CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part application of commonly owner U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/145,942, entitled: METHOD FOR PROVIDED ON-DEMAND DIGITAL REPRESENTATIONS TO MOBILE DEVICES IN OTHER GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS, filed on January 1, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. This application also claims priority from commonly owner U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/145,942.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to method for providing on-demand digital representations to mobile devices.

SUMMARY OF THE nWENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and systems for providing on-demand digital representations to mobile devices in other geographic locations. The methods and systems include those where a mobile device user in one location can request and receive an image of a second location by submitting the request to a host computer which geolocates mobile devices in the second location and forwards a description of the requested image to mobile devices located within a predetermined distance of the second location.

Embodiments of the present invention are such that a request is received from a mobile device, such as a smart phone, located in a first geographic location for an image displaying a second geographic location. Mobile devices are geolocated and those located within a predetermined distance from the second geographic location are identified. A description of the desired image is delivered to each such identified such mobile device, for examople, a smart phone with a camera, whereupon the desired image is received from at least one such identified mobile device and forwarded to the requesting mobile device.

According to the present invention there is provided a method for providing an on-demand digital representation of a geographic location including, at a host computer: (a) receiving from a requesting mobile device located in a first geographic location a request for a digital representation depicting a second geographic location; (b) geolocating a plurality of providing mobile devices and identifying a subset of the plurality of providing mobile devices which are located within a predetermined distance from the second geographic location; (c) delivering to at least one such identified providing mobile device a description of the requested digital representation; (d) receiving from at least one such identified providing mobile device a digital representation which satisfies the request; and (e) forwarding the received digital representation to the requesting mobile device.

Preferably the method includes: (f) if no digital representation is received in response to the delivering of the description, repeating steps (b) through (c) until a termination condition is satisfied, the termination condition including receipt of the digital representation or expiration of a deadline; (g) upon receiving the request from the requesting mobile device, performing a computerized search through a searchable collection of digital representations for a digital representation which satisfies the request; and (h) upon receiving the digital representation from one of the identified providing mobile devices, adding a copy of the received digital representation to a searchable collection of digital representations. Preferably the digital representation is a photograph depicting the second geographic location, or a video depicting the second geographic location.

According to the present invention there is further provided a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer readable code embodied thereon, the computer readable code for providing an on demand digital representation of a geographic location including: (a) program code for receiving from a requesting mobile device located in a first geographic location a request for a digital representation depicting a second geographic location; (b) program code for geolocating a plurality of providing mobile devices and identifying a subset of the plurality of providing mobile devices which are located within a predetermined distance from the second geographic location; (c) program code for delivering to at least one such identified providing mobile device a description of the requested digital representation; (d) program code for receiving from at least one such identified providing mobile device a digital representation which satisfies the request; and (e) program code for forwarding the received digital representation to the requesting mobile device.

Preferably the medium includes: (f) program code for: if no digital representation is received in response to the delivery, repeating steps (b) through (c) until a termination condition is satisfied; (g) program code for: upon receiving the request from the requesting mobile device, performing a computerized search through a searchable collection of digital representations for a digital representation which satisfies the request; and (h) program code for: upon receiving the digital representation from one of the identified providing mobile devices, adding a copy of the received digital representation to a searchable collection of digital representations.

According to the present invention there is further provided a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer readable code embodied thereon, the computer readable code for providing an on demand digital representation of a geographic location including: (a) program code for receiving from a host computer a request for a digital representation depicting a first geographic location located within a predetermined distance from a current location of the medium, the request originating from a requesting mobile device in a second geographic location; and (b) program code for sending to the host computer in response to the request a digital representation depicting the first geographic location which satisfies the request.

Preferably the medium includes: (c) program code for allowing a user to define a max distance for providing digital representations, and where the predetermined distance is the max distance as defined by the user.

According to the present invention there is further provided a server including: a processor and a non-volatile memory, operationally coupled to the processor, on which is stored executable code readable by the processor, the code including instructions that when executed by the processor causes the server to provide an on demand digital representation of a geographical location by: (a) receiving from a requesting mobile device located in a first geographic location a request for a digital representation depicting a second geographic location; (b) geolocating a plurality of providing mobile devices and identifying a subset of the plurality of providing mobile devices which are located within a predetermined distance from the second geographic location; (c) delivering to at least one such identified providing mobile device a description of the requested digital representation; (d) responsive to the delivering of the description, receiving from at least one such identified providing mobile device a digital representation which satisfies the request; and (e) forwarding the received digital representation to the requesting mobile device.

Preferably the code includes instructions for: (f) if no digital representation is received in response to the delivery, repeating steps (b) through (c) until a termination condition is satisfied; (g) upon receiving the request from the requesting mobile device, performing a computerized search through a searchable collection of digital representations for a digital representation which satisfies the request; and (h) upon receiving the digital representation from one of the identified providing mobile devices, adding a copy of the received digital representation to a searchable collection of digital representations.

Embodiments of the invnetion are directed to fulfilling digital file requests from requesting users, via their network-linked devices, the digital file requests based on the geographic location from where thee requesting user seeks the digital file be obtained. The digital file includes, digital data of a digital representation of something, at or proximate to a geographic location. The digital representation may be a photo, video or other graphic, as the actual photo (e.g., in JPEG format), video or graphic, in a native format, sent directly or indirectly from the provider (request fulfilling) device to the requestor's device, or in the form of a link, which when activated allows the user to obtain the digital representation.

Embodiments of the present invnetion are directed to a system providing an on-demand digital file of a geographic location. The system comprises: a computer for linking to a communications network, the computer including a processor. The processor is configured for: receiving, from over the commnications network, at least one request from at least one first computer device at a first geographic location for at least one digital file associated with a second geographic location; geolocating at least one second computer device located within a predetermined distance from the second geographic location; and, transmitting, over the communications network, the at least one request to the at least one second computer device to obtain the at least one digital file associated with a second geographic location, the at least one request including instructions for transmitting the obtained digital file to the at least one first computer device, over the commiunications network. Optionally, the digital file includes a digital representation or a link digital file including the digital representation.

Optionally, the digital representation includes one or more of a photograph, a video, or a link thereto. Optionally, the instructions for transmitting the obtained digital file to the at least one first computer device, over the commiunications network, include the at least one second computer device transmitting the digital representation to the at least one first computer device.

Optionally, the instctions for transmitting the obtained digital file to the at least one first computer device, over the commiunications network, include the at least one second computer device transmitting the digital representation to the at least one first computer device via the computer.

Optionaly, the system additionally comprises: a client executing on the at least one first computer device, e.g., a mobile teelphone such as a smart phone, for transmitting the at least one request for the at least one digital file associated with a second geographic location; and, a client executing on the at least one second computer device, e.g., a mobile telephone such as a smart phone, for transmitting the at least one digital file obtained by the at least one second computer device to the at least one first computer device.

Optionally, the clients executing on the at least one first and second computer devices include an application.

Other embodiments of the present invnetion are directed to a method of providing an on-demand digital file of a geographic location. The method comprises: receiving, from over a commnications network, at least one request from at least one first computer device at a first geographic location for at least one digital file associated with a second geographic location; geolocating at least one second computer device located within a predetermined distance from the second geographic location; and, transmitting, over the communications network, the at least one request to the at least one second computer device to obtain the at least one digital file associated with a second geographic location, the at least one request including instructions for transmitting the obtained digital file to the at least one first computer device, over the commiunications network.

Optionally, the digital file includes a digital representation or a link digital file including the digital representation. Optionally, the digital representation includes one or more of a photograph, a video, or a link thereto.

Optionally, the instructions for transmitting the obtained digital file to the at least one first computer device, over the commiunications network, include the at least one second computer device transmitting the digital representation to the at least one first computer device.

Optionally, the instructions for transmitting the obtained digital file to the at least one first computer device, over the commiunications network, include the at least one second computer device transmitting the digital representation to the at least one first computer device via the computer.

Optionally, the method additinally, comprises: a client executing on the at least one first computer device for transmitting the at least one request for the at least one digital file associated with a second geographic location; and, a client executing on the at least one second computer device for transmitting the at least one digital file obtained by the at least one second computer device to the at least one first computer device.

Optionally, the clients executing on the at least one first and second computer devices include an application.

Optionally, the at least one first and second computer devices include mobile teelphones, and the at least one second computer device additionally including a camera.

Unless otherwise defined herein, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a high level diagram illustrating the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of implementing the present invention on a host computer;

FIG. 3 is a high level partial block diagram of an exemplary host computer and UE which are configured for the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a high level diagram illustrating another embodiment of a system environment for facilitating the present invention;

FIGs. 5A and 5B show embodiments of the invention operating in the environment of FIG. 4; and,

FIGs. 6A and 6B are flow diagrams detailing the processes and methods associated with FIGs. 5A and 5B, respectively.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The principles and operation of a method and system for on demand digital representations to mobile devices in other geographic locations according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

Referring now to Figure 1, a user operating a User Equipment (UE) 200 sends a request, for example, a digital file request, to a host computer 100 for a location- specific a photo or video, at a specific geographic location, or of an object at the specific geographic location. The requested photo or video can be requested, for example, as a digital image, a digital representation or a digital file, in a multitude of formats. The request includes, for example, a description of the target object or location, along with other information, such as a destination address for the digital image, digital representation or digital file to be transmitted, either by the host computer 100 or the providing (request fulfilling UE 201. By "location-specific,"it is meant that the object of the photo or video is a specific location or target object. Preferably UE 200 is a mobile computing device such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, PDA, etc. Preferably UE 200 has an attached camera for capturing photo and video. Preferably UE 200 is capable of being geolocated by host computer 100. Methods of geolocating mobile devices such as UE 200 are well known in the art. For example, a mobile device may be geolocated by a host computer using the mobile device's integrated GPS receiver, by triangulation techniques which measure cell phone transmissions to nearby base station antennae, or by the mobile device's Internet IP address and/or communications with wireless access points, or other known methods.

Host computer 100 receives a request for an image of a target object (or location) 7 from UE 200. "Image" can be either a still image or a moving image, i.e. video. In one embodiment the request can also include details of the image sought, for example the viewing angle, distance, time-frame, number of images or any other specific requests. Host computer 100 locates one or more mobile cameras 201 within a predetermined distance 5 from target object/location 7. In a preferred embodiment, mobile camera 201 is a UE with an integrated camera such as a smartphone, however any camera capable of receiving requests for images is contemplated within the present invention. Mobile camera 201 captures the requested image and sends it to host computer 100. Host computer 100 forwards the image, or a download link thereto, to UE 200.

Figure 2 describes an exemplary method performed on a host computer such as host computer 100 of Figure 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This exemplary method is in the form of a flow diagram, and the processes which make up the method are typically performed automatically and in real time. First, a request for an image is received 10 from a user through a requesting UE (such as UE 200 in Figure 1). In one embodiment a map is displayed for the requesting user on the requesting UE, and the requesting user selects (for example by tapping on a touch screen) a location on the map in order to describe the target location of the request. In another embodiment the users describes the location with keywords (e.g. Eiffel Tower) or location (e.g. corner of Fifth and Main), in which case the keywords should describe the location with sufficient detail so as to allow the host computer to identify the target object/location with reasonably accuracy. If a location is selected on a map, the location coordinates corresponding to the selected region are transmitted to the host computer. If keywords are entered, the host computer may need to translate the target object/location described to corresponding geographical location coordinates. Next, in a preferred embodiment a searchable image database (which can be local or remote) is searched 20 for images tagged with keywords and/or location coordinates matching the target object/location, and any other specific details as may be provided in the request. If a matching image is found, a download link for downloading the image is generated and forwarded 70 to the requesting UE. If no match is found, a fulfillment request including a description of the required image and any specific details of the image sought is sent 30 to one or more available providing UE (such as mobile camera 201 in Figure 1) which are determined by geolocation to be located within the predetermined distance from the target object/location. In one embodiment, the predetermined distance is set globally by the host computer. In another embodiment, the predetermined distance is individually set by a providing UE prior to receiving requests for images, for example by indicating in a user settings screen on the UE the maximum distance the user of the providing UE is willing to travel to an object or location in order to capture an image for a requesting UE. In yet another embodiment, the predetermined distance is specified by requesting UE in the request. Preferably, UE are continually (or periodically at regular predetermined intervals) geolocated in order to identify suitably located providing UE, to which a fulfillment request is then sent. Preferably the above steps are repeated until the desired image is acquired or the request is canceled. The request may be canceled by the requesting UE or by the host computer in the case where repeat attempts to acquire an image in the above manner fail. In one embodiment the request may be automatically canceled after the expiration of a predetermined time limit or deadline for acquiring the image.

In a preferred embodiment, UE which intend to deliver the requested image send a confirmation to the host computer prior to either capturing or uploading an image. Preferably such confirmation indicates a willingness to fulfil the request rather than a commitment or obligation. Preferably, after having received at least one such confirmation from at least one UE, host computer sends 40 the requesting UE notice of having received such confirmation. After having received the first confirmation, the host computer may or may not continue to send fulfillment requests to identified providing UE. Optionally, the host computer 100 can also cancel any outstanding fulfillment requests.

Next, a providing UE captures the requested image and uploads the captured image to the host computer. The host computer receives 50 the uploaded image, tags it using location coordinates and/or searchable keywords and saves 60 the received image to a searchable image database. Optionally, should it not have been done previously, the host computer 100 can also cancel any outstanding fulfillment requests. Finally, the host computer 100 sends 70 to the requesting UE 200 a download link to the saved image.

Figure 3 is a high-level partial block diagram of an exemplary host computer 100 and UE 200 which are configured to implement the present invention. Only components of host computer 100 and UE 200 that are germane to the present invention are shown in Figure 3. In Figure 3, UE 200 is configured to perform the tasks of either a requesting UE or a providing UE.

Host computer 100 includes one or more processors 102, a random access memory (RAM) 104, a non-volatile memory (NVM) 106, communication ports 114, and input/output (I/O) ports 112 all communicating with each other via a common bus 116. The host computer 100 includes machines, computers and computing or computer systems (for example, physically separate locations or devices), servers, computer and computerized devices, processors, processing systems, computing cores (for example, shared devices), and similar systems, workstations, modules and combinations of the aforementioned. Here, and throughout this document, a "server" is typically a remote computer or remote computer system, or computer program therein, that is accessible over a communications medium, such as a communications network or other computer network, including the Internet. A "server" provides services to, or performs functions for, other computer programs (and their users), in the same or other computers. A server may also include a virtual machine, a software based emulation of a computer.

The host computer 100 communicates with the UE 200, 201 via a communication link, for example, a wireless link, which for example, is provided over a communications network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), or a Wide Area Network (WAN), including public networks such as the Internet. The commuinications network may be one or more networks, and may be a combination of networks and/or multiple networks including, for example, cellular networks. "Link" and "linked" as used herein include both wired or wireless links, either direct or indirect, and placing the host computer 100, in electronic and/or data communications with the UE 200, 201.

In NVM 106 are stored operating system (O/S) code 108 and server-side application code 110. Server-side application code 110 includes computer readable executable code for implementing the host computer functions of the present invention such as those described above. Under the control of O/S 108, processor 102 loads server side application code 110 from NVM 106 into RAM 104 and executes server-side application code 110 in RAM 104, causing host computer 100 to perform host computer functions for providing on demand photos and videos to mobile devices as described above.

UE 200 includes one or more processors 202, a random access memory (RAM) 204, a non-volatile memory (NVM) 208, a camera 205, communication ports 214, and an input/output (I/O) port 218 all communicating with each other via a common bus 224. I/O port 218 is in operative communication with a user interface 216 to display output (for example on a display screen) and receive input (for example through a touch capacitive display screen). UE 200 may optionally include a geolocation receiver such as a GPS receiver 220. In NVM 208 are stored operating system (O/S) code 210 and client-side application code 212. Client-side application code 212 includes computer readable executable code for implementing the UE functions of the present invention such as those described above. Under the control of O/S 210, processor 202 loads client-side application code 212 from NVM 208 into RAM 204 and executes client-side application code 212 in RAM 204 causing UE 200 to perform UE functions for requesting and providing on demand photos and videos to mobile devices as described above.

FIGs. 4, 5A and 5B show another embodiment of the invention, which uses an application. An "application", includes executable software, and optionally, any graphical user interfaces (GUI), through which certain functionality may be implemented. Accordingly, users who have downloaded or otherwise installed the application onto their UE, for example, and typically have registered with the system. The sysyem perfroms the processes of the embodiments of the invention, and is represented by the host computer/host server 302 (the "system" may also include the application server 304), The system, e.g., the host computer/host server 302, can request the desired, photo, video, or other digital representation and/or digital file, from other users (e.g., at remote locations, over the network(s) 300) who have downloaded or otherwise installed the application on their UE (the UE also now known as a client computer with the downloaded application), for example, and typically have registered with the system. These users who have downloaded or otherwise installed the application on their UE, for example, and typically have registered with the system, are typically referred to as a "community." The system of the invnetion may be set up such that only those users in the community can interact with each other.

FIG. 4 shows an environment in which the application (APP) 320 is accessable to UE 200, 201 over a network 300. Alernately, the application 320 can be on storage media and installed by convnetional installation methods. When the application (APP) 320 is installed and running on the respective US 200, 201, the application is represented as APP 320'.

The network 300 includes a communications network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), or a Wide Area Network (WAN), including public networks such as the Internet. The commuinications network may be one or more networks, and may be a combination of networks and/or multiple networks including, for example, cellular networks. "Link" and "linked" as used herein include both wired or wireless links, either direct or indirect, and placing the host computer/server 302, in electronic and/or data communications with the UE 200, 201. For example, UE 200, 201 links to the network 300 via wireless links (commnication links), as UE 200, 201, are for example cellular telephones, such as smart phones, with UE 201 also including, for example, a camera. There is also typically a third party server (TPS) 306 linked to the network 300, whose operation is detailed below.

Host computer/host server 302 and the Application Server 304, from which the application (APP) 320 of the present invnetion can be accessed, including by downloading, link to the network 300, by both wired and wireless links (commuinication links). The host computer/host server 302 is similar in construction and operation to the host computer 100 detailed above, but also includes the application (APP) 320, accessable for downloading.

A first user, for example, user (User 1) 311, with his UE (client computer) 200, is at a first location, Location 1, which is, for example, in the United States. A second user (User 2) 312, with his UE (client computer) 201 is at a second location (Location 2), separate and remote from Location 1. Location 2 is, for example, Paris, France, and in particular, user 312 is at spot "X," which is in a predetermined proximity in accordance with the rules and policies of the system of the host computer/host server 302, to the location of interest, for example, the Eifel Tower 314.

The application 320 includes executable software, and graphical user interfaces (GUI), through which the requesting and providing (request fulfillment) functionalities of the invention are implemented. The application 320 includes code segments which map to the system of the host computer/host server 302, for allowing user (client) computers interaction, i.e., UE 200, 201, with the system. There are also code segments, including self-executing instructions, for performing various. These code segments include, for example, functions/instructions for sending the obtained digital file, e.g., photograph, video, or other digital representation requested, back to the requesting UE, e..g, UE 200, either 1) directly over a communication link, e.g., including the network 300, to from the request fulfilling UE, e.g., UE 201; or 2) from the request fulfilling UE, e.g., UE 201, to the host computer/host server 302, over communications links, e.g., including the network 300 and onto the requesting UE, e.g., UE 200, over the network 300. In the case of the obtained digital file and/or digital representation, or link thereto being sent directly over the network 300, from the requerst fulfilling UE, e.g., UE 201 to the requesting UE, e.g., UE 200, the code segment of the request received by the request fulfilling UE, e.g., UE 201, typically includes a destination address (e.g., e-mail address for the requesting UE 200), where the obtained digital file and/or digital repreaentation, or link thereto is to be sent or otherwise transmitted or forwarded by the request fulfilling UE , e.g., UE 201.

There are also code segments for cancelling the request from the requesting UE once it is determined that the request has been fulfilled. This cancellation may be made by the request fulfilUing UE, e.g., UE 201, directly over a communication link, e.g., including the network 300, or via the host computer/host server 302, over communications links, e.g., including the network 300. The aforementioned code segments may be such that the functions/instructions therof are self-executing and activate automatically.

FIG. 5A shows the environment of FIG. 4, with the application 320' downloaded and running on the UE 200, 201. User 311, in the USA, Location 1, has requested a photo of the Eifel Tower 314 at Location 2. The process of FIG. 2, as described above, including the optional processes, is perfromed by the clients, the downloaded applications 320', and the host computer/host server 302. Should the requested digital representation and/or digital file, for example, including the desired photo, video, or other graphic, not be in a data base or other storage media associated with the host computer/host server 302 (including databases/storage media) at remote locations linked to the network 300, the fulfillment request will go to the user 312, who for purposes of this example, will obtain and provide the requested digital representation and/or digital file, for example, a photograph of the Eifel Tower 314. In FIG. 5 A arrow 510 represents the process 10, while arrow 530 represents process 30. Arrow 550 represents the process 50, while arrow 570 represents process 70. (Processes 10, 30, 50 and 70 are from Figure 2, detailed above).

FIG. 5B is similar to FIG. 5A and the Flow Diagram of the process of Figure (FIG.) 2, and also turning to the Flow diagram of FIG. 6A, to which reference is made. The flow diagram of FIG. 6A begins from block 40 of FIG. 2. From block 40, the process moves to block 650, where the providing UE 201, in the fulfillment request from the system, receives code including an address, such as an e-mail address, phone number or other data of a desired destination for the provided digital file and/or digital representation (e.g., image), or link thereto. This desired destination includes, for example, e-mail or a phone number for the requesting UE 200 itself, and/or a computer associated with the user 311 of the requesting UE 200. The request fulfilling UE 201 then sends the obtained data file and/or digital representation, or link thereto, directly to the specified destination (for example, the requesting UE 200, as established from the data of the fulfillment request), over a communications link, including the network 300, as represented by the arrow 580, at block 660 of FIG. 6A. In the flow diagram of FIG. 6A, block 30' has been added, for if the requested image (including a digital representation and/or data file or link thereto) is found in the database of the host computer/host server 302, the host computer/host server 302 forwards a link to the requested image to the requesting UE, e.g., UE 200. Alternately, the host computer/host server 302 can forward (transmit) the actual digital file and/or digital representation.

Alternately, in the flow diagram of FIG. 6B, based on the Flow Diagram of FIG. 2, to which referrence is made, after block 40 of FIG. 2, a third party server (TPS) 306, outside of the system, and typically not part of the system, receives an uploaded digital representation (e.g., image) and/or digital file, or link thereto, from the providing UE 201, at block 650' (represented by the arrow 550' in FIG. 5B). The digial representation and/or digital file, or link thereto, is saved in a database or other storage media within or associated with this TPS 306, at block 660', and the digital representation and/or digital file, or a link thereto, is forwarded to the requesting UE 200, or other desired destination, as established from the data of the request for the digital representation, at block 670' (represented by the arrow 570' in FIG. 5B). In the flow diagram of FIG. 6B, block 30' has been added, for if the requested image is found in the database of the host computer/host server 302, the host computer/host server 302 forwards a link to the requested image to the requesting UE, e.g., UE 200. Alternately, the host computer/host server 302 can forward (transmit) the actual digital file and/or digital representation.

For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more tasks according to exemplary embodiments of method and/or system as described herein are performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes a volatile memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or a non-volatile storage, for example, non-transitory storage media such as a magnetic hard-disk and/or removable media, for storing instructions and/or data. Optionally, a network connection is provided as well. A display and/or a user input device such as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided as well.

For example, any combination of one or more non-transitory computer readable (storage) medium(s) may be utilized in accordance with the above-listed embodiments of the present invention. The non-transitory computer readable (storage) medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

As will be understood with reference to the paragraphs and the referenced drawings, provided above, various embodiments of computer-implemented methods are provided herein, some of which can be performed by various embodiments of apparatuses and systems described herein and some of which can be performed according to instructions stored in non-transitory computer-readable storage media described herein. Still, some embodiments of computer-implemented methods provided herein can be performed by other apparatuses or systems and can be performed according to instructions stored in computer-readable storage media other than that described herein, as will become apparent to those having skill in the art with reference to the embodiments described herein. Any reference to systems and computer-readable storage media with respect to the following computer- implemented methods is provided for explanatory purposes, and is not intended to limit any of such systems and any of such non-transitory computer-readable storage media with regard to embodiments of computer-implemented methods described above. Likewise, any reference to the following computer-implemented methods with respect to systems and computer-readable storage media is provided for explanatory purposes, and is not intended to limit any of such computer-implemented methods disclosed herein.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. 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 involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance or illustration". Any embodiment described as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

The above-described processes including portions thereof can be performed by software, hardware and combinations thereof. These processes and portions thereof can be performed by computers, computer-type devices, workstations, processors, micro-processors, other electronic searching tools and memory and other non- transitory storage-type devices associated therewith. The processes and portions thereof can also be embodied in programmable non-transitory storage media, for example, compact discs (CDs) or other discs including magnetic, optical, etc., readable by a machine or the like, or other computer usable storage media, including magnetic, optical, or semiconductor storage, or other source of electronic signals.

The processes (methods) and systems, including components thereof, herein have been described with exemplary reference to specific hardware and software. The processes (methods) have been described as exemplary, whereby specific steps and their order can be omitted and/or changed by persons of ordinary skill in the art to reduce these embodiments to practice without undue experimentation. The processes (methods) and systems have been described in a manner sufficient to enable persons of ordinary skill in the art to readily adapt other hardware and software as may be needed to reduce any of the embodiments to practice without undue experimentation and using conventional techniques.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made. Therefore, the invention as recited in the claims that follow is not limited to the embodiments described herein.