[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application 61/299,902 filed January 29, 2010. The disclosure of the prior application is considered part of (and is incorporated by reference in) the disclosure of this application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This specification relates to methods and systems related to toilet seats, specifically toilet seats that include electronics.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Conventional toilet seats serve to provide a more comfortable sitting position for users than the generally cold and narrow edge of the toilet bowl. Some toilet seats may be decorated or colored but they are inert objects serving the role of a seat. Many adults read while sitting on the toilet, or listen to a radio or watch television in order to pass the time or to create background noise to disguise bathroom related noises. Students may use the time spent on a toilet to study or put study aides around the toilet as a means of learning facts or other information while they cram for exams. In most cases, children using a toilet seat during toilet-training are likely to be seated for some time - be it a few minutes or many minutes, depending upon personal circumstances.

[0004] There are various novelty toilet seats for children which are generally self- contained units made up of the toilet seat on top of a bucket-like container. Some have pre-programmed playback devices or music box-like mechanisms, but these are not easily re-programmed. Also, they are not connected to a sensor device capable to react when the toilet seat is in use or to enable a caregiver (e.g., a caregiver) to monitor remotely whether the toilet seat is in use or not. In the case of children who are being trained to use a toilet, children can spend considerable amounts of time seated on the toilet, usually in the presence of an adult to ensure that the child remains seated and can be assisted should the need arise. In some cases, children use special stand-alone toilets which an adult then empties and cleans. This process is not favored by many, who would prefer that the child sit on the standard (non-stand-alone) toilet so that no further action is needed once the toilet is flushed.

[0005] In the case of children using an adult-sized toilet, typical adult toilet seats are too large for the child to safely remain seated on the seat - the child risks falling off or slipping backwards and becoming wedged in the seat, unable to move until assisted. Children's toilet training toilet seats are smaller versions of adult-sized toilet seats. Some are designed to be placed on top of an adult-sized toilet seat in order to enable the child to sit comfortably on the toilet which would otherwise require them to balance on the edge - a position which is not conducive to extended periods on the toilet as is usually required during toilet-training. Some seats are removable, and some are designed to be placed directly onto the rim of the toilet bowl.

[0006] A caregiver in charge of a child going through toilet training is commonly required to remain with the child to ensure the child does not get off the seat too early due to boredom or disinterest in the process. Requiring a caregiver to give undivided attention to the child, prevents the caregiver from performing other tasks (e.g., elsewhere in the house, home, daycare facility, etc.).

SUMMARY

[0007] This specification describes a system and method of incorporating an electronic presence-sensor device into a toilet seat. The toilet seat can be made to perform a number of functions in response to the presence sensor being triggered. In some implementations, these responses can include:

(a) indicating remotely on a remote media unit when the toilet seat is in use, for example, by transmission of an appropriate signal;

(b) indicating to a remote media unit when it is not in use, such as when the toilet seat is meant to be in use, indicating, for example, that the user has become unseated either intentionally or unintentionally; and

(c) triggering a media unit whereby a person using the said seat may be

entertained, educated, or amused by provision of audio-visual content presented on an appropriate unit. For example, the media unit can be either (in the case of audio content) within the body of the seat or (in the case of visual content) via a screen device located in the vicinity of the toilet seat.

[0008] Such functionality can be incorporated into various toilet seats including training seats for children and toilet seats for adults. Such a toilet seat can be configured to provide useful information or entertainment. In some implementations, these toilet seats may be installed in place of conventional toilet seats. In other implementations, a training toilet seat can made so as to rest on top of an existing toilet seat, so it is removable when a user, such as a child, has finished using it.

[0009] In some implementations, a toilet seat can provide content to a user of the seat while the user is sitting on the toilet seat. The toilet seat can also terminate content being provided to the user upon the user dismounting from the toilet seat. For example, while a child is seated and engaged in a training session, the media player can be activated for as long as the presence-sensor is activated as an incentive to remain on the toilet and as a reward for continued cooperation. [0010] The media unit can be programmed to play user-determined educational or entertainment content. The media unit can be programmed to replay in standard formats such as MP3. Content can be provided by the user, or proprietary media content can be obtained and installed on the media unit from time to time in order to maintain novelty in the programs being played to e.g., the child. The content stored on the toilet seat can be primarily entertaining, or it may be educational or informative.

[0011] In some implementations, the media player can incorporate a radio receiver which may be activated by the presence-sensor. The multi-media unit can automatically turn off when the presence-sensor ceases to be activated. In some implementations, the presence-sensor may be calibrated and used to trigger an external visual display unit to display content to a user of the toilet seat.

[0012] In some implementations, the toilet seat incorporates a sensor using, for example, either a pressure sensor or a pair of electric contacts set into the upper side of the toilet seat to monitor when the seat is in use, the sensor being able to trigger a media unit in the toilet seat such as a small media player. In some implementations, the media unit may include or incorporate any or all of the following:

(a) one or multiple waterproofed loudspeakers;

(b) one or multiple data-cable connections such as USB or other proprietary connection for MP3 players and other devices, for connecting a USB device, MP3 player, computer or other media-playback device to the unit;

(c) a radio-reception circuitry enabling the unit to play back radio broadcasts; provision for replaceable or rechargeable battery power; and

(e) a wireless transceiver paired to one or more remote media units capable of emitting an audible or visual alarm when triggered by the transceiver in accordance with user-determined parameters linking use of the toilet seat to the presence sensor.

[0013] The radio reception circuitry can include a radio tuner or internet radio connection in addition to, or in place of, the ability to replay audio only or audio-visual content. Radio content can be played in response to a presence sensor on the toilet seat.

[0014] A media or transceiver unit may sit inside a molded part of the seat and be capable of being removed as a self-contained unit to enable the seat to be thoroughly cleaned without risk of water damage to the transceiver unit. The media unit may include one or more proprietary connections to enable the media unit to be connected to a device such as an iPod or other media playback device. The media unit may include a self-contained loudspeaker, or the loudspeaker may be installed separately within or adjacent to the toilet seat, connected with wires or wirelessly.

[0015] The sensor mechanism may be waterproof and remain in the seat itself or may be incorporated into the removable unit as an integrated component which can obviate an external electronic connection between the sensor unit and the media unit. In the case of audio-visual display units operating in conjunction with the multimedia unit, these can be located in close proximity to the media unit, connected wirelessly or by wire. Seats can come with on-line connectivity whereby owners can refresh/renew the content such as when a child user gets older and/or wants new material such as stories, music, or educational content which can play while the child is seated. [0016] The media unit may be pre-programmed with content and/or capable of being re-programmed via a USB port with fresh or more favored content to encourage the child to remain on the seat. The media unit may be connected to the presence sensors so as to play only while the child is seated, thus providing an incentive and reward for appropriate behaviour as determined by the parent or responsible person. New content may be installed by the user from their own resources or acquired from third parties in the form of pre-recorded materials ready to be installed into any unit by means of a USB memory device or comparable proprietary device.

[0017] In some implementations, a larger version of the toilet seat may be used for adults, incorporating the same or similar features of a presence-sensor and a media playback device as is used in child training seat. In some implementations, the device may be re-programmed to play entertainment, information, or instructive content. This content may be provided and installed by the user or provided by third parties.

[0018] In the case of infirm or elderly users of an adult-sized version of the toilet seat, the caregiver may monitor whether the user is still on the toilet seat without having to intrude on the user's privacy. The remote media unit can be triggered, for example, by a signal from the presence-sensor when the person sits on the seat and/or dismounts. Dismounting may be intentional or may be due to a loss of consciousness, vertigo or other medical condition.

[0019] Details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and potential advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] One or more implementations of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing(s) in which:

[0021] FIGS. 1 A-1 D show various views of an example toilet seat.

[0022] FIG. 2 shows an example toilet seat with a remote media unit.

[0023] FIG. 3 shows example toilet seats and a media control apparatus.

[0024] FIG. 4 shows an example of a process for presenting content using a toilet seat.

[0025] FIG. 5 shows an example of a process for presenting content in response to signals from a presence sensor on a toilet seat.

[0026] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example Toilet Seat

[0027] Figures 1A -1B show an example toilet seat 10. Views of the toilet seat 10 include a top view 12 shown in FIG. 1A, a side view 16 shown in FIG. 1B, a front view 14 shown in FIG. 1C, and a bottom view 18 shown in FIG. 1D. The toilet seat 10 is configured to rest on a rim of a toilet (not shown). In some examples, the toilet seat 10 can be sized for an adult. In other examples, the toilet seat 10 can be used for children, including various sizes of the toilet seat 10 suitable for infants, toddlers and progressively older and/or larger children. The toilet seat 0 can be a removable toilet seat configured to rest on another toilet seat already on the toilet, such as on a conventional toilet seat. For example, the toilet seat 10 can be removably placed on a conventional toilet seat that may otherwise be too large for a child. A removable child-sized toilet seat has the advantage that it can be used for potty training a child and then removed for adult use.

[0028] The toilet seat 10 includes a presence sensor 20. The presence sensor 20 detects the presence of a user on the toilet seat. Any number and arrangement of presence sensors can be used. The presence sensor 20 can include a pressure sensor, a pair of electric contacts, and/or a motion sensor. The presence sensor 20 can include an electronic device with two or more terminals which indicate presence when joined by making contact with the skin of a person seated on the toilet seat. The presence sensor 20 can be a photoelectric device which responds to the presence or absence of light, the light being blocked by the presence of a user on the toilet seat.

[0029] The presence sensor 20 is set into the upper side of the toilet seat to monitor when the seat is in use. The presence sensor 20 can enable the seat to register when it is in use by sensing when a user gets onto and off of the seat. The presence sensor 20 produces a signal that is provided to a media unit 22. The presence sensor 20 is connected to the media unit 22 (e.g., for media playback, etc.). The media unit 22 can be of various types. In some examples, the media unit is incorporated into the toilet seat 10. In some examples, the media unit 22 can be a mobile music player that is connected to the toilet seat 10 such as through a wireless connection or through a physical connection such as a USB connection.

[0030] In the present example, the media unit 22 is an audio player physically coupled to the toilet set 10. The media unit 22 is communicatively coupled to speakers 24. As shown in Figure 1 D, the two speakers 24 are positioned at the back end of the toilet seat 10. Other implementations of the toilet seat 10 can include other numbers and arrangements of speakers. In some examples, the speakers can be removable from the toilet seat. This allows the speakers 24 to be removed from the toilet seat when the toilet seat is cleaned. In some examples, the speakers 24 can be sealed within the toilet seat to prevent ingress of debris. The speakers 24 can be waterproofed speakers. In some examples, the speakers 24 can be adjacent to or in the vicinity of the toilet seat 10 and can be connected by wire or wirelessly to the toilet seat 10.

[0031] The media unit 22 is responsive to a signal from the presence sensor 20. When a signal from the presence sensor 20 indicates the presence of a user on the toilet seat, the media unit can present audio content through the speakers 24. The audio content can include music, educational materials, and the like. The presentation of audio content can terminate when the signal indicates the user is no long on the toilet seat 10,

[0032] For example, the media unit 22 can respond to the presence sensor 20 and play pre-determined content while a child is acting in accordance with an instructor's wishes to remain on the toilet seat. For instance, the media unit 22 may start only when the child sits down and remains playing only so long as the child is seated and thereby engaged in so-called toilet training. The media unit 22 can stop playing should the child get off the seat, thus providing an incentive and reward for the child to remain seated and thus continue the toilet training process.

[0033] In some implementations, the media unit 22 in the toilet seat 10 can include a radio tuner and/or an internet radio turner for receiving a radio broadcast signal. Content from the radio broadcast signal can be played by the media unit 22 over the speakers 24. The media unit 22 can be configured to play content from the radio broadcast in response to a signal from the presence sensor 20 indicating the toilet seat 10 is in use. [0034] Media content stored in the media unit 22 can be reprogrammed. In some implementations, the toilet seat 10 can include a connection to enable media content to be uploaded and stored on the media unit 22 from e.g., a USB device. In this manner, media content can be updated. In some examples, a media device such as an iPod ®, or other MP3 player can be connected to the media unit 22 for uploading media content to or streaming media content through the media unit 22 in the toilet seat 10.

[0035] In some implementations, the toilet seat can include a transceiver unit 11. The transceiver unit 11 can incorporate two-way radio or comparable circuitry for enabling remote communication. The transceiver unit 11 can be incorporated in the media unit 22. The transceiver unit 11 can transmit a presence signal indicating whether a user is using the toilet seat 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the transceiver unit 11 can be in communication with display device 120 and/or external speakers 121 in the vicinity of the toilet seat 10. The display device 120 and/or external speakers 121 can provide visual (and audio) content in response to the presence signal received from the toilet seat 10.

[0036] In some examples, the transceiver 11 can be in communication with a remote media unit 123. The remote media unit 123 is a media unit not physically connected to the toilet seat 10. The remote media unit 123 can provide content in response to a presence signal from the toilet seat 10. In the example shown, the remote media unit is a handheld device 123.

[0037] In some examples, the handheld device 123 can be carried by a caregiver. When the presence sensor 20 provides a signal regarding the presence of a user, the signal can be transmitted to the handheld device 123. The handheld device can produce content in response to the signal indicating the presence of the user. In some examples, the handheld device 123 can produce an alarm to alert a caregiver should the user get off the seat. For example, the remote alarm function can enable the caregiver to leave a child (or an infirm patient) unattended while still being able to monitor the child's (or the infirm patient's) situation. For example, in the case of a childe undergoing toilet training, the handheld device 123 provides the advantage to the caregiver of attending to other matters while still knowing when or if the child unseats (this could be prematurely or it could be at the cessation of the child's training session) so that the caregiver can attend and ensure the training session is completed and the child is clean and able to proceed to hand-washing or whatever the caregiver determines.

[0038] In some examples, the transceiver 11 on the toilet seat 10 can receive communication from the handheld device 123 and provide the communication through the speaker 24 to the user. Optionally, the toilet seat 10 can also include an audio sensor through which the user can communicate back to the remote media unit 123 via transceiver 11. The caregiver can communicate immediately with a user, such as a child or an elderly patient, using the remote media unit 123 should the remote media unit 123 indicate that, according to the presence sensor 20, the user is no longer sitting on the seat.

[0039] The media unit 22 can include a power source such as replaceable batteries or rechargeable batteries for powering the media unit 22, the presence sensor 20, the speakers 24, radio receiver, and/or the transceiver unit 11. The media unit 22, including the various components such as the batteries, the speakers 24, the radio receiver, and/or the transceiver unit 1 , may sit inside a molded part of the seat and be capable of being removed as a self-contained unit to enable the seat to be thoroughly cleaned without risk of water damage to the various components. In some examples, the presence sensor 20 can be waterproof and can be incorporated into the removable media unit 22 as an integrated component which can obviate an external electronic connection between the presence sensor 20 and the media unit 22.

[0040] The toilet seat 10 containing the presence sensor 20, the media unit 22, and the transceiver unit 11 can be self-contained and removable so as to enable the toilet seat 10 to be removed to efficiently allow use of the same toilet without the toilet seat 10.

[0041] FIG. 3 shows an example of toilet seats connected to a media control apparatus 333 over a network 339. The media control apparatus 333 can relay content to the media unit 22 that is part of the toilet seat 10 over the network 339. For example, the media control apparatus 333 can provide updated content to the toilet seat 10 so that a user or user(s) have updated content when using the toilet seat 10.

[0042] In some implementations, the media control apparatus 333 can provide content to multiple toilet seats. The media control apparatus 333 can manage the content on each of the seats by providing updated content and deleting old content on the multiple toilet seats. In some implementations, the toilet seats such a toilet seat 10 as shown in FIGS 1-2 can be installed in places such as hotels and other public conveniences. Toilet seats in areas with multiple toilets such as public toilets, hotels, restaurants, hospitals and aged care facilities can be connected to a centralized media control apparatus 333. The media control apparatus 333 can react whenever a presence sensor is activated and play the pre-determined content such as advertising, promotional material or entertainment. In some examples, the media control apparatus 333 can push content to media units on each of the toilet seats.

[0043] In some examples, a user can access the media control apparatus 333 such as by using a remote media unit 123 to control content to be uploaded to one or more of the toilet seats. The user can access the media control apparatus 333 via the network 339 such as a wide area network. The user can be provided with predetermined selections of content to be uploaded to the one or more toilet seats. Content can include advertising content, educational content, and/or entertaining content. In some examples, the user can upload content from the remote media unit 123 to the media control apparatus 333. The media control apparatus 333 can provide the content to the one or more toilet seats.

Child's Edutainment Toilet Seat

[0044] In some implementations, a child-sized toilet seat can programmed with customised pre-recorded educational and entertaining content ("edutainment") as the user wishes. This information may be loaded into the media unit 22 via media control apparatus (as discussed above) or by way of USB memory stick, iPod ®, Zune® or other audio-visual playback device. This can enable the media unit to be programmed to replay edutainment which children may listen to while seated on the toilet seat 10. This edutainment content can include, for example, multiplication tables, spelling bees, history lessons, language lessons, religious instruction, or stories of a primarily entertaining nature.

[0045] As part of the functionality of the media unit 22, new edutainment programmes may be provided to owners of the toilet seats 10 so as to refresh the entertainment or information contained in each unit from time to time. For example, the content can be refreshed so as to retain a child's interest and to continue to reward the child for remaining seated for toilet training.

[0046] The child-sized seat containing the presence sensor 20 and media unit 22 can be self-contained and removable so as to enable removal by adults to use the same toilet without inconvenience.

Adult's Edutainment Toilet Seat

[0047] In some implementations, seats of a size appropriate for use by adults but containing the presence sensor and appropriate media or transceiver circuits and power supply can be made and can be installed in place of conventional toilet seats. These may be installed in domestic situations. In some implementations, a person may program and replay pre-recorded edutainment which they can listen to while seated on the toilet.

[0048] In some implementations, these seats may be installed in public places such as hotels and other public conveniences. In some implementations, the media unit 22 may be programmed to play advertising or promotional materials relating to the relevant establishment or to provide information relevant to the user. This information may be provided from the built-in media unit 22 or from a media control apparatus 333 which can be communicatively connected to each toilet seat 10 so that the content (played back when triggered by the presence sensor 20) may be upgraded and changed remotely without the need to attend to each individual playback unit, as shown in FIG. 3.

Monitoring Toilet Seat for Caregivers

[0049] In some implementations, seats of a size appropriate for use by adults but containing the presence sensor and appropriate transceiver circuit and power supply can be made and installed in place of conventional toilet seats. In these implementations, the sensor can be connected to a device which can send an electronic signal to a remotely located receiver in a remote media unit such as remote media unit 123 or media control apparatus 333, which in turn can generate an audio or visual or combined alarm should the presence sensor 20 be activated or otherwise react in a user-determined way. The toilet seat 10 may monitor whether or not the seat is in use. According to the setting of the presence sensor 20, the toilet seat 10 may trigger an alarm or signal which may be remotely received.

[0050] In the case of frail or infirm person, a caregiver or other person may monitor a frail or disabled user of a toilet that is fitted with the sensor and transceiver system. In this way, a caregiver may monitor whether the toilet seat is in use as anticipated or whether the user has unexpectedly ceased sitting on the toilet seat. In some implementations, the transceiver unit 1 can incorporate a two-way radio or comparable circuit to enable the caregiver to communicate with the person in care immediately.

[0051] In implementations using remote alarm units paired to the transceiver unit 11 , components such as the transceiver unit 11 can be self-powered, portable and pocket-sized to enable a caregiver or responsible person (e.g., nurse or nurse's aid) to be remote from the toilet, enabling them to do other tasks or simply to allow the person using the transceiver-fitted toilet to do so in privacy. Should the transceiver trigger the alarm unit, the caregiver may then intervene as appropriate to the circumstances.

[0052] Example Processes

[0053] FIG. 4 shows an example of a process for presenting content using a toilet seat. At 415 a presence signal is received from a presence sensor on a toilet seat. In response to the presence signal, audio and visual content is presented at 420. The presence signal can indicate the presence of a user on the toilet seat, or can indicate that a user has stopped using a toilet seat.

[0054] For example, the presence signal can indicate the presence of a user on the toilet seat. In response to the user being present on the toilet seat, audio and/or visual content can be presented to the user of the toilet seat via a media unit. The media unit can be incorporated into the toilet seat, in some examples. In some examples, the media unit can be in the proximity of the toilet seat and present the content via a speaker and/or a visual display device.

[0055] In some examples, the presence signal can indicate that a user has stopped using the toilet seat. In response to the user stopping the use of the toilet seat, the presentation of content can be terminated. In some example, in response to the user stopping the use of the toilet seat, a signal can be sent to a remote media unit (e.g., a handheld device) where audio (and/or visual) content is presented such as in the form of an alarm. In some examples, the signal can be sent to a remote media unit where a user of the remote media unit can monitor the user of the toilet to determine whether or not the user is on the toilet, such as during potty training.

[0056] FIG. 5 shows an example of a process for presenting content in response to signals from a presence sensor on a toilet seat. At 503, a presence sensor coupled with the toilet seat to detect the presence of a user of the toilet seat. At 506, if the presence of a user is not detected, the process repeats the step of detecting until the presence of a user is detected. At 509, in response to a user being detected, content is presented. The content is presented, for example, to a user of the toilet such as via a media unit in the toilet seat or in the proximity of the toilet seat. At 512, the presence of the user is detected. As long as the user is present on the toilet seat, content is presented at 509. When the presence sensor no longer detects the user such as when the user dismounts, the presentation of content is terminated at 518.

[0057] In some implementations, in response to the presence of the user no longer being detected at 521 , a presence signal, indicating that the user is no longer present on the toilet, is transmitted to a remote media unit such as a handheld device. An alarm or other indication can be present by the remote media unit that the user is no longer on the toilet seat. In some examples, a caregiver can use the remote media unit to transmit a communications signal, which is received 523 by the media unit at the toilet seat, to communicate with the user of the toilet seat.

[0058] Implementations of the subject matter and the operations described in this specification can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. Implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented as one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions, encoded on a computer storage medium for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus. Alternatively or in addition, the program instructions can be encoded on an artificially-generated propagated signal, e.g., a machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal that is generated to encode information for transmission to suitable receiver apparatus for execution by a data processing apparatus. A computer storage medium can be, or be included in, a computer-readable storage device, a computer- readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memory array or device, or a combination of one or more of them. Moreover, while a computer storage medium is not a propagated signal, a computer storage medium can be a source or destination of computer program instructions encoded in an artificially-generated propagated signal. The computer storage medium can also be, or be included in, one or more separate physical components or media (e.g., multiple CDs, disks, or other storage devices).

[0059] The operations described in this specification can be implemented as operations performed by a data processing apparatus on data stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices or received from other sources.

[0060] The term "data processing apparatus" encompasses all kinds of apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example a programmable processor, a computer, a system on a chip, or multiple ones, or combinations, of the foregoing The apparatus can include special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC

(application-specific integrated circuit). The apparatus can also include, in addition to hardware, code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, a cross-platform runtime environment, a virtual machine, or a combination of one or more of them. The apparatus and execution environment can realize various different computing model infrastructures, such as web services, distributed computing and grid computing infrastructures.

[0061] A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative or procedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub-programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0062] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform actions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0063] Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for performing actions in accordance with instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computer need not have such devices. Moreover, a computer can be embedded in another device, e.g., a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a game console, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, or a portable storage device (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive), to name just a few. Devices suitable for storing computer program

instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0064] To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. In addition, a computer can interact with a user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device that is used by the user; for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on a user's client device in response to requests received from the web browser.

[0065] Implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front-end component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described in this specification, or any combination of one or more such back-end, middleware, or front-end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network ("LAN") and a wide area network ("WAN"), an inter-network (e.g., the Internet), peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks), wireless networks, mobile phone networks etc..

[0066] The computing system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other. In some implementations, a server transmits data (e.g., an HTML page) to a client device (e.g., for purposes of displaying data to and receiving user input from a user interacting with the client device). Data generated at the client device (e.g., a result of the user interaction) can be received from the client device at the server.

[0067] Particular implementations have been described in this document.

Variations and enhancements of the described implementations and other implementations can be made based on what is described and illustrated in this document. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.