U.S. patent application number 16/418560 was filed with the patent office on 2019-09-05 for light sequenced card validation.
This patent application is currently assigned to Cubic Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Cubic Corporation. Invention is credited to Niosha Kayhani, Steffen Reymann.
Application Number | 20190272367 16/418560 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63557675 |
Filed Date | 2019-09-05 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190272367 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kayhani; Niosha ; et
al. |
September 5, 2019 |
LIGHT SEQUENCED CARD VALIDATION
Abstract
A multi-point validation device includes an elongate rail
extending in a generally horizontal direction, a plurality of radio
frequency antennas spaced apart along the length of the elongate
rail, at least one reader module coupled with the plurality of
radio frequency antennas, at least one visual indicator associated
with each of the plurality of antennas and positioned proximate a
corresponding one of the antennas, a processor, and a memory. The
memory stores instructions that cause the processor to activate a
single one of the radio frequency antennas, cause an indication
that the single one of the radio frequency antennas is active to be
produced by the at least one visual indicator associated with the
single one of the radio frequency antennas, and receive data, at
the at least one reader module, from at least one access media via
the single one of the radio frequency antennas.
Inventors: |
Kayhani; Niosha; (Sutton,
Greater London, GB) ; Reymann; Steffen; (Guildford,
GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cubic Corporation |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Cubic Corporation
San Diego
CA
|
Family ID: |
63557675 |
Appl. No.: |
16/418560 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16101693 |
Aug 13, 2018 |
10346604 |
|
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16418560 |
|
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62544489 |
Aug 11, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07C 9/20 20200101; G06F
3/016 20130101; H04B 7/04 20130101; G06K 19/0723 20130101; G07C
9/10 20200101; G06F 21/35 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 21/35 20060101
G06F021/35; G07C 9/02 20060101 G07C009/02; G07C 9/00 20060101
G07C009/00; G06F 3/01 20060101 G06F003/01; G06K 19/07 20060101
G06K019/07; H04B 7/04 20060101 H04B007/04 |
Claims
1. A multi-point validation device, comprising: an elongate rail
extending in a generally horizontal direction; a plurality of radio
frequency antennas spaced apart along a length of the elongate
rail; at least one reader module coupled with the plurality of
radio frequency antennas; at least one visual indicator associated
with each of the plurality of radio frequency antennas and
positioned proximate a corresponding one of the plurality of radio
frequency antennas; at least one processor; and a memory configured
to store instructions that, when executed cause the at least one
processor to: activate each of the plurality of radio frequency
antennas in a sequence such that only a single one of the plurality
of radio frequency antennas is active at a single time; provide a
visual indication that the single one of the plurality of radio
frequency antennas is in an active state; and receive data by at
least one reader module from at least one access media via the
single one of the plurality of radio frequency antennas.
2. The multi-point validation device of claim 1, wherein: the
sequence is repeated a plurality of times.
3. The multi-point validation device of claim 1, wherein: the at
least one visual indicator comprises a graphical interface.
4. The multi-point validation device of claim 1, further
comprising: an additional antenna assembly that is configured to
detect modulation that is indicative of a presence of an access
credential, wherein the sequence is modified based on the detected
modulation.
5. The multi-point validation device of claim 1, further
comprising: one or more proximity sensors positioned along at least
a portion of the elongate rail that are configured to detect a
position of one or both of a user and an access credential, wherein
the sequence is determined based at least in part on the
position.
6. The multi-point validation device of claim 5, wherein the
instructions further cause the at least one processor to:
continuously track the position using the one or more proximity
sensors; and adjust the sequence such that a next one of the
plurality of radio frequency antennas to be activated follows the
position until an access media associated with the position is
validated.
7. The multi-point validation device of claim 1, further
comprising: the multi-point validation device consists of a single
reader module that is interfaced with each of the plurality of
radio frequency antennas.
8. A method of operating a multi-point validation device,
comprising: activating a plurality of radio frequency antennas in a
sequence such that only a single one of the plurality of radio
frequency antennas is activated at a time, wherein the plurality of
radio frequency antennas are positioned along a length of a
generally horizontal elongate rail; causing an indication of a
location of the single one of the plurality of radio frequency
antennas to be produced by at least one visual indicator, the at
least one visual indicator being positioned proximate the single
one of the plurality of radio frequency antennas; and receiving
data by at least one reader module from at least one access media
via the single one of the plurality of radio frequency
antennas.
9. The method of operating a multi-point validation device of claim
8, further comprising: detecting a presence of multiple access
media within a signal range of at least one of the plurality of
radio frequency antennas; and modifying the sequence to select the
single one of the plurality of radio frequency antennas to modify
based at least in part on a predetermined prioritization order
associated with the presence of multiple access media.
10. The method of operating a multi-point validation device of
claim 9, further comprising: providing an indication that at least
one of the plurality of radio frequency antennas that is not active
will be activated shortly, wherein the at least one of the
plurality of radio frequency antennas is most proximate at least
one of the multiple access media that is not currently being
read.
11. The method of operating a multi-point validation device of
claim 8, wherein: validating the received data to determine whether
a user associated with the at least one access media is authorized
to access a controlled area; and providing, an indication of a
result of the validation of the received data.
12. The method of operating a multi-point validation device of
claim 11, wherein: the indication comprises audio feedback.
13. The method of operating a multi-point validation device of
claim 8, wherein: the sequence comprises a predetermined time
period for which each of the plurality of radio frequency antennas
is activated.
14. The method of operating a multi-point validation device of
claim 13, further comprising: determining that one or both of a
read or write procedure of the single one of the plurality of radio
frequency antennas is still in progress when the predetermined time
period has elapsed; and extending the predetermined time period to
allow the one or both of the read or write procedure to finish.
15. A multi-point validation device, comprising: an elongate rail
extending in a generally horizontal direction; a plurality of radio
frequency antennas spaced apart along a length of the elongate
rail; at least one reader module coupled with the plurality of
radio frequency antennas; at least one visual indicator associated
with each of the plurality of radio frequency antennas and
positioned proximate a corresponding one of the plurality of radio
frequency antennas; at least one processor; and a memory configured
to store instructions that, when executed cause the at least one
processor to: activate a plurality of radio frequency antennas in a
sequence such that only a single one of the plurality of radio
frequency antennas is activated at a time, wherein the plurality of
radio frequency antennas are positioned along a length of a
generally horizontal elongate rail; cause an indication of a
location of the single one of the plurality of radio frequency
antennas to be produced by at least one visual indicator, the at
least one visual indicator being positioned proximate the single
one of the plurality of radio frequency antennas; and receive data
by at least one reader module from at least one access media via
the single one of the plurality of radio frequency antennas.
16. The multi-point validation device of claim 15, wherein the
instructions further cause the at least one processor to: generate
a validation result based on the received data; and provide an
indication of the validation result.
17. The multi-point validation device of claim 16, wherein: the
indication of the validation result is provided by one or both of
the at least one visual indicator or an additional display
screen.
18. The multi-point validation device of claim 16, wherein: the
indication comprises an identifier associated with a user of the at
least one access credential.
19. The multi-point validation device of claim 15, wherein: when in
an inactive state, a read/write functionality each of the plurality
of radio frequency antennas is disabled and a detection signal is
emitted that allows each respective one of the plurality of radio
frequency antennas to detect modulation indicating a presence of an
access credential.
20. The multi-point validation device of claim 15, wherein: the
sequence comprises each of the plurality of radio frequency
antennas being activated in turn for a predetermined period of
time.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/101,693, filed Aug. 13, 2018, and entitled
"LIGHT SEQUENCED CARD VALIDATION," which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/544,489, entitled "LIGHT SEQUENCED
CARD VALIDATION," filed on Aug. 11, 2017, the entire contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Traditional radio frequency identification (RFID) readers
provide a single small target antenna for card validation, usually
similarly sized to the card and one reader powers one antenna. Such
designs, while effective in small scale access control
applications, generate problems when utilized in large scale
applications, such as transit systems, sporting events, and the
like. For example, the single validation point necessitates that a
large number of validation devices be provided to accommodate large
crowd sizes. Such applications require that a significant amount of
land/property be allocated to the validation devices. Moreover, the
use of large numbers of validation devices has high costs
associated with the purchase, maintenance, and operation of the
validation devices. Even with large numbers of validation devices,
queue times may be excessive as the users must all queue up to try
to validate access media at the single validation target.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to
multi-point validation devices that move an active validation
target along a length of a elongate rail or other validation
surface. By moving the validation target, a user may validate his
access credential at any number of discrete validation points of a
single validation device, which may reduce or eliminate queueing
that occurs as a result of users lining up to validate an access
credential at a single point of the device. For example, several
users may be alongside the rail and may each be validated in turn
at their current positions prior to advancing to a common point
where a single validation target would be. In some embodiments, the
multi-point validation device may cycle through the various
validation targets in a sequential order. In other embodiments the
multi-point validation device may choose a particular validation
target based on detecting the presence of an access credential
within a signal range of the particular validation target.
[0004] In one embodiment, a multi-point validation device is
provided. The device may include an elongate rail extending in a
generally horizontal direction and a plurality of radio frequency
antennas spaced apart along the length of the elongate rail. The
device may also include at least one reader module coupled with the
plurality of radio frequency antennas and at least one visual
indicator associated with each of the plurality of radio frequency
antennas and positioned proximate a corresponding one of the
plurality of antennas. The device may further include at least one
processor and a memory. The memory may be configured to store
instructions that, when executed cause the at least one processor
to activate a single one of the plurality of radio frequency
antennas, cause an indication that the single one of the plurality
of radio frequency antennas is active to be produced by the at
least one visual indicator associated with the single one of the
plurality of radio frequency antennas, and receive data, at the at
least one reader module, from at least one access media via the
single one of the plurality of radio frequency antennas.
[0005] In another embodiment, a method of operating a multi-point
validation device is provided. The method may include activating a
single one of a plurality of radio frequency antennas, wherein the
plurality of radio frequency antennas are positioned along a length
of a generally horizontal elongate rail. The method may also
include causing an indication that the single one of the plurality
of radio frequency antennas is active to be produced by at least
one visual indicator associated with the single one of the
plurality of radio frequency antennas, the at least one visual
indicator being positioned proximate the single one of the
plurality of radio frequency antennas. The method may further
include receiving data by at least one reader module from at least
one access media via the single one of the plurality of radio
frequency antennas.
[0006] In another embodiment, a method of operating a multi-point
validation device includes activating each of a plurality of radio
frequency antennas positioned on an elongate rail in a sequence
such that only a single one of the plurality of radio frequency
antennas is active at a single time. The method may also include
providing a visual indication that the single one of the plurality
of radio frequency antennas is in an active state. The method may
further include receiving data by at least one reader module from
at least one access media via the single one of the plurality of
radio frequency antenna.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of
various embodiments may be realized by reference to the following
figures.
[0008] FIG. 1 depicts a multi-point validation device according to
embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 2 depicts a validation system according to
embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a process for operating a
multi-point validation device according to embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic of a computer system according to
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The ensuing description provides embodiment(s) only, and is
not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of
the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the
embodiment(s) will provide those skilled in the art with an
enabling description for implementing an embodiment. It is
understood that various changes may be made in the function and
arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope
of this disclosure.
[0013] Embodiments of the invention(s) described herein are
generally related to reading contactless cards as fare media in
transit systems. That said, a person of ordinary skill in the art
will understand that alternative embodiments may vary from the
embodiments discussed herein, and alternative applications (e.g.,
other than transit systems) may exist. Indeed, alternative
embodiments may be employed virtually anywhere contactless cards
are read. In some embodiments, this could be rolled out to various
contactless terminals that currently operate with a single reader
per device.
[0014] The ensuing description provides embodiment(s) only, and is
not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of
the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the
embodiment(s) will provide those skilled in the art with an
enabling description for implementing an embodiment. It is
understood that various changes may be made in the function and
arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope
of this disclosure.
[0015] Embodiments of the invention(s) herein enable RFID-based
contactless cards to be read and validated at any active point
along an elongated reader instead of only on a single target. This
increases usability of readers significantly, as for instance in a
transport environment, passengers no longer have to queue up on a
single reader device but can walk along a railing that allows
validation at any point along it that is active. According to
embodiments, a system can electronically move the "active"
validation area along the railing whilst clearly indicating to the
passenger where the active area currently is.
[0016] The invention(s) described herein may provide several
concepts. For example, embodiments may provide an elongated RFID
reader antenna configuration along a railing (or similar validation
surface). Embodiments may automatically move an "active" reading
area along the railing. The active reading area may be actively
electronically steered and connected to single reader module such
that one of any number of points along a rail of the validation
device may be activated. Embodiments of the invention may also use
a light (e.g., yellow/red/green) and/or other visual indicator
moving along the rail in conjunction to inform users of the
location of the active reading area. Embodiments may also provide
validation feedback to passenger at their point of tap, such as
using lights and/or other visual interface. In some embodiments,
the active area is lit (and activated) in a regular sequence that
makes it easy for users to understand and predict within seconds.
In some embodiments, along with (or instead of) visual feedback,
sound and/or tactile feedback may be produced along the rail to
indicate the current active area. In some embodiments, the active
area may be non-sequential and may instead be driven based on a
location of a user in relation to the rail. For example, the
validation device may detect a position of the user, the user's
hand, and/or the user's access credential and may activate a
reading area proximate to the detected feature(s).
[0017] Embodiments of the invention utilize an electronic switching
module to turn individual antennas on/off in sequence (which may be
based on detection of users) and triggers a micro-controller to
output the lights in accordance to which antenna is currently
active. As such, embodiments may provide one or more advantages
over traditional validation devices. For example, embodiments of
the invention may spread out a validation area along a railing or
similarly elongated geometry and removing need to queue up for card
validation on a single target. A long reader antenna (which may
include a series of antennas) may be connected to single reader
module such that no hardware changes required on the module. In
other words, a single reader module (which is typically the most
expensive component of a validation device) may be utilized with an
elongate antenna assembly that has a number of reading areas.
Embodiments of the invention may provide a light indicator at an
active position of the reader antenna(s) that can provide feedback
to user. Multi-point validation devices according to embodiments of
the invention may operate using electronic and/or mechanical
switches to cycle the active antenna positioning.
[0018] Turning now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a multi-point
validation device 100 is shown. Validation device 100 may include
one or more rails 102 and/or other elongate validation surfaces
that are positioned in a generally horizontal orientation. In some
embodiments, a single rail 102 may be positioned at an entrance
and/or an exit to an access controlled area. In other embodiments,
a pair of rails 102 may be spaced apart to define an entry/exit
path between the two rails 102. In some embodiments, the validation
device 100 may be used as only an entry validation device, only an
exit validation device, or may be bi-directional such that the
validation device 100 may be switched between an entrance
validation device and an exit validation device based on crowd
flows.
[0019] An antenna assembly 104 is provided on at least one of the
rails 102. As shown here, both rails 102 include an antenna
assembly 104. Each antenna assembly 104 includes a number of
discrete validation points 106, which may be in the form of
separate antennas that are spaced along at least a portion of the
length of the rail 102. While shown here with six antennas spaced
along the length of each rail 102, it will be appreciated that any
number of antennas may be provided on a single rail 102. The
antennas 106 may be radio frequency (RF) antennas, such as near
field communication (NFC) and/or other short range radio antennas.
The location of each antenna 106 may be designated by a reader
target on the rail 102, which may be a symbol, color, signage,
and/or other identifier of a particular antenna location. In some
embodiments, a different material may be provided over each antenna
106 than is provided on a remainder of the validation surface of
the validation device 100 such that the location of each antenna
106 is readily apparent.
[0020] Oftentimes, each antenna assembly 104 may be hooked up to a
single reader module 208 (shown in FIG. 2). In such embodiments,
only a single antenna 106 of a particular antenna assembly 104 may
be activated at a single time. This allows the reader module to
receive data from a single access credential (such as a smartcard,
mobile phone, tablet computer, and/or other RF-enabled access media
device) and validate the access credential without a significant
risk of signal interference/collision or mixing up data from
multiple devices. Thus, power and/or control of each antenna 106
may be cycled on and off in some sequence that allows only a single
one of the antennas 106 to be active at any given time. Each
antenna 106 may be activated for a short, predetermined period,
such as 1 second, 3 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, etc. The
predetermined period may be based on an average time it takes a
reader module to read data (and possibly write data in embodiments
where stored value credentials are used) from an access credential
using one of the antennas 106. The predetermined period may provide
sufficient time for a read and/or write procedure as well as a
buffer period that allows for time for users to position their
access credentials within a signal range of the antenna 106. In
some embodiments, if the validation device 100 detects that a read
and/or write process is occurring, the predetermined period may be
extended to allow for the completion of the current read and/or
write process. Such features may help reduce the likelihood of RF
tear that may occur if a read and/or write process is terminated
prior to the completion of the procedure.
[0021] The sequencing of antenna activation may be done in a number
of ways. For example, sequences that repeat in a predictable manner
may utilized. For example, one of the antennas 106 on a far end of
the antenna assembly 104 may be activated first, followed by the
second antenna 106 (with the first antenna 106 being deactivated),
third antenna 106 (with the second antenna 106 being deactivated),
and down the line with a single antenna 106 being in an active
state at any given point in time. Upon reaching a last antenna 106,
the pattern may repeat. Other repeated patterns, such as skipping
one antenna 106 between each activation (every other antenna 106),
incrementing one antenna 106 from each end of the antenna assembly
104 in an alternating manner, and/or any other easily
detected/predictable pattern of activation may be used. The use of
such predictable, repeating patterns enable users to quickly figure
the pattern out so that they may easily position their access
credential over a validation target while the target is
activated.
[0022] In some embodiments, the sequence of antenna activation may
be based on detecting the presence of a user and/or an access
credential of the user within a proximity of a particular one of
the antennas 106. Detecting the presence of the user and/or
credential may be done in several ways. For example, in some
embodiments, the read/write functionality of the antennas 106 may
be disabled with the antennas are in an inactive state, but the
antennas 106 may still emit a detection signal that may be
modulated by the presence of an RF signal from the credential
within the signal range of the antenna 106. Upon detecting this
modulation at a particular one of the antennas 106, the validation
device 106 may determine that an access credential is within range
of the particular antenna 106 and may activate the antenna in
response. In some embodiments, rather than having the antennas 106
emit the detection signal when inactive, an additional antenna
assembly (not shown) may be included that is configured solely to
be used to detect modulation that is indicative of the presence of
an access credential. The additional antenna assembly may include a
same number and/or arrangement of antennas as the antenna assembly
104, with each of the antennas of the additional antenna assembly
being positioned near a corresponding one of the antennas 106 of
the antenna assembly 104 such that both antenna assemblies have
approximately identical signal ranges.
[0023] In other embodiments, the detection of a user and/or
credential may be done using one or more proximity sensors. For
example, in some embodiments, one or more credential proximity
sensors 108 may be position on or near a top/validation surface of
the rail 102. As shown here, credential proximity sensors 108 are
positioned on a top of the validation surface and extend oolong a
same or similar length as the antenna assembly 104. The credential
proximity sensors 108 may be configured to detect when the user's
hand and/or credential are positioned within a signal range of one
of the antennas 106. For example, proximity sensors 108 may include
one or more cameras, radar sensors, LIDAR sensors, ultrasound
sensors, infrared (IR) sensors, and/or other position sensors. The
credential proximity sensors 108 may be calibrated such that when a
user's hand and/or credential is detected, a nearest antenna 106 to
the detected hand and/or credential may be identified. For example,
when implemented as shown in FIG. 1, credential proximity sensors
108 may be positioned on an interior side of the rail 102 such that
the credential proximity sensors may detect when an object (such as
a hand and/or credential) is above the sensor array and/or over a
particular one of the antennas 106. As just one example, the
credential proximity sensors 108 may include IR sensors. If the IR
sensors detect a break in an emitted IR beam, the credential
proximity sensors 108 may determine that a user's hand and/or
credential is positioned proximate one of the antennas 106. Based
on the position of the beam break, it may be determined which of
the antennas 106 should be activated.
[0024] In other embodiments, the credential proximity sensors 108
may be able to detect objects within a 3-dimensional space that
covers some or all of the signal range of the antenna assembly 104.
In such embodiments, the credential proximity sensors 108 may be
positioned on either side of the antenna assembly 106 and/or in
between the individual antennas 106. The 3-dimensional space may be
monitored and when an object is detected a position of the object
may be determined. A nearest one of the antennas 106 may be
identified based on this position.
[0025] In other embodiments, one or more user proximity sensors 110
may be provided on validation device 100. user proximity sensors
110 may be configured to detect the presence and location of a user
relative to the validation device 100. For example, the user
proximity sensors 110 may be positioned on a side of rail 102 and
be configured to detect when a user is positioned alongside the
validation device 100 and one or more of the antennas 106. Similar
to the credential proximity sensors 108, the user proximity sensors
110 may include one or more cameras, radar sensors, LIDAR sensors,
ultrasound sensors, infrared (IR) sensors, and/or other position
sensors. As just one example, the user proximity sensors 110 may
include IR sensors. If the IR sensors detect a break in an emitted
IR beam, the user proximity sensors 110 may determine that a user
is positioned alongside the validation device 100 and/or one or
more of the antennas 106. Based on the position of the beam break,
it may be determined which of the antennas 106 should be activated.
In other embodiments, the user proximity sensors 110 may be able to
detect objects within a 3-dimensional space alongside the
validation device 100 and/or antenna assembly 104. The
3-dimensional space may be monitored and when an object is detected
a position of the object may be determined. Based on this position
a nearest antenna 106 may be identified.
[0026] Upon detection of a user and/or credential and upon
identification of a nearest antenna 106 to the detected user and/or
credential, the validation device 100 may activate the identified
antenna 106. The identified antenna 106 may be activated for a
predetermined time period, such as 1 second, 3 seconds, 5, second,
10 seconds, etc. to perform any necessary read and/or write
procedures. In some embodiments, if a read and/or write procedure
is still in progress when the predetermined time period has
elapsed, the validation device may extend the period to allow the
procedure to finish to minimize the risk of RF tearing.
[0027] The validation device 100 may include one or more visual
indicators that can alert users as to which antenna 106 is
currently active and/or a result of a validation of the user's
access credential. For example, validation device 100 may include
one or more lights 112, such as a light emitting diode (LED) that
may be position above and/or near each antenna 106. The light 112
may be illuminated when the associated antenna 106 is activated. In
other embodiments, all of the lights 112 may be illuminated at all
times, with different colors representing different antenna
statuses. For example, the light 112 for the active antenna 106 may
be illuminated green, which other (inactive) antennas 106 may be
illuminated red. In some embodiments, a different color may be used
to identify a next one or two antennas 106. For example, the next
inactive antenna 106 to be activated in the sequence may be
illuminated yellow to alert users that the antenna 106 will be
activated next. It will be appreciated that the above color/light
schemes are merely one example, and that many other combinations of
colors, lights schemes, and/or other visual indications may be used
in accordance with the present invention.
[0028] In some embodiments, the lights 112 may also be configured
to provide feedback related to a result of a validation. For
example, as a user places his access credential within the signal
range of an active antenna 106, a reader module of the validation
device 100 may read data from the access credential that is
detected by the active antenna 106. The validation device 100 may
validate the access credential based on this data (either locally
or by communicating with a validation back office (not shown). Once
a validation result is determined (user is authorized to enter the
access controlled area or not), the lights 112 may provide an
indication of the result. For example, a particular light
associated with the active antenna 106 may change to a different
color and/or may flash or otherwise illuminate in a particular
pattern. For example, a successful validation may result in the
light 112 flashing quickly with green illumination while an
unsuccessful validation may result in the light 112 flashing slowly
with red illumination, although other colors, patterns, and/or
other signaling mechanisms are possible.
[0029] In some embodiments, a graphical interface 114 may be
included along at least a portion of the antenna assembly 104. As
shown here, a graphical interface 114 is positioned alongside each
of the antennas 106 of the antenna assembly 104. The graphical
interfaces 114 may be configured to alert users as to which of the
antennas 106 is active, such as by displaying a color, shape,
symbol, and/or text-based message. For example, the graphical
interface 114 may display the word "ACTIVE" in large letters and/or
in a high contrast color to alert users that an associated one of
the antennas 106 is currently active. The next antenna 106 to be
activated may be shown as "NEXT", and other inactive antennas 106
may be labeled as "INACTIVE", "OFF", or "PLEASE WAIT". It will be
appreciated that other labels may be used. In some embodiments, any
text may be color coded. For example, a label for an active antenna
106 may be in green, a next antenna 106 may be labeled in yellow,
and other inactive antennas 106 may be labeled in red.
[0030] The graphical interface 114 may also be configured to
provide indications of validation results. For example, a
successful validation may be indicated by a green "OK" and/or other
message displayed on a graphical interface 114 associated with a
particular antenna 106. An unsuccessful validation may be indicated
by a red "ERROR", "STOP", "PLEASE TRY AGAIN", and/or other message
displayed on the graphical interface 114 associated with the
relevant antenna 106. It will be appreciated that other text-based
messages, shapes, symbols, colors, and the like may be displayed to
indicate validation results.
[0031] As the graphical interfaces 114 often provide text-based
and/or symbolized messages that a user may have to read or
otherwise interpret, the graphical interfaces 114 may be positioned
on an outer portion of the rail 102 such that the users may still
view and/or read the corresponding one of the graphical interfaces
114 while their hand and/or access credential are positioned over a
corresponding antenna 106. However, other positions may be
contemplated. For example, in some embodiments, a single display
screen/graphical interface 114 may be provided at a far end of the
validation device 100. A validation message may be provided on the
single display screen that may also include an identifier of the
validated user along with an indication of the result of the
validation. For example, the identifier could be the user's name
and/or other identifier that is known to the user. For example,
each user may select a numerical identifier or nickname that is
used for communicating the validation results such that the user's
actual name is not displayed to other patrons.
[0032] In some embodiments, only one of the lights 112 or the
graphical interfaces 114 may be used, while in other embodiments
both may be used in a single validation device 100. In some
embodiments where both are used, both types of indicators may be
used for both active antenna identification and validation results.
In other embodiments having both lights 112 and the graphical
interfaces 114, the validation device 100 may use one of the
indication systems for the active antenna identification and the
other for validation results. As just one example, the lights 112
may be used for active antenna identification while the graphical
interfaces 114 may be used for the validation results. While these
may be switched in some embodiments, the use of lights 112 for
active antenna identification may provide indications that are more
easily seen and identified, especially at a distance as no reading
is necessary. Similarly, given the possible need for more complex
information to be provided for validation results, graphical
interfaces 114 may provide a more advantageous medium for providing
such information.
[0033] In some embodiments, along with, or in place of, visual
indications, the validation device 100 may provide an audible
and/or haptic/tactile feedback indication of an active antenna
identification and/or validation results. For example, one or more
speakers (not shown) may be positioned on the validation device 100
(such as at locations near the individual antennas 106 of the
antenna assembly 104). These speakers may be configured to emit a
sound to alert users that a particular antenna 106 is active. For
example, a speaker may emit a voice recording or other speech
pattern that alerts users that "antenna A" or "antenna 1" (or other
antenna identifier) is currently active. In other embodiments, the
speaker may emit a series of beeps, a single long beep, and/or
other sound/pattern at a location near an active antenna 106 to
indicate that the antenna 106 is active. The speakers may also (or
alternatively) be configured to indicate a validation result. For
example, after data has been read and validated, the speaker may
produce one or more chimes and/or other sounds that are selected to
represent a positive indication, while one or more buzzers and/or
other sounds that are selected to represent a negative validation
result may be produced. In some embodiments, a worded message may
be emitted from the speaker. For example, the speaker may emit a
message saying "OK", "VALIDATION SUCCESSFUL", and/or other positive
message to indicate a successful validation, while emitting a
worded message saying "VALIDATION ERROR", "PLEASE TRY AGAIN",
and/or other negative message indicating an unsuccessful validation
result may be provided. It will be appreciated that such messages
and sounds are merely examples and other messages and/or sounds (or
combinations thereof) may be emitted in accordance with the present
invention.
[0034] Haptic and/or tactile feedback may also be provided. For
example, a portion of the validation device 100 near each of the
antennas 106 may include a device that may vibrate and/or otherwise
produce a movement that may be detected by feel and/or visually by
a user. Vibrations and/or other movements may be done to indicate
an active antenna 106 and/or a particular validation result, with
different vibration/movement patterns/intensities being used to
indicate different messages/results.
[0035] In some embodiments, the validation device 100 may be
configured to provide validation result feedback to the user's
access credential. For example, for access credentials that are
mobile phones (or other devices with lights, screens, speakers,
and/or vibration mechanisms), the validation device 100 may send a
command that causes 1) a light to illuminate with a particular
color and/or pattern to indicate a particular validation result, 2)
a message to be displayed on a display screen of the access
credential indicating a result of the validation, 3) a sound (such
as beeps, chimes, buzzers, voice messages, etc.) to be emitted from
a speaker of the access credential indicating a result of the
validation, and/or 4) haptic feedback (such as a particular
vibration pattern/intensity) to be provided via a vibration
mechanism of the access credential. In some embodiments, the
command may be sent via the antenna 106 that received the
credential data from the access credential. For example, while the
access credential is still within the signal range of the antenna
106, the antenna 106 may emit an RF signal that causes the access
credential to perform a specific function(s) based on the
validation result. In other embodiments, a longer range connection
may be used to provide the signal to the access credential. For
example, a Bluetooth.TM. LTE, WI-FI, and/or other wireless
connection may be used to send the feedback command to the access
credential. This signal may be sent while the access credential is
still within the signal range of the antenna 106 and/or after the
access credential is moved outside of the signal range. In some
embodiments, the longer range connection may be established between
the validation device 100 and the access credential, while in other
embodiments another device (such as a beacon and/or a central
validation system) of the entity operating the validation device
100 may send the feedback command to the access credential.
[0036] In some embodiments where the sequence of the antenna
activation is based on detecting users and/or their access
credentials, it may be possible to detect multiple users and/or
credentials simultaneously. The validation device 100 may have
different rules in place that control what it does in such
instances. For example, if multiple users/credentials are detected
simultaneously, the validation device 100 may activate the antenna
106 that is closest to the first user/credential detected. In other
embodiments, a an antenna 106 closest to the user/device furthest
along the rail 102 may be activated first. In other embodiments, a
prioritization order may be established for each antenna 106 within
the antenna assembly 104. When multiple users/credentials are
simultaneously detected, the prioritization order may determine
which antenna 106 proximate one of the users/credentials is
activated first. It will be appreciated that these are merely
examples and that other rules may be used to control the order of
activation of antennas 106 when multiple users/credentials are
detected. Users whose closest antennas 106 are not activated first
may receive an indication (such as via lights 112 and/or graphical
interface 114) that indicate that the closest antenna 106 is queued
up and will be activated shortly. This helps the user understand
that they are not currently being validated, but have been detected
and will be validated shortly (in a manner of seconds). For
example, lights 112 near the closets antenna 106 may be illuminated
yellow and/or a closest graphical interface 114 may display a
message instructing the user of their queue status, such as "PLEASE
WAIT" (or other message). It will be appreciated that other
indications of waiting are possible in accordance with the present
invention.
[0037] Oftentimes in embodiments where a sequence of the antenna
activation is based on detecting users and/or their access
credentials, the users may continue moving along the rail 102
(which may have a length ranging from 1 foot to any number of feet
long) as they wait. This movement may speed up the queueing process
and increase throughput through the validation device 100. The
credential proximity sensors 108 and/or user proximity sensors 110
may be configured to continuously track a position of each detected
user passing through and/or alongside the validation device 100
and/or antenna assembly 104. For example, in IR systems, the
validation device 100 may track continuous breaks in emitted IR
beams and/or otherwise be configured to correlate multiple breaks
with a single user based on the validation/read/write history, the
number of IR beam breaks, the position of each of the IR beam
breaks, and/or the timing of each of the IR beam breaks. In three
dimensional proximity systems, the sensor arrays may track the
position of each user/credential over time. Based on the tracking
by the validation device 100, a correct, most efficient antenna
activation order may be determined and utilized, and the next
antenna 106 in the queue for activation may move along with the
respective next user. Such movement and tracking may be done for
all detected users.
[0038] In some embodiments, the validation device 100 may include
one or more barriers 116, such as gates, turnstiles, paddles,
and/or other physical barrier mechanisms. These barriers 116 may
have a default state, such as unlocked/locked and/or
unobstructing/obstructing. If the user closest to the barrier 116
has been successfully validated, the barrier 116 may be in an
unlocked and/or obstructing state. In embodiments where such a
state is not the default state, the validation device 100 may send
a signal to the barrier 116 to switch the barrier 116 to the
unlocked (in which a mechanical and/or electrical locking mechanism
is disengaged such that the barrier 116 may be opened) and/or
unobstructing state (with physical barrier mechanisms moved out of
the path of the user) such that the user may pass and enter the
access controlled area. If the user closest to the barrier 116 has
not been successfully validated, the barrier 116 may be in a locked
(in which a mechanical and/or electrical locking mechanism prevents
the barrier 116 from being opened) and/or obstructing state (with
physical barrier mechanisms moved into of the path of the user). In
embodiments where such a state is not the default state, the
validation device 100 may send a signal to the barrier 116 to
switch the barrier 116 to the locked and/or obstructing state such
that the user may not enter the access controlled area.
[0039] Each validation device 100 may include a processing unit
(not shown), which may include one or more processors that control
the operation of the validation device 100. For example, the
processor may control which antenna 106 is currently in the
activated state and may control the switching on and off of each of
the antennas 106 according to the sequence rules (timing/repeating
sequence vs. detection of users/credentials). The processor may
implement any prioritization rules and may control whether a
predetermined activation time has elapsed and/or needs to be
extended. The processor may instructed the visual, audio, and/or
haptic feedback mechanisms to provide the necessary antenna
activation identification feedback and/or validation feedback. The
processor may also control the reception and validation of data
(either locally or through a central validation office/system). The
processor may also control the actuation of any barriers 116 of the
validation
[0040] In some embodiments, a validation device 100 may be
considered to include the entire set of equipment shown in FIG. 1
(specifically both rails 102), while in other embodiments, the
validation device 100 may just include a single rail 102/antenna
assembly 104. In such embodiments, multiple validation devices 100
may share a gate 116 and/or other physical barrier. In some
embodiments, a number of validation devices 100 may be positioned
side by side to form an entry and/or exit validation corridor. In
some embodiments, each of the validation devices 100 may be
oriented in the same direction (permit entry validation or exit
validation) and/or some of the validation devices 100 may be set up
for entry validation while others in the group may be set up for
exit validation. It will be appreciated that the arrangement of
entry/exit validation devices 100 may include any number and/or
pattern of entry and/or exit validation devices. Moreover, in some
embodiments the orientation of each of the validation devices 100
may be switched to accommodate larger entry/exit crowds.
[0041] Turning now to FIG. 2, a validation system 200 is shown
according to embodiments of the invention. System 200 includes a
validation device 202, which may be the same or similar to the
validation device 100 described above and may include some or all
of the features described in accordance with validation device 100.
As shown, validation device 202 includes an elongate rail 204,
which includes a number of antennas 206 spaced apart along a length
of the rail 204. Each antenna 206 includes one or more visual
indicator devices (such as lights 112 or graphical interfaces 114)
and may include one or more proximity sensor systems (such as
credential proximity sensors 108 and/or user proximity sensors
110), barriers, and/or other indication systems. Here, a single
reader module 208 is coupled with each of the antennas 206. The
validation device 200 may activate a single one of the antennas 106
at a time, which that the reader module 208 only receives data from
(and/or writes using) a single antenna 206 at any given time.
[0042] The reader module 208 may be coupled with a local database
(not shown) and/or an external validation system 210. As data is
received via an active antenna 206, the data may be validated by
the validation device 202. This may be done by the validation
device 202 determining that the data from an access credential 212
(which may be received as a reflected wave from a chip-induced
magnetic field, NFC, and/or other passive and/or active RF
modulation) indicated that the access credential 212 has a
sufficient stored value to enter (or exit) an access controlled
area. In other embodiments, the data may indicate that the user is
otherwise authorized to enter (or exit) the access controlled area,
such as by comparing the data to one or more positive and/or
negative lists. These lists may be stored locally on the validation
device 202 for quicker determinations (and may be updated
periodically) and/or may be stored on the external validation
system 210. In such cases, the validation device 202 may
communicate the received data to the external validation system
210, which may make the validation determination and return a
validation result to the validation device 202. The validation
result may be indicated to the user via the visual indication
devices and/or via the access credential 212. For example, the
access credential may be commanded by the validation device 202
and/or external validation system 210 to provide audio, visual,
and/or haptic feedback that indicates the result of the validation.
While not shown, validation device 202 may include one or more
barriers that may be unlocked/locked and/or put into an
unobstructing/obstructing state based on the result of the
validation.
[0043] The validation device 202 may provide an indication (such as
using one or more of the visual indication devices) of which
antennas 206 is currently active, as well as an indication of which
of the antennas 206 is going to be activated next. In some
embodiments, the validation system 202 may also indicate which of
the antennas 206 has most recently been deactivated. By providing
such indications, it makes it easier for users to identify an
appropriate antenna 206 to use to validate their access credential
212. For example, as shown here, antenna 206a is illuminated in a
first manner (such as in green) to indicate that it is currently
active, while antenna 206b is illuminated in a second manner (such
as in yellow) to indicate that it is about to be activated and
antenna 206c is illuminated in a third manner (such as in orange)
to indicate that it was recently active but was just deactivated as
antenna 106a was activated. The remaining antennas 206 may be
illuminated in a fourth manner (such as in red) to indicate that
they are inactive and not about to be activated. It will be
appreciated that other indication means (including the use of
graphical interfaces, such as graphical interfaces 114), colors,
patterns, shapes, messages, and/or other visual indications (and/or
audio/haptic) may be used to further indicate the status of all or
a subset of the antennas 206.
[0044] The sequence of the activation of the antennas 206 may be
controlled based on a predetermined, predictable repeating pattern
and/or may be based on the detection of users and/or credentials
near a particular antenna 206 as described in relation to FIG. 1.
The switching of the antennas 206 between the on/off states may be
done by an electronic switching module that is controlled by a
processing unit of the validation device 202.
[0045] In some embodiments, the antennas 206 operate by emitting an
active RF electromagnetic field that is controlled by the reader
module 208. This field may be range limited, such as by using NFC
protocols. The electromagnetic field may be modulated by a passive
RFID chip or antenna in the access credential 212. For example, for
NFC-enabled access credentials, a 13.56 MHz signal may be produced
as the passive chip/antennas of the access credential 212 is
brought into the electromagnetic field produced by an active
antenna. Data may be communicated to the reader module 208 via the
active antenna 206 based on this interaction. In some embodiments,
the reader module 208 may also write to the access credential 212
(such as in stored value applications) and/or may send feedback
commands to the access credential 212 through the electromagnetic
field. Any reading/writing between the reader module 208 and the
access credential 212 may be encrypted to protect any sensitive
data such as rider identification information and/or payment
account information. While discussed primarily in relation to
passive RF access credentials 212, it will be appreciated that
active RF access credentials 212 may be utilized in accordance with
embodiments of the invention.
[0046] While shown here with a single reader module 208, it will be
appreciated that embodiments may include multiple reader modules
208 in a single validation device 202. By including additional
reader modules 208, a validation device 202 may activate more
antennas 206 simultaneously, as each reader module 208 can handle
its own validation determination. While expensive, such solutions
may be utilized in applications with extreme crowd sizes and/or
applications where space does not permit a sufficient number of
validation devices 202 to be utilized.
[0047] FIG. 3 depicts a process 300 for operating a multi-point
validation device. Process 300 may be performed using any of the
multi-point validation devices described herein, such as validation
device 100 and/or validation device 202. Process 300 may begin at
block 300 by activating each of a plurality of radio frequency
antennas positioned along a length of a generally horizontal
elongate rail of a validation device in a sequence such that only a
single one of the plurality of radio frequency antennas is active
at a single time. The sequence of the activation/deactivation may
be done in a number of manners. For example, in some embodiments
the sequence is based on a time period that each of the plurality
of radio frequency antennas is activated before activating to a
subsequent one of the plurality of radio frequency antennas. Such a
sequence is typically a repeating pattern that is easily
discernable to users, allowing the users to easily predict which
antennas will be activated next. In other embodiments, the sequence
is based on which of the plurality of radio frequency antennas is
in the proximity of the at least one access media. This may be
determined in several ways. For example, an access credential may
be detected in the signal range of a particular antenna by the
antenna (or additional antenna assembly) detecting a modulation of
the electromagnetic field by an access credential within the signal
range of the antenna. In other embodiments, one or more proximity
sensors may detect that a user and/or access credential is near
and/or within a signal range of a particular antenna. In
embodiments where the sequence is based on tracked
users/credentials, the proximity sensors and/or antennas may
continuously track the position of each user/credential over time
and update the sequence based on the current positions of the
various users. Each of the antennas, in turn, may be activated for
a particular period of time (often less than 5 or 10 seconds) and
then subsequently deactivated while a subsequent antenna is
activated. The period of time may be extended if an access
credential is being currently read/written to.
[0048] At block 304, the validation device may cause an indication
that a single, particular one of the plurality of radio frequency
antennas is active to be produced by at least one visual, audio,
and/or haptic indicator associated with the active radio frequency
antenna. For example, a light and/or graphical interface as
described above may be positioned proximate the active radio
frequency antenna and may illuminate and/or produce another visual
indication of the active status of the antenna. In some
embodiments, similar indications may be produced to indicate the
status of some or all of the other inactive antennas. For example,
the next antenna to be activated may be indicated as next with a
message and/or a colored light, such as a yellow light, while
antennas that are not being activated next may be indicated as such
with a message and/or a red light, although it will be appreciated
that any number of indication types/combinations may be utilized in
a particular application.
[0049] At block 306, data is received by at least one reader module
from at least one access media via the active radio frequency
antenna. This data may include authentication information, payment
information, account information, and/or other information that may
be used by the validation device to validate the user of the access
credential. The data may be validated locally by the validation
device and/or by an external validation system. For example, the
validation device may receive the data from the access credential
and relay the data to the external validation system. The external
validation system may validate the data and send a validation
result to the validation device. Upon completing validation (either
locally or remotely) the validation device may provide an
indication of the validation result. For example, one or more
visual, audio, and/or haptic indications may be produced by the
validation device using lights, graphical interfaces, speakers,
vibration mechanisms, and/or other indication systems. In some
embodiments, the validation system may also send a command that
causes the access media to produce one or more of an audio, visual,
or haptic indication of a result of the validation of the received
data. For example, when the access credential is a mobile phone,
the command may cause a phone speaker to emit a sound, a phone
light and/or display to produce a visual indication, and/or a
vibration mechanism of the mobile phone to vibrate with a
particular pattern/intensity to signify a particular validation
result. In some embodiments, additional notifications may be sent
to security personnel and/or a back office. In particular,
embodiments may results in the validation device sending
notifications to security and/or a back office if a validation is
unsuccessful and the unauthorized user passes the validation device
(or a barrier thereof). The notification may include identification
information associated with the user, a time and location of the
event, a photo of the user, and/or other data that may be useful to
the entity operating the access controlled area.
[0050] In some embodiments, the volition device may include one or
more physical barriers. In such embodiments, the validation result
of the nearest user may be used to control a physical state of the
barrier(s). For example, a successful validation may result in the
barrier(s) being transitioned (or remaining) in an unlocked and/or
unobstructing state, while an unsuccessful validation result may
result in the barrier(s) being transitioned (or remaining) in a
locked and/or obstructing state.
[0051] A computer system as illustrated in FIG. 4 may be
incorporated as part of the previously described computerized
devices. For example, computer system 400 can represent some of the
components of the neural computing system 102, and the like
described herein. FIG. 4 provides a schematic illustration of one
embodiment of a computer system 400 that can perform the methods
provided by various other embodiments, as described herein. FIG. 4
is meant only to provide a generalized illustration of various
components, any or all of which may be utilized as appropriate.
FIG. 4, therefore, broadly illustrates how individual system
elements may be implemented in a relatively separated or relatively
more integrated manner.
[0052] The computer system 400 is shown comprising hardware
elements that can be electrically coupled via a bus 405 (or may
otherwise be in communication, as appropriate). The hardware
elements may include a processing unit 410, including without
limitation one or more processors, such as one or more
special-purpose processors (such as digital signal processing
chips, graphics acceleration processors, and/or the like); one or
more input devices 415, which can include without limitation a
keyboard, a touchscreen, receiver, a motion sensor, a camera, a
smartcard reader, a contactless media reader, and/or the like; and
one or more output devices 420, which can include without
limitation a display device, a speaker, a printer, a writing
module, and/or the like.
[0053] The computer system 400 may further include (and/or be in
communication with) one or more non-transitory storage devices 425,
which can comprise, without limitation, local and/or network
accessible storage, and/or can include, without limitation, a disk
drive, a drive array, an optical storage device, a solid-state
storage device such as a random access memory ("RAM") and/or a
read-only memory ("ROM"), which can be programmable,
flash-updateable and/or the like. Such storage devices may be
configured to implement any appropriate data stores, including
without limitation, various file systems, database structures,
and/or the like.
[0054] The computer system 400 might also include a communication
interface 430, which can include without limitation a modem, a
network card (wireless or wired), an infrared communication device,
a wireless communication device and/or chipset (such as a
Bluetooth.TM. device, an 502.11 device, a Wi-Fi device, a WiMAX
device, an NFC device, cellular communication facilities, etc.),
and/or similar communication interfaces. The communication
interface 430 may permit data to be exchanged with a network (such
as the network described below, to name one example), other
computer systems, and/or any other devices described herein. In
many embodiments, the computer system 400 will further comprise a
non-transitory working memory 435, which can include a RAM or ROM
device, as described above.
[0055] The computer system 400 also can comprise software elements,
shown as being currently located within the working memory 435,
including an operating system 440, device drivers, executable
libraries, and/or other code, such as one or more application
programs 445, which may comprise computer programs provided by
various embodiments, and/or may be designed to implement methods,
and/or configure systems, provided by other embodiments, as
described herein. Merely by way of example, one or more procedures
described with respect to the method(s) discussed above might be
implemented as code and/or instructions executable by a computer
(and/or a processor within a computer); in an aspect, then, such
special/specific purpose code and/or instructions can be used to
configure and/or adapt a computing device to a special purpose
computer that is configured to perform one or more operations in
accordance with the described methods.
[0056] A set of these instructions and/or code might be stored on a
computer-readable storage medium, such as the storage device(s) 425
described above. In some cases, the storage medium might be
incorporated within a computer system, such as computer system 400.
In other embodiments, the storage medium might be separate from a
computer system (e.g., a removable medium, such as a compact disc),
and/or provided in an installation package, such that the storage
medium can be used to program, configure and/or adapt a special
purpose computer with the instructions/code stored thereon. These
instructions might take the form of executable code, which is
executable by the computer system 400 and/or might take the form of
source and/or installable code, which, upon compilation and/or
installation on the computer system 400 (e.g., using any of a
variety of available compilers, installation programs,
compression/decompression utilities, etc.) then takes the form of
executable code.
[0057] Substantial variations may be made in accordance with
specific requirements. For example, customized hardware might also
be used, and/or particular elements might be implemented in
hardware, software (including portable software, such as applets,
etc.), or both. Moreover, hardware and/or software components that
provide certain functionality can comprise a dedicated system
(having specialized components) or may be part of a more generic
system. For example, a risk management engine configured to provide
some or all of the features described herein relating to the risk
profiling and/or distribution can comprise hardware and/or software
that is specialized (e.g., an application-specific integrated
circuit (ASIC), a software method, etc.) or generic (e.g.,
processing unit 410, applications 445, etc.) Further, connection to
other computing devices such as network input/output devices may be
employed.
[0058] Some embodiments may employ a computer system (such as the
computer system 400) to perform methods in accordance with the
disclosure. For example, some or all of the procedures of the
described methods may be performed by the computer system 400 in
response to processing unit 410 executing one or more sequences of
one or more instructions (which might be incorporated into the
operating system 440 and/or other code, such as an application
program 445) contained in the working memory 435. Such instructions
may be read into the working memory 435 from another
computer-readable medium, such as one or more of the storage
device(s) 425. Merely by way of example, execution of the sequences
of instructions contained in the working memory 435 might cause the
processing unit 410 to perform one or more procedures of the
methods described herein.
[0059] The terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable
medium," as used herein, refer to any medium that participates in
providing data that causes a machine to operate in a specific
fashion. In an embodiment implemented using the computer system
400, various computer-readable media might be involved in providing
instructions/code to processing unit 410 for execution and/or might
be used to store and/or carry such instructions/code (e.g., as
signals). In many implementations, a computer-readable medium is a
physical and/or tangible storage medium. Such a medium may take
many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media,
volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include,
for example, optical and/or magnetic disks, such as the storage
device(s) 425. Volatile media include, without limitation, dynamic
memory, such as the working memory 435. Transmission media include,
without limitation, coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics,
including the wires that comprise the bus 405, as well as the
various components of the communication interface 430 (and/or the
media by which the communication interface 430 provides
communication with other devices). Hence, transmission media can
also take the form of waves (including without limitation radio,
acoustic and/or light waves, such as those generated during
radio-wave and infrared data communications).
[0060] Common forms of physical and/or tangible computer-readable
media include, for example, a magnetic medium, optical medium, or
any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM,
EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier
wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a
computer can read instructions and/or code.
[0061] The communication interface 430 (and/or components thereof)
generally will receive the signals, and the bus 405 then might
carry the signals (and/or the data, instructions, etc. carried by
the signals) to the working memory 435, from which the processor(s)
405 retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions
received by the working memory 435 may optionally be stored on a
non-transitory storage device 425 either before or after execution
by the processing unit 410.
[0062] The methods, systems, and devices discussed above are
examples. Some embodiments were described as processes depicted as
flow diagrams or block diagrams. Although each may describe the
operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be
performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of
the operations may be rearranged. A process may have additional
steps not included in the figure. Furthermore, embodiments of the
methods may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware,
middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any
combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware,
middleware, or microcode, the program code or code segments to
perform the associated tasks may be stored in a computer-readable
medium such as a storage medium. Processors may perform the
associated tasks.
[0063] It should be noted that the systems and devices discussed
above are intended merely to be examples. It must be stressed that
various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures
or components as appropriate. Also, features described with respect
to certain embodiments may be combined in various other
embodiments. Different aspects and elements of the embodiments may
be combined in a similar manner. Also, it should be emphasized that
technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and
should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention.
[0064] Specific details are given in the description to provide a
thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments
may be practiced without these specific details. For example,
well-known structures and techniques have been shown without
unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.
This description provides example embodiments only, and is not
intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the
invention. Rather, the preceding description of the embodiments
will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description
for implementing embodiments of the invention. Various changes may
be made in the function and arrangement of elements without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0065] The methods, systems, devices, graphs, and tables discussed
above are examples. Various configurations may omit, substitute, or
add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance,
in alternative configurations, the methods may be performed in an
order different from that described, and/or various stages may be
added, omitted, and/or combined. Also, features described with
respect to certain configurations may be combined in various other
configurations. Different aspects and elements of the
configurations may be combined in a similar manner. Also,
technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and
do not limit the scope of the disclosure or claims. Additionally,
the techniques discussed herein may provide differing results with
different types of context awareness classifiers.
[0066] While illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of
the disclosed systems, methods, and machine-readable media have
been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the
inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and
employed, and that the appended claims are intended to be construed
to include such variations, except as limited by the prior art.
[0067] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly or conventionally
understood. As used herein, the articles "a" and "an" refer to one
or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical
object of the article. By way of example, "an element" means one
element or more than one element. "About" and/or "approximately" as
used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount,
a temporal duration, and the like, encompasses variations of
.+-.20% or .+-.10%, .+-.5%, or +0.1% from the specified value, as
such variations are appropriate to in the context of the systems,
devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations described
herein. "Substantially" as used herein when referring to a
measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, a physical
attribute (such as frequency), and the like, also encompasses
variations of .+-.20% or .+-.10%, .+-.5%, or +0.1% from the
specified value, as such variations are appropriate to in the
context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other
implementations described herein. As used herein, including in the
claims, "and" as used in a list of items prefaced by "at least one
of" or "one or more of" indicates that any combination of the
listed items may be used. For example, a list of "at least one of
A, B, and C" includes any of the combinations A or B or C or AB or
AC or BC and/or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, to the
extent more than one occurrence or use of the items A, B, or C is
possible, multiple uses of A, B, and/or C may form part of the
contemplated combinations. For example, a list of "at least one of
A, B, and C" may also include AA, AAB, AAA, BB, etc.
[0068] Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized
by those of skill in the art that various modifications,
alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without
departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the above
elements may merely be a component of a larger system, wherein
other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the
application of the invention. Also, a number of steps may be
undertaken before, during, or after the above elements are
considered. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken
as limiting the scope of the invention.
[0069] Also, the words "comprise", "comprising", "contains",
"containing", "include", "including", and "includes", when used in
this specification and in the following claims, are intended to
specify the presence of stated features, integers, components, or
steps, but they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or
more other features, integers, components, steps, acts, or
groups.
* * * * *