However, the
vibration frequency can periodically enter the audio band, such
that the vibration can be perceived by users of the information
handling system 100. If the sound generated from the vibration of
the circuit or motherboard is prolonged, the user experience can be
degraded. Thus, a reduction in the number of times that the
capacitors are charged and discharged can improve a user experience
by reducing sounds produced by the electrostrictive effect of the
capacitors.
[0015] In an embodiment, the audio circuitry 106 can be any type of
digital signal processor, such as a converged Audio, Voice and
Speech (cAVS) circuitry that is a low-power audio device with
multiple capabilities that include wake-on-voice, keyword
detection, and speaker ID, among others. In an embodiment, the
audio circuitry 106 can be a low-power audio classifier. However,
additional embodiments may be expanded for any processor where an
audio classifier may be used to determine adverse acoustic
conditions without varying from the scope of this disclosure. In an
embodiment, the audio circuitry 106 can monitor audio events within
the information handling system 100, via the microphone 132 or any
other microphone located within the information handling system
100. The audio circuitry 106 can then classify any detected audio
event, and determine whether the audio event is electrostrictive
noise. The audio circuitry 106 may also determine a likelihood
ratio for classification of the determined audio event, from which
a level of confidence can be derived for the classification.
[0016] The audio circuitry 106 may include a table, such as Table 1
below, that includes audio categories with a corresponding range of
sound pressure level in decibels (SPL.sub.dB).
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Audio Classifier Categories Audio Category
SPLdB Motion - rustling 10-15 Quiet 20-30 Speech 40-60 Noisy 60-70
Mechanical Noise 90-110 Music 75-120 Electrostrictive Noise TBD
[0017] The audio classification table stored in the audio circuitry
106 can be loaded with predefined categories with corresponding
sound pressure level ranges, such as motion of the information
handling system 100, a quiet category, speech category, noisy
category, mechanical noise category, music category, or the like.
In an embodiment, some of these categories may have sub-categories,
such as speech can have sub-categories of speech-male,
speech-female, or the like. Additionally, music can have
sub-categories, such as music-rock, music-classical, or the like.
The audio circuitry 106 should be trained to classify
electrostrictive noise before this category of noise can be
identified by the audio circuitry 106 during operation of the SOC
102 within the information handling system 100. In an embodiment,
an audio classifier within the audio circuitry 106 can be based on,
a Gaussian Mixture Model that is trained offline to recognize a
given audio environment, such as one created by circuit board
vibrations.
[0018] During a training mode, a microphone, such as microphone
132, located within an enclosure of the information handling system
can record an ambient environment. During the training mode,
environment around the information handling system 100 and the
operation of the components within the information handling system
100 can be controlled to ensure that any detected sound pressure
level is caused by circuit board vibrations. The SOC 102 can then
be placed in different usage scenarios that can cause circuit board
vibrations. For example, the wireless communication device 110 can
receive and/or transmit a high volume of WiFi traffic, the
integrated sensor hub 108 can receive a lot of data from the sensor
136 and can transfer that large amount of data to the processor
104, or the like. Other intensive operations performed by the
processor 104 can include loading a large amount of data from a
universal serial bus (USB) device, saving a large amount of data
to/from a disk drive, or the like. Additionally, the processor 104
can be put through different work cases that can cause the
processor 104 to transition from the idle power state to the wake
up power state, from the sleep power state to the wake up power
state, from running power state to the sleep power state, or any
other rapid and large transition between power states.
[0019] During these training scenarios that create circuit board
vibrations, the microphone 132 can collect the audio data within
the enclosure of the information handling system 100. These
collected audio data sets can then be used to train the audio
classifier in the audio circuitry 106 to recognize the unique audio
environment caused by board vibrations. The training of the audio
classifier can be done by creating models for the audio data. In an
embodiment, the models can be created by performing a Fast Fourier
Transform (FFT) of pulse-coded modulation (PCM) data (FFT PCM).
Frequency domain FFT data can be augmented with time domain data,
such as peak values, rates of change, and the like to create a
feature vector that is then used to train the classifier of the
audio circuitry 106. In an embodiment, an Audio Firmware
Development Kit (FDK) can be utilized to load the new classifier
model parameters into the table of the audio circuitry 106. The
training mode can end after a classifier recall accuracy of noise
categories for the trained model against test data exceeds a
predefined level. In an embodiment, the predefined accuracy level
can be 97%. In an embodiment, when the training data is collected,
part of the data is used to train audio models for the classifier
of the audio circuitry 106 and a separate subset of the data is
used to test the model for accuracy. The classifier audio model
parameters can then be stored in the audio circuitry 106.
[0020] During regular operation, the audio circuitry 106 can
automatically monitor the ambient audio within the information
handling system 100, and can determine whether the audio data of an
audio event can be classified into a particular audio category,
such as one of the audio categories stored within the table of the
audio circuitry. In an embodiment, the audio circuitry 106 can
sample the ambient audio a particular interval, such as every
millisecond, every second, every minute, or the like. The trained
audio models stored within the audio circuitry 106 can then
determine whether the audio category is the electrostrictive
category, such that the audio event is a result of circuit board
vibrations caused by the capacitive electrostrictive effects during
C-state changes of the processor 104.
[0021] Different applications within the processor 104, such a
power management applications, can subscribe for notifications from
the audio circuitry 106. In an embodiment, notifications can
include identifying a change in an audio event category,
identification of the new audio category, or the like. In an
embodiment, a payload of the notification data can also consist of
likelihood values for each audio class/category of the audio event
from which a confidence value can be inferred. The processor 104
can utilize the confidence value for each category, and in
particular for the electrostrictive noise category, to determine
when audio noise suppression policies should be enforced. For
example, if the confidence value for the electrostrictive category
is high, then the processor 104 can determine that power policies
and other audio noise suppression policies should be enforced to
reduce the electrostrictive noise generated by the charging and
discharging of the capacitors during power state changes.
[0022] In an embodiment, the power policies can include reducing
the operations of the wireless communication circuitry 110, provide
interrupts to the integrated sensor hub 108 to reduce the amount of
data provided to the processor 104, or the like. In an embodiment,
the power policies can be any policy that reduces power state
changes in the processor 104, such that the rapid charging and
discharging of the capacitor is reduced, which in turn reduces the
electrostrictive noise generated by vibrations in the circuit board
and mother board of the information handling system 100.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method 200 for training audio
circuitry to detect electrostrictive noise according to at least
one embodiment of the present disclosure. At block 202, an
information handling system is placed within an audio
classification training mode. A processor of the information
handling system is placed into a usage scenario at block 204. In an
embodiment, the usage scenario is any set of operations that cause
power state changes within the processor, which in turn can cause
capacitors of the processor to rapid charge or discharge. At block
206, the audio circuitry can store the audio data associated with
the usage scenario.
[0024] At block 208, a model of the audio data is created. In an
embodiment, the models can be created by performing FFT PCM of the
audio data and the magnitude of points within the FFT PCM can be
analyzed. A determination is made whether another usage scenario
exists at block 210. If another usage scenario exists, the flow
continues as stated above at block 204. Otherwise, a range of
magnitudes for the different usage scenarios are stored at block
212. In an embodiment, the range of magnitudes can be stored in an
audio classifier table of the audio circuitry. At block 214, the
training mode is ended.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method 300 for monitoring
audio events according to at least one embodiment of the
disclosure. At block 302, a determination is made whether a new
audio event is detected. In an embodiment, the audio event can be
audio data collected by a microphone within an information handling
system and sent to audio circuitry for analysis. An audio
environment or category for the audio event can be determined at
block 304. In an embodiment, a Sound Pressure Level (SPL) above a
prescribed threshold can be used to start logging of the audio data
and then running the classifier to determine a prevailing category
for the measured noise of the audio event. In an embodiment, the
audio category can be determined by the trained audio models,
within the classifier of the audio circuitry, detecting an active
noise category for a measured noise of the audio event.
[0026] In an embodiment, the audio environment can be within a
quiet category, within a speech category, within a noisy category,
within a music category, within a mechanical noise category, within
an electrostrictive noise category, or the like. At block 306, a
determination is made whether the audio environment has
changed.
[0027] If the audio environment has not changed, the flow continues
as described above at block 302. Otherwise, if the audio
environment has changed, a notification of the audio category is
sent to a processor of the information handling system at block
308. At block 310, a determination is made whether the audio
environment is within an electrostrictive category. If the audio
environment is not within the electrostrictive category, the flow
continues as described above at block 302. Otherwise, if the audio
environment is within the electrostrictive category, applicable
power policies, such as those described above, are invoked in the
processor at block 312, and the flow then continues at block
302.
[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a general information handling system 400
including a processor 402, a memory 404, a northbridge/chipset 406,
a PCI bus 408, a universal serial bus (USB) controller 410, a USB
412, a keyboard device controller 414, a mouse device controller
416, a configuration an ATA bus controller 420, an ATA bus 422, a
hard drive device controller 424, a compact disk read only memory
(CD ROM) device controller 426, a video graphics array (VGA) device
controller 430, a network interface controller (NIC) 440, a
wireless local area network (WLAN) controller 450, a serial
peripheral interface (SPI) bus 460, a NVRAM 470 for storing BIOS
472, and a baseboard management controller (BMC) 480. BMC 480 can
be referred to as a service processor or embedded controller (EC).
Capabilities and functions provided by BMC 480 can vary
considerably based on the type of information handling system. For
example, the term baseboard management system is often used to
describe an embedded processor included at a server, while an
embedded controller is more likely to be found in a consumer-level
device. As disclosed herein, BMC 480 represents a processing device
different from CPU 402, which provides various management functions
for information handling system 400. For example, an embedded
controller may be responsible for power management, cooling
management, and the like. An embedded controller included at a data
storage system can be referred to as a storage enclosure
processor.
[0029] For purpose of this disclosure information handling system
400 can include any instrumentality or aggregate of
instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit,
receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest,
detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of
information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific,
control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, information
handling system 400 can be a personal computer, a laptop computer,
a smart phone, a tablet device or other consumer electronic device,
a network server, a network storage device, a switch, a router, or
another network communication device, or any other suitable device
and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price.
Further, information handling system 400 can include processing
resources for executing machine-executable code, such as CPU 402, a
programmable logic array (PLA), an embedded device such as a
System-on-a-Chip (SoC), or other control logic hardware.
Information handling system 400 can also include one or more
computer-readable medium for storing machine-executable code, such
as software or data.
[0030] System 400 can include additional processors that are
configured to provide localized or specific control functions, such
as a battery management controller. Bus 460 can include one or more
busses, including a SPI bus, an I2C bus, a system management bus
(SMBUS), a power management bus (PMBUS), and the like. BMC 480 can
be configured to provide out-of-band access to devices at
information handling system 400. As used herein, out-of-band access
herein refers to operations performed prior to execution of BIOS
472 by processor 402 to initialize operation of system 400.
[0031] BIOS 472 can be referred to as a firmware image, and the
term BIOS is herein used interchangeably with the term firmware
image, or simply firmware. BIOS 472 includes instructions
executable by CPU 402 to initialize and test the hardware
components of system 400, and to load a boot loader or an operating
system (OS) from a mass storage device. BIOS 472 additionally
provides an abstraction layer for the hardware, such as a
consistent way for application programs and operating systems to
interact with the keyboard, display, and other input/output
devices. When power is first applied to information handling system
400, the system begins a sequence of initialization procedures.
During the initialization sequence, also referred to as a boot
sequence, components of system 400 are configured and enabled for
operation, and device drivers can be installed. Device drivers
provide an interface through which other components of the system
400 can communicate with a corresponding device.
[0032] Information handling system 400 can include additional
components and additional busses, not shown for clarity. For
example, system 400 can include multiple processor cores, audio
devices, and the like. While a particular arrangement of bus
technologies and interconnections is illustrated for the purpose of
example, one of skill will appreciate that the techniques disclosed
herein are applicable to other system architectures. System 400 can
include multiple CPUs and redundant bus controllers. One or more
components can be integrated together. For example, portions of
northbridge/chipset 406 can be integrated within CPU 402.
Additional components of information handling system 400 can
include one or more storage devices that can store
machine-executable code, one or more communications ports for
communicating with external devices, and various input and output
(I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. An
example of information handling system 400 includes a multi-tenant
chassis system where groups of tenants (users) share a common
chassis, and each of the tenants has a unique set of resources
assigned to them. The resources can include blade servers of the
chassis, input/output (I/O) modules, Peripheral Component
Interconnect-Express (PCIe) cards, storage controllers, and the
like.
[0033] Information handling system 400 can include a set of
instructions that can be executed to cause the information handling
system to perform any one or more of the methods or computer based
functions disclosed herein. The information handling system 400 may
operate as a standalone device or may be connected to other
computer systems or peripheral devices, such as by a network.
[0034] In a networked deployment, the information handling system
400 may operate in the capacity of a server or as a client user
computer in a server-client user network environment, or as a peer
computer system in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network
environment. The information handling system 400 can also be
implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as a
personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a
personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile device, a palmtop
computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a communications
device, a wireless telephone, a land-line telephone, a control
system, a camera, a scanner, a facsimile machine, a printer, a
pager, a personal trusted device, a web appliance, a network
router, switch or bridge, or any other machine capable of executing
a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify
actions to be taken by that machine. In a particular embodiment,
the computer system 400 can be implemented using electronic devices
that provide voice, video or data communication. Further, while a
single information handling system 400 is illustrated, the term
"system" shall also be taken to include any collection of systems
or sub-systems that individually or jointly execute a set, or
multiple sets, of instructions to perform one or more computer
functions.
[0035] The information handling system 400 can include a disk drive
unit and may include a computer-readable medium, not shown in FIG.
4, in which one or more sets of instructions, such as software, can
be embedded. Further, the instructions may embody one or more of
the methods or logic as described herein. In a particular
embodiment, the instructions may reside completely, or at least
partially, within system memory 404 or another memory included at
system 400, and/or within the processor 402 during execution by the
information handling system 400. The system memory 404 and the
processor 402 also may include computer-readable media.
[0036] When referred to as a "device," a "module," or the like, the
embodiments described herein can be configured as hardware. For
example, a portion of an information handling system device may be
hardware such as, for example, an integrated circuit (such as an
Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field
Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a structured ASIC, or a device
embedded on a larger chip), a card (such as a Peripheral Component
Interface (PCI) card, a PCI-express card, a Personal Computer
Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card, or other such
expansion card), or a system (such as a motherboard, a
system-on-a-chip (SoC), or a stand-alone device).
[0037] The device or module can include software, including
firmware embedded at a processor or software capable of operating a
relevant environment of the information handling system. The device
or module can also include a combination of the foregoing examples
of hardware or software. Note that an information handling system
can include an integrated circuit or a board-level product having
portions thereof that can also be any combination of hardware and
software.
[0038] Devices, modules, resources, or programs that are in
communication with one another need not be in continuous
communication with each other, unless expressly specified
otherwise. In addition, devices, modules, resources, or programs
that are in communication with one another can communicate directly
or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.
[0039] Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been
described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary
embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings
and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure.
Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included
within the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure as
defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function
clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as
performing the recited function and not only structural
equivalents, but also equivalent structures.
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