METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING COMMUNICATION NETWORK

SERVICES

[0001] The present invention generally relates to communication network services, and more particularly, to a method and system for managing communication network services.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In recent years, there has been an exponential increase in the use of communication devices such as mobile phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), pagers, and laptops. These communication devices communicate with each other via a communication network. A communication network is a system of inter-connected communication devices. Some examples of communication networks include a General Packet Radio System (GPRS) network, a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network, and a Generic Access Networks (GAN). These communication networks can also provide one or more communication network services to a communication device. Some examples of communication network services include instant messaging and Internet browsing. A communication device accesses the communication network via a network controller and needs to be registered with the network controller to access a communication network service. In a particular region, the communication network service can be accessed via one or more communication networks.

[0003] There exist various methods for accessing communication network services in a communication network. According to an existing method, when the communication device has to select an alternative communication network to access

the communication network service, the communication device has to de-register from a serving communication network and then scan for a plurality of communication networks accessible to the communication device. The serving communication network is the network via which a communication device accesses a communication network service. Thereafter, the communication device attempts to register with the alternative communication network. Consequently, the communication device is not connected to either the serving communication network or the alternative communication network until the device registers with the alternative communication network. As a result, the communication device cannot access the services of the communication network from the time the communication device scans for the plurality of communication networks till it is registered with the alternative communication network.

[0004] Therefore, a need exists for a method and system for managing communication network services, to enable the communication device to access the communication network service while scanning for accessible communication networks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0005] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, and which, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, all in accordance with the present invention.

[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a communication network where various embodiments of the present invention can be practiced;

[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the communication device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0008] FIG. 3 depicts a flow diagram illustrating a method for managing one or more communication network services, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] FIGs. 4 and 5 depict a flow diagram illustrating a method for managing one or more communication network services, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram illustrating a method for accessing

Generic Access Network (GAN) services, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0011] FIGs. 7 and 8 depict a flow diagram illustrating a method for accessing Generic Access Network (GAN) services, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated, relative to other elements, to help in improving an understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Before describing in detail the particular method and system for managing communication network services, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, it should be observed that the present invention resides primarily in combinations of method steps related to managing communication network services. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of the description herein.

[0014] In this document, the terms 'comprises,' 'comprising', or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements that are not expressly listed or inherent in such a process, method, article or apparatus. An element proceeded by 'comprises ... a' does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or apparatus that comprises the element. The term 'another,' as used in this document, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms 'includes' and/or 'having', as used herein, are defined as comprising.

[0015] For an embodiment, a method for managing one or more communication network services is provided. The method includes scanning for a plurality of communication networks that are accessible to a communication device.

Further, the method includes selecting a communication network from the plurality of communication networks. Furthermore, the method includes de -registering from a serving network controller. The serving network controller is a controller via which the communication device accesses a serving communication network. The de- registering takes place after the communication network is selected. Moreover, the method includes registering the communication device with a selected network controller of the communication network from the plurality of communication networks. The communication device accesses the one or more communication network services via the selected network controller.

[0016] For another embodiment, a method for accessing Generic Access

Network (GAN) services is provided. The method includes scanning for a plurality of GAN Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) that are accessible to a Mobile Station (MS). Further, the method includes selecting a GAN PLMN from the plurality of GAN PLMNs. Furthermore, the method includes de -registering the communication device from a serving Generic Access Network Controller (GANC). The serving GANC is a controller via which the MS accesses a GAN service. The de-registering takes place after the GAN PLMN is selected. Moreover, the method includes registering the communication device with a selected GANC of the GAN PLMN from the plurality of GAN PLMNs. The MS accesses the GAN services via the GAN PLMN.

[0017] For yet another embodiment, a communication device is provided.

The communication device includes a transmitter that is configured to inform a default network controller that the communication device is in a communication

network selection mode. The default network controller is automatically selected by the communication device. Further, the communication device includes a processor that is configured to select a communication network from a plurality of communication networks. The processor is also configured to de-register the communication device from a serving network controller. The serving network controller is a controller via which the communication device accesses a communication network. The de-registering takes place after the communication network has been selected.

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a communication network 100, where various embodiments of the present invention can be practiced. The communication network 100 can include a plurality of network controllers and a plurality of communication devices. The communication network 100 is shown to include a plurality of network controllers 102 and a communication device 104. Examples of the communication network 100 include, but are not limited to, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network, an Evolved-UMTS (E-UMTS) network, a General Packet Radio System (GPRS) network, a CDMA2000 network, and a Generic Access Network (GAN). Examples of the communication device 104 include, but are not limited to, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a laptop, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), and a pager. The communication device 104 can have a wired or wireless connection with the plurality of network controllers 102. Examples of a wireless connection include, but are not limited to, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth®, ZigBee™, Wi-Max™ and Infrared (IR). In a particular

region, the communication device 104 can access a service through one or more communication networks.

[0019] The plurality of network controllers 102 is shown to include a network controller 106, a network controller 108, and a network controller 110. A network controller enables the communication device to access a communication network service from a communication network. To access a service, the communication device needs to be registered and de-registered from a particular communication network. Registration and de-registration of the communication device from the communication network occurs via the network controller. A network controller can be of two types, a default network controller and a serving network controller.

[0020] A default network controller is a controller that is automatically selected by a communication device. For an embodiment, the information about the default network controller is known to the communication device. However, when the communication device does not have the information about the default network controller, the device can attempt to obtain this information from a provisioning network controller. A provisioning network controller is a controller that provides information about the default network controller.

[0021] For some embodiments, the network controller 106 will be referred to as default network controller 106, and the network controller 108 as a serving network controller 108. However, it will be apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art that the network controller 106, the network controller 108 or the network controller 110 can be a default network controller or a serving network controller.

[0022] In a particular region, a service can be accessed by the communication device 104 via one or more communication networks. For an embodiment, each network controller of the plurality of network controllers 102 can belong to different communication networks. Further, in a particular region, each network controller of the plurality of network controllers 102 can provide access to a service. For another embodiment, each of the plurality of network controllers 102 can belong to a communication network. For example, the network controller 106, the network controller 108, and the network controller 110 are network controllers of the same communication network in a particular area.

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the communication device 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The communication device 104 includes a transmitter 202 and a processor 204. The transmitter 202 is configured to transmit information to the default network controller 106 that the communication device 104 is in the communication network selection mode. For another embodiment, the communication device 104 can include the transmitter 202, the processor 204, and a transceiver. The transceiver is configured to establish a connection with at least one network controller of the plurality of network controllers 102. The transceiver is also configured to establish connections with two network controllers simultaneously. The information can be provided by means of a message to the default network controller 106. For example, the communication network can be a GAN and the communication device 104 can be a mobile phone. The mobile phone accesses the communication network through a first GAN controller (GANC), which is not a default GANC. Thereafter, the transceiver establishes a second connection with the default GANC. The second connection is established to send a

message to the default GANC. As a result, the transceiver has connections with two different GANCs, one with the first GANC and the second with the default GANC. Thereafter, the transmitter 202 sends a message to the default GANC to indicate that the mobile phone is in a GAN Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) selection mode. For an embodiment, the transmitter 202 and the transceiver can be integrated as a single unit.

[0024] The transmitter 202 is coupled to the processor 204. The processor

204 is configured to determine whether a serving network controller and the default network controller 106 are same. The serving network controller is a controller via which the communication device 104 is accessing a serving communication network. The processor 204 is also configured to select a communication network from a plurality of communication networks. For example, the processor 204 is capable of selecting a GAN PLMN from a list of GAN PLMNs. The processor 204 is also configured to de -register the communication device 104 from a serving network controller, and thereafter, register the communication device 104 with a selected network controller of the communication network. For example, the processor 204 de-registers from a serving GANC and then registers to a selected GANC of the GAN PLMN.

[0025] FIG. 3 depicts a flow diagram illustrating a method for managing one or more communication network services, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. To describe the method, reference will be made to FIGs. 1 and 2, although it will be apparent to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that the method can be implemented in any other suitable embodiment of the present invention.

Moreover, the invention is not limited to the order in which the steps are listed in the method.

[0026] The method for managing one or more communication network services initiates at step 302. At step 304, the communication device 104 scans for a plurality of communication networks that are accessible to the communication device 104. For one embodiment, scanning for the plurality of communication networks includes sending a message to the default network controller 106. This message can indicate to the default network controller 106 that the communication device 104 is in a communication network selection mode. The communication device 104 can either be in an automatic communication network selection mode or in a manual communication network selection mode. Further, scanning for the plurality of communication networks includes receiving a list of the plurality of communication networks that are accessible to the communication device 104 from the default network controller 106.

[0027] At step 306, the communication device 104 selects a communication network from the plurality of communication networks. For example, a serving network controller of the communication device 104 can be the serving network controller 108. The communication device 104 sends a message to the default network controller 106 to indicate that the communication device 104 is in a communication network selection mode. Thereafter, the communication device 104 receives a list of communication networks that are represented by the network controller 106, the serving network controller 108, and the network controller 110.

After this, the communication device 104 selects the network controller 110 to access a communication network service.

[0028] At step 308, the communication device 104 de-registers from the serving network controller. At step 310, the communication device 104 registers with a selected network controller of the communication network. For example, after scanning the list of network controllers, the communication device 104 selects the network controller 110, and then de-registers from the serving network controller 108. After de-registering from the serving network controller 108, the communication device 104 registers with the network controller 110. Thereafter, the method terminates at step 312.

[0029] FIGs. 4 and 5 depict a flow diagram illustrating a method for managing one or more communication network services, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. To describe the method, reference will be made to FIGs. 1 and 2, although it is understood that the method can be implemented in any other suitable embodiment of the present invention. Further, the method can include more or fewer number of steps than shown in FIGs. 4 and 5. Moreover, the invention is not limited to the order in which the steps are listed in the method.

[0030] The method for managing one or more communication network services initiates at step 402. At step 404, the communication device 104 determines whether a serving network controller and the default network controller 106 are the same. The serving network controller is a controller via which the communication device 104 is accessing a serving communication network. At step 406, the communication device 104 determines whether a serving network controller-security

gateway is a default network controller-security gateway, when it is determined at step 404 that the serving network controller is not the default network controller. The serving network controller-security gateway is a gateway via which the communication device 104 is accessing the serving network controller. The default network controller-security gateway is a gateway that is automatically selected. However, when the communication device 104 does not have information about the default network controller security-gateway, the communication device 104 can attempt to obtain this information from a provisioning network controller. The communication device 104 initiates a connection with the default network controller 106 through a first secure tunnel at step 408 if it is determined at step 406 that the serving network controller-security gateway and the default network controller- security gateway are the same. The first secure tunnel is an existing secure path between the communication device 104 and the default network controller-security gateway, for exchanging data and information. An example of the first secure tunnel can be a Generic Access Network Controller-Security Gateway (GANC-SEGW).

[0031] The communication device 104 initiates a connection with the default network controller 106 via a second secure tunnel at step 410 if it is determined at step 406 that the serving network controller-security gateway and the default network controller-security gateway are different. The second secure tunnel is an alternative path that is established between the communication device 104 and the default network controller-security gateway to exchange data and information. Consequently, the communication device 104 establishes two connections with two network controllers simultaneously when the serving network controller and the default network controller are not the same. For example, the communication device

104 establishes one secure connection with the network controller 108 and a second secure connection with the default network controller 106 when the serving network controller is the network controller 108. The connection established between the communication device 104 and the default network controller 106 can be a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). If it is determined at step 404 that the default network controller 106 and the serving network controller are the same, step 412 is performed.

[0032] At step 412, the communication device 104 sends a message to the default network controller 106. The message indicates to the default network controller 106 that the communication device 104 is in a communication network selection mode. The communication device 104 can either be in an automatic communication network selection mode or in a manual communication network selection mode. An example of the message includes, but is not limited to, a REGISTER UPDATE UPLINK message, a REGISTER REQUEST message, and a Generic Access Resource Control Public Land Mobile Network Scan Request (GA- RC PLMN SCAN REQUEST) message. For an embodiment, when a serving network controller and a default network controller are same, the communication device 104 can send a REGISTER UPDATE UPLINK message to the default network controller with the value of registration indicators updated to a pre-defined value. When the serving network controller and the default network controller are not same, the communication device 104 can send a REGISTER REQUEST message to the default network controller with the value of registration indicators updated to predefined value. In a typical scenario, when the value of the registration indicators is updated to the pre-defined value, it indicates to the default network controller that the

communication device 104 is in a communication network selection mode. For an embodiment, the pre-defined value can be 1.

[0033] For another embodiment, the communication device 104 can send a

GA-RC PLMN SCAN REQUEST message to the default network controller, irrespective of whether the serving network controller is the default network controller. The GA-RC PLMN SCAN REQUEST message includes the registration indicators. The value of the registration indicators is updated to a pre-defined value. In a typical scenario, when the value of the registration indicators is updated to the pre-defined value, it indicates to the default network controller that the communication device 104 is in a communication network selection mode. For an embodiment, the pre-defined value can be 1. The GA-RC PLMN SCAN REQUEST message can include parameters such as a mobile identity, an Access Point Radio identity, a Mobile Station Radio identity, a GSM/Edge Radio Access Network (GERAN) cell identity, a Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) cell identity, and a GAN PLMN list.

[0034] At step 502, the communication device 104 receives a list of the plurality of communication networks that are accessible to the communication device 104. This list of the plurality of communication networks is provided to the communication device 104 by the default network controller 106. Each communication network of the list of the plurality of communication networks can provide access to the same service to the communication device 104. At step 504, the communication device 104 selects a communication network from the plurality of communication networks, to access the service. At step 506, the communication

device 104 de-registers from the serving network controller. At step 508, the communication device 104 registers with a selected network controller of the communication network.

[0035] For the sake of this description and for clarity, the method is illustrated with reference to an example. For instance, the communication device 104 accesses a service via different communication networks represented by the default network controller 106, the serving network controller 108, and the network controller 110. The communication device 104 determines whether the serving network controller 108 and the default network controller 106 are the same. As the serving network controller 108 and the default network controller 106 are different, the communication device 104 then determines if the serving network controller-security gateway and the default network controller-security gateway are same. If it is determined that the serving network controller-security gateway and the default network controller- security gateway are different, the communication device 104 establishes a new secure tunnel with the default network controller-security gateway. Thereafter, the communication device 104 initiates a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) through the new secure tunnel with the default network controller 106. The communication device 104 then sends a REGISTER REQUEST message to the default network controller 106. Consider a scenario when the default network controller 106 is a serving network controller. The communication device 104 then sends a REGISTER UPDATE UPLINK message to the default network controller 106. Further, the communication device 104 can update the value of the registration indicators to a pre-defined value. For an embodiment, the pre-defined value can be 1. The message and value of the registration indicator indicates to the default network

controller 106 that the communication device 104 is in a communication network selection mode. Thereafter, the communication device 104 receives a list of the communication networks that are accessible to the communication device 104 from the default network controller 106. The list includes the default network controller 106, the serving network controller 108, and the network controller 110. Thereafter, the communication device 104 can select the network controller 110. After selecting the network controller 110, the communication device 104 de-registers from the serving network controller 108 and registers with the network controller 110. Thereafter, the method terminates at step 510.

[0036] FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram illustrating a method for accessing

Generic Access Network (GAN) services, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. To describe the method, reference will be made to FIGs. 1 and 2, although it is understood that the method can be implemented in any other suitable embodiment of the present invention. Moreover, the invention is not limited to the order in which the steps are listed in the method.

[0037] The method for accessing GAN services initiates at step 602. At step

604, the communication device 104 scans for a plurality of GAN Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) that are accessible to the communication device 104. For example, the communication device 104 can be a mobile phone. The step of the mobile phone scanning for the plurality of GAN PLMNs includes sending a message to a default GAN controller (GANC). The message indicates to the default GANC that the mobile phone is in a GAN PLMN selection mode. For example, the mobile phone sends a message to the default network controller 106. The mobile phone can

either be in an automatic communication network selection mode or in a manual communication network selection mode. The step of scanning for the plurality of GAN PLMNs also includes receiving a list of the plurality of GAN PLMNs that are accessible to the mobile phone from the default GANC. At step 606, the mobile phone selects a GAN PLMN from the plurality of GAN PLMNs. At step 608, the mobile phone de-registers from a serving GANC. For example, the mobile phone selects the network controller 110. Thereafter, the mobile phone de-registers from the serving network controller 108. At step 610, the mobile phone registers with a selected GANC of the GAN PLMN. For example, the mobile phone registers with the network controller 110. Thereafter, the method terminates at step 612. Although the above-mentioned method is explained by means of a mobile phone as an example, it should be apparent to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that the mobile phone can be replaced by any communication device.

[0038] FIGs. 7 and 8 depict a flow diagram illustrating a method for accessing Generic Access Network (GAN) services, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. To describe the method, reference will be made to FIGs. 1 and 2, although it will be apparent to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that the method can be implemented in any other suitable embodiment of the present invention. Further, the method can include more or fewer number of steps than shown in FIGs. 7 and 8. Moreover, the invention is not limited to the order in which the steps are listed in the method.

[0039] The method for accessing GAN services initiates at step 702. At step

704, the communication device 104 determines whether a serving GANC and a

default GANC are the same. At step 706, the communication device 104 determines whether a serving Generic Access Network Controller-Security Gateway (GANC- SEGW) and a default GANC-SEGW are same, when it is determined at step 704 that the serving GANC and the default GANC are different. When it is determined at step 706 that the serving GANC-SEGW and the default GANC-SEGW are the same, the communication device 104 initiates a connection with a default GANC, via a first secure tunnel, at step 708. The first secure tunnel is an existing secure tunnel between the communication device 104 and the default GANC-SEGW, via which the communication device 104 and the default GANC-SEGW exchange data and information. However, when it is determined at step 706 that the serving GANC- SEGW and the default GANC-SEGW are not the same, the communication device 104 initiates a connection with the default GANC, via a second secure tunnel, at step 710. The second secure tunnel is a new secure tunnel that the communication device 104 has established between the default GANC-SEGW and itself. The connection can be a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) connection. More specifically, the connection can be an IPSec Secure Association. If it determined at step 704 that the default GANC and the serving GANC are the same, step 712 is performed.

[0040] At step 712, the communication device 104 sends a message to the default GANC. This message can be at least a REGISTER REQUEST UPLINK message, REGISTER REQUEST message or a GA-RC PLMN SCAN REQUEST message. The message indicates to the default GANC that the communication device 104 is in a GAN PLMN selection mode. Typically, a GAN PLMN is a network that is established to provide land mobile GAN services to a user. The communication

device 104 can either be in an automatic communication network-selection mode or in a manual communication network selection mode. For example, the communication network 100 can be a GAN and the communication device 104 can be a mobile phone. The mobile phone sends a message to the default network controller 106.

[0041] For one embodiment, the communication device 104 sends a

REGISTER UPDATE UPLINK message to the default GANC when the serving GANC-SEGW is the default GANC-SEGW. The REGISTER UPDATE UPLINK message includes updating the value of the registration indicators to a pre-defined value. However, the communication device 104 sends a REGISTER REQUEST message to the default GANC-SEGW when the default GANC-SEGW and the serving GANC-SEGW are not the same. The REGISTER REQUEST message includes a registration indicator. The value of the registration indicator is updated to a pre-defined value. For an embodiment, the pre-defined value can be 1. The message and value of the registration indicator indicates to the default GANC that the communication device 104 is in a GAN PLMN selection mode.

[0042] For another embodiment, the communication device 104 can send a

GA-RC PLMN SCAN REQUEST message to the default GANC-SEGW, irrespective of whether a serving GANC is the default GANC. The GA-RC PLMN SCAN REQUEST message includes a registration indicator. The value of the registration indicator is updated to a pre-defined value. In a typical scenario, when the value of the registration indicator is updated to the pre-defined value, it indicates to the default GANC that the communication device 104 is in a communication network selection mode. For an embodiment, the pre-defined value can be 1. The GA-RC PLMN

SCAN REQUEST message can include parameters such as a mobile identity, an Access Point Radio identity, a Mobile Station Radio identity, a GSM/Edge Radio Access Network (GERAN) cell identity, a Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) cell identity, and a GAN PLMN list. It should however be noted that the above-mentioned list can include more parameters that are essential, to indicate to the default GANC-SEGW that the communication device 104 is in the GAN PLMN selection mode.

[0043] At step 802, the communication device 104 receives a list of the plurality of GAN PLMNs that are accessible to the communication device 104 from the default GANC. For example, the mobile phone receives a list of GAN PLMNs represented by the default network controller 106, the serving network controller 108, and the network controller 110. At step 804, the communication device 104 selects a GAN PLMN from the plurality of GAN PLMNs. At step 806, the communication device 104 de-registers from the serving GANC. For example, the mobile phone selects the network controller 110. Thereafter, the mobile phone de-registers from the serving network controller 108. At step 808, the communication device 104 registers with a selected GANC of the GAN PLMN from the plurality of GAN PLMNs. For example, the mobile phone registers with the network controller 110. Thereafter, the method terminates at step 810.

[0044] Various embodiments of the present invention offer one or more advantages. The invention offers the communication device to be registered to a serving network controller even while scanning through a list of plurality of communication networks that are accessible to the communication device. The

communication device de -registers from a currently registered network controller when the communication device starts attempting for a registration with a selected network controller. Consequently, the present method and system provides the communication device access to communication network services, even during a communication network selection mode.

[0045] It will be appreciated that the method and system for managing communication network services, described herein, may comprise one or more conventional processors and unique stored program instructions that control the one or more processors, to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the system described herein. The non-processor circuits may include, but are not limited to, signal drivers, clock circuits, power- source circuits, and user-input devices. As such, these functions may be interpreted as steps of a method and a system for managing communication network services. Alternatively, some or all the functions can be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function, or some combinations of certain of the functions, are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches can also be used. Thus, methods and means for these functions have been described herein.

[0046] It is expected that one with ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and

principles disclosed herein, will be readily capable of generating such software instructions, programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.

In the foregoing specification, the invention and its benefits and advantages have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one with ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that various modifications and changes can be made, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as set forth in the claims. Accordingly, the specification and the figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims, including any amendments made during the pendency of this application, and all equivalents of those claims, as issued.