Technical filed

Described examples relate to systems, methods and apparatus for use with wells, such as an oil and gas well. Some examples relate specifically to systems, methods and apparatus for use with well communications and/or networks, such as telemetry networks and control/power networks, which may use electromagnetic (EM) and/or acoustic signals.

Background

Either when a well is drilled/completed, or at some point later in the life cycle of a well, one or more downhole tools may be deployed in and around the well environment. Such downhole tools may be, for example, a gauge measuring temperature and/or pressure or a tool for undertaking a drill stem test (DST). The skilled person will appreciate that other downhole tools may be deployed in a well environment.

A communications network may be deployed in the well environment to extract data from the one or more tools to the surface of the well and may comprise a plurality of nodes. The nodes may comprise the one or more downhole tools, a relay module and/or a surface module. Each node may comprise communication means, which comprise a transmitter and/or receiver, configured to communicate with downhole tools, a communications relay module and/or a surface module, which may be positioned at a surface region of the well. It is noted here that the term“surface” may encompass a subsea surface, such as a sea bed or the like, a platform and/or a region toward the top of a well. The communication means may be configured to transmit and/or receive communication signals, for example electromagnetic or acoustic signals.

In some arrangements, downhole tools and/or communications network nodes may be deployed with limited electrical power available to them to allow them to operate. For example, they may be powered by a battery. Further, downhole tools and/or communications network nodes may be deployed for lengthy periods of perhaps months or years and may be required to operate over such periods. It is therefore desirable to reduce the power demands of a downhole tool and/or communications network nodes during deployment at least in order to improve reliability of communications, deliver more data over the communications network in real time, improve speed of data communications, preserve battery life and/or extend the useful life of the tool while maintaining operation.

In addition, downhole tools may be deployed in challenging environments and may be required to adapt to varying environmental conditions. It is also therefore desirable for downhole tools to be able to operate with a degree of autonomy because they may be difficult to reach and also so they can adapt to prevailing circumstances at a given time.

This background serves only to set a scene to allow a skilled reader to better appreciate the following description. Therefore, none of the above discussion should necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that that discussion is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge. One or more aspects/embodiments of the invention may or may not address one or more of the background issues.

Summary

It is an object of examples described herein to increase the autonomy with which a downhole tool may operate and/or to decrease the power demands of a downhole tool during operation, in particular during communication with other downhole tools, communications relays or surface receivers.

According to one aspect, there is disclosed herein an apparatus for controlling communication of data in a communications network within a well environment, the apparatus comprising a computer processor configured to undertake the method of: analysing previously recorded well parameter data recorded in the and/or one or more further well environments; determining, based on the analysed well parameter data, a communication protocol for a node of the communications network; and uploading the determined communication protocol to the node, wherein, when deployed in the well environment, the node is configured to transmit and/or receive communications signals to/from one or more further nodes in the communications network using the determined communication protocol. The previously recorded well parameter data may be recorded in the well environment in which the communications network is deployed. Alternatively or in addition, the previously recorded well parameter data may be recorded in one or more further well environments. This allows exemplary methods and apparatus to use a larger data set when determining the communication protocol, which may be done using a machine learning algorithm.

Optionally, the processor is further configured to undertake the step of determining the communication protocol based on noise data relating to noise on one or more communication signals transmitted at a time corresponding to the previously recorded well parameter data.

Optionally, the noise data and the well parameter data are timestamped, and wherein the processor is further configured to align the noise data and the well parameter data temporally.

Optionally, the determined communication protocol comprises instructions for the node to use a particular frequency, power, modulation scheme or time for the transmission and/or receipt of communication signals based on one or more well parameters in the well environment.

Optionally, the one or more well parameters comprise parameters associated with well operation.

Optionally, the one or more well parameters comprise one of: temperature, pressure, flow rate, composition of a fluid in the well environment, physical parameters in the well environment and a state of operation of a downhole device.

Optionally, the processor is configured to determine the communication protocol using a machine learning algorithm.

Optionally, the machine learning algorithm comprises regression analysis.

According to an aspect, there is disclosed herein a method for controlling communication of data in a communications network within a well environment, the method comprising: analysing previously recorded well parameter data recorded in the and/or one or more further well environments; determining, based on the analysed well parameter data, a communication protocol for a node of the communications network; uploading the determined communication protocol to the node; and deploying the node in the well environment, the node being configured to transmit and/or receive communications signals to/from one or more further nodes in the communications network using the determined communication protocol.

According to an aspect, there is disclosed herein a node for use in a communications network for deployment in a well environment, wherein the node comprises a memory having stored thereon a communication protocol, the node comprising: a transmitter and/or a receiver for transmitting and/or receiving communication signals; one or more sensors for sensing one or more well parameters associated with the well environment; and a processor configured to control the transmission and/or reception of communication signals based at least in part on the communication protocol and the sensed one or more well parameters.

Optionally, the one or more well parameters comprise parameters associated with well operation.

Optionally, the one or more well parameters comprise one of: temperature, pressure, flow rate, composition of a fluid in the well environment, physical properties of a fluid in the well environment and a state of operation of a downhole device.

Optionally, the processor is configured to control the transmission and/or reception of communication signals by setting one or more of power, frequency, modulation scheme and time of transmission of the communications signals.

Optionally, the processor is configured to update the communication protocol based on the one or more sensed well parameters.

Optionally, the processor is configured to monitor noise data on a transmitted and/or received communication signal, and is further configured to update the communication protocol based at least in part on the noise data. Optionally, the processor is further configured to timestamp the noise data and sensed well parameter data, and is further configured to align temporally the noise data and the well parameter data for updating the communication protocol.

Optionally, the processor is configured to update the communication protocol based at least in part on a frequency and/or amplitude of the noise data.

Optionally, the node comprises the receiver, wherein the receiver is configured to receive, from a further node, further well parameter data relating to one or more further well parameters, and wherein the processor is further configured to update the communication protocol based on the further well parameter data.

Optionally, the processor is configured to update the communication protocol using a machine learning algorithm.

Optionally, the machine learning algorithm comprises regression analysis.

According to an aspect, there is disclosed herein a communications network for deployment in a well environment, comprising one or more nodes according to any herein disclosed.

According to an aspect, there is disclosed herein a method for operation of a node for use in a communications network for deployment in a well environment, wherein the node comprises a memory having stored thereon a communication protocol, the method comprising: sensing, by one or more sensors, one or more well parameters associated with the well environment; and controlling, by a processor, the transmission and/or reception of communication signals by a transmitter and/or receiver based at least in part on the communication protocol and the sensed one or more well parameters.

According to an aspect, there is disclosed herein a node for use in a communications network for deployment in a well environment, the node comprising: a transmitter and/or a receiver for transmitting and/or receiving communication signals; one or more sensors for sensing one or more well parameters associated with the well environment; and a processor configured to determine a communication protocol for use by the transmitter and/or receiver based at least in part on the one or more well parameters.

According to an aspect, there is disclosed herein a node for use in a communications network, the communications network comprising a plurality of nodes deployed in a well environment, the node comprising: a receiver for receiving communication signals, wherein communication signals received from one or more of the plurality of nodes comprise well parameter data relating to one or more well parameters associated with the and/or one or more further well environments; a processor configured to determine a communication protocol based at least in part on the received well parameter data, and to control the transmission and/or reception of communication signals based at least in part on the communication protocol and the well parameter data.

Optionally, the node comprises one of: a tool deployed in the well environment; a relay module; and a surface module.

Optionally, the processor is configured to determine noise on the and/or one or more further received communication signals and is further configured to determine the communication protocol based on the determined noise.

Optionally, the node comprises one or more sensors for sensing one or more well parameters associated with the well environment, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the communication protocol based at least in part on the sensed one or more well parameters.

Optionally, the processor is configured to update the communication protocol using a machine learning algorithm.

Optionally, the machine learning algorithm comprises regression analysis.

Optionally, the node comprises a transmitter, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit data indicative of the determined communications protocol to at least one of the plurality of nodes for updating the communications protocol for controlling the transmission and/or reception of communication signals by the at least one of the plurality of nodes. According to an aspect, there is disclosed herein a method for operation of a node for use in a communications network, the communications network comprising a plurality of nodes deployed in a well environment, the method comprising: receiving, by a receiver, communication signals from the one or more of the plurality of nodes comprising well parameter data relating to one or more well parameters associated with the well environment and sensed by one or more sensors of the one or more nodes; and determining, by a processor and based at least in part on the well parameter data, a communication protocol; and controlling, by the processor, the transmission and/or reception of communication signals based at least in part on the communication protocol and the well parameter data.

According to an aspect, there is disclosed herein a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the method according to any of claims 9, 22 and 31.

According to an aspect, there is disclosed herein a carrier containing the computer program of claim 23, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or non-transitory computer readable storage medium.

Drawings

A description is now given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a well environment including a communications network;

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a node of a communications network;

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a computing device; and

Figure 4 is a flow diagram for a method of controlling communications in a communication network.

Detailed description For ease of explanation, the following examples have been described in relation to an offshore well and well structure extending below a mudline, or the like. However, systems and methods described herein may be equally used and applicable in respect of onshore wells. Similarly, while the following examples may be described in relation to oil and gas wells, and in particular production and appraisal wells or the like, the same systems and methods, etc., may be used beyond oil and gas applications. A skilled reader will be able to implement those various alternative embodiments accordingly.

Generally, disclosed herein are methods and systems for communicating data signals from a well environment (e.g. downhole) to at least one surface module at a ground region near the well. In particular, methods and systems disclosed are arranged to communicate data signals from a well that experiences different environmental conditions over time. In some exemplary circumstances, environmental conditions may change based on the time of day, for example whether it is day or night. Further, environmental conditions may change based on activity within a well, for example whether there is flow or not within a well, what a rate of flow is within a well and/or a status of operation of a device (such as a switch or valve) of a tool or other device within a well.

Environmental conditions may affect the ability of a node within a communications network deployed in the well environment to be able to transmit and receive signals to other nodes using a particular communications protocol. It is therefore advantageous for a node to be able to adapt the communications protocol to changing conditions. This can improve battery life and increase the autonomy with which a node is able to operate. Exemplary arrangements may improve reliability of communications, deliver more data over the communications network in real time and/or improve speed of data communications.

Figure 1 shows a simplified representation of a section of a well 100, and in this case an offshore appraisal well 100. A metallic well structure 102 extends from the surface - in this case the seabed or mudline 104 - to a subterranean formation, as will be appreciated. Such well structure 102 can include conductor, casing and other tubing used to recover product from the formation. In this example, the well 100 comprises a wellhead 106, dry tree or the like, at a production platform 108. In other examples, the wellhead/tree arrangement 106 may be provided at the mudline 104. In this particular example, a lower section 1 10 of the well 100 is open hole, in that there is no well structure positioned within the well in this section.

A communications network is deployed in the well environment. As used herein, the term“well environment” encompasses a region in proximity to the well 100 and in specific cases encompasses a downhole environment, i.e. below the surface 104. The communications network comprises a plurality of nodes 1 12a-1 12d. Although only four nodes are shown in Figure 1 , it will be appreciated that any number of nodes may be used in a communications network of the type described herein. In the example of Figure 1 , node 1 12a is a surface module, node 1 12b is a relay module and nodes 1 12c and 1 12d are downhole tools. Downhole tools may encompass one or more of: pressure and temperature sensors, downhole valves, flow meters, fluid composition and physical properties meters and Tubing Conveyed Perforating (TCP) tools.

Typically, a surface module 1 12a comprises a receiver and optionally a transmitter and is configured to receive data recorded by and transmitted from one or more downhole tools 1 12c, 1 12d. The data may be received directly from a tool and/or via a relay module 1 12b. The surface module 1 12a is shown in Figure 1 on the platform 108, although in other well environments it may be at other locations. In some exemplary methods and apparatus, the surface module 1 12a will be at a location easily accessible by operatives. A relay module 1 12b typically comprises a receiver and a transmitter and is configured to receive data from one or more nodes (e.g. a surface module 1 12a or a tool 1 12c, 1 12d) and to retransmit that data to a further node. A tool, such as 1 12c, may also operate as a relay module.

Arrows in Figure 1 show exemplary communication paths between the nodes 1 12a- 1 12d in the communications network. However, the skilled person will appreciate that any node 1 12a-1 12d may communicate directly with any other node. Further, communication signals transmitted and received by the nodes 1 12a-1 12d in the network may be “wireless” in the sense that there might not be specific cabling between the nodes. However, the medium through which communications signals are transmitted may be any one of the materials within the well environment including air or other gasses, the metallic well structure 102, the surrounding formation and/or fluids in the well. Communications may also be“wired” in some arrangements or a hybrid of wired and wireless.

As explained above, environmental conditions within a well may result in variations in efficacy of a particular communications protocol used by the communications network in the transmission and reception of data. In some exemplary arrangements, the communications protocol may refer to a power of transmission of a signal, a frequency of transmission of a signal (in specific examples, electromagnetic or acoustic), a modulation scheme of a signal and/or a time of transmission of a signal.

In some arrangements, a communications network may use a sweeping technique in an attempt to determine which communications protocol is most effective for a given set of environmental conditions within and around a well. That is, one or more nodes in the communications system may transmit a plurality of test signals that sweep through a range of communications protocols. One or more further nodes may be configured to receive the plurality of test signals and determine which of them was received with the best signal metric, for example signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The protocol with the best signal metric may be selected as the communications protocol to be used by the communications network. Such arrangements have a high power overhead as many signals must be transmitted to determine the best communications protocol. Further, such arrangements do not account for changes in environmental conditions over time.

It has been realised that information relating to environmental conditions in the well environment may be obtained from data recorded by one or more sensors on a downhole tool 1 12c, 1 12d. In particular, data relating to one or more well parameters may be monitored over time to determine one or more environmental conditions that might affect transmission of communication signals between nodes 1 12a-1 12d. The communications protocol may then be determined based on the environmental conditions to give the best signal metric, such as SNR.

More specifically, noise on communication signals transmitted over a communication channel in the network may be analysed alongside the data recorded by the one or more sensors in a downhole tool. The communication protocol may be determined based on the noise and the sensor data. For example, if the noise on the channel is high when a device in the downhole tool is operating, the communication protocol may specify a higher transmission power during times when the device is operating. Alternatively, the communication protocol may specify that no transmissions occur while the device is operating.

As used herein, the term noise may encompass any signal that is not the signals that was intended to be transmitted. Noise may encompass attenuation of the transmitted signal across a given medium.

A schematic representation of an exemplary node 200 of a communications network is shown in Figure 2. The network node 200 may be any of the nodes 1 12a-1 12d in Figure 1 . The network node 200 comprises a transmitter 202 and a receiver 204, although this is only one example of a network node 200. Some exemplary network nodes may include only a transmitter and only a receiver, as will be understood by the skilled person. Further, the network node 200 may comprise a plurality of transmitters and/or receivers and each may be configured to transmit and receive communication signals using different protocols, for example using electromagnetic and acoustic signals. The transmitter 202 and receiver 204 may be in data communication with other network entities in a communications network and are configured to transmit and receive data accordingly.

The network node 200 further comprises a memory 206 and a processor 208. The memory 206 may comprise a non-volatile memory and/or a volatile memory. The memory 206 may have a computer program 210 stored therein. The computer program 210 may be configured to undertake methods disclosed herein. The computer program 210 may be loaded in the memory 206 from a non-transitory computer readable medium 212, on which the computer program is stored. The processor 208 is configured to undertake one or more of the functions of a noise analyser 214 and a protocol determiner 216, as set out below.

The network node 200 may further comprise at least one sensor 218 configured to sense a well parameter. In such cases, the network node 200 will typically be (or may be comprised within) a downhole tool 1 12c, 1 12d. Network nodes such as the surface module 1 12a and the relay module 1 12b need not include the sensor 218. Exemplary sensors may include internal sensors, such as a battery sensor, and/or external sensors. External sensors may include, for example, temperature, pressure and flow sensors. The sensor 218 may also be configured to sense data from one or more downhole devices such as valves, perforation tools and fluid samplers. Data received from such devices may include sensed data over time and/or a state of operation of the device. The skilled person will understand that other sensors may be used.

Each of the transmitter 202 and receiver 204, memory 206, processor 208, noise analyser 214, protocol determiner 216 and sensor 218 is in data communication with the other features 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 214, 216, 218 of the network node 200. The network node 200 can be implemented as a combination of computer hardware and software. In particular, the noise analyser 214 and protocol determiner 216 may be implemented as software configured to run on the processor 208, or as combinations of hardware and software in separate modules. The memory 206 stores the various programs/executable files that are implemented by a processor 208, and also provides a storage unit for any required data. The programs/executable files stored in the memory 206, and implemented by the processor 208, can include the noise analyser 214 and the protocol determiner 216, but are not limited to such.

It is noted that the term“well parameter” encompasses any measurable parameter that is associated with operation or testing of a well. It is further noted that operation of a well may encompass monitoring of a well after closure and need not be limited to a production well.

A schematic representation of an exemplary computing device 300 of a communications network is shown in Figure 3. The computing device 300 may be located at the platform 108 or other area at the surface rather than in the well environment. The computing device 300 comprises a transmitter 302 and a receiver 304 which are configured to interface with a node 200. The transmitter 302 and receiver 304 may also be configured for data communication with other entities in an internet or other networking scenario and are configured to transmit and receive data accordingly.

The computing device 300 further comprises a memory 306 and a processor 308. The memory 306 may comprise a non-volatile memory and/or a volatile memory. The memory 306 may have a computer program 310 stored therein. The computer program 310 may be configured to undertake methods disclosed herein. The computer program 310 may be loaded in the memory 306 from a non-transitory computer readable medium 312, on which the computer program is stored. The processor 308 is configured to undertake one or more of the functions of a noise analyser 314 and a protocol determiner 316, as set out below.

Each of the transmitter 302 and receiver 304, memory 306, processor 308, noise analyser 314 and protocol determiner 316 is in data communication with the other features 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 314, 316 of the computing device 300. The computing device 300 can be implemented as a combination of computer hardware and software. In particular, the noise analyser 314 and protocol determiner 316 may be implemented as software configured to run on the processor 308, or as combinations of hardware and software in separate modules. The memory 306 stores the various programs/executable files that are implemented by a processor 308, and also provides a storage unit for any required data. The programs/executable files stored in the memory 306, and implemented by the processor 308, can include the noise analyser 314 and the protocol determiner 316, but are not limited to such.

Figure 4 shows an exemplary method for controlling communications in a communications network deployed in a well environment. Previously recorded well parameter data may be used to determine a communication protocol for a tool or other node to be deployed in the well environment. The method of Figure 4 may be used with the nodes described above, although it may also be used with communications network nodes already known in the art, such as existing tools, relay modules and/or surface modules.

In the exemplary method of Figure 4, well parameter data is recorded 400 by one or more tools previously deployed in the well environment, although this may not be an essential step of the method and the recorded data may be received from an external source. Generally, well parameter data may include temperature data, pressure data, flow rate data, composition data for a fluid in the well environment, physical properties data for a fluid in the well environment and/or a state of operation of a device of a tool, although the skilled person will appreciate that other well parameter data may be used. The state of operation of a device of a tool may include, for example, the position of a sleeve and/or whether a valve is open or closed and possibly by how much. In addition, noise data may be recorded, which represents noise on signals transmitted in the well environment at a time corresponding to the recorded well parameter data. Again, this step is not essential and the noise data may be received from another source. The noise data may comprise data identifying an amplitude and/or a frequency of noise on transmitted communication signals.

A communication protocol is determined 404. The communication protocol may be determined by the processor 308 configured to undertake the function of the protocol determiner 316 of the computing device 300.

The protocol determiner 316 analyses the previously recorded well parameter data to determine the communication protocol to be used. In one exemplary arrangement, the protocol determiner may determine the communication protocol based on the previously recorded well parameter data and an estimate of a noise on communication signals transmitted within the well environment given particular well parameter data. Such estimated noise may, for example, be stored in a look up table on the computing device 300 or accessed over an internet or other network.

As an example, an estimated noise level may be associated with a given level of pressure and/or temperature within the well environment. The communication protocol may therefore be determined to have sufficient transmit power during times when the pressure and/or temperature is at or above that level such that the estimated noise is overcome. Alternatively, the estimated noise may occur in specific frequency bands or with specific modulation schemes and the communication protocol may therefore use a different frequency band or modulation scheme during those times, which is less affected by the noise. Alternatively, the communication protocol may determine that no transmission of communication signals occurs during those times and only occurs once the noise level has reduced (i.e. when the well parameter value(s) has changed).

In further arrangements, the noise analyser 316 may analyse the previously recorded noise data on communication signals transmitted in the well environment at the time when the previously recorded well data was recorded. The noise data and the previously recorded well parameter data may be time stamped so that it can be temporally aligned. In this way, it can be shown how noise on the communication signals is affected by the well parameters. That is, given a set of data relating to one or more well parameters at a particular time, the noise on communication signals can be known and this can be used to determine the communication protocol.

The protocol determiner 316 may determine the communication protocol based at least in part on the previously recorded well parameter data and the noise data. The effect of the well parameter data on the noise may be determined and the communication protocol determined accordingly.

In some examples, the processor 308 may implement a machine learning algorithm to determine a model that will allow determination of a communication protocol for the communications network to be deployed in a well environment. In exemplary arrangements, the process of determining the communication protocol may include one or more of: receiving recorded well parameter data and/or transmission noise data; preprocessing the received data; deriving features of transmitted communications based on the received data; training models for determining the communication protocol; determining the best model. The determined model may then be uploaded to a node of the communications network. When nodes (e.g. tools) are back at the surface, exemplary arrangements may use newly recorded data to re-train the models (if required).

One such machine learning technique comprises regression analysis. However, regression analysis is only one option and others may be used either alone or in combination. For example, an unsupervised learning algorithm (e.g. a clustering technique) can be used to reduce number of features before regression analysis is used.

The large volume of previously recorded well parameter and noise data allows the algorithm to be trained to respond to particular well parameters that may be sensed by sensors in the downhole tools.

The determined communication protocol is uploaded 406 to the node 200. The communication protocol may specify one or more of a power, a frequency, a modulation scheme and a time for transmission of communication signals for a given set of well parameter data. The node 200 is deployed 408 in the well environment and communicates 408 with other nodes in the communications network using the determined communication protocol. In order to do this, the node may receive well parameter data from a further node and/or may sense well parameter using one or more sensors that are included within the node. The well parameter data received or sensed is used with the communication protocol to control 410 transmission and reception of communication signals in the network.

In some exemplary arrangements, the node may be configured to record sensed well parameter and/or noise data relating to communication signals transmitted and received. This recorded data may be used to update the model used by the computing device 300 to determine the communication protocol if the node is extracted from the well environment and brought to surface.

In some exemplary arrangements, the node 200 may be configured to update 412 the communication protocol based on well parameter data sensed in the well environment after deployment of the node 200. The sensed well parameter data may be sensed by sensors included in the node, e.g. if the node is a downhole tool or other downhole device. Alternatively or in addition, the sensed well parameter data may be received from a further node in the communications network.

Further, the node 200 may be configured to update 412 the communication protocol based on noise data relating to noise on communication signals in the communication network after deployment of the node 200. The processor 208 may be configured to record the noise data based on transmitted and/or received communication signals and/or may receive the noise data from one or more further nodes in the communications network.

In a manner similar to that discussed above in respect of the computing device 300, the processor 208 of the node 200 may update the communication protocol. This may be done by the protocol determiner 216 analysing the sensed well parameter data and/or the noise analyser 214 analysing the noise data, both of which have been recorded after deployment of the node 200. The protocol determiner 216 may then update the communication protocol based at least in part on the well parameter data and the noise data. In other exemplary arrangements, the node 200 may be deployed in the well environment along with other nodes in the communications network with an initial communication protocol. The initial communication protocol may not have been determined by the computing device 300 in the manner explained above.

The node 200 may sense well parameter data after deployment if it is fitted with one or more sensors. Alternatively or in addition, the node 200 may receive well parameter data after deployment from one or more further nodes. The node 200 may record noise data relating to noise on communications signals transmitted and/or received after deployment. Alternatively or in addition, the node 200 may receive noise data after deployment from one or more further nodes.

In a way similar to that explained above, the noise analyser 214 and the protocol determiner 216 may use the well parameter data and optionally the noise data recorded after deployment to determine a communication protocol for controlling transmission and reception of communication signals in the communications network.

A computer program may be configured to provide any of the above described methods. The computer program may be provided on a computer readable medium. The computer program may be a computer program product. The product may comprise a non-transitory computer usable storage medium. The computer program product may have computer-readable program code embodied in the medium configured to perform the method. The computer program product may be configured to cause at least one processor to perform some or all of the method.

Various methods and apparatus are described herein with reference to block diagrams or flowchart illustrations of computer-implemented methods, apparatus (systems and/or devices) and/or computer program products. It is understood that a block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by computer program instructions that are performed by one or more computer circuits. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor circuit of a general purpose computer circuit, special purpose computer circuit, and/or other programmable data processing circuit to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer and/or other programmable data processing apparatus, transform and control transistors, values stored in memory locations, and other hardware components within such circuitry to implement the functions/acts specified in the block diagrams and/or flowchart block or blocks, and thereby create means (functionality) and/or structure for implementing the functions/acts specified in the block diagrams and/or flowchart block(s).

Computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer- readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the functions/acts specified in the block diagrams and/or flowchart block or blocks.

A tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium may include an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor data storage system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples of the computer-readable medium would include the following: a portable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM) circuit, a read-only memory (ROM) circuit, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory) circuit, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD- ROM), and a portable digital video disc read-only memory (DVD/Blu-ray).

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer and/or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer and/or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions/acts specified in the block diagrams and/or flowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, the invention may be embodied in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) that runs on a processor, which may collectively be referred to as "circuitry," "a module" or variants thereof.

It should also be noted that in some alternate implementations, the functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the flowcharts. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Moreover, the functionality of a given block of the flowcharts and/or block diagrams may be separated into multiple blocks and/or the functionality of two or more blocks of the flowcharts and/or block diagrams may be at least partially integrated. Finally, other blocks may be added/inserted between the blocks that are illustrated.

The skilled person will be able to envisage other embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.