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applicant/10576970.xml

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+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>10576970</doc-number>
+        <date>2006-04-25</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">AMENDMENTS T<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+ THE SPECIFICATION:    </heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Please add the following new heading on page <part-num-ref name="following new heading on page">1,</part-num-ref>
+ after the TITLE and before the paragraph beginning on line 5:    </p>
+    <heading id="h-2">FIELD OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Please add the following new heading on page <part-num-ref name="following new heading on page">1,</part-num-ref>
+ before the paragraph that begins on line <part-num-ref name="paragraph that begins on line">9</part-num-ref>
+ (i.e. prior to the paragraph beginning "Current cellular network implementations...."):    </p>
+    <heading id="h-3">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">Please add the following new heading on page <part-num-ref name="following new heading on page">3,</part-num-ref>
+ before the paragraph that begins on line <part-num-ref name="paragraph that begins on line">7</part-num-ref>
+ (i.e. prior to the paragraph beginning "An object of the present invention is to provide peer-to-peer connectivity...."):    </p>
+    <heading id="h-4">SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">Please add the following new heading on page <part-num-ref name="following new heading on page">9,</part-num-ref>
+ before the paragraph that begins on line <part-num-ref name="paragraph that begins on line">16</part-num-ref>
+ (i.e. prior to the paragraph beginning "The accompanying drawings...."):    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">Please add the following new heading on page <part-num-ref name="following new heading on page">10,</part-num-ref>
+ before the paragraph that begins on line <part-num-ref name="paragraph that begins on line">13</part-num-ref>
+ (i.e. prior to the paragraph beginning "A brief introduction into the inventive concept..<confidence value="88666">.."):</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS</heading>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">
+      <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+ BKS.<confidence value="68">01</confidence>
+9.WUS Preliminary Amendment     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/10856579.xml

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+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>10856579</doc-number>
+        <date>2004-05-28</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Express Mail Label No. ER275864615US Method of Correlating Advertising and Recommender Systems <boundary-data type="line-number">5        </boundary-data>
+    </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">RELATED APPLICATION DATA</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">The present application claims the benefit under <part-num-ref name="benefit under">35</part-num-ref>
+ U.S.C. 119(e) of the priority date of Provisional Application Serial no. 60/473,994 filed May <part-num-ref name="priority date of Provisional Application Serial no. 60/473,994 filed May">28,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="priority date of Provisional Application Serial no. 60/473,994 filed May 28,">2003,</part-num-ref>
+ which is hereby incorporated by reference.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-2">FIELD OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10        </boundary-data>
+The present invention relates to method of correlating and coordinating operations of electronic recommendation systems and online advertising systems employed by online content service providers.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-3">BACKGROUND</heading>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15        </boundary-data>
+Recommender systems are well kno<confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+n in the art. In one example, such systems can make recommendations for movie titles to a subscriber. In other instances they can provide suggestions for book purchases, or even television program viewing. Such algorithms are commonplace in a number of Internet commerce environments, including at Amazon, <boundary-data type="line-number">20        </boundary-data>
+CDNOW, and Netflix to name a few, as well as programming guide systems such as TiVO.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">While the details of such algorithms are often proprietary, the latter typically use a number of parameters for determining a user<confidence value="8">'</confidence>
+s movie "tastes<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ so to speak, including demographics, prior movie rentals, prior movie ratings, user navigation statistics, comparison with other users, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25               </boundary-data>
+Recommender systems are often implemented as collaborative filtering (CF) algorithms. Such algorithms purportedly are "content" neutral, in the sense that they provide recommendations to a user for an item based on his/her similarity to another user (or users), and not with regard to the characteristics of the item itself. CF algorithms nonetheless may not be entirely "neutral, and may include subtle unintended (or even <part-num-ref name="item itself. CF algorithms nonetheless may not be entirely &quot;neutral, and may include subtle unintended (or even">30</part-num-ref>
+        intended) bias in their recommendations. In some cases they may not recommend items that are "new" because CF systems tend to lag in their learning capabilities.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+From the perspective of a subscriber or a content provider, determining the existence and extent of bias in a particular recommender system may be important. For example, a movie studio, a book publisher, a television program source (i.e., different types of content provider) may want to determine if a particular content service provider is <boundary-data type="line-number">5         </boundary-data>
+accurately presenting recommendations to the right demographics group.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">A recent article by Kushmerick ti<confidence value="7">e</confidence>
+d "Robustness Analyses of Instance-Based Colloborative Recommendation" - <confidence value="682">131</confidence>
+ European Conference of Machine Learning, <part-num-ref name="European Conference of Machine Learning,">2002,</part-num-ref>
+ incorporated by reference herein - makes mention of the fact that recommender systems can be potentially "attacked" by outsiders to artificially inflate or degrade ratings of items. This <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+problem is treated as one of "noise" which can affect the reliability and reputation of recommender systems. A similar discussion is presented by Kushmerick et al. in another article entitled "Collaborative Recommendation: A Robustness Analysis" - ACM Transactions on Internet Technology, Special Issue of Machine Learning for the Internet - (publication date unknown), which disclosure is also incorporated by reference herein. Thus <boundary-data type="line-number">15         </boundary-data>
+the problem of "noise" added to recommender system datasets is just beginning to be appreciated.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">Notably, however, Kushmerick fails to consider the possibility of an internal "bias" which is intentionally introduced by the recommender system operator, or how to detect/measure the same. Such bias may be designed and built in by the recommender <boundary-data type="line-number">20         </boundary-data>
+system operator based on a desire to alter - i.e., boost or reduce the marketability of certain items <confidence value="66">in</confidence>
+ exchange for some incentive from a third party. Since such bias is introduced by the operator, it is extremely challenging to detect from the outside. Nonetheless, the identification and measurement of such bias is clearly useful to outside parties to help gain an understanding of the relative fairness, reliability, reputation, etc. of recommender systems.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25                </boundary-data>
+Furthermore, a content provider may want to test the adequacy and suitability of an inventory management and/or shipping system used by a particular service provider, to ensure that their stock of items is being adequately managed. From the perspective of a content provider, it is important to improve the efficiency of distributors who are effectively managing consumer demand for items by the content provider. One important parameter, <boundary-data type="line-number">30         </boundary-data>
+for example, may be the issue of how quickly a recommender system for a particular vendor is able to assimilate and give recommendations on new items. The lack of data for new items is a known limitation of recommender systems, and yet the prior art does not describe <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+any mechanism for comparing the performance of recommender systems in this respect.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">In addition, the prior art does not consider how to determine whether a recommender system is complying with a particular preference policy which might be specified for recommendations. Such mechanism can afford a purchaser of such preference <boundary-data type="line-number">5         </boundary-data>
+an opportunity to determine the performance of an online operator in achieving/satisfying a particular marketing<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+ advertising criterion.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">Finally, the prior art does not indicate how the effects of advertising can be correlated with recommender system behavior, or even how recommender system recommendations can be mined and exploited to improve online advertising campaigns.</p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+Accordingly, there is a present need for systems and methods for achieving such functions.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-4">SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">An object of the present invention, therefore, is to overcome the aforementioned limitations of the prior art.</p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15                </boundary-data>
+Another object is to provide a method for testing, rating and reporting on a performance of a recommender system;    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">A related object is to provide a method for testing, rating and reporting on a performance of a recommender system concerning its ability to absorb new items and present meaningful recommendations for such materials;</p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20                </boundary-data>
+A related object is to provide a method for analyzing recommendations made by a recommender system, for purposes of evaluating effects of advertising;    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">A further object is to provide a method for identifying whether a recommender system is accurately following a specified policy or preference;</p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">Still another object is to provide a method for testing, rating and reporting on an <boundary-data type="line-number">25        </boundary-data>
+inventory management performance of a content service provider;    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">Yet another object is to provide a method for testing, rating and reporting on a shipping/returns performance of a content service provider;</p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">Another object is to deliver advertising to subscribers based on an analysis of recommender system behavior.</p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30                </boundary-data>
+A first aspect of the invention, therefore, concerns a method of testing a recommender system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">A policy to be used in testing the recommender system is first established.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+Thereafter, a plurality of separate proxy accounts are set up at the online content service provider. The recommender system is then forced to interact with the plurality of separate proxy accounts to generate a plurality of separate recommendations for a plurality of corresponding items. A compliance level <confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+ith the established policy can then be determined <boundary-data type="line-number">5         </boundary-data>
+by examining the separate recommendations.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">In a preferred embodiment, the policy includes at least one rule associating a particular subscriber profile with a particular item. The particular subscriber profile is also preferably defined by reference to a predetermined demographic profile which specifies at least an age and sex of a subscriber. Each particular item specified in the policy originates <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+from a common content provider source. The policy can include flexible concepts, and can be associated with an expected or measured popularity of a particular item for a particular subscriber. In some instances, an intentionally biased policy can be used, which favors items originating from a particular content provider, so that the recommender system is tested to verify that it behaves with such bias.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15                 </boundary-data>
+To assist third party marketers/retailers, etc., additional policies can be automatically provided for testing a recommender system. Such additional policies can be based on evaluating a popularity of an item as determined from analyzing usage by online subscribers of text descriptors associated with the item. For example, a demand for a rental movie title can be determined by reference to a measurement of usage by online subscribers of text <boundary-data type="line-number">20          </boundary-data>
+descriptors associated with the item during a period in which said movie title is in active release in public movie theatres. A growth in popularity of such movie tit<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+e over time can also determine how to set a policy. Furthermore, in some instances, a third party can be given express permission, <confidence value="66">in</confidence>
+ exchange for consideration, to intentionally provide a policy of its choosing to bias a recommender system. This can be used, for example, to determine the <boundary-data type="line-number">25          </boundary-data>
+effectiveness of a recommender system in providing marketing/sales opportunities to the third party.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">Again in a preferred embodiment, the plurality of separate proxy accounts are set up with separate demographic profiles. Each recommendation made to a particular proxy account is logged. The recommendations are classified and compiled into at least two <boundary-data type="line-number">30          </boundary-data>
+categories: (a) recommended items that satisfy the policy; (b) recommended items that do not satisfy the policy; in some instances they can also be compiled with reference to a third category: (c) recommended items that do not satisfy the policy but which originate from a <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+predetermined content provider.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">An informative report can be generated which identifies whether first content from a first content provider is recommended as frequently as second content from a second content provider. The report can also identify a list of most frequently recommended items <boundary-data type="line-number">5         </boundary-data>
+to the separate proxy accounts; and/or a plurality of lists identifying the most frequently reco<confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+mended items to each of the separate corresponding proxy accounts. Furthermore<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ the report can identify a degree of bias exhibited by the recommender system with respect to items originating from one or more particular content providers.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">The item recommended can be a movie title, a book title, a music title, an article <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+being auctioned, and/or a television program. In instances where the item includes newly released content, the recommender system can be tested to determine an extent of an awareness of such newly released content by the recommender system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">In other instances, a search engine can be tested using a similar methodology, to analyze for patterns of bias.</p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15                </boundary-data>
+A second aspect of the invention concerns testing a service performance of an online content service provider. After identifying any bias, an inventory management system used by the online content service provider is analyzed to determine an existence and extent of supply deficiencies of inventory items. The testing steps are performed over a network by a client device without directly accessing a database of transaction records maintained by the <boundary-data type="line-number">20         </boundary-data>
+online content provider at a separate server device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">In preferred embodiments an additional step of testing a shipping and returns management system used by the online content service provider is performed. This helps to determine delays and latencies associated with distributing inventory items to subscribers of the online content service provider, handling returns of old inventory items, and shipping <boundary-data type="line-number">25         </boundary-data>
+new items as replacements for old inventory items. An availability of inventory items can also be determined, including whether an item is immediately available, or available only with a delay. As with the prior tester, a report can be generated and transmitted automatically to alert the online content provider to any bias and supply/logistical deficiencies.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">A further aspect of the invention concerns a method of measuring behavior of a <boundary-data type="line-number">30         </boundary-data>
+recommender system used for recommending items of interest to subscribers of an online content service provider. The method includes the steps of<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+ setting up a target preference to be used by the recommender system; causing the recommender system to interact with at <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+least one proxy account and so as to generate a plurality of separate recommendations for a plurality of corresponding items; verifying whether a preference exhibited by the recommender system is within the target preference by examining the separate recommendations.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5                </boundary-data>
+In a preferred embodiment the target preference is identified as part of a contractual arrangement between the online content service provider and a content provider which provides items to the online content service provider for distribution. The target preference can be specified as an absolute number of recommendations, and/or a percentage of recommendations to be provided to subscribers. It can also be limited to a particular time <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+period. For some applications, the preference is measured as part of an electronic audit of the performance of the online content service provider.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">Still another aspect of the invention concerns a method of measuring effects of advertising on a recommender system used for recommending items of interest to subscribers of an online content service provider. The method includes generally the steps of <boundary-data type="line-number">15         </boundary-data>
+(a) measuring awareness of an item by the recommender system; (b) presenting advertising associated with the item to subscribers of the online content provider; and repeating step (a) to determine a change in awareness by the recommender system in response to the activities of step (b).    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">A preferred approach measures the awareness by examining a frequency and/or <boundary-data type="line-number">20         </boundary-data>
+probability that such item is recommended to a particular subscriber. In some applications steps (a) through (c) can be repeated for a second online content service provider, and a difference is compared between a change in awareness by the online content service provider recommender system and a second recommender system used by the second online content service provider. Further in some situations advertising can be adjusted for the <boundary-data type="line-number">25         </boundary-data>
+second online content service provider and the online content service provider based on a learning rate for the item exhibited by their respective recommender systems.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">Still another aspect of the invention concerns a method of delivering advertising to a subscribers of an online content service provider which uses a recommender for recommending items of interest to subscribers. The method generally comprising the steps <boundary-data type="line-number">30         </boundary-data>
+of: (a) delivering advertising concerning a first item to the subscribers of the online content service provider; (b) measuring an awareness of a second item recommended by the recommender system to the subscribers of the online content service provider; (c) measuring <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+an association exhibited by the recommender system between said first item and said second item, including a frequency and/or probability that the first item is also recommended to a subscriber <confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+hen the first second item is recommended; (d) automatically adjusting the advertising delivered in step (a) associated <confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+ith the first item to subscribers of the online <boundary-data type="line-number">5         </boundary-data>
+content provider based on steps (b) and (c).    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">In some environments the online advertising is provided under control of an entity separate from the online content service provider. The advertising for the first item is reduced or eliminated in response to a determination that said second item and said first item are highly correlated.</p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10                </boundary-data>
+It will be understood from the Detailed Description that the inventions can be implemented in a multitude of different embodiments. Furthermore, it will be readily appreciated by skilled artisans that such different embodiments will likely include only one or more of the aforementioned objects of the present inventions. Thus, the absence of one or more of such characteristics in any particular embodiment should not be construed as <boundary-data type="line-number">15        </boundary-data>
+limiting the scope of the present inventions. While described in the context of a rental system, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present teachings could be used <confidence value="66">in</confidence>
+ any Internet based rental or purchase system that employs a queue of some form.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20         </boundary-data>
+FIG. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ is a flow chart illustrating the steps performed by a recommender tester process implemented in accordance <confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+ith one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating the steps performed by an inventory monitoring <boundary-data type="line-number">25         </boundary-data>
+process implemented in accordance <confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+ith one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the steps performed by a shipping/returns monitoring process implemented in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">
+      <confidence value="88">30</confidence>
+ <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+    </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">DETAILED DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">As noted above, a content provider may use the present process to test, monitor and report on the performance of a content service provider, including a recommender system employed by the latter, to see if it is behaving in accordance with a particular policy, and/or <boundary-data type="line-number">5         </boundary-data>
+if it is showing some measurable bias. A "recommender system" in this instance refers to a type of intelligent software agent which tailors a recommendation or suggestion for an item to a particular subscriber, based on characteristics of the subscriber, the item itself, or some combination thereof<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ In other words, a recommender system may incorporate some randomization features, but does not operate entirely based on a "random" presentation of <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+content to a subscriber, or on a purely "programmed" presentation of content. Thus, a recommender system typically bases a particular recommendation to a particular subscriber based on explicit and implicit data obtained from such subscriber. The latter, of course, can include information gleaned from queries, web searches, surfing behavior, content selection, etc. In some instances, of course, a conventional search engine can be modified to behave <boundary-data type="line-number">15        </boundary-data>
+like a recommender system in connection with certain types of searches.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">A "content provider" in this instance refers generally to any entity that creates and/or supplies an inventory of items, such as books, movies, electronic programming. For example, a movie studio, a book publisher, a music publisher, and certain television stations are types of content provider.</p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20                </boundary-data>
+A "content service provider" (or service provider) in this instance refers generally to an entity that is not directly involved in the creation of new content, but, rather, merely distributes it in some fashion as a service to subscribers.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">These general definitions are intended merely as a simplification of course for understanding the present invention, and are not intended to be an exhaustive explanation <boundary-data type="line-number">25         </boundary-data>
+of the kinds of entities/situations which are encompassed by the terms recommender system, content provider, or service provider.    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">As alluded to earlier, there are a number of reasons why a content provider would be interested in the performance of a content service provider, including an inventory management, shipping, and recommender system maintained by the latter. While the present <boundary-data type="line-number">30         </boundary-data>
+description provides a few examples, a variety of other potential uses of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">In a first example concerning DVD rentals, the consideration paid by content service <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+providers to content providers (at least in some cases) is a function of the number of distributions of the titles to subscribers. For example, Netflix has a revenue sharing arrangement with a number of movie studios, in which the latter subsidizes the initial cost of <confidence value="2222222222222222">inventory/titles</confidence>
+ in exchange for sharing part of the downstream revenue. Thus, in these <boundary-data type="line-number">5          </boundary-data>
+instances, the content providers are financially coupled to a service provider's performance.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">Consequently, there is a need to ensure that the service provider, including a recommender system the<confidence value="8">y</confidence>
+ may employ, is performing up to par and adequately marketing/promoting a particular content provider's materials. An automated monitoring system can also observe a number of service provider functions, such as inventory availability, inventory turn-around, <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+as well as inventory recommendations. These are but examples, of course, and other service provider benchmarks could also be monitored and rated.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">Thus content providers could also use such programs as described herein to detect and confirm that their inventory is being properly managed and fairly allocated by the service provider. Again distribution agreements between content providers and service providers <boundary-data type="line-number">15         </boundary-data>
+typically call for some minimum availability performance, and if a service provider is not meeting demand, the content provider can be kept apprised of such fact.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">Recommender Tester and Monitor In a first aspect of the invention, a content provider can test, measure and verify the <boundary-data type="line-number">20          </boundary-data>
+performance of a particular recommender system, using the recommender testing process illustrated in FIG. 1. To do this, a content provider sets up multiple accounts with different profiles, for the purpose of confirming/verifying that the service provider is accurately targeting inventory titles to an appropriate audience, and/or that the recommender system is behaving appropriately in accordance with terms specified in an agreement between the <boundary-data type="line-number">25         </boundary-data>
+service provider and the content provider.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">In the latter case, for example, an agreement may call for the service provider to provide certain target levels of preference to a content provider, ranging from a simple "best efforts" type of preference to an extreme case of "exclusive" type of preference. In the former case the service provider may be required, for example, merely to present the content <boundary-data type="line-number">30          </boundary-data>
+provider's items on a "fair" basis compared to other content providers. In the latter case the service provider may be required to present only such content provider's items, at least during defined periods.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="68">10</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+Of course, there can be other variations as <confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+ell, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that a contract term may specify that a content provider should receive a certain degree of preference (specified as an overall percentage of recommendations, or as an overall percentage of recommendations within the first N presentations), during certain time <boundary-data type="line-number">5          </boundary-data>
+periods, for certain types of content, for certain genres, and/or for certain subscriber profiles. Again, there are wide variety of preferences, and the ways in which they can be implemented, and the present invention is by no means limited to any particular variant.    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">Brief review of recommender systems and need for monitoring <boundary-data type="line-number">10                 </boundary-data>
+Before describing the present invention, however, it is useful to review general background information pertinent to recommender systems. As noted earlier, a number of online rental providers use a recommender system to refer ti<confidence value="8">d</confidence>
+es to subscribers. From a content provider's perspective, it is important that such recommender systems "push" the content provider's ti<confidence value="8">d</confidence>
+es to the appropriate audience, or in accordance with target preference <boundary-data type="line-number">15         </boundary-data>
+terms specified in an agreement <confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+ith the service provider.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">It is important to note that the service provider recommender systems are typically programmed using one or more of a variety of artificial intelligence techniques, some of which are identified in U.S. Patent Publication 200210625A1 to Amazon, and which is incorporated by reference herein. The general notion is to identify items that may be of <boundary-data type="line-number">20          </boundary-data>
+interest to users, by monitoring their online behavior, their past purchases/rentals, similarities to other users as analyzed by collaborative filtering, etc. Still others operate by making suggestions based on analyzing similarities bet<confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+een items selected by the user (so called content filter based systems).    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">Another characteristic of recommender systems is that they are typically adaptive, <boundary-data type="line-number">25          </boundary-data>
+meaning that they alter their recommendations by learning from other inputs aside from the user, such as from other user selections, user ratings, and community-wide based statistical data gathering. In many cases, a recommender system is unbiased, meaning that it is essentially content-neutral, and does not discriminate in favor of one content provider (i.e.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">releases from one movie studio) over another. Consequently, some recommender systems <boundary-data type="line-number">30          </boundary-data>
+can be characterized as having essentially a content-neutral policy.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">While this aspect can be important to subscribers, from the perspective of a content provider, what is more important is that any recommender system accurately and adequately <page-break num="11"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="55">11</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+present items originating from such source to appropriate audiences. On the other hand, from the perspective of a particular content provider, ho<confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+ever, such entity would prefer that a recommender system use an extremely biased policy in its favor, in order to maximize distribution (and/or sales) of its products through the service provider. This may occur, as <boundary-data type="line-number">5          </boundary-data>
+noted above, if a content provider has a particular preference guaranteed by contract from a service provider.    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">It is apparent that these two dynamics oppose each other, but at this time, a content provider is unable to monitor performance of a recommender system, let alone effectuate a major policy change in a neutral recommender system maintained by a content service <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+provider. Nevertheless a content provider should be permitted, at least on some level, to monitor and ensure that even a content-neutral policy is being accurately implemented by a recommender system, and that, at some level it is being treated fairly as compared to other content providers, and/or that a particular preference is being honored.    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">Under conventional contractual arrangements for licensing and selling content, a <boundary-data type="line-number">15         </boundary-data>
+content provider is not given sufficient audit rights to determine whether a particular service provider (or other seller) is using a fair recommender system, or behaving in accordance with a defined preference. Thus, there is a need for the present invention whereby a content provider can identify and substantiate any actual bias or preference in a recommender engine, which can be used to provide feedback to a service provider. This allows for a type <boundary-data type="line-number">20          </boundary-data>
+of electronic auditing tool to verify performance of an entity pursuant to a defined preference in an agreement with a third party.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">Recommender System Testing The first step of the recommender system testing process <part-num-ref name="recommender system testing process">100,</part-num-ref>
+ therefore, is to <boundary-data type="line-number">25         </boundary-data>
+identify a particular policy at step <part-num-ref name="particular policy at step">110</part-num-ref>
+ which the content provider wishes to test against.    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">The policy may be based, for example, on the content provider's own evaluation of what demographics are required to optimize its revenues through a service provider from a particular set of tit<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+es. Alternatively (or in addition) it may be negotiated and agreed upon as a form of preference that is defined in specific technical terms in an agreement with the <boundary-data type="line-number">30          </boundary-data>
+service provider.    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">In the first case, the policy can be determined by reference to a number of techniques. For instance, in the case of movie rental items, this can be done with <page-break num="12"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+conventional surveys, and/or polling of movie audiences. A number of patents/applications describe the use of various data mining techniques for the purpose of identifying current trends, popularity, awareness, etc., of certain concepts, people, companies, and even individual content items (i.e., such as a book or movie title). An example of this is illustrated <boundary-data type="line-number">5         </boundary-data>
+in U.S. Patent No. 6,493,703 which is hereby incorporated by reference. A similar concept is illustrated in U.S. Patent Publication no. 2003/0004781 to Mallon et al. in which a community "buzz" index is used to predict a popularity, for example, of a particular movie before it is released. This application is also hereby incorporated by reference. Alternatively, interested entities can specify keywords, for example, and measure the awareness of such <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+concepts within a particular online group. This can be measured, for instance, by examining queries, postings, clicks, etc., made by Internet users at a particular site. The awareness factors are typically expressed in some type of percentage of users, etc. Again, for further details those skilled in the art should refer to such disclosures.    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">The aforementioned Mallon et al application makes mention of using the techniques <boundary-data type="line-number">15         </boundary-data>
+therein for purposes of measuring the "buzz" associated with a movie before it is released, and then using such figures to predict the popularity of a movie (including expected box office receipts) after it is released. The present invention can make use of a variation of this principle, in which the "buzz" associated with a particular movie title is measured not only before it is released within specific demographic groups, but also contemporaneous with its <boundary-data type="line-number">20         </boundary-data>
+release, and for a period of time thereafter. This larger snapshot in time is more likely to reveal a more accurate indicator of the popularity of a particular title with a particular demographics group. In this respect, Internet users are likely to have significantly different interests and behaviors than the average movie fan. This means that typical measures of expected movie popularity, such as box office receipts, may not be accurate indicators of <boundary-data type="line-number">25         </boundary-data>
+online rentals of a particular title.    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">Thus it is more desirable, in fact, to identify a sample population online that mirrors the tendencies of subscribers of an online rental service. By observing the characteristics of the former (again, using one of the techniques described in the aforementioned patents and applications) a content provider can predict more accurately both the popularity and <boundary-data type="line-number">30         </boundary-data>
+demographic profile for a particular title. As an example, a movie studio may observe that there is significant awareness of a particular movie (and thus potential rentals) among young males in the age range of <part-num-ref name="age range of">18</part-num-ref>
+ - <part-num-ref name="-">21,</part-num-ref>
+ as determined by studying particular Yahoo! Message <page-break num="13"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+boards, other common interest online communities, or some other survey measuring mechanism. Again, the measurement of such interest can be based over a longer time period than that described in the prior art. Moreover, instead of "predicting" the popularity of a title as described in the prior art reference to Mallon et al, the actual popularity can be <boundary-data type="line-number">5         </boundary-data>
+determined in fact by measuring at a time contemporaneous with the movie's release. The change in popularity can also be identified, to see if a movie's pre-release buzz was translated into a similar actual buzz, and, if so, for what duration of time. Again this is more accurate than pure box office receipts in predicting rental demand, because the latter may be distorted. As an example, as between two movies achieving the same box office receipts in <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+the same time period, a title (A) that enjoyed a lot success early on but which peaks early and declines rapidly is probably less likely to require or enjoy as much rental demand as a title (B) that starts off slowly but which builds continuing increasing sales over time. In the former case, the initial high popularity may be attributed to extensive advertising that fails to support a bad movie, <confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+hile in the latter case the later high popularity may be attributed to <boundary-data type="line-number">15         </boundary-data>
+favorable word of mouth which is continually growing. In such cases a content provider is better served by allocating a greater number of inventory for title B, even if the overall box office numbers are the same.    </p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">In any event, regardless of the source of the information, an expected popularity, an expected demographic base/target, and/or a specified preference pursuant to an agreement <boundary-data type="line-number">20         </boundary-data>
+is derived at step <part-num-ref name="agreement is derived at step">105.</part-num-ref>
+ This proprietary intelligence is then specified as a policy to measure the performance of a service provider recommendation system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">This can be done with (or without) reference to a list of particular items provided at step <part-num-ref name="list of particular items provided at step">112.</part-num-ref>
+ Based on the results, the content provider can make efforts to alert the service provider, and even try to supplement, coax, or tune the service provider recommendation <boundary-data type="line-number">25         </boundary-data>
+system to conform to the policy.    </p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">To do this, a plurality of dummy (profiling) accounts are set up at a particular content site at step <part-num-ref name="particular content site at step">115</part-num-ref>
+ with a plurality of different standard profiles, which are preferably based on a particular subscriber demographic. For each account, the content provider can specify a particular gender, age, income, domicile, etc. Again, preferably the profiling <boundary-data type="line-number">30         </boundary-data>
+accounts are set up so that each account has a distinct profile, and such that there are a sufficient number of profiles to accurately measure responsiveness of a recommender system to a particular content provider's titles. In other words, if a movie studio has identified <part-num-ref name="movie studio has identified">10</part-num-ref>
+ <page-break num="14"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+basic demographic profiles that it uses to measure interest in its content, then a corresponding number of accounts are also set up to see how they are treated by the service providers' recommender system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">At step 120 ratings for particular titles might also be explicitly provided for each <boundary-data type="line-number">5          </boundary-data>
+account to the recommender system. This may be optional depending on whether such data is required by the particular recommender system (not all of them require ratings) and/or whether the content provider already has sufficient preexisting information (from the profile alone) to supply such data.    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">As noted, the above account profile information can be based on the content <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+provider's own data concerning which demographics groups it believes (or has determined through other survey data) are appropriate for particular titles. Therefore, these accounts are set up based on a prediction by the content provider that they should elicit a particular recommendation from the service provider's system, regardless of the type of recommendation engine used, based on the identified policy.    </p>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15                 </boundary-data>
+These profiling accounts are used by the content provider to monitor an overall performance/compliance by the service provider with explicit contractual terms, and/or content provider specific marketing targeting characteristics for particular content.    </p>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">Accordingly, the identity of titles recommended by the recommender system (regardless of whether the latter is based on collaborative filtering, content filtering, item relatedness, or <boundary-data type="line-number">20         </boundary-data>
+some equivalent methodology) to a particular profile account is then observed at step <part-num-ref name="particular profile account is then observed at step">125.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-74" num="74">This step can be repeated, as necessary, to continue eliciting recommendations for the particular profile account, and the titles presented can be catalogued.</p>
+    <p id="p-75" num="75">At step 130 the invention determines whether the recommender system has recommended one of the content provider's titles. If not, a non-compliant list is updated <boundary-data type="line-number">25          </boundary-data>
+with the movie title at step <part-num-ref name="movie title at step">135</part-num-ref>
+ and the process returns to step <part-num-ref name="process returns to step">125</part-num-ref>
+ to solicit another recommendation, until there are no more recommendations.    </p>
+    <p id="p-76" num="76">The non-compliant list can be used by the content provider for marketing intelligence, and/or as a starting point for providing feedback to the service provider to alter/tune the recommendation system based on non-compliance with the identified policy.</p>
+    <p id="p-77" num="77">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30          </boundary-data>
+Again, in some instances, it is possible that a particular service provider will offer higher placement of recommendations to certain content providers based on an amount of consideration paid, and/or to comply with a contractually mandated preference.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-78" num="78">
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+Thus, <confidence value="66">in</confidence>
+ a manner akin to that used by such services as Overture and Google (for search engines) a service provider might have a pay for placement policy, and the present invention can be used by a content provider to monitor compliance with such arrangement.    </p>
+    <p id="p-79" num="79">In situations where a recommender system is biased (either intentionally or unintentionally), <boundary-data type="line-number">5         </boundary-data>
+therefore, the existence and extent of bias and/or contractual preference can thus be measured.    </p>
+    <p id="p-80" num="80">If the ti<confidence value="8">d</confidence>
+e is one that is owned by the particular content provider, an additional check is made as <confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+ell at step <part-num-ref name="additional check is made as well at step">135</part-num-ref>
+ to determine if this is a ti<confidence value="8">d</confidence>
+e that corresponds to an item that the content provider also predicted and/or desired to be recommended to a particular <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+subscriber within the requirements of the policy identified by the content provider. If not, an incongruence list is updated with the name of the ti<confidence value="8">d</confidence>
+e. This list can be used for follow-up with the service provider to understand the reason why the ti<confidence value="8">d</confidence>
+e was recommended, and, if necessary to fine-tune the recommender system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-81" num="81">If the ti<confidence value="8">d</confidence>
+e is recommended, and it was predicted (or required) by the content <boundary-data type="line-number">15         </boundary-data>
+provider also to be recommended, the item is logged at step <part-num-ref name="item is logged at step">150</part-num-ref>
+ on a compliance list.    </p>
+    <p id="p-82" num="82">Again, the process loops back so the content provider can repeat the process to see if additional ti<confidence value="8">d</confidence>
+es owned by the content provider are recommended. An overall compliance list can then be generated to see a percentage or number of content provider titles that were actually recommended.    </p>
+    <p id="p-83" num="83">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20                </boundary-data>
+In the end, the content provider can generate a master report at step <part-num-ref name="master report at step">160</part-num-ref>
+ which identifies how accurately a service provider recommender system is matching the expectations and/or wishes of the content provider as concerns identifying appropriate ti<confidence value="8">d</confidence>
+es to one or more particular demographic groups. For example, a log could be presented with all of the ti<confidence value="8">d</confidence>
+es presented on the non-compliant list, the incongruent list, and the compliant <boundary-data type="line-number">25         </boundary-data>
+list.    </p>
+    <p id="p-84" num="84">An overall percentage of accurate hits can be obtained, so that, for example, one metric may measure whether what percentage of a set of applicable ti<confidence value="8">d</confidence>
+es were indeed presented to a particular group. Thus, if <part-num-ref name="particular group. Thus, if">10</part-num-ref>
+ ti<confidence value="8">d</confidence>
+es should be shown to a particular account (or demographics group) in accordance with a defined policy, and only <part-num-ref name="defined policy, and only">5</part-num-ref>
+ were actually <boundary-data type="line-number">30         </boundary-data>
+presented, this could be represented as a 50<confidence value="5">%</confidence>
+ hit ratio.    </p>
+    <p id="p-85" num="85">Additional metrics to determine ho<confidence value="5">w</confidence>
+ "immediately" the recommender presented the ti<confidence value="8">d</confidence>
+e could be presented as well. As an example, if the ti<confidence value="8">d</confidence>
+e was presented on the nth <page-break num="16"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">16</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+recommendation to a benchmark subscriber having a particular profile, or a part of a list of n items, this information could be logged as <confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+ell.    </p>
+    <p id="p-86" num="86">Again, any preference <confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+hich the content provider is supposed to receive can be measured, without regard to the form of the preference, and without having to rely on <boundary-data type="line-number">5         </boundary-data>
+internal databases or reports from the service provider. The latter may be unavailable, or, in some cases, inaccurate.    </p>
+    <p id="p-87" num="87">In some instances, however, a service provider may provide actual abridged logs of recommendations made to subscribers, from which data files the above information can also be mined without explicitly setting up proxy accounts. Again, the content provider may <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+cooperate with the service provider to develop a set of data fields to be logged, and thus ensure that the data files contain sufficient demographic information so that an accurate tallying of the appropriateness of recommendations can be measured. The logs can be edited appropriately by the service provider to include only pertinent data relevant to measuring the recommendation accuracy and bias, and thus protect the privacy of individual <boundary-data type="line-number">15         </boundary-data>
+members. For example demographic variables such as age, gender, domicile can be captured along with the context of the recommendation (i.e., specific query or page being viewed) the date/time, and the actual items recommended. Additional data on prior items selected by the subscriber could also be correlated to give a picture of the user's preferences.    </p>
+    <p id="p-88" num="88">The invention can also be executed at defined intervals to measure changes in the <boundary-data type="line-number">20         </boundary-data>
+recommender system. Thus, a comparison on a week to week basis could be done to see if there are improvements or degradations in relevancy, and/or to see if the service provider has tuned the recommender system in accordance with the content provider's wishes. The changes in the recommender system could also be tracked over time in response to specific news stories, press releases, word of mouth, or other published events.    </p>
+    <p id="p-89" num="89">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25                </boundary-data>
+Finally, the above testing can be done on a number of recommender systems providing similar items, and the results posted online for the benefit of consumer education.    </p>
+    <p id="p-90" num="90">For example, various sites which recommend books could be evaluated, based on a particular subscriber profile, to see what titles are recommended. A neutral recommender system recommendation could be identified as well as a reference or benchmark, based on <boundary-data type="line-number">30         </boundary-data>
+either a completely neutral recommender engine, or a compilation of known statistics of preferences already exhibited by the demographic group. As an example, in the movie tit<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+e market, a website identified as GroupLens is considered to be a fairly accurate and neutral <page-break num="17"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">17</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+recommender of titles, absent of any bias. Observations of any "bias" detected in the recommendations of other sites (i.e., other movie recommenders operated by such entities as <confidence value="2222222">Netflix</confidence>
+, Blockbuster, Walmart) could also be identified for the benefit of online users, so that the<confidence value="8">y</confidence>
+ could more accurately determine sites which are not using some form of artificial <boundary-data type="line-number">5         </boundary-data>
+bias. The above could take the form of a single web page, tabulated report on the perceived biases of particular <confidence value="7">w</confidence>
+ebsites. Other examples for other items will be apparent to those skilled in the art.    </p>
+    <p id="p-91" num="91">Advertising - Recommender System Correlations <boundary-data type="line-number">10                </boundary-data>
+In some instances the invention could be run in conjunction with an advertising campaign, to measure the change in recommender system behavior in response to advertising. This in turn could be used by advertisers to determine the types and extent which advertising can influence recommender system characteristics, to improve advertising efficiency. In some cases, for example, certain ads may work better with certain types of <boundary-data type="line-number">15         </boundary-data>
+recommender systems, and this behavior can be captured and exploited, to better craft appropriate advertising that is more effective (in the sense of generating additional relevant recommender system recommendations, or measurable bias).    </p>
+    <p id="p-92" num="92">In other words, the present invention, unlike the aforementioned Mallon et al.</p>
+    <p id="p-93" num="93">system, can be used to measure the activity or "buzz" of a recommender system and its <boundary-data type="line-number">20         </boundary-data>
+reaction to advertising, as opposed to the buzz of a particular group of individuals. This can be used to improve advertising delivery and campaigns in a more effective manner, since recommender systems have a significant influence on online consumption, and are essentially marketing complements to advertising.    </p>
+    <p id="p-94" num="94">For example, if ad#1 for item #1 is presented at both a first online service provider <boundary-data type="line-number">25         </boundary-data>
+and a second online service provider, the invention can be used to see its effect on separate recommender systems at such sites. If a first recommender system demonstrates a significant recognition or a<confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+areness of item #1 (such as measured by actual number of recommendations to one or more subscribers, or by a percentage of recommendations within a set of N recommendations, and/or as a percentage relative to other items), but a <boundary-data type="line-number">30         </boundary-data>
+second recommender system does not, an advertiser can then use such information to change or reduce usage of ad#<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ at the second online server.    </p>
+    <p id="p-95" num="95">Similarly, an advertiser may execute the present invention and study the reports and <page-break num="18"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">18</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+compliant, non-compliant and incongruent lists across the various profile accounts to disco<confidence value="8">v</confidence>
+ery, identify and exploit associations employed by the recommender system which are not publicly disclosed by a service provider. In other <confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+ords, a first advertiser may note that their own item (A) is al<confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+ays (or extremely likely to be) recommended in connection with (as <boundary-data type="line-number">5          </boundary-data>
+part of a list or immediately follo<confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+ing) recommendation of item B to a subscriber at a particular ser<confidence value="8">v</confidence>
+ice provider website. If item B is an offering from a competitor, and a second advertiser is paying for such placement (i.e., through a preference or some other mechanism), then the first advertiser can essentially piggy-back on such advertising, and reduce their expenditures in advertising at the service provider website for item A. This is <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+because, in this instance, the associational behavior of the recommender system, which automatically places item A <confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+ith item B, can be exploited to help the first advertiser eliminate paying for the actual placement of item A. Stated another way, a recommender system can act as a type of proxy advertiser in some instances.    </p>
+    <p id="p-96" num="96">Other variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. By studying a list of <boundary-data type="line-number">15         </boundary-data>
+recommendations made to one or more accounts, an advertiser can also glean associational links between subscriber profiles and certain items, as well as item to item correlations. If an advertised item is already sufficiently linked to certain subscriber profiles, or other popular items, an advertiser can adjust an advertising activity to reflect such existing awareness within the recommender system. Similarly, if an item is not sufficien<confidence value="8">t</confidence>
+ly linked and does not <boundary-data type="line-number">20          </boundary-data>
+sho<confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+ up with an appropriate frequency, an advertiser can make note of such fact and bring it to the attention of the service provider for correction. To identify associations, the advertiser can also specifically "rate" certain benchmark items during step <part-num-ref name="advertiser can also specifically &quot;rate&quot; certain benchmark items during step">120</part-num-ref>
+ so as to see what particular recommendations are elicited. In other words, an advertiser might rank item A very high on a proxy account, and then see which items are recommended to such proxy <boundary-data type="line-number">25          </boundary-data>
+account based on such rating.    </p>
+    <p id="p-97" num="97">The advertiser can thus "learn" the behavior of a particular recommender system, and thus tailor advertising to a particular website so as to maximize an influence on a recommender system. Other examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art.</p>
+    <p id="p-98" num="98">Since recommender systems are now proactively and aggressively making specific <boundary-data type="line-number">30          </boundary-data>
+suggestions to online users, and such suggestions are often followed up on, an advertiser has a very keen interest in determining an effectiveness of an ad through measurements of a recommender system. The ad "effectiveness" could be measured at different times, as well, <page-break num="19"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">19</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+to determine a lag in a recommender system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-99" num="99">It should be noted, of course that the converse process could also be used by the service provider, to increase a number of relevant recommendations that are tied to specific advertisers. Thus, in the case noted above, a recommendation system may be programmed <boundary-data type="line-number">5         </boundary-data>
+to automatically "bump" item A from a list under certain circumstances, such as if an advertiser has not actually paid for item A to be advertised, and/or if item B is also on such list.    </p>
+    <p id="p-100" num="100">The process can be repeated again for a different account, until the policy has been verified for each of the profiles if desired. The process might be employed only on certain <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+dates or times, for example, corresponding to a preference period specified in an agreement with the online service provider. Other examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art.    </p>
+    <p id="p-101" num="101">Again all of the above reports could also be published online for public consumption, so that interested parties could observe and determine a performance of various service providers.</p>
+    <p id="p-102" num="102">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15                </boundary-data>
+Alternatively, the data can be used as an analysis tool against a competitor to see a recommendation immediacy rating for the latter's items, and to detect any actual "bias<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ in the recommender system policy. For example, the content provider could identify the actual number and identity of titles from another content provider recommended to the same demographic profile accounts. Using their own metrics (as gleaned from their own research <boundary-data type="line-number">20         </boundary-data>
+concerning the relative expected popularity of a particular tit<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+e, such as online buzz, surveys, polling, or even box office sales) the content provider can then determine if a ti<confidence value="8">d</confidence>
+e in their library is being treated similarly, better, or <confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+orse by a service provider recommender system compared to a comparable title from another content provider.    </p>
+    <p id="p-103" num="103">The process could be used to sample some portion of the content provider's library <boundary-data type="line-number">25         </boundary-data>
+as noted at step <part-num-ref name="content provider's library as noted at step">120</part-num-ref>
+ to make the same comparison against a plurality of comparable titles, and/or from multiple content sources. A fairness treatment/parameter can thus be computed for individual titles (across one or more content providers) and/or in aggregate (across one or more content providers) to detect and measure any bias and/or preference in a recommender system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-104" num="104">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30                </boundary-data>
+For instance, a particular item (A) might be presented to <part-num-ref name="particular item (A) might be presented to">10</part-num-ref>
+ different accounts in <part-num-ref name="different accounts in">10</part-num-ref>
+ different priorities. A first subscriber may have item A recommended as the first item to be recommended. Another subscriber have item A recommended as the 5<confidence value="4">t</confidence>
+h item to be <page-break num="20"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">20</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+recommended. Item A could then be compared to other items presented to the different accounts, to measure its relative treatment, and a report of the same could be presented to the content provider.    </p>
+    <p id="p-105" num="105">Thus the present method can used to measure and determine an overall relative <boundary-data type="line-number">5         </boundary-data>
+recommendation treatment afforded by a recommender system to one content provider over another. This can be broken down further by demographics group if necessary, by genre, or even by some number of ti<confidence value="8">d</confidence>
+es. Other examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art.    </p>
+    <p id="p-106" num="106">A similar report can be generated on a per title basis, i.e., to identify which demographic groups were presented with a particular title, and if such presentation was <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+appropriate. Furthermore, a composite <confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+ist of titles recommended can be presented to help the content provider identify whether certain titles were omitted, and not recommended at all.    </p>
+    <p id="p-107" num="107">Further a report could be generated that simply identifies the top ti<confidence value="8">d</confidence>
+es from the content provider that are actually recommended. This can be based on the number of times <boundary-data type="line-number">15        </boundary-data>
+that they are presented to particular demographic group profile accounts, the immediacy in which they are presented, or some combination (perhaps weighted) of the same. The weightings can be designed in some appropriate fashion desired by the particular content provider. As above, again, a similar list can be compiled for competitors, to evaluate an overall recommendation performance across multiple demographics groups.    </p>
+    <p id="p-108" num="108">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20                </boundary-data>
+Again, if a title is NOT recommended when it should be, the content provider can make note of such fact, and compile a list of titles for each service provider, either as part of a non-compliance list, or as part of an incongruence list. By doing this for each service provider, an overall performance can be determined to see which one is doing the better job of pushing the content provider's titles. As between two separate service providers, the <boundary-data type="line-number">25         </boundary-data>
+content provider will want to know which one which is most efficient at presenting the content provider's titles to the right audiences.    </p>
+    <p id="p-109" num="109">Furthermore, as alluded to earlier, the content provider can also use the non- compliance list and the incongruence lists to alert the service provider directly to perceived problems or deficiencies in the recommender system. The service provider, in turn, may <boundary-data type="line-number">30         </boundary-data>
+then elect to update the recommender system to more accurately reflect the desired response for particular subscriber profiles.    </p>
+    <p id="p-110" num="110">It should be noted that in some instances, certain recommender systems, may not <page-break num="21"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">21</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+recommend certain tit<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+es, based on their availability. Thus, a subscriber will not be recommended any titles that are not immediately available, and this may ske<confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+ the results in an undesirable manner. To accommodate this nonetheless, the content providers can eliminate any such titles from consideration. Thus, they can detect any titles that are not <boundary-data type="line-number">5         </boundary-data>
+currently available, and eliminate them from the compliance lists if desired.    </p>
+    <p id="p-111" num="111">Identif<confidence value="8">y</confidence>
+ing - Monitoring and Comparing Learning Rate of Recommender Systems Nonetheless, it can be seen that the present invention has particular utility in measuring the "learning" state/ability of particular recommender systems. By specifying a <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+particular set of new items at step <part-num-ref name="particular set of new items at step">112</part-num-ref>
+ (i.e., articles that are probably not rated by a large number of subscribers) the invention can determine which recommenders systems are more adaptable and fast-learning. For example, a movie studio, book publisher or music publisher may want to measure how "educated" a particular recommender system is about a particular new release. CF systems are known to suffer from learning lags caused by the first rater <boundary-data type="line-number">15         </boundary-data>
+problem. From the perspective of a content provider, they would prefer that their new releases be recommended as soon as possible. Content service providers have a similar interest, because if subscribers are not "suggested" an item at their site early on, the chances increase that they will see it (and thus buy or rent it) someplace else. Thus, the present invention affords an ability to see which systems are most capable of learning new material.    </p>
+    <p id="p-112" num="112">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20                </boundary-data>
+It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a si<confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+ilar evaluation could be made to determine a recommender system's reaction to a change in a subscriber profile. That is, a similar deficiency or lag in learning in response to subscriber tastes is known to be associated with recommender systems. Thus, another evaluation which can be performed is to present a set of N different profiles to a series of recommender systems, and then monitor the <boundary-data type="line-number">25         </boundary-data>
+recommendations made by each recommender. The N profiles are then altered in a predetermined fashion, such as, for example, providing a number of new ratings on a number of predetermined benchmark items. The behavior of the recommender systems is then observed again to see <confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+hat the new set of recommendations is that is now presented based on the new N profiles. From the perspective of a content provider, they may develop <boundary-data type="line-number">30         </boundary-data>
+a desired target policy/profile for recommendations that they prefer to see based on such new profile. This target set of recommendations can then be compared to the actual recommendations made by the disparate sites to see which ones most accurately "learn<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ or <page-break num="22"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">22</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+mirror the results desired by a particular content provider.    </p>
+    <p id="p-113" num="113">Another advantage of the present invention is that it is not necessary to rely solely on a recommender system's collection of ratings information from subscribers, which, in many instances, may be under-reporting or underestimating the popularity of a title with a <boundary-data type="line-number">5         </boundary-data>
+particular demographic, either because of a lack of ratings (which such systems rely upon extensively but take time to correct) or an incorrect modeling. By measuring early on a recommender system's behavior to<confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+ards a particular benchmark profile, a content provider can take preemptive action to make sure that titles are accurately presented to appropriate audiences of its choosing.    </p>
+    <p id="p-114" num="114">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10                </boundary-data>
+While the invention is presented in the context of a movie title recommender system, it is apparent that the methods disclosed above could be used in connection with a variety of online commercial sales/rental sites which use recommendation engines. Thus, a book/music supplier to Amazon could use the present invention to determine an accuracy, fairness and new item learning capabilities of a recommender system used by that website.    </p>
+    <p id="p-115" num="115">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15         </boundary-data>
+A television content programmer could use the invention to verify the recommendations made by comparable recommenders. Suppliers of inventory to an online auction system (such as eBay) could use the invention to measure a fairness of an auction system recommender system. Other examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the invention is by no means limited to the embodiments discussed herein.    </p>
+    <p id="p-116" num="116">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">20</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ Inventory Monitoring As an ancillary component to the recommender tester system <part-num-ref name="recommender tester system">100,</part-num-ref>
+ the content service provider is also analyzed to determine if they are maintaining an adequate amount of inventory. It will be apparent that the process described in FIG. 2 could be implemented as <boundary-data type="line-number">25         </boundary-data>
+part of the recommender tester process above, or as part of a completely different program.    </p>
+    <p id="p-117" num="117">Thus, at step 210 of FIG. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ a content provider could specify a list of titles to determine their overall availability. These titles, for example, could be media that originate from a particular studio or particular book/music publisher among other things.    </p>
+    <p id="p-118" num="118">At step 220, the availability of the titles is measured at the content service provider.</p>
+    <p id="p-119" num="119">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30         </boundary-data>
+In the instance of an online service provider (such as at Netflix, Amazon, etc.), steps <part-num-ref name="online service provider (such as at Netflix, Amazon, etc.), steps">210</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">220</part-num-ref>
+ can be performed automatically using a proxy account and automated programming techniques that are well known in the art. Other examples will be apparent to skilled <page-break num="23"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">23</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+artisans.    </p>
+    <p id="p-120" num="120">
+      <confidence value="8">A</confidence>
+t step 230, a report is generated concerning the overall availability of titles from a particular content provider (or meeting some other specified criteria). This can be used for several purposes. First, if a title is continually identified as "long wait," (or <confidence value="5">o</confidence>
+ut of stock) a <boundary-data type="line-number">5          </boundary-data>
+content provider can notify the content service provider that they wish to supply additional titles to improve subscriber delivery figures. Since the content provider typically derives revenue from actual shipments to subscribers, it is preferable that there be a satisfactory supply of titles to maximize their shared revenues. Again, while some service providers may already perform a similar function as a means of determining perceived needs, they do not <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+operate <confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+ith a particular content provider's interest in mind. Thus, they may not measure or react to inventory deficiencies for a particular content provider. Nor can content providers obtain access in many instances to the proprietary inventory management systems used by content service providers. Accordingly, they have a need for a system such as described herein, to help them verify that a library of titles they are sharing with the content service <boundary-data type="line-number">15         </boundary-data>
+provider are being properly managed, and/or generally to ensure that a content service provider is adequately stocked.    </p>
+    <p id="p-121" num="121">It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above is merely an example of an inventory monitoring method and that countless variations on the above can be implemented in accordance with the present teachings. A number of other conventional <boundary-data type="line-number">20          </boundary-data>
+steps that would be included in a commercial application have also been omitted to better emphasize the present teachings. For further details on the specifics of the operation of the Netflix system se<confidence value="5">e</confidence>
+ U.S. Patent No. 6,584,450 incorporated by reference herein.    </p>
+    <p id="p-122" num="122">Shipping/Returns Monitoring As a further enhancement to the invention, again in the case of inventory, there are <boundary-data type="line-number">25          </boundary-data>
+commercial arrangements (as in the case of Netf<confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+ix above ) whereby if content service providers do not turn around inventory fast enough, revenues are concomitantly reduced for the content providers as well. Accordingly, a shipping/returns monitoring system <part-num-ref name="shipping/returns monitoring system">300</part-num-ref>
+ can be implemented as shown in FIG. 3, either alone, or in combination with the recommender tester and inventory monitoring systems noted above.    </p>
+    <p id="p-123" num="123">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30                 </boundary-data>
+To do this, multiple proxy accounts are set up at step 310 with each service provider, across different geographic regions, to gain better/more accurate shipping/receiving performance data for an individual provider. A list of items is ordered at step <part-num-ref name="list of items is ordered at step">320.</part-num-ref>
+ The time <page-break num="24"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">24</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+required by the content service provider to actually ship is then measured at step <part-num-ref name="content service provider to actually ship is then measured at step">330,</part-num-ref>
+ and an actual received time is also measured. In the case of an online rental system (such as Netflix, where a subscriber returns movies and is supposed to be shipped a new movie soon thereafter), the item is then returned, and the invention measures the overall processing time <boundary-data type="line-number">5         </boundary-data>
+required for the content service provider to send out a new title. Again, at step <part-num-ref name="new title. Again, at step">340,</part-num-ref>
+ an overall shipping and returns performance report is generated for the content provider. This could include such statistics as response times bet<confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+een orders and shipments, response times for shipments and receipts, turn-around times for returns, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-124" num="124">Again, since service providers are loathe to share their own proprietary turnaround <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+data, the present invention affords a simple mechanism for content providers to observe the shipping/receiving performance of service providers using dummy, or proxy accounts. This data, in turn, can be used to reward and/or punish service providers who are performing well or poorly, or to negotiate new revenue sharing terms.    </p>
+    <p id="p-125" num="125">It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above is merely an example <boundary-data type="line-number">15         </boundary-data>
+of a shipping/returns performance method and that countless variations on the above can be implemented in accordance with the present teachings. A number of other conventional steps that would be included in a commercial application have been omitted, as well, to better emphasize the present teachings.    </p>
+    <p id="p-126" num="126">Finally, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the methods of the present <boundary-data type="line-number">20        </boundary-data>
+invention, including those illustrated in FIGs. 1, <part-num-ref name="present invention, including those illustrated in FIGs. 1,">2</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">3</part-num-ref>
+ can be implemented using any one of many known programming languages suitable for creating applications that can run on client systems, and large scale computing systems, including servers connected to a network (such as the Inte<confidence value="66">rn</confidence>
+et). The details of the specific implementation of the present invention will vary depending on the programming language(s) used to embody the above principles, <boundary-data type="line-number">25         </boundary-data>
+and are not material to an understanding of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-127" num="127">The above descriptions are intended as merely illustrative embodiments of the proposed inventions. It is understood that the protection afforded the present invention also comprehends and extends to embodiments different from those above, but which fall within the scope of the present claims.</p>
+    <p id="p-128" num="128">30                What is claimed is:</p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/10900163.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,33 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>10900163</doc-number>
+        <date>2009-09-29</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">
+      <confidence value="8">A</confidence>
+MENDMENTS TO THE SPECIFICATION    </heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Please amend paragraphs [0012] and [0013] of the published version of the application as follows:</p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">--    [0012] 11. United States patent application number 1<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+/813[[6]],967 entitled MOT<confidence value="8">E</confidence>
+ NETWORKS HAVING DIRECTIONAL ANTENNAS, naming <confidence value="8">C</confidence>
+larence T.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">Tegreene as inventor, filed 31 March <part-num-ref name="March">2004,</part-num-ref>
+ now issued as U.S. patent number 7,366,544.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">[0013] 12. United States patent application number 10/814[6]],454 entitled MOT<confidence value="8">E</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-2">NETWORKS USING DIRECTIONAL ANTENNA TECHNIQUES,</heading>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">naming Clarence T. Tegreene as inventor, filed 31 March <part-num-ref name="March">2004,</part-num-ref>
+ now issued as U.S. patent number 7,317,898. -- <part-num-ref name="March 2004, now issued as U.S. patent number 7,317,898. --">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/10983072.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,221 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>10983072</doc-number>
+        <date>2009-03-10</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.:</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">04-0297 (<confidence value="22228">USO1)</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">CLAIM AMENDMENTS</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">1. (Currently Amended) A catheter, comprising:</p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">an elongated flexible integrated catheter body including:</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">a proximal shaft portion having a longitudinal axis, a distal shaft portion having a proximal section configured to be internally actuated <confidence value="5">f</confidence>
+                to form a simple curve that bends more than <part-num-ref name="simple curve that bends more than">70</part-num-ref>
+ degrees, an intermediate section pre-shaped to form a complex curve <confidence value="6866588568642">that-bends-ik</confidence>
+ <confidence value="51662525222">a-direction</confidence>
+ <confidence value="15525">oppte</confidence>
+ <confidence value="66">to</confidence>
+ <confidence value="526">and</confidence>
+ <confidence value="222">out</confidence>
+ <confidence value="26">of</confidence>
+ <confidence value="46666">Plane</confidence>
+ with <confidence value="666">the</confidence>
+ <confidence value="156">sim</confidence>
+ <confidence value="46">pe</confidence>
+ <confidence value="22255">cure,</confidence>
+ and a distal section<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ wherein the simple curve lies in a sin<confidence value="77">gl</confidence>
+e plane<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ and the complex curve can be <confidence value="8">p</confidence>
+ro<confidence value="8">j</confidence>
+ected onto the sin<confidence value="77">gl</confidence>
+e plane and another plane <confidence value="2222222222">orthoqonal</confidence>
+ to the sin<confidence value="7">g</confidence>
+le plane<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ the complex curve, when <confidence value="8">p</confidence>
+ro<confidence value="8">j</confidence>
+ected onto the sin<confidence value="7">g</confidence>
+le plane<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ bendin<confidence value="6">g</confidence>
+ in a direction opposite to the direction that the simple curve bends; an<confidence value="5">d</confidence>
+ at least one operative element carried by the distal section.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">2. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">1,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the at least one operative element comprises a tissue ablative element.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">3. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">2,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the ablative element is a linear tissue ablative element.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">4. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">1,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the at least one operative element comprises a diagnostic element.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">5. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">1,</part-num-ref>
+ further comprising a steering mechanism operable to internally actuate the proximal section to form the simple curve.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">6. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">1,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the proximal section is pre-shaped to form the simple curve in the absence of an external force.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.:</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">04-0297 (<confidence value="22228">USO1)</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+7. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">1,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the simple curve is eccentric and has a radius of curvature that is smallest at an apex of the simple curve.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">8. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">0,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the simple curve bends more than <part-num-ref name="simple curve bends more than">90<confidence value="28">0.</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">9. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">1,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the simple curve bends more than <part-num-ref name="simple curve bends more than">135<confidence value="28">0.</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">10. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">1,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the simple curve bends less than <part-num-ref name="simple curve bends less than">180<confidence value="28">0.</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">11. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">1,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the proximal section is radio-opaque.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">12. (Currently Amended) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">1,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the complex curve has a proximal curve that, when projected onto <confidence value="6">a</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">a</confidence>
+  <confidence value="26">of</confidence>
+ <confidence value="666">the</confidence>
+ <confidence value="78">si</confidence>
+m<confidence value="88">pl</confidence>
+e <confidence value="24255">curve</confidence>
+ the simple plane, bends at least <part-num-ref name="simple plane, bends at least">90<confidence value="28">0.</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">13. (Currently Amended) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">1,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the complex curve has a proximal curve that, when projected onto <confidence value="6">a</confidence>
+ plane <confidence value="66">of</confidence>
+ <confidence value="666">the</confidence>
+ simple <confidence value="2424">cure</confidence>
+ the sim<confidence value="8">p</confidence>
+le plane, bends in the range of <part-num-ref name="range of">90<confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">1<confidence value="8825">350.</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">14. (Currently Amended) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">1,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the other plane is <confidence value="8">p</confidence>
+er<confidence value="8">p</confidence>
+endicular to the lon<confidence value="6">g</confidence>
+itudinal axis, and the complex curve has a distal curve that, when projected onto a other plane                      , bends in the range of <part-num-ref name="range of">
+        <confidence value="882">600</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">120<confidence value="28">0.</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">15. (Currently Amended) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">1,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the other plane is <confidence value="8">p</confidence>
+er<confidence value="8">p</confidence>
+endicular to the lon<confidence value="6">g</confidence>
+itudinal axis, and the complex curve has a distal curve that, when projected onto a other plane                      , bends approximately <part-num-ref name="other plane                      , bends approximately">
+        <confidence value="8828">900.</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.:</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">04-0297 (<confidence value="22228">USO1)</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+16. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">1,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the distal section forms a distal tip of the catheter body.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">17. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">1,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the distal section is substantially straight.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">18. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">1,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the distal section is pre-shaped to form a simple curve having an apex that points away from a longitudinal axis of the proximal shaft portion.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">19. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">1,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the smallest radius of curvature of the simple curve is within the range of 1.25 to 2.50 centimeters, and the smallest radius of curvature of the complex curve is within the range of 1.25 to 3.75 centimeters.    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">20. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">1,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the proximal section has a length within the range of 2.50 to 6.50 centimeters, the intermediate section has a length within the range of 0.50 to 2.00 centimeters, and distal section has a length within the range of 0.50 to 2.00 centimeters.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">21. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">1,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the distal shaft portion includes a substantially straight shaft transition section between the proximal shaft portion and the proximal section of the distal shaft portion.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">22. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">21,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the proximal shaft portion and the shaft transition section are collinear.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">23. (Original) A method of performing a medical procedure adjacent an ostium of a vessel using the catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">1,</part-num-ref>
+ comprising:    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">inserting an apex of the simple curve into the vessel ostium to place the at least one operative element in contact with a first tissue site adjacent the vessel ostium; and <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.:</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">04-0297 (<confidence value="22228">USO1)</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+performing the medical procedure on the first tissue site with the at least one operative element.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">24. (Original) The method of claim <part-num-ref name="method of claim">23,</part-num-ref>
+ further comprising:    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">rotating the simple curve within the vessel ostium about the apex to place the operative element in contact with a second tissue site adjacent the vessel ostium; and performing the medical procedure on the second tissue site with the at least one operative element.</p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">25. (Original) The method of claim <part-num-ref name="method of claim">23,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the at least one operative element comprises an ablative element, and performing the medical procedure comprises forming a lesion at the first tissue site with the ablative element.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">26. (Currently Amended) A catheter, comprising:</p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">an elongated flexible integrated catheter body including:</p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">a proximal shaft portion having a longitudinal axis, a distal shaft portion having a proximal section configured to be internally actuated to form a simple curve with an apex that can be inserted into an ostium of an anatomical vessel, an intermediate section pre-shaped to form a curve that bends opposite the simple curve, and a distal section configured to be placed into a non- radial relationship with the vessel ostium whe<confidence value="8">n</confidence>
+ merely by the insertion of the apex of the simple curve <confidence value="586522222">is-insert</confidence>
+ed into the vessel ostium; and at least one operative element carried by the distal section, and configured to be placed firmly in contact with tissue adjacent the vessel ostium when the apex of the simple curve is inserted into the vessel ostium.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.:</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">04-0297 (<confidence value="22228">USO1)</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+27. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">26,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the at least one operative element comprises a tissue ablative element.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">28. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">27,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the ablative element is a linear or curvilinear tissue ablative element.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">29. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">26,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the at least one operative element comprises a diagnostic element.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">30. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">26,</part-num-ref>
+ further comprising a steering mechanism operable to internally actuate the proximal section to form the simple curve.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">31. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">26,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the proximal section is pre-shaped to form the simple curve in the absence of an external force.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">32. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">26,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the proximal section is radio-opaque.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">33. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">26,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the distal section forms a distal tip of the catheter body.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">34. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">26,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the non-radial relationship is a substantially tangential relationship.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">35. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">26,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the non-radial relationship is an oblique relationship that falls within the range of <confidence value="5881">-30°</confidence>
+ and <part-num-ref name="range of -30° and">30<confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ from the tangent.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">36. (Original) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">26,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the vessel is a pulmonary vein in an adult human.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">37. (Original) A method of performing a medical procedure adjacent an ostium of a vessel using the catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">26,</part-num-ref>
+ comprising:    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.:</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">04-0297 (<confidence value="22228">USO1)</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+inserting the apex of the simple curve into the vessel ostium of a vessel to place the at least one operative element in contact with a first tissue site adjacent the vessel ostium;    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">and performing the medical procedure on the first tissue site with the at least one operative element.</p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">38. (Original) The method of claim <part-num-ref name="method of claim">37,</part-num-ref>
+ further comprising:    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">rotating the curve within the vessel ostium about the apex to place the operative element in contact with a second tissue site adjacent the vessel ostium; and performing the medical procedure on the second tissue site with the at least one operative element.</p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">39. (Original) The method of claim <part-num-ref name="method of claim">37,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the at least one operative element comprises an ablative element, and performing the medical procedure comprises forming a lesion at the first tissue site with the ablative element.    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">40-58. (Cancelled).</p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">59. (Newly Added) The catheter of claim <part-num-ref name="catheter of claim">1,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the proximal section is configured to be internally actuated from a straight geometry to the simple curve.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11104813.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,474 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11104813</doc-number>
+        <date>2005-04-13</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">Case 2618</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">APPLICATION FOR UNITED STATES PATENT</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-2">METHOD OF RAPIDLY INFORMING A PASSERBY ABOUT</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">A FOOD-AND-BEVERAGE ESTABLISHMENT</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">20</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">25</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">30</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">35</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ Applicant: Serguei N. Mamedrzaev, residing in New York, New York <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Case 2618</boundary-data>
+Method of Rapidly Informing a Passerby about a Food-and-Beverage Establishment This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/659313 filed on March <part-num-ref name="Food-and-Beverage Establishment This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/659313 filed on March">7,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="Food-and-Beverage Establishment This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/659313 filed on March 7,">2005.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of rapidly informing a passerby about a food- and-beverage establishment, so as to entice the passerby to use the services of the establishment. A preferred aspect of the invention comprises attracting the attention of a <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+passerby outside the establishment with a default mode of dynamically broadcasting text, graphics or sounds.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">Background of the <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+nvention Traditional Approach <boundary-data type="line-number">15        </boundary-data>
+Food-and-beverage establishments, such as restaurants, cafes, bistros<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ lounges, etc., traditionally publicize their different menus, specials of the day, special events, promotions and many other types of information and signs typically by posting them outside of the establishment so as to be visible to the passersby. All the establishment menus, promotions and other signs are generally in hardcopy form, sometimes printed or typed and sometimes handwritten. The <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+menus, promotions and most of the other signs serve to entice the passersby to use the services of the establishment. Such "services" not only include offering food and beverage, but also include providing an attractive atmosphere for dining, as well as organizing special events such as musical performances, wine tastings, karaoke, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">As used herein, "passersby" are potential customers of an establishment, which include <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+persons who have not previously used the services of the establishment as well as persons who have previously used such services.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">Often, in order to better promote its services, a food-and-beverage establishment has no choice but to post more and more menus or other promotions from outside of the establishment so as to be visible to the passersby. This method of informing the passersby about a food-and- <part-num-ref name="food-and-">30</part-num-ref>
+   beverage establishment results in three major drawbacks, including <part-num-ref name="beverage establishment results in three major drawbacks, including">(1)</part-num-ref>
+ limitation in the amount <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Case 2618</boundary-data>
+of information provided, <part-num-ref name="amount of information provided,">(2)</part-num-ref>
+ a cluttered look, and <part-num-ref name="cluttered look, and">(3)</part-num-ref>
+ difficultly of updating. These drawbacks are discussed as follows.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">First, since hardcopy menus, promotions or other signs are in a fixed form, they are limited in the amount of information they can provide. The passersby who are looking for more <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+details regarding a specific aspect of the establishment may feel that the details needed to help them to make a decision, regarding whether or not to enter and use the services of that establishment, are not provided. This inability to expand upon what is provided by hardcopy menus may result in turning away passersby from using the services of that establishment.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">Second, a passerby viewing the exterior of a food-and-beverage establishment will often <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+be influenced on whether the use the services of the establishment based on the exterior appearance of that establishment. With many menus and other signs posted on the exterior of the establishment, aside from being confronted with a cluttered look, a passerby will often have difficultly finding desired information, and may be dissuaded from using the services of the establishment.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15        </boundary-data>
+Third, it is a constant challenge for the owner or manager of a food-and-beverage establishment to keep all menus and signs current. Menus, for instance, typically require considerable and time-consuming steps to update, such as marking up a menu, traveling to a printer to revise and print the menu, opening a framed menu board to replace the old one, re- writing (by hand) an entire menu board and so forth. Frequent and repeated hardcopy menu <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+updates, which often occur on a daily basis, are impractical and inefficient.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">Inventive Method In view of the abovementioned drawbacks of the traditional method of displaying hardcopy menus, promotions, etc., to passersby of a food-and-beverage establishment, it would be desirable to use a new method that eliminates the abovementioned drawbacks.</p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25        </boundary-data>
+In one form, the method concerns placing an easy-to-update, interactive electronic menu board in a location accessible by a passerby consumer from outside the food-and-beverage establishment. The interactive menu board shows, by graphical and textual content, aspects of the food-and-beverage establishment, and has user-activated links that enable the passerby to expand on a desired category of information about the different aspects, and thereby rapidly <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+informs the passerby about the food-and-beverage establishment. A preferred form of the present method's default mode comprises attracting the attention of the passerby by <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Case 2618</boundary-data>
+dynamically broadcasting text or graphics on a menu board or in some cases, audio sounds from audio speakers.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">Directory Kiosks The present, inventive method differs from the use of existing, interactive directory <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+kiosks employed by a considerable number of businesses, such as those located in large buildings or airports. Directory kiosks typically provide a limited amount of information about each business, as their primary purpose is usually to show the location and category of the many businesses.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">In contrast, the primary purpose of the menu board of the present method is to promote <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+the services of a single food-and-beverage establishment by providing in-depth and focused information about this establishment to entice a passerby to use its services. The menu board of the present method replaces and enhances any traditional hardcopy menu form visible from outside of an establishment, a feature expected by patrons outside of any food-and-beverage establishment. Accordingly, it will usually be placed in the immediate vicinity of the <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+establishment, or it may be placed near an access location to the establishment (e.g., near a street level entrance for a second-floor restaurant).    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">Self-Ordering Display Systems The present method also differs from the use of existing self-ordering display systems located and accessible from inside a food-and-beverage establishment. Being located and <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+accessible from inside such an establishment, a potential customer who has entered the establishment has already made a form of social commitment to use the services of the establishment. Further, some establishments seek to have customers actually purchase services from a self-ordering display screen located and accessible from inside an establishment. Any financial transaction through this self-ordering display system requires a <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+commitment by the customer to use the services of the establishment.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">In contrast, the present method's purpose is to reach potential customers who are passersby outside of an establishment and who have not yet decided to enter the establishment. The method does this by attracting the attention of passersby and easily and rapidly informing them about the services of the establishment. Using an interactive, electronic <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+menu board, accessible from outside of an establishment, allows the establishment to provide a passerby with an information-gathering but non-purchasing relationship with the establishment, so that the passerby can become informed about the establishment in a non-committal manner.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Case 2618</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+Additionally, the present method targets a different stage of a potential customer's decision-making process than a self-ordering system located inside an establishment . As such, selection and presentation of information features will differ in many respects.. For instance, the preferred form of the present invention in its default mode, employs a dynamic presentation of <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+information to a passerby, including, but not limited to, images of the establishment's interior.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">These images capture the attention of the passerby, who has not yet committed to use the services of this establishment, and help to influence the passerby's decision-making process at the earliest stage. In comparison, presentation of images of the establishment's interior would be unnecessary for a self-ordering display system located and accessible from within an <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+establishment, since the customer would already have entered and seen the interior of the establishment and made the decision to use its services.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">Summary of the Invention <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+n accordance with a preferred form of the invention, there is provided a method of <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+rapidly informing a passerby outside of a food-and-beverage establishment about the establishment that serves to entice the passerby to use the services of the food-and-beverage establishment. The method comprises placing an easy-to-update, interactive electronic menu board in a location accessible by a passerby from outside the food-and-beverage establishment.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">The interactive menu board shows, by graphical and textual content, different aspects of the <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+food-and-beverage establishment, and has user-activated links that enable the passerby to expand on a desired category of information about the aspects, and thereby rapidly informs the passerby about the establishment. The menu board screen provides a passerby with an information-gathering  but non-purchasing  relationship  with the  food-and-beverage establishment so that the passerby can become informed about the food-and-beverage <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+establishment in a non-committal manner. The primary purpose of the menu board is to promote the services of a single establishment. A preferred form of the present method's default mode comprises attracting the attention of the passerby by dynamically broadcasting text, graphics or audio sounds.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">The foregoing invention eliminates a cluttered look of the prior art use of hardcopy <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+menus and other signs, allows easy updating of information shown, and has user-activated links to allow a passerby to instantly expand on a desired category of information about the food-and- beverage establishment.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Case 2618</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+Further, implementation of the foregoing invention will not require any changes (i) to the restaurant's environment, (ii) in the procedures used by waiters to place orders (e.g. waiters' point-of-sale ordering systems), and (iii) in its cash-register procedures. Nor will the present invention require installation of multiple touch-screen displays or computer servers, or additional <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+training of staff, etc. It offers the establishment's owner an easy-to-use and cost-effective advertising tool for attracting and informing potential customers, with the ability to easily update information from any available computer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">A potential customer using an interactive electronic menu board according to the present method can also become rapidly informed of specific services that are desired at that <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+moment. For instance, through a preferred form of the present method, a customer will often already know how the food looks, how it is prepared, the caloric and nutritional value, price, etc., even before entering the establishment. Thus, an interactive electronic menu board accessible from outside of the establishment can rapidly facilitate potential customer's decision-making process, not only in helping the customer to decide whether or not to eat in this establishment <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+but also what to eat. Once inside, the customers can promptly order services, saving their time and the establishment's time, and allowing quicker turnover of tables and profitability for the restaurant.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">A preferred form of the present invention allows foreigners to obtain all desired information in their own native language. This will be extremely useful in international tourist <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+areas and hotels where menus are traditionally displayed in a single language.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">Other features and benefits of the invention will become apparent from reading the following description in connection with the appended drawings.</p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">Description of the Drawings <boundary-data type="line-number">25        </boundary-data>
+In the following drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">Fig. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ compares front views of the outside of a restaurant according to the prior art, and the outside of the same restaurant according to the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">Figs. 2 and <part-num-ref name="and">3</part-num-ref>
+ are perspective views of an electronic menu board, with Fig. 4 showing a detail of the menu board of Fig. 2.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30         </boundary-data>
+Figs. 5-7 are front views of electronic menu board displays used in the present method.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">Fig. 8 is similar to Fig. 5, but shows a pop-up dialog on the screen of Fig. 5.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Case 2618</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a menu board with a call-out indicating a spoken sentence in Japanese.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">Fig. 10 contains two boxes showing method steps.</p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">Fig. 11 is a series of five front views of electronic menu board displays used in the <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">Fig. 12 is a partial view of a representation of an electronic menu board display.</p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">Fig. 13 is a partial view of a dialog box of software used for uploading information to an electronic menu board display.</p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+Detailed Description of the Invention Fig. 1 contrasts a traditional food-and-beverage establishment (i.e., restaurant) <part-num-ref name="restaurant)">10</part-num-ref>
+ with an establishment <part-num-ref name="establishment">40</part-num-ref>
+ using an electronic menu board <part-num-ref name="electronic menu board">42</part-num-ref>
+ in accordance with the present method.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">Traditional establishment displays hardcopy menus 12 and many other signs such as: "Today's Specials" <part-num-ref name="and many other signs such as: &quot;Today's Specials&quot;">16,</part-num-ref>
+ "Special Promotions" <part-num-ref name="and many other signs such as: &quot;Today's Specials&quot; 16, &quot;Special Promotions&quot;">18,</part-num-ref>
+ "Special Events" <part-num-ref name="and many other signs such as: &quot;Today's Specials&quot; 16, &quot;Special Promotions&quot; 18, &quot;Special Events&quot;">20,</part-num-ref>
+ "Happy Hour" <part-num-ref name="and many other signs such as: &quot;Today's Specials&quot; 16, &quot;Special Promotions&quot; 18, &quot;Special Events&quot; 20, &quot;Happy Hour&quot;">22,</part-num-ref>
+ critic's reviews <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="and many other signs such as: &quot;Today's Specials&quot; 16, &quot;Special Promotions&quot; 18, &quot;Special Events&quot; 20, &quot;Happy Hour&quot; 22, critic's reviews">24,</part-num-ref>
+ hours of operation <part-num-ref name="and many other signs such as: &quot;Today's Specials&quot; 16, &quot;Special Promotions&quot; 18, &quot;Special Events&quot; 20, &quot;Happy Hour&quot; 22, critic's reviews 24, hours of operation">26,</part-num-ref>
+ wheelchair access and smoking signs <part-num-ref name="and many other signs such as: &quot;Today's Specials&quot; 16, &quot;Special Promotions&quot; 18, &quot;Special Events&quot; 20, &quot;Happy Hour&quot; 22, critic's reviews 24, hours of operation 26, wheelchair access and smoking signs">28,</part-num-ref>
+ accepted credit card signs <part-num-ref name="and many other signs such as: &quot;Today's Specials&quot; 16, &quot;Special Promotions&quot; 18, &quot;Special Events&quot; 20, &quot;Happy Hour&quot; 22, critic's reviews 24, hours of operation 26, wheelchair access and smoking signs 28, accepted credit card signs">30,</part-num-ref>
+ and Help Wanted or other signs <part-num-ref name="and many other signs such as: &quot;Today's Specials&quot; 16, &quot;Special Promotions&quot; 18, &quot;Special Events&quot; 20, &quot;Happy Hour&quot; 22, critic's reviews 24, hours of operation 26, wheelchair access and smoking signs 28, accepted credit card signs 30, and Help Wanted or other signs">32.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">Thus, a potential customer <part-num-ref name="potential customer">36</part-num-ref>
+ is often confronted with many signs displayed in a cluttered fashion on the exterior of a traditional establishment <part-num-ref name="traditional establishment">10.</part-num-ref>
+ Potential customer <part-num-ref name="traditional establishment 10. Potential customer">36</part-num-ref>
+ must often spend several minutes searching for desired information among all the various posted <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+signs. In this process, potential customer <part-num-ref name="various posted signs. In this process, potential customer">36</part-num-ref>
+ may be required to bend, look up and look around in search of a relevant sign. Once a relevant sign is found, the static, hardcopy nature of the sign limits the amount of information provided.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">In contrast, the same establishment can replace some or all of the various signs 12-32 with a single electronic menu board <part-num-ref name="single electronic menu board">42.</part-num-ref>
+ All of signs 12-32 can be shown on menu board <part-num-ref name="single electronic menu board 42. All of signs 12-32 can be shown on menu board">42,</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+usually at different times and, importantly, as desired by a potential customer <part-num-ref name="potential customer">43,</part-num-ref>
+ as indicated by dashed-line arrows <part-num-ref name="potential customer 43, as indicated by dashed-line arrows">44.</part-num-ref>
+ The customer does not need to bend, look up and around, as with the traditional establishment <part-num-ref name="traditional establishment">10,</part-num-ref>
+ but can comfortably view all the same information from one location-the electronic menu board <part-num-ref name="same information from one location-the electronic menu board">42.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">Menu board 42 is interactive, preferably comprising a resistive touch-screen such as those <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+available from <part-num-ref name="resistive touch-screen such as those available from">(1)</part-num-ref>
+ Elo TouchSystems, Inc. of Menlo Park, California; <part-num-ref name="Elo TouchSystems, Inc. of Menlo Park, California;">(2)</part-num-ref>
+ Radiant Systems, Inc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">of Alpharetta, Georgia; or (3) CyberTouch of Newbury Park, California. However, other types of <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="7">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Case 2618</boundary-data>
+interactive technologies will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art based on the present specification. Interaction can be provided, by way of example, by voice commands from a potential customer, by any scrolling devices (e.g. trackball, joystick) or by sensor- activated touchless communication. Suitable drivers for the menu board may be internal to the <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+menu board, or can be located in a separate computer connected to the menu board.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">Significantly, if desired, the drivers can be stand-alone drivers in the sense that a current display is not dependent on current Internet signals. On the other hand, it may be desired that updates to the display content can be provided via the Internet or other types of connections, for instance.</p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10     </boundary-data>
+Fig. 2 shows an electronic menu board 42a mounted on a pedestal <part-num-ref name="pedestal">45</part-num-ref>
+ in front of a restaurant <part-num-ref name="restaurant">46.</part-num-ref>
+ Multiple passersby <part-num-ref name="restaurant 46. Multiple passersby">47</part-num-ref>
+ are observing the menu board, although only the closest passerby is interacting by hand with the menu board. Fig. 3 shows a similar view, but with a menu board 42b mounted on an exterior wall of restaurant <part-num-ref name="exterior wall of restaurant">46.</part-num-ref>
+ Fig. 4 shows a detail of the menu board of Fig. 2 in which sound speakers <part-num-ref name="in which sound speakers">48</part-num-ref>
+ provide audio information to passerby <part-num-ref name="provide audio information to passerby">47.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+Menu board 42a may be equipped with a microphone (not shown) for receiving audio commands from the passerby.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">Menu boards 42a and 42b of Figs. 2-4 may have frames, as shown, with the appearance of a traditional menu board for a hardcopy menu. Or, frames may be customized as desired, and be weatherproofed for outdoor use.</p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20     </boundary-data>
+As shown in Figs. 2 and <part-num-ref name="and">3,</part-num-ref>
+ an electronic menu board 42a or 42b might be located in the immediate outside vicinity of a food-and-beverage establishment. More broadly, an electronic menu board according to the present method may be located wherever there are passersby whom the establishment wishes to attract. Thus, an electronic menu board might be placed at street level for a restaurant located above or below street level. Or, the menu board might be <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+placed at the lobby of a hotel in which the establishment is located, or in the elevators of the hotel, or wherever passersby are located.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">Fig. 5 shows an electronic menu board display <part-num-ref name="electronic menu board display">50</part-num-ref>
+ with one example of a customized, dynamic visual display of information, comprising a slide show. In the example shown, a main, enlarged slide <part-num-ref name="main, enlarged slide">52</part-num-ref>
+ appears near the center of menu board display <part-num-ref name="center of menu board display">50.</part-num-ref>
+ Upcoming slides <part-num-ref name="center of menu board display 50. Upcoming slides">54,</part-num-ref>
+ as <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+noted by dashed-line arrows <part-num-ref name="center of menu board display 50. Upcoming slides 54, as noted by dashed-line arrows">56,</part-num-ref>
+ will each, in turn, become the main, enlarged slide. Upcoming slides <part-num-ref name="main, enlarged slide. Upcoming slides">54</part-num-ref>
+ may be partially (or fully) faded out so as to give the main slide prominence.    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">Upcoming slides 54 may show food items being currently served, and succeeding slides <part-num-ref name="may show food items being currently served, and succeeding slides">58</part-num-ref>
+ may also show food items being currently served. Or, as shown in slide <part-num-ref name="may also show food items being currently served. Or, as shown in slide">60,</part-num-ref>
+ an interior view of the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Case 2618</boundary-data>
+establishment, for instance, may also be shown. Whatever the establishment wishes to promote can be shown in the dynamic slide show. An alternative to a slide show would be video (i.e., movie) presentations.    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">Preferably accompanying the slide show is text <part-num-ref name="slide show is text">62,</part-num-ref>
+ consisting of a description of each <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+image as it appears as the main slide <part-num-ref name="main slide">52.</part-num-ref>
+ Since the slide show dynamically changes, text <part-num-ref name="slide show dynamically changes, text">62</part-num-ref>
+ alternates so that it keeps describing the image in the main slide <part-num-ref name="main slide">52.</part-num-ref>
+ Preferably, text <part-num-ref name="main slide 52. Preferably, text">62</part-num-ref>
+ comprises multiple languages, such as English 62a and Japanese 62b. The availability of this multi-lingual feature is quickly made obvious to the potential customers before any interaction with the electronic menu board. The English and Japanese text might appear simultaneously, <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+or sequentially, while an image in the main slide <part-num-ref name="main slide">52</part-num-ref>
+ is being portrayed. Alternatively, or in addition to the dynamic slide show, a dynamic presentation of audio sounds, preferably multi- lingual, is provided by the menu board (as by speakers <part-num-ref name="menu board (as by speakers">48</part-num-ref>
+ in Fig. 4), to further capture the attention of potential customers passing by.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">It is especially beneficial for the dynamic slide show of Fig. 5 to be the default mode of <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+menu board display <part-num-ref name="default mode of menu board display">50.</part-num-ref>
+ The same is true of the mentioned dynamic audio presentation. This is to attract the attention of potential customers who are merely passing by a food-and-beverage establishment.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">As shown on menu board 50 of Fig. 5, the services of a single food-and-beverage establishment are promoted. More accurately, the primary purpose of the menu board is to <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+promote the services of a single establishment to passersby. This is determined in an objective way by the eye-catching prominence of text or graphics on the menu board.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">Fig. 5 also illustrates preferred button icons <part-num-ref name="also illustrates preferred button icons">70,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="also illustrates preferred button icons 70,">72</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">74,</part-num-ref>
+ for instance, that are shown in every view of the menu board. Button icons <part-num-ref name="menu board. Button icons">70,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="menu board. Button icons 70,">72</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">74</part-num-ref>
+ relate to Events, Menu and Interior of a food-and-beverage establishment or to any other aspects of the establishment that the <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+owner wants to promote. If a potential customer wishes to know more about the interior of the establishment, the user's hand <part-num-ref name="user's hand">64</part-num-ref>
+ can touch Interior button icon <part-num-ref name="can touch Interior button icon">74</part-num-ref>
+ (in the case of a touch screen type of menu board). This hand motion is indicated by arrow <part-num-ref name="touch screen type of menu board). This hand motion is indicated by arrow">65.</part-num-ref>
+ Upon being touched, a menu board display <part-num-ref name="menu board display">76</part-num-ref>
+ as shown in Fig. 6 is obtained.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">Fig. 6 shows an interior view <part-num-ref name="interior view">78</part-num-ref>
+ of the establishment, with accompanying text <part-num-ref name="establishment, with accompanying text">80.</part-num-ref>
+ Text <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="establishment, with accompanying text 80. Text">80</part-num-ref>
+ is preferably multi-lingual, with upper text 80a in English, and lower text 80b in Japanese, for instance. Symbol <part-num-ref name="is preferably multi-lingual, with upper text 80a in English, and lower text 80b in Japanese, for instance. Symbol">82,</part-num-ref>
+ shown in some of the present drawings, is a visual icon indicating touch- screen interactive operation, which may be used if the electronic menu board uses touch-screen <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Case 2618</boundary-data>
+technology. View <part-num-ref name="electronic menu board uses touch-screen technology. View">78</part-num-ref>
+ of the establishment's interior can be a single slide or video, one of a series of changing slides or videos, of the establishment. If view <part-num-ref name="establishment. If view">78</part-num-ref>
+ changes, then text <part-num-ref name="changes, then text">80</part-num-ref>
+ would change in similar fashion as text <part-num-ref name="would change in similar fashion as text">62</part-num-ref>
+ of Fig. 5, as explained above.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">After a potential customer realizes from the menu board displays of Figs. 5 or <part-num-ref name="or">6</part-num-ref>
+ that the <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+menu board has multi-lingual capacity, the customer will more likely recognize language icons <part-num-ref name="customer will more likely recognize language icons">92</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">94.</part-num-ref>
+ Upon selecting icon <part-num-ref name="and 94. Upon selecting icon">94</part-num-ref>
+ showing a Japanese flag in Fig. 5, for instance, the display changes to that shown in Fig. 7. in which all language text (except for "English" under the English flag, for instance) appears in Japanese.    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">Menu board display 90 of Fig. 7 shows the same visual content as menu board display <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="same visual content as menu board display">50</part-num-ref>
+ of Fig. 5. However, since the Japanese language icon <part-num-ref name="Japanese language icon">94</part-num-ref>
+ has been selected, preferably all the text, as shown, appears in Japanese. Preferably, all text shown after the Japanese language icon <part-num-ref name="Japanese language icon">94</part-num-ref>
+ has been selected will appear in Japanese. This enables a person fluent in Japanese, but not the other language(s) presented, to easily understand the information being presented. After not being used for a certain period of time (e.g., <part-num-ref name="">15</part-num-ref>
+ seconds), the menu board <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+display will revert back to a default language. Of course, the information on the menu board display can be made available in more than the two languages illustrated.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">Another way of informing a potential customer of the multi-lingual capability of a menu board is to use a pop-up dialog. As shown in Fig. 8, such a pop-up dialog <part-num-ref name="pop-up dialog">84</part-num-ref>
+ announces, in a language (e.g., Japanese) different from a default language (e.g., English), that such different <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+language can be used. The translation of the Japanese text in pop-up dialog box <part-num-ref name="Japanese text in pop-up dialog box">84</part-num-ref>
+ is "Menu can be viewed in Japanese." Other graphics or text on the screen may recede from view to emphasize pop-up <part-num-ref name="screen may recede from view to emphasize pop-up">84.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">Alternatively, if speakers such as 48 in Fig. 4 accompany the menu board, the speakers can announce that a language (e.g., Japanese) that differs from a default language (e.g., <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+English) can be used.  As shown in Fig. 9, for instance, a call-out <part-num-ref name="call-out">85</part-num-ref>
+ shows an audio announcement in Japanese that translates into English as, "This menu board speaks Japanese." The audio announcement comes from speakers <part-num-ref name="audio announcement comes from speakers">48</part-num-ref>
+ on menu board 42a, for instance.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">Fig. 10 summarizes a preferred aspect of the present method. Fig. 10 shows a method- <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+step box <part-num-ref name="method- step box">86</part-num-ref>
+ aimed at capturing the attention of a passerby, followed by a method-step box <part-num-ref name="method-step box">87</part-num-ref>
+ for informing the passerby about some aspect of the establishment. Capturing the attention of a passerby can be accomplished by the dynamic default display (slide show) shown on menu <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Case 2618</boundary-data>
+board <part-num-ref name="dynamic default display (slide show) shown on menu board">50</part-num-ref>
+ of Fig. 5, for instance, by the dynamic pop-up <part-num-ref name="dynamic pop-up">84</part-num-ref>
+ shown on menu board <part-num-ref name="shown on menu board">50</part-num-ref>
+ of Fig. 8, or by the dynamic audio announcement <part-num-ref name="dynamic audio announcement">85</part-num-ref>
+ shown in Fig. 9. Many variations of dynamically capturing the attention of a passerby will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the present specification. For example, text, graphics or sound can be dynamically <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+broadcast, by flashing (to replace neon signs, for instance), or pop-ups, or by informative written or spoken language such as "We are open now," or "Serving now," or "Live Jazz Tonight!." Alternatively, promotional language could be dynamically broadcast in a quiz form such as "Answer this Question Right, and Get a 10% Discount [or some free services] in our Restaurant." <boundary-data type="line-number">10        </boundary-data>
+Fig. 11 illustrates a highly preferred feature of the present method, by which a potential customer can see at one glance all or most of the food items served for a particular time of day.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">Starting from the dynamic menu board display <part-num-ref name="dynamic menu board display">50,</part-num-ref>
+ which is also shown in Fig. 5, a potential customer selects Menu button icon <part-num-ref name="potential customer selects Menu button icon">72</part-num-ref>
+ to thereby show menu board display <part-num-ref name="to thereby show menu board display">100.</part-num-ref>
+ This change in menu board display is shown by dashed-line arrow <part-num-ref name="to thereby show menu board display 100. This change in menu board display is shown by dashed-line arrow">102.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15        </boundary-data>
+Menu board display 100 allows the customer to choose to view specific menus (e.g., dinner or lunch), by selecting the corresponding icons <part-num-ref name="corresponding icons">104</part-num-ref>
+ or 104a, or to view all menus by selecting the View All Menu button icon 72a. As can be seen from comparing menu board displays <part-num-ref name="View All Menu button icon 72a. As can be seen from comparing menu board displays">50</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">100,</part-num-ref>
+ Menu button icon <part-num-ref name="and 100, Menu button icon">72</part-num-ref>
+ on display <part-num-ref name="on display">50</part-num-ref>
+ changes into View All Menu button icon 72a on display <part-num-ref name="changes into View All Menu button icon 72a on display">100.</part-num-ref>
+ If a customer selects View All Menu button icon 72a on display <part-num-ref name="customer selects View All Menu button icon 72a on display">100,</part-num-ref>
+ as <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+shown by arrow <part-num-ref name="customer selects View All Menu button icon 72a on display 100, as shown by arrow">106,</part-num-ref>
+ a menu board display <part-num-ref name="menu board display">110</part-num-ref>
+ appears which displays all or most food items.    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">Menu board display 110 shows thumbnail images of all or most of the food items on the full (or All) menu. Preferably, brief text accompanies each of the thumbnail images, such as shown in display <part-num-ref name="thumbnail images, such as shown in display">110,</part-num-ref>
+ giving the name of the food. The ability for a potential customer to view the images of all or most food items at a single glance powerfully facilitates the decision-making <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+process of the customer in selecting a particular food item for consumption. Showing all or most food items at the same time with 3-dimensional plastic models displayed near an entrance to many restaurants in Japan has served for many years to help potential customers quickly decide whether to order a particular food item. Some restaurants in the United States also have adopted such custom.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30        </boundary-data>
+While viewing menu board display 100, the potential customer might select Dinner menu button icon 104a (rather than View All Menu button icon 72a) to view menu board display <part-num-ref name="potential customer might select Dinner menu button icon 104a (rather than View All Menu button icon 72a) to view menu board display">120,</part-num-ref>
+ as shown by dashed-line arrow <part-num-ref name="potential customer might select Dinner menu button icon 104a (rather than View All Menu button icon 72a) to view menu board display 120, as shown by dashed-line arrow">122.</part-num-ref>
+ Arrow <part-num-ref name="potential customer might select Dinner menu button icon 104a (rather than View All Menu button icon 72a) to view menu board display 120, as shown by dashed-line arrow 122. Arrow">122</part-num-ref>
+ starts on Dinner menu button icon 104a and <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Case 2618</boundary-data>
+ends on display <part-num-ref name="starts on Dinner menu button icon 104a and ends on display">120.</part-num-ref>
+ Display <part-num-ref name="starts on Dinner menu button icon 104a and ends on display 120. Display">120</part-num-ref>
+ shows most or all of the dinner menu items, including, if desired, appetizers and desserts in addition to entrees.    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">In both menu board displays 110 and <part-num-ref name="and">120,</part-num-ref>
+ the central, lower button icon <part-num-ref name="central, lower button icon">124</part-num-ref>
+ labeled "Slide Show" permits instant return to display <part-num-ref name="labeled &quot;Slide Show&quot; permits instant return to display">50</part-num-ref>
+ that includes the slide show.    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5        </boundary-data>
+From either of the menu board displays <part-num-ref name="menu board displays">110</part-num-ref>
+ or <part-num-ref name="or">120,</part-num-ref>
+ showing images of food items, a customer can select a food item to view an enlarged image of the desired item and accompanying text description and price. Preferably, as shown in menu board display <part-num-ref name="desired item and accompanying text description and price. Preferably, as shown in menu board display">130,</part-num-ref>
+ the customer can select button icons or other icons to view expanded information on the desired item. For instance, the customer can select any of button icons <part-num-ref name="customer can select any of button icons">134,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="customer can select any of button icons 134,">136</part-num-ref>
+ or <part-num-ref name="or">138</part-num-ref>
+ to see <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+information on nutrition, recommended wine or a preparation video, respectively. As such, the potential customer can quickly make a very informed decision about a food item to order.    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">In addition to a potential customer becoming rapidly informed about a particular food item, providing an image and detailed description of this item creates certain expectations regarding the quality, quantity, and presentation of this food item. By heightening the <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+customer's expectation of the item based on its presentation and description displayed on the interactive electronic menu board, the food-and-beverage establishment now has a greater incentive to meet those expectations and avoid customer dissatisfaction. This process serves to enhance quality control of food items.    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">In addition to simultaneously displaying most or all of the food items in a menu as in Fig.</p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+11, the menu board could display multiple items in another category or subcategory of the establishment's services. For instance, most or all of the establishment's cocktails could be simultaneously displayed in thumbnail form, or most or all of the jazz band events could be simultaneously shown in thumbnail form.  The same applies to other events of the establishment, or images of the interior of the establishment. Having most or all of the items in <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+a category of services simultaneously displayed facilitates rapid decision-making by a potential customer on selecting which services to use.    </p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">By using an electronic menu board in accordance with the present method, many categories of information can be easily presented on a relatively small board. Most information can be provided in an enhanced (e.g., detailed), interactively obtained manner. Secondly, as <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+mentioned above, a menu board can reduce clutter outside a food-and-beverage establishment by eliminating the need for hardcopy signs. Thirdly, courtesy features can be added to the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Case 2618</boundary-data>
+menu board to additionally assist potential customers (e.g., informing them of the current time, current weather update, local area map, etc.).    </p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">The following chart and description describe preferred features or signs, some or all of which an establishment may wish to incorporate in a menu board<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ Of course, an establishment <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+has an option to use any of the following features.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-4">FEATURES</heading>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">Menu Events Interior Languages Today<confidence value="8">'</confidence>
+s Specials Bar Selection Wine List About Us Make Reservation Parties Promotion (Happy Hour) Our Chef Specialty Cocktails Critics/Press Area Map Time and Date Payment methods Service and commodity signs Custom signs Optional Icons The "Menu" feature will inform the potential customer about all the food menu offerings.    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">Preferably, this feature will display a list with all menu items, detailed descriptions of those items including the price, and an actual image (photograph) of a desired menu item. Other optional <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+icons will mention a recommended wine(s) to compliment a desired menu item, nutritional facts of the item, or a video demonstration of how the item is prepared.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Case 2618</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+Beneficially, the Menu feature will answer the most common questions about the establishment's food before customers come inside, such as:    </p>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">"How big is this dish?" "What comes with it?" <boundary-data type="line-number">5                          </boundary-data>
+"What does it look like?" The "Events" feature will inform the potential customer about any special events hosted by the service-oriented establishment. This feature will allow people to see the schedule of the events, detailed  descriptions  of those  events and  the  ability to see  images (photographs/posters) of the events and, if audio speakers (e.g., <part-num-ref name="">48,</part-num-ref>
+ Fig. 4) are available, to <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+listen to the music style in case of a live band. Photos and brief descriptions of past events can also be shown. For instance, the Events feature might say, "Live jazz band every Wednesday night," and display a picture of the band, provide sample sound tracks, and show a schedule of the event.    </p>
+    <p id="p-74" num="74">The "Interior" feature will allow the potential customer to see images (photographs) and <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+detailed description of the inside of the establishment. This can be especially important for some restaurants, for instance, those located on the second floor of a building, where passersby (i.e., potential customers) are outside on a sidewalk, and do not want to make the commitment of going up the stairs and to enter just to see the interior of this restaurant.    </p>
+    <p id="p-75" num="75">The "Languages" feature will offer the potential customer all information in languages <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+different from a default language. This is an important feature for the international hospitality industry. In particular, it is well suited for restaurants in tourist or high-density, multicultural areas, or in international hotel restaurants, such as, for example, a restaurant in a Paris hotel that wants Japanese tourists to be able to read its menu.    </p>
+    <p id="p-76" num="76">The "Today's Specials" feature will inform a potential customer about the restaurant's <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+specials of the day. It will display a list with the day's special items, detailed descriptions of those items including the price, and an actual image (photograph) of a particular day's special item of interest, or a video demonstration of how a particular day's special item of interest is prepared. Some of these features are illustrated in connection with the menus of Fig. 11.    </p>
+    <p id="p-77" num="77">The "Bar Selection" feature will inform potential customers about the establishment's bar <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+selection, including any items that could help attract the target customers. It will allow the establishment to display a list with all bar items, detailed descriptions of those items including <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Case 2618</boundary-data>
+the price, an actual image (photograph) of different areas of the bar display. For instance, it can show images of premium vodkas for martini enthusiasts, single malts sele<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+tion for whiskey lovers, draft beers, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-78" num="78">The "Wine List" feature will inform the potential customer about the establishment's full <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+wine selection. It will display a list of all wines, detailed descriptions of them  including the price, the serving size (by the glass, by the bottle, by carafe...), and an actual image (photograph) of a particular wine of interest or of the establishment wine cellar. For instance, a person, who wants to eat a steak without any particular preference as to where to eat it, might be better attracted and enticed by a bottle of "St. Emilion" <part-num-ref name="bottle of &quot;St. Emilion&quot;">1998,</part-num-ref>
+ available in the restaurant's collection <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+and shown on a "Wine List" selection.    </p>
+    <p id="p-79" num="79">The "About Us" feature will provide the potential customer with a description of the venue's philosophy, history and cuisine. By showing the best aspects of its business, an establishment will become more attractive to the potential customer. For instance, the establishment can list or show photos of celebrity visitors, owners, famous historical location, <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+renowned chef, unique cuisine or short video broadcasts of movies/television scenes where the establishment is featured, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-80" num="80">The "Make Reservation" feature will offer the potential customer the opportunity to make a reservation (e.g. to enter name, date, time and number in party) and select the table they want to sit at (based on availability). Personal information could be entered through any available <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+interactive means employed by the present method - on-screen keyboard, voice command, integrated hardware keyboard, of projection keyboard, etc. This could be especially useful if an establishment is closed and the customer wants to eat there the following night and wants to be seated by the window to enjoy the view. This data entry and storage capability of the interactive menu board will also allow a potential customer to become a "member" of the establishment by <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+entering his or her <confidence value="5">e</confidence>
+-mail address (or mailing address, or cellular phone number, etc.) and be eligible for regular updates on the establishment's "Specials of the Day", upcoming events and various promotions.    </p>
+    <p id="p-81" num="81">The "Parties" feature will inform the potential customer of the restaurant's capability to organize and host parties. It will allow people to see images (photographs) of party/table set- <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+ups, a list of party menu samples and a list of all services the establishment could provide to accommodate an event. For instance, it will make it easy to obtain information such as the maximum number of seated people, sample menus, availability of <confidence value="66">TV</confidence>
+ screens, karaoke machines, microphones, stage, band, DJ, flowers arrangements, etc.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Case 2618</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-82" num="82">
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+The "Promotion" feature will inform the potential customer of any type of special offerings, such as a Happy Hour promotion.    </p>
+    <p id="p-83" num="83">The "Our Chef<confidence value="2">'</confidence>
+ feature will inform a potential customer about the restaurant's Chef. It will allow the people to see the Chef's picture, biography, awards and culinary creations with <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+display of images (photographs) and preparation video of Chef's specialties. This is an important tool for an establishment having a celebrity Chef.    </p>
+    <p id="p-84" num="84">The "Specialty Cocktails" feature will inform the potential customer of the different cocktail specialties or creations of the establishment. It will display a list with all specialty cocktails, detailed descriptions of those specialty cocktails including the price, and an actual <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+image (photograph) of a particular specialty cocktail of interest, or video demonstration of how that cocktail is prepared. For instance, a lounge specialized in Martinis, showing how they prepare their top-selling cocktail, will likely attract customers looking for fancy cocktails.    </p>
+    <p id="p-85" num="85">The "Critics/Press" feature will inform the potential customer about any reviews of the establishment made by critics in magazines or any other media.</p>
+    <p id="p-86" num="86">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15        </boundary-data>
+The "Area Map" feature will inform the potential customer (and the many other inquisitive tourists, etc.) about the surrounding area. It will help people to locate another tourist attraction in the neighborhood, for instance, while minimizing the time required of restaurant personnel to explain the surrounding areas. For instance, the Area Map can show museums, parks, theaters etc., in the area. It will be especially helpful for customers of large international hotels who try to <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+locate another attraction provided by the hotel.    </p>
+    <p id="p-87" num="87">The "Time <confidence value="5">&amp;</confidence>
+ Date" feature will display the current time and date. It will help the potential customer who makes a reservation to check the date. This also serves as a courtesy feature for passersby.    </p>
+    <p id="p-88" num="88">"Payment Methods" signs will inform the potential customer about the acceptable <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+payment methods, such as credit cards types, discount cards, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-89" num="89">"Service" signs (e.g., Smoking/Non-Smoking, Handicapped Access, Parking, Parking Valet Service, Panoramic view, Terrace, Garden, etc.) will inform the potential customer about the establishment services and commodities. For instance, on a beautiful summer day, a potential costumer will be more attracted to a restaurant with a garden or terrace.</p>
+    <p id="p-90" num="90">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30        </boundary-data>
+"Custom signs" (e.g., Kosher Food, Help Wanted, Closed for Private Party/Construction, Holidays Signs, Multi-Lingual Staff, etc.) will inform the potential customer about anything the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">16</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Case 2618</boundary-data>
+establishment operator deems necessary to inform about, in an easy, fast and attractive way and without cluttering the window or door of the restaurant with hardcopy signs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-91" num="91">The following three Optional Signs can be used to provide enhanced, interactively obtained information concerning food items:</p>
+    <p id="p-92" num="92">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5        </boundary-data>
+(1) A "Preparation video" icon (e.g., <part-num-ref name="">138,</part-num-ref>
+ Fig. 11) will help to show in a short video demonstration how the particular item is prepared. It will provide better presentation and promotion of this item, and answer potential customers' questions about preparation.    </p>
+    <p id="p-93" num="93">(2) A "Recommended Wine" icon (e.g., <part-num-ref name="">136,</part-num-ref>
+ Fig. 11) will help enhance the presentation of a food item by telling the potential customer what wine the Chef recommends for a particular <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+dish and why. Descriptions of wines and the regions they come from are also options for this feature.    </p>
+    <p id="p-94" num="94">(3) A "Nutritional Information" icon (e.g., <part-num-ref name="">134,</part-num-ref>
+ Fig. 11) will show nutritional information about a particular food item. This feature fits the latest trends in the restaurant industry, which relates to the growing health concern about eating habits (i.e., use of low-carbohydrate, low- <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+cholesterol, low-fat, or vegetarian food for restricted diets).    </p>
+    <p id="p-95" num="95">An establishment can easily update information on an electronic menu board. Typically, a CD-ROM or other media containing an upload program (sometimes called a "wizard" in the United States) will be used to update the menu board. Fig. 12 from an upload program shows a representation of a menu board display <part-num-ref name="menu board display">200</part-num-ref>
+ having an area <part-num-ref name="area">202</part-num-ref>
+ for the name and associated <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+information for an establishment, and an area <part-num-ref name="area">204</part-num-ref>
+ for display of a logo of the establishment.    </p>
+    <p id="p-96" num="96">Fig. 13 shows a dialog box <part-num-ref name="dialog box">210</part-num-ref>
+ from such an upload program in which the establishment is asked to input the information (e.g., name of establishment, logo) that will appear in areas <part-num-ref name="name of establishment, logo) that will appear in areas">202</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">204</part-num-ref>
+ in Fig. 12. Updating information can, therefore, be accomplished very easily and quickly by the establishment <boundary-data type="line-number">25        </boundary-data>
+While the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments by way of illustration, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true scope and spirit of the invention.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">17</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11163979.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11163979</doc-number>
+        <date>2008-03-06</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">ADDED PARAGRAPH TO SPECIFICATION:</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">This application is also continuation-in-part of pending U.S. Application 11/230,277 filed 20 Sept. <part-num-ref name="Sept.">2005</part-num-ref>
+ entitled "Combination And Method Using EDTA Combined With Glutathione In The Reduced State Encapsulated In A Liposome To Facilitate The Method Of Delivery Of The Combination As An Oral, Topical, Intraoral Or Transmucosal, For Anti-Thrombin Effect And For Anti-Platelet Aggregation And Measurement Of Efficacy" which claims benefit of provisional application filed on or about <part-num-ref name="Oral, Topical, Intraoral Or Transmucosal, For Anti-Thrombin Effect And For Anti-Platelet Aggregation And Measurement Of Efficacy&quot; which claims benefit of provisional application filed on or about">20</part-num-ref>
+ Sept. <part-num-ref name="Sept.">2004</part-num-ref>
+ and is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. Appl. 10/289,934 entitled "Systemic Administration Of NAC As An Adjunct In The Treatment Of Bioterror Exposures Such As Anthrax, Smallpox Or Radiation And For Vaccination Prophylaxis, And Use In Combination With DHEA For The Treatment Of Smallpox And Other Viruses" filed on Nov. <part-num-ref name="Treatment Of Smallpox And Other Viruses&quot; filed on Nov.">7,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="Treatment Of Smallpox And Other Viruses&quot; filed on Nov. 7,">2002,</part-num-ref>
+ which claims benefit of a provisional application No.    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">60/338,267 filed Nov. 9, 2002 and a provisional application 60/371,590 filed April <part-num-ref name="provisional application 60/371,590 filed April">11,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="provisional application 60/371,590 filed April 11,">2002.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11273379.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,497 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11273379</doc-number>
+        <date>2005-11-12</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">04860.P36<confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">UNITED STATES PATENT APPLICATION</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">FOR</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING IMPROVED SECURITY</heading>
+    <heading id="h-4">WHEN USING A UNIFORM RESOURCE LOCATOR (URL) OR OTHER</heading>
+    <heading id="h-5">ADDRESS OR IDENTIFIER</heading>
+    <heading id="h-6">INVENTOR:</heading>
+    <heading id="h-7">STUART D. CHESHIRE</heading>
+    <heading id="h-8">PREPARED BY:</heading>
+    <heading id="h-9">BLAKELY, SOKOLOFF, TAYLOR &amp; ZAFMAN</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">12400 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD </p>
+    <heading id="h-10">SEVENT<confidence value="8">H</confidence>
+ FLOOR    </heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">
+      <confidence value="866">LOS</confidence>
+ ANGELES, CA 90025-1026 (408) 720-8300     </p>
+    <heading id="h-11">EXPRESS MAIL CERTIFICATE OF MAILING</heading>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">"Express Mail" mailing label number: EV567490517 US Date of Deposit:       November 12<confidence value="2">,</confidence>
+ 2005 <confidence value="4">I</confidence>
+ hereby certify that I am causing this paper or fee to be deposited with the United States Postal Service "Express Mail Post Office to Addressee" service on the date indicated above and that this paper or fee has been addressed to the<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box <part-num-ref name="date indicated above and that this paper or fee has been addressed to the-Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box">1450,</part-num-ref>
+ Alexandria, VA 22313-1450 Sand<confidence value="8">y</confidence>
+ Fon<confidence value="28888">g-Hou</confidence>
+ (Typed or printed name of pe o  i g pape or fee) (Signature of person mailing a er <confidence value="2">'</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">)</confidence>
+ (Date signed) <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+    </p>
+    <heading id="h-12">METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING IMPROVED SECURITY WHEN</heading>
+    <heading id="h-13">USING A UNIFORM RESOURCE LOCATOR (UR<confidence value="66">L)</confidence>
+ OR OTHER ADDRESS OR    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-14">IDENTIFIER</heading>
+    <heading id="h-15">FIELD OF THE INVENTIONS</heading>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">1. Certain aspects of the present inventions generally relate to methods to access and interact with Web presentations that are initiated from an email message or other electronic document. The present inventions also relate to methods to improve user security when accessing Web presentations.</p>
+    <heading id="h-16">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS</heading>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">2. The widespread use of the Internet as an electronic communication medium has made the use of electronic mail, otherwise known as email, very common among users of data processing systems, including general purpose computer systems, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), Internet appliances, and other types of data processing systems. While email provides for the rapid exchange of text and other information through a network, it does present certain problems to users. One such problem is referred to as phishing or an email spoofing scam. A spoofing scam has the potential to inflict serious losses of data and direct monetary losses due to fraud and other schemes, and the spoofing scam may be part of an attempt at identity theft. A classic example of a spoofing scam is the creation of email messages that appear to be emails sent from legitimate sources, such as a bank. A spoofing scam will typically attempt to fool a user into submitting personal, financial, or password data to the originator of the scam, allowing them to use such data for currency <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+transfers and other fraudulent and potentially criminal schemes. Typically, a spoofing scam involves an email which arrives with the spoofed company's logo and email layout. These spoofed emails may direct the user through a link in the email to a spoofed Web page which is a fake representation of a legitimate Web page, such as a Web page of amazon.com or a bank's Web page, and the spoofed Web page asks the user to enter personal, financial or password data or other types of data sought by the organizers of the scam. The organizers of these types of scams use sophisticated techniques to make it difficult to determine the originator of the email. They often will make the email appear as if it came from a legitimate source, such as amazon.com or a bank<confidence value="8">'</confidence>
+s Web site, or a bank. By faking the identity of a legitimate source, the scammers are attempting to fool users into believing that the email is authentic and actually from the legitimate owner, such as amazon.com or a bank or other organizations which are well known to users. By adding a link (e.g. a URL), in the seemingly authentic email, to a fake Web site, it is easy for a user to select the link (e.g. by "clicking" on the link in the email) which causes a Web browser to open a window and to display the fake Web site. It is relatively easy to copy an authentic Web site (e.g. copy the HTML code and graphics and text of the Web page or pages), so the user may be easily tricked into giving their personal, financial, etc. data to the scammer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">3. In response to these scams, a working group known as the anti-phishing working group has been established; this working group now has a Web site at www.antiphishing.com. This working group has identified certain solutions to address the threat of spoofing scams. One of these solutions involves the use of <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+digitally signed email. However, such solutions will often require users, such as users at a home, to have a relatively high level of sophistication necessary to install the authentication data and to maintain the authentication data.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">4. Thus it is desirable to provide a simple solution to guard against email spoofing.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-17">SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+5. At least certain embodiments of the inventions protect a user from phishing or email spoofing attempts by automatically generating a list of trusted locations or addresses or identifiers and examining an electronic location or address or identifier and determining whether the electronic location or address or identifier is on the list of trusted locations or addresses and determining whether to warn the user. The list is created automatically, in at least certain embodiments, over time by user actions on a system which maintains the list and which determines whether to warn the user if the electronic location or address is not on the list. If the electronic location or address is on the list, this normally means the user has previously visited this location or address (e.g. a Web page) in a manner considered safe by the system. For example, if the user types by hand an identifier or address, then the system regards the identifier or address as safe and adds it automatically to the list, and if the user selects a link on a Web page which has been accepted as safe, then the target of that link is also automatically added to the list. Thus, in a typical case, the list is populated automatically by the system without requiring explicit and burdensome decision- making by the user. By automatically populating the list with URLs the user types and URLs the user selects on already-trusted pages, the list automatically becomes populated in such a way that a typical user should never see a warning except when seeing an actual phishing site. Thus, embodiments of the invention may operate unobtrusively (as if in the background) and require no input from the user until there is a real problem (e.g. a real phishing site).    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+6. According to one aspect of the present inventions, an exemplary method of processing a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) includes: receiving an input from a user to access a Web site through a URL included in an electronic message or document, such as an email; verifying if the Web site has been deemed to be trusted (e.g. accessed through a trusted source for the URL, such as typing the URL) before by at least one of the user or the system being used by the user; and presenting a warning to the user if the Web site is not deemed to be trusted. The input from the user may involve selecting the URL (e.g. by "clicking" on the URL) in the electronic message or document. The system may verify whether the Web site has been deemed to be trusted by comparing a host name within the URL to a list of host names in a history list of Web sites which have been indicated to be trusted. This history list may, in certain exemplary embodiments, initially be "seeded" by the manufacturer of the data processing system with a list of known, trusted host names (e.g. apple.com;    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">ebay.com; amazon.com; google.com) or may be additionally or alternatively "seeded" by the user's importing of bookmarks or favorites from previously used Web browsers or systems into a new Web browser or data processing system, and the user builds, in certain exemplary embodiments, on this history list every time they type a URL by hand or follow a link from a trusted page, or, more rarely, by indicating explicitly that a Web site is to be trusted when prompted by the data processing system for a decision about whether to trust the Web site. The host name may be parsed from a URL by following the conventions defined for URLs, such as the conventions defined in RFC <part-num-ref name="conventions defined in RFC">1738</part-num-ref>
+ (see, e.g. www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+738.txt). When the user indicates that the Web site is to be trusted, then the host name in the URL for <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+that Web site is added to the history list. In at least certain embodiments, the user may be prompted by the data processing system for such a decision only when the URL is entered in a Web browser in certain ways, such as when the URL is passed to a Web browser by an email application program which has displayed an email with the URL in the email.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">7. According to another aspect of the present inventions, an exemplary method of processing a URL includes: determining a source of a selected URL, wherein the determining results in classifying the source as one of a first class (e.g. a trusted source) or a second class and wherein the selected URL includes a first portion, such as a host name within the URL; determining, in response to determining that the source is classified in the second class (e.g. an untrusted source), whether the data processing system has previously accepted as trusted another URL which includes the same first portion; and if not then presenting a warning. In one implementation, the source is classified (e.g. determined) to be in the second class if it is from an email or an electronic document such as a PDF or word processing file, and the source is determined to be in the first class if it is from a user's typing of a URL into a text field of a Web browser or by following a link on an already-trusted page. In this implementation, a representation (e.g. a host name portion) of URLs classified in the first class will be automatically added to the history list of the trusted URLs, and consequently the display of information obtained through these URLs will not include a presentation (e.g. display) of a warning. Other methods, systems, and machine- readable medium which provide executable instructions are also described below.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-18">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+8. The following invention is described by way of example and not limitation on the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">9. Figure 1 is a block diagram of networks to which data processing systems are coupled and in which Web pages, such as those whose URL originated from an email message, may be accessed via a Web browser.</p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">10. Figure 2 is a block diagram of a digital processing system which may be used to access a Web page via a Web browser.</p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">11. Figure 3A is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method to determine if a user should be warned about a possible phishing email. Figure 3B is a flowchart which shows an exemplary method of processing warnings for subsequent Web pages;</p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">Figure 3C is a flowchart which shows an exemplary method of determining a source of a URL. Figure 3D is a flowchart which shows an exemplary method of generating a list of trusted URLs.</p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">12. Figures 4 A-D shows an exemplary email message containing a phishing URL.</p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">When the user attempts to access the Web page, a warning is issued and a series of choices are presented to the user for what to do next.</p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">13. Figure 5A is an example of a user interface of a Web browser displaying a Web page (which does not include a warning banner); Figure 5B is an example of a user interface of a Web browser displaying a Web page (which does include a warning banner).</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+14. Figure 6 illustrates an example of a manner of using a shared URL listing service which manages a global or shared URL history list on a data processing system (or for a network which includes many data processing systems).    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">15. Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary method for implementing a global or shared URL history list.</p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">16. Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary user interface for a settings or preferences panel or window for use with one or more aspects of the inventions.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-19">DETAILED DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+17. The subject of the inventions will be described with reference to numerous details and accompanying drawings set forth herein. The following description and drawings are illustrative of the inventions and are not to be construed as limiting the inventions.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the present inventions. However, in certain instances, well known or conventional details are not described in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present inventions. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present inventions may be practiced without these specific details.</p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">18. At least certain embodiments of the inventions protect a user from phishing or email spoofing attempts by automatically generating a list of trusted locations or addresses or identifiers and examining an electronic location or address or identifier and determining whether the electronic location or address or identifier is on the list of trusted locations or addresses and determining whether to warn the user. The list is created automatically, in at least certain embodiments, over time by user actions on a system which maintains the list and which determines whether to warn the user if the electronic location or address is not on the list. If the electronic location or address is on the list, this normally means the user has previously visited this location or address (e.g. a Web page) in a manner considered safe by the system. For example, if the user types by hand an address, then the system regards the address as safe and adds it automatically to the list, and if the user selects a link on a Web page which has been accepted as safe, then the address of that link is also automatically added to the list.</p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">Thus, in a typical case, the list is populated automatically by the system without <page-break num="11"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+requiring explicit and burdensome decision-making by the user. By automatically populating the list with URLs the user types and URLs the user selects on already- trusted pages, the list automatically becomes populated in such a way that a typical user should never see a warning except when seeing an actual phishing site. Thus, embodiments of the invention may operate unobtrusively (as if in the background) and require no input from the user until there is a real problem (e.g. a real phishing site). Before describing embodiments of the inventions further, certain background information about networks and data processing systems will be provided.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">19. As shown in Figure 1, a network <part-num-ref name="network">100</part-num-ref>
+ includes a number of client computer systems that are coupled together through an Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">122.</part-num-ref>
+ It will be appreciated that the term "Internet" refers to a network of networks. Such networks may use a variety of protocols for exchange of information, such as TCP/IP, ATM, SNA, SDI, etc. The physical connections of the Internet and the protocols and communication procedures of the Internet are well known to those in the art. It will be also appreciated that such system may be implemented in a network within an organization.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">20. Access to the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">122</part-num-ref>
+ is typically provided by Internet service providers (ISPs), such as the ISP <part-num-ref name="ISP">124,</part-num-ref>
+ and the ISP <part-num-ref name="ISP">126.</part-num-ref>
+ Users on client systems, such as the client computer systems <part-num-ref name="client computer systems">102,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102,">104,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102, 104,">118,</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102, 104, 118, and">120,</part-num-ref>
+ generally obtain access to the Internet through Internet service providers, such as ISPs <part-num-ref name="Internet through Internet service providers, such as ISPs">124</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">126.</part-num-ref>
+ Access to the Internet may facilitate transfer of information (e.g., Web pages, email, text files, media files, etc.) between two or more digital processing systems, such as the client computer systems <part-num-ref name="client computer systems">102,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102,">104,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102, 104,">118,</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102, 104, 118, and">120</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="222222">and/or</confidence>
+ a Web server system <part-num-ref name="Web server system">128</part-num-ref>
+ as well as other Web servers (not shown). For example, one or more of the client computer systems <part-num-ref name="client computer systems">102,</part-num-ref>
+ <page-break num="12"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102,">104,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102, 104,">118,</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102, 104, 118, and">120</part-num-ref>
+ and/or the Web server <part-num-ref name="Web server">128</part-num-ref>
+ may provide document presentations (e.g., a Web page) to another one or more of the client computer systems <part-num-ref name="client computer systems">102,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102,">104,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102, 104,">118,</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102, 104, 118, and">120</part-num-ref>
+ and/or Web server <part-num-ref name="and/or Web server">128.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, in one embodiment of the invention, one or more client computer systems <part-num-ref name="invention, one or more client computer systems">102,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="invention, one or more client computer systems 102,">104,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="invention, one or more client computer systems 102, 104,">118,</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="invention, one or more client computer systems 102, 104, 118, and">120</part-num-ref>
+ may request to access a document that may be stored at a remote location, such as the Web server <part-num-ref name="Web server">128.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">21. The Web server <part-num-ref name="Web server">128</part-num-ref>
+ typically includes at least one computer system to operate with one or more data communication protocols, such as the protocols of the World Wide Web, and as such, is typically coupled to the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">122.</part-num-ref>
+ Optionally, the Web server <part-num-ref name="Web server">128</part-num-ref>
+ may be part of an ISP which may provide access to the Internet and/or other network(s) for client computer systems. The client computer systems <part-num-ref name="client computer systems">102,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102,">104,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102, 104,">118,</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102, 104, 118, and">120</part-num-ref>
+ may each, with appropriate Web browsing software, access data, such as HTML documents (e.g., Web pages), which may be provided by the Web server <part-num-ref name="Web server">128.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">22. The ISP <part-num-ref name="ISP">124</part-num-ref>
+ provides Internet connectivity to the client computer system <part-num-ref name="client computer system">102</part-num-ref>
+ via a modem interface <part-num-ref name="modem interface">106,</part-num-ref>
+ which may be considered as part of the client computer system <part-num-ref name="client computer system">102.</part-num-ref>
+ The client computer systems <part-num-ref name="client computer systems">102,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102,">104,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102, 104,">118,</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102, 104, 118, and">120</part-num-ref>
+ may be a conventional data processing system, such as a Power Mac G5 or iMac computer available from Apple Computer, Inc., a "network" computer, a handheld/portable computer, a cell phone with data processing capabilities, a Web TV system, embedded devices, or other types of digital processing systems (e.g., a personal digital assistant (PDA)).    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">23. Similarly, the ISP <part-num-ref name="ISP">126</part-num-ref>
+ provides Internet connectivity for the client computer systems <part-num-ref name="client computer systems">102,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102,">104,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102, 104,">118,</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102, 104, 118, and">120.</part-num-ref>
+ However, as depicted in Figure 1, such connectivity may <page-break num="13"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+vary between various client computer systems, such as the client computer systems <part-num-ref name="client computer systems">102,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102,">104,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102, 104,">118,</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102, 104, 118, and">120.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, as shown in Figure 1, the client computer system <part-num-ref name="client computer system">104</part-num-ref>
+ is coupled to the ISP <part-num-ref name="ISP">126</part-num-ref>
+ through a modem interface <part-num-ref name="modem interface">108,</part-num-ref>
+ while the client computer systems <part-num-ref name="client computer systems">118</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">120</part-num-ref>
+ are part of a local area network (LAN). The interfaces <part-num-ref name="interfaces">106</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">108,</part-num-ref>
+ shown as modems <part-num-ref name="and 108, shown as modems">106</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">108,</part-num-ref>
+ respectively, may represent an analog modem, an ISDN modem, a DSL modem, a cable modem, a wireless interface, or other interface for coupling a digital processing system, such as a client computer system, to another digital processing system. The client computer systems <part-num-ref name="client computer systems">118</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">120</part-num-ref>
+ are coupled to a LAN bus <part-num-ref name="LAN bus">112</part-num-ref>
+ through network interfaces <part-num-ref name="through network interfaces">114</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">116,</part-num-ref>
+ respectively. The network interface <part-num-ref name="network interface">114</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">116</part-num-ref>
+ may be an Ethernet-type, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), or other type of network interface. The LAN bus is also coupled to a gateway digital processing system <part-num-ref name="gateway digital processing system">110,</part-num-ref>
+ which may provide firewall and other Internet-related services for a LAN. The gateway digital processing system <part-num-ref name="gateway digital processing system">110,</part-num-ref>
+ in turn, is coupled to the ISP <part-num-ref name="ISP">126</part-num-ref>
+ to provide Internet connectivity to the client computer systems <part-num-ref name="client computer systems">118</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">120.</part-num-ref>
+ The gateway digital processing system <part-num-ref name="gateway digital processing system">110</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, include a conventional server computer system. Similarly, the Web server <part-num-ref name="Web server">128</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, include a conventional server computer system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">24. Figure 2 is a block diagram of a digital processing system which may be used with one embodiment of the invention. For example, the system <part-num-ref name="system">200</part-num-ref>
+ shown in Figure 2 may be used as a client computer system (e.g., the client computer systems <part-num-ref name="client computer systems">102,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102,">104,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="client computer systems 102, 104,">118,</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="222222">and/or</confidence>
+ 120), a Web server system (e.g., the Web server system 128), or a conventional server system, etc. Furthermore, the digital processing system <part-num-ref name="digital processing system">200</part-num-ref>
+ may <page-break num="14"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+be used to perform one or more functions of an Internet service provider, such as the ISP <part-num-ref name="ISP">124</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">126.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">25. Note that while Figure 2 illustrates various components of a computer system, it is not intended to represent any particular architecture or manner of interconnecting the components, as such details are not germane to the present invention. It will also be appreciated that network computers, handheld computers, cell phones, and other data processing systems which have fewer components or perhaps more components may also be used with the present invention. The computer system of Figure 2 may, for example, be an Apple Macintosh computer.</p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">26. As shown in Figure 2, the computer system <part-num-ref name="computer system">200,</part-num-ref>
+ which is a form of a data processing system, includes a bus <part-num-ref name="bus">202</part-num-ref>
+ which is coupled to one or more microprocessors, such as a microprocessor <part-num-ref name="microprocessor">203</part-num-ref>
+ and a ROM <part-num-ref name="ROM">207,</part-num-ref>
+ a volatile RAM <part-num-ref name="volatile RAM">205,</part-num-ref>
+ and a non-volatile memory <part-num-ref name="non-volatile memory">206.</part-num-ref>
+ The bus <part-num-ref name="bus">202</part-num-ref>
+ interconnects these various components together and also interconnects these components <part-num-ref name="interconnects these various components together and also interconnects these components">203,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="interconnects these various components together and also interconnects these components 203,">207,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="interconnects these various components together and also interconnects these components 203, 207,">205,</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="interconnects these various components together and also interconnects these components 203, 207, 205, and">206</part-num-ref>
+ to a display controller and display device <part-num-ref name="display controller and display device">208,</part-num-ref>
+ as well as to input/output (<confidence value="686">I/O</confidence>
+) devices <part-num-ref name="display controller and display device 208, as well as to input/output (I/O) devices">210,</part-num-ref>
+ which may be mice, keyboards, modems, network interfaces, printers, and other devices which are well- known in the art. Typically, the input/output devices <part-num-ref name="input/output devices">210</part-num-ref>
+ are coupled to the system through input/output controllers <part-num-ref name="system through input/output controllers">209.</part-num-ref>
+ The volatile RAM <part-num-ref name="volatile RAM">205</part-num-ref>
+ is typically implemented as dynamic RAM (DRAM) which requires power continuously in order to refresh or maintain the data in the memory. The non-volatile memory <part-num-ref name="non-volatile memory">206</part-num-ref>
+ is typically a magnetic hard drive, a magnetic optical drive, an optical drive, or a DVD RAM or other type of memory system which maintains data even after power is removed from the system. Typically the non-volatile memory will also be a random access memory, <page-break num="15"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="885">15.</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+although this is not required. While Figure 2 shows that the non-volatile memory is a local device coupled directly to the rest of the components in the data processing system, it will be appreciated that the present invention may utilize a non-volatile memory which is remote from the system, such as a network storage device which is coupled to the data processing system through a network interface such as a modem or Ethernet interface. The bus <part-num-ref name="bus">202</part-num-ref>
+ may include one or more buses connected to each other through various bridges, controllers, and/or adapters, as is well-known in the art. In one embodiment, the <confidence value="66">I/</confidence>
+O controller <part-num-ref name="I/O controller">209</part-num-ref>
+ includes a USB (Universal Serial Bus) adapter for controlling USB peripherals.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">27. It will be apparent from this description that aspects of the present invention may be embodied, at least in part, in software. That is, the techniques may be carried out in a computer system or other data processing system in response to its processor, such as a microprocessor, executing sequences of instructions contained in machine-readable medium such as a memory (e.g. ROM <part-num-ref name="ROM">107,</part-num-ref>
+ RAM <part-num-ref name="ROM 107, RAM">105,</part-num-ref>
+ mass storage <part-num-ref name="ROM 107, RAM 105, mass storage">106</part-num-ref>
+ or a remote storage device or a combination of such devices). In various embodiments, hardwired circuitry may be used in combination with software instructions to implement the present invention. Thus, the techniques are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software nor to any particular source for the instructions executed by the data processing system. In addition, throughout this description, various functions and operations are described as being performed by or caused by software code to simplify description. However, those skilled in the art will recognize what is meant by such expressions is that the functions result from execution of the code by a processor, such as the microprocessor <part-num-ref name="microprocessor">103.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">16</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+28. An exemplary method for processing a URL, according to certain aspects of the present inventions, is shown in Figure 3A. In this method, it is assumed that the user is being presented with a document or message which includes a URL or other locator or identifier within (or referred to by) the document or message. An example of such a message is shown as email <part-num-ref name="message is shown as email">401</part-num-ref>
+ in Figure 4A which includes the URL <part-num-ref name="URL">403.</part-num-ref>
+ The user may select this URL using any one of a variety of techniques known in the art, such as positioning a cursor over the URL and pressing a button, such as a button on a mouse or a keyboard. The selection of the URL by the user in operation <part-num-ref name="user in operation">301</part-num-ref>
+ results in the passing of the URL in operation <part-num-ref name="URL in operation">303</part-num-ref>
+ from the email program (or other program displaying the URL) to a Web browser. In the context of a Macintosh operating system (e.g., Mac OS X), this may occur, for example, as an AppleEvent message.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">The fact that the URL is being passed from another program to the Web browser means that the URL is not automatically added to the list of trusted URLs, and consequently the Web browser will need to consult the list to determine whether this Web site is considered to be a trusted Web site. Operation <part-num-ref name="trusted Web site. Operation">305</part-num-ref>
+ provides this check by determining whether, in this particular embodiment, the host name in the URL which was passed from the other program matches a host name already in a list or history of URLs. This history may be a list of host names which are associated with Web sites accepted as trusted by the user in prior Web browsing activities as described further below. If there is a match as indicated in operation <part-num-ref name="match as indicated in operation">306,</part-num-ref>
+ then the page or other information associated with the URL is displayed without any warning. If, on the other hand, there is no match, then a warning is displayed in operation <part-num-ref name="warning is displayed in operation">309</part-num-ref>
+ and the page itself or other information may also be displayed or the warning may be <page-break num="17"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">17</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+displayed before allowing the user to display the page or other information. In this particular embodiment, a user may be warned every time he or she attempts to access a previously unvisited Web site via a URL which is embedded in an email message or other type of document. For example, whenever a user clicks on a URL in an email, the system will determine whether there is a match between the host name in the clicked-on URL and the URLs in the history of previously trusted URLs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">29. The host name in the URL may be parsed from the URL using the conventions that are known in the art with respect to the portions, such as the host name portion, within a URL. One such convention is RFC <part-num-ref name="URL. One such convention is RFC">1738</part-num-ref>
+ which specifies, for each of the well-known Internet scheme syntaxes, which portion of the URL is the host name.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">For example, the "http" URL takes the form: http://host:port<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+path. In this case, "host" is used synonymously with "host name." Thus, in the case of the URL "http://www.apple.com<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+support", the host name is "www.apple.com"; in the case of the URL "http://www.wikipedia.org/", the host name is "www.wikipedia.org"; in the case of the URL "http://en.wikipedia.org", the host name is <confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+en.wikipedia.org". In the case of the URL "http://www.apple.com:80/", the host name is "www.apple.com". The conventions defined in RFC <part-num-ref name="conventions defined in RFC">1738</part-num-ref>
+ may be found at www.ietf.org<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+rfc/rfc<confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+738.txt. In alternative embodiments, the complete URL which is selected (e.g. selected within an email message) by the user may be compared against the complete URLs maintained in the list of URLs rather than just the host name portion of URLs. It will also be appreciated that other portions (e.g. a portion which includes the host name and other portions) of the URLs may be selected in parsing operations and used in comparison operations rather than just the host name.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">18</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">
+      <page-break num="18"/>
+Dotted decimal addresses (e.g. 10.57.40.40<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+...) may be entered in their entirety within the list or a portion of those addresses may be entered into the list and used for later comparison.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">30. The initial list in the history may be either empty when the user first buys the computer, or the list may be populated by the manufacturer of the computer or data processing system or by the producer of software for the system, such as operating system software or Web browsing software, etc. The default list may include well- known, trusted names such as www.apple.com; www.ebay.com; www.amazon.com;</p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">and www.google.com. The history list may be built up by the user and/or the system through a variety of approaches. For example, the list may be automatically populated by the system through the user's Web browsing whenever the user types, by hand, (or speaks to the computer) a URL or whenever the user selects a link on a trusted Web page. In this case, no explicit action from the user is required to populate the history list other than typing, by hand (or speaking to the computer) a URL or selecting a link on a trusted Web page. It will be appreciated that if speech recognition of spoken URLs or identifiers are used as a trusted source, then such systems which use this as a source should use one or more secure techniques to verify that the user is actually speaking (rather than a recorded audio being played by the computer's speaker) before accepting the recognized speech as a trusted source. The history list may also be added to whenever a user explicitly indicates to the system that a Web page, displayed with a warning, is to be trusted. The history list may also be automatically added to by importing a bookmarks or favorites list. Figure 3D shows an exemplary method of automatically generating a history list of trusted <page-break num="19"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">19</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+addresses, such as URLs. This method may, as indicated above, be performed unobtrusively without the user's knowledge or interaction (other than, for example, typing a URL or selecting a link on an already-trusted Web page or other document specified by the URL). This method typically obtains or receives an address, such as a URL, and determines the source of the URL; this is shown in operation <part-num-ref name="URL; this is shown in operation">351</part-num-ref>
+ of Figure 3D. The source may be determined in a variety of ways which would be known to those in the art. In operation <part-num-ref name="art. In operation">353,</part-num-ref>
+ the data processing system automatically adds the received URL into a history list of trusted URLs if the source of the URL is trustworthy. For example, if the source is a user's typing of the URL into a Web browser's address field or a selecting of a URL on an already-trusted URL (which is already listed in the history list of trusted URLs), then the U<confidence value="66">RL</confidence>
+ is added automatically, by the system, into the history list of trusted URLs without asking the user to accept or reject (or otherwise be informed or involved in) the addition. In certain alternative embodiments, the system may optionally display an accept or reject dialog box.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">31. Once a warning is displayed to a user, the user may decide to ignore the warning and examine the Web page or decide that the Web site is authentic and that it can be trusted. It will be appreciated that alternative approaches may give the user a different set of options. The method shown in Figure 3B gives the user an option of either accepting the page or browsing further while remaining in "untrusted mode." The method of Figure 3B may begin in operation <part-num-ref name="method of Figure 3B may begin in operation">309</part-num-ref>
+ which may be the same operation <part-num-ref name="same operation">309</part-num-ref>
+ as in Figure 3A. Examples of warnings are shown in Figure 4C (as warning <part-num-ref name="as in Figure 3A. Examples of warnings are shown in Figure 4C (as warning">407)</part-num-ref>
+ and in Figure <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+B (as warning 505). In the case of the example shown <page-break num="20"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">20</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+in Figure 4C, the warning is displayed before displaying the Web browser window and the Web page within that window. In the example shown in Figure 5B, the warning is displayed as a banner in the Web browser window. It will be appreciated that in certain embodiments, a warning may be displayed before displaying the Web browser window and a further warning or banner may be displayed within the Web browser window.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">32. As shown in Figure 3B, in response to the warning, the user may either, in operation <part-num-ref name="user may either, in operation">311,</part-num-ref>
+ accept the page as to be trusted or continue browsing in "untrusted mode." If the user chooses not to accept the page as trusted then, as shown in operation <part-num-ref name="page as trusted then, as shown in operation">313,</part-num-ref>
+ the warning banner or other warning continues to be displayed, and pages obtained from URLs selected from the untrusted page are not automatically added to the user's list of trusted pages. For example, a Web page which is displayed as a result of selecting a URL from the untrusted page will, if it does not already appear on the user's list of trusted pages, include a warning on that Web page <confidence value="222222">and/or</confidence>
+ a warning before displaying the subsequent Web page. For example, if a phishing site includes a link to the real Google or the real eBay, that page will be displayed without a warning banner, because it is already deemed to be trusted (assuming the URLs for the real Google or the real eBay are on the list of trusted pages); however, if a phishing site includes a link to a fra<confidence value="6">u</confidence>
+dulent imitation of Google or eBay, which does not appear in the user's list of trusted pages, then that page will be displayed with a warning banner. In addition, in certain embodiments, input elements or input fields within these Web pages may be disabled and Java script and/or applets may also be disabled so as to provide an additional level of protection to the user.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">21</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">
+      <page-break num="21"/>
+33. If in operation 311 the user indicates that the page is to be trusted, then operation <part-num-ref name="page is to be trusted, then operation">315</part-num-ref>
+ follows in which the warning is removed and the host name within the URL (or another indicator or representation of the URL) is added by the system to the history of trusted URLs (e.g. it is added automatically by the system in response to the user's indicating that the page is to be trusted). An example of removing the warning from the Web page is shown in Figure 5A in which a Web page is displayed without a warning. In those embodiments in which the warning is displayed before displaying the Web page, the warning is removed and then the Web page is displayed, typically without any further warning. If the user selects URLs on the displayed Web page which has been indicated as to be trusted (e.g. a Web page after the warning has been removed as part of operation <part-num-ref name="warning has been removed as part of operation">315)</part-num-ref>
+ then subsequent Web pages displayed in operation <part-num-ref name="then subsequent Web pages displayed in operation">317</part-num-ref>
+ are automatically added, by the system, to the history list of trusted Web pages and are displayed without any warning and this continues for such subsequent Web pages. For example, the host names are parsed from the URLs for these Web pages and added to the history of trusted URLs. An example of how this may occur is a Google search which produces a Web page without a warning, and subsequent Web pages derived from the search page, such as the selection of URLs on the original Google search result page will result in the display, without warning, of such subsequent pages. The motivation behind this logic is that any page that's been indexed by Google is probably not a phishing page. To be useful, the protection offered by various embodiments of this invention does not have to be 100% effective for 100% of users. It merely has to be sufficiently effective that the number of people who fall victim to phishing attacks is dramatically lowered, thereby making phishing <page-break num="22"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">22</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+attacks no longer attractive to criminals. For a Web page referenced in a phishing email to be displayed without a banner, the user would have to have already discovered that page via a Google search, and as anyone that has ever tried to get pages into the first page of Google search results knows, contriving to make that happen is a hard problem even for legitimate businesses. If phishers had a reliable way of making their pages appear in Google search results, they could attack people directly via that means, and they wouldn't need to phish via email.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">34. A trusted page (e.g. an anti-phishing Web page) may include a link to a known phishing Web page; normally, the link on a trusted page would be considered trusted, so the trusted page in this case should include a tag or other mechanism to explicitly indicate that the link is not trusted (and thus trust from the trusted page is not inherited in this case).</p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">35. It will be understood that other types or forms of warnings may be provided rather than (or in addition to) the exemplary warnings shown in Figures 4C and 5B. These other warnings include (a) a change in the appearance of a cursor; (b) a flag displayed next to the URL determined to be untrusted; (c) a change in the appearance of the URL, determined to be untrusted, when a user positions a cursor over the URL, etc.</p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">These other warnings may be displayed before a user even selects a URL of a Web site in, for example, an email. For example, the email program mail may search through the content of an email and find URLs in the content and compare them to a list of trusted URLs. In certain embodiments, a system may decide that, even though the URL is untrusted, a warning is not to be given because, for example, analysis of the message which includes the URL suggests that the Web site will be safe. Of <page-break num="23"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">23</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+course, such embodiments which do not give warnings in every instance of an untrusted URL (from an untrusted source) should be designed carefully. In general, doing this would be very unwise, because we have to assume that phishers have access to the same computer software that is sold to other customers. If there is any way to craft an email message such that the warning banner does not appear, then of course phishers will craft their email message in that way. A user, who has come to rely on the warning banners as a protection against phishing, will take the absence of such a banner as an indication of trustworthiness, and will then be rendered less safe by certain embodiments of this invention instead of more safe.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">36. At least some of the embodiments described herein refer to the display or presentation of information from a URL (or other identifier) within a Web page, but it should be understood that the use of the term "Web page" is not meant to limit the type or format of content displayed or otherwise presented; for example, the content may include one or more content formats including, but not limited to, HTML and other types of HTML (DHTML), Flash, PDF documents (e.g. displayed through a plug-in for a Web browser), word processing documents, plain text files, movie or audio files (e.g. QuickTime movies or MP3 files), etc.</p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">37. An example of another aspect of the present inventions is shown in Figure 3C. This method processes URLs to determine the source of the URL in order to determine whether or not warnings are to be displayed to the user and whether or not the URL or other identifier (e.g. an address of information on a network) is to be added (e.g.</p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">automatically) to a list of trusted URLs. A URL may be inputted or entered into a Web browser in a number of different ways. For example, the user may type the <page-break num="24"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">24</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+URL into an address field on a Web browser or may paste the URL, at the end of a copy and paste or cut and paste operation, into the address field of a Web browser or the user may drag and drop the URL into the Web browser window or address field.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">Further, the URL may be passed through an event (e.g. an AppleEvent) or other operation automatically (e.g. without any user action other than to select the URL) from one application program, such as an email program or a PDF application program, to the Web browser which then automatically retrieves and displays the Web page or other information resulting from the input of the URL. Also, a URL may be entered into the Web browser by selecting a link on a trusted or untrusted Web page. In operation <part-num-ref name="trusted or untrusted Web page. In operation">325,</part-num-ref>
+ the Web browser or other software determines how the URL was entered into the Web browser. In one exemplary embodiment (shown in operation 327), the Web browser at least determines whether the URL was obtained from an event (e.g. an AppleEvent) which passes the URL to the Web browser from, for example, an email program. Such a source, at least in certain embodiments, would normally be considered to be an untrustworthy source, as URLs from phishing emails are a typical source of URLs which cannot be trusted. Thus, the system in operation <part-num-ref name="system in operation">327</part-num-ref>
+ determines whether the URL was from a source that is not considered implicitly trusted (e.g. the URL comes from another program). Operation <part-num-ref name="URL comes from another program). Operation">327</part-num-ref>
+ may also (optionally) determine whether the user pasted a URL into the Web browser's address field or selected a link on an untrusted Web page or dragged and dropped a URL. The pasting of a URL into the Web browser's address field and the dragging and dropping of a URL and the selecting of a link on an untrusted Web page are, at least in certain embodiments, normally considered to be untrustworthy sources. If <page-break num="25"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">25</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+operation <part-num-ref name="untrusted Web page are, at least in certain embodiments, normally considered to be untrustworthy sources. If operation">327</part-num-ref>
+ determines that the URL is from an untrustworthy source, then that URL is not added to the list of trusted URLs. In operation <part-num-ref name="list of trusted URLs. In operation">333</part-num-ref>
+ it is determined whether the Web site appears on the list of trusted URLs. In the embodiments described herein, operation <part-num-ref name="embodiments described herein, operation">333</part-num-ref>
+ may be performed by parsing the host name in the URL and comparing that host name to a list of host names in the list of trusted Web sites. If there is no match, indicating that the Web site is not considered trusted, then a warning is displayed in operation <part-num-ref name="warning is displayed in operation">337.</part-num-ref>
+ Processing may proceed from operation <part-num-ref name="warning is displayed in operation 337. Processing may proceed from operation">337</part-num-ref>
+ to operation <part-num-ref name="to operation">309</part-num-ref>
+ in Figure 3B. In operation <part-num-ref name="in Figure 3B. In operation">327,</part-num-ref>
+ if it is determined that the U<confidence value="66">RL</confidence>
+ was not from another program and is otherwise trustworthy (e.g. the user typed in the URL or selected a URL from a trusted Web page), then the URL is entered automatically, by the system, into the list of trusted Web sites for the user or for the entire system, and as a result the Web page is then displayed without a warning in operation <part-num-ref name="warning in operation">329.</part-num-ref>
+ Normally, determining that a URL is trustworthy (e.g. the URL was typed) means that the history list need not be examined for that URL before displaying the information which was obtained through the URL, although it may be considered desirable to examine the history list (for redundancy) before adding that <confidence value="885">URL</confidence>
+ to the history list; it will be appreciated that redundant URLs may be searched for and removed in subsequent "background" operations.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">38. The list of trusted Web sites or other identifiers may be maintained by a data processing system on a per user basis or may be maintained for all users of the same data processing system. Further, as described below, the list may be maintained for a number of different systems on a network or group of networks which share a list accumulated through the actions of users on a number of different data processing <page-break num="26"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">26</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+systems or through the actions of a system administrator. The list of trusted identifiers (e.g. URLs) may be implemented in other ways, including pattern matching rules or other rules or instructions or information which cause a comparison between an identifier for information on a network and the items in the list of trusted identifiers.    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">39. Examples of specific user interfaces will now be provided. However, it will be understood that numerous alternative embodiments exist for providing warnings and other information to users as they obtain access to information on the Internet or from other sources. The embodiments shown in Figures 4A-4D provide a warning to the user before displaying a Web page which resulted from selecting a URL within an email. In the example shown in Figure 4A, the URL <part-num-ref name="URL">403</part-num-ref>
+ appears to look like an authentic eBay URL when in fact it is not authentic and will cause the user to be directed to a fake Web site which is made to look like an authentic eBay Web site.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">By positioning the cursor <part-num-ref name="cursor">405</part-num-ref>
+ over the URL <part-num-ref name="URL">403</part-num-ref>
+ as shown in Figure 4B, and by selecting the URL, the system responds as shown in Figure 4C with a warning <part-num-ref name="warning">407</part-num-ref>
+ which allows the user to either proceed to cause the display of the Web site (by selecting "proceed to the Web site") or to stop the selection of the U<confidence value="66">RL</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="URL">403</part-num-ref>
+ and prevent the display of the Web site resulting from that URL (by accepting "don't do anything"). The user can also select "show safe preview of Web site" to help them make the determination of whether they believe the Web site is trustworthy.    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">40. Figure 4D shows an alternative embodiment which, in addition to the warning <part-num-ref name="warning">407</part-num-ref>
+ which includes two options which are user selectable, also includes the display of a listing <part-num-ref name="listing">409</part-num-ref>
+ of previously visited Web sites whose host names are similar to that of the <page-break num="27"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">27</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+host names included in the URL in the email message, such as URL <part-num-ref name="email message, such as URL">403.</part-num-ref>
+ The listing <part-num-ref name="listing">409</part-num-ref>
+ indicates the host name of the URL which the user has selected (in this case, "secure-ebay.com") which is displayed relative to other similarly named host names in the past. It can be seen that the fake host name includes a dash rather than a period between the words "secure" and "ebay." The use of listing <part-num-ref name="use of listing">409</part-num-ref>
+ may provide help to the user to alert the user to the phishing attempt. The list <part-num-ref name="list">409</part-num-ref>
+ may be generated by the use of spell-checking algorithms or similar algorithms. For example, if the URL being tested, such as the URL <part-num-ref name="URL">403</part-num-ref>
+ in the email message of Figure 4D, is used as the potentially misspelled word in a spell-checking algorithm and the host names in the history or list of trusted Web sites is used as words in the dictionary, then a spell- checking algorithm may produce a result such as the listing <part-num-ref name="listing">409</part-num-ref>
+ shown in Figure 4D.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">41. Figures 5A and <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+B show the difference between two Web pages resulting from the display or no display of a warning. In the example of Figure 5A, the Web page <part-num-ref name="Web page">501</part-num-ref>
+ is displayed in a Web browser without any warning, whereas in the example shown in Figure 5B, the Web page is displayed with a warning <part-num-ref name="warning">505</part-num-ref>
+ which includes two selection buttons <part-num-ref name="which includes two selection buttons">507</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">509.</part-num-ref>
+ The warning alerts the user to the possibility that the Web site may be fraudulent and allows the user to either close the window by selecting button <part-num-ref name="window by selecting button">509</part-num-ref>
+ (in which case the entire display of the Web site disappears from view, including the window) or remove the warning and to also indicate that the Web site is trusted by selecting button <part-num-ref name="Web site is trusted by selecting button">507.</part-num-ref>
+ It will be appreciated that other options with additional user interface input elements may be alternatively included.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">42. Figures 6 and <part-num-ref name="and">7</part-num-ref>
+ relate to another aspect of the present inventions in which multiple application programs may share a list or history of trusted Web sites, or trusted URLs.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">28</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">
+      <page-break num="28"/>
+These embodiments may be implemented in a number of different ways. For example, a text file which may be accessed by different programs, such as different Web browsers <part-num-ref name="text file which may be accessed by different programs, such as different Web browsers">607</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">608,</part-num-ref>
+ may be stored on a storage device and accessed by these application programs. These different application programs (e.g. Web browsers <part-num-ref name="Web browsers">607</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">608)</part-num-ref>
+ write to the text file to save host names or other indicia of URLs which are regarded as trusted and retrieve or search through these URLs or host names when performing comparisons with URLs embedded within emails or other documents as described herein. Moreover, this functionality may be extended to other programs which have the capability of browsing the Web or otherwise accessing the Internet, such as email programs, instant messaging programs, and other types of programs such as PDF application programs (e.g. Acrobat from Adobe Systems). The system <part-num-ref name="system">600</part-num-ref>
+ shown in Figure 6 includes a plurality of different programs, including two different Web browser programs, two different email programs, an instant messaging program, as well as a PDF application program. Each of these may have access to a shared URL listing service <part-num-ref name="shared URL listing service">602</part-num-ref>
+ which in turn acts accesses a global URL history list <part-num-ref name="global URL history list">601.</part-num-ref>
+ The listing service <part-num-ref name="listing service">602</part-num-ref>
+ is responsible for processing requests (e.g. performing a search) from various different software programs in order to provide for reading and writing of URLs or host names for the URLs in the history list <part-num-ref name="history list">601.</part-num-ref>
+ The listing service may be provided by an operating system component or may be eliminated if the history list <part-num-ref name="history list">601</part-num-ref>
+ is readable by the various application programs which need access to <confidence value="22222222222">the.history</confidence>
+ list (e.g. the history list is a text file which is accessible to the various application programs, such as Web browsers <part-num-ref name="various application programs, such as Web browsers">607</part-num-ref>
+ and 608).    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">29</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">
+      <page-break num="29"/>
+43. Figure 7 shows a simplified method for processing URLs or portions of URLs, such as host name portions of the URLs with respect to a global URL history list, such as the history list <part-num-ref name="history list">601</part-num-ref>
+ shown in Figure 6. It will be appreciated that the history list <part-num-ref name="history list">601</part-num-ref>
+ may be the same as the history list referred to in operation <part-num-ref name="history list referred to in operation">305</part-num-ref>
+ of Figure 3A. In the embodiment of Figure 7, the history list is shared among a plurality of applications, such as a first and a second Web browser. Each of these Web browsers can relay data to the trusted URL list in the history list and can retrieve data in order to do searching required as a result of comparing a URL in an email or in another document with the URLs in the history list. The method of Figure 7 gives an example of such a method.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">In operation 701, a trusted URL is received from a first Web browser in response to a user indicating that the URL is to be trusted. Typing a URL by hand is an example in which a user indicates that a URL is to be trusted. Following a link on a trusted page is another example in which a user indicates that a URL is to be trusted. The "yes" branch of operation <part-num-ref name="&quot;yes&quot; branch of operation">311</part-num-ref>
+ in Figure 3B is an example (probably a rarer example) in which a user explicitly and consciously indicates that a URL is to be trusted. As shown in operation <part-num-ref name="URL is to be trusted. As shown in operation">701,</part-num-ref>
+ the trusted URL, such as the host name of the URL, is added to the history list. In operation <part-num-ref name="history list. In operation">703,</part-num-ref>
+ another trusted URL is added to the history list in response to a user indicating, from within a second Web browser or otherwise in association with the second Web browser, that a URL is to be trusted. Then in operation <part-num-ref name="URL is to be trusted. Then in operation">705,</part-num-ref>
+ a request from the first Web browser is received to allow reading of the history list. This reading may be part of a search to determine whether to display a warning in response to a selected URL from an email or other document.    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">Alternatively, this request to allow reading or searching of the URL history list may <page-break num="30"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">30</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+be from the originating application, such as the email application which includes the selected URL. Operation <part-num-ref name="selected URL. Operation">707</part-num-ref>
+ includes a request to allow reading or searching of a history list by a second Web browser in order to determine whether to display a warning in response to another selected URL from, for example, a PDF document. In this case, the second Web browser is attempting to determine whether to display a warning by comparing the another selected URL from the PDF document to the URLs in the history list which may be a shared history list. It will be appreciated that the sequence of operations shown in Figure 7 may be modified in alternative embodiments.    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">44. The global or shared history list may be implemented in a variety of different ways.</p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">For example, an operating system component or a non-operating system software component may maintain the history list by writing to the history list and by searching the history list and by performing other operations relative to the history list (e.g., importing URLs into a system-maintained history list from applications which maintain their own history list). Alternatively, each application program, such as each Web browser, may maintain its own history list of trusted Web sites. In certain embodiments, the history list may be merely a text file and each application program is responsible for writing to the text file and reading from the text file in order to do searches of the file without any assistance from a listing service. In an embodiment, each history list may be unique to each user of a data processing system or may be shared among two or more users on the same data processing system. In addition, the history list may be shared among multiple data processing systems on one or more networks. In this manner, each user on each system may contribute to the shared <page-break num="31"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">31</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+history list by adding trusted URLs or Web sites to the history list. This option may be user selectable such that a user may decide not to share his or her particular history list or may desire to not have the history lists of others affect that user's history list.    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">45. While in preferred embodiments it is desirable to provide no user interface to control how a system warns or updates a list of trusted identifiers (e.g. URLs or addresses of information on a network), it may be desirable in at least certain non-preferred embodiments of the inventions to allow the user to control how the system displays warnings and how it accepts or refuses trust in Web pages, etc. Figure 8 shows an example of a user interface which allows a user to control such parameters and functions. The panel or window <part-num-ref name="panel or window">800</part-num-ref>
+ includes several headings <part-num-ref name="includes several headings">806,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="includes several headings 806,">808,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="includes several headings 806, 808,">810,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="includes several headings 806, 808, 810,">812,</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="includes several headings 806, 808, 810, 812, and">814</part-num-ref>
+ under which several different parameters may be set by a user depending upon whether or not the user selects or deselects a box, such as box <part-num-ref name="box, such as box">803.</part-num-ref>
+ When a dot is caused to appear within the box, it indicates to the system that the user has selected the feature or option. When no dot (or check mark) is present within the box, such as the lack of a dot within box <part-num-ref name="dot within box">809,</part-num-ref>
+ then the option is not selected by the user. The control panel includes the ability to restore the settings to a default setting by selecting box <part-num-ref name="default setting by selecting box">801.</part-num-ref>
+ The user can specify when he or she is warned by selecting or deselecting the options associated with boxes <part-num-ref name="options associated with boxes">803</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">805.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, when box <part-num-ref name="and 805. For example, when box">803</part-num-ref>
+ is selected, a warning is displayed when an email includes a URL which will cause the display of a Web site not previously visited. The box <part-num-ref name="box">803</part-num-ref>
+ may be selected by causing the dot <part-num-ref name="dot">802</part-num-ref>
+ to appear within the box <part-num-ref name="box">803.</part-num-ref>
+ Box <part-num-ref name="box 803. Box">805</part-num-ref>
+ has also been selected, indicating that the user will be warned when a link in a document, such as a PDF file, causes the display of a Web site which has not been previously visited. The user in <page-break num="32"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">32</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+the case of Figure 8 has also selected box <part-num-ref name="has also selected box">807</part-num-ref>
+ which will cause the display of a warning in the Web browser window itself without any prior warning, rather than displaying a warning before displaying the Web browser window, which would occur if box <part-num-ref name="Web browser window, which would occur if box">809</part-num-ref>
+ were selected by the user. Boxes <part-num-ref name="user. Boxes">811,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="user. Boxes 811,">813,</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="user. Boxes 811, 813, and">815</part-num-ref>
+ under the heading <part-num-ref name="heading">810</part-num-ref>
+ allow the user to specify how trust is accepted or refused in Web pages. All three boxes <part-num-ref name="user to specify how trust is accepted or refused in Web pages. All three boxes">811,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="user to specify how trust is accepted or refused in Web pages. All three boxes 811,">813,</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="user to specify how trust is accepted or refused in Web pages. All three boxes 811, 813, and">815</part-num-ref>
+ have been selected by the user. Thus, Web pages obtained from an untrusted Web page will not be automatically added to the list of trusted URLs. Further, because boxes <part-num-ref name="list of trusted URLs. Further, because boxes">813</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">815</part-num-ref>
+ have been selected, trust will automatically be inherited by those Web pages obtained from a Web page indicated to be trusted and by those Web pages obtained by the user typing of the URL into the Web browser's address box or input field. Options under the heading <part-num-ref name="heading">812</part-num-ref>
+ allow a user to either disable input fields (by selecting the box <part-num-ref name="box">817</part-num-ref>
+ as shown in Figure 8) or to enable input fields by selecting box <part-num-ref name="or to enable input fields by selecting box">819.</part-num-ref>
+ The control panel shown in Figure 8 also allows the user to specify whether or not the user's list of trusted Web pages is to be shared with other users. This may occur by selecting box <part-num-ref name="user's list of trusted Web pages is to be shared with other users. This may occur by selecting box">821</part-num-ref>
+ as shown in Figure 8.    </p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">In addition, additional options under the heading <part-num-ref name="heading">814</part-num-ref>
+ may include the ability of the user to accept the use of lists by other users, such as other users on the same computer, or other users on different computers on the same or other networks.    </p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">46. It will be appreciated that alternative user interfaces may be implemented. For example, a simplified slider may be presented to the user and allow a user to select a position along the slider which specifies the user's preference concerning security.</p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">The slider would typically move from a most secured position to a least secured position and allow the user to make a setting at these two positions or between those <page-break num="33"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">33</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+positions. The user's positioning of the slider will then be used to determine the settings of a system rather than a more complex interface such as that shown in Figure 8. Other types of controls may be employed to allow a user to select amongst a range or group of values or settings. In other embodiments, no user interface would be presented, and thus there are no options or controls or settings which are presented to the user; this is preferred, since an important value of at least certain embodiments of this invention is that they work correctly without requiring configuration or any other conscious intervention by the user.    </p>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">47. One noteworthy aspect of the present invention is that, in a typical case, the history list of trusted pages is populated automatically without requiring explicit and burdensome decision-making by the user. By automatically populating the list with URLs the user types, and URLs the user clicks on already-trusted pages, the list automatically becomes populated with a list of trusted URLs, in such a way that a typical user should rarely see the warning banner, except when seeing an actual phishing site, and therefore a typical user should almost never have to actually click the "yes" button to explicitly add a site to the trusted list. The value in the warning banner is contingent on not getting too many false warnings. If the user gets used to the idea that an annoying banner keeps appearing, and it's always wrong, then when the banner does appear on a real phishing site, the user is likely to disregard it.</p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">Suppose, for example, the user were to get a legitimate email from Bank of America about the user's Bank of America account, then presumably the user had to have previously signed up on the Bank of America Web site for on-line banking before getting that email, so Bank of America will already be in the user's trusted list, so the <page-break num="34"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">34</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+user does not see a warning banner, as long as the site they are viewing is the same Bank of America site they visited before, not a phishing site impersonating it. If the user clicks a link from a Yahoo search, the link the user follows is automatically trusted because www.yahoo.com is trusted, and getting pages into Yahoo search results is known to be hard, and www.yahoo.com is trusted because the user actually typed that into the browser him or herself. In this typical case, the only time the user should see the warning banner is when the user visits a URL for a site the user has truly never seen before, where the URL was received through some external mechanism like an email message. There are two common cases here: (a) an actual phishing site, and (b) friends emailing you links to joke-of-the day sites, etc. In the latter case (i) you already know you don't expect to have seen the site before, and (ii) the site probably will not look like a banking site or similar, and if it did ask for personal or financial information you would be immediately suspicious. In an embodiment, the history list is automatically populated by URLs that a human user types by hand into the Web browser's "location" field, but not by URLs copied-and- pasted into the Web browser's "location" field, and not by URLs received in messages from another application, such as an email application, instructing the Web browser to display the page identified by a particular URL; and the history list is automatically populated using information from the target of a link that is followed from a page that is already deemed trustworthy, but not by following a link from a page that is currently deemed untrustworthy, or by opening an HTML file residing on the local disk; and the history list is explicitly populated by the user clicking an appropriate button in a warning banner or similar message, or using some other user-interface <page-break num="35"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">35</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+element to signify that the page should be trusted, in which case the page becomes added to the list of trusted pages, and is re-displayed without the warning banner and with the privileges and facilities accorded to a trusted page. Further, the history list may be populated by the user's importing of previously used bookmarks or favorites from, for example, previously used Web browsers or systems into a new Web browser or new data processing system. All of the URLs in the imported bookmarks or favorites list may be automatically added to the list of trusted URLs (or other identifiers).    </p>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">48. In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will be evident that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense.</p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11371133.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,477 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11371133</doc-number>
+        <date>2006-03-07</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">APPLICATION</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">FOR</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">UNITED STATES LETTERS PATENT</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">APPLICANT NAME<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+ Gary F. Anderson et al.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-4">TITLE<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+ VERIFY<confidence value="8">I</confidence>
+NG A USAGE OF A TRANSPORTATION    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-5">RESOURCE</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">DOCKET NO.: END920050168US1 </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">CERTIFICATE OF MAILING UNDER 37 CFR 1.10 I hereby certify that, on the date shown below, this correspondence is being deposited with the United States Postal Service in an envelope addressed to the Commissioner for Patents, P<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+ Box <part-num-ref name="Commissioner for Patents, PO Box">1450,</part-num-ref>
+ Alexandria, VA 22313-1450 as "Express Mail Post Office to Addressee" Mailing Label No.  EV713535635U<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">o</confidence>
+n   03/07/06 Jennifer Smith Name of person mailing paper <confidence value="2586655">/07/200</confidence>
+ <confidence value="684">Sig</confidence>
+ ature                          <confidence value="8888">Date</confidence>
+ <page-break num="2"/>
+    </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">VERIFYING A USAGE OF A TRANSPORTATION RESOURCE</heading>
+    <heading id="h-8">FIELD OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">[0001] The invention relates generally to a usage of a transportation resource and more particularly to the verification of a usage of a transportation resource.</p>
+    <heading id="h-9">BACKGROUN<confidence value="8">D</confidence>
+ OF THE INVENTION    </heading>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0002<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Transportation resources are limited. As a consequence, accesses to the limited transportation resources need to be distributed <confidence value="5">i</confidence>
+n a rational manner. For example, a new t<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+end is emerging in the world as a method to reduce traffic congestion and to assign the cost impact of transportation resources to those consuming the resources, which is normally referred as road user charging. Road user charging requires active monitoring of vehicles and their use of roads, including, e.g., a chargeback for the use of congested segments at peak times. The process may also provide alternative routes which provide faster service at a higher cost, or even vary the cost of a road segment, e.g., a tunnel or bridge, to reduce congestion at peak times.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">[0003<confidence value="4">]</confidence>
+ In a recent business model, users of transportation resources must pay for their usage through some means, for example, various fuel taxes. The amount of fuel tax paid is tied to the amount of fuel purchased within the defined geographic area of the government overseeing the transportation. If a user does not pay the appropriate amount in fuel taxes for its amount of usage of transportation resources in a defined specific geographic area, additional costs would be collected via other means. On the other hand, if a user pays too much in fuel taxes with respect to the actual usage of the transportation resources, refunds in fees would be made to the user.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">END920050168U<confidence value="58">S1</confidence>
+                          <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0004<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Within this business model, it is important to prevent fraud or abuse of a transportation resource distribution/charging system. If a vehicle fraudulently shows lower usage than the actual usage, an undeserved refund in fees would occur. On the other hand, a situation might be that an overage in fuel tax payments results in a miss-match of payment and usage. As a consequence, incompliant behaviors in this model, such as frauds or abuses, will cause compliance costs to rise to offset the loss due to incompliant behaviors.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0005<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Given the emerging nature of this business model, no specific solution exists in the market today to provide a-safeguard-required<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+to verify a<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+usage<confidence value="5885">-of-</confidence>
+the transportation resources to-prevent potential fraud regarding the charging of transportation resource usage. Based on the above, there is a need to verify a usage of a transportation resource.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-10">
+      <confidence value="8">B</confidence>
+RIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION    </heading>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[0006] A method, system and computer program product for verifying a usage of a transportation resource by an object user of the transportation resource is disclosed. A peer group of users that are expected to behave similarly as the object user is established to determine a normal behavior that the object user is supposed to act consistent with. An observed behavior of the object user is compared to the normal behavior to verify a usage of the transportation resource by the object user.</p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">[0007] A first aspect of the invention is directed to a method for verifying a usage of a transportation resource by an object user of the transportation resource, the method comprising steps of<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+ selecting a peer group of users that are expected to have similar behavior as the object user; identifying a set-of behavioral attributes of the peer group; determining a normal behavior of the peer group regarding the identified set of behavioral attributes; and comparing a behavior of the object user to the normal behavior regarding the identified set of behavior attributes to verify <boundary-data type="header">END920050168US 1                         2</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+the usage of the object user.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">[0008<confidence value="2">]</confidence>
+ A second aspect of the invention is directed to a system for verifying a usage of a transportation resource by an object user of the transportation resource, the system comprising: a means for selecting a peer group of users that are expected to have similar behavior as the object user; a means for identifying a set of behavioral attributes of the peer group; a means for determining a normal behavior of the peer group regarding the identified set of behavioral attributes; and a means for comparing a behavior of the object user to the normal behavior regarding the identified set of behavior attributes to verify the usage of the object user.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">[0009] A third aspect of the invention is directed to a computer program product for verifying a usage of a transportation resource by an object user of the transportation resource, the computer program product comprising: computer usable program code configured to: select a peer group of users that are expected to have similar behavior as the object user; identify a set of behavioral attributes of the peer group; determine a normal behavior of the peer group regarding the identified set of behavioral attributes; and compare a behavior of the object user to the normal behavior regarding the identified set of behavior attributes to verify the usage of the object user.</p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">[0010] A fourth aspect of the invention is directed to a method of generating a system for verifying a usage of a transportation resource by an object user of the transportation resource, the method comprising: providing a computer infrastructure operable to: select a peer group of users that are expected to have similar behavior as the object user; identify a set of behavioral attributes of the peer group; determine a normal behavior of the peer group regarding the identified set of behavioral attributes;-compare a behavior of the object user to the normal behavior regarding the identified set of behavior attributes to verify the usage of the object user; and communicate a result of the verification to a customer of the system.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">END920050168US1                           3</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+[0011] Other aspects and features of the present invention, as defined solely by the claims, will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following non-limited detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-11">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">[0012] The embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like elements, and wherein:</p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">[0013] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an illustrative<confidence value="1">-</confidence>
+transportation resource usage charging system according to one embodiment of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0014] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an illustrative computer system according to one embodiment of the invention [0015] FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of one embodiment of a historic analysis operation of a transportation resource usage verifying system according to the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">[0016] FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram of one embodiment of a prospective analysis operation of the transportation resource usage verifying system according to the invention.</p>
+    <heading id="h-12">DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">[0017] The following detailed description of embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments of the invention. Other embodiments having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">1.    System Overview [0018] Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic view of an illustrative transportation resource usage <boundary-data type="header">END920050168U<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+1                        4      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+charging system <part-num-ref name="illustrative transportation resource usage charging system">10</part-num-ref>
+ is shown. According to one embodiment, charging system <part-num-ref name="is shown. According to one embodiment, charging system">10</part-num-ref>
+ includes a transportation resource usage processing center <part-num-ref name="transportation resource usage processing center">12</part-num-ref>
+ including a computer system <part-num-ref name="computer system">100,</part-num-ref>
+ a collecting and refund unit <part-num-ref name="collecting and refund unit">200</part-num-ref>
+ and an investigating unit 300; and multiple monitoring units <part-num-ref name="investigating unit 300; and multiple monitoring units">14</part-num-ref>
+ (two are shown). Monitoring units <part-num-ref name="(two are shown). Monitoring units">14</part-num-ref>
+ detect a behavior of a user <part-num-ref name="user">16</part-num-ref>
+ regarding the usage of a transportation resource by collecting usage data including, e.g., mileage, fuel consumption, routes taken, times of use and taxes paid. Monitoring units <part-num-ref name="mileage, fuel consumption, routes taken, times of use and taxes paid. Monitoring units">14</part-num-ref>
+ may include any devices that can monitor user <part-num-ref name="may include any devices that can monitor user">16</part-num-ref>
+ regarding the usage of a transportation resource, and may be installed conveniently in, for example, road checkpoints, toll booths, gas stations, or in the vehicl<confidence value="8">e</confidence>
+ of user <part-num-ref name="vehicle of user">16</part-num-ref>
+ monitored, such as, for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[0019] User 16 communicates with processing center <part-num-ref name="communicates with processing center">12</part-num-ref>
+ regarding, for example, usage of the transportation resource, taxes paid, refunds <confidence value="222222">and/or</confidence>
+ additional charges to be collected. User <part-num-ref name="transportation resource, taxes paid, refunds and/or additional charges to be collected. User">16</part-num-ref>
+ also communicates with monitoring units <part-num-ref name="also communicates with monitoring units">14</part-num-ref>
+ in the process of data collecting. For example, user <part-num-ref name="process of data collecting. For example, user">16</part-num-ref>
+ pays fuel tax in gas stations and pays highway fees in toll booths. In charging system <part-num-ref name="pays fuel tax in gas stations and pays highway fees in toll booths. In charging system">10,</part-num-ref>
+ an object user <part-num-ref name="object user">(16)</part-num-ref>
+ is generally a user <part-num-ref name="user">(16)</part-num-ref>
+ of a transportation resource. However, for illustrative purposes only, in the following description, a user <part-num-ref name="user">(16)</part-num-ref>
+ is referred as an object user <part-num-ref name="object user">(16)</part-num-ref>
+ when this user's case is processed by processing center <part-num-ref name="when this user's case is processed by processing center">12,</part-num-ref>
+ e.g., when the usage of a transportation resource by this specific user is to be verified as described below. It should be noted that in charging system <part-num-ref name="transportation resource by this specific user is to be verified as described below. It should be noted that in charging system">10,</part-num-ref>
+ regardless of whether a user is an object user, its usage of transportation resources is monitored because: (a) any user may potentially become an object user, and (b) any user may be selected into a peer group as described later. Details of computer system <part-num-ref name="peer group as described later. Details of computer system">100</part-num-ref>
+ of processing center <part-num-ref name="of processing center">12</part-num-ref>
+ will be described below.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">END920050168US1                          5</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+2.    Computer System <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0020<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram of an illustrative computer system <part-num-ref name="illustrative computer system">100</part-num-ref>
+ according to the present invention is shown. In one embodiment, computer system <part-num-ref name="present invention is shown. In one embodiment, computer system">100</part-num-ref>
+ includes a memory <part-num-ref name="memory">120,</part-num-ref>
+ a processing unit (PU) <part-num-ref name="processing unit (PU)">122,</part-num-ref>
+ input/output devices (<confidence value="6658">I/O)</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="processing unit (PU) 122, input/output devices (I/O)">124</part-num-ref>
+ and a bus <part-num-ref name="bus">126.</part-num-ref>
+ A database <part-num-ref name="database">128</part-num-ref>
+ may also be provided for storage of data relative to processing tasks. Memory <part-num-ref name="may also be provided for storage of data relative to processing tasks. Memory">120</part-num-ref>
+ includes a program product <part-num-ref name="program product">130</part-num-ref>
+ that, when executed by PU <part-num-ref name="that, when executed by PU">122,</part-num-ref>
+ comprises various functional capabilities described in further detail below. Memory <part-num-ref name="that, when executed by PU 122, comprises various functional capabilities described in further detail below. Memory">120</part-num-ref>
+ (and database <part-num-ref name="(and database">128)</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise any known type of data storage system and/or transmission media, including magnetic media,<confidence value="4">-</confidence>
+optical media, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), a data object, etc. Moreover, memory <part-num-ref name="data object, etc. Moreover, memory">120</part-num-ref>
+ (and database <part-num-ref name="(and database">128)</part-num-ref>
+ may reside at a single physical location comprising one or more types of data storage, or be distributed across a plurality of physical systems. PU <part-num-ref name="plurality of physical systems. PU">122</part-num-ref>
+ may likewise comprise a single processing unit, or a plurality of processing units distributed across one or more locations.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">
+      <confidence value="665">I/O</confidence>
+ 124 may comprise any known type of input/output device including a network system, modem, keyboard, mouse, scanner, voice recognition system, CRT, printer, disc drives, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">Additional components, such as cache memory, communication systems, system software, etc., may also be incorporated into computer system 100.</p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, program product 130 may include a transportation resource usage verifying system <part-num-ref name="transportation resource usage verifying system">132</part-num-ref>
+ that includes a data collector 140; a normal behavior determinator <part-num-ref name="normal behavior determinator">142</part-num-ref>
+ including a sampler <part-num-ref name="sampler">144,</part-num-ref>
+ a behavioral attribute identifier <part-num-ref name="behavioral attribute identifier">145</part-num-ref>
+ and an analyzer 146; a usage verifier <part-num-ref name="usage verifier">148</part-num-ref>
+ including a comparator <part-num-ref name="comparator">150</part-num-ref>
+ and a combiner 152; a prospective abnormal behavior detector 154; and other system components <part-num-ref name="prospective abnormal behavior detector 154; and other system components">156.</part-num-ref>
+ Other system components <part-num-ref name="prospective abnormal behavior detector 154; and other system components 156. Other system components">156</part-num-ref>
+ may include any now known or later developed parts of a computer system <part-num-ref name="computer system">100</part-num-ref>
+ not individually delineated herein, but understood by those skilled in the art.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">END920050168US1                         6</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+[0022] Inputs to computer system 100 include monitoring inputs <part-num-ref name="include monitoring inputs">160,</part-num-ref>
+ operator inputs <part-num-ref name="include monitoring inputs 160, operator inputs">162</part-num-ref>
+ and transportation resource (TR) user inputs <part-num-ref name="and transportation resource (TR) user inputs">164.</part-num-ref>
+ Monitoring inputs <part-num-ref name="and transportation resource (TR) user inputs 164. Monitoring inputs">160</part-num-ref>
+ include the data collected by monitoring units <part-num-ref name="data collected by monitoring units">14</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG. 1). Operator inputs <part-num-ref name="(FIG. 1). Operator inputs">162</part-num-ref>
+ include instruction of an operator of computer system <part-num-ref name="operator of computer system">100</part-num-ref>
+ regarding the operation of, inter alia, transportation resource usage verifying system <part-num-ref name="operation of, inter alia, transportation resource usage verifying system">132,</part-num-ref>
+ as will be described in details below. Transportation resource user inputs <part-num-ref name="operation of, inter alia, transportation resource usage verifying system 132, as will be described in details below. Transportation resource user inputs">164</part-num-ref>
+ include usage data that are reported by user/object user <part-num-ref name="include usage data that are reported by user/object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG. 1). Those inputs may be communicated to computer system <part-num-ref name="(FIG. 1). Those inputs may be communicated to computer system">100</part-num-ref>
+ through I/O <part-num-ref name="through I/O">124</part-num-ref>
+ and may be stored in database <part-num-ref name="and may be stored in database">128.</part-num-ref>
+ Outputs of computer <confidence value="515">---</confidence>
+     system-100<confidence value="2">.</confidence>
+include<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+verifying result-outputs <confidence value="8885">166-</confidence>
+ that are-communicated to, inter<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+alia,-collecting and ref<confidence value="8">u</confidence>
+nd unit <part-num-ref name="and may be stored in database 128. Outputs of computer ---     system-100.include-verifying result-outputs 166- that are-communicated to, inter-alia,-collecting and refund unit">200</part-num-ref>
+ and investigating unit <part-num-ref name="and investigating unit">300</part-num-ref>
+ for them to act accordingly. For example, if a usage of object user <part-num-ref name="usage of object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG <part-num-ref name="(FIG">1)</part-num-ref>
+ is verified as reliable, e.g., no fraud involved, collecting and refund unit <part-num-ref name="no fraud involved, collecting and refund unit">200</part-num-ref>
+ will process a refund or further collecting of fees according to the verified usage. On the other hand, if a usage of object user <part-num-ref name="usage of object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ is determined as unreliable, e.g., possible frauds involved, investigating unit <part-num-ref name="possible frauds involved, investigating unit">300</part-num-ref>
+ will proceed with further investigation regarding object user <part-num-ref name="will proceed with further investigation regarding object user">16.</part-num-ref>
+ The operation of transportation resource usage verifying system <part-num-ref name="operation of transportation resource usage verifying system">132</part-num-ref>
+ will be described in details below.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">3.     Transportation Resource Usage Verifying System [0023] Transportation resource usage verifying system 132 functions generally to verify whether an observed usage of a transportation resource that is to be used to process a usage charge represents the actual usage by an object user <part-num-ref name="object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG. 1). Please note a usage used to process a usage charge is always an observed usage because the actual usage can never be replicated. As such, in this description, "usage" is equivalent to "observed usage", and "actual usage" is used to indicate the actual usage that has occurred. An observed usage may be obtained by monitoring an object user's usage through monitoring units <part-num-ref name="object user's usage through monitoring units">14</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG. 1), for example, fuel tax payments <boundary-data type="header">END920050168US1                           7</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+monitored by monitoring units <part-num-ref name="(FIG. 1), for example, fuel tax payments monitored by monitoring units">14</part-num-ref>
+ in gas stations may be used to determine an observed usage. The observed usage may also be obtained through the usage reported by object user <part-num-ref name="usage reported by object user">16.</part-num-ref>
+ It should be understood that an observed usage (either monitored or reported) may not represent the actual usage due to, e.g., possible fraudulent actions involved in the reporting and/or monitoring process.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">Even if there are no fraudulent actions involved, an observed usage may still not represent the actual usage for various reasons. For example, in the case that fuel tax is used to calculate an observed usage, if a user purchases gas in the geographic area of concern but uses the vehicle in another area, <confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+the observed<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+usage calculated based on fuel tax<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+paid will<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+not-represent the actual usage of the transportation resources in the geographic area of concern. One embodiment of the operation of transportation resource usage verifying system <part-num-ref name="operation of transportation resource usage verifying system">132</part-num-ref>
+ is shown in the flow diagrams of FIGS. 3 and <part-num-ref name="and">4.</part-num-ref>
+ In the following descriptions of the flow diagrams of FIGS. 3 and <part-num-ref name="and">4,</part-num-ref>
+ a road system (or roads) is used as an example of transportation resources for illustrative purpose. It should be understood that transportation resources are not limited to a road system, and a verification of the usage of other transportation resources is similarly included in the scope of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0024] According to one embodiment, the processing of collecting and refund by collecting and refund unit <part-num-ref name="processing of collecting and refund by collecting and refund unit">200</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG. <part-num-ref name="(FIG.">1)</part-num-ref>
+ regarding each object user <part-num-ref name="regarding each object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ is performed periodically. By the end of each processing period, usage of road by object user <part-num-ref name="end of each processing period, usage of road by object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ during the period (past usage) will be first verified by transportation resource usage verifying system <part-num-ref name="period (past usage) will be first verified by transportation resource usage verifying system">132</part-num-ref>
+ before it is processed by collecting and refund unit <part-num-ref name="before it is processed by collecting and refund unit">200.</part-num-ref>
+ The verification of past usage that is to be processed to collect fees or issue refunds is referred to as historic analysis, for illustrative purpose only. It should be noted that the historic analysis may also be used to correct/certify a collecting and refund action already performed by collecting and refund unit <part-num-ref name="collecting and refund action already performed by collecting and refund unit">200.</part-num-ref>
+ In addition, transportation resource usage verifying system <part-num-ref name="collecting and refund action already performed by collecting and refund unit 200. In addition, transportation resource usage verifying system">132</part-num-ref>
+ also verifies a road usage of object user <part-num-ref name="road usage of object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG. <part-num-ref name="(FIG.">1)</part-num-ref>
+ during a processing period to <boundary-data type="header">END920050168US1                           8</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+identify suspect behavior of object user <part-num-ref name="processing period to identify suspect behavior of object user">16.</part-num-ref>
+ The verification of road usage during a processing period is referred to as prospective analysis, for illustrative purpose only. An embodiment of the historical analysis operation of transportation resource usage verifying system <part-num-ref name="historical analysis operation of transportation resource usage verifying system">132</part-num-ref>
+ will be shown in the flow diagram of FIG. 3, and an embodiment of the prospective analysis operation of transportation resource usage verifying system <part-num-ref name="prospective analysis operation of transportation resource usage verifying system">132</part-num-ref>
+ will be shown in the flow diagram of FIG. 4.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">[0025] Referring now to FIG. 3, with reference also to FIG. 2, first in step S201, data collector 140 collects and organizes data to facilitate a further statistical analysis of the data. The data collected include those of monitoring inputs <part-num-ref name="data collected include those of monitoring inputs">160</part-num-ref>
+ and transportation resource<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+user inputs <part-num-ref name="and transportation resource-user inputs">164.</part-num-ref>
+ As described above, data collector <part-num-ref name="and transportation resource-user inputs 164. As described above, data collector">140</part-num-ref>
+ collects data of all users <part-num-ref name="collects data of all users">16</part-num-ref>
+ in a processing period. According to one embodiment, the data collected may be categorized as including road usage data and user characteristic data. Road usage data may include the data regarding factors that indicate usage of roads, such as mileage, fuel consumption, routes taken, times of use, taxes paid, etc. Generally, road usage data are capable of being quantified, i.e., described as values. The factors that indicate road usage will be referred to as usage indicators, and the data value regarding each usage indicator is referred to as a user's behavior regarding this specific usage indicator. It is understandable that an observed usage of object user <part-num-ref name="observed usage of object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ is represented by the behaviors of object user <part-num-ref name="behaviors of object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ regarding the usage indicators. A user's behavior may also refer to a relationship between and among the user's behavior regarding each specific usage indicator. That is, the word "behavior" has two levels of meanings in this specification, i.e., in the level of individual usage indicator and in the level of the relationships between and among individual usage indicators.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">[0026] For each specific user 16 (FIG. 1), the data for usage indicators might have some problems such as missing data or obviously strange data. Those problems need to be resolved by data collector <part-num-ref name="data for usage indicators might have some problems such as missing data or obviously strange data. Those problems need to be resolved by data collector">140</part-num-ref>
+ in step S201 before the problematic data is used for further analysis. Road usage data <boundary-data type="header">END920050168US1                           9</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+may also need to be treated in step S201 to fit an analysis purpose. For example, in some situations, a categorized type of data might be more suitable than a data of continuous value, so continuous road usage data may need to be converted to categorized data in step <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+201.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0027<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ User characteristics data include data regarding characteristics of a user <part-num-ref name="user">(16)</part-num-ref>
+ that affect the usage of road by the user (16). As is understandable, user characteristics are generally related to road usage indirectly, i.e., they do not directly indicate road usage, instead they affect road usage.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">For example, a taxi driver (user characteristic) tends to use road more frequently than an ordinary commute driver, and<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+tends to have low gas/mileage efficiency because of-frequent stops. But being a taxi driver does not directly indicate the amount of road usage. In step S201, user characteristic data and road usage data (usage indicators) may be organized together in a table to facilitate further analysis.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">[0028] Next in step <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+202, normal behavior determinator 142 determines a normal behavior that object user <part-num-ref name="normal behavior that object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG. <part-num-ref name="(FIG.">1)</part-num-ref>
+ is expected to behave in consistent with. The normal behavior is determined by analyzing a peer group of users having the same (or similar) user characteristics as object user <part-num-ref name="same (or similar) user characteristics as object user">16.</part-num-ref>
+ Specifically, in step S202a, sampler <part-num-ref name="same (or similar) user characteristics as object user 16. Specifically, in step S202a, sampler">144</part-num-ref>
+ establishes<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+ selects a peer group of users that have the same or similar user characteristics as object user <part-num-ref name="same or similar user characteristics as object user">16,</part-num-ref>
+ who are thus generally expected to behave similarly regarding road usage indicators as object user <part-num-ref name="same or similar user characteristics as object user 16, who are thus generally expected to behave similarly regarding road usage indicators as object user">16.</part-num-ref>
+ Here the meaning of behaving similarly regarding road usage include, but is not limited to, similar behavior (i.e., value) regarding each usage indicator and similar relationships between and among usage indicators. For example, if object user <part-num-ref name="value) regarding each usage indicator and similar relationships between and among usage indicators. For example, if object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ is a taxi driver, a group of other taxi drivers working in the similar region of the same city as object user <part-num-ref name="same city as object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ might be selected to establish a peer group. For each taxi driver (road user) in this peer group, it is expected that the relationship between and among road usage indicators (e.g., correlation between fuel consumption and mileage) should be similar. It is <boundary-data type="header">END92005<confidence value="6686885">0168US1</confidence>
+                          10      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+understandable that similar behavior regarding each individual road usage indicator is a different standard than similar relationship between and among road usage indicators. The selection of peer group may be dependent upon which standard is used. In the operation of transportation resource usage verifying system <part-num-ref name="operation of transportation resource usage verifying system">132,</part-num-ref>
+ an operator of the system may instruct verifying system <part-num-ref name="system may instruct verifying system">132</part-num-ref>
+ regarding which standard is used for a specific kind of object user <part-num-ref name="specific kind of object user">16,</part-num-ref>
+ through operator input <part-num-ref name="specific kind of object user 16, through operator input">162.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0029<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ It should be noted that road usage indicators may also be used, independently or together with user characteristics data, to select peer groups. For example, a group of users <part-num-ref name="group of users">16</part-num-ref>
+ having similar behaviors regarding-some of the road usage indicators may be expected-to have similar behaviors regarding other road usage indicators. In the following description, however, selection of a peer group using user characteristics data is used as an illustrative example for descriptive purpose only.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">[0030] It should also be noted that the selection of a peer group is performed by verifying system <part-num-ref name="peer group is performed by verifying system">132,</part-num-ref>
+ specifically sampler <part-num-ref name="peer group is performed by verifying system 132, specifically sampler">144,</part-num-ref>
+ independent of user <part-num-ref name="peer group is performed by verifying system 132, specifically sampler 144, independent of user">16</part-num-ref>
+ interventions. No information regarding the peer group selection, for example, standards, procedures, and/or results, will be communicated to user <part-num-ref name="peer group selection, for example, standards, procedures, and/or results, will be communicated to user">16.</part-num-ref>
+ This is to ensure that object user <part-num-ref name="peer group selection, for example, standards, procedures, and/or results, will be communicated to user 16. This is to ensure that object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ and other users <confidence value="8">h</confidence>
+aving the potential of being selected into a peer group will not coordinate in a fraudulent type of actions, which will be more difficult to detect.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0031] According to one embodiment, in step S2<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+2a, sampler 144 first identifies a pool of all the users that have the same (or similar) user characteristics as object user <part-num-ref name="same (or similar) user characteristics as object user">16.</part-num-ref>
+ Next, sampler <part-num-ref name="same (or similar) user characteristics as object user 16. Next, sampler">144</part-num-ref>
+ samples a peer group from the pool. One reason for sampling a peer group from the pool is to save system resources of computer system <part-num-ref name="pool is to save system resources of computer system">100</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG. 2), for example, the memory space required for further calculation. It should be understood that in some situations, sampling may not be necessary or may not be desirable. For example, if the pool itself is not big or if the potential <boundary-data type="header">END920050168US1                          11</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+sampling errors are not acceptable, the pool of all the users having the same (or similar) user characteristics as object user <part-num-ref name="same (or similar) user characteristics as object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ may be used as the peer group. The sampling may utilize any now known or future developed methods of sampling, for example, random sampling or representative sampling.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">[0032] Next in step S2<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+2b, behavioral attribute identifier 145 identifies a set of usage indicators, regarding which object user <part-num-ref name="set of usage indicators, regarding which object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ is expected to behave similarly as the peer group identified in step <confidence value="885">S20</confidence>
+2a. The identified set of usage indicators is referred to as behavioral attributes, for illustrative purpose only. For a<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+specific object user <part-num-ref name="identified set of usage indicators is referred to as behavioral attributes, for illustrative purpose only. For a-specific object user">16,</part-num-ref>
+ it may not be<confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+expected that he-behaves similarly<confidence value="66">--</confidence>
+ regarding all road usage indicators, instead it is expected that object user <part-num-ref name="identified set of usage indicators is referred to as behavioral attributes, for illustrative purpose only. For a-specific object user 16, it may not be-expected that he-behaves similarly-- regarding all road usage indicators, instead it is expected that object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ behaves similarly regarding some usage indicators. For example, an object taxi driver (user) may be expected to behave similarly regarding gas mileage as his peer group, but may not be expected to take the similar routes as detected by, e.g., a GPS device in the taxi car, as the peer group. Please note, behaving similarly includes similar behavior regarding each behavioral attribute or similar relationship between and among the behavioral attributes.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">[0033] According to one embodiment, the selection of behavioral attributes may be based on statistical analysis of the behaviors of the selected peer group regarding road usage indicators. For example, a standard deviation of the peer group behaviors regarding a specific road usage indicator may be compared to a threshold, for example, standard deviation being less than <part-num-ref name="threshold, for example, standard deviation being less than">5</part-num-ref>
+ percent of mean. If the standard deviation of the peer group behaviors regarding a specific road usage indicator meets the threshold, that specific road usage indicator may be selected as a behavioral attribute<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0034] According to an alternative embodiment, the selection of behavioral attributes may be based on empirical data<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+ past cases of fraud in road usage charging. For example, past cases of <boundary-data type="header">END92005<confidence value="588588">0168US</confidence>
+1                         12      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+fraud may show that for a user with a specific kind of user characteristic, frauds in road usage charging generally involve strange behaviors regarding a certain road usage indicators. The certain road usage indicators may be selected as the behavioral attributes. It should be noted that any now known or later developed methods of selecting behavior attributes are also included in the current invention. It should also be noted that those methods may used independently or in combination in selecting behavior attributes.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0035<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Next in step S2<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+2c, normal behavior determinator 142 determines a normal behavior of the peer group selected for object user <part-num-ref name="peer group selected for object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ regar<confidence value="66884">ding-</confidence>
+the set of behavioral attributes identified in step <confidence value="885">S20</confidence>
+2b. Various methods may be used to determine the normal behavior. According to one embodiment, if the identified behavioral attributes have some kinds of causal or non-causal relationship, a statistical description of the relationship, such as a correlation table or a regression equation may be used to identif<confidence value="8">y</confidence>
+ the normal behavior. For example, a mileage of a vehicle of object user <part-num-ref name="vehicle of object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ may be related to fuel consumption, time of use (e.g., whether peak traffic time or not), route taken (e.g., highway or not), and age of object user <part-num-ref name="highway or not), and age of object user">16,</part-num-ref>
+ etc. Using the data of the peer group, a regression equation may be obtained as follows:    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">Mileage <confidence value="8">=</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">A</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">*</confidence>
+ Fuel <confidence value="8">+</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">B</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">*</confidence>
+ Time <confidence value="8">+</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">C</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">*</confidence>
+ Route <confidence value="8">+</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">D</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">*</confidence>
+ age <confidence value="6666666666">..........</confidence>
+............... <part-num-ref name="* Fuel + B * Time + C * Route + D * age .........................">(1)</part-num-ref>
+ Regression equation <part-num-ref name="Regression equation">(1)</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to describe the normal behavior. As described above, object user <part-num-ref name="normal behavior. As described above, object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ behaving similarly as the peer group includes similar relationship between and among the behaviors (data values) regarding each behavioral attribute as the peer group. Regression equation <part-num-ref name="peer group. Regression equation">(1)</part-num-ref>
+ represents such a similar relationship. That is, if the behaviors (data values) of object user <part-num-ref name="behaviors (data values) of object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ regarding behavioral attributes, e.g., mileage, fuel consumption, time of use, route taken, and age, conform to equation (1), object user <part-num-ref name="mileage, fuel consumption, time of use, route taken, and age, conform to equation (1), object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ is considered behaving similarly as the peer group.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0036] According to an alternative embodiment, especially when the identified behavioral <boundary-data type="header">END920050168US1                         13</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+attributes do not have a reasonable relationship, the statistical mean of the behaviors of the peer group regarding a behavioral attribute may be selected as the normal behavior regarding this behavioral attribute. The statistical mean may be either average or median depending on the specific object user <part-num-ref name="specific object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ and the peer group. According to one embodiment, an average is a better choice because a standard deviation is calculated based on the average, instead of the median. As will be described below, a standard deviation will be used in further analysis. It should be noted that any now existing and later developed methods of determining a normal behavior are included in the scope of the present invention.        <confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0037<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Next in step <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+203, usage verifier <part-num-ref name="present invention.        - - [0037] Next in step S203, usage verifier">148</part-num-ref>
+ verifies an observed road usage of object user <part-num-ref name="observed road usage of object user">16.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">Specifically, in step S203a, comparator 150 compares the behavior of object user <part-num-ref name="behavior of object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ with the normal behavior determined in step <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+202 regarding the identified set of behavioral attributes. The specific procedure of the comparison depends on how the normal behavior is determined in step S202c. According to one embodiment, if the normal behavior is determined using, e.g., regression equation (1), comparator <part-num-ref name="regression equation (1), comparator">150</part-num-ref>
+ incorporates the observed behaviors of object user <part-num-ref name="observed behaviors of object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG. <part-num-ref name="(FIG.">1)</part-num-ref>
+ regarding the identified behavioral attributes, except for mileage, into equation <part-num-ref name="identified behavioral attributes, except for mileage, into equation">(1)</part-num-ref>
+ to obtain a mileage value and compares this obtained mileage value with the observed mileage of object user <part-num-ref name="observed mileage of object user">16.</part-num-ref>
+ If the difference between the observed mileage and the obtained mileage is within a preset threshold, it is considered that the observed mileage represents the actual mileage and the observed usage represents the actual usage.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">[0038] Similarly, comparator 150 may obtain an obtained value for each of the identified behavioral attributes and compare the obtained value with the observed value. A difference between the obtained value and the observed value of each behavioral attribute may be converted into a score between <part-num-ref name="score between">0</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">1000.</part-num-ref>
+ Any now known and later developed score normalization <boundary-data type="header">END920050168U<confidence value="54">S1</confidence>
+                        14      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+procedures may be used in the conversion, and are included in the present invention. Because the details of the conversion are not necessary for an understanding of the invention, further details will not be provided.    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">[0039<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ According to an alternative embodiment, if the normal behavior is determined using the mean of the peer group behaviors regarding each identified behavioral attribute, comparator <part-num-ref name="peer group behaviors regarding each identified behavioral attribute, comparator">150</part-num-ref>
+ compares the observed behavior of object user <part-num-ref name="observed behavior of object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ with the normal behavior with respect to each of the identified set of behavioral attributes. The difference between the observed behavior and the normal behavior with respect to each behavioral attribute<confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+may be converted into a 0-to-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+000 score using the same procedure described above. It should be noted that any now existing or later developed method of comparing an observed behavior with the normal behavior are included in the current invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0040<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Next in step S2<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+3b, combiner 152 combines the comparison results, i.e., the scores, with respect to each behavioral attribute to generate an overall comparison results, i.e., a combined score. The combined score may be compared to a threshold to determine whether the observed usage represents the actual usage of object user <part-num-ref name="actual usage of object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG. 1), i.e., to verify the observed usage of object user <part-num-ref name="observed usage of object user">16.</part-num-ref>
+ According to one embodiment, the scores with respect to the individual behavioral attributes are averaged to obtain a combined score. According to an alternative embodiment, the score with respect to each behavioral attribute is first weighed according to the behavioral attribute's relative importance in verifying road usage before the score is combined with others to obtain a combined score.    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0041] If the combined score is larger than a pre-set threshold, i.e., not meeting the threshold, the observed usage is considered not representing the actual usage, and it is considered that a fraud is probably involved in obtaining the observed usage. In this case, verifying system <part-num-ref name="observed usage. In this case, verifying system">132</part-num-ref>
+ will <boundary-data type="header">END920050168US1                        15</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+communicate the verifying result to investigating unit <part-num-ref name="verifying result to investigating unit">300</part-num-ref>
+ through verifying result outputs <part-num-ref name="through verifying result outputs">166</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG. <part-num-ref name="(FIG.">2)</part-num-ref>
+ for further investigation of object user <part-num-ref name="for further investigation of object user">16.</part-num-ref>
+ If the combined score is smaller than the preset threshold, i.e., meeting the threshold, the observed usage is considered representing the actual usage. In this case, verifying system <part-num-ref name="actual usage. In this case, verifying system">132</part-num-ref>
+ will communicate the verifying result to collecting and refund unit <part-num-ref name="verifying result to collecting and refund unit">200</part-num-ref>
+ through verifying result outputs <part-num-ref name="through verifying result outputs">166,</part-num-ref>
+ for collecting and refund unit <part-num-ref name="through verifying result outputs 166, for collecting and refund unit">200</part-num-ref>
+ to process fee collecting or refunding therein according to the observed usage.    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">[0042] Referring now to FIG. 4, which shows one embodiment of the prospective analysis operation of transportation resources usage verifying-system <confidence value="68">1-</confidence>
+32. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the steps S301 to S302 are the same as the steps <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+201 to <part-num-ref name="steps S201 to">
+        <confidence value="4">5</confidence>
+202      </part-num-ref>
+ of the historic analysis operation shown in FIG. 3. As described above, a prospective analysis is performed during a processing period of processing center <part-num-ref name="processing period of processing center">12,</part-num-ref>
+ when computer system <part-num-ref name="processing period of processing center 12, when computer system">100</part-num-ref>
+ does not have all the data required to determine a normal behavior (steps S202). As such, the data used in steps <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+301 to S302 are those collected in a proceeding processing period. As a consequence, for a specific object user <part-num-ref name="specific object user">16,</part-num-ref>
+ steps S301 to <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+302 are the same as steps <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+201 to <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+202 of a historic analysis operation of the preceding processing period and might be skipped. Because the data used in steps <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+301 to S302 are those from the preceding processing period, the normal behavior determined (obtained) in step <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+302 is referred to as past normal behavior, for illustrative purpose only.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">[0043] Next in step S303, prospective abnormal behavior detector 154 detects an abnormal behavior of object user <part-num-ref name="abnormal behavior of object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ before an observed usage of object user <part-num-ref name="observed usage of object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ is to be processed by processing center <part-num-ref name="is to be processed by processing center">12</part-num-ref>
+ and verified by verifying system <part-num-ref name="and verified by verifying system">132</part-num-ref>
+ in a historic analysis operation.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">Specifically, in step <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+303a, perspective abnormal behavior detector 154 compares a behavior of object user <part-num-ref name="behavior of object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ detected by monitoring units <part-num-ref name="detected by monitoring units">14</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG. <part-num-ref name="(FIG.">1)</part-num-ref>
+ with the past normal behavior of the peer group using the same procedures as step S203 as described above. Please note, in a prospective <boundary-data type="header">END92005<confidence value="6686885">0168US1</confidence>
+                         16      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="18"/>
+analysis, observed behaviors of object user <part-num-ref name="prospective analysis, observed behaviors of object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ are usually those detected by monitoring units <part-num-ref name="are usually those detected by monitoring units">14</part-num-ref>
+ because object user <part-num-ref name="because object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ may not report usage during a processing period. However, a prospective analysis using a reported behavior of object user <part-num-ref name="reported behavior of object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ is similarly included in the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0044] Next in step S303b, prospective abnormal behavior detector 154 compares a behavior of object user <part-num-ref name="behavior of object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ detected by monitoring units <part-num-ref name="detected by monitoring units">14</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG. <part-num-ref name="(FIG.">1)</part-num-ref>
+ with the past observed behavior of object user <part-num-ref name="past observed behavior of object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ itself. The past observed behavior may be obtained using the behavior of object user <part-num-ref name="behavior of object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ in the immediate preceding processing period, or may be obtaining using an average of the behaviors of object user <part-num-ref name="behaviors of object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ in a serial of preceding processing periods. If, in either step S3<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+3a or S303b or both, the comparison result does not meet a preset threshold, the detected behavior of object user <part-num-ref name="detected behavior of object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ is considered abnormal. In this case, verifying system <part-num-ref name="is considered abnormal. In this case, verifying system">132</part-num-ref>
+ will communicate the result to investigating unit <part-num-ref name="result to investigating unit">300</part-num-ref>
+ through verifying result output(s) <part-num-ref name="through verifying result output(s)">166</part-num-ref>
+ to further investigate object user <part-num-ref name="to further investigate object user">16.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">If, in both steps S303a and S303b, the comparison results meet the preset threshold, the detected behavior of object user <part-num-ref name="detected behavior of object user">16</part-num-ref>
+ is considered normal. In this case, no further action will be taken.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">4.     Conclusion [0045] While shown and described herein as a method and system for verifying a usage of a transportation resource, it is understood that the invention further provides various alternative embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the invention provides a program product stored on a computer-readable medium, which when executed, enables a computer infrastructure to verify a usage of a transportation resource. To this extent, the computer-readable medium includes program code, such as computer system <part-num-ref name="computer-readable medium includes program code, such as computer system">100</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG. 2), which implements the process described herein. It is understood that the term "computer-readable medium" comprises one or more of any type of physical embodiment of the program code. In particular, the computer-readable medium <boundary-data type="header">END920050168US1                        17</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="19"/>
+can comprise program code embodied on one or more portable storage articles of manufacture (e.g., a compact disc, a magnetic disk, a tape, etc.), on one or more data storage portions of a computing device, such as memory <part-num-ref name="computing device, such as memory">120</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG. <part-num-ref name="(FIG.">2)</part-num-ref>
+ and/or database <part-num-ref name="and/or database">128</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG. 2), and/or as a data signal traveling over a network (e.g., during a wired/wireless electronic distribution of the program product).    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0046] In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of generating a system for verifying a usage of a transportation resource. In this case, a computer infrastructure, such as computer system 100<confidence value="2">_</confidence>
+(FIG. 2), can be obtained (e.g., created, maintained, having made<confidence value="1">-</confidence>
+available to, etc.) and one or more systems for performing the process described herein can be obtained (e.g., created, purchased, used, modified, etc.) and deployed to the computer infrastructure. To this extent, the deployment of each system can comprise one or more of<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="deployment of each system can comprise one or more of:">(1)</part-num-ref>
+ installing program code on a computing device, such as computing system <part-num-ref name="computing device, such as computing system">100</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG. 2), from a computer-readable medium;    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">(2) adding one or more computing devices to the computer infrastructure; and <part-num-ref name="computer infrastructure; and">(3)</part-num-ref>
+ incorporating and/or modifying one or more existing systems of the computer infrastructure, to enable the computer infrastructure to perform the process steps of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">[0047] In still another embodiment, the invention provides a business method that performs the process described herein on a subscription, advertising supported, and/or fee basis. That is, a service provider could offer to verify a usage of a transportation resource as described herein. In this case, the service provider can manage (e.g., create, maintain, support, etc.) a computer infrastructure, such as computer system <part-num-ref name="computer infrastructure, such as computer system">100</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG. 2), that performs the process described herein for one or more customers and communicates the results to the one or more customers. In return, the service provider can receive payment from the customer(s) under a subscription and/or fee agreement and/or the service provider can receive payment from the sale of advertising to one or <boundary-data type="header">END<confidence value="66">92</confidence>
+0050168US1                         18      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="20"/>
+more third parties.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0048] As used herein, it is understood that the terms "program code" and "computer program code" are synonymous and mean any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions that cause a computing device having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after any combination of the following: (a) conversion to another language, code or notation; (b) reproduction in a different material form; and/or (c) decompression. To this extent, program code can be embodied as one or more types of program products, such as an application/software program, component software/a library of functions, an operating system, a basic <confidence value="565">I/O</confidence>
+ system/driver for a particular computing and/or <confidence value="555">1/0</confidence>
+ device, and the like. Further, it is understood that the terms "component" and "system" are synonymous as used herein and represent any combination of hardware and/or software capable of performing some function(s).    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">[0049] The flowcharts 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).</p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks 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 <boundary-data type="header">END920050168US1                        19</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="21"/>
+systems which perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0050] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ but do not <confidence value="5">_</confidence>
+preclude the presence or<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+addition-of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0051] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art appreciate that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and that the invention has other applications in other environments. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. The following claims are in no way intended to limit the scop<confidence value="8">e</confidence>
+ of the invention to the specific embodiments described herein.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">END920050168US1                          20</boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11379548.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,87 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11379548</doc-number>
+        <date>2008-10-22</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">Application No.: 11/379,548                                  Docket No.: SYNP 0907-<confidence value="588">1US</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">AMENDMENTS TO THE SPECIFICATION</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Please replace paragraph [0042<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ with the following amended paragraph:    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">[0042<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Region 330 in Fig. 3 is a tensile strained silicon nitride cap layer overlying the N- channel diffusion region <part-num-ref name="N- channel diffusion region">320,</part-num-ref>
+ the <confidence value="256526616626">pewer-supply</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">g</confidence>
+round bus <part-num-ref name="pewer-supply ground bus">228,</part-num-ref>
+ and a portion of each of the two gate conductors <part-num-ref name="two gate conductors">322</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">324.</part-num-ref>
+ Similarly, region <part-num-ref name="and 324. Similarly, region">332</part-num-ref>
+ is a compressively strained silicon nitride cap layer overlying the P-channel diffusion region <part-num-ref name="P-channel diffusion region">318,</part-num-ref>
+ the power supply bus <part-num-ref name="power supply bus">226,</part-num-ref>
+ and a portion of each of the two gate conductors <part-num-ref name="two gate conductors">322</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">324.</part-num-ref>
+ As used herein, layers which are termed "above" or "below" other layers, can in various embodiments be separated from such other layers by one or more intervening layers. If no intervening layer is intended, then the terms "immediately above" or "immediately below" are used herein. The same interpretation is intended for layers being described as "superposing", "underlying" or "overlying" another layer. In addition, as used herein, a layer that overlies a particular region of an underlying layer is also considered to overly each sub-region within the particular region in the underlying layer. Accordingly, the cap layers <part-num-ref name="cap layers">330</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">332,</part-num-ref>
+ which overly the diffusions <part-num-ref name="diffusions">320</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">318,</part-num-ref>
+ respectively, also overly the channel regions of the transistors in the diffusions <part-num-ref name="diffusions">320</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">318,</part-num-ref>
+ respectively.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">Please replace paragraph [0046<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ with the following amended paragraph:    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">[0046<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of Fig. 3, taken along sight lines A-A of Fig. 3. In addition to showing the diffusion regions <part-num-ref name="diffusion regions">320</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">318</part-num-ref>
+ and the polysilicon gate conductor <part-num-ref name="polysilicon gate conductor">324,</part-num-ref>
+ Fig. 4 also shows the gate dielectric layer <part-num-ref name="gate dielectric layer">324</part-num-ref>
+ below the gate conductor [[324<confidence value="66">]]</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="gate conductor [[324]]">
+        <confidence value="866">325</confidence>
+.      </part-num-ref>
+ Fig. 4 also shows an N-well <part-num-ref name="N-well">410</part-num-ref>
+ below the P-channel diffusion <part-num-ref name="P-channel diffusion">318,</part-num-ref>
+ and a P-well <part-num-ref name="P-well">411</part-num-ref>
+ below the N-channel diffusion <part-num-ref name="N-channel diffusion">320.</part-num-ref>
+ In the transverse dimension, the two wells terminate and meet each other roughly at a common edge <part-num-ref name="common edge">412</part-num-ref>
+ that is about half-way between the N-diffusion <part-num-ref name="N-diffusion">320</part-num-ref>
+ and the P-diffusion <part-num-ref name="P-diffusion">318.</part-num-ref>
+ Fig. 4 also shows STI region <part-num-ref name="also shows STI region">414</part-num-ref>
+ between the two diffusions <part-num-ref name="two diffusions">318</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">320,</part-num-ref>
+ STI region <part-num-ref name="and 320, STI region">416</part-num-ref>
+ on the opposite side of N-channel diffusion <part-num-ref name="opposite side of N-channel diffusion">320</part-num-ref>
+ transversely from STI region <part-num-ref name="transversely from STI region">414,</part-num-ref>
+ and STI region <part-num-ref name="transversely from STI region 414, and STI region">418</part-num-ref>
+ on the opposite side of P-channel diffusion <part-num-ref name="opposite side of P-channel diffusion">318</part-num-ref>
+ transversely from STI region <part-num-ref name="transversely from STI region">414.</part-num-ref>
+ Fig. 4 also shows the tensile strained cap layer material <part-num-ref name="tensile strained cap layer material">330</part-num-ref>
+ extending transversely about half way to the P-channel diffusion <part-num-ref name="P-channel diffusion">318,</part-num-ref>
+ terminating at edge <part-num-ref name="P-channel diffusion 318, terminating at edge">338</part-num-ref>
+ roughly coinciding with the common edge of the N-well <part-num-ref name="N-well">410</part-num-ref>
+ and P-well <part-num-ref name="and P-well">411.</part-num-ref>
+ Similarly, Fig. 4 also shows the compressively strained cap layer material <part-num-ref name="compressively strained cap layer material">332</part-num-ref>
+ extending transversely about half way to the N-channel diffusion <boundary-data type="header">{00128996.DOC }                            2</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Application No.: 11/379,548                                      Docket No.: SYNP 0907-<confidence value="588">1US</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="N-channel diffusion">320,</part-num-ref>
+ terminating at edge <part-num-ref name="N-channel diffusion 320, terminating at edge">342</part-num-ref>
+ also roughly coinciding with the common edge of the N-well <part-num-ref name="N-well">410</part-num-ref>
+ and P-well <part-num-ref name="and P-well">411.</part-num-ref>
+ The compressively strained cap layer material <part-num-ref name="compressively strained cap layer material">332</part-num-ref>
+ overlaps the tensile strained cap layer material <part-num-ref name="tensile strained cap layer material">
+        <confidence value="885">330</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ by distance <part-num-ref name="by distance">334,</part-num-ref>
+ but as previously mentioned, the two materials are still considered herein to terminate at substantially the same edge. As used herein, the substrate may be said to "carry" all of the components illustrated in Fig. 4, including the wells, diffusions, STI regions, gate dielectric layers, gate conductors and strained cap layer materials. The term "carrying" is not intended herein to distinguish between substances disposed in the substrate body itself, or disposed in an overlying layer.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">{00128996.DOC }                               3</boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11393799.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11393799</doc-number>
+        <date>2011-08-29</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">App. Ser. No. 11/393,799 Early Response (Amendment) filed August 29, 2011 Final Office Action mailed June <part-num-ref name="Final Office Action mailed June">27,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="Final Office Action mailed June 27,">2011</part-num-ref>
+ Amendments to the Specification:    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Please replace paragraph the third paragraph on page <part-num-ref name="third paragraph on page">1</part-num-ref>
+ of the Specification with the following amended paragraph:    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">Bluetooth is a wireless interface specification for wireless connection between portable devices such as a wireless phone, portable personal computer, network access points, and other peripheral devices. <confidence value="8">D</confidence>
+e<confidence value="87">vi</confidence>
+ses Devices employing Bluetooth are characterized by small size, low price, and low consumption of power. Bluetooth is a telecommunication technology for connecting equipment located, in general, as far apart as ten meters (up to <part-num-ref name="telecommunication technology for connecting equipment located, in general, as far apart as ten meters (up to">100</part-num-ref>
+ meters maximum) and beyond an obstacle. Bluetooth has a data transfer rate of 433.9 Kbps in a symmetric communication mode, and has a data transfer rate of 723.2 Kbps in an asymmetric communication mode. In voice transfer, a <part-num-ref name="">64</part-num-ref>
+ Kbps synchronous transfer rate is used, and up to three voice channels can be used. Further, a <part-num-ref name="">10</part-num-ref>
+ Mbps-class technology capable of transferring moving pictures is under development.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">-2- </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11412828.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,405 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11412828</doc-number>
+        <date>2006-04-28</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">Arlein 3-13-4-21</boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ACCESSING CONTENT</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">[0001]     Historically, a specific type of device was used to receive information (referred to herein as "content"). Similarly, a specific type of device or network was used to deliver, transmit or broadcast the content. For example, one type of content such as a live sporting event, news <confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+event or entertainment event would typically be broadcast using television transmission equipment so that they could be received by television sets. Similarly, the audio portion of these events may have been broadcast using radio transmission equipment so that they could be received by radios. In addition to content that was intended to be broadcast to many individuals, there also developed content that was intended to be received by only a single individual or very few individuals. Examples of this content are telephone calls, facsimile messages, e-mail messages and the like.    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Originally, this type of content was sent from one individual to another over networks operated  by  telephone companies and   data service providers (collectively, referred to as "service providers").  Still, these types of communications and their respective content were originally received by specific devices. That is, telephone calls were received by telephones, facsimiles by fax machines and <confidence value="5">e</confidence>
+-mails by a computer or the like.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="6">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Arlein 3-13-4-2<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+[0002]     Recently, however, manufacturers have developed so called "multimedia devices". A multimedia device is one that is capable of receiving many different types of content ("multimedia" or "media" for short) instead of one specific type of content. For example, a wireless telephone may be capable of receiving voice-based telephone calls, e-mail and event broadcasts. As multimedia devices have been introduced, the service providers responsible for transporting content to users of these devices have had to modify their existing networks or install new networks in order to assure that they are capable of delivering different types of content to a single multimedia device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">[0003]     Service providers are now increasingly studying the types of services they may provide to users of multimedia devices. For example, users are increasingly asking their service providers to give them access to all of the different types of content they are interested in, from any one of their communication devices (multimedia or not), whenever content-of-interest becomes available. As an example of this, suppose a user is interested in a particular song, so much so that the user wishes to receive the song whenever it is being broadcast.</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">To meet such a desire, service providers need to develop services that can determine a user's content-of-interest and are capable of providing such content in a flexible and timely fashion.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Arlein 3-13-4-21</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+[0004]     A flexible service would allow users to switch from one content stream to another. Further, it would allow users to switch back to a first content stream and access any content from the first stream that they may have missed during the time they were accessing a second stream. Such a service should have the capability of storing or caching content from the first stream to ensure the user does not miss any content. In sum, it is desirable to provide methods and devices which allow users to access content in a highly flexible and reliable fashion.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-3">SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">[0005]     The present inventors have discovered methods and devices that allow content to be accessed in a flexible and reliable manner.</p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">[0006]     In one embodiment of the present invention, one method first comprises accessing a first content stream. If an interruption occurs (e.g., the user voluntarily or involuntarily switches to a second stream) the method further provides for a means to access a second content stream and then, subsequently, access content at any location in the interrupted, first content stream. By so doing, content that was transmitted during the interruption is not "lost" and may be subsequently accessed. This allows a user who was originally listening to, or viewing, the first content stream to once again listen to, or view, the content that was transmitted during the interruption <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="522">Sof</confidence>
+                                   <confidence value="2">V</confidence>
+Arlein 3-13-4-2<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+[0007]     The accessing and subsequent accessing of content may be carried out by a user operating a multimedia device, such as a wired or wireless telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), computer, gaming device, or the like.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[0008]     In addition the present invention also provides methods and devices for controlling the forwarding of a first content stream so that, for example, a loss of content will not occur. In such an exemplary method an interruption event may be detected by one or more components of the service provider's network. Upon detection of the event the first content stream is prevented from being further forwarded until the cause of the interruption disappears or until a component of the network detects an event indicating that forwarding may resume.</p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">Once forwarding resumes, it may begin from any location in the content stream.</p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">This assures that any content that may have been transmitted during the period of the interruption may now be forwarded. In this manner, a user can receive all of the content she expected to originally receive.</p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">[0009]    These are just some of the examples of the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">Other examples are illustrated in the drawings and are set forth in the detailed description of the invention which follows.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Arlein 3-13-4-21</boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-4">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+[00010]   Fig. 1 depicts an illustration of a network that includes one or more multimedia devices in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">[00011<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Fig. 2 depicts an illustration of an interruption event.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ WITH EXAMPLES    </heading>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">[00012]   Referring now to Fig. 1, there is shown a network <part-num-ref name="network">1</part-num-ref>
+ which includes devices which operate in accordance with the present invention. As shown, the network <part-num-ref name="network">1</part-num-ref>
+ comprises of one or more devices 3a through 3c, at least one multimedia distribution and control device <part-num-ref name="comprises of one or more devices 3a through 3c, at least one multimedia distribution and control device">2</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., a server), one or more intermediate distribution devices 5a and 5b, and one or more sources of content 4a and 4b. To keep the explanation which follows as simple as possible, we will refer to the distribution and control device <part-num-ref name="distribution and control device">2</part-num-ref>
+ as a "server".    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+00013]    In accordance with the present invention, the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ is operable to control the transport and distribution of content to the devices 3a through 3c. More specifically, the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ controls the forwarding of content to the one or more devices 3a-c, content which the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may receive directly from sources 4a, 4b or, via the intermediate content servers 5a, <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+b or the like. It should be understood that while the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ is shown as a single component this may not <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Arlein 3-13-4-21</boundary-data>
+always be the case. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may be separated into multiple components, each responsible for different or overlapping features and functions. The server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise an Applications server that controls the transport and distribution of specific content. Further, the features and functions of the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may be "distributed" throughout the network <part-num-ref name="network">1.</part-num-ref>
+ That is, when the server is implemented as multiple components, each of the components may be installed at different locations throughout the network <part-num-ref name="network">1.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">[00014]    We will first present a discussion of the operation of an exemplary device 3a and then present a discussion of an exemplary server <part-num-ref name="exemplary server">2.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">[00015]    In embodiments of the present invention, each of the devices 3a-c may comprise a wired or wireless telephone, PDA, computer (laptop or desktop), gaming device or any other device which is capable of receiving and processing one or more forms of content. As shown in Fig. 1, device 3a is a wireless telephone, device 3b is a wired telephone and device 3c is a desktop computer. Each of the devices 3a-c may operate as follows.</p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">[00016]    At some instant of time, device 3a is powered-on and capable of receiving content. More specifically, the device 3a is ready to receive a telephone call, watch a video, play a game, or receive music to name just a few of the many different types of content that the device 3a may receive. For present purposes, we <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Arlein 3-13-4-21</boundary-data>
+will also assume that the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ is in the process of forwarding content to the device 3<confidence value="88">a.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[00017]    To access content, a user initially operates device 3a in accordance with instructions given by the manufacturer of device 3a. Thereafter, the device 3a may be operable to access a first content stream. By selecting a content stream, the device 3a is operable to access content in the selected stream (hereafter, the word "content" will mean information or the like selected from, or in, a content stream).</p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">[00018]    Referring now to Fig. 2 there is shown an example of a scenario where a user of device 3a accesses content being broadcast by a source 40b. As shown, the source 40b routes its broadcast through the Inte<confidence value="66">rn</confidence>
+et <part-num-ref name="Internet">10</part-num-ref>
+ and on to the server <part-num-ref name="server">2.</part-num-ref>
+ While the example in Fig. 2 depicts content being routed via the Internet, this may or may not be necessary. That is, sometimes the content may be routed over other networks besides the Internet. Alternatively, content may be transported over so-called "ad hoc" networks or, still further, may be transported over something other than a formal network. In this first example, the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ forwards content it receives from the source 40b to the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">10</part-num-ref>
+ and then on to the end point device 3a via a second network <part-num-ref name="second network">100,</part-num-ref>
+ such as an IMS network. Thereafter, the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Arlein 3-13-4-2<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+user of device 3a operates the device 3a in order to listen to the broadcast, for example.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">[00019]    At some point in time, however, while the user of device 3a is accessing the first content stream, an event occurs which prompts the device 3a to switch content streams or otherwise prevents the user from accessing the first content stream. In either case, it can be said that the user's access to the first content stream is "interrupted".</p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">[00020]    For example, if while the user is listening to the broadcast the user receives a telephone call from source 40a the user's access to content in the broadcast may be interrupted. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the device 3a and/or server <part-num-ref name="device 3a and/or server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured, programmed, designed or the like (collectively "configured") to allow certain events to interrupt the user's access to a content stream. Similarly, they may be configured to ignore other events so that a user's access is not interrupted. In other instances, however, an interruption event may be triggered by something that is outside of the control of the user or network <part-num-ref name="user or network">1.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, the device's 3a connection to the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may be interrupted by physical phenomena, such as interference, fading and the like.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">[00021]    Regardless of the type of event that triggers the interruption, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, upon detection of the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="41">A.</confidence>
+                               <confidence value="11">6)</confidence>
+                   Arlein 3-13-4-21      </boundary-data>
+event the device 3a may be further operable to select a second content stream if one is available. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the device 3a is operable to select a second content stream that originates from the source 40a. In more detail, it is assumed that the source 40a has initiated a telephone call which is the event that triggered the interruption in the user's access to the first content stream (i.e., the broadcast). Upon selecting the telephone call as its second content stream the device 3a may access one or more channels within the selected content stream in order to carry out a conversation with whoever originated the telephone call.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">While a user of device 3a is accessing the second content stream, the first content stream may be stored by the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ and/or by the device 3a. A discussion of this storage capability is set forth in more detail below.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">[00022]    Assuming sometime thereafter that the user of the device 3a and a user of the device 40a end their telephone conversation, it is desirable to provide the user of device 3a with the ability to access all of the content from the first content stream which may have been transmitted during the time period when the user was speaking with the user of the device 40a (i.e., during the "interruption").</p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">In accordance with the present invention, the device 3a may be further operable to subsequently access content at any location in the first content stream. It should be noted that the termination of the telephone call, in particular the signals associated <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="1">U</confidence>
+Arlein 3-13-4-21      </boundary-data>
+with such a termination, may also be a type of "interruption" event because the signal interrupts the user's access to the second content stream.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">[00023]    By allowing the device 3a to access content at any location (e.g., time, point) in the first content stream the user is given the ability to choose at what point she wishes to once again receive and/or access the broadcast. That is, the present invention allows a user to access content that she has already received and accessed but wishes to "replay", or content she has not already received/accessed. While the example above involves two content streams, it should be understood that the same principles of the invention apply to more than two content streams.</p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">[00024]    It should be further understood that the reception of a telephone call is just one type of event that may trigger an interruption in a user's access to a content stream. In general, this type of interruption may be classified as a <confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+communication-related", interruption event. Other communication-related events may also trigger an interruption. For example, the reception of a text or paging message, or the reception of another broadcast may also trigger an interruption. In general, the subsequent reception of any other content stream may trigger an interruption in the user/device's 3a access to previously received content streams.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Arlein 3-13-4-2<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+It should be noted that a communication-related event is an example of an event that is in the control of the user and or network <part-num-ref name="user and or network">1.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">[00025]   Backtracking somewhat, it should also be understood that a device operating in accordance with the present invention comprises sufficient hardware, software and firmware to carry out the features and functions of the present invention. More specifically, a device may comprise one or more computer readable mediums (e.g., memory, processors, a combination of processors and memory, hard drives, compact disc) that may be operable to store one or more applications, such as software applications, that carry out the features and functions of the present invention. These applications in turn may be made up of code which manipulates and controls data and signals to enable the device to carry out the features and functions of the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">[00026]    Besides communication-related events, other events, such as <confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+connectivity-related" events may trigger an interruption in a user's access to a content stream. For example, suppose the user of device 3a is moving and enters a region where a signal from network <part-num-ref name="signal from network">1</part-num-ref>
+ is not capable of being received effectively.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">Perhaps the components making up network <part-num-ref name="components making up network">1</part-num-ref>
+ or the components making up the device 3a are not sensitive enough to detect such a signal. Or, perhaps the signal being sent from the network <part-num-ref name="network">1</part-num-ref>
+ to device 3a is subject to interference that prevents it <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Arlein 3-13-4-21</boundary-data>
+from being received properly. Either scenario may cause an interruption in the user's access to a first content stream. This is just some of the many examples of connectivity-related events. Another example is the termination of the telephone call discussed above. In general, connectivity-related events are not controlled by a user or network <part-num-ref name="user or network">1.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">[00027]    Even though her access has been interrupted, the present invention provides for means to allow the user to once again access the interrupted content stream. At some point in time the cause of the connectivity-related interruption may disappear or is otherwise compensated for by the network <part-num-ref name="network">1</part-num-ref>
+ or the device 3a (e.g., a user moves into an area that gets better reception or device 3a activates a compensation circuit). Suffice it to say that somehow the content stream is once again adequately received by the device 3a. When this occurs, in accordance with the present invention, the device 3a is operable to subsequently access content at any location in the content stream.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">[00028]    Because the user of device 3a is able to subsequently access content at any location in the content stream, the user is able to view, listen or otherwise access content that was transmitted by the source 40b during the interruption.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="1">'</confidence>
+                                                          Arlein 3-13-4-21    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+00029]    Communication-related and connectivity-related events are just two examples of events which may trigger an interruption in a device's access to a content stream. Another type of event is a "user selection" event. For example, the user of device 3a may interrupt her own access to a content stream by selecting features and functions of the device 3a. Upon selecting a feature or function, the user may activate commands which trigger an interruption in her access to one or more content streams.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">[00030]    Other types of events may also trigger an interruption. A device, such as device 3a, or another element of network <part-num-ref name="device, such as device 3a, or another element of network">1</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured to generate "pre-determined" events which may trigger an interruption. For example, if the user of device 3a is listening to a broadcast from source 40b, the device 3a, server <part-num-ref name="device 3a, server">2</part-num-ref>
+ or one of the other components shown in Fig. 1 may be configured to automatically switch to a second content stream at a particular point in the day so that the user will be able to view, listen or otherwise access content from this second content stream. Perhaps the user of device 3a wishes to listen to music on a different radio station, or the traffic or weather, for example, which may be broadcast at a certain time, or on a certain channel. These are just some of the numerous examples of pre-determined events which may trigger an interruption in the user/device 3a's access to a content stream.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="1">'</confidence>
+                                                           Arlein 3-13-4-21    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+00031]    Up until now we have focused our attention on the types of events which may trigger an interruption in a user's access to a content stream.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">After such an event has occurred, as indicated above, the user or device 3a may subsequently access content from the original or first content stream at any location in the content stream. It should be understood that by "subsequent access<confidence value="8">"</confidence>
+ to content or a content stream is meant access at any time after the event which triggers the interruption has been removed, disappears or is otherwise no longer affecting access to a previously received content stream.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+00032]    In accordance with the present invention, when the user or device 3a subsequently accesses content in an interrupted content stream she may do so by selecting a given location within the content stream. For example, the device 3a may be operable to subsequently access content in a content stream that is located substantially close to content that was processed last before an interruption occurred.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+00033]    Suppose the user was listening to a broadcast from source 40b when a triggering event occurs. Thereafter, the user subsequently accesses content and chooses to do so such that she accesses content at the point at which she last viewed, or listened to the broadcast. Though she may not know the exact point or location that she last viewed or listened to, she knows the approximate place. The <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="1">F</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">.</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">'</confidence>
+Arlein 3-13-4-21      </boundary-data>
+device 3a is operable to select a location that is substantially close to the last location where content was processed by the device 3a before an interruption occurred. Alternatively, the device 3a may be operable to, through a command input by the user or by an external command, access content in the interrupted content stream that is located after content last processed before an interruption occurred. In this scenario the user or external command selects a point in the interrupted content stream that is after a point that was last viewed, listened to or otherwise accessed (collectively "processed") by the user before the interruption occurred. Similarly, the device 3a may be operable to subsequently access content in the interrupted content stream that is located before content that was last processed before an interruption occurred.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+00034]    In addition to giving a user the flexibility of selecting a location along the content stream, the present invention also provides the ability to incrementally select such a location. This and other features may, of course, be available to the user with or without an interruption. That said, in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present invention this feature is available to a user after such an interruption occurs as well. This feature allows a user/device 3a to search through content located at various locations in the content stream in order to determine where she would like to once again begin viewing, listening to, etc., the interrupted content stream.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Arlein 3-13-4-21</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+00035]    The features described above provide a user with the ability to rewind/reverse, fast forward or otherwise activate features that are similar to features offered by recording devices and the like. Further, the present invention provides the user/device 3a with the ability to access content at a plurality of locations in the content stream with or without the use of an incremental value.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">For example, the device 3a may be programmed or designed to skip from one location to another along the content stream where the difference between each location may or may not be the same incremental value. Again, this feature may help the user locate the last or next location she wishes to view or listen to content after an interruption occurs. This feature may also be used by the user even if no interruption occurs.</p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+00036]    The content accessed may be real-time, stored or archived content to name just some of the examples of content which may be transmitted by the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ and accessed by the device 3a. By real-time content is meant content that is broadcast/transmitted and then received by device 3a with little or no time elapsing between the time the content is originally broadcast/transmitted and the time it is received by device 3a. This may occur when the broadcast/transmission is a live broadcast, for example. It may also occur when a broadcast/transmission is stored by its source and subsequently transmitted/broadcast.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">16</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="1">'</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">'</confidence>
+                  Arlein 3-13-4-21    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+[00037]    In contrast, "stored" content refers to content which is stored by the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ or another component of the network <part-num-ref name="network">1,</part-num-ref>
+ such as device 3a. The storage of content is triggered by the receipt of an interruption event by the device 3a or another component within the network <part-num-ref name="network">1.</part-num-ref>
+ Further on in our discussion we will provide some examples of when a content stream and its content may be stored. Briefly, however, when a content stream is stored by the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ or another device within the network <part-num-ref name="network">1,</part-num-ref>
+ it must be subsequently forwarded to the device 3a in order to be accessed by a user. Alternatively, if the content is stored by the device 3a the content must be subsequently retrieved from memory or the like so that it may be accessed by a user.    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">[00038]    The third type of content/content stream mentioned above is an archived content stream. While an archived content stream is also stored, it is not stored in response to the detection of an interruption event. Instead by "archived content stream<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ is meant content or a content stream that has been stored sometime before the receipt of an interruption event and it is not necessarily related at all to such an event. For example, either the server <part-num-ref name="server">2,</part-num-ref>
+ device 3a or another device within the network <part-num-ref name="network">1</part-num-ref>
+ may be operable to store content-of-interest to a particular user which the user desires to access in the future. Such examples are music, videos, e- mails or the like. This content may be stored for any length of time, for example, a number of weeks, months or years and still be accessible by the user and device 3a.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">17</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="1">'</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">'</confidence>
+Arlein 3-13-4-21    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">
+      <page-break num="18"/>
+Of course, if the content is archived the device which is storing the archived content (other than the device 3a itself) must forward that content onto the device 3a so that it may be received and accessed. When the archived content is stored by the device 3a it must be retrieved so that it may be subsequently accessed by its user.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+00039]    Though a user may subsequently access content in, or from, a content stream very soon after an interruption event occurs, most likely some amount of time will pass. It can be said then that the version of the content or content stream which is subsequently accessed is a "delayed" version of an original content stream. Described as such, it can be said that the present invention provides methods and devices which allow for the subsequent access of content at any location in a delayed version of a content stream after an event triggers an interruption in access to the original content stream.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">[00040]    Similarly, in a situation where the user selects a second content stream when an interruption occurs to his access to a first content stream it can be said that the methods and devices provided by the present invention allow the user or device 3a to access content in the second content stream and then to later subsequently access content in a delayed version of the first content stream. That is to say, prior to subsequently accessing content in a delayed version of the first <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">18</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="19"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Arlein 3-13-4-21</boundary-data>
+content stream, a user of device 3a may access one or more other content streams and the content therein.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">[00041<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    When we first introduced Fig.<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ and the operation of device 3a we noted that the device 3a "selected" a content stream. In yet further embodiments of the invention, one or more content streams may be received and accessed by the user/device 3a without a selection step. That is, as described further below, the network <part-num-ref name="network">1,</part-num-ref>
+ and in particular server <part-num-ref name="network 1, and in particular server">2,</part-num-ref>
+ may be operable to monitor the type of content that is of interest to the user and when this content is available, or when the user has requested it be delivered (by pre-configurations, subscriptions, scheduling, for example), the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may forward this content on to the device 3a. Thus, it can be said that the present invention also provides for the "pre-selection" of a content stream, which occurs without the execution of a selection step. It should be noted that while the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ is typically the device that does the pre-selection, this function may also be carried out by other elements of network <part-num-ref name="pre-selection, this function may also be carried out by other elements of network">1,</part-num-ref>
+ including the device 3a.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">[00042<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    Up until now the examples we have given of the present invention have focused on the use of a single device. It may occur that a user has multiple devices which she can use to access content. For example, a user may use device 3a while she is moving from place to place but once she reaches a certain <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">19</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="20"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Arlein 3-13-4-21</boundary-data>
+destination may thereafter prefer to use device 3b and/or 3c. Realizing this, the present invention provides for methods and devices that allow this to occur. In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a second device, such as device 3b or 3c, may be operable to select a previously selected content stream and access content at any location in the content stream. In this context, a "previously selected content stream" is a content stream that was being accessed by the user of device 3a prior to the time when she switched to another device such as device 3b or 3c. This switching of devices may also be viewed as another event which triggers an interruption.  It can be referred to as a "device-triggered" interruption event. The locations within the content stream that may be accessed are the same as set forth above and need not be repeated here.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">[00043]    Having discussed the operation of user devices provided by the present invention, we now turn our attention to a discussion of the operation of the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ and other components within the network <part-num-ref name="network">1.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">[00044]    Referring back to Fig. <confidence value="68">1,</confidence>
+ the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may be operable to monitor the type of content accessed by a user as well as other habits related to the user's accessing of content (e.g., time of day the content is accessed, source of content, etc.,) in order to create and store a user profile. Of course, this monitoring is user-permitted through some type of agreement that sufficiently protects the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">20</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="21"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Arlein 3-13-4-21</boundary-data>
+privacy of the user. Upon creation of this profile, the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ or another element of network <part-num-ref name="or another element of network">1</part-num-ref>
+ may be further operable to update it based on habits of the user or instructions it receives from the user.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">[00045]    The server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may use this profile in order to determine what content to forward to a user. The forwarding may be triggered by a selection step initiated by the user, by pre-selection, an interruption of some kind, or other means.    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">In accordance with the present invention, the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ is operable to forward a content stream to the user/device 3a in a manner that helps ensure that there is no "loss" of content.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+00046]    In more detail, assume that the device 3a is already receiving content from  a first content stream  and thereafter an event, such as a communications-related, connectivity-related, user selection or a pre-determined event occurs. Such an event may be detected by the server <part-num-ref name="server">2,</part-num-ref>
+ by intermediate devices between the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ and the source of the event, or by the device 3a.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">Regardless of how or where it is detected, eventually the detection of the event results in a signal being generated and sent to the server <part-num-ref name="server">2.</part-num-ref>
+ Upon reception of such a signal, the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may be operable to prevent the forwarding of content from the first content stream to the device 3a as long as it has not been configured to ignore such an event. In the example shown in Fig. 2, once the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ recognizes <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">21</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="22"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="21">*.</confidence>
+                                                       Arlein 3-13-4-2<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+that a call has been placed to the device 3a, the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ is operable to prevent content from the first content stream (device 40b) from reaching the device 3a and triggers operations which allow the content from the second content stream (device 40a) to reach the device 3a.    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">[00047]    After the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ has prevented the flow or forwarding of content from the first content stream to the device 3a the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may be further operable to store content from the first content stream. In this manner, though the content is not forwarded to the device 3a it is nonetheless stored so that it may be subsequently accessed by the user (and forwarded by the server <part-num-ref name="server">2,</part-num-ref>
+ etc..). It should be noted that, if desirable and possible, the stored content may be forwarded on to the device 3a a little bit at a time or according to some scheduling scheme even during a period of interruption. That is to say, provided that the device 3a has the storage capacity, the content which is stored by the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may be sent to the device 3a while the device 3a is accessing another content stream, for example. In the scenario given in Fig. 2, server <part-num-ref name="scenario given in Fig. 2, server">2</part-num-ref>
+ stores the content from the first source 40b, a broadcast, until after the user of device 3a finishes her phone call with the user of source 40a.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">22</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="11">-j</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">I</confidence>
+Arlein 3-13-4-21    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">
+      <page-break num="23"/>
+[00048]    In accordance with the present invention the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may resume forwarding content, beginning with content from any location in the first content stream, upon detection of a resumption event.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">[00049]    A resumption event may be a signal which is sent by the device 3a to the server <part-num-ref name="server">2,</part-num-ref>
+ or it may be the absence of a signal, such as the absence of a link between the source 40a and device 3a. In general, the resumption event indicates that the user of device 3a is no longer engaged in accessing content from another content stream or is no longer inhibited to receive content from the first content stream. Therefore, upon detection of this resumption event the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ recognizes that the device 3a is ready to once again receive and access content from the first content stream.    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">[00050]    As explained above with respect to devices 3a-c, the ability to forward content starting from any location in the first content stream (or, in general, from any interrupted content stream) gives the user of device 3a the flexibility to resume accessing (e.g., viewing, listening, etc.) the first content stream at a location or at a point in time where the user last viewed, or listened to, content. In the context of Fig. 2, this gives the user of device 3a the ability to resume listening to, viewing or reading content from the original broadcast at a point she left off at.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">23</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="1">j</confidence>
+                    Arlein 3-13-4-2<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">
+      <page-break num="24"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+00051]    As before, depending on how the device 3a or server <part-num-ref name="device 3a or server">2</part-num-ref>
+ is configured, the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may forward content in any number of ways. For example, content may be forwarded from a location in the content stream that is:    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">(1) located substantially close to content that was processed last before an interruption event occurred; <part-num-ref name="interruption event occurred;">(2)</part-num-ref>
+ from a location that is located after content that was processed last before an interruption event occurred; and <part-num-ref name="interruption event occurred; and">(3)</part-num-ref>
+ from a location that is located before content that was processed last before an interruption event occurred, to name just a few examples. Additionally, the forwarding may occur in increments. That is, content from different locations separated by a set incremental value (e.g., a set number of locations or a set amount of content) may also be used to forward content to the device 3a.    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">[00052]    It should be understood that the content which is forwarded by the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may be real-time, stored or archived content. In the case of real-time content, the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may not be needed. That is to say no storage of the content may be carried out. Alternatively, if some delay is required the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may temporarily store content that is sent from the source 40b, for example, and then send it on to the device 3a. In such a scenario, the delay will be very short and the device 3a will, practically speaking, receive the content from the source 40b as if there were no delay at all. When an interruption occurs or when some other signal is received, the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may store the real-time content for subsequent forwarding <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">24</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="25"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="1">'</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">'</confidence>
+                Arlein 3-13-4-21      </boundary-data>
+to device 3a. In the case of archived content, this content may be stored within the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ for a relatively long period of time because it is only accessed on occasion by the device 3a. Even if it is only accessed occasionally, once the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ begins to forward archived content to the device 3a, it continues to do so until the server <part-num-ref name="server">2,</part-num-ref>
+ device 3a or other element within network <part-num-ref name="server 2, device 3a or other element within network">100,</part-num-ref>
+ for example, detects an interruption event. Viewed as such, there is no difference between real-time content and archived content in that both types of content may be forwarded to the device 3a until an interruption event occurred.    </p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">[00053]    In the case where the user of device 3a selects content from a second content stream, the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may be further operable to control the forwarding of content from this second content stream to the user of device 3a.    </p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">Thereafter, upon the detection of a resumption event, the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may once again forward content from the first content stream to the device 3a.    </p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">[00054]    In sum, the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may be operable to prevent the forwarding of content from a first content stream upon detection of an event and, thereafter, subsequently forward content from a delayed version of the first content stream, beginning with content from any location in the delayed content stream upon detection of a resumption event.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">25</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Arlein 3-13-4-21</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">
+      <page-break num="26"/>
+[00055]    In the case where the user decides to switch devices, for example, from device 3a to device 3c, the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may be operable to detect an interruption event based on a signal received from the device 3a via network <part-num-ref name="device 3a via network">100,</part-num-ref>
+ for example, and prevent forwarding of content to the device 3a. Initially, the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may be operable to forward content, beginning with content from any location in the interrupted content stream, to the second device. This enables content from the first content stream to flow to the second device when it is selected by the user.    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">[00056]    Our discussion of the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ has so far focused on the forwarding of content when an interruption event is detected. However, content may be forwarded by the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ or another element of network <part-num-ref name="or another element of network">1</part-num-ref>
+ regardless of whether or not such an event occurs. For example, in a further embodiment of the invention, the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may create a profile that includes an indication of "pre- selected" content-of-interest to a user. By pre-selected is meant at least that content that the user has shown an interest in, or has received in the past. As a part of this embodiment, the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may be operable to monitor a plurality of content sources, some of which generate content-of-interest to the user, such as baseball games played by the user's favorite team. In accordance with the present invention, the profile created may include an indication of the source of the baseball games (e.g., Internet address, company name) as well as the content itself. If during its <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">26</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="27"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Arlein 3-13-4-21</boundary-data>
+monitoring the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ detects that a source is generating content-of-interest to a user (e.g., a baseball game), the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may be further operable to obtain a copy or otherwise gain access to this content and, thereafter, forward the content to the user of device 3a in real-time or store/archive it for later access by the user. In general, the server <part-num-ref name="server">2</part-num-ref>
+ may forward pre-selected content-of-interest to the user and her device without prompting by the user and without the need to detect an interruption event. In fact, sometimes the device 3a may be powered on but not actively receiving any content so there is no interruption event, per se (though signals that "wake up" the device 3a may also be considered interruption events).    </p>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">In yet further embodiments, the content may be forwarded to the user in accordance with a schedule created by the user or network <part-num-ref name="user or network">1.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+00057]    The discussion above has set forth some examples of the present invention. The true scope of the present invention, however, is given by the claims which follow.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">27</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11456887.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,126 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11456887</doc-number>
+        <date>2006-07-12</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="7">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">GP-307838-R&amp;D-KM </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">POTASSIUM AND SODIUM FILLED <confidence value="2222222222222">SKUTTERUDITES</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">TECHNICAL FIELD</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">[0001]   This invention pertains to filled skutterudites for thermoelectric applications. More specifically, this invention pertains to sodium-filled and potassium-filled skutterudites.</p>
+    <heading id="h-3">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[0002]    Skutterudite is the name of a CoAs3 containing mineral mined in the region of Skutterud, Norway to obtain cobalt and nickel. The mineral has a cubic crystal structure, and compounds with the same crystal structure are called skutterudites. The skutterudite crystal structure has two interstitial voids in each unit cell that are large enough to accommodate different atoms.</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">When skutterudite type compositions are synthesized with atoms that are introduced into such voids, the products are called filled-skutterudites. Thus, filled skutterudites are derived from the skutterudite crystal structure.</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">[0003]   One group of filled skutterudites are represented by the formula LnT4Pn12<confidence value="5">;</confidence>
+ where "Ln" demotes one or more of the rare earth elements La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Th, or U; "T" denotes Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, or Ir; and "Pn" denotes one of the pnicogen elements P, As, or Sb. A skutterudite is said to be filled when empty octants in the skutterudite structure of T4Pn<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+2 are filled with rare earth atoms. Since the synthesis of rare earth element filled skutterudites other suitable filler atoms have been discovered. For example, filled compounds of CoSb3 have been made with alkaline earth elements, calcium, strontium, and barium.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">[0004]    Some of the filled skutterudites of various compositions prepared by a combination of melting and powder metallurgy techniques have shown exceptional thermoelectric properties in the temperature range of about 350<confidence value="28">*C</confidence>
+ to about 700<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C. Both p-type and n-type conductivities have been obtained and thermoelectric devices comprising materials of both types have been made.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+[0005]       Thermoelectric materials can be tested and characterized by a "figure of merit." The thermoelectric figure of merit, ZT, is given by ZT=S2T/p<confidence value="4">x</confidence>
+, where S is the Seebeck coefficient, T is the absolute temperature, p is the electrical resistivity, and <confidence value="4">x</confidence>
+ <confidence value="85">is</confidence>
+ the thermal conductivity. ZT values at 650<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C in the range of, for example, 1.2 to 1.8 have been obtained from measurements on several filled skutterudites and on other, state-of-the-art thermoelectric materials. But higher values are desired for many applications of these materials. High-performance thermoelectric materials could be used to make thermoelectric power generators, coolers, and detectors that would operate with efficiencies greater than those of the corresponding devices now in use and could thus be useful in a greater variety of applications.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">[0006]    There is a further need of filled skutterudite thermoelectric materials for adaptation in thermoelectric material applications.</p>
+    <heading id="h-4">SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[0007]    In a first embodiment, this invention provides potassium-filled and sodium-filled cobalt triantimonide filled skutterudites. These ternary-filled materials are suitably prepared as the K<confidence value="5">y</confidence>
+Co4Sb<confidence value="14">u2</confidence>
+ phase and the Na<confidence value="5">y</confidence>
+Co4Sb<confidence value="14">u2</confidence>
+ phase, where y indicates the filling fraction of potassium and sodium, respectively, in the CoSb3 cubic crystal structure. Thus "y" can have values greater than zero and up to <part-num-ref name="CoSb3 cubic crystal structure. Thus &quot;y&quot; can have values greater than zero and up to">1</part-num-ref>
+ depending on the proportion of the interstitial voids that are filled in the CoSb3 structure.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">[0008]    Filled skutterudites are a class of recently discovered materials which show exceptional thermoelectric properties for automotive waste heat recovery and other thermoelectric applications. One of the challenges to further improve the thermoelectric performance of these materials is the existence of a so-called "Filling Fraction Limit (FFL)" for ternary filled skutterudites. The inventors have developed some first principles methods to understand the mechanisms controlling FFL for ternary filled skutterudites.</p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">Based on these tools and understanding, a very high FFL for K-filled and Na- filled ternary skutterudites was predicted even though these materials had not <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+been made. For example, calculations showed that K can have an ultra-high filling fraction up to more than 60% in CoSb3, as compared with those previously reported fillers for CoSb3, such as Sr, Ba, Ca, La, Ce, and Yb.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">[0009]   Synthesis of potassium filled cobalt triantimonide yielded the composition Ko<confidence value="54">.5</confidence>
+Co4Sb<confidence value="55">12</confidence>
+, a 50% filling fraction for K in CoSb3. Sodium filled CoSb3 can also be prepared. These materials offer utility in thermoelectric applications.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">[0010]   In a second and broader embodiment, the invention provides sodium-filled and/or potassium-filled skutterudites of the general formula, (K, <confidence value="2222">Na)y</confidence>
+ T4 Pn<confidence value="55">12</confidence>
+, where T denotes Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, or Ir; and Pn denotes one of the pnicogen elements P, As, or Sb. Again, y represents the filling fraction of sodium and/potassium in the T4 <confidence value="8855">Pn12</confidence>
+ structure.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">[0011]   Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a description of preferred embodiments which follows.</p>
+    <heading id="h-5">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">[0012]   The single drawing Figure, is a schematic diagram of a unit cell of the cubic crystal structure of the skutterudite, Co<confidence value="885">Sb3</confidence>
+. The cobalt atoms are represented by the dark filled circles and the antimony atoms are the unfilled circles. The arrangement of the twenty-seven cobalt atoms divides the unit- cell cube into eight smaller cubes (octants). The twenty-four antimony atoms are grouped in four-member rings, shown connected by gray-filled squares for easier visualization. The four member rings of antimony atoms occupy six of the octants defined by the cobalt atoms.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBOD<confidence value="8">I</confidence>
+MENTS    </heading>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">[0013]   Many physical properties of crystalline solids, such as the electrical or thermal transport, the luminescence, and the magnetic susceptibility, depend pivotally on the presence of impurities. Materials that possess the skutterudite structure are typical examples of narrow-gap semiconductors with relatively high impurity solubilities for the interstitial voids. In the past <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+decade, filled skutterudites with different filler atoms (Ce, La, Nd, Eu, Yb, T<confidence value="18">l,</confidence>
+ Ca, and Ba) have been intensively studied in an effort to search for better thermoelectric materials. In connection with this effort, a group of researchers, including an inventor in the subject of this application, studied the doping limit or FFL of various impurities for the intrinsic voids in the lattice of CoSb3 using the density functional method. This work is published as "Filling Fraction Limit for Intrinsic voids in Crystals: Doping in Skutterudites," X. Shi, W. Zhang, L. Chen, and J. Yang, Phys. Rev. Lett., <part-num-ref name="density functional method. This work is published as &quot;Filling Fraction Limit for Intrinsic voids in Crystals: Doping in Skutterudites,&quot; X. Shi, W. Zhang, L. Chen, and J. Yang, Phys. Rev. Lett.,">95,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="density functional method. This work is published as &quot;Filling Fraction Limit for Intrinsic voids in Crystals: Doping in Skutterudites,&quot; X. Shi, W. Zhang, L. Chen, and J. Yang, Phys. Rev. Lett., 95,">185503</part-num-ref>
+ (2005).    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">[0014]    In that study, the FFL of skutterudites was shown to be determined not only by the interaction between the impurity and host atoms but also by the formation of secondary phases between the impurity atoms and one of the host atoms. The predicted FFLs for Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Ce, and Yb in CoSb3 were in excellent agreement with reported experimental data. A like study using the density functional method by the inventors herein has predicted high FFL values for the incorporation of potassium and sodium in CoSb3. These materials are now candidates as small-gap semi-conductors for use in thermoelectric applications.</p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">[0015]    The drawing Figure is a schematic illustration of a unit cell of the cubic crystal structure of CoSb3. Twenty seven cobalt atoms (dark filled circles) are illustrated as occupying corners, edges, and faces of a cubic unit cell. A body-centered cobalt atom divides the unit cell cube into eight smaller cubes, sometimes called octants. Six of the octants are seen filled with four square rings of antimony atoms (unfilled circles), where the ring are arbitrarily highlighted by square grey-filled areas. The highlighted rings help to visualize the like spatial attitudes of the rings of antimony atoms in diagonally opposing octants of the unit cell.</p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">[0016]    Thus, 24 antimony atoms occupy the unit cell. The cobalt atoms in the faces of the unit cell are shared with adjoining cells and there are only a total of eight cobalt atoms attributable to the single illustrated unit cell. The illustrated unit cell consists of two primitive cells that contain the minimum <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+number of cobalt and antimony atoms representative of the structure.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">Accordingly, this skutterudite structure is sometimes referred to as a CoSb3 structure because of the ratio of the atoms in the structure, or as a Co4Sb12 cubic structure based on the numbers of respective atoms in a single primitive cell.</p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[0017]   In accordance with this invention, CoSb<confidence value="5">3</confidence>
+ structures are synthesized in which sodium atoms and/or potassium atoms are introduced into the intrinsic voids in the CoSb3 structure. These voids are illustrated schematically in the Figure by the vacant octants at the lower right rear and upper left front cubes of the unit cell.    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">Preparation of Potassium-Filled Cobalt Triantimonide.</p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">[0018]    Tripotassium antimonide, K3Sb, was prepared by heating Sb and K in a steel crucible to <confidence value="58665">-300C</confidence>
+ on a hotplate in an inert atmosphere glove box.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">This material was ground and reheated to <confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+340<confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+C. The final product was a greenish grey powder that could be ground and sieved to remove traces of free K. X-ray diffraction showed the material to be K3Sb.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">[0019]    This powder of K3Sb was added to pieces of CoSb2.828 and Sb to give a nominal stoichiometry for the precursor mixture of K<confidence value="586">yCo</confidence>
+4Sb<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+2 with <confidence value="864">y-1</confidence>
+. This mixture was loaded into a carbon-coated quartz tube and heated slowly to 900<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C, and the molten alloy was soaked for <part-num-ref name="molten alloy was soaked for">1</part-num-ref>
+ hour. Then the temperature was reduced to 700<confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+C and held for <part-num-ref name="temperature was reduced to 700&quot;C and held for">6</part-num-ref>
+ days in order to form and anneal the K<confidence value="586">yCo</confidence>
+4Sb<confidence value="1">1</confidence>
+2 skutterudite phase.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">[0020]   Finally the sample was removed from the furnace and air cooled to room temperature. The quartz tube was broken open and the sample was in the form of agglomerated chunks of fine-grained crystalline powder that stuck slightly to the quartz. X-ray diffraction showed two sets of peaks indicating a mixture of two skutterudite phases having slightly different lattice constants.</p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">Electron microprobe analysis showed that these two phases have different amounts of K. About 80% of the sample have y = 0.5 and the remaining 20% have y = 0.20. There were also trace amounts of CoSb3 and CoSb2<confidence value="4">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+[0021]   Na<confidence value="5">y</confidence>
+CoSb3 compounds can be prepared by an analogous procedure.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">Alternatively, K<confidence value="588">yCo</confidence>
+Sb3 and Na<confidence value="5">y</confidence>
+CoSb3 compounds can be made by methods described in J. Yang, M. G. Endres, and G. P. Meisner, Phys. Rev B 66, 014436 <part-num-ref name="">(2002)</part-num-ref>
+ and J. Yang, D. T. Morelli, G. P. Meisner, W. Chen, J. S.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">Dyck, and C. Uher, Phys. Rev. B 67, 165207 (2003).</p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">[0022]   Thus, this invention provides new sodium-filled and potassium- filled CoSb3 or Co4Sb12 skutterudites of the general formulas Na<confidence value="586">yCo</confidence>
+4Sb2 and <confidence value="8686">KyCo</confidence>
+4Sb<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+2. Here y indicates the filling fraction of potassium and sodium, respectively, in the CoSb3 cubic crystal structure, and may have a value greater than zero and less than one. Generally y has a value in the range of 0.2 to 0.6.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">[0023]   In a broader aspect, the invention provides sodium-filled and/or potassium-filled skutterudites of the general formula, (K, Na)<confidence value="5">y</confidence>
+ T4 Pn12<confidence value="6">,</confidence>
+ where T denotes Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, or Ir; and "Pn" denotes one of the <confidence value="22222222">pnicogen</confidence>
+ elements P, As, or Sb. Again, y has values less than one.    </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11491502.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,318 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11491502</doc-number>
+        <date>2006-07-20</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">EXPRESS MAIL NO.EV915639491<confidence value="88">US</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">TARGETED ADVERTISING FOR PLAYLISTS BASED UPON SEARCH</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">QUERIES</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">TECHNICAL FIELD</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">[0001]   The described technology is directed to the field of electronic advertising.</p>
+    <heading id="h-4">BACKGROUND</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[0002]   Media sequences of various kinds are available to users from various sources via the World Wide Web ("the web"). As examples, a user may access an audio sequence containing a song, a lecture, or a radio program; a video sequence containing a sports contest or silent-movie scene; or an audio/video sequence containing a movie, music video, television program, or news report.</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">[0003]   Because the cost can be high for providing the storage and bandwidth resources needed to make media sequences available via the web, some media sequence providers sell advertising to be included in media sequences accessed via the web to defray these costs. In one common conventional approach, providers of media sequences select for each primary media sequence they make available an advertising message whose subject is similar to the subject of the primary media sequence, and whose media type is the same as the primary media sequence. For example, to a primary media sequence that is an audio/video news report about a hurricane in the Bahamas, the media sequence provider may attach an audio/video advertisement for a weather information service.</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">[0004]   While this conventional approach may result in at least modest advertising revenue, it has the disadvantage that it causes the same advertising message to be shown to every user accessing the primary media sequence. Where the users <boundary-data type="header">[28310-8021-US<confidence value="555586">0000/S</confidence>
+L061240.154<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+                          7/20/06      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+accessing a particular primary media sequence have divergent interests, such "blanket" advertising may be less productive.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">[0005]   Accordingly, an approach that permitted advertising messages attached to media sequences to be more specifically targeted to the users accessing the video sequences would have significant utility.</p>
+    <heading id="h-5">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">[0006]   Figure 1 is a high-level block diagram showing a typical environment in which the facility operates.</p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">[0007]   Figure 2 is a flow diagram showing steps typically performed by the facility in order to process a query.</p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[0008]   Figure 3 is a data structure diagram showing sample contents of an advertising message information table used by the facility in some embodiments to select advertising messages based upon query contents.</p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">[0009]   Figure 4 is a display diagram showing sample contents of a display generated by the facility in which still images from selected advertising messages are displayed alongside the media sequence.</p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">[0010]   Figure 5 is a flow diagram showing steps typically performed by the facility in order to create a playlist of media sequences.</p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">[0011]   Figure 6 is a data structure diagram showing sample contents of a table representing a playlist of media sequences.</p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">[0012]   Figure 7 is a flow diagram showing steps typically performed by the facility in order to identify advertising messages for display with a playlist.</p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">[0013]   Figure 8 is a data structure diagram showing sample contents of a table representing advertising messages that are associated with media sequences in a playlist.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">[28310-8021<confidence value="885">-US</confidence>
+0000<confidence value="66">/S</confidence>
+L061240.154<confidence value="4">]</confidence>
+  -2-                     7/20/06    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-6">DETAILED DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+[0014]   A software facility ("the facility") for selecting targeted advertising messages for deployment with media sequences or with playlists of media sequences is provided.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">The facility operates in connection with a multimedia search engine, such as the multimedia search engines described in U.S. Patent Application No. 09/878,866 filed June <part-num-ref name="multimedia search engines described in U.S. Patent Application No. 09/878,866 filed June">11,</part-num-ref>
+ 2001; U.S. Patent Application No. 09/878,876 filed June <part-num-ref name="multimedia search engines described in U.S. Patent Application No. 09/878,866 filed June 11, 2001; U.S. Patent Application No. 09/878,876 filed June">11,</part-num-ref>
+ 2001; U.S. Patent Application No. 09/876,941 filed June <part-num-ref name="multimedia search engines described in U.S. Patent Application No. 09/878,866 filed June 11, 2001; U.S. Patent Application No. 09/878,876 filed June 11, 2001; U.S. Patent Application No. 09/876,941 filed June">8,</part-num-ref>
+ 2001; U.S. Patent Application No. 09/876,925 filed June <part-num-ref name="multimedia search engines described in U.S. Patent Application No. 09/878,866 filed June 11, 2001; U.S. Patent Application No. 09/878,876 filed June 11, 2001; U.S. Patent Application No. 09/876,941 filed June 8, 2001; U.S. Patent Application No. 09/876,925 filed June">8,</part-num-ref>
+ 2001; U.S. Patent Application No. 10/432,316 filed May <part-num-ref name="multimedia search engines described in U.S. Patent Application No. 09/878,866 filed June 11, 2001; U.S. Patent Application No. 09/878,876 filed June 11, 2001; U.S. Patent Application No. 09/876,941 filed June 8, 2001; U.S. Patent Application No. 09/876,925 filed June 8, 2001; U.S. Patent Application No. 10/432,316 filed May">21,</part-num-ref>
+ 2003; U.S.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">Patent Application No. 10/432,258 filed May 21, 2003; U.S. Patent Application No.</p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">10/432,306 filed May 21, 2003; U.S. Patent Application No. 10/432,388 filed May 21, 2003; U.S. Patent Application No. 10/415,021 filed April 24, 2003; U.S. Patent Application No. 10/415,216 filed April 24, 2003; and U.S. Patent Application No.</p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">10/415,210 filed April 24, 2003, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.</p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">[0015]  In some embodiments, when a user submits a query made up of search terms to a multimedia search engine, the query is used for two purposes: <part-num-ref name="query is used for two purposes:">(1)</part-num-ref>
+ to generate a search result containing controls such as links that can be used to download and/or render media sequences satisfying the query; and <part-num-ref name="query; and">(2)</part-num-ref>
+ to select one or more media sequence advertising messages to be deployed with the media sequences satisfying the query when downloaded and/or rendered. In various embodiments, the facility deploys the selected advertising messages in a variety of ways, including <part-num-ref name="variety of ways, including">(1)</part-num-ref>
+ inserting the advertising message into, or "attaching it to," the media sequences that satisfy the query, or <part-num-ref name="query, or">(2)</part-num-ref>
+ while a media sequence satisfying the query is being downloaded and/or rendered, displaying still image thumbnails of the selected advertising messages that the user may activate in order to view the selected advertising messages. For example, where a music video media sequence for the song Hollywood by the artist Madonna appears in the search result for the query "Madonna," the facility may insert an advertising message for Madonna's newest album into the music video or display thumbnail for such advertising message alongside the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+28310-8021<confidence value="686">-US</confidence>
+0000/<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+L061240.154]  -3-                     7/20/06      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+music video. On the other hand, when the music video appears in the search result for the query "Hollywood," the facility may instead deploy the music video with an advertising message for Hollywood tourist attractions. By selecting and deploying an advertising message with media sequences in some or all of the ways described above, the facility enables a media sequence provider to obtain additional revenue from presenting an advertising message likely to be relevant to the user performing the search.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[0016]   In some embodiments, the facility also selects targeted advertising messages for deployment with sets of media sequences (hereinafter referred to as "playlists"). Playlists have become increasingly common on media sites as technology has allowed consumers and content producers to group various media sequences together based on common themes, interests, or other factors. Some media websites (such as Apple's iTunes) allow users to find pre-existing playlists by entering a search query to search for playlists that are generated by other users. Some media websites (such as AOL Music) allow users to create playlists by first entering a search query to locate a particular media sequence, then selecting a control that adds the media sequence into a personalized playlist. The facility stores search queries that are used by a user to locate pre-existing playlists, to generate new playlists, or to modify existing playlists. Prior to the use of a stored playlist, or contemporaneously with the use of a stored playlist, the facility uses the stored search queries to select one or more advertising messages to be presented with the media sequences in the playlist. The advertising messages that are presented may be updated each time the playlist is accessed in order to remove advertising messages from expired campaigns, to remove advertising messages that are not having a desired marketing effect, or to add new advertising messages. By providing targeted advertising messages to a playlist user, the facility enables a playlist publisher to increase the effectiveness of the advertisements over non-targeted ads.</p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">[0017]   Figure 1 is a high-level block diagram showing a typical environment in which the facility operates. The block diagram shows several client computer systems, <boundary-data type="header">[28310-8021-US<confidence value="5555">0000</confidence>
+/SL061240.154]  -4-                      7/20/06      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+such as client computer systems <part-num-ref name="block diagram shows several client computer systems, such as client computer systems">110,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="block diagram shows several client computer systems, such as client computer systems 110,">120,</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="block diagram shows several client computer systems, such as client computer systems 110, 120, and">130.</part-num-ref>
+ Each of the client computer systems has a web client computer program that a user of the client computer system can use to browse the World Wide Web, such as web clients <part-num-ref name="World Wide Web, such as web clients">111,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="World Wide Web, such as web clients 111,">121,</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="World Wide Web, such as web clients 111, 121, and">131.</part-num-ref>
+ Such web clients typically allow their users to submit queries to multimedia search engines, and play media sequences listed in search results produced in response to those queries. The client computer systems are connected via the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">140</part-num-ref>
+ to a server computer system <part-num-ref name="server computer system">150</part-num-ref>
+ hosting the facility. Those skilled in the art will recognize that client computer systems could be connected to the server computer system by networks other than the Internet, however.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">[0018]   The server computer system <part-num-ref name="server computer system">150</part-num-ref>
+ contains a memory <part-num-ref name="memory">160.</part-num-ref>
+ The memory <part-num-ref name="memory">160</part-num-ref>
+ preferably contains the facility <part-num-ref name="facility">161,</part-num-ref>
+ comprising one or more programs <part-num-ref name="facility 161, comprising one or more programs">162,</part-num-ref>
+ as well as data <part-num-ref name="facility 161, comprising one or more programs 162, as well as data">163.</part-num-ref>
+ Data <part-num-ref name="facility 161, comprising one or more programs 162, as well as data 163. Data">163</part-num-ref>
+ typically includes data relating single or multi-word search terms to advertising messages of one or more media sequence types. Such data may reflect the results of various kinds of advertising message sales techniques, such as auctions or outright purchase of particular search terms by advertisers or their representatives.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">The memory preferably further contains a web server computer program <part-num-ref name="web server computer program">164</part-num-ref>
+ for delivering web pages in response to requests from web clients. While items 161-164 are preferably stored in memory while being used, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these items, or portions of them, maybe be transferred between memory and a persistent storage device <part-num-ref name="persistent storage device">172</part-num-ref>
+ for purposes of memory management and data integrity.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">The server computer system further contains one or more central processing units (CPU) 171 for executing programs, such as programs 161-164, and a computer- readable medium drive <part-num-ref name="computer- readable medium drive">173</part-num-ref>
+ for reading information or installing programs such as the facility from computer-readable media, such as a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, or a DVD.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">[0019]   While various embodiments of the facility are described in terms in the environment described above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the facility may be implemented in a variety of other environments including a single, monolithic computer system, as well as various other combinations of computer systems or similar devices connected in various ways. In particular, the facility may interact with users via <boundary-data type="header">[28310-8021-US<confidence value="5555">0000</confidence>
+/SL061240.1<confidence value="885">54]</confidence>
+  -5-                      7/20/06      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+a wide range of portable and/or wireless user interface devices, such as cellular telephones, pagers, personal digital assistants, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">[0020]   Figure 2 is a flow diagram showing steps typically performed by the facility in order to process a query. In step <part-num-ref name="query. In step">201,</part-num-ref>
+ the facility receives the query. In step <part-num-ref name="query. In step">202,</part-num-ref>
+ the facility generates a set of media sequences that is responsive to the query. In some embodiments, the facility performs step <part-num-ref name="facility performs step">202</part-num-ref>
+ using multimedia search engine techniques described in one or more of the patent applications listed above. In step <part-num-ref name="patent applications listed above. In step">203,</part-num-ref>
+ the facility selects one or more advertising messages based upon the contents of the query.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">The selected advertising messages may include advertising messages of one or more media types, and/or media sequences relating to one or more different subjects associated with contents of the query.</p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">[0021]   Figure 3 is a data structure diagram showing sample contents of an advertising message information table used by the facility in some embodiments to select advertising messages based upon query contents. The advertising message information table <part-num-ref name="advertising message information table">300</part-num-ref>
+ is made up of rows, such as rows 301-303, each corresponding to a different combination of an advertising message with one or more search terms used to select the advertising message. Each row contains information in the following columns: a search terms column <part-num-ref name="search terms column">311</part-num-ref>
+ containing one or more search terms associated with the advertising message; a media type column <part-num-ref name="media type column">312</part-num-ref>
+ indicating a media type of the advertising message; an advertiser column <part-num-ref name="advertiser column">313</part-num-ref>
+ containing identifying information for the advertiser on whose behalf the advertising message will be presented; a media address column <part-num-ref name="media address column">314</part-num-ref>
+ containing an address from which the advertising message media sequence may be retrieved; and a message id column <part-num-ref name="message id column">315</part-num-ref>
+ containing an identifier for the advertising message that may be used to maintain presentation statistics for the advertising message, bill the advertiser for presenting the advertising message, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">For example, row 302 indicates that an avi advertising message for GMC having identifier <part-num-ref name="avi advertising message for GMC having identifier">9128314</part-num-ref>
+ and available from media address www.mediahost.com/gmc<confidence value="55">00</confidence>
+83.avi may be selected for attachment to media sequences included in a search result produced for a search query containing the search term "General Motors." <boundary-data type="header">[28310-8021-US<confidence value="5555">0000</confidence>
+/SL<confidence value="488">061</confidence>
+240.154]  -6-                     7/20/06      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+[0022]   The facility typically identifies rows of the advertising message information table that in the search terms column contains search terms that match search terms in the query. In some cases, the facility further seeks to match the media type of selected advertising messages either directly to the media type of each of the principal media sequences, or to a group of media types that includes the media type of the principal media sequence, such as a group of audio/video media sequence media types, or a group of media sequence media types supported by a particular media viewer program, etc. In some embodiments, the facility selects the advertising messages associated with all rows of the advertising message information table whose search terms match the query. In some embodiments, the facility selects the advertising messages associated with the rows of the advertising message information table whose search terms most significantly match the query.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">[0023]   While Figure 3 shows a table whose contents and organization are designed to make them more comprehensible by a human reader, those skilled in the art will appreciate that actual data structures used by the facility to store this information may differ from the table shown, in that they, for example, may be organized in a different manner; may contain more or less information than shown; may be compressed and/or encrypted; etc.</p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">[0024]   Returning to Figure 2, in some embodiments, in step 203, the facility employs additional information to select advertising messages that are as relevant as possible to the user. Such additional information may include profile or preference information established for the user; metadata associated with one or more of the media sequences in the set generated in step 202; information provided by the advertiser or a designee of the advertiser; instructions to manually override the advertising messages selected for particular queries, query terms, resulting media sequences, or groups of resulting media sequences, such as those issued by the advertiser using campaign management software; etc.</p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">[0025]  In steps 204-206, the facility loops through each media sequence in the set generated in step <part-num-ref name="set generated in step">202.</part-num-ref>
+ In step <part-num-ref name="set generated in step 202. In step">205,</part-num-ref>
+ the facility generates a link that causes one of the <boundary-data type="header">[28310-8021-U<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+0000/SL061240.154]  -7-                      7/20/06      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+advertising messages selected in step <part-num-ref name="advertising messages selected in step">203</part-num-ref>
+ to be presented in conjunction with the media sequence when the link is dereferenced. This advertising message is generally of a media sequence type that is either the same as, or otherwise compatible with the media sequence type of the media sequence. The advertising message may be chosen based upon information associated with the media sequence, such as metadata attributed to the media sequence. In some cases, the generated link causes more than one of the selected advertising messages to be presented in conjunction with the media sequence.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">[0026]  In some embodiments, the facility generates the link in step <part-num-ref name="link in step">205</part-num-ref>
+ in a manner that causes the selected advertising message to be attached to the media sequence. The generated link may cause the selected advertising message to be presented in various positions relative to the media sequence, such as before the media sequence, after the media sequence, during the media sequence, or throughout the media sequence or portions of the media sequence. Table <part-num-ref name="media sequence. Table">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ below shows sample contents for a link generated by the facility in step <part-num-ref name="facility in step">205.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">http://sponsoredvideo.aol.com/play?content=www.varchive.net/sloane_speech.avi?</p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">ad=www.mediahost.com/gmc<confidence value="555">000</confidence>
+83.avi Table 1 The portion of the sample link before the first question mark directs a request to a server capable of concatenating one or more advertising messages with a media sequence. The portion of the sample link between the first and second question marks identifies the media sequence to the server, while the portion after the second question mark identifies the advertising message to the server. When the server receives this request, it retrieves both the advertising message and the media sequence, concatenates them, and serves the concatenated result to the client. In some embodiments, the facility constructs the link in such a way as to direct the request to a server for the advertising message that is capable of retrieving and concatenating the media sequence, or a server for the media sequence that is capable of retrieving and concatenating the advertising message. In some embodiments, the facility encodes the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+28310-8021-US<confidence value="555885">0000/S</confidence>
+L061240.154<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  -8-                     7<confidence value="588588">/20/06</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+contents of the link to make it more difficult or impossible to identify the URL of the advertising message and/or the media sequence without possession of data stored on the server. For example, as shown below in Table <part-num-ref name="server. For example, as shown below in Table">2,</part-num-ref>
+ the parameters containing the URLs for the media sequence in the advertising message may be replaced with numerical or other identifiers that are mapped to the corresponding URLs on the server.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">http://sponsoredvideo.aol.com/play?contentid=2306022&amp;adid=9235255 Table 2 In some embodiments, the facility encrypts the media sequence and advertising message parameters such that they can be decrypted using a key stored on the server, as shown below in Table <part-num-ref name="server, as shown below in Table">3.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">http://sponsoredvideo.aol.com/play?d<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+98sdgds4o8sgdog84h4e4kjh Table 3 In some embodiments, the link is constructed to point to a custom media metafile, such as an <confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+asx file, hosted by the facility. Sample contents for such an <confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+asx file corresponding to the example shown in Table <part-num-ref name="example shown in Table">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ are shown below in Table <part-num-ref name="are shown below in Table">4.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">ref<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+=www.mediahost.com/gmc<confidence value="555">000</confidence>
+83.avi ref2=www.varchive.net/sloane speech.avi Table 4 In some embodiments, in step <part-num-ref name="In some embodiments, in step">205,</part-num-ref>
+ the facility further causes visual information identifying a provider of the media sequence to be displayed, such as between the display of the media sequence and the display of the advertising message.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">[0027]  In some embodiments, the facility constructs the link in step <part-num-ref name="link in step">205</part-num-ref>
+ in such a way as to cause the client to display the media sequence with thumbnail still images for one or more selected advertising message alongside. Figure 4 is a display diagram <boundary-data type="header">[28310-8021-US<confidence value="5555">0000</confidence>
+/SL061240.154]  -9-                     7/20/06      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+showing sample contents of a display generated by the facility in which still images from selected advertising messages are displayed alongside the media sequence. The diagram shows a page <part-num-ref name="page">400,</part-num-ref>
+ such as a dynamically generated page, to which the link generated in step <part-num-ref name="link generated in step">205</part-num-ref>
+ points. The page includes an embedded media player <part-num-ref name="embedded media player">410,</part-num-ref>
+ comprising a display pane <part-num-ref name="display pane">411</part-num-ref>
+ for displaying media sequences, as well as controls <part-num-ref name="for displaying media sequences, as well as controls">412</part-num-ref>
+ for controlling the display of media sequences. When the page is loaded, the media sequence with which the link to the page is associated is played in the display pane <part-num-ref name="display pane">411</part-num-ref>
+ of the embedded media player. At the same time, advertising message thumbnails are displayed at thumbnail positions 421-423 near the embedded media player. The user can activate an advertising message thumbnail, such as by clicking it or hovering the mouse cursor over it. In response, the page displays the advertising message associated with the advertising message thumbnail. This advertising message may be displayed in a variety of locations, including in-place in its thumbnail position, in the embedded media player <part-num-ref name="embedded media player">410</part-num-ref>
+ in which the media sequence is displayed, or in a second embedded media player that is opened elsewhere in the page, such as in the portion of the page occupied by the thumbnail positions.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">[0028]   In step 206, if additional media sequences in the set remain to be processed, then the facility continues in step <part-num-ref name="facility continues in step">204</part-num-ref>
+ to process the next media sequence in the set, else the facility continues in step <part-num-ref name="facility continues in step">207.</part-num-ref>
+ In step <part-num-ref name="facility continues in step 207. In step">207,</part-num-ref>
+ the facility generates a query result containing the links generated in step <part-num-ref name="links generated in step">205.</part-num-ref>
+ In step <part-num-ref name="links generated in step 205. In step">208,</part-num-ref>
+ the facility replies to the query received in step <part-num-ref name="query received in step">201</part-num-ref>
+ with the query result generated in step <part-num-ref name="query result generated in step">207.</part-num-ref>
+ After step <part-num-ref name="query result generated in step 207. After step">208,</part-num-ref>
+ the facility continues in step <part-num-ref name="facility continues in step">201</part-num-ref>
+ to receive the next query.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">[0029]   In some embodiments, the facility also enables targeted advertising to be added to playlists containing multiple media sequences. Figure 5 is a flow diagram of a process <part-num-ref name="process">500</part-num-ref>
+ by which the facility allows a user to construct a playlist of different media sequences. In step <part-num-ref name="playlist of different media sequences. In step">510,</part-num-ref>
+ the facility receives a search query entered by a user that pertains to a particular media sequence or a category of media sequences that the user is interested in locating. The search query is typically one or more keywords, for example, a user may enter a search query for "C<confidence value="68">la</confidence>
+pton" or "blues guitar<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ or "Motherless <boundary-data type="header">[28310-8021-US<confidence value="5555">0000</confidence>
+/SL<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+61240.154]  -10-                     7/20/06      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+Child." Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in addition to keywords, other input mechanisms such as pulldown menus or radio buttons may be used by a user to further specify the search query.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0030]   In step 515, the facility applies the search query against a database or other catalog of media sequences in order to identify a set of media sequences that are responsive to the query. In some embodiments, the facility performs the search using multimedia search engine techniques described in one or more of the patent applications referenced above. In step <part-num-ref name="patent applications referenced above. In step">520,</part-num-ref>
+ the set of media sequences that are determined to be responsive to the search query are displayed by the facility. Typically, search results are displayed in a list with the results having highest relevancy displayed at the beginning of the list and results having lower relevancy displayed towards the end of the list. In step <part-num-ref name="list. In step">525,</part-num-ref>
+ the facility generates an interface that allows the user to select whether one or more media sequences from the search results should be added to an existing playlist or used to build a new playlist. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the user may select particular media sequences from the search results list using a variety of different input mechanisms, including dragging and dropping a search result into a playlist, selecting a search result using a checkbox or radio button, selecting a search result using a drop-down menu, selecting a media sequence after being redirected to the sequence from the search results, or any of a variety of other techniques.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">[0031]   In a decision step <part-num-ref name="decision step">530,</part-num-ref>
+ a test is made by the facility to see whether the user elected to add a media sequence identified in the search results to a playlist. If a media sequence is selected to be added to a playlist, in step <part-num-ref name="playlist, in step">540</part-num-ref>
+ the facility stores a pointer or other link to the selected media sequence and also stores the search query that was used to generate the search results containing the selected media resource. A data structure suitable for storing such information is provided in Figure 6.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">[0032]   Figure 6 is a diagram of a representative data table <part-num-ref name="representative data table">600</part-num-ref>
+ depicting the contents of a playlist of media sequences as maintained by the facility. Each row in table <part-num-ref name="facility. Each row in table">600</part-num-ref>
+ corresponds to a different media sequence in a playlist. Each column in <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+28310-8021-US0000<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+SL061240.154]  -11-                     7/20/06      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+table <part-num-ref name="playlist. Each column in table">600</part-num-ref>
+ reflects a different field that is used to characterize the media sequences in the playlist. An order number field <part-num-ref name="order number field">610</part-num-ref>
+ identifies what numeric order (e.g. first, second, fifth, etc.) the media sequence appears in the playlist. A date field <part-num-ref name="date field">620</part-num-ref>
+ and a time field <part-num-ref name="time field">630</part-num-ref>
+ contains the date and time when a particular media sequence was added to the playlist. A search query field <part-num-ref name="search query field">640</part-num-ref>
+ contains a representation of the original search query that led to a user adding the media sequence to the playlist. The search query field may include the keywords entered by a user to identify the media sequence, as well as a characterization of any other settings that were used to generate the search results. A media sequence field <part-num-ref name="media sequence field">650</part-num-ref>
+ contains a pointer or other link to where the media sequence can be found, and may take the form of a uniform resource locator (URL) or other network location identifier. Examining a sample record <part-num-ref name="sample record">660</part-num-ref>
+ in table <part-num-ref name="in table">600,</part-num-ref>
+ the record reflects that the media sequence is the third sequence in the playlist (identified by an order number of "<confidence value="66">3"</confidence>
+). The keywords used by a user in a search query to identify this media sequence were "Clapton" and "blues," and the particular search query was received on May <part-num-ref name="particular search query was received on May">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="particular search query was received on May 1,">2006,</part-num-ref>
+ at 13:42.56. A URL is provided as a pointer to the media sequence, with the particular URL shown in record <part-num-ref name="particular URL shown in record">660</part-num-ref>
+ linking to the Eric Clapton song "Smokestack Lightning" in a music section of the AOL website. Three additional records are provided in the table <part-num-ref name="table">600</part-num-ref>
+ to identify the remaining three media sequences in the playlist, but it will be appreciated that the playlist could be longer or shorter than the representative playlist that is depicted.    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">[0033]   With reference to Figure 6, a few observations may be made about the contents of the playlist table. In some situations, several media sequences in a playlist may share the same search query terms. For example, a user may select any number of media sequences for inclusion in a playlist based on the search results from a single query. As a result, two or more media sequences may have the same associated search query, such as the two media sequences in table <part-num-ref name="two media sequences in table">600</part-num-ref>
+ that were both identified from the search terms "Clapton" and "blues." In other situations, such as when the playlist is identified as a whole from a search query, all of the media sequences in the playlist may share the same search query terms. In still other situations, some of the media sequences in a playlist may be identified without the use of a search query. In <boundary-data type="header">[28310-8021-US<confidence value="555586">0000/S</confidence>
+L061240.154]  -12-                      7/20/06      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+these situations, such as when a media sequence is identified by browsing a catalog of media sequences, the search query field may be left blank or may contain keywords that correspond to a browse route that a user selected through a browse structure or browse tree to arrive at the media sequence. In yet other situations, each media sequence in a playlist may have a unique set of search query terms that are not shared with any other media sequences in the playlist.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">[0034]  It will be appreciated that the facility may create a separate table <part-num-ref name="separate table">600</part-num-ref>
+ for each playlist created or added to by a user, or may combine multiple playlists into a common table and provide an additional identifier (not shown) to correlate each media sequence with a particular playlist.    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">[0035]   While Figure 6 depicts a table whose contents and organization is designed to make it more comprehensible by a human reader, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the actual data structure used by the facility to store this information may differ from the table shown, in that it, for example, may be organized in a different manner, may contain more or less information than shown, may be compressed and/or encrypted, and may be optimized in a variety of ways.</p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">[0036]   Returning to Figure 5, after a particular media sequence has been identified and the corresponding search query stored in a table by the facility in step <part-num-ref name="facility in step">540,</part-num-ref>
+ the facility returns to decision step <part-num-ref name="facility returns to decision step">530.</part-num-ref>
+ In decision step <part-num-ref name="facility returns to decision step 530. In decision step">530,</part-num-ref>
+ the facility detects whether a user selected an additional media sequence from the list of search results that were responsive to the user's initial search query. Alternatively, if a user did not select any additional media sequences from the search results, the facility proceeds to a decision step <part-num-ref name="decision step">550</part-num-ref>
+ where the facility generates an interface that allows the user to elect to perform another search with a different search query. If a user elects to perform an additional search, the facility returns to step <part-num-ref name="facility returns to step">510</part-num-ref>
+ and a new search is initiated.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">Alternatively, if a user elects not to perform an additional search, these steps conclude.</p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">It will be appreciated that the process flow diagram in Figure 5 allows a user to construct a playlist by performing one or more searches and adding media sequences to the playlist from the results of those search queries. Playlists generated in such a <boundary-data type="header">[28310-8021-US<confidence value="5555">OOOO</confidence>
+/SL<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+61240.154]  -13-                      7/20/06      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+fashion may be as short as two media sequences or as long as the facility is architected to support. Moreover, the facility may allow a user to subsequently add a media sequence to the playlist, delete a media sequence from the playlist, or modify the order of the media sequences in the playlist. Such addition, deletion, or modification may occur at any time after the initial construction of the playlist.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">[0037]   While the process depicted in Figure 5 gives a user complete control over what media sequences appear in a playlist, other users may instead want to identify playlists created by third parties that are of interest to the user. In such a case, the facility allows a user to enter a search query that would characterize the entire list in some fashion. For example, a user may enter the query "Clapton Blues" in order to identify third party playlists that have already been constructed that contain blues works by Eric Clapton. In such an example, the facility may still create a table analogous to the table depicted in Figure 6. Instead of different keywords being identified in the search query field <part-num-ref name="search query field">640,</part-num-ref>
+ however, the same search query would be identified for all media sequences in the playlist. In this fashion, a playlist managed by the facility will typically have search queries associated with each media sequence in the playlist.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">[0038]   Once search queries have been associated with a playlist, the facility may generate one or more targeted advertising messages that are associated with the playlist and which may be delivered to the user when the user accesses the playlist.</p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">Figure 7 is a flow diagram depicting a process <part-num-ref name="process">700</part-num-ref>
+ typically performed by the facility in order to identify targeted advertising messages for delivery with a playlist. In step <part-num-ref name="playlist. In step">710,</part-num-ref>
+ the facility retrieves a stored playlist, such as the playlist represented in the table of Figure 6. In step <part-num-ref name="table of Figure 6. In step">720,</part-num-ref>
+ the facility selects a particular media sequence from the playlist.    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">In step 730, an advertising message is identified by the facility to deliver in conjunction with the media sequence. The advertising message may be identified using a variety of different techniques. As described above with respect to Figures <part-num-ref name="variety of different techniques. As described above with respect to Figures">2</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">3,</part-num-ref>
+ the search query that was initially used to identify the media sequence may be used by the facility to identify relevant advertising messages to deliver. Alternatively, or in addition to using <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="5">(</confidence>
+28310-8021-US<confidence value="555588">0000/S</confidence>
+L061240.154<confidence value="4">]</confidence>
+  -14-                       7/20/06      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+the search query, the facility may target the advertising message based on knowledge of the user and/or of the associated media sequence.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">[0039]   When targeting advertising messages to media sequences contained in playlists, it will be appreciated that the search queries used to locate the media sequences or playlists may be used in a variety of ways. For example, if a single search query is associated with each media resource, each search query might only be used to target the advertising message associated with that particular media sequence.</p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">In this fashion, the ads will be tailored to user preferences at the media sequence level.</p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">Alternatively, all of the search queries associated with the media sequences in a particular playlist may be used as a group to target the advertising messages to the playlist. In this fashion, the advertising messages portrayed to the user will reflect advertising associated with the search queries as a whole, rather than as individual queries.</p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">[0040]  In step 740, a message ID identifying the advertising message is stored in association with the media sequence. Figure 8 is a diagram of a representative data table <part-num-ref name="representative data table">800</part-num-ref>
+ that associates media sequences with particular advertising message IDs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">Each record in the table contains a playlist field <part-num-ref name="playlist field">810,</part-num-ref>
+ an order number field <part-num-ref name="order number field">820,</part-num-ref>
+ a current message ID field <part-num-ref name="current message ID field">830,</part-num-ref>
+ and a previous message ID field <part-num-ref name="previous message ID field">840.</part-num-ref>
+ The playlist field <part-num-ref name="playlist field">810</part-num-ref>
+ identifies the playlist that a media sequence is associated with. In a sample record <part-num-ref name="sample record">850,</part-num-ref>
+ the playlist has been identified by the text "Clapton mix." The order number field <part-num-ref name="order number field">820</part-num-ref>
+ is used by the facility to identify the particular media sequence based on the position of the sequence in the playlist. In record <part-num-ref name="playlist. In record">850,</part-num-ref>
+ the sequence is identified to be the first media sequence in the playlist. The current message ID field <part-num-ref name="current message ID field">830</part-num-ref>
+ stores a numeric identifier of an advertising message that is associated with the media sequence. As was described above, the message ID may be a unique number or any other identifier to correlate a particular advertising campaign or message with a media sequence. The previous message ID field <part-num-ref name="previous message ID field">840</part-num-ref>
+ contains a list of previous advertising messages that have been correlated with this particular media sequence. As will be <boundary-data type="header">[28310-8021-U<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+0000/SL061240.154<confidence value="2">]</confidence>
+  -15-                    7/20<confidence value="588">/06</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+discussed in further detail below, such records may be used to ensure that a particular user is not presented with the same advertising message more often than is desired.    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">[0041]  It will be appreciated that table 800 is merely representative of the type of correlation that may be drawn between advertising messages and media sequences in a playlist. A number of variations may be made to the mapping and to the table structure. More than one advertising message may be correlated with each media sequence, for example, allowing the facility to deliver one (or more) advertising message prior to the media sequence, one (or more) advertising message during the media sequence, and one (or more) advertising message after the media sequence. If more than one advertising message is correlated with each media sequence, the facility may also present a user with a choice of advertising messages to receive such as via the user display depicted in Figure 4. Alternatively, rather than correlating a message ID with a single media sequence, the message ID may be correlated with two adjacent media sequences. For example, the message ID in the second media sequence record of table <part-num-ref name="second media sequence record of table">800</part-num-ref>
+ may be identified by analyzing the search queries of both the second and third media sequences. The message ID therefore reflects the best targeted advertising message that can be delivered to a user as the user transitions from receiving the second media sequence to the third media sequence. Moreover, not all of the media sequences in the table may have an associated advertising message.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other permutations are possible.</p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">[0042]   Returning to Figure 7, after storing the advertising message ID with the media sequence in step <part-num-ref name="media sequence in step">740,</part-num-ref>
+ the facility proceeds to a decision step <part-num-ref name="decision step">750.</part-num-ref>
+ In decision step <part-num-ref name="decision step 750. In decision step">750,</part-num-ref>
+ a test is made to determine whether there are additional media sequences in the playlist. If there are additional media sequences in the playlist, the facility returns to step <part-num-ref name="facility returns to step">720</part-num-ref>
+ and additional advertising messages are identified for the remaining media sequences in the playlist. If there are no additional media sequences in the playlist, the facility terminates.    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">[0043]   It will be appreciated that the targeting process of identifying which advertising messages to deliver with media sequences may be performed at various <boundary-data type="header">[28310-8021-US<confidence value="5555">0000</confidence>
+/SL061240.154]  -16-                    7<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+20/06      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+times prior to delivery of the actual advertising messages. For example, the targeting process may be performed when the user initially constructs a playlist or when the user locates a previously-generated playlist. An advantage of identifying advertising messages when the playlist is first generated or located is that the messages are immediately available for delivery whenever the user accesses the playlist in the future, without having to require further processing. Alternatively, the targeting process may be performed when the user accesses a playlist to review the media sequences in the playlist. Identifying advertising messages when a user accesses the playlist is obviously advantageous in that the advertising messages will be more up-to-date and potentially more relevant to a user. Further timing variations are possible. For example, a background process may periodically be run by the facility in order to update the advertising messages associated with a playlist on a periodic basis.    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">Periodically updating the targeting may involve deleting advertising campaigns that have expired (i.e., are no longer actively run by the advertiser), inserting new advertising campaigns, and removing poorly performing advertising campaigns, as examples.</p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">[0044]   When the facility updates the advertising targeting and associates a new message with a particular media sequence, the facility may also store an indication of the previous advertising <confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+essage that the new message is replacing. As shown in Figure 8, message IDs associated with advertising messages that have already been shown to a user may be stored in the previous message ID field <part-num-ref name="previous message ID field">840.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, in record <part-num-ref name="previous message ID field 840. For example, in record">850</part-num-ref>
+ the message ID "1639287" represents the advertising message that was delivered the previous time that the user accessed the playlist. Storing an indication of one or more previous messages allows the facility to ensure that advertising messages are not being repeated, or if repeated, only at a desired rate to a user. Alternatively, the previous message ID field <part-num-ref name="previous message ID field">840</part-num-ref>
+ may be used as a field to maintain a running count (not shown) of the number of impressions of the current advertising message. Maintaining a count of the number of impressions allows the facility to update the advertising message only after a desired number of exposures to the user is achieved.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">[28310-8021-US<confidence value="5555">0000</confidence>
+/SL061240.154]  -17-                      7/20/06    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">
+      <page-break num="18"/>
+[0045]   When a user accesses a playlist that has advertising messages correlated with media sequences, the advertising messages may be delivered before, during or after each media sequence, before or after each playlist as a whole, or any combination thereof. Even though advertising messages are correlated with a media sequence in the table, the facility may elect to not utilize one or more of the correlated messages when the media sequence is presented to the user. It will be appreciated that by using search queries to target advertisements to playlist users, better results are achieved than untargeted ads. Moreover, because playlists typically group together media sequences of a particular category or genre, better targeting will typically be achieved since a greater understanding of a user's interests may be predicted from search queries used to construct the playlist.    </p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">[0046]   Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the steps shown in Figure 2 may be altered in a variety of ways. For example, the order of the steps may be rearranged;</p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">substeps may be performed in parallel; shown steps may be omitted, or other steps may be included; etc.</p>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">[0047]  In some embodiments, rather than deploying an advertising message with a primary media sequence by its construction of a link to the primary media sequence that is included in the search result, the facility instead includes either the advertising message itself or a link to the advertising message within a version of the primary media sequence that is served to the user who receives the search result. In these embodiments, where the user saves a copy of the served media sequence, the advertising message can be presented to the user each time the user plays the saved media sequence.</p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">[0048]  In some embodiments, rather than selecting an advertising message to deploy with a primary media sequence before generating the search result, the facility instead defers selection of an advertising message to deploy until after the user has selected the media sequence from the search result for retrieval. For example, the link to a media sequence included in the search result may include information usable by the facility to select an advertising message, such as search terms contained in the <boundary-data type="header">[28310-8021-US<confidence value="55556884">0000/SL0</confidence>
+6124<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+.154]  -18-                     7/20/06      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="19"/>
+query. Table <part-num-ref name="query. Table">5</part-num-ref>
+ below shows a link similar to the link of Table <part-num-ref name="link of Table">2</part-num-ref>
+ in which the advertising message identifier parameter has been replaced with a parameter indicating the query string "general motors." http://sponsoredvideo.aol.com/play?contentid=2306022&amp;query=general%2<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+motors Table <part-num-ref name="query string &quot;general motors.&quot; http://sponsoredvideo.aol.com/play?contentid=2306022&amp;query=general%2Omotors Table">5</part-num-ref>
+ Further, in some embodiments, the facility stores information inside the primary media sequence that causes a media player program playing the media sequence to call the facility for selection and deployment of an advertising message each time the media sequence is played. This "late-binding" of advertising messages can enable the facility to select even the most recently-introduced advertising messages. Indeed, it can cause advertising messages to be presented that are not available when the search result is generated, or even when the media sequence is served.    </p>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">[0049]  It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above-described facility may be straightforwardly adapted or extended in various ways. For example, the facility may be used with media sequences and/or advertising messages of various media sequence types. Further, the facility may use a variety of mechanisms to attach advertising messages to media sequences. Additionally, the facility may attach advertising messages to media sequences made available in a variety of forms, such as streaming or downloaded forms. Also, the facility may be implemented in conjunction with a variety of other multimedia searching and/or advertising functionality.</p>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">Further, the facility may be used by various combinations of parties, including advertisers, advertising agencies, electronic publishers, intermediaries of various types, etc. Advertising revenue may be collected from various combinations of these parties, and distributed to various combinations of these parties. While the foregoing description makes reference to preferred embodiments, the scope of the invention is defined solely by the claims that follow and the elements recited therein.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+28310-8021-US<confidence value="5555">0000</confidence>
+/SL061240.154<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  -19-                    7/20/06    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11531154.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,270 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11531154</doc-number>
+        <date>2006-09-12</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">UNITED STATES PATENT APPLICATION FOR:</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRACKING CHANGES</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">TO USER CONTENT IN AN ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORK</heading>
+    <heading id="h-4">INVENTORS:</heading>
+    <heading id="h-5">KENT LINDSTROM</heading>
+    <heading id="h-6">ROSS A. MACKINNON</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">ATTORNEY DOCKET NUMBER: FRIE<confidence value="66668">/0013</confidence>
+ <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Patent</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: FRIE/0013</boundary-data>
+    </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRACKING CHANGES</heading>
+    <heading id="h-8">TO USER CONTENT IN AN ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORK</heading>
+    <heading id="h-9">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Field of the Invention [0001<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+ The present invention generally relates to processing of online social network data, and more particularly, to a method and system for tracking changes to user content in an online social network.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">Description of the Related Art [0002] Over the past several years, the amount of personal information that individuals share online has increased dramatically. Many web sites provide an online community that provides content focusing on a common interest or theme<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ and allows people to join the online community and share personal information with other users of the online community. Online social networking sites have also been rapidly gaining in popularity. Typically, users of an online social network communicate with one another and meet other users based on personal information captured in the other user profiles.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">[0003<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Also, users of online social networks often request their existing friends to join, creating a web of online relationships that mirror offline ones. Operators of online social networking sites typically require that new users provide certain personal information to join, including contact information (e.g., physical and e- mail addresses, telephone numbers, instant messaging nicknames, etc.) and identifying information (e.g. a name, location, personal interests, age, etc.).    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">[0004] A positive consequence of this general trend is the greater ability for groups of friends, families and other acquaintances to communicate online with, and about, each other as users of a social network. For example, a group of friends may share personal information with each other about common interests, individual personal attributes, events, schedules and activity plans and may also <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">499754<confidence value="68">_1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Patent</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: FRIE/0013</boundary-data>
+access each others' personal information. Another benefit of online social networks is that their users can more easily find others who share common interests, goals, lifestyles, etc., without being limited to an online community dedicated to a particular interest. Doing so allows members to expand their social networks.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">[0005] With access to cheap storage and higher bandwidths, the amount of information stored by users of online social networks has grown exponentially. In addition to profile information, the users now often store large amounts of multimedia files, including digital photos, and digital audio and video files. As a consequence, the process of browsing the content of other users has become highly inefficient.</p>
+    <heading id="h-10">SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">[0006] The present invention provides a system and a method for improving the efficiency of finding and viewing content of users or groups of an online social network or other online communities. According to embodiments of the present invention, changes and updates to user or group content are tracked, and users are notified of certain of these changes and updates according to various criteria.</p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">The notification may be given by e-mail, a Real Simple Syndication (RSS) feed, or a web page when accessed.</p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[0007] The system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a database of users in which content for each user is stored, and a processing unit that is programmed to carry out the steps of receiving and storing inputs from users that reflect changes in their content and communicating to applicable users that such changes have occurred. For example, if a first user is tracking changes to the content of a particular type of a second user and the second user changes such content, the first user will be notified that the content of that particular type of the second user has changed.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">499754<confidence value="68">_1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Patent</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: FRIE/0013</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <confidence value="8666">[000</confidence>
+8] The method according to an embodiment of the present invention is carried out in a computer system having a database of users in which content for each user is stored, and includes the steps of receiving and storing inputs from users that reflect changes to their content and communicating to applicable users that such changes have occurred.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">
+      <confidence value="86666">[0009</confidence>
+] The method according to another embodiment of the present invention is carried out in an online community of users, and includes the steps of receiving inputs from a user that specify one or more types of content that are to be tracked and users who are to be tracked, monitoring updates to the content of the users and identifying those updates that are made to content that is of one of the specified types and of one of the specified users, and notifying the user of the identified updates.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <confidence value="85565">[0010</confidence>
+] The advantages of the tracking and notification techniques employed in the embodiments of the present invention are several. First, a user need not constantly browse through the content of other users to see if such content has been updated. Second, a member can define a filter for the content updates by selecting the users that he or she would like to track and the type of content updates that he or she is interested in tracking. Third, a user can select different ways of being notified of the content updates as well as the frequency of the notifications.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-11">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <confidence value="85566">[0011</confidence>
+] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">499754<confidence value="28">_1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Patent</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: FRIE/0013</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+[0012<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ FIG. 1 <confidence value="66">is</confidence>
+ a diagram that graphically represents the relationships between users of an online social network;    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating components of a system for managing an online social network;</p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">[0014] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the process for tracking changes and updates to content in an online social network and managing the notification of such changes and updates;</p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">[0015] FIG. 4A is a schematic illustration of a web page used to specify various notification settings;</p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">[0016] FIG. 4B is a schematic illustration of a web page used to communicate changes and updates to user content; and [0017] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the process steps for filtering the changes and updates to user content.</p>
+    <heading id="h-12">DETAILED DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">[0018] FIG. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ is a graph representation of a social network centered on a given individual (ME). Other users of this social network include A - U whose position, relative to ME's, is referred to by the degree of separation between ME and each other user. Friends of ME, which includes A, B, and C, are separated from ME by one degree of separation <part-num-ref name="B, and C, are separated from ME by one degree of separation">(1</part-num-ref>
+ d/s). A friend of a friend of ME is separated from ME by <part-num-ref name="friend of ME is separated from ME by">2</part-num-ref>
+ d/s. As shown, D, E, F, G, and H are each separated from ME by <part-num-ref name="d/s. As shown, D, E, F, G, and H are each separated from ME by">2</part-num-ref>
+ d/s. A friend of a friend of a friend of ME is separated from ME by <part-num-ref name="friend of ME is separated from ME by">3</part-num-ref>
+ d/s. FIG. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ depicts all nodes separated from ME by more than <part-num-ref name="depicts all nodes separated from ME by more than">3</part-num-ref>
+ degrees of separation as belonging to the category ALL.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">[0019] Degrees of separation in a social network are defined relative to an individual. For example, in ME's social network, H and ME are separated by <part-num-ref name="individual. For example, in ME's social network, H and ME are separated by">2</part-num-ref>
+ d/s, whereas in G's social network, H and G are separated by only <part-num-ref name="d/s, whereas in G's social network, H and G are separated by only">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ d/s. Accordingly, <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">499754_1</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Patent</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: FRIE/0013</boundary-data>
+each individual will have their own set of first, second and third degree relationships.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[002<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+] As those skilled in the art understand, an individual's social network may be extended to include nodes to an Nth degree of separation. As the number of degrees increases beyond three, however, the number of nodes typically grows at an explosive rate and quickly begins to mirror the ALL set.    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system <part-num-ref name="system">250</part-num-ref>
+ for creating and managing an online social network. The system <part-num-ref name="system">250</part-num-ref>
+ represents one example embodiment of a system for creating and managing an online social network, and includes an application server <part-num-ref name="application server">251</part-num-ref>
+ and one or more graph servers <part-num-ref name="and one or more graph servers">252.</part-num-ref>
+ As known in the art, a server is a computer having a processing unit and system memory that is programmed to carry out certain functions. The system <part-num-ref name="system">250</part-num-ref>
+ is connected to a network <part-num-ref name="network">260,</part-num-ref>
+ e.g., the Internet, and accessible over the network by a plurality of remote computers (only three of which are shown), collectively designated as <part-num-ref name="plurality of remote computers (only three of which are shown), collectively designated as">270.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">[0022] The application server <part-num-ref name="application server">251</part-num-ref>
+ manages a user database <part-num-ref name="user database">254,</part-num-ref>
+ a relationship database <part-num-ref name="relationship database">255,</part-num-ref>
+ a search database <part-num-ref name="search database">256,</part-num-ref>
+ and other databases <part-num-ref name="search database 256, and other databases">257.</part-num-ref>
+ The user database <part-num-ref name="user database">254</part-num-ref>
+ contains profile information for each of the user in the online social network managed by the system <part-num-ref name="system">250.</part-num-ref>
+ The profile information may include, among other things: a unique user identifier (user ID), name, age, gender, location, hometown, references to image files, listing of interests, attributes, and the like.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">The user database 254 also contains information about groups (e.g., organizations, school alumni associations, family, etc.) that users have defined.</p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">The group information may include, among other things: a unique group identifier (group ID), name, description of the group, and members of the group. The relationship database <part-num-ref name="relationship database">255</part-num-ref>
+ stores for each user, the user IDs of all users with whom the user has a direct relationship, i.e., direct friends of the user who are users of the online social network. In addition, the contents of the user database <part-num-ref name="user database">254</part-num-ref>
+ are indexed and optimized for search, and stored in the search database <part-num-ref name="search database">256.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">The other databases 257 may include a database for storing testimonials, and <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">499754<confidence value="68">_1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Patent</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: FRIE/0013</boundary-data>
+various other information commonly stored in online social networks and communities. The user database <part-num-ref name="user database">254,</part-num-ref>
+ the relationship database <part-num-ref name="relationship database">255,</part-num-ref>
+ the search database <part-num-ref name="search database">256,</part-num-ref>
+ and the other databases <part-num-ref name="other databases">257</part-num-ref>
+ are updated to reflect inputs of new user information and edits of existing user information that are made through the remote computers <part-num-ref name="remote computers">270.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">[0023] The application server <part-num-ref name="application server">251</part-num-ref>
+ also manages the information exchange requests that it receives from the remote computers <part-num-ref name="remote computers">270.</part-num-ref>
+ The graph servers <part-num-ref name="graph servers">252</part-num-ref>
+ receive a query from the application server <part-num-ref name="application server">251,</part-num-ref>
+ process the query and return the query results to the application server <part-num-ref name="application server">251.</part-num-ref>
+ The graph servers <part-num-ref name="graph servers">252</part-num-ref>
+ manage a representation of the social network for all users in the member database. The graph servers <part-num-ref name="graph servers">252</part-num-ref>
+ have a dedicated memory device <part-num-ref name="dedicated memory device">253,</part-num-ref>
+ such as a random access memory (RAM), in which an adjacency list that indicates all first degree relationships in the social network is stored. The graph servers <part-num-ref name="graph servers">252</part-num-ref>
+ respond to requests from application server <part-num-ref name="respond to requests from application server">251</part-num-ref>
+ to identify relationships and the degree of separation between users of the online social network.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">[0024] In the embodiments of the present invention described below, users are respectively operating the remote computers <part-num-ref name="remote computers">270</part-num-ref>
+ that are programmed to execute web browser programs, and access the web pages managed by the application server <part-num-ref name="application server">251</part-num-ref>
+ using the web browser programs. The web pages that are displayed to a user are transmitted from the application server <part-num-ref name="application server">251</part-num-ref>
+ to that user's remote computer and processed by the web browser program stored in that user's remote computer for display through the monitor of that user's remote computer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">[0025] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the process for tracking changes and updates to content in an online social network and managing the notification of such changes and. Blocks <part-num-ref name="notification of such changes and. Blocks">310,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="notification of such changes and. Blocks 310,">320,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="notification of such changes and. Blocks 310, 320,">330,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="notification of such changes and. Blocks 310, 320, 330,">335,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="notification of such changes and. Blocks 310, 320, 330, 335,">340</part-num-ref>
+ represent the operations that are being carried out by the application server <part-num-ref name="application server">251.</part-num-ref>
+ Block <part-num-ref name="application server 251. Block">312</part-num-ref>
+ represents the user inputs that are made through a browser running on a remote computer and are transmitted over the Internet to the application server <part-num-ref name="application server">251.</part-num-ref>
+ Block <part-num-ref name="application server 251. Block">314</part-num-ref>
+ represents certain inputs that are made at third party web sites <part-num-ref name="represents certain inputs that are made at third party web sites">314,</part-num-ref>
+ such as flickr, YouTube, <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">499754<confidence value="68">_1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Patent</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: FRIE/0013</boundary-data>
+xanga.com, and eBay, and transmitted over the Internet to the application server <part-num-ref name="application server">251</part-num-ref>
+ using an RSS feed. All such inputs are aggregated and stored in a queue <part-num-ref name="queue">310</part-num-ref>
+ that is managed by the application server <part-num-ref name="application server">251.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">[0026] The items stored in the queue <part-num-ref name="queue">310</part-num-ref>
+ then undergo a filter process <part-num-ref name="filter process">320</part-num-ref>
+ one at a time on a first-in, first-out basis. The filter process <part-num-ref name="filter process">320</part-num-ref>
+ examines the items in the queue <part-num-ref name="queue">310</part-num-ref>
+ and supplies them to updated content buckets <part-num-ref name="and supplies them to updated content buckets">330,</part-num-ref>
+ which represents a series of memory regions that have been allocated to the users of the online social network. The filter process <part-num-ref name="filter process">320</part-num-ref>
+ selectively supplies the items in the queue <part-num-ref name="queue">310</part-num-ref>
+ to the updated content buckets <part-num-ref name="updated content buckets">330</part-num-ref>
+ in accordance with rules <part-num-ref name="in accordance with rules">335</part-num-ref>
+ that have been defined for the users. For example, the filter process <part-num-ref name="filter process">320</part-num-ref>
+ selectively supplies the items in the queue <part-num-ref name="queue">310</part-num-ref>
+ to the updated content bucket <part-num-ref name="updated content bucket">330</part-num-ref>
+ of user A in accordance with rules <part-num-ref name="in accordance with rules">335</part-num-ref>
+ that have been defined for user A; the filter process <part-num-ref name="filter process">320</part-num-ref>
+ selectively supplies the items in the queue <part-num-ref name="queue">310</part-num-ref>
+ to the updated content bucket <part-num-ref name="updated content bucket">330</part-num-ref>
+ of user B in accordance with rules <part-num-ref name="of user B in accordance with rules">335</part-num-ref>
+ that have been defined for user B; and so forth. For each user, the rules <part-num-ref name="rules">335</part-num-ref>
+ include an identification of those users or groups whose content he or she desires to track and specify the type of content updates or changes that he or she desires to track. By applying these rules to the filter process <part-num-ref name="filter process">320,</part-num-ref>
+ the items stored in the queue <part-num-ref name="queue">310</part-num-ref>
+ are stored in an updated content bucket <part-num-ref name="updated content bucket">330</part-num-ref>
+ of a user only if such items represent content updates or changes of another user or group that he or she desires to track and are of the type that he or she desires to track.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">[0027] The items stored in the updated content buckets <part-num-ref name="updated content buckets">330</part-num-ref>
+ undergo output processing <part-num-ref name="undergo output processing">340.</part-num-ref>
+ The output processing <part-num-ref name="output processing">340</part-num-ref>
+ is carried out separately for each of the different updated content buckets <part-num-ref name="different updated content buckets">330</part-num-ref>
+ and in accordance with the rules <part-num-ref name="rules">335</part-num-ref>
+ defined by the user who is associated with the updated content bucket. For each user, the rules <part-num-ref name="rules">335</part-num-ref>
+ specify the frequency of the output processing <part-num-ref name="output processing">340,</part-num-ref>
+ and the method of notification, whether by e-mail <part-num-ref name="method of notification, whether by e-mail">342,</part-num-ref>
+ a web page <part-num-ref name="web page">344,</part-num-ref>
+ or an RSS feed <part-num-ref name="RSS feed">346.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">499754<confidence value="68">_1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Patent</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: FRIE/0013</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+[0028] FIG. 4A is a schematic illustration of a web page used to specify notification settings that define the rules <part-num-ref name="rules">335.</part-num-ref>
+ In section <part-num-ref name="rules 335. In section">410,</part-num-ref>
+ the user selects the type of content updates or changes he or she desires to track. In section <part-num-ref name="type of content updates or changes he or she desires to track. In section">420,</part-num-ref>
+ the user specifies those other users or groups whose content he or she desires to track. In section <part-num-ref name="user specifies those other users or groups whose content he or she desires to track. In section">430,</part-num-ref>
+ the user selects the method of notification. In section <part-num-ref name="method of notification. In section">440,</part-num-ref>
+ the user selects the frequency of notification. In section <part-num-ref name="frequency of notification. In section">450,</part-num-ref>
+ the user has the option of turning off all notifications. Certain selections on the web page require the user to supply additional information through the "specify" hyperlink. For example, the user selects from a list of friends, users, bookmarked profiles, or groups in section <part-num-ref name="list of friends, users, bookmarked profiles, or groups in section">420</part-num-ref>
+ if one of these options is checked. In certain embodiments, the user is given the option to select all friends who are within <part-num-ref name="option to select all friends who are within">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="option to select all friends who are within 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ or <part-num-ref name="option to select all friends who are within 1, 2, or">3</part-num-ref>
+ degrees of separation.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">Also, if the user selects the RSS feed option in section <part-num-ref name="RSS feed option in section">430,</part-num-ref>
+ the user is asked to specify the URL to which the RSS feed will be transmitted and user ID and password that are required to access such URL.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">[0029] FIG. 4B is a schematic illustration of a web page used to communicate to a user of the changes and updates to content of other users of the online social network. This web page is displayed when the user accesses his or her homepage of the online social network. This means that the user has selected at least the "Home page" option in section <part-num-ref name="&quot;Home page&quot; option in section">430</part-num-ref>
+ of FIG. 4A. If the user has also selected the "E-mail" option and the "RSS feed" option, the user will be notified of the updates noted below by those methods as well. The first entry indicates that the user, Tammy, added new friends. The second entry indicates that the user, Sarah, received new testimonials. The third entry indicates that the user, Elton, updated his profile. The fourth entry indicates that the group, Giants Fan Club, added new members. These entries indicate that the user has selected at least the first, third, and fourth options in section <part-num-ref name="first, third, and fourth options in section">410.</part-num-ref>
+ They also indicate that the user is tracking the updates of at least Tammy, Sarah, Elton, and the Giants <confidence value="5">F</confidence>
+an Club.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">For simplicity, the user is notified of a fixed number of most recent content updates (in this example, 4). The user can view more updates by accessing the hyperlink, "More Friend Updates." <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">499754<confidence value="68">_1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Patent</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: FRIE/0013</boundary-data>
+[003<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the process steps for filtering changes and updates to content in an online social network. These process steps are carried out by the application server <part-num-ref name="application server">251</part-num-ref>
+ as it is carrying out the operations represented by blocks <part-num-ref name="operations represented by blocks">310,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="operations represented by blocks 310,">320</part-num-ref>
+ shown in FIG. 3, and represents one illustrative way of how changes and updates to content can be processed so that applicable users can be notified of such changes and updates.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">[0031] In step 510, user inputs that reflect updates and changes to content are received and stored in a queue. The items stored in the queue are then processed one at a time and per user in accordance with steps 514-522. Step <part-num-ref name="time and per user in accordance with steps 514-522. Step">514</part-num-ref>
+ represents the beginning of the loop. In this step, an item stored in the queue and a user are selected for processing. Each time through the loop, a next user is selected. If all users have been selected, then the first user and a next item stored in the queue are selected for processing.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">[0032] In step 516, the selected user's rules are examined to see if the queue item being processed is of the type that the user is tracking. If it is, the process continues to step <part-num-ref name="process continues to step">518.</part-num-ref>
+ If not, the process returns to the beginning of the loop. In step <part-num-ref name="loop. In step">518,</part-num-ref>
+ the selected user's rules are examined to see if the queue item being processed is an update made by a user or group that the selected user is tracking.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">If it is, the process continues to step <part-num-ref name="process continues to step">520.</part-num-ref>
+ If not, the process returns to the beginning of the loop. In step <part-num-ref name="loop. In step">520,</part-num-ref>
+ the item being processed is stored in the selected user's updated content bucket. Step <part-num-ref name="selected user's updated content bucket. Step">522</part-num-ref>
+ checks to see if all items in the queue have been processed for all users. If this condition is true, the process ends. If not, the process returns to the beginning of the loop.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">[0033<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ While particular embodiments according to the invention have been illustrated and described above, those skilled in the art understand that the invention can take a variety of forms and embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">499754<confidence value="68">_1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11554062.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,564 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11554062</doc-number>
+        <date>2006-10-30</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">Willigenburg 3</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">LCNT/128374</boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING DELAYS DUE TO</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">CHANNEL CHANGES</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">FIELD OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5       </boundary-data>
+The invention relates to the field of communication networks and, more specifically, to video distribution networks.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-4">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">In existing video program distribution networks, a channel change <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+request (for switching between television channels) initiated by a user at a client device may be communicated from the client device to a video server that is the source of the television channels. In response to the channel change request, the video server identifies the requested television channel and begins streaming the video program shown on the requested television <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+channel. Due to network delay associated with the propagation of the channel change request from the client device to the video server, as well as network delay associated with distribution of the video stream of the requested channel from the video server to the client device, the user experiences a delay (known as a "zapping" delay) before the program associated with the requested <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+television channel is presented to the user. This delay is exacerbated when the user switches between television channels in rapid succession.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">In an attempt to reduce the delay experienced by users during channel change operations, some video program providers cache video content within the video program distribution network. Disadvantageously, however, network <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+caching solutions provide only slight improvements in the delay experienced by the user during a channel change operation. Furthermore, such network caching solutions are expensive in terms of the network storage required to cache numerous video programs, as well as in terms of network resources consumed in continuously updating the video content cached within the video <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+program distribution network, and are not tailored to the preferences of the individual users. Moreover, other solutions that attempt to reduce the delay experienced by users during channel change operations also provide only <boundary-data type="header">505467_<confidence value="4">.</confidence>
+DOC                  <confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Willigenburg 3</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">LCNT/128374</boundary-data>
+slight improvements in the delay experienced by the user during a channel change operation.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5       </boundary-data>
+Various deficiencies in the prior art are addressed through the invention of a method and apparatus for providing programs to a client device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">The method includes providing a first video program stream over a first channel where the first video program stream conveys a first video program having a first quality level, and providing a plurality of second video program <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+streams over a second channel where each of the second video program streams conveys a second video program having a second quality level below the first quality level. The first video program stream and second video program streams are adapted for use by the client device in locally switching from presenting the first video program at the first quality level to presenting a <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+selected one of the second video programs at the second quality level.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">The teachings of the present invention can be readily understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+accompanying drawings, in which:    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">FIG. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ depicts a high-level block diagram of a communication network;    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">FIG. 2 depicts a high-level block diagram of a communication network supporting a high-quality channel conveying a high-quality video stream and a low-quality channel conveying one or more high-quality video streams;</p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25       </boundary-data>
+FIG. 3 depicts a method according to one embodiment of the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">FIG. 4 depicts a method according to one embodiment of the present invention;</p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">FIG. 5 depicts a method according to one embodiment of the present <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+invention; and FIG. 6 depicts a high-level block diagram of a general-purpose computer suitable for use in performing at least a portion of the functions described herein.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">505467_<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+.DOC                  2    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Willigenburg 3</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">LCNT/128374</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5             </boundary-data>
+The present invention provides, from a video server to a client device, a high-quality video program over a first channel and one or more low-quality video programs over a second channel. By providing the low-quality video programs in addition to the high-quality video program, the present invention <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+thereby enables faster switching between video programs (i.e., faster channel change operations) and, thus, a more enjoyable user experience, because switching between selected ones of the low-quality video programs can be performed locally by the client device without upstream communication from the client device to the video server. Since the low-quality video programs are <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+provided at a level of quality below the level of quality of the high-quality video program, improved user experience is provided without consuming significant additional network resources.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">FIG. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ depicts a high-level block diagram of a communication network.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">Specifically, communication network 100 of FIG. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ includes a video server <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+(VS) <part-num-ref name="video server (VS)">110,</part-num-ref>
+ a video distribution network (VDN) <part-num-ref name="video distribution network (VDN)">120,</part-num-ref>
+ and a plurality of client devices (CDs) <part-num-ref name="plurality of client devices (CDs)">
+        <confidence value="5882">1301</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ - <confidence value="686">130</confidence>
+N (<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ollectively, CDs 130). The VS <part-num-ref name="VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ communicates with CDs <part-num-ref name="communicates with CDs">130</part-num-ref>
+ using VDN <part-num-ref name="using VDN">120.</part-num-ref>
+ The CDs <part-num-ref name="CDs">130</part-num-ref>
+ communicate with VS <part-num-ref name="communicate with VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ using VDN <part-num-ref name="using VDN">120.</part-num-ref>
+ Although depicted and described herein with respect to a specific communication network, various other communication networks may be used <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+in accordance with the present invention. Although primarily depicted and described herein with respect to video distribution, other forms of content may be distributed in accordance with the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">As depicted in FIG. 1, VS 110 is adapted for establishing one or more video channels between VS <part-num-ref name="is adapted for establishing one or more video channels between VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ and each of CDs <part-num-ref name="and each of CDs">130.</part-num-ref>
+ The VS <part-num-ref name="VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ is <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+adapted for providing one or more video program streams to <confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+Ds <part-num-ref name="is adapted for providing one or more video program streams to CDs">130</part-num-ref>
+ using each video channel established between VS <part-num-ref name="using each video channel established between VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ and each of CDs <part-num-ref name="and each of CDs">130.</part-num-ref>
+ In one embodiment, VS <part-num-ref name="and each of CDs 130. In one embodiment, VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ provides at least a portion of the video program streams to <confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+Ds <part-num-ref name="video program streams to CDs">130</part-num-ref>
+ in response to requests for video programs (e.g., in response to <boundary-data type="header">505467_<confidence value="56666">l.DOC</confidence>
+                  <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Willigenburg 3</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">LCNT/128374</boundary-data>
+channel change requests) received from CDs <part-num-ref name="in response to channel change requests) received from CDs">130.</part-num-ref>
+ The VS <part-num-ref name="VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ is adapted for receiving and storing user preference information from <confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+Ds <part-num-ref name="is adapted for receiving and storing user preference information from CDs">130,</part-num-ref>
+ where user preference information received from each CD <part-num-ref name="is adapted for receiving and storing user preference information from CDs 130, where user preference information received from each CD">130</part-num-ref>
+ is associated with one or more users of that CD <part-num-ref name="is associated with one or more users of that CD">130.</part-num-ref>
+ The VS <part-num-ref name="VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ is further adapted for providing one <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+or more video program streams to each CD <part-num-ref name="is further adapted for providing one or more video program streams to each CD">130</part-num-ref>
+ according to at least a portion of the user preference information received and stored for user(s) of that CD <part-num-ref name="user preference information received and stored for user(s) of that CD">130.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">As depicted in FIG. 1, VDN 120 is adapted for conveying information downstream from VS <part-num-ref name="is adapted for conveying information downstream from VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ to <confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+Ds <part-num-ref name="to CDs">130.</part-num-ref>
+ The VDN <part-num-ref name="VDN">120</part-num-ref>
+ is adapted for supporting <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+video channels between VS <part-num-ref name="is adapted for supporting video channels between VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ and CDs <part-num-ref name="and CDs">130.</part-num-ref>
+ The VDN <part-num-ref name="VDN">120</part-num-ref>
+ is adapted for conveying video program streams from VS <part-num-ref name="is adapted for conveying video program streams from VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ to CDs <part-num-ref name="to CDs">130</part-num-ref>
+ using video channels established between VS <part-num-ref name="using video channels established between VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ and CDs <part-num-ref name="and CDs">130.</part-num-ref>
+ The VDN <part-num-ref name="VDN">120</part-num-ref>
+ is adapted for conveying information upstream from CDs <part-num-ref name="is adapted for conveying information upstream from CDs">130</part-num-ref>
+ to VS <part-num-ref name="to VS">110.</part-num-ref>
+ The VDN <part-num-ref name="VDN">120</part-num-ref>
+ is adapted for conveying various information from CDs <part-num-ref name="is adapted for conveying various information from CDs">130</part-num-ref>
+ to VS <part-num-ref name="to VS">110,</part-num-ref>
+ such <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+as video program selection information (e.g., in response to a channel change operation initiated by users via CDs 130), user preference information, and the like. The VDN <part-num-ref name="VDN">120</part-num-ref>
+ may be implemented as any network, or combination of networks, adapted for conveying video program streams and associated information, such as Internet Protocol (IP) networks, hybrid fiber coaxial <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+(HFC) cable networks, and the like, as well as various combinations thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">As depicted in FIG. 1, CDs 130 include devices adapted for receiving video program streams from VS <part-num-ref name="include devices adapted for receiving video program streams from VS">110,</part-num-ref>
+ processing the video program streams to extract the video programs for presentation to associated users of CDs <part-num-ref name="video programs for presentation to associated users of CDs">130</part-num-ref>
+ and presenting the extracted video programs to users of <confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+Ds <part-num-ref name="extracted video programs to users of CDs">130.</part-num-ref>
+ The CDs <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="CDs">130</part-num-ref>
+ include devices adapted for receiving input selections and commands from associated users, processing such input selections and commands, and performing various tasks in response to such input selections and commands.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">In one embodiment, at least a portion of such tasks may be performed locally by CDs <part-num-ref name="portion of such tasks may be performed locally by CDs">130</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., switching from selecting a video program stream of a first <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+video channel to selecting one or more video program streams of a second video channel). In one embodiment, at least a portion of such tasks include tasks requiring communication with VS <part-num-ref name="portion of such tasks include tasks requiring communication with VS">130</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., initiating video channel <boundary-data type="header">505467_<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+.DOC                  4      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Willigenburg 3</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">LCNT/128374</boundary-data>
+change requests, updating user preference information maintained by VS <part-num-ref name="initiating video channel change requests, updating user preference information maintained by VS">130,</part-num-ref>
+ and the like, as well as various combinations thereof).    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">As depicted in FIG. 1, C<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+s 130 include communication components (e.g., receivers, transmitters, modems, and the like, as well as various <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+combinations thereof). The CDs <part-num-ref name="CDs">130</part-num-ref>
+ include user interaction components (e.g., remote controls, keyboards, and the like, as well as various combinations thereof). The CDs <part-num-ref name="CDs">130</part-num-ref>
+ include video presentation components (e.g., video displays, speakers, and the like, as well as various combinations thereof), and the like, as well as various combinations thereof. For example, <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+CDs <part-num-ref name="like, as well as various combinations thereof. For example, CDs">130</part-num-ref>
+ may include devices such as televisions (including external and/or internal set-top terminal capabilities), computers, and the like, as well as various combinations thereof. Although primarily described herein with respect to specific client devices and associated client device capabilities, any client device adapted for performing functions described herein may be used <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+in accordance with the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">FIG. 2 depicts a high-level block diagram of a communication network (illustratively, communication network <part-num-ref name="communication network (illustratively, communication network">100</part-num-ref>
+ of FIG. 1). As depicted in FIG. 2, communication network <part-num-ref name="of FIG. 1). As depicted in FIG. 2, communication network">100</part-num-ref>
+ supports a high-quality channel (illustratively, high-quality channel <part-num-ref name="high-quality channel (illustratively, high-quality channel">202)</part-num-ref>
+ conveying a high-quality video program stream and <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+a low-quality channel (illustratively, low-quality channel <part-num-ref name="low-quality channel (illustratively, low-quality channel">204)</part-num-ref>
+ conveying one or more low-quality video program streams. As depicted in FIG. 2, high-quality channel <part-num-ref name="conveying one or more low-quality video program streams. As depicted in FIG. 2, high-quality channel">202</part-num-ref>
+ conveys the high-quality video program stream from VS <part-num-ref name="high-quality video program stream from VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ to one of the <confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+Ds <part-num-ref name="CDs">130</part-num-ref>
+ (illustratively, CD <part-num-ref name="(illustratively, CD">1302)</part-num-ref>
+ and conveys the low-quality video program streams from VS <part-num-ref name="low-quality video program streams from VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ to that one of the CDs <part-num-ref name="CDs">130</part-num-ref>
+ (illustratively, CD <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+1302).    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">As depicted in FIG. 2, VS 110 is adapted for establishing a high-quality channel and a low-quality channel with each client device (illustratively, high- quality channel <part-num-ref name="low-quality channel with each client device (illustratively, high- quality channel">202</part-num-ref>
+ and low-quality channel <part-num-ref name="and low-quality channel">204</part-num-ref>
+ established with CD 1302).    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">The VS 110 is adapted for providing a high-quality video program stream over <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+high-quality channel <part-num-ref name="high-quality video program stream over high-quality channel">202</part-num-ref>
+ and providing low-quality video program streams over low-quality channel <part-num-ref name="and providing low-quality video program streams over low-quality channel">204.</part-num-ref>
+ The VS <part-num-ref name="VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ is adapted for providing a high- quality video program stream over high-quality channel <part-num-ref name="high- quality video program stream over high-quality channel">202</part-num-ref>
+ in response to a channel change request received from CD <part-num-ref name="channel change request received from CD">1302.</part-num-ref>
+ The VS <part-num-ref name="VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ is adapted for <boundary-data type="header">505467_<confidence value="26855">1.DOc</confidence>
+                  <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Willigenburg 3</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">LCNT/128374</boundary-data>
+providing low-quality video program streams over low-quality channel <part-num-ref name="is adapted for providing low-quality video program streams over low-quality channel">204</part-num-ref>
+ using user preferences associated with a user associated with CD <part-num-ref name="user associated with CD">1302.</part-num-ref>
+ The operation of VS <part-num-ref name="operation of VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ may be better understood with respect to FIG. 3.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">As depicted in FIG. 2, each CD 130 is adapted for supporting a high- <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+quality video channel and a low-quality video channel from a video server (illustratively, high-quality video channel <part-num-ref name="video server (illustratively, high-quality video channel">202</part-num-ref>
+ and low-quality video channel <part-num-ref name="and low-quality video channel">204</part-num-ref>
+ supported by CD 1302). As depicted in FIG. 2, each CD <part-num-ref name="supported by CD 1302). As depicted in FIG. 2, each CD">130</part-num-ref>
+ is adapted for selecting a video program stream (i.e., the high-quality video program stream from the high-quality channel or one of the low-quality video program <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+streams from the low-quality channel) and presenting the video program conveyed by the selected video program stream. As depicted in FIG. 2, each CD <part-num-ref name="selected video program stream. As depicted in FIG. 2, each CD">130</part-num-ref>
+ is adapted for providing user preference information to VS <part-num-ref name="is adapted for providing user preference information to VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ (for use by VS <part-num-ref name="(for use by VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ in selecting low-quality video program streams to provide over the low-quality video channel). The operation of each CD <part-num-ref name="operation of each CD">130</part-num-ref>
+ may be better <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+understood with respect to FIG. 4.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">As depicted in FIG. 2, high-quality channel 202 conveys a high-quality video stream from VS <part-num-ref name="high-quality video stream from VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ to CD <part-num-ref name="to CD">1302.</part-num-ref>
+ The high-quality video stream may be any level of quality above the quality of the low-quality video streams. The high-quality video stream conveys a video program in a high-quality format.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+For example, in one embodiment, in which the low-quality video streams are provided in below-standard definition (e.g., grayscale), the high-quality video stream may be provided in standard definition or high definition. For example, in one embodiment, in which the low-quality video streams are provided in standard definition the high-quality video stream may be provided in high <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+definition. The high-quality video program stream provided by high-quality channel <part-num-ref name="high-quality video program stream provided by high-quality channel">202</part-num-ref>
+ conveys the video program requested by one or more users associated with CD <part-num-ref name="video program requested by one or more users associated with CD">1302.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">As depicted in FIG. 2, low-quality channel 204 conveys one or more low-quality video streams from VS <part-num-ref name="conveys one or more low-quality video streams from VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ to CD <part-num-ref name="to CD">1302.</part-num-ref>
+ The low-quality video <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+streams convey low-quality video programs. The quality of the low-quality video stream may be any level of quality below the quality of the high-quality video stream. For example, in one embodiment, in which the high-quality video stream is provided in high definition, low-quality video streams may be <boundary-data type="header">505467<confidence value="566">_1.</confidence>
+DOC                  6      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Willigenburg 3</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">LCNT/128374</boundary-data>
+provided in standard definition. For example, in one embodiment, in which the high-quality video stream is provided in standard definition, low-quality video streams may be provided in below-standard-definition (e.g., grayscale).    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">The low-quality video program streams provided by low-quality channel 204 <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+convey video programs determined according to user preference information associated with one or more users associated with CD <part-num-ref name="convey video programs determined according to user preference information associated with one or more users associated with CD">1302.</part-num-ref>
+ The low-quality video program streams may be provided in any manner for providing multiple streams of information using a single channel.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">FIG. 3 depicts a method according to one embodiment of the present <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+invention. Specifically, method <part-num-ref name="present invention. Specifically, method">300</part-num-ref>
+ is a method for providing a high-quality video program stream and one or more low-quality video program streams from a video server to a client device. The low-quality video program streams enable users of the client device to preview additional video programs by selecting the low-quality video programs locally (i.e., without corresponding <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+upstream requests from the client device to the video server). Although primarily depicted and described herein as being performed serially, at least a portion of the steps of method <part-num-ref name="steps of method">300</part-num-ref>
+ may be performed contemporaneously, or in a different order than presented in FIG. 3. The method <part-num-ref name="method">300</part-num-ref>
+ begins at step <part-num-ref name="begins at step">302</part-num-ref>
+ and proceeds to step <part-num-ref name="and proceeds to step">304.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20        </boundary-data>
+At step 304, a connection request is received from the client device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">In one embodiment, the connection request is received in response to the client device being powered on. In one embodiment, the connection request is received in response to an explicit request initiated by a user associated with the client device. At step <part-num-ref name="client device. At step">306,</part-num-ref>
+ a requested channel is identified using the <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+connection request. At step <part-num-ref name="connection request. At step">308,</part-num-ref>
+ a video program (i.e., a high-quality video program, which may also be referred to as a first video program) associated with the requested channel is obtained. At step <part-num-ref name="requested channel is obtained. At step">310,</part-num-ref>
+ a high-quality channel (i.e., first channel) is established from the video server to the client device. At step <part-num-ref name="client device. At step">312,</part-num-ref>
+ the high-quality video program (i.e., the video program stream <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+obtained at step <part-num-ref name="video program stream obtained at step">308)</part-num-ref>
+ is provided to the client device as a high-quality video program stream conveyed over the high-quality channel.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">At step 314, a user profile is obtained. The user profile is associated with one or more users associated with the client device. The user profile is <boundary-data type="header">505467<confidence value="5">_</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+DOC                  7      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Willigenburg 3</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">LCNT/128374</boundary-data>
+obtained using at least a portion of the connection request received from the client device (e.g., using one or more of a client device identifier, a user identifier, and the like, as well as various combinations thereof). Although primarily described with respect to a user profile, in one embodiment, a <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+household profile (associated with one or more users and/or one or more client devices of a particular household) is obtained. Although primarily described with respect to a user profile, in one embodiment, a client device profile (associated with a client device irrespective of which user or users use the client device) may be obtained. In one embodiment, multiple profiles are <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+stored (e.g., various combinations of household profiles, user profiles, client device profiles, and the like, as well as various combinations thereof), and in some cases linked, for use in providing low-quality video programs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">At step 316, one or more preferred channels (preferred by one or more users associated with the client device) are identified. In one embodiment, the <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+one or more preferred channels are identified using the obtained user profile (or household profile, client device profile, or any other profile or combination of profiles storing such preferred channel information). In one embodiment, the preferred channels are television channels (e.g., ABC, NBC, CBS, and the like, as well as various combinations thereof). The preferred channels may be <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+associated with the user profile (or other profile) using one or more methods for determining preferred channels (e.g., determined by the video server, determined by the client device (e.g., either automatically or from manual user configuration), and transmitted from the client device to the video server, and the like).    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25        </boundary-data>
+At step 318, one or more video programs associated with the one or more preferred channels, respectively, are obtained. At step <part-num-ref name="one or more preferred channels, respectively, are obtained. At step">320,</part-num-ref>
+ a low-quality channel (i.e., second channel) is established from the video server to the client device. At step <part-num-ref name="client device. At step">322,</part-num-ref>
+ if necessary, the one or more video programs (i.e., video programs obtained at step <part-num-ref name="video programs obtained at step">318)</part-num-ref>
+ are transcoded to form low-quality video <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+programs, respectively. In one embodiment, for example, the one or more video programs may be transcoded from a high-definition quality to standard- definition quality. In another embodiment, for example, the one or more video programs may be transcoded from a standard-definition quality to a below- <boundary-data type="header">505467_<confidence value="6866">.DOC</confidence>
+                   <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Willigenburg 3</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">LCNT/128374</boundary-data>
+standard-definition quality (e.g., to grayscale). At step <part-num-ref name="to grayscale). At step">324,</part-num-ref>
+ the one or more low-quality video programs (i.e., the video programs obtained at step <part-num-ref name="video programs obtained at step">318,</part-num-ref>
+ which may also be referred to as second video programs) are provided to the client device as low-quality video program streams conveyed over the low- <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+quality channel.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">At step 326, a channel change request is received from the client device. The channel change request may be received in response to a user of the client device initiating a channel change operation. The channel change request may be received in response to a channel selection operation which, <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+as described herein, may be initiated automatically by the client device in response to a trigger condition (e.g., the client device presenting one of the low-quality video programs for a length of time greater than a threshold), or initiated manually by a user of the client device (e.g., where the user manually selects a television channel associated with one of the low-quality video <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+programs).    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">As depicted in FIG. 3, if a channel change request is received, method <part-num-ref name="channel change request is received, method">300</part-num-ref>
+ proceeds to step <part-num-ref name="proceeds to step">330,</part-num-ref>
+ and, if a channel change request is not received, method <part-num-ref name="channel change request is not received, method">300</part-num-ref>
+ proceeds to step <part-num-ref name="proceeds to step">328.</part-num-ref>
+ At step <part-num-ref name="proceeds to step 328. At step">328,</part-num-ref>
+ the high-quality video program stream and low-quality video program streams continue to be provided to the <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+client device using the high-quality and low-quality channels, respectively.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">From step 328, method 300 returns to step <part-num-ref name="returns to step">326</part-num-ref>
+ (i.e., the high-quality video program stream and one or more low-quality video program streams continue to be provided to the client device until a channel change request is received, or, alternatively, until the client device is powered off).    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25       </boundary-data>
+At step 330, a video program associated with the requested channel is obtained. The video program associated with the requested channel is a high- quality video program. At step <part-num-ref name="high- quality video program. At step">332,</part-num-ref>
+ the high-quality video program (i.e., third video program) is provided to the client device as a high-quality video program stream conveyed over the high-quality channel (i.e., as a third video program <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+conveyed over the first channel). At step <part-num-ref name="first channel). At step">334,</part-num-ref>
+ the one or more low-quality video programs continue to be provided to the client device as respective low- quality video program streams conveyed over the low-quality channel. From step <part-num-ref name="low-quality channel. From step">334,</part-num-ref>
+ method <part-num-ref name="low-quality channel. From step 334, method">300</part-num-ref>
+ returns to step <part-num-ref name="returns to step">326</part-num-ref>
+ (i.e., the high-quality video program <boundary-data type="header">505467_<confidence value="25">1.</confidence>
+DOC                  9      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Willigenburg 3</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">LCNT/128374</boundary-data>
+stream and low-quality video program streams continue to be provided to the client device until a channel change request is received, or, alternatively, until the client device is powered off).    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">Although primarily depicted and described herein with respect to <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+specific numbers of high-quality video programs and low-quality video programs being provided using a specific configuration of low-quality and high-quality video programs streams and channels, the present invention may support various other configurations. In one embodiment, in which one of the low-quality video programs is provided to a client device as a high-quality <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+video program over the high-quality channel, rather than continuing to provide the low-quality video program over the low-quality channel (which would be redundant), the low-quality video program in the low-quality channel may be replaced by one or more other low-quality video programs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">In one such embodiment, a last video program provided to, and <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+presented at, the client device in high-quality format may continue to be provided to the client device in low-quality format using an associated low- quality video program stream conveying a low-quality version of the video program, thereby enabling more efficient switching by the user back to the previously watched video program. In another such embodiment, a low- <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+quality video program previously provided in low-quality format as a low- quality video program stream that is conveyed over the low-quality channel, and currently being presented in high-quality format using a high-quality video program stream conveyed over the high-quality channel, may be replaced by at least one other preferred video program.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25       </boundary-data>
+For example, if video programs associated with the top five preferred channels are typically provided in low-quality format over the low-quality channel, and the video program associated with the third most preferred channel is currently being provided in high-quality format over the high-quality channel, a video program associated with the sixth most preferred channel <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+may be provided over the low-quality channel in place of the video program associated with the third most preferred channel (since continuing to provide the video program associated with the third most preferred channel as a low- quality video program stream while that video program is simultaneously <boundary-data type="header">505467 <confidence value="22222">1.DOC</confidence>
+                 10      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Willigenburg 3</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">LCNT/128374</boundary-data>
+provided and presented as a high-quality video program over the high-quality channel would be a redundant waste of network resources).    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">FIG. 4 depicts a method according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, method <part-num-ref name="present invention. Specifically, method">400</part-num-ref>
+ is a method for receiving, at a client <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+device, a high-quality video program stream and one or more low-quality video program streams, presenting a high-quality video program conveyed by the high-quality video program stream, and locally switching from presenting the high-quality video program to presenting a low-quality video program conveyed by one of the low-quality video program streams (i.e., to provide, <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+thereby, an improved channel change experience for users of the client device). Although primarily depicted and described herein as being performed serially, at least a portion of the steps of method <part-num-ref name="steps of method">400</part-num-ref>
+ may be performed contemporaneously, or in a different order than presented in FIG. 4. The method <part-num-ref name="method">400</part-num-ref>
+ begins at step <part-num-ref name="begins at step">402</part-num-ref>
+ and proceeds to step <part-num-ref name="and proceeds to step">404.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15        </boundary-data>
+At step 404, a high-quality video program conveyed by a high-quality video program stream is received over a high-quality channel and one or more low-quality video programs conveyed by respective one or more low- quality video program streams are received over a low-quality channel. The high-quality video program stream and low-quality video program streams, <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+which convey the respective high-quality video program and low-quality video programs, are received from a video server (as depicted and described with respect to FIG. 3). At step <part-num-ref name="video server (as depicted and described with respect to FIG. 3). At step">406,</part-num-ref>
+ the high-quality video program conveyed by the high-quality video program stream received over the high-quality channel is presented (e.g., on a display device such as a television, computer monitor, <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+and the like).    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">At step 408, a determination is made as to whether a channel change request is received. The channel change request may be received from a user input device (e.g., remote control, keyboard, mouse, and the like). If a channel change request is not received, method <part-num-ref name="channel change request is not received, method">400</part-num-ref>
+ returns to step <part-num-ref name="returns to step">404,</part-num-ref>
+ at <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+which point the high-quality video program and low-quality video programs conveyed by the high-quality video program stream and low-quality video program streams, respectively, continue to be received by the client device using the respective high-quality channel and low-quality channels, and, <boundary-data type="header">505467_<confidence value="25">1.</confidence>
+DOC                <confidence value="66">11</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Willigenburg 3</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">LCNT/128374</boundary-data>
+furthermore, the high-quality video program continues to be presented at the client device)<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ If a channel change request is received, method <part-num-ref name="channel change request is received, method">400</part-num-ref>
+ proceeds to step <part-num-ref name="proceeds to step">410.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">At step 410, a determination is made as to whether the channel change <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+request is a request for one of the low-quality video programs conveyed by one of the low-quality video program streams received by the client device over the low-quality channel. If the channel change request is a request for one of the low-quality video programs received by the client device over the low-quality channel, method <part-num-ref name="low-quality channel, method">400</part-num-ref>
+ proceeds to step <part-num-ref name="proceeds to step">414.</part-num-ref>
+ If the channel change <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+request is not a request for one of the low-quality video programs received by the client device over the low-quality channel, method <part-num-ref name="low-quality channel, method">400</part-num-ref>
+ proceeds to step <part-num-ref name="proceeds to step">412.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">At step 412, a channel change request is transmitted from the client device to the video server from which the high-quality and low-quality video <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+program streams are received. Since the channel change request detected by the client device is for a channel that is not associated with one of the low- quality video program streams provided over the low-quality channel, in order to receive the video program stream associated with the requested channel, the client device transmits a channel change request upstream to the video <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+server requesting that the video server provide the video program associated with the requested channel. A channel change request transmitted upstream from the client device to the video server may be transmitted in-band or out- of-band using any means of upstream communication.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">As described herein, upon receiving a channel change request, the <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+video server obtains the video program associated with the requested channel and provides the video program to the client device as a high-quality video program stream over the high-quality channel. The response of the video server to a channel change request received from a client device may be better understood with respect to FIG. 3. From step <part-num-ref name="client device may be better understood with respect to FIG. 3. From step">412,</part-num-ref>
+ method <part-num-ref name="client device may be better understood with respect to FIG. 3. From step 412, method">400</part-num-ref>
+ returns <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+to step <part-num-ref name="returns to step">404,</part-num-ref>
+ at which point high-quality video program stream and low-quality video program streams continue to be received by the client device using the high-quality and low-quality channels, respectively, and the high-quality video <boundary-data type="header">505467_<confidence value="566">l.D</confidence>
+OC                  <confidence value="68">12</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Willigenburg 3</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">LCNT/128374</boundary-data>
+program conveyed by the high-quality video program stream continues to be presented).    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">At step 414, the low-quality video program conveyed by the low-quality video program stream associated with the selected channel is presented. The <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+low-quality video program stream associated with the selected channel is identified in the low-quality channel. The presentation of a low-quality video program conveyed by one of the low-quality video program streams enables the user to preview the video program without initiating an upstream request to the video server for the video program, thereby enabling quicker and <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+cheaper previewing of a subset of video programs available to the client device from the video server. Since the low-quality video program is already being provided to the client device in the low-quality channel, the user is thereby able to preview the low-quality video program using local processing (i.e., the client device locally selects the video program stream conveying the <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+video program associated with the selected channel).    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">At step 416, a determination is made as to whether the low-quality video program (i.e., the low-quality video program presented at step <part-num-ref name="low-quality video program presented at step">414)</part-num-ref>
+ is selected. In one embodiment, the low-quality video program may be directly selected by a user of the client device (e.g., by actuating one or more buttons <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+on a user interface device such as a remote control, keyboard, and the like).    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">In one embodiment, the low-quality video program may be indirectly selected by a user of the client device (e.g., by remaining tuned to the low-quality video program stream in the low-quality channel for a period of time exceeding a threshold, e.g., ten seconds). Although described with respect to specific <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+means for selecting a low-quality video program presented at a client device (i.e., selecting the low-quality video program such that the low-quality video program is switched to being presented as a high-quality video program), other means of selecting a video program may be used.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">With respect to step 416, if the low-quality video program is selected, <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+method <part-num-ref name="low-quality video program is selected, method">400</part-num-ref>
+ returns to step <part-num-ref name="returns to step">412.</part-num-ref>
+ As described herein, at step <part-num-ref name="returns to step 412. As described herein, at step">412,</part-num-ref>
+ a channel change request is transmitted from the client device to the video server from which the high-quality and low-quality video program streams are received. In this embodiment, since the low-quality video program has been selected, the <boundary-data type="header">505467 <confidence value="22222">1.DOC</confidence>
+                 13      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Willigenburg 3</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">LCNT/128374</boundary-data>
+client device transmits a channel change request upstream to the video server associated with the client device. The client device transmits the channel change request upstream to request that the video server provide a high- quality version of the selected video program for further presentation of the <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+video program to the user of the client device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">With respect to step 416, if a low-quality video program is not selected (where the client device is configured to automatically select the low-quality video program after a threshold period of time), method <part-num-ref name="threshold period of time), method">400</part-num-ref>
+ proceeds to step <part-num-ref name="proceeds to step">418.</part-num-ref>
+ At step <part-num-ref name="proceeds to step 418. At step">418,</part-num-ref>
+ a channel change request is received. In this case, the <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+channel change request may be received in one of a plurality of ways. In one embodiment, the channel change request is received as a direct request initiated by the user of the client device. In one embodiment, the channel change request is received as an indirect request initiated by the client device (e.g., if the low-quality program is presented on the client device for greater <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+than a threshold length of time without the user initiating another channel change operation). From step <part-num-ref name="user initiating another channel change operation). From step">418,</part-num-ref>
+ method <part-num-ref name="user initiating another channel change operation). From step 418, method">400</part-num-ref>
+ returns to step <part-num-ref name="returns to step">410,</part-num-ref>
+ at which point a determination is made as to whether or not the channel change request is a request for one of the low-quality video programs received by the client device over the low-quality channel.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20       </boundary-data>
+With respect to step 416, if a low-quality video program is not selected (where the client device is not configured to automatically select the low- quality video program after a threshold period of time), method <part-num-ref name="threshold period of time), method">400</part-num-ref>
+ proceeds to step <part-num-ref name="proceeds to step">420.</part-num-ref>
+ At step <part-num-ref name="proceeds to step 420. At step">420,</part-num-ref>
+ since the low-quality video program is not selected (for the purpose of receiving a high-quality version of the low-quality video <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+program), and since the client device is not configured to automatically select the low-quality video program after a threshold period of time, the client device continues to present the low-quality video program to the user of the client device. From step <part-num-ref name="client device. From step">420,</part-num-ref>
+ method <part-num-ref name="client device. From step 420, method">400</part-num-ref>
+ proceeds to step <part-num-ref name="proceeds to step">422.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">At step 422, a determination is made as to whether or not a channel <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+change request is received. If a channel change request is not received, method <part-num-ref name="channel change request is not received, method">400</part-num-ref>
+ returns to step <part-num-ref name="returns to step">420</part-num-ref>
+ (i.e., since the client device is not configured to automatically select video programs, the client device continues to present the low-quality video program to the user of the client device until a channel <boundary-data type="header">505467<confidence value="588666">_1.DOC</confidence>
+                  14      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Willigenburg 3</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">LCNT/128374</boundary-data>
+change request is received). If a channel change request is received, method <part-num-ref name="channel change request is received, method">400</part-num-ref>
+ returns to step <part-num-ref name="returns to step">410,</part-num-ref>
+ at which point a determination is made as to whether or not the channel change request is a request for one of the low-quality video program streams received by the client device over the low-quality channel (or <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+a request for a channel providing a video program other than the high-quality video program and low-quality video programs).    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">In other words, as described herein, the present invention enables a significant improvement in the television viewing experience of a user as the user changes channels. By providing additional programs to a client device in <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+a low-quality format, the user of the client device is able to preview additional programming choices with quicker channel changes because requests to preview video programs provided in the low-quality format do not require upstream requests to a video server (rather, requests to view video programs provided in the low-quality format may be served by the client device locally).    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+The operation of a client device and an associated video server in using the present invention may be better understood with respect to the following example.    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">In one example, assume that CD 1302 receives a video stream for the television program currently airing on ESPN over high-quality channel <part-num-ref name="television program currently airing on ESPN over high-quality channel">202.</part-num-ref>
+ In <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+this example, further assume that the user associated with CD <part-num-ref name="user associated with CD">1302</part-num-ref>
+ set up a "favorites" channel list including CBS, NBC, FOX, ABC, HBO, TNT, and TBS.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">In this example, assume that CD 1302 receives video streams for television programs currently airing on CBS, NBC, FOX, ABC, HBO, TNT, and TBS in grayscale (i.e., as low-quality programs) over low-quality channel <part-num-ref name="as low-quality programs) over low-quality channel">204.</part-num-ref>
+ In this <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+example, assume that, upon the start of a commercial on ESPN, the user begins switching between the television programs on CBS, NBC, FOX, ABC, HBO, TNT, and TBS.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">In continuation of this example, upon determining that the user decides to watch a television program airing on one of the television channels CBS, <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+NBC, FOX, ABC, HBO, TNT, and TBS provided by low-quality channel <part-num-ref name="television channels CBS, NBC, FOX, ABC, HBO, TNT, and TBS provided by low-quality channel">204</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., user explicitly provides an indication of the selection, or CD <part-num-ref name="selection, or CD">1302</part-num-ref>
+ detects that the user remains tuned to one of the television channels for a length of time greater than a threshold), CD <part-num-ref name="threshold), CD">1302</part-num-ref>
+ provides an indication to VS <part-num-ref name="indication to VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ of <boundary-data type="header">505467<confidence value="66">_l</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6666">.DOC</confidence>
+                 15      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Willigenburg 3</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">LCNT/128374</boundary-data>
+the television channel that the user has selected. In this example, assume that the user decides to watch the program airing on ABC. In this example, CD <part-num-ref name="program airing on ABC. In this example, CD">1302</part-num-ref>
+ provides an indication of the selection of ABC to VS <part-num-ref name="selection of ABC to VS">110.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">In continuation of this example, upon receiving the indication of the <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+selection of ABC by the user, VS <part-num-ref name="user, VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ identifies a high-quality version of the video program stream for the television program currently airing on ABC and provides the high-quality version of the video program stream to CS <part-num-ref name="video program stream to CS">1302</part-num-ref>
+ using high-quality channel <part-num-ref name="using high-quality channel">202.</part-num-ref>
+ In other words, VS <part-num-ref name="using high-quality channel 202. In other words, VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ switches from providing an ESPN video program stream over high-quality channel <part-num-ref name="ESPN video program stream over high-quality channel">202</part-num-ref>
+ to <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+providing an ABC video program stream over high-quality channel <part-num-ref name="ABC video program stream over high-quality channel">202.</part-num-ref>
+ The VS <part-num-ref name="VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ continues to provide low-quality versions of the television programs currently airing television channels CBS, NBC, FOX, ABC, HBO, TNT, and TBS using low-quality channel <part-num-ref name="television programs currently airing television channels CBS, NBC, FOX, ABC, HBO, TNT, and TBS using low-quality channel">204.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">In continuation of this example, as described herein, in addition to <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+continuing to provide low-quality versions of the television programs currently airing on television channels CBS, NBC, FOX, ABC, HBO, TNT, and TBS, VS <part-num-ref name="television programs currently airing on television channels CBS, NBC, FOX, ABC, HBO, TNT, and TBS, VS">110</part-num-ref>
+ may also provide a low-quality version of another television program currently airing on another television channel. In other words, since the user is currently viewing a high-quality version of a television program airing on one <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+of the television channels typically provided by the low-quality channel, there is available capacity in the low-quality channel for supporting an additional low-quality video program.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">As described herein, in one embodiment, the additional low-quality video program provided over the low-quality channel may be the television <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+channel previously provided over the high-quality channel <part-num-ref name="high-quality channel">202</part-num-ref>
+ (which in this example is the program airing on ESPN). In other words, in this example, ABC is swapped for ESPN in the low-quality channel. This enables the user to quickly zap back to the last channel that the user was watching in high-quality format. As described herein, in another embodiment, the additional low-quality <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+video program provided over the low-quality channel may a different television channel determined using the user profile associated with the user. In this embodiment, for example, a television program associated with a next-most- <boundary-data type="header">505467<confidence value="866">_1.</confidence>
+DOC                16      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Willigenburg 3</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">LCNT/128374</boundary-data>
+preferred television channel (e.g., USA), as determined from the user profile, is provided over the low-quality channel.    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">FIG. 5 depicts a method according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, method <part-num-ref name="present invention. Specifically, method">500</part-num-ref>
+ is a method for updating user preference <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+information associated with a user of a client device (e.g., channel preference information, program preference information, and the like, as well as various combinations thereof). Although primarily depicted and described with respect to user preference information, preference information associated with one or more of a household, one or more client devices, one or more users, and the <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+like, may be updated. Although primarily depicted and described herein as being performed serially, at least a portion of the steps of method <part-num-ref name="steps of method">500</part-num-ref>
+ may be performed contemporaneously, or in a different order than presented in FIG.    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">5. The method <part-num-ref name="method">500</part-num-ref>
+ begins at step <part-num-ref name="begins at step">502</part-num-ref>
+ and proceeds to step <part-num-ref name="and proceeds to step">504.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">At step 504, a user preference changes at a client device. The user <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+preference change may include a change in a list of channels preferred by one or more users of the client device. Although primarily described with respect to a list of channels preferred by one or more users of a client device, in other embodiments, preference information may include other information.    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">At step 506, a user preference update is transmitted from the client device to <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+an associated video server (or, alternatively, to one or more other network elements adapted to store preference information for use by a video server in providing low-quality video programs to client devices).    </p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">In one embodiment, a user preference change is initiated manually by a user of the client device. In one such embodiment, for example, the user <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+may update a "favorite channels" list (e.g., using a television remote control or a computer mouse/keyboard). In one embodiment, a user preference change is detected automatically by the client device. In one such embodiment, the client device may be adapted to automatically obtain and maintain information indicative of channels preferred by the user. The information indicative of <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+channels preferred by a user may be obtained by the client device according to the amount of time the client device is tuned to each video channel, the number of times the user selects each video channel, and the like, as well as various combinations thereof.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">505467<confidence value="566">_1.</confidence>
+DOC                 <confidence value="68">17</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Willigenburg 3</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">LCNT/128374</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">
+      <page-break num="18"/>
+Although primarily depicted and described herein with respect to an embodiment in which a user preference change is communicated from a client device to a video server, in one embodiment, a user preference change may be automatically detected by a video server, or may be automatically detected <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+by another network device and communicated to the video server. A user preference change indicative of a change in the channels preferred by a user of a client device may be detected by monitoring the viewing habits of one or more users associated with the client device, e.g., according to the number of times each video channel is requested by the user (e.g., monitoring channel <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+change requests from the client device), the amount of time the client device is tuned to each video channel, and the like, as well as various combinations thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">At step 508, the user preference update is received by the video server. At step <part-num-ref name="video server. At step">510,</part-num-ref>
+ a user profile is identified. At step <part-num-ref name="user profile is identified. At step">512,</part-num-ref>
+ the identified <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+user profile is updated using the user preference update received from the client device. For example, if the user preference update includes a list of preferred television channels, a previously stored list of preferred television channels associated with the user profile is updated using the newly identified list of preferred television channels, or, alternatively, is replaced by the newly <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+identified list of preferred television channels.    </p>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">At step 514, a determination is made as to whether the client device associated with the user profile is currently receiving video program streams from the video server. If the client device associated with the user profile is not currently receiving video program streams from the video server, method <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="video server, method">500</part-num-ref>
+ proceeds to step <part-num-ref name="proceeds to step">518,</part-num-ref>
+ where method <part-num-ref name="proceeds to step 518, where method">500</part-num-ref>
+ ends. If the client device associated with the user profile is currently receiving video program streams from the video server, method <part-num-ref name="video server, method">500</part-num-ref>
+ proceeds to step <part-num-ref name="proceeds to step">516.</part-num-ref>
+ At step <part-num-ref name="proceeds to step 516. At step">516,</part-num-ref>
+ the low- quality video programs provided from the video server to the client device are modified according to the updated user profile. At step <part-num-ref name="updated user profile. At step">518,</part-num-ref>
+ method <part-num-ref name="updated user profile. At step 518, method">500</part-num-ref>
+ ends.    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30       </boundary-data>
+Although primarily depicted and described herein as being adapted for use in any video distribution system, it will be appreciated that the invention may be particularly suited for use in video distribution systems in which capacity between the video servers and client devices is limited (i.e., for use <boundary-data type="header">505467<confidence value="5">_</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6866">.DOC</confidence>
+                  18      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="19"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Willigenburg 3</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">LCNT/128374</boundary-data>
+in video distribution systems in which all channels cannot be provided to a client device simultaneously such that a channel selection by a user of the client device merely involves tuning to a new channel on which the desired program is being broadcast). For example, the present invention may be <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+particularly suited for use in digital television distribution networks in which video programs are provided in high-definition quality, IPTV networks where capacity between video servers and client devices may prevent all channels from being provided to client devices simultaneously, and the like, as well as various combinations thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10       </boundary-data>
+Although primarily depicted and described herein with respect to one video server, video programs may be available from multiple video servers, and multiple video servers may be used for providing video programs to client devices. Although primarily depicted and described herein with respect to a video distribution network, various different video distribution networks may be <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+used for conveying video programs from one or more video servers to client devices available from the video distribution networks. As such, the present invention is not intended to be limited by the numbers of, or configurations of, video servers, video distribution networks, or other network components used for providing high-quality and low-quality video programs in accordance with <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">Although primarily depicted and described herein with respect to one high-quality channel having one high-quality video program stream conveying one high-quality video, in other embodiments, one or more high-quality video channels may be used to provide one or more high-quality video program <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+streams conveying one or more high-quality video programs. Although often depicted and described herein with respect to one low-quality channel, in other embodiments, multiple low-quality video channels may be used to provide multiple low-quality video program streams conveying multiple low- quality video programs. Although primarily depicted and described herein with <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+respect to two quality levels, in other embodiments, additional quality levels may be defined such that video programs may be provided to client devices using three or more levels of quality.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">505467_<confidence value="25">1.</confidence>
+DOC                 19    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Willigenburg 3</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">LCNT/128374</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-74" num="74">
+      <page-break num="20"/>
+Although primarily depicted and described herein with respect to selection of video programs, or, similarly, video program streams conveying video programs, such selections of video programs or video program streams may be effected by selecting television channels associated with the video <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+programs (e.g., using channel change operations initiated via a user interface component such as a remote control for a television, a mouse and keyboard for a computer, and the like, as well as various combinations thereof). In other words, selection of video programs or video program streams may, in some embodiments, be equivalently thought of as selection of the television <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+channels (or streaming Internet video channels, and the like) associated with the video programs conveyed by the video program streams.    </p>
+    <p id="p-75" num="75">Although primarily depicted and described herein with respect to an embodiment in which only one video program is presented at a client device at a time, in other embodiments, the present invention may be utilized in order <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+to simultaneously present multiple video programs at a client device. In one embodiment, for example, the present invention may be utilized in support of a multi-video display function (e.g., picture-in-picture function on a television, multiple video display windows on a computer, and the like). In one such embodiment, for example, while the high-quality video program is presented <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+in a primary display portion of a client device, a user associated with the client device may simultaneously display one or more of the low-quality video programs using one or more secondary display portions of the client device (e.g., using one or more picture-in-picture display portions on a television, one or more video display windows on a computer monitor, and the like).    </p>
+    <p id="p-76" num="76">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25       </boundary-data>
+FIG. 6 depicts a high-level block diagram of a general-purpose computer suitable for use in performing the functions described herein. As depicted in FIG. 6, system <part-num-ref name="functions described herein. As depicted in FIG. 6, system">600</part-num-ref>
+ comprises a processor element <part-num-ref name="processor element">602</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., a CPU), a memory <part-num-ref name="memory">604,</part-num-ref>
+ e.g., random access memory (RAM) and/or read only memory (ROM), a channel distribution/selection module <part-num-ref name="channel distribution/selection module">605,</part-num-ref>
+ and various <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+input/output devices <part-num-ref name="channel distribution/selection module 605, and various input/output devices">606</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., storage devices, including but not limited to, a tape drive, a floppy drive, a hard disk drive or a compact disk drive, a receiver, a transmitter, a speaker, a display, an output port, and a user input device (such as a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, and the like)).    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">505467<confidence value="566666">_1.DOC</confidence>
+                 20    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Willigenburg 3</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">LCNT/128374</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-77" num="77">
+      <page-break num="21"/>
+The present invention may be implemented in software and/or in a combination of software and hardware, e.g., using application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), a general purpose computer or any other hardware equivalents. In one embodiment, the present channel distribution/selection <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+module or process <part-num-ref name="present channel distribution/selection module or process">605</part-num-ref>
+ can be loaded into memory <part-num-ref name="can be loaded into memory">604</part-num-ref>
+ and executed by processor <part-num-ref name="and executed by processor">602</part-num-ref>
+ to implement the functions as discussed above. Thus, channel distribution/selection process <part-num-ref name="functions as discussed above. Thus, channel distribution/selection process">605</part-num-ref>
+ (including associated data structures) of the present invention can be stored on a computer readable medium or carrier, e.g., RAM memory, magnetic or optical drive or diskette and the like.    </p>
+    <p id="p-78" num="78">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10       </boundary-data>
+Although various embodiments which incorporate the teachings of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, those skilled in the art can readily devise many other varied embodiments that still incorporate these teachings.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">505467<confidence value="566">_1.</confidence>
+DOC                  21    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11590285.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,172 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11590285</doc-number>
+        <date>2009-04-16</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">IN THE SPECIFICATION:</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Please amend paragraph [0046] of the specification as shown.</p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">The read/write/read sequence may described generally as follows: wrX data is written via the DDQ signal paths to buffer unit <part-num-ref name="DDQ signal paths to buffer unit">170</part-num-ref>
+ by memory controller <part-num-ref name="by memory controller">100</part-num-ref>
+ and stored within buffer unit <part-num-ref name="and stored within buffer unit">170.</part-num-ref>
+ Memory controller <part-num-ref name="and stored within buffer unit 170. Memory controller">100</part-num-ref>
+ concurrently issues read commands (rdA followed several MCLK cycles later by rdB) to memory units <part-num-ref name="concurrently issues read commands (rdA followed several MCLK cycles later by rdB) to memory units">110</part-num-ref>
+ via the ADDR/CMD signal paths. Just prior to the rdA data appearing on the DQ bus (e.g., at the end of the wrX data transfer on DDQ), memory controller <part-num-ref name="wrX data transfer on DDQ), memory controller">100</part-num-ref>
+ issues read commands (e.g., r<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+, r<confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+) to buffer unit <part-num-ref name="r0, rl) to buffer unit">170</part-num-ref>
+ via BCMD. While the rdA and rdB data is on the DQ bus, memory controller <part-num-ref name="DQ bus, memory controller">100</part-num-ref>
+ sends write commands (e.g., wrX and wrY) via the ADDR/CMD bus to memory [<confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+nits]] units <part-num-ref name="ADDR/CMD bus to memory [[nits]] units">110.</part-num-ref>
+ The rdA and rdB data is latched within buffer unit <part-num-ref name="rdA and rdB data is latched within buffer unit">170</part-num-ref>
+ and sent via DDQ to memory controller <part-num-ref name="and sent via DDQ to memory controller">100.</part-num-ref>
+ Prior to the rdB data transfer on DDQ being complete, memory controller <part-num-ref name="rdB data transfer on DDQ being complete, memory controller">100</part-num-ref>
+ sends write commands (e.g., w<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+, w2, and w3) to buffer unit <part-num-ref name="w0, w2, and w3) to buffer unit">170.</part-num-ref>
+ The w2 command causes the previously stored wrX data to be written to memory units <part-num-ref name="previously stored wrX data to be written to memory units">110</part-num-ref>
+ while the w3 write command causes the wrY data that was just sent via the DDQ signal paths to be sent to memory units <part-num-ref name="DDQ signal paths to be sent to memory units">110</part-num-ref>
+ via the DQ data paths. While the wrX data is being written to memory units <part-num-ref name="wrX data is being written to memory units">110,</part-num-ref>
+ memory controller <part-num-ref name="wrX data is being written to memory units 110, memory controller">100</part-num-ref>
+ issues a rdC command to memory units <part-num-ref name="rdC command to memory units">110</part-num-ref>
+ via the ADDR/CMD signal paths. Some number of cycles later, the rdC data and data strobes appear on the DQ signal paths and DQS signal paths, respectively. As the rdC data is being transferred on the DQ data paths to buffer units <part-num-ref name="DQ data paths to buffer units">170,</part-num-ref>
+ memory controller <part-num-ref name="DQ data paths to buffer units 170, memory controller">100</part-num-ref>
+ issues the read commands (e.g., r<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+ and r<confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+) to buffer units <part-num-ref name="r0 and rl) to buffer units">170</part-num-ref>
+ via the BCMD signal paths, thus enabling buffer units <part-num-ref name="BCMD signal paths, thus enabling buffer units">170</part-num-ref>
+ to send the read data via the DDQ data paths. Similar to the wrX data, the wrZ data is not written to memory units <part-num-ref name="wrZ data is not written to memory units">110</part-num-ref>
+ during this burst. Instead it is stored within buffer unit <part-num-ref name="during this burst. Instead it is stored within buffer unit">170</part-num-ref>
+ for use during the next write burst.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">Please amend paragraph [0046] of the specification as shown.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Application No. 11/590,285                      Meyertons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowert, &amp; Goetzel, P.C.</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">2/18</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+As described above, the CRC is generated and sent to memory controller [[170]] <part-num-ref name="CRC is generated and sent to memory controller [[170]]">100</part-num-ref>
+ during read and write operations between memory controller <part-num-ref name="during read and write operations between memory controller">100</part-num-ref>
+ and buffer units <part-num-ref name="and buffer units">170.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">The CRC is generated from BCMD information, write data, and read data as indicated by the arrows. As shown, the w<confidence value="4">I</confidence>
+, r<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+, w<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+ commands, the wrX<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ rdA, and rdB data are used to generate the CRC information sent on the CRC signal paths from buffer units <part-num-ref name="CRC signal paths from buffer units">170</part-num-ref>
+ to memory controller [[170]] <part-num-ref name="to memory controller [[170]]">100.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">Please amend paragraph [0050] of the specification as shown.</p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">Referring collectively to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, and beginning in block <part-num-ref name="and FIG. 4, and beginning in block">400</part-num-ref>
+ of FIG. 4, after a reset or power-on condition (block 400), in one embodiment, control logic <part-num-ref name="reset or power-on condition (block 400), in one embodiment, control logic">255</part-num-ref>
+ causes buffer unit <part-num-ref name="causes buffer unit">170</part-num-ref>
+ to come out of reset in a training mode (block 405). Upon entering the training state, all bidirectional signal path drivers (e.g., DDQ, DQ, and DQS) may be placed in a high-impedance state (block 410). In the training mode, the BCMD signal path is looped back to the CRC signal path during even MCLK cycles (block 415), and a training pattern (e.g., 10101010...) is output on the CRC path during odd MCLK cycles (block 420). Memory controller <part-num-ref name="CRC path during odd MCLK cycles (block 420). Memory controller">100</part-num-ref>
+ drives a training pattern on the BCMD signal path, which is output on the CRC path during the even MCLK cycles (block 425). Memory controller <part-num-ref name="even MCLK cycles (block 425). Memory controller">100</part-num-ref>
+ obtains bit-lock and byte-lock receiving known data patterns on CRC path (block 430). In addition, memory controller <part-num-ref name="obtains bit-lock and byte-lock receiving known data patterns on CRC path (block 430). In addition, memory controller">100</part-num-ref>
+ adjusts the phase of the BCMD clock signal by adjusting variable phase unit <part-num-ref name="BCMD clock signal by adjusting variable phase unit">294,</part-num-ref>
+ so that buffer unit <part-num-ref name="BCMD clock signal by adjusting variable phase unit 294, so that buffer unit">170</part-num-ref>
+ may obtain bit-lock (i.e., bit alignment) and byte-lock (i.e., byte alignment) on the BCMD signal path (block 435). More particularly, memory controller [[1000]] <part-num-ref name="BCMD signal path (block 435). More particularly, memory controller [[1000]]">100</part-num-ref>
+ may vary (shift) the pattern being sent by one bit time (UI) to ensure that buffer unit <part-num-ref name="pattern being sent by one bit time (UI) to ensure that buffer unit">170</part-num-ref>
+ is capturing each bit correctly and shifting in the serial bits and capturing entire eight-bit bytes on the correct byte boundary. Memory controller may then send a buffer command to take buffer unit <part-num-ref name="buffer command to take buffer unit">170</part-num-ref>
+ out of training mode (block 440).    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">Please amend paragraph [0063] of the specification as shown.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Application No. 11/590,285                      Meyertons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowert, &amp; Goetzel, P.C.</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">3/18</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+Turning to FIG. 7, a block diagram of another embodiment of a memory system including a high-speed buffer is shown. The memory system <part-num-ref name="memory system">80</part-num-ref>
+ includes a memory controller <part-num-ref name="memory controller">800</part-num-ref>
+ coupled to memory units 110A through 110H, and to buffer units 870A through 870D. It is noted that similar to the memory controller shown in FIG. 1, memory controller <part-num-ref name="memory controller shown in FIG. 1, memory controller">800</part-num-ref>
+ may also be a memory controller that is part of a chipset, such as may be used in a Northbridge arrangement. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, memory controller <part-num-ref name="Northbridge arrangement. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, memory controller">800</part-num-ref>
+ may be part of an embedded solution in which memory controller [[100]] <part-num-ref name="embedded solution in which memory controller [[100]]">
+        <confidence value="866">800</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ is embedded within a processing node including one or more processor cores, for example.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">Please amend paragraph [0065] of the specification as shown.</p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">In the illustrated embodiment, memory controller <part-num-ref name="illustrated embodiment, memory controller">800</part-num-ref>
+ is coupled to buffer units <part-num-ref name="is coupled to buffer units">870</part-num-ref>
+ via a serial interconnect 860A through 860D. In one embodiment, each serial interconnect <part-num-ref name="serial interconnect 860A through 860D. In one embodiment, each serial interconnect">860</part-num-ref>
+ uses differential signaling techniques. As will be described in greater detail below in conjunction with the description of FIG. 8, serial differential interconnects 860A - 860D may each include an upstream link and a downstream link to each buffer unit <part-num-ref name="downstream link to each buffer unit">870.</part-num-ref>
+ A downstream link may include a plurality of downstream serial data signal paths (DSD) and a corresponding downstream serial clock signal path (DSCLK) that may be used to clock the data into buffer units <part-num-ref name="data into buffer units">870.</part-num-ref>
+ Similarly, each upstream link may include a plurality of upstream serial data signal paths (USD) and a corresponding upstream serial clock signal path (<confidence value="5">U</confidence>
+SCLK) that may be used to clock the data into memory controller <part-num-ref name="data into memory controller">800.</part-num-ref>
+ In the illustrated embodiment, there are four memory channels shown, although other numbers are possible. As such, serial interconnect [[160A]] 860A may be used for one channel and is thus coupled to buffer unit 870A, serial interconnect 860B may be used for the second channel and is coupled to buffer units 870B, serial interconnect [[860B]] 860C may be used for the third channel and is coupled to buffer units 870C, and serial interconnect 860D may be used for the fourth channel and is coupled to buffer units 870D.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">Please amend paragraph [0077] of the specification as shown.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Application No. 11/590,285                     Meyertons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowert, &amp; Goetzel, P.C.</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">4/18</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+Buffer unit 870 includes a buffer <part-num-ref name="buffer">801</part-num-ref>
+ that represents a differential input buffer for each of the DSD[11:0] signal paths. Buffer <part-num-ref name="DSD[11:0] signal paths. Buffer">801</part-num-ref>
+ is coupled to receive the write data, ADDR<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+CMD, and CRC information sent on one of the DSD[11:0] signal paths. Thus, similar to memory controller <part-num-ref name="DSD[11:0] signal paths. Thus, similar to memory controller">800,</part-num-ref>
+ for each signal path of DSD[11:0], a similar output path (not shown) may be used. The output of buffer <part-num-ref name="output of buffer">801</part-num-ref>
+ is coupled to an input of FF [[802]] <part-num-ref name="input of FF [[802]]">821.</part-num-ref>
+ The output of FF [[802]] <part-num-ref name="output of FF [[802]]">821</part-num-ref>
+ is coupled to the input of FF803 . The output of FF803 is coupled to a command buffer <part-num-ref name="command buffer">805,</part-num-ref>
+ CRC unit [[806]] <part-num-ref name="command buffer 805, CRC unit [[806]]">826,</part-num-ref>
+ write FIFO <part-num-ref name="command buffer 805, CRC unit [[806]] 826, write FIFO">807,</part-num-ref>
+ and an output multiplexer (mux) <part-num-ref name="output multiplexer (mux)">809.</part-num-ref>
+ The output of write FIFO <part-num-ref name="output of write FIFO">807</part-num-ref>
+ is coupled to a DRAM interface <part-num-ref name="DRAM interface">256,</part-num-ref>
+ which is similar to the DRAM interface describe above in conjunction with the description of FIG. 2. As shown, there are four MCLK signals, ADDR<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+CMD signals, <part-num-ref name="description of FIG. 2. As shown, there are four MCLK signals, ADDR/CMD signals,">16</part-num-ref>
+ data strobe signal paths DQS[15:0], and <part-num-ref name="data strobe signal paths DQS[15:0], and">72</part-num-ref>
+ data signal paths DQ[71:0] as part of parallel interconnect <part-num-ref name="data signal paths DQ[71:0] as part of parallel interconnect">865.</part-num-ref>
+ The write data from write FIFO <part-num-ref name="write data from write FIFO">807</part-num-ref>
+ may be output to the memory units <part-num-ref name="memory units">110</part-num-ref>
+ via DQ[71:0]. It is noted that other signals have been omitted for simplicity. It is noted that although not shown as such for simplicity, the MCLK and DQS signals may be differential signals.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">Please amend paragraph [0080] of the specification as shown.</p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">In the illustrated embodiment, the 3.2GHz clock is coupled to the clock input of FF <part-num-ref name="clock input of FF">810</part-num-ref>
+ and to the input of differential equalization data output driver <part-num-ref name="input of differential equalization data output driver">812,</part-num-ref>
+ the output of which is the upstream serial clock USCLK. The 3.2GHz clock signal is also coupled to the Divide by four unit <part-num-ref name="Divide by four unit">804,</part-num-ref>
+ thus providing [[and]] an internal 800MHz clock domain, which is the MCLK domain.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">Please amend paragraph [0082] of the specification as shown.</p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">As will be described in greater detail below in conjunction with the description of FIG. 9, during operation, memory controller <part-num-ref name="description of FIG. 9, during operation, memory controller">800</part-num-ref>
+ may dynamically and adaptively adjust the signal characteristics (e.g., phase, etc.) of transmitted write data and received read data.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">More particularly, as mentioned above, receive unit 804 includes sample clock phase adjustment circuits such as lane deskew <part-num-ref name="includes sample clock phase adjustment circuits such as lane deskew">881,</part-num-ref>
+ and variable phase units <part-num-ref name="includes sample clock phase adjustment circuits such as lane deskew 881, and variable phase units">890</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">882</part-num-ref>
+ to <boundary-data type="header">Application No. 11/590,285                      Meyertons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowert, &amp; Goetzel, P.C.</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">5/18</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+adjust its own local sample clock phase to more optimally receive data transmitted by buffer unit <part-num-ref name="to adjust its own local sample clock phase to more optimally receive data transmitted by buffer unit">870.</part-num-ref>
+ As such, whenever memory controller <part-num-ref name="to adjust its own local sample clock phase to more optimally receive data transmitted by buffer unit 870. As such, whenever memory controller">800</part-num-ref>
+ is receiving CRC data from buffer unit <part-num-ref name="is receiving CRC data from buffer unit">870,</part-num-ref>
+ receive unit <part-num-ref name="is receiving CRC data from buffer unit 870, receive unit">804</part-num-ref>
+ may use lane deskew and variable phase unit <part-num-ref name="may use lane deskew and variable phase unit">882</part-num-ref>
+ to adjust the clock phase of FF [[885]] <part-num-ref name="clock phase of FF [[885]]">886.</part-num-ref>
+ In addition, control unit <part-num-ref name="clock phase of FF [[885]] 886. In addition, control unit">801</part-num-ref>
+ within memory controller <part-num-ref name="within memory controller">800</part-num-ref>
+ may adjust variable phase unit <part-num-ref name="may adjust variable phase unit">890</part-num-ref>
+ to adjust the phase of the write data transmitted to buffer unit <part-num-ref name="write data transmitted to buffer unit">870</part-num-ref>
+ to enable buffer unit <part-num-ref name="to enable buffer unit">870</part-num-ref>
+ to more optimally receive the write data.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">Please amend paragraph [0084] of the specification as shown.</p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">In one embodiment, memory controller 800 sends a buffer command to cause buffer unit <part-num-ref name="buffer command to cause buffer unit">870</part-num-ref>
+ to exit the T2 state and to enter the T3 state by driving all ones for eight bit times(block 925), for example. In the T3 state, buffer unit <part-num-ref name="T3 state, buffer unit">870</part-num-ref>
+ sends a predetermined pattern such as 101010... to memory controller <part-num-ref name="predetermined pattern such as 101010... to memory controller">800</part-num-ref>
+ via the USD signal paths on even MCLK cycles (block 930). Buffer unit <part-num-ref name="USD signal paths on even MCLK cycles (block 930). Buffer unit">870</part-num-ref>
+ is configured to loop back the downstream data to the upstream USD signal paths on odd MCLK cycles and to send downstream via the DSD signal paths a different pattern than the 101010... pattern (block 935). Memory controller <part-num-ref name="101010... pattern (block 935). Memory controller">800</part-num-ref>
+ obtains byte-lock using the different patterns. Memory controller <part-num-ref name="different patterns. Memory controller">800</part-num-ref>
+ then adjusts the downstream data phase to allow buffer unit <part-num-ref name="downstream data phase to allow buffer unit">870</part-num-ref>
+ to obtain bit-lock and byte lock (block 940). When complete, memory controller <part-num-ref name="to obtain bit-lock and byte lock (block 940). When complete, memory controller">800</part-num-ref>
+ drives all zeros for eight bit times causing buffer unit <part-num-ref name="drives all zeros for eight bit times causing buffer unit">870</part-num-ref>
+ to exit the T3 state and to enter the normal operational mode <confidence value="4">(</confidence>
+block [[(]]945), where memory controller <part-num-ref name="normal operational mode (block [[(]]945), where memory controller">800</part-num-ref>
+ may read and write data to memory units <part-num-ref name="may read and write data to memory units">110,</part-num-ref>
+ etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">Please amend paragraph [0096] of the specification as shown.</p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the DSD signal paths may change between unidirectional differential DDS signal paths and bidirectional single-ended DQ signal paths, as desired. In addition, the USD signal paths may change between unidirectional UDS signal paths and bidirectional single-ended ADDR/CMD signal paths, and/or bidirectional differential DQS signal paths. Further, the DSCLK signal paths may also <boundary-data type="header">Application No. 11/590,285                       Meyertons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowert, &amp; Goetzel, P.C.</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">6/18</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+change between a differential unidirectional clock signal path [[to]] and one or more single-ended MCLK signal paths, etc. It is noted that other pin combinations are possible and contemplated.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Application No. 11/590,285                                Meyertons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowert, &amp; Goetzel, P.C<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">7/18</boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11617926.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,347 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11617926</doc-number>
+        <date>2006-12-29</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">PROVIDING ADVERTISING CONTENT TO</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">AT LEAST ONE COMMUNICATING TERMINAL</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">[0001]    Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to communications technology and, more particularly, to the provision of personalized advertising content to one or more terminals communicating over a communications network.</p>
+    <heading id="h-4">BACKGROUND</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">[0002]   In a world where consumer goods and services abound, many people rely on advertisements to inform them of new products on the market. Advertisements today are as diverse, plentiful, and entertaining as the products they attempt to sell. Billboards, television commercials, radio spots, celebrity endorsements, newspaper ads-all are designed to capture people's attention in the hopes that the person's interest will be matched by the products being marketed and that the person will buy the product as a result.</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[0003]    However, the abundance of advertisements has caused some people to grow weary of commercials directed to a general audience. People no longer have the patience to endure advertising that markets products in which they have no interest. Televisions are muted or fast- forwarded through commercials, pages containing magazine and newspaper ads are quickly turned, and radio stations playing ads are switched to the next station. As a result, some advertisements of products and services never reach the people that would be most interested in them.</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">[0004]    Tagging is a concept that has been used to facilitate the classification of information.</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">A tag is a keyword or term that is associated with or assigned to a piece of information (like a picture, an article, or a video clip) and that describes the item. For example, tags are used on the Internet to describe webpages so that a person trying to find a webpage on a particular topic may be able to search the Internet for webpages relating to that topic. For instance, a webpage with <boundary-data type="header">-1-</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">AttyDktNo: 042933/3207<confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+content about how to purchase tickets to attend a Yankees' baseball game may have tags including "baseball," "tickets," and "Yankees." [0005<confidence value="4">]</confidence>
+    Tags are generally created by the user or author of an item of information. For example, the author of a webpage would typically create the tags to describe that webpage. Tags may also be created as a result of a user filling out a questionnaire or creating a profile. A profile may include, for example, words to describe the person's lifestyle, her hobbies, her interests, and other characteristics. For example, as part of subscribing to a service, such as registering to obtain access to a certain website, a person may be required to create a profile. That person's profile may include the fact that he has three dogs, loves mountain biking, and enjoys traveling abroad.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">[0006]    Thus, there is a need for providing people with advertising content in a way that is personalized, tailored to match the person's interest, and is conveniently and unobtrusively provided to the person.</p>
+    <heading id="h-5">BRIEF SUMMARY</heading>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">[0007]    A system, method, computer program product and apparatus are therefore provided for providing advertising content to one or more terminals communicating over a communications network. Thus, the users of terminals may receive advertising content that is tailored to match the users' interests and situation.</p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">[0008]    In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for providing advertising content over a communications network is provided. The apparatus includes a processing element configured to receive information associated with more than one terminal communicating over a communications network, at least one of the terminals comprising a mobile terminal, and to communicate an instruction at least partially based on the information associated with the terminals to an advertising platform. The instruction communicated to the advertising platform directs the selection and transmission of advertising content by the advertising platform to at least one of the terminals.</p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[0009]    In one embodiment, the processing element may be configured to receive information associated with at least two terminals that are communicating with each other. The processing element may be configured to determine a common characteristic of a user associated with each <boundary-data type="header">-2-</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">AttyDktNo: 042933/320713</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+respective terminal at least partially based on the information received and to include the common characteristic in the instruction communicated to the advertising platform.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">[0010]    In some embodiments, the processing element may be configured to communicate with and receive information from other sources. The processing element may be configured to communicate with a database storing a plurality of profiles and to receive at least some of the information from the database at least partially based on at least one of the profiles. The processing element may also be configured to communicate with other external sources connected to the communications network, including Application Servers, Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystems, Multimedia Messaging Service Centers, Short Messaging Service Centers, Mobile Switching Centers, and Intelligent Network Servers.</p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">[0011]    The processing element may also be configured to receive the information based at least partially on the content of a communication transmitted by at least one of the terminals.</p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">Furthermore, the processing element may be configured to receive the information and to communicate the corresponding instruction to the advertising platform in real time.</p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">[0012<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    In another exemplary embodiment, a method for providing advertising content is provided. The method includes receiving information associated with more than one terminal communicating over a communications network, determining an instruction at least partially based on the information associated with the terminals that directs the selection and transmission of advertising content by an advertising platform to at least one of the terminals, and providing the instruction to the advertising platform. At least one of the terminals may include a mobile terminal. In some embodiments, determining the instruction may include comparing the information associated with at least two terminals communicating with each other and determining a common characteristic of a user associated with each respective terminal.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">[0013]    In addition, at least some of the information may be received from a database that stores profile information. The profile information may include identifying information, such as a user's name, address, age, occupation, or ethnic background; information regarding a user's interest, such as a user's hobby, sport, political affiliation, musical preference, literary preference, or religious preference; or personal information, such as a user's familial status, contact name, contact phone number, or contact relationship.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">-3-</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">AttyDktNo: 042933/320713</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+[0014<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    Some of the information may also or instead be received from at least one external source connected to the communications network, including an Application Server, an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem, a Multimedia Messaging Service Center, a Short Messaging Service Center, a Mobile Switching Center, and an Intelligent Network Server. In some embodiments, the information may be based at least partially on the content of a communication transmitted by at least one of the terminals. Furthermore, the instruction provided to the advertising platform may be communicated in real time.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">[0015]   In another exemplary embodiment, a computer program product for providing advertising content is provided. The computer program product includes at least one computer- readable storage medium having computer-readable program code portions stored therein. The computer-readable program code portions include first, second, and third executable portions.</p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">[0016]   The first executable portion is for receiving information associated with more than one terminal communicating over a communications network, at least one of the terminals comprising a mobile terminal. The first executable portion may be configured for receiving at least some of the information from a database that stores profile information. In some embodiments, the first executable portion may be configured for receiving at least some of the information from at least one external source connected to the communications network. The external sources may include Application Servers, Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystems, Multimedia Messaging Service Centers, Short Messaging Service Centers, Mobile Switching Centers, and Intelligent Network Servers. The first executable portion may further be configured for receiving at least some information based at least partially on the content of a communication transmitted by at least one of the terminals.</p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">[0017]   The second executable portion is for determining an instruction at least partially based on the information associated with the terminals that directs the selection and transmission of advertising content by an advertising platform to at least one of the terminals. In some embodiments, the second executable portion may be further configured for comparing the information associated with at least two terminals communicating with each other and determining a common characteristic of a user associated with each respective terminal.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">-4-</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">AttyDktNo: 042933/3207<confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+[0018]    The third executable portion is for providing the instruction to the advertising platform. The third executable portion may be configured for communicating the instruction to the advertising platform in real time.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">[0019]    In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for providing advertising content is provided. The apparatus includes means for receiving information associated with more than one terminal communicating over a communications network, at least one of the terminals comprising a mobile terminal. The apparatus also includes means for determining an instruction at least partially based on the information received that directs the selection and transmission of advertising content by an advertising platform to at least one of the terminals, as well as means for providing the instruction to the advertising platform.</p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">
+      <confidence value="885">[00</confidence>
+20]    In another exemplary embodiment, a system for providing advertising content is provided. The system includes a server and an advertising platform. The server is configured to receive information associated with more than one terminal communicating over a communications network, at least one of the terminals comprising a mobile terminal. The advertising platform is configured to receive an instruction from the server and to transmit advertising content to at least one of the terminals. The server is configured to provide the instruction based on the information associated with the terminals, and the advertising platform is configured to transmit the advertising content to each respective terminal based on the instruction including, at least partially, the information received.    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">[0021]   In some embodiments, the server may be configured to receive information associated with at least two terminals communicating with each other. The server may further be configured to determine a common characteristic of a user associated with each respective terminal at least partially based on the information received and to include the common characteristic in the instruction communicated to the advertising platform.</p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">[0022]    The system may also include a database configured to store a plurality of profiles, wherein the server is configured to communicate with the database and to receive at least some of the information from the database based on at least one of the profiles. In some embodiments, the system may include an external source in communication with the server, such as an Application Server, an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem, a Multimedia Messaging Service Center, a Short Messaging Service Center, a Mobile Switching Center, and an Intelligent <boundary-data type="header">-5-</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">AttyDktNo: 042933/320713</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+Network Server, wherein the server is configured to receive at least some information from at least one of the external sources with which the server communicated.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">[0023<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In some embodiments, the server may be configured to receive the information based at least partially on the content of a communication transmitted by the at least one terminal. In addition, the advertising platform may be configured to transmit the advertising content to at least one of the terminals such that the advertising content is provided to a user of the respective terminal during a communication of the respective terminal. In some embodiments, the advertising platform may be configured to transmit the advertising content to at least one of the terminals such that the advertising content is provided to a user of the respective terminal after a communication of the respective terminal. Furthermore, the advertising platform may be configured to transmit the advertising content to at least one of the terminals such that the advertising content is provided to the user of the respective terminal upon a subsequent interaction of the user with the terminal.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE <confidence value="222222222">DRAWING(S</confidence>
+)    </heading>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">[0024<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">[0025]   FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless communications system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and [0026<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart according to an exemplary method for providing advertising content to terminals according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">DETAILED DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">[0027<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Embodiments of the present inventions now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, embodiments of these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">-6-</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">AttyDktNo: 042933/3207<confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+[0028]   Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless communications system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Although Fig. 1 is an illustration of one type of system that would benefit from embodiments of the present invention, other embodiments may be deployed in conjunction with other types of systems. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, however, the system includes one or more terminals, such as mobile terminals <part-num-ref name="system includes one or more terminals, such as mobile terminals">10,</part-num-ref>
+ which may include a mobile telephone, a portable digital assistant (PDA), a mobile computer, a mobile television, a gaming device, a laptop computer, a camera, a video recorder, a GPS device, or other type of voice and text communication system. Each mobile terminal <part-num-ref name="GPS device, or other type of voice and text communication system. Each mobile terminal">10</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise an antenna <part-num-ref name="antenna">12</part-num-ref>
+ (or multiple antennae) for transmitting signals to and for receiving signals from a base site or base station (BS) <part-num-ref name="base site or base station (BS)">14.</part-num-ref>
+ The base station <part-num-ref name="base station">14</part-num-ref>
+ may be part of one or more cellular or mobile networks, each of which comprises elements, typically including additional BSs required to operate the network.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">[0029]   The network may be, for example, a mobile network <part-num-ref name="mobile network">16</part-num-ref>
+ and may include a mobile switching center (MSC) <part-num-ref name="mobile switching center (MSC)">18</part-num-ref>
+ configured to route calls to and from the mobile terminal <part-num-ref name="mobile terminal">10</part-num-ref>
+ when the mobile terminal <part-num-ref name="mobile terminal">10</part-num-ref>
+ is making and receiving calls. The MSC <part-num-ref name="MSC">18</part-num-ref>
+ may also provide a connection to other terminals, such as landline trunks when the mobile terminal <part-num-ref name="mobile terminal">10</part-num-ref>
+ is involved in a call. In addition, the MSC <part-num-ref name="MSC">18</part-num-ref>
+ may be capable of controlling the forwarding of messages to and from the mobile terminal <part-num-ref name="mobile terminal">10.</part-num-ref>
+ The MSC <part-num-ref name="MSC">18</part-num-ref>
+ may also control the forwarding of messages for the mobile terminal <part-num-ref name="mobile terminal">10</part-num-ref>
+ to and from a messaging center, such as a short messaging service center (SMSC) <part-num-ref name="short messaging service center (SMSC)">20</part-num-ref>
+ or a multimedia messaging service center (MMSC) <part-num-ref name="multimedia messaging service center (MMSC)">22.</part-num-ref>
+ It should be noted that although the MSC <part-num-ref name="MSC">18</part-num-ref>
+ is shown in the system of Fig. 1, the MSC <part-num-ref name="MSC">18</part-num-ref>
+ is merely an exemplary network device and embodiments of the present invention are not limited to use in a network employing an MSC. Although not shown in Fig. 1, the MSC <part-num-ref name="MSC">18</part-num-ref>
+ may communicate with certain network elements, such as the SMSC <part-num-ref name="SMSC">20</part-num-ref>
+ and the MMSC <part-num-ref name="MMSC">22.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">[0030]   The short messaging service center (SMSC) <part-num-ref name="short messaging service center (SMSC)">20</part-num-ref>
+ is generally configured to facilitate the transmission of short text messages to and from mobile terminals <part-num-ref name="transmission of short text messages to and from mobile terminals">10</part-num-ref>
+ that are capable of sending such text messages. The SMSC <part-num-ref name="SMSC">20</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example receive a short text message from one cellular telephone and transmit it to another cellular telephone designated as the intended recipient. Similarly, the multimedia messaging service center (MMSC) <part-num-ref name="multimedia messaging service center (MMSC)">22</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured to <boundary-data type="header">-7-</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">AttyDktNo: 042933/320713</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+send and receive multimedia objects, such as images, audio, video, and rich text between mobile terminals <part-num-ref name="may be configured to send and receive multimedia objects, such as images, audio, video, and rich text between mobile terminals">10.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">[0031]   The BS <part-num-ref name="BS">14</part-num-ref>
+ can also be coupled to a Serving GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) Support Node (SGSN) <part-num-ref name="Serving GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) Support Node (SGSN)">23.</part-num-ref>
+ As known to those skilled in the art, the SGSN <part-num-ref name="SGSN">23</part-num-ref>
+ is typically capable of performing functions similar to the MSC <part-num-ref name="MSC">18</part-num-ref>
+ for packet switched services. The SGSN <part-num-ref name="SGSN">23,</part-num-ref>
+ like the MSC <part-num-ref name="MSC">18,</part-num-ref>
+ can be coupled to a data network, such as the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">34.</part-num-ref>
+ The SGSN <part-num-ref name="SGSN">23</part-num-ref>
+ can be directly coupled to the data network. In a more typical embodiment, however, the SGSN <part-num-ref name="SGSN">23</part-num-ref>
+ is coupled to a packet-switched core network, such as a GPRS core network <part-num-ref name="GPRS core network">25.</part-num-ref>
+ The packet- switched core network is then coupled to another gateway device, such as a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) <part-num-ref name="Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN)">29,</part-num-ref>
+ and the GGSN <part-num-ref name="GGSN">29</part-num-ref>
+ is coupled to the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">34.</part-num-ref>
+ In addition to the GGSN <part-num-ref name="GGSN">29,</part-num-ref>
+ the packet-switched core network can also be coupled to a GW <part-num-ref name="GW">33.</part-num-ref>
+ Also, the GGSN <part-num-ref name="GGSN">29</part-num-ref>
+ can be coupled to a messaging center. In this regard, the GGSN <part-num-ref name="GGSN">29</part-num-ref>
+ and the SGSN <part-num-ref name="SGSN">23,</part-num-ref>
+ like the MSC <part-num-ref name="MSC">18,</part-num-ref>
+ may be capable of controlling the forwarding of messages, such as multimedia messages. The GGSN <part-num-ref name="GGSN">29</part-num-ref>
+ and SGSN <part-num-ref name="and SGSN">23</part-num-ref>
+ may also be capable of controlling the forwarding of messages for the mobile terminal <part-num-ref name="mobile terminal">10</part-num-ref>
+ to and from the messaging center.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">[0032]   In addition, by coupling the SGSN <part-num-ref name="SGSN">23</part-num-ref>
+ to the GPRS core network <part-num-ref name="GPRS core network">25</part-num-ref>
+ and the GGSN <part-num-ref name="GGSN">29,</part-num-ref>
+ devices such as a computing system and/or origin server (not shown) may be coupled to the mobile terminal <part-num-ref name="mobile terminal">10</part-num-ref>
+ via the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">34,</part-num-ref>
+ SGSN <part-num-ref name="Internet 34, SGSN">23</part-num-ref>
+ and GGSN <part-num-ref name="and GGSN">29.</part-num-ref>
+ In this regard, devices such as the computing system and/or origin server may communicate with the mobile terminal <part-num-ref name="mobile terminal">10</part-num-ref>
+ across the SGSN <part-num-ref name="SGSN">23,</part-num-ref>
+ GPRS core network <part-num-ref name="SGSN 23, GPRS core network">25</part-num-ref>
+ and the GGSN <part-num-ref name="GGSN">29.</part-num-ref>
+ By directly or indirectly connecting mobile terminals <part-num-ref name="GGSN 29. By directly or indirectly connecting mobile terminals">10</part-num-ref>
+ and the other devices (e.g., computing system, origin server, etc.) to the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">34,</part-num-ref>
+ the mobile terminals <part-num-ref name="mobile terminals">10</part-num-ref>
+ may communicate with the other devices and with one another, such as according to the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and/or the like, to thereby carry out various functions of the mobile terminals <part-num-ref name="mobile terminals">10.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">[0033]   The exemplary system illustrated in Fig. 1 also includes an Internet Protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) <part-num-ref name="Internet Protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS)">24,</part-num-ref>
+ a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) application server <part-num-ref name="Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) application server">26,</part-num-ref>
+ and an Intelligent Network (IN) server <part-num-ref name="Intelligent Network (IN) server">28.</part-num-ref>
+ The IMS <part-num-ref name="IMS">24</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured to provide mobile terminals <part-num-ref name="may be configured to provide mobile terminals">10</part-num-ref>
+ with access to IP services, such as services provided by the Internet. This may include Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Push-to-talk over Cellular (POC), multiparty gaming, videoconferencing, messaging, and content sharing, among others. The SIP application <boundary-data type="header">-8-</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">AttyDktNo: 042933/320713</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+server <part-num-ref name="SIP application server">26</part-num-ref>
+ may support communications such as VoIP communications and other text and multimedia sessions, like instant messaging, video, online games, voice mail, fax mail, text to speech, find me/follow me, and speech recognition applications, as well as other services. The IN server <part-num-ref name="IN server">28</part-num-ref>
+ provides mobile terminals <part-num-ref name="provides mobile terminals">10</part-num-ref>
+ communicating over the mobile network <part-num-ref name="mobile network">16</part-num-ref>
+ with additional services, such as toll-free calling, pre-paid calling, and call screening.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">[0034]   Although not every element of every possible mobile network is shown and described herein, it should be appreciated that the mobile terminal <part-num-ref name="mobile terminal">10</part-num-ref>
+ may be coupled to one or more of any of a number of different networks through the BS <part-num-ref name="BS">14</part-num-ref>
+ or other gateway or access device. In this regard, the network(s) may be capable of supporting communication in accordance with any protocol, such as one or more of a number of first-generation <part-num-ref name="number of first-generation">(<confidence value="6">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), 3.9G, fourth-generation (4G) mobile communication protocols and/or the like. For example, one or more of the network(s) can be capable of supporting communication in accordance with 2G wireless communication protocols <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+S-136 (TDMA), GSM, and IS-95 (CDMA). Also, for example, one or more of the network(s) can be capable of supporting communication in accordance with 2.5G wireless communication protocols GPRS, Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), or the like. As a further example, one or more of the network(s) can be capable of supporting communication in accordance with 3G wireless communication protocols such as a Universal Mobile Telephone System (UMTS) network employing Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) radio access technology. Some narrow-band AMPS (<confidence value="5">N</confidence>
+AMPS), as well as TACS, network(s) may also benefit from embodiments of the present invention, as should dual or higher mode mobile stations (e.g., digital/analog or TDMA/CDMA/analog phones).    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">[0035]   The exemplary system of Fig. 1 also includes an advertising platform <part-num-ref name="advertising platform">30</part-num-ref>
+ and a profile database <part-num-ref name="profile database">32.</part-num-ref>
+ Either the advertising platform <part-num-ref name="advertising platform">30</part-num-ref>
+ or the profile database <part-num-ref name="profile database">32</part-num-ref>
+ or both may reside within the mobile network <part-num-ref name="mobile network">16.</part-num-ref>
+ In the illustrated embodiment, however, these systems reside within other networks that are in communication with the mobile network <part-num-ref name="mobile network">16,</part-num-ref>
+ such as a private network or a wide area public network, such as the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">34,</part-num-ref>
+ via a gateway (GW) <part-num-ref name="gateway (GW)">33</part-num-ref>
+ or the like.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">[0036]   The advertising platform <part-num-ref name="advertising platform">30</part-num-ref>
+ may be a database, a server, or any other device or system on which advertising content may be stored and accessed. For example, the advertising <boundary-data type="header">-9-</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">AttyDktNo: 042933/320713</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+platform <part-num-ref name="advertising platform">30</part-num-ref>
+ may be a server configured to store various forms of advertising content relating to different products and services, to select particular advertising content from amongst the stored advertising content, and to control delivery of the selected advertising content to one or more terminals, at least one of which may be a mobile terminal <part-num-ref name="mobile terminal">10.</part-num-ref>
+ Such advertising content may include text message advertisements, audio advertisements in the form of incoming calls or voice messages, audio advertisements in the form of tunes, video clip advertisements, picture advertisements, or links to product or service webpages.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">[0037]    The profile database <part-num-ref name="profile database">32</part-num-ref>
+ may provide for the storage of and access to user profiles.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">User profiles may include tags relating to the hobbies, interests, preferences, and other characteristics of users of the terminals. For example, a user profile may contain identif<confidence value="8">y</confidence>
+ing information pertaining to the user, such as the user's name, address, age, occupation, and ethnic background. The profile may also contain information regarding the personal interests of the user, such as hobbies, sports, political affiliations, musical preferences, literary preferences, religious preferences, and other events, products, or past times identified by the user. In addition, the profile may contain personal information on the user, such as the user's familial status, the names and phone numbers of contacts, and the nature of the contact relationship, such as whether the contact is a friend, family member, or co-worker. A contact may be, for example, an individual or other entity with whom the user communicates.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">[0038]    A user profile may be created by a user upon subscribing to a wireless telephone network. The new subscriber of this example may fill out an on-line questionnaire that asks about his occupation, his familial status, his hobbies and interests, and any products in particular in which he may be interested. The new subscriber may complete the questionnaire because he is interested in receiving information about products and services that match his interests, and he may further be persuaded to complete the form as the result of a monetary incentive offered by the network provider, such as a discount on service or other products, a rebate, a coupon, or other reward. Once profile information is created by a user, tags may be generated based on the profile information provided. The profiles, the tags, or both may be stored by the profile database <part-num-ref name="profile database">32.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">[0039]    Continuing to refer to Fig. 1, an apparatus <part-num-ref name="apparatus">40</part-num-ref>
+ is provided in accordance with one embodiment for directing the delivery of advertising content to the terminal(s). The apparatus <part-num-ref name="apparatus">40</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="header">-10-</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">AttyDktNo: 042933/3207<confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+comprises a processing element <part-num-ref name="processing element">42</part-num-ref>
+ configured to communicate with various network elements including, but not limited to, the elements described above in the mobile network <part-num-ref name="mobile network">16</part-num-ref>
+ and in other networks in communication with the mobile network <part-num-ref name="mobile network">16.</part-num-ref>
+ The processing element may be comprised of various means for performing the functions described below with each of the means embodied, in one embodiment, by any suitable computing device, such as a processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a computer, or the like operating under control of software stored, for example, in a memory device associated or otherwise in communication with the processing element.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">[0040]   The apparatus <part-num-ref name="apparatus">40</part-num-ref>
+ may reside within the mobile network <part-num-ref name="mobile network">16,</part-num-ref>
+ as shown in Fig. 1, or the apparatus <part-num-ref name="apparatus">40</part-num-ref>
+ may reside on a different network, such as a private network or the Internet.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">Regardless, the processing element <part-num-ref name="processing element">42</part-num-ref>
+ is configured to receive information associated with a number of terminals, at least one of which may be a mobile terminal <part-num-ref name="mobile terminal">10,</part-num-ref>
+ communicating over a communications network (such as the mobile network <part-num-ref name="mobile network">16)</part-num-ref>
+ and to communicate an instruction that is at least partially based on the information associated with the terminals to the advertising platform <part-num-ref name="advertising platform">30.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">[0041]   For example, the processing element <part-num-ref name="processing element">42</part-num-ref>
+ of the apparatus <part-num-ref name="apparatus">40</part-num-ref>
+ may receive information from the MSC <part-num-ref name="MSC">18</part-num-ref>
+ that mobile terminal A is placing a call to mobile terminal B. Such information may include the mobile telephone number or the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) number of the respective mobile terminals <part-num-ref name="respective mobile terminals">10.</part-num-ref>
+ Although the embodiment of Fig. 1 depicts the BS <part-num-ref name="BS">14</part-num-ref>
+ to be directly connecting the mobile terminals <part-num-ref name="mobile terminals">10,</part-num-ref>
+ the mobile terminals <part-num-ref name="mobile terminals">10</part-num-ref>
+ may be serviced by different MSCs and, indeed, may be in different networks with at least one of the terminals being a landline telephone in one embodiment. Furthermore, the information associated with the terminals may be received from one or more of the communicating terminals. Upon receiving the information, the processing element <part-num-ref name="processing element">42</part-num-ref>
+ may query the profile database <part-num-ref name="profile database">32</part-num-ref>
+ to receive any tags associated with the users of mobile terminals A or B.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">For example, the processing element <part-num-ref name="processing element">42</part-num-ref>
+ may receive from the profile database <part-num-ref name="profile database">32</part-num-ref>
+ information that user A is a "skier," is a "college student," and likes to "travel." The processing element <part-num-ref name="processing element">42</part-num-ref>
+ may also receive information from the profile database <part-num-ref name="profile database">32</part-num-ref>
+ that user B enjoys "gardening," is a "mother," and wishes to "travel" to "Italy." <boundary-data type="header">-11-</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">AttyDktNo: 042933/320713</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+[0042]    Based, at least in part, on the information received, the processing element <part-num-ref name="processing element">42</part-num-ref>
+ is configured to communicate an instruction to the advertising platform <part-num-ref name="advertising platform">30.</part-num-ref>
+ This instruction in turn informs the selection of appropriate advertising content by the advertising platform <part-num-ref name="advertising platform">30,</part-num-ref>
+ which content is then transmitted to one or more of the terminals associated with the information that resulted in the instruction, for example to the mobile terminals <part-num-ref name="mobile terminals">10</part-num-ref>
+ via the GGSN <part-num-ref name="GGSN">29.</part-num-ref>
+ For instance, continuing the scenario above, the processing element <part-num-ref name="processing element">42</part-num-ref>
+ may communicate an instruction to the advertising platform <part-num-ref name="advertising platform">30</part-num-ref>
+ to send mobile terminal A advertising content pertaining to Spring Break deals at ski resorts. The instruction may also instruct the advertising platform <part-num-ref name="advertising platform">30</part-num-ref>
+ to send mobile terminal B advertising content marketing home delivery of tulip bulbs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">[0043<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    The instruction may include the recipient of the advertising content, as well as the content of the advertisement to be sent (e.g., Spring Break deals versus tulip bulbs). The instruction may also specify the format of the content, such as text message for the college student A and voice message for the mother B. In one embodiment, the instruction may specify a general category of advertising content, such as "skiing," and the advertising platform <part-num-ref name="advertising platform">30</part-num-ref>
+ may select from among the different ski-related advertisements the particular advertising content to send.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">[0044<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    The processing element <part-num-ref name="processing element">42</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured to receive information associated with at least two terminals that are or are seeking to be in communication with one another and to use this information to determine a common characteristic of the users of the terminals. For example, in the situation described above, the processing element <part-num-ref name="processing element">42</part-num-ref>
+ may determine that a common interest between user A and user B is "travel." The processing element <part-num-ref name="processing element">42</part-num-ref>
+ may then include "travel" as part of the instruction that is communicated to the advertising platform <part-num-ref name="advertising platform">30.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">As a result, the advertising platform <part-num-ref name="advertising platform">30</part-num-ref>
+ may select advertising content directed to travel websites or discount airfare to both users. The advertising platform <part-num-ref name="advertising platform">30</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, transmit the same advertising information to both mobile terminals A and B, such as a picture advertisement marketing travel packages for visiting the Italian Alps.    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">[0045]    The advertising content transmitted to the terminals, such as mobile terminals A and B in the previous examples, may be provided to the users A and B during their mutual telephone conversation. For example, each user may hear a tone indicating another incoming <boundary-data type="header">-12-</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">AttyDktNo: 042933/3207<confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+call which, if answered, would provide a short audio message advertising the Italian travel package. As another example, the terminals may display a photo of the advertisement during the conversation, including the special price and other information. Receipt of such advertising content during the communication between users A and B may encourage them to discuss plans to take a trip together, possibly to the Italian Alps. As a further example, the advertising content may be played during the call ringing or call waiting phase of the telephone conversation.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">[0046]   Alternatively, the advertising content may be transmitted to the terminals such that the content is displayed after the communication is terminated, for example after A sends B an instant message. In this case, the advertising content may be provided (e.g., played or displayed) as soon as one of the users sends an instant message to the other user. For example, upon pressing a "Send" button to send the instant message, the mobile terminal <part-num-ref name="mobile terminal">10</part-num-ref>
+ may produce a ring tone to indicate an incoming call, which may be the audio message of the advertising content, or the user(s) may receive another instant message containing the advertising content. As a further example, a picture or video clip advertisement may automatically be displayed on a screen <part-num-ref name="screen">13</part-num-ref>
+ of the mobile terminal <part-num-ref name="mobile terminal">10</part-num-ref>
+ upon termination of the communication.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">[0047]   Rather than providing the advertising content immediately following termination of the communication, the advertising content may be provided upon the next interaction of the user with the terminal. For example, the next time user A attempts to place a call, a photo advertisement may be displayed on the screen <part-num-ref name="screen">13</part-num-ref>
+ of the mobile terminal <part-num-ref name="mobile terminal">10.</part-num-ref>
+ Or, the next time user B checks her voice mail, there may be a voice message advertisement waiting in her inbox.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">The timing of the delivery of the advertising content also may be included in the instruction from the apparatus <part-num-ref name="apparatus">40.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">[0048]   The processing element <part-num-ref name="processing element">42</part-num-ref>
+ may receive information, which may include tags and information identifying the terminals, from other sources, in addition to or instead of receiving information from the profile database <part-num-ref name="profile database">32.</part-num-ref>
+ The processing element <part-num-ref name="processing element">42</part-num-ref>
+ of some embodiments may receive information from various network elements connected to or in communication with the communications network. For example, the processing element <part-num-ref name="processing element">42</part-num-ref>
+ may receive information from the SMSC <part-num-ref name="SMSC">20,</part-num-ref>
+ the MMSC <part-num-ref name="MMSC">22,</part-num-ref>
+ the IMS <part-num-ref name="IMS">24,</part-num-ref>
+ the SIP application server <part-num-ref name="SIP application server">26,</part-num-ref>
+ and the IN server <part-num-ref name="IN server">28,</part-num-ref>
+ as well as other systems not shown in Fig. 1. As an example, the college student A may use his mobile terminal <part-num-ref name="may use his mobile terminal">10</part-num-ref>
+ to send a text message to his friend. Upon his sending the text <boundary-data type="header">-13-</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">AttyDktNo: 042933/320713</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+message, the processing element <part-num-ref name="processing element">42</part-num-ref>
+ may receive from the SMSC <part-num-ref name="SMSC">20</part-num-ref>
+ information including the mobile terminal <part-num-ref name="mobile terminal">10</part-num-ref>
+ originating the text message and the mobile terminal (or terminals) <part-num-ref name="mobile terminal (or terminals)">10</part-num-ref>
+ receiving the text message. Upon receiving this information, the processing element <part-num-ref name="processing element">42</part-num-ref>
+ may receive further information from the profile database regarding the interests of each user, as described above. Similarly, and as a further example, the processing element <part-num-ref name="processing element">42</part-num-ref>
+ may receive information from the MMSC <part-num-ref name="MMSC">22</part-num-ref>
+ regarding a picture message, or from the IMS regarding a content sharing event, and so on, involving a mobile terminal <part-num-ref name="mobile terminal">10.</part-num-ref>
+ The processing element <part-num-ref name="processing element">42</part-num-ref>
+ would then communicate a corresponding instruction to the advertising platform <part-num-ref name="advertising platform">30,</part-num-ref>
+ as previously described, to push the appropriate advertising content.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">[0049<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In another embodiment, the processing element <part-num-ref name="processing element">42</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured to receive information that is based at least partially on the content of a communication transmitted between two or more terminals. Going back to the example, the mother B may use her mobile terminal <part-num-ref name="mother B may use her mobile terminal">10</part-num-ref>
+ to send to her son A a picture of his bedroom following the conversion of the bedroom to an exercise room. The picture may have certain tags associated with it, such as "home improvement" or "exercise." In this example, the transmission of the tagged picture from B to A may cause the processing element <part-num-ref name="processing element">42</part-num-ref>
+ of the apparatus <part-num-ref name="apparatus">40</part-num-ref>
+ to receive information including the tags associated with the picture as well as identifying information on A and B. The processing element <part-num-ref name="processing element">42</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, receive the tags "home improvement" and "exercise<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ directly from B's mobile terminal <part-num-ref name="tags &quot;home improvement&quot; and &quot;exercise&quot; directly from B's mobile terminal">10</part-num-ref>
+ or indirectly via the MMSC <part-num-ref name="MMSC">22</part-num-ref>
+ or other network element.    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">Based in part on the information received, the processing element <part-num-ref name="processing element">42</part-num-ref>
+ would communicate an instruction to the advertising platform <part-num-ref name="advertising platform">30,</part-num-ref>
+ which may result in the selection and transmittal of appropriate advertising content, such as discounts at home improvement stores or a clip from a newly-released exercise video.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">[0050<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In some embodiments, the processing element <part-num-ref name="processing element">42</part-num-ref>
+ is configured to receive the information and communicate the corresponding instruction to the advertising platform <part-num-ref name="advertising platform">30</part-num-ref>
+ in real time. In this way, as previously mentioned, parties to a communication may receive advertising content that is personalized to each user's tastes or to their collective tastes during the communication that triggered the transmission of the advertising content. Furthermore, in some embodiments, advertising content that also considers the content of the communication that <boundary-data type="header">-14-</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">AttyDktNo: 042933/320713</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+triggered the transmission may be received during or immediately following the communication, adding to the relevance of the advertising content.    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">
+      <confidence value="885">[00</confidence>
+51]   In other embodiments, a method for providing advertising content over a communications network is provided. Referring to Fig. 2, information associated with terminals, including at least one mobile terminal, communicating over a communications network is received. An instruction for selecting advertising content to be transmitted to at least one of the terminals is then determined, based at least in part on the information associated with the terminals, and the instruction is provided to an advertising platform. See Fig. 2, blocks 100-104.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">[0052]   The information may be received from a variety of sources and in different ways.</p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">Some of the information may be received from a database in which profiles are stored. See block <part-num-ref name="database in which profiles are stored. See block">106.</part-num-ref>
+ As previously described, profiles may include tags and other information regarding the habits, hobbies, interests, and other characteristics of a user of a terminal. Information may also be received from one or more external sources residing on the network or in communication with the network. See block <part-num-ref name="network. See block">108.</part-num-ref>
+ Such sources may include a SIP application server, an IMS, an MMSC, a SMSC, a MSC, and an IN server, among others. Furthermore, information may be received that is based at least partially on the content of a communication transmitted by one or more terminals, as previously discussed. See block <part-num-ref name="communication transmitted by one or more terminals, as previously discussed. See block">110.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, tags associated with communications such as text messages, picture messages, tunes, video clips, and interactive games, among other communications, may be received and included in the determination of an instruction to the advertising platform.    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">[0053]   In some embodiments, information associated with one terminal may be compared against information associated with another terminal, where the two terminals (or more) are communicating with each other. See block <part-num-ref name="two terminals (or more) are communicating with each other. See block">112.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, if two terminals are communicating with each other, such as during a telephone conversation, the information associated with the two terminals may be compared. Based on the comparison, a common characteristic, such as a common interest, may be determined and thereby incorporated into the instruction provided to the advertising platform. See block <part-num-ref name="advertising platform. See block">114.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, the users of two mobile terminals engaged in a telephone conversation may both have "football" as a common interest. In that case, "football" may be included in the instruction to the advertising platform, <boundary-data type="header">-15-</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">AttyDktNo: 042933/320713</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+and the users may receive a link on their mobile terminals directing them to the webpage of a sporting goods store.    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">[0054]   The provision of an instruction to the advertising platform may occur in real time or near real time. See block <part-num-ref name="advertising platform may occur in real time or near real time. See block">116.</part-num-ref>
+ In other words, there may be very little delay between the time the terminal initiates a communication, triggering the initial receipt of information, to the ultimate transmission of advertising content from the advertising platform to the terminal. In this way, users of the terminals involved in an interaction may receive advertising content during that same triggering communication or immediately thereafter.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">[0055<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Although embodiments have been described above in which a plurality of mobile terminals communicate via a mobile network, other embodiments can employ other types of communications networks including, for example, wireless networks including wireless local area networks and adhoc networks created via Bluetooth or other wireless links. Additionally, while at least one of the terminals involved in the communication is typically a mobile terminal as described above, other embodiments contemplate that the one or more mobile terminals may be in communication with other types of terminals, such as one or more landline terminals. As such, at least a portion of the communications network may also include a public switched telephone network (PSTN) or other wireline network.    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">[0056]   As described above and as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, embodiments of the present invention may be configured as a system, method or network entity. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may be comprised of various means including entirely of hardware, entirely of software, or any combination of software and hardware. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program instructions (e.g., computer software) embodied in the storage medium. Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized including hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.</p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">[0057]   Exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods, apparatuses (i.e., systems) and computer program products. It will be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart <boundary-data type="header">-16-</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">AttyDktNo: 042933/320713</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by various means including computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create a means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">[0058<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, such as the processing element <part-num-ref name="processing element">40,</part-num-ref>
+ to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including computer-readable instructions for implementing the function specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0059<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations support combinations of means for performing the specified functions, combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and program instruction means for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions or steps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.    </p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">[00<confidence value="884">60]</confidence>
+    Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">-17-</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">AttyDktNo: 042933/320713</boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11686883.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,156 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11686883</doc-number>
+        <date>2007-03-15</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Improvement Treatment of Dermatologic Skin Disorders [01<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Field of the Invention:          This invention relates to the field of treatments for dermatologic and cosmetic skin disorders.    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Background of the Invention [02] There are an extensive number of skin care products used for the treatment of skin disorders that may have resulted from aging, environment damage, disease or other factors. These disorders range from age spots, wrinkles, warts, acne, eczema, keratoses, psoriasis, xeorsis, aging skin, biochemical disorders within the skin and many other disorders.</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[03] These skin care products use a multitude of ingredients arranged in numerous formulations.   These products have had varying amounts of successes in treating dermatologic and cosmetic skin disorders.</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">[04] One area of products that have shown promise is the use of retinoidal compounds.</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">Retinoidal compounds such as retinal, retinol and retinoic acid, have been used in therapeutic compositions for topical application to prevent or alleviate the conditions and symptoms of cosmetic and dermatologic disorders. Retinol is presently the preferred derivative since it endogenous compound naturally occurring in the human body and has a greater safety margin than other retinoids [05] However, retinoidal compounds tend to be very irritating which discourage their continued use for treatment of skin compounds. Lower doses are often used in order to increase compliance with the use of these compounds. However this decreases the efficacy of these compounds. Attempts have been made to alleviate these side effects by using certain derivates of retinoic acid and by the use of different types of delivery systems.</p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">[06] One such type of delivery system is the use of liposomes to contain retinoic acid, retinol, retinaldehhyde and other related retinoid compounds. These previously used liposomes may be phospholipids, single chain nonphospholipids or zwitterionic surfactants. The use of liposome encased retinoid compounds have been found to reduce the skin irritation that occurred with the use of retinoid compounds used alone. The <page-break num="2"/>
+preparation of liposomes, with entrapped solutes, was demonstrated for the first time in <part-num-ref name="first time in">1965</part-num-ref>
+ in a published paper (<confidence value="66">J.</confidence>
+ Mol. Biol. 13:238-252, <part-num-ref name="published paper (J. Mol. Biol. 13:238-252,">1965)</part-num-ref>
+ by Prof<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ A.D. Bangham of the United Kingdom.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">[07] Skin irritation is not the only problem that exist in the previous skin care products.</p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">Other problems arise in the degradation of the retinoidal compounds. This may lead to serious side effects to the skin. Retinol is structurally unstable and is easily metabolized with exposure to light, air, heat, metal ions and other environmental factors. Oxidation of retinol metabolizes the retinol to retinoic acid which may cause toxicity to the skin. Thus the stability of the retinoid compounds is critical to its use.</p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[08] Another problem is the penetration of the retinols into the deeper skin levels. Few topically applied skin care products are capable of penetrating the skin in therapeutically effective concentrations.  Retinols and specifically retinal are known to be poorly penetrated into the skin.  Typical skin care products containing retinols have only two percent penetration into the skin. This means that ninety eight percent remains in the superficial layers which results in drying of the skin and over-exfoliation. Enhancing the amounts of the retinoid compounds to increase the penetration transdermally results in unwanted irritation. Attempts have been made to add penetration enhancing solvents such as glycerol but have not been substantially successful. Solvents such as glycerol irritate the skin and create discomfort to the user.</p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">[09]   Skin care products that utilize retinols also dehydrate the skin. This not also causes dry skin but leads to skin irritation.  Retinols are also known to increase photosensitivy which further increases skin dehydration. Many skin care products add moisturizers to combat skin dehydration but these also introduce oils and contaminants into the skin pores as well as reduce penetration into the skin.</p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">
+      <confidence value="88">[1</confidence>
+0] Chemical peels are also popular for therapeutically treating a wide spectrum of skin disorders. These chemical peels apply corrosive chemicals to the surface of the epidermis layer of the skin to remove epidermal and dermal skin cells to treat these skin disorders. Typical chemical peels use alpha-hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, lactic acids and other such products. Problems with chemical peels is that the skin does suffer damage during the process such as discoloration and skin irritation that remains for sometime.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+      <confidence value="88">[1</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+]  Thus a problem exists in providing topical skin care products containing retinols and particularly retinal that have increased efficacy in the treatment of many dermatologic and cosmetic skin disorders.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">Summary of the Invention <confidence value="88">[1</confidence>
+ 2] The present invention solves these and other problems by providing retinal, retinal derivatives as well as any other retinoids with liposomes. The present invention may in various embodiments be used to increase the efficacy of the use of retinal for therapeutically and cosmetically treating many skin disorders.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">
+      <confidence value="88">[1</confidence>
+ 3] A preferred embodiment of the present invention increases the efficacy of a topical skin care product by increasing the penetration of retinal or its derivatives into the skin. Compositions containing retinal or its derivatives are coated or mixed with liposomal materials. The liposomal retinal compound has been shown to increase the penetration of the retinal or retinal derivatives by ten fold which not only increases the efficacy of the retinal product but also reduces the amount of retinal in the superficial skin layers. This greatly reduces the irritation in these layers as well as increasing the moisture in the skin.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <confidence value="88">[1</confidence>
+ 4] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention reduces the dehydration of the skin from using retinal or its derivatives. Compositions containing retinal or its derivatives are coated or mixed with liposomal materials. Liposomes have a natural affinity for water which assists in increasing the moisture in the skin during topical application of the liposomal retinal composition.  Also, as discussed above, the liposomal retinal composition has increased penetration which reduces the retinal in the superficial skin layer which in turn decreases the dehydration of the skin.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">
+      <confidence value="88">[1</confidence>
+ 5] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention reduces the irritation to the skin in using retinal or retinal derivatives. Compositions containing retinal or its derivatives are coated or mixed with liposomal materials. The reduction of retinal in the superficial skin layers by the deeper penetration of retinal using the liposomal formulation also decreases the irritation of the skin. Also the additional hydration of the skin using the liposomal formulation reduces the irritation as well.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">
+      <confidence value="88">[1</confidence>
+6] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes liposomal retinal <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+compositions as a chemical peel. Compositions containing retinal or its derivatives are coated or mixed with liposomal materials. The composition is used as strong stimulant of the dermis as well as promoting temporary exfoliation to remove areas of skin layers that may be damaged.     The increased penetration of the liposomal retinal composition increases the efficacy of the chemical peel while also reducing the dehydration and irritation of the process. This also allows this chemical peel to affect the skin without using harsh acids which is the primary cause of unwanted side effects like post- inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">
+      <confidence value="88">[1</confidence>
+ 7] These and other features of the present invention will be evident from the ensuing detailed description of preferred embodiments and from the claims.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments <confidence value="88">[1</confidence>
+8] The present invention provides products and methods for increasing the efficacy of treating skin disorders. It is to be expressly understood that this exemplary embodiment is provided for descriptive purposes only and is not meant to unduly limit the scope of the present inventive concept. Other embodiments of the skin care products and methods of use of the present invention are considered within the present inventive concept as set forth in the claims herein. For explanatory purposes only, the skin care products and methods of use of the preferred embodiments are discussed primarily for the purposes of understanding the method of installation. It is to be expressly understood that other products and methods are contemplated for use with the present invention as well.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">
+      <confidence value="88">[1</confidence>
+ 9] It has now been discovered that retinal and its derivatives can be therapeutically useful on topical administration against varieties of cosmetic and dermatologic conditions and disorders including oily skin, age spots, wrinkles, warts, acne, eczema, seborrheic keratoses, psoriasis, dandruff, xerosis, inflammatory and pruritic skin, disturbed keratinization, skin changes associated with aging and viral infections.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[20] In accordance with the present invention, retinal and its derivatives are incorporated with liposomes in therapeutic compositions for topical application to prevent or alleviate the conditions and symptoms of cosmetic and dermatologic disorders are described as follows. In particular, retinal and its derivatives are combined with liposomes to increase the penetration of the retinal into the skin, to provide hydration of the skin during treatment, to reduce irritation of the skin during the application of the retinal, for use as a chemical skin peel and other embodiments and uses. The present invention includes utilizing retinol products, and particularly retinal in combination with liposomes each of these embodiments and uses separately as well as in combinations with one another.</p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">[21] Retinal and retinal derivatives [22] The present invention utilizes retinol products and in particular retinal and retinal derivatives such as those described in U.S. Patent 5,492,935 and 5,093,360 which are incorporated herein by reference and further described below. The present invention is <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+described below in descriptive embodiments utilizing retinal and retinal derivatives.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">However, it is to be expressly understood that other forms of retinal and other retinol products are considered to be within the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims.</p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">[23] Retinal which is also often called vitamin A aldehyde differs considerably from retinol and Retinoic acid. Retinol which is often called vitamin A alcohol and vitamin A is present in fish liver oils as an ester compound, retinyl palmitate which is used in many skin care products. Retinoic acid, also called vitamin A acid, is an oxidation product from retinol or retinal. Retinol and retinal are critical in the physiologic functions of vision, growth, reproduction and differentiation. Retinoic acid on the other hand does not contribute to vision and reproduction in humans and animals.</p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">[24] Retinal can exist in stereoisomeric forms, namely all-trans, 13-cis, 11-cis, 9-cis, 7- cis, 11,13-cis, 9,13-cis. However, the common form is all-trans retinal. Since retinal is chemically an aldehyde it can exist as hemiacetal and acetal forms by reacting with one or two molecules of an alcohol, such as methanol, ethanol or propanol. Such hemiacetal and acetal forms are usually more stable against alkali, and are more resistant to oxidation of the aldehyde group. Retinal may be shown by the following chemical structure: R.sub.<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+, R.sub.2 .dbd.alkyl, aralkyl, aryl or alkoxy group of saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched chain or cyclic form, having <part-num-ref name="following chemical structure: R.sub.1, R.sub.2 .dbd.alkyl, aralkyl, aryl or alkoxy group of saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched chain or cyclic form, having">1</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">25</part-num-ref>
+ carbon atoms, R.sub.3 .dbd.<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+ or (OR.sub.4)(OR.sub.5), wherein R.sub.4, R.sub.5 .dbd.H, alkyl, aralkyl, aryl, diol or polyol group of saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched chain or cyclic form, having <part-num-ref name="carbon atoms, R.sub.3 .dbd.O or (OR.sub.4)(OR.sub.5), wherein R.sub.4, R.sub.5 .dbd.H, alkyl, aralkyl, aryl, diol or polyol group of saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched chain or cyclic form, having">1</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">25</part-num-ref>
+ carbon atoms; and the hydrogen atom attached to the carbon atom in the main chain as well as in R.sub.<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+, R.sub.2, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 may be substituted by a halogen atom or a radical such as a lower alkyl, aralkyl, aryl or alkoxy having <part-num-ref name="lower alkyl, aralkyl, aryl or alkoxy having">1</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">9</part-num-ref>
+ carbon  atoms. The     hemiacetal  and  acetal  forms  are  represented  by  -- CH(OR.sub.4)(OR.sub.5) instead of --CHO. The compound may be called retinal hemiacetal when either R.sub.4 or R.sub.5 is H, and the compound is called retinal acetal when both R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are for example alkyls or aralkyls. The compound is called retinal hydrate when both R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are H.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">[25] Retinal and its derivatives may exist as stereoisomers such as all-trans, 13-cis, 11- cis, 9-cis, 7-cis, 11,13-cis and 9,13-cis forms.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+[26] The typical alkyl, aralkyl and aryl groups for R.sub.<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ and R.sub.2 are for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, pentyl, octyl, lauryl, stearyl, benzyl and phenyl etc. The halogen atoms are F, Cl, Br and <confidence value="66">I.</confidence>
+ The typical alkoxy groups are methoxy and ethoxy. The typical diol groups are glycol, propylene glycol and 1,3-butanediol. The typical polyol groups include glycerol, butanetriol, inositol and alditols; such as erythritol of tetraol, ribitol of pentaol, mannitol and sorbitol of hexaols.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">[27] Retinal or its derivative may react with an unsaturated chemical agent such as maleic anhydride, acetylene dicarboxylic acid or its ester, or hydroquinone to form a crystalline molecular complex called an adduct compound.</p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">[28] The representative retinal and its derivatives which may be useful for topical or systemic administration to improve cosmetic conditions or to alleviate dermatologic disorders are listed below:</p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">[29] All Trans Retinal; Retinal hydrate; Retinal methyl hemiacetal; Retinal ethyl hemiacetal; Retinal propyl hemiacetal; Retinal isopropyl hemiacetal; Retinal butyl hemiacetal; Retinal pentyl hemiacetal; Retinal octyl hemiacetal; Retinal benzyl hemiacetal; Retinal dimethyl acetal; Retinal diethyl acetal; Retinal dipropyl acetal;</p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">Retinal diisopropyl acetal; Retinal dibutyl acetal; Retinal dipentyl acetal; Retinal dioctyl acetal; Retinal dibenzyl acetal; Retinal hydroquinone adduct; Retinal maleic anhydride adduct; Retinal acetylene dicarboxylic acid ester adduct; Retinal propylene glycol hemiacetal and acetal; Retinal 1,2-o-isopropylidene glyceryl hemiacetal and acetal;</p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">Retinal 3-allyloxy-1, 2-propanediol hemiacetal and acetal; Retinal phytyl hemiacetal;</p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">Retinal diphytyl acetal; Retinal dodecyl hemiacetal; and Retinal didodecyl acetal.</p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">[30] Retinal and its derivatives may also be utilized in combination with or as additives to enhance therapeutic effects of other cosmetic or pharmaceutical agents to improve cosmetic conditions or alleviate the symptoms of dermatologic disorder.</p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">Cosmetic and pharmaceutical agents include those that improve or eradicate age spots, keratoses and wrinkles eradicating agents; antiacne agents; antibacterials; antiyeast agents; antifungal agents; antiviral agents; antidandruff agents; antidermatitis agents;</p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">antipruritic agents; antiinflammatory agents; antihyperkeratolytic agents; antidryskin agents; antipsoriatic agents; antiseborrheic agents; hair conditioners and hair treatment agents; antiaging and antiwrinkle agents; sunscreen agents; antihistamine agents;</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+vitamins; corticosteroids, tanning agents; local anesthetics; hormones; retinoids and other dermatologicals.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">[31] Some examples of cosmetic and pharmaceutical agents are clotrimazole, miconazole, salicyclic acid, pramoxine, menthol, retinoic acid, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone  valerate, betamethasone  valerate, betamethasone  dipropionate, triamcinolone acetonide, fluocinonide, hydroquinone, clobetasol propionate, benzoyl peroxide, crotaminton, 5-fluorouracil, monobenzone, vitam A palmitate, vitamin E acetate and vitamin C.</p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">[32] Liposomes [33] Liposomes are microscopic spheres made from fatty materials, predominantly phospholipids. Because of their similarity to phospholipid domains of cell membranes and an ability to carry substances, liposomes can be used to protect active ingredients and to provide time-release properties in medical treatment.</p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">[34] Liposomes are made of molecules with hydrophilic and hydrophobic ends that form hollow spheres. They can encapsulate water-soluble ingredients in their inner water space, and oil-soluble ingredients in their phospholipid membranes. Liposomes are made up of one or more concentric lipid bilayers, and range in size from 50 nanometers to several micrometers in diameter. Liposomal formulations have been used for many years to enhance the penetration of topically applied ingredients. Liposomes are made from lecithin, egg or it can be synthesized. These phospholipids can be both hydrogenated and non-hydrogenated. Phosphatidylcholine is extracted from these sources and can be both saturated and unsaturated. Other phospholipids including essential fats like linoleic acid and alpha linolenic acid can be used. Additionally, polyethylene glycol and cholesterol are considered liposomal material because of their lipid structure.</p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">[35] Preparation of Exemplary Therapeutic Compositions [36] Accordingly, a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides cosmetic as well as medicinal compositions containing retinal or its derivatives coated in liposomal material which when topically or systemically administered will substantially improve and alleviate the symptoms of various cosmetic conditions or dermatologic disorders.</p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">[37] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention provides methods for treating various cosmetic conditions or dermatologic disorders with topical preparations <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+containing retinal or its derivatives in conjunction with liposome material to improve penetration of the retinal into the skin, provide hydration during the application of the retinal or its derivatives, increase the efficacy of the retinal or its derivatives and/or to reduce oxidation and irritation normally seen with retinal in topical formulations.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">[38] Retinal and its derivatives of the instant invention may be formulated either for topical application or for systemic administration. In the topical preparations retinal and its derivatives may be formulated in aqueous or non-aqueous solution, gel, lotion, cream or ointment containing 0.0001 to <part-num-ref name="topical preparations retinal and its derivatives may be formulated in aqueous or non-aqueous solution, gel, lotion, cream or ointment containing 0.0001 to">5</part-num-ref>
+ percent and preferably from 0.01 to <part-num-ref name="percent and preferably from 0.01 to">5</part-num-ref>
+ percent by weight of the total composition. When retinal and its derivatives are formulated in aqueous form, sodium sulfite, sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite or other antioxidants may be added to stabilize retinal and its derivatives in aqueous compositions. Liposomal lecithin or a liposome substitute or other lipid preparations are added to the above solution with mixing until a uniform consistency is obtained.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) or butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) may be added to stabilize retinal and its derivatives in non-aqueous composition. To provide maximal stability of the therapeutic compositions antioxidants of both aqueous and nonaqueous types may also be incorporated into the compositions at the same time. For example, both sodium metabisulfite and BHT may be added to an aqueous acoholic solution containing retinal. The concentration of antioxidant may range from 0.01 to 5%.  The most efficacious stabilizer is a liposomal coating which provides a lipid layer of protection and the concentration may range from 0.001 to 10%.</p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">[39] To prepare a typical aqueous solution, retinal or its derivative is dissolved in a mixture of water, ethanol and propylene glycol in a volume ratio of 30:50:20, respectively. Sodium metabisulfite is then added to the above solution. Liposomes such as lecithin or phosphatidylcholine or other lipid preparations are added to the above solution with mixing until a uniform consistency is obtained.</p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">[40] To prepare a typical non-aqueous solution, retinal or its derivative is dissolved in a mixture of ethanol, isopropyl myristate and squalane in a volume ratio of 70:20:10, respectively. BHT is then added to the above solution. Liposomes or liposome substitutes are added to this solution with mixing until a uniform consistency is achieved.</p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">When a combination composition is desired retinyl palmitate and/or hydroquinone, for <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+example is added to the above non-aqueous solution. The preferred concentration of retinyl palmitate ranges from <part-num-ref name="preferred concentration of retinyl palmitate ranges from">1</part-num-ref>
+ to 5%. The concentration of hydroquinone may range from <part-num-ref name="concentration of hydroquinone may range from">1</part-num-ref>
+ to 5%, but the preferred concentration is 2% by weight of the total composition.    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">[41] A typical cream or lotion containing retinal or its derivative is prepared by first dissolving retinal or its derivative in ethanol, acetone, propylene glycol or other solvent.</p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">The solution thus prepared is then admixed with commonly available oil-in-water emulsions. BHT or sodium metabisulfite may be added to such emulsions to stabilize retinal or its derivative. Liposomes or liposome substitutes are added to this solution with mixing until a uniform consistency is achieved.</p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">[42] A typical gel composition is formulated by first dissolving retinal or its derivative in a mixture of ethanol, water and propylene glycol in a volume ratio of 50:30:20, respectively. A gelling agent such as hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose is then added to the mixture with mixing. The preferred concentration of the gelling agent may range from 0.2 to <part-num-ref name="gelling agent may range from 0.2 to">2</part-num-ref>
+ percent by weight of the total composition. Liposomes or liposome substitutes are added to this solution with mixing until a uniform consistency is achieved.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">[43]  The above examples of formulations and       compositions of descriptive embodiments are provided as a general explanation of the present invention. It is expressly noted that these examples are intended to be illustrative and not limiting.</p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">[44] Therapeutic Uses [45] The present invention may in various embodiments be used to increase the efficacy of the use of retinal for therapeutically and cosmetically treating many skin disorders.</p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">[46] A preferred embodiment of the present invention increases the efficacy of a topical skin care product by increasing the penetration of retinal or its derivatives into the skin. Compositions containing retinal or its derivatives are coated or mixed with liposomal materials as described above.  The liposomal retinal compound has been shown to increase the penetration of the retinal or retinal derivatives by ten fold which not only increases the efficacy of the retinal product but also reduces the amount of retinal in the superficial skin layers. This greatly reduces the irritation in these layers as <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+well as increasing the moisture in the skin.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">[47] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention reduces the dehydration of the skin from using retinal or its derivatives. Compositions containing retinal or its derivatives are coated or mixed with liposomal materials as described above. Liposomes have a natural affinity for water which assists in increasing the moisture in the skin during topical application of the liposomal retinal composition.  Also, as discussed above, the liposomal retinal composition has increased penetration which reduces the retinal in the superficial skin layer which in turn decreases the dehydration of the skin.</p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">[48] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention reduces the irritation to the skin in using retinal or retinal derivatives. Compositions containing retinal or its derivatives are coated or mixed with liposomal materials as described above. The reduction of retinal in the superficial skin layers by the deeper penetration of retinal using the liposomal formulation also decreases the irritation of the skin. Also the additional hydration of the skin using the liposomal formulation reduces the irritation as well.</p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">[49] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes liposomal retinal compositions as a chemical peel. Compositions containing retinal or its derivatives are coated or mixed with liposomal materials as described above with retinal provided in the range of .5 to <part-num-ref name="range of .5 to">5</part-num-ref>
+ percent by weight. The composition is used as chemical peel to remove areas of skin layers that may be damaged. The increased penetration of the liposomal retinal composition increases the efficacy of the chemical peel while also reducing the dehydration and irritation of the process.    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">[50] The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11704069.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,496 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11704069</doc-number>
+        <date>2007-02-08</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">UNITED STATES PATENT APPLICATION</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">FOR</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">INVENTORY<confidence value="8">I</confidence>
+NG COMMUNICATIONS CIRCUITS    </heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Inventor:</p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Jonathan Ward D. Kent Stier                      Attorney Docket No.: 60027.<confidence value="5885">0531</confidence>
+USU<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ Merchant &amp; Gould                   BellSouth Docket No.: BS 060256 P.O. Box <part-num-ref name="P.O. Box">2903</part-num-ref>
+ Minneapolis, MN 55402-9946 Telephone No.: 404.954.5066 <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 60027.<confidence value="5885">0531</confidence>
+USU<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+/BS 060256      </boundary-data>
+    </p>
+    <heading id="h-4">RELATED APPLICATION</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[001] Under provisions of 35 U.S.C. <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+ 119(e), Applicant claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application no. 60/830,391, filed July <part-num-ref name="benefit of U.S. provisional application no. 60/830,391, filed July">12,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="benefit of U.S. provisional application no. 60/830,391, filed July 12,">2006,</part-num-ref>
+ entitled "Mid-Band Ethernet", which is incorporated herein by reference.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">BACKGROUND</heading>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">[002] Service providers may provide data services, such as Ethernet data services, to users. To provide data services, the service providers may use service pair comprising, for example, multiple copper wire or optical fiber strands. In some situations, many service pairs may be available in one large cable or cables from which the service providers may select a subset to serve the user. For example, a <part-num-ref name="">200</part-num-ref>
+ pair cable may leave a switching center from which eight pairs may be available at a user's location. Consequently, the service providers, to provide data services to the user, may use multiple pairs that may be available at the user's location. This often causes problems because the conventional strategy does not provide a scheme for inventorying more than the two pairs within the large cable when more than the two pairs are used to provide Ethernet based data services to the user's location.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">[003] Consistent with embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods are disclosed for inventorying communication circuits. A calculation may provide a facility requirement value corresponding to a required number of service pairs to serve a location with a predetermined service quality. A data speed requirement, a <confidence value="888">-2-</confidence>
+ <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 60027.<confidence value="5885">0531</confidence>
+USU<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+/BS 060256      </boundary-data>
+type of service, for example Ethernet, or a quality of service requirement may represent the predetermined service quality. Then, it may be determined that an available plurality of service pair equal to the facility requirement value is available from a switching center to the location. Next, a circuit tag may be created corresponding to the available plurality of service pair. A plurality of service tags may then be created. Each of the service tags may respectively correspond to each of the available of service pair.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">The plurality of service tags may be sequential and each service tag may form a linked group of tags by concatenating the circuit tag with each service tag. Then, the circuit tag and the plurality of the service tags may be stored in an inventory database.</p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">[004] Other systems, methods, and/or computer program products according to embodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon review of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, and/or computer program products be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.</p>
+    <heading id="h-7">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">[005] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings:</p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[006] FIG. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ is a block diagram of communication system;    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">[007] FIG. 2 is block diagram of an inventory processor; and <confidence value="888">-3-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11">-9</confidence>
+ <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 60027.<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+531USU1/BS 060256      </boundary-data>
+[008] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method for inventorying communications circuits.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-8">DETAILED DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">[009] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.</p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While embodiments of the invention may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods.</p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the invention. Instead, the proper scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.</p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">[010] A service provider may provide data services, such as Ethernet data services, to a user. To provide data services, the service provider may use service pair comprising, for example, multiple copper wire pair or optical fiber strands. In some situations, many service pair may be available in one large cable or cables from which the service provider may select a subset to serve the user. For example, a <part-num-ref name="">200</part-num-ref>
+ pair cable may leave the service provider's switching center from which eight pairs may be available at the user's location. To provide the user with data services, the service provider may use multiple pairs available at the user's location. The pairs collectively used to provide data services may be considered to be one communication circuit by the service provider.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="888">-4-</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 60027.<confidence value="5885">0531</confidence>
+USU<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+/BS 060256    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+[011<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Consistent with embodiments of the invention, communication circuits may be inventoried. For example, the service provider may receive a request from the user for a predetermined service quality such as, for example, a specific service type or a speed of data. Based on a distance, for example, the distance between the switching center and the user's service location, and on the user's predetermined service quality, the service provider may calculate how many service pairs may be used to serve the user<confidence value="8">'</confidence>
+s service location. For example, the service provider may determine that six pairs are required to serve the service location with Ethernet data. The service provider may consider the six pairs collectively as one circuit. To inventory the circuit, the service provider may create a circuit tag identifying the circuit. To inventory each of the pairs within the circuit and within the cable, the service provider may create a service tag for each pair. After creating the set of tags, the service provider may store the tags in an inventory system or in other databases and systems.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">[012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system <part-num-ref name="communication system">100.</part-num-ref>
+ Consistent with embodiments of the present invention, system <part-num-ref name="present invention, system">100</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise a switching center <part-num-ref name="switching center">105,</part-num-ref>
+ a service location <part-num-ref name="service location">110,</part-num-ref>
+ a cable <part-num-ref name="cable">115,</part-num-ref>
+ and a network <part-num-ref name="network">120.</part-num-ref>
+ Switching center <part-num-ref name="network 120. Switching center">105</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise provider switching equipment <part-num-ref name="may comprise provider switching equipment">125,</part-num-ref>
+ a first transceiver <part-num-ref name="first transceiver">130,</part-num-ref>
+ source side cross-connect equipment <part-num-ref name="first transceiver 130, source side cross-connect equipment">135,</part-num-ref>
+ and an inventory processor <part-num-ref name="inventory processor">137.</part-num-ref>
+ Inventory processor <part-num-ref name="inventory processor 137. Inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ is discussed in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 2.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">[013] Switching center 105 may comprise for example, a subscriber-loop-control system interfaced to a switched telephone network (e.g. network 120). The subscriber- loop-control system may be connected to an individual telephone network user (e.g.</p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">service location 110). Switching center 105 may contain components to provide, for <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="888">-5-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 60027.<confidence value="5885">0531</confidence>
+USU<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+/BS 060256      </boundary-data>
+example, Ethernet data service over existing cable facilities (e.g. Mid-Band Ethernet) to the telephone network user. Switching center <part-num-ref name="telephone network user. Switching center">105</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise, but is not limited to, a telephone central office or a field switching center. The field switching center may be, for example, an environmentally controlled cabinet wherein a switching system is located. The switching system may include, for example, the subscriber-loop-control system, a fiber-in-the-loop system, a passive optical network system, a gateway interface, a digital subscriber line access multiplexer, an integrated digital loop carrier system, a universal digital loop carrier system, a remote terminal, a remote digital terminal, an optical network unit, or a short-loop subscriber-line interface control. The aforementioned are examples and switching center <part-num-ref name="aforementioned are examples and switching center">105</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise other configurations for data switching.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">[014] Provider switching equipment 125 may comprise any network switching device. For example, provider switching equipment <part-num-ref name="may comprise any network switching device. For example, provider switching equipment">125</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise an Ethernet switch for a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or a wireless local area network (WLAN). Provider switching equipment <part-num-ref name="wireless local area network (WLAN). Provider switching equipment">125</part-num-ref>
+ may allow services including, for example, Voice-Over IP (VOIP), layer <part-num-ref name="may allow services including, for example, Voice-Over IP (VOIP), layer">3</part-num-ref>
+ VPN service and dedicated Internet access right behind it before virtual LAN, virtual LAN (VLAN), generic attribute registration protocol (GARP). For example, provider switching equipment <part-num-ref name="VPN service and dedicated Internet access right behind it before virtual LAN, virtual LAN (VLAN), generic attribute registration protocol (GARP). For example, provider switching equipment">125</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise a Cisco <part-num-ref name="Cisco">3750</part-num-ref>
+ data switch or a Cisco <part-num-ref name="Cisco">7609</part-num-ref>
+ data switch (Cisco Systems, Inc. of San Jose, California). Furthermore, provider switching equipment <part-num-ref name="data switch (Cisco Systems, Inc. of San Jose, California). Furthermore, provider switching equipment">125</part-num-ref>
+ may operate on copper cable or fiber networks.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="888">-6-</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 60027.<confidence value="5885">0531</confidence>
+USU<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+/BS 060256    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+015] First transceiver 130 may comprise, for example, equipment to deliver data service to users over copper wire or fiber optic pair. First transceiver <part-num-ref name="may comprise, for example, equipment to deliver data service to users over copper wire or fiber optic pair. First transceiver">130</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise one component or multiple components. First transceiver <part-num-ref name="may comprise one component or multiple components. First transceiver">130</part-num-ref>
+ may include, for example, an optical transceiver or an IEEE Ethernet OAM capable transceiver. First transceiver <part-num-ref name="IEEE Ethernet OAM capable transceiver. First transceiver">130</part-num-ref>
+ may transmit and receive Ethernet data service over copper wire or fiber optic cable to service location <part-num-ref name="may transmit and receive Ethernet data service over copper wire or fiber optic cable to service location">110.</part-num-ref>
+ For example first transceiver <part-num-ref name="may transmit and receive Ethernet data service over copper wire or fiber optic cable to service location 110. For example first transceiver">130</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise a Hatteras HN 418U transceiver (Hatteras Networks, Inc. of Research Triangle Park, NC) and a Canoga Perkins Optical Transceiver (Canoga Perkins, Inc. of Chatsworth, CA) interconnected by a fiber optic cable. In addition, first transceiver <part-num-ref name="fiber optic cable. In addition, first transceiver">130</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise one component, for example, the Hatteras HN <part-num-ref name="Hatteras HN">418</part-num-ref>
+ U transceiver.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[016] Source side cross-connect equipment 135 may comprise a cross-connect block used to interface between cable <part-num-ref name="cross-connect block used to interface between cable">115</part-num-ref>
+ and first transceiver <part-num-ref name="and first transceiver">130.</part-num-ref>
+ Source side cross- connect equipment <part-num-ref name="and first transceiver 130. Source side cross- connect equipment">135</part-num-ref>
+ may be larger than service side cross-connect equipment <part-num-ref name="may be larger than service side cross-connect equipment">140.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">Source side cross-connect equipment 135 may comprise a 112-type connecting block, a 89-type connecting block, a 78-type connecting block, a cable termination, a cable wire trough, and a surge protection block. The aforementioned are examples and source side cross-connect equipment <part-num-ref name="aforementioned are examples and source side cross-connect equipment">135</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise other connecting blocks.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">[017] Service location 110 may comprise a service side cross-connect equipment <part-num-ref name="service side cross-connect equipment">140,</part-num-ref>
+ a second transceiver <part-num-ref name="second transceiver">145,</part-num-ref>
+ a demarcation interface <part-num-ref name="demarcation interface">150,</part-num-ref>
+ and a user switching equipment <part-num-ref name="user switching equipment">155.</part-num-ref>
+ Service location <part-num-ref name="user switching equipment 155. Service location">110</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise a location having an internal Ethernet network, interconnected to a service provider's external data service, for example. Service location <part-num-ref name="service provider's external data service, for example. Service location">110</part-num-ref>
+ may be located in a residence, a commercial building, an educational campus, an industrial campus, or any other location. Service <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="888">-7-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 60027.<confidence value="5885">0531</confidence>
+USU<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+/BS 060256      </boundary-data>
+location <part-num-ref name="industrial campus, or any other location. Service location">110</part-num-ref>
+ may contain all the components in order to receive Ethernet data service over existing cable facilities of a telephone network.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">[018<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Service side cross-connect equipment 140 may comprise a cross-connect block used to interface cable <part-num-ref name="cross-connect block used to interface cable">115</part-num-ref>
+ and second transceiver <part-num-ref name="and second transceiver">145.</part-num-ref>
+ Service side cross- connect equipment <part-num-ref name="and second transceiver 145. Service side cross- connect equipment">140</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise a 66-type block, a 110-type block, a cable termination, a cable wire trough, and a surge protection block. The aforementioned are examples, and service side cross-connect equipment <part-num-ref name="aforementioned are examples, and service side cross-connect equipment">140</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise other block types. Service side cross-connect equipment <part-num-ref name="may comprise other block types. Service side cross-connect equipment">140</part-num-ref>
+ may be smaller than source side cross-connect equipment <part-num-ref name="may be smaller than source side cross-connect equipment">135.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">[019] Second transceiver 145 may comprise equipment used to receive, for example, data service at service location <part-num-ref name="may comprise equipment used to receive, for example, data service at service location">110</part-num-ref>
+ from the service provider's external data service, over copper wire or fiber optic pair. Like, first transceiver <part-num-ref name="service provider's external data service, over copper wire or fiber optic pair. Like, first transceiver">130,</part-num-ref>
+ second transceiver <part-num-ref name="service provider's external data service, over copper wire or fiber optic pair. Like, first transceiver 130, second transceiver">145</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise one component or multiple components. Second transceiver <part-num-ref name="may comprise one component or multiple components. Second transceiver">145</part-num-ref>
+ may include for example, an optical transceiver or an IEEE Ethernet OAM capable transceiver. Second transceiver <part-num-ref name="IEEE Ethernet OAM capable transceiver. Second transceiver">145</part-num-ref>
+ may transmit and receive, for example, Ethernet data service over copper wire or fiber optic cable from switching center <part-num-ref name="may transmit and receive, for example, Ethernet data service over copper wire or fiber optic cable from switching center">105.</part-num-ref>
+ For example second transceiver <part-num-ref name="may transmit and receive, for example, Ethernet data service over copper wire or fiber optic cable from switching center 105. For example second transceiver">145</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise a Hatteras HN 418U transceiver (Hatteras Networks, Inc. of Research Triangle Park, NC) and a Conoga Perkins Optical Transceiver (Canoga Perkins, Inc. of Chatsworth, CA) interconnected by a fiber optic cable. In addition, second transceiver <part-num-ref name="fiber optic cable. In addition, second transceiver">145</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise one component, for example, the Hatteras HN <part-num-ref name="Hatteras HN">418</part-num-ref>
+ U transceiver.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="888">-8-</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 60027.<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+531USU1/BS 060256    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+[020<confidence value="4">]</confidence>
+ Demarcation interface 150 may comprise a passive electrical demarcation device or network interface device. Demarcation interface <part-num-ref name="passive electrical demarcation device or network interface device. Demarcation interface">150</part-num-ref>
+ may interconnect a multi-pair copper cable, a 10/100/1000 base T Ethernet cable, or a fiber optic cable.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">For example, demarcation interface 150 may be an RJ-45 jack. Demarcation interface <part-num-ref name="RJ-45 jack. Demarcation interface">150</part-num-ref>
+ may be a dividing line between user owned equipment and service provider owned equipment.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">[021] User switching equipment 155 may comprise any network switching device. For example, like provider switching equipment <part-num-ref name="may comprise any network switching device. For example, like provider switching equipment">125,</part-num-ref>
+ user switching equipment <part-num-ref name="may comprise any network switching device. For example, like provider switching equipment 125, user switching equipment">155</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise the Ethernet switch for the local area network (LAN), the wide area network (WAN), or the wireless local area network (WLAN). User switching equipment <part-num-ref name="wireless local area network (WLAN). User switching equipment">155</part-num-ref>
+ may allow services including, for example, Voice-Over <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+P (VOIP), layer <part-num-ref name="may allow services including, for example, Voice-Over IP (VOIP), layer">3</part-num-ref>
+ VPN service and dedicated Internet access right behind it before virtual LAN, virtual LAN <confidence value="82222">(VLAN</confidence>
+), generic attribute registration protocol (<confidence value="2222">GARP</confidence>
+). Furthermore, user switching equipment <part-num-ref name="VPN service and dedicated Internet access right behind it before virtual LAN, virtual LAN (VLAN), generic attribute registration protocol (GARP). Furthermore, user switching equipment">155</part-num-ref>
+ may operate, for example, on copper cable, fiber networks, or wireless networks. For example, user switching equipment <part-num-ref name="may operate, for example, on copper cable, fiber networks, or wireless networks. For example, user switching equipment">155</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise the following: i) the Cisco <part-num-ref name="Cisco">3750</part-num-ref>
+ switch; ii) the Cisco <part-num-ref name="Cisco">7609</part-num-ref>
+ switch; iii) a wireless home network switch; iv) an Ethernet switch; or v) a personal computer LAN controller. (Cisco switching products from Cisco Systems, Inc. of San Jose, California.) The aforementioned are examples and types of switches may be used.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">[022] Cable 115 may comprise, for example, the multi-pair copper cable, a single mode fiber cable, and a multimode fiber cable. Cable <part-num-ref name="multimode fiber cable. Cable">115</part-num-ref>
+ may interconnect switching center <part-num-ref name="may interconnect switching center">105</part-num-ref>
+ and service location <part-num-ref name="and service location">110.</part-num-ref>
+ Cable <part-num-ref name="and service location 110. Cable">115</part-num-ref>
+ may carry network services, data services, video services, and telephone services. For example, cable <part-num-ref name="may carry network services, data services, video services, and telephone services. For example, cable">115</part-num-ref>
+ may <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="888">-9-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 60027.<confidence value="5885">0531</confidence>
+USU<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+/BS 060256      </boundary-data>
+comprise the following: <confidence value="5">i</confidence>
+) a cable including a plurality of twisted-pair; ii) a 10-Base T cable; iii) a 100-Base T cable; iv) a 1000-Base T cable; v) a CAT-3 cable; vi) a CAT-4 cable; vii) a CAT-5 cable; viii) a CAT-6 cable; or ix) a fiber optic cable comprising multimode, single-mode, or a combination of multimode and single-mode fiber optics.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">The aforementioned are examples and cable 115 may comprise other cable types.</p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">[023] Network 120 may comprise any switched telecommunications network configured to data services. Network <part-num-ref name="may comprise any switched telecommunications network configured to data services. Network">120</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise a public switched telephone network (PSTN), an Internet network, and an Intranet network. Furthermore, network <part-num-ref name="Intranet network. Furthermore, network">120</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise switches, routers, gateways, private branch exchanges (PBX), wires, interfaces, and other connections. Network <part-num-ref name="may comprise switches, routers, gateways, private branch exchanges (PBX), wires, interfaces, and other connections. Network">120</part-num-ref>
+ may deliver data in Ethernet, synchronous optical transmission (SONET), asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), and other network protocols. In other words, network <part-num-ref name="may deliver data in Ethernet, synchronous optical transmission (SONET), asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), and other network protocols. In other words, network">120</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise a common network for the exchange of data.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">[024] An embodiment consistent with the invention may comprise a system for inventorying circuits. The system may comprise a memory storage for maintaining a database and a processing unit coupled to the memory storage. The processing unit may be operative to calculate a facility requirement value corresponding to a required number of service pair required to serve a location with a predetermined service quality.</p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">In addition, the processing unit may be operative to determine that an available plurality of service pair equal to the facility requirement value are available to the location and to create a circuit tag corresponding to the available plurality of service pair. Furthermore, the processing unit may be operative to create a plurality of service tags. Each of the plurality of service tags may respectively correspond to each of the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8888">-10-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 60027.<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+531USU<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+/BS 060256      </boundary-data>
+available plurality of service pair. The plurality of service tags may be sequential. In addition, the processing unit may be operative to store the circuit tag and the plurality of the service tags in an inventory database.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">[025] Consistent with an embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned memory, processing unit, and other components may be implemented in a communication system, such as communication system <part-num-ref name="communication system, such as communication system">100</part-num-ref>
+ of FIG. 1. Any suitable combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware may be used to implement the memory, processing unit, or other components. By way of example, the memory, processing unit, or other components may be implemented with inventory processor <part-num-ref name="memory, processing unit, or other components may be implemented with inventory processor">137,</part-num-ref>
+ in combination with system <part-num-ref name="memory, processing unit, or other components may be implemented with inventory processor 137, in combination with system">100.</part-num-ref>
+ The aforementioned system and processors are examples and other systems and processors may comprise the aforementioned memory, processing unit, or other components, consistent with embodiments of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">[026] FIG. 2 shows inventory processor <part-num-ref name="shows inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ of FIG. 1 in more detail. As shown in FIG. 2, inventory processor <part-num-ref name="in more detail. As shown in FIG. 2, inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may include a processing unit <part-num-ref name="processing unit">210</part-num-ref>
+ and a memory <part-num-ref name="memory">215.</part-num-ref>
+ Memory <part-num-ref name="memory 215. Memory">215</part-num-ref>
+ may include an inventory software module <part-num-ref name="inventory software module">220</part-num-ref>
+ and an inventory database <part-num-ref name="inventory database">225.</part-num-ref>
+ While executing on processing unit <part-num-ref name="inventory database 225. While executing on processing unit">210,</part-num-ref>
+ inventory software module <part-num-ref name="inventory database 225. While executing on processing unit 210, inventory software module">220</part-num-ref>
+ may perform processes for inventorying circuits, including, for example, one or more of the stages of method <part-num-ref name="stages of method">300</part-num-ref>
+ described below with respect to FIG. 3. Furthermore, any combination of inventory software module <part-num-ref name="described below with respect to FIG. 3. Furthermore, any combination of inventory software module">220</part-num-ref>
+ and inventory database <part-num-ref name="and inventory database">225</part-num-ref>
+ may be executed on or reside in any one or more of the elements shown in FIG. 1.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8888">-11-</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 60027.<confidence value="5885">0531</confidence>
+USU1/BS 060256    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+[027] Inventory processor 137 ("the processor") may be implemented using a personal computer, network computer, mainframe, or other similar microcomputer- based workstation. Inventory Processor <part-num-ref name="personal computer, network computer, mainframe, or other similar microcomputer- based workstation. Inventory Processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may be implemented in switching center <part-num-ref name="may be implemented in switching center">105</part-num-ref>
+ or in any other location. The processor may though comprise any type of computer operating environment, such as hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable sender electronic devices, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The processor may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">Furthermore, the processor may comprise a mobile terminal, such as a smart phone, a cellular telephone, a cellular telephone utilizing wireless application protocol (WAP), personal digital assistant (PDA), intelligent pager, portable computer, a hand held computer, a conventional telephone, a WiFi access point, or a facsimile machine. The aforementioned systems and devices are examples and the processor may comprise other systems or devices.</p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">[028] FIG. 3 is a flow chart setting forth the general stages involved in a method <part-num-ref name="method">300</part-num-ref>
+ consistent with an embodiment of the invention for inventorying communications circuits. Method <part-num-ref name="invention for inventorying communications circuits. Method">300</part-num-ref>
+ may be implemented using processing unit <part-num-ref name="may be implemented using processing unit">210</part-num-ref>
+ within inventory processor <part-num-ref name="within inventory processor">137,</part-num-ref>
+ as described in more detail with respect to FIG. 2. Ways to implement the stages of method <part-num-ref name="stages of method">300</part-num-ref>
+ will be described in greater detail below. Method <part-num-ref name="will be described in greater detail below. Method">300</part-num-ref>
+ may begin at starting block <part-num-ref name="may begin at starting block">305</part-num-ref>
+ and proceed to stage <part-num-ref name="and proceed to stage">310</part-num-ref>
+ where inventory processor <part-num-ref name="where inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may calculate a facility requirement value corresponding to a required number of service pair. For example, a data service to service location <part-num-ref name="data service to service location">110</part-num-ref>
+ may require a calculable number of service pair to provide a requested data service type and a <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8888">-12-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 60027.<confidence value="5885">0531</confidence>
+USU1/BS 060256      </boundary-data>
+requested data speed. Inventory processor <part-num-ref name="requested data speed. Inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may receive a request for the data service type through, for example, a service order request. The request may contain a predetermined service quality such as, for example, the data service type and the data speed. The predetermined service quality may be identified in the request for the data service, for example, in the service order, and may include the following factors: i) a location of switching center 105; ii) a location of service location 110; iii) a distance of cable 115; iv) the requested data speed; v) a quality of service requirement; and vi) a data service type. The aforementioned are examples and the predetermined service quality may include other determining factors.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">[029] Inventory processor 137 may get the request specifying, for example, Ethernet data service at a speed equal to <part-num-ref name="speed equal to">6</part-num-ref>
+ Mb/second to service location <part-num-ref name="Mb/second to service location">110.</part-num-ref>
+ The service order may contain other relevant information, for example, an address, a map location, a date, and a telephone number. From this information, switching center <part-num-ref name="telephone number. From this information, switching center">105</part-num-ref>
+ may be determined from a plurality of switching centers. Switching center <part-num-ref name="plurality of switching centers. Switching center">105</part-num-ref>
+ may be the switching center that is geographically closest to the service location. Furthermore, the distance of cable <part-num-ref name="distance of cable">115</part-num-ref>
+ between switching center <part-num-ref name="between switching center">105</part-num-ref>
+ and service location <part-num-ref name="and service location">110,</part-num-ref>
+ may determine the closest switching center. Switching center <part-num-ref name="closest switching center. Switching center">105</part-num-ref>
+ may serve the predetermined service quality to service location <part-num-ref name="predetermined service quality to service location">110</part-num-ref>
+ upon proper configuration. For example, switching center <part-num-ref name="upon proper configuration. For example, switching center">105</part-num-ref>
+ may already contain the appropriate equipment to provide the predetermined service quality to service location <part-num-ref name="predetermined service quality to service location">105.</part-num-ref>
+ Switching center <part-num-ref name="predetermined service quality to service location 105. Switching center">105</part-num-ref>
+ may, however, require new or upgraded equipment. A different switching center may serve service location <part-num-ref name="different switching center may serve service location">110,</part-num-ref>
+ if the closest switching center is not configurable.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">-13-</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 60027.<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+531USU<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+/BS 060256    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+[030] After switching center 105 is determined from the plurality of switching centers, inventory processor <part-num-ref name="plurality of switching centers, inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may use a rate and a reach to calculate a facility requirement value. The rate and the reach may provide the facility requirement value based, for example, on the predetermined service quality. The facility requirement value is a number of service pair in cable <part-num-ref name="number of service pair in cable">115,</part-num-ref>
+ as specified by the rate and the reach, determined to produce the predetermined service quality. The determination, using the rate and the reach, may specify the number of the service pair in cable <part-num-ref name="service pair in cable">115,</part-num-ref>
+ for a type of service, for example Ethernet over copper, at an expected data speed. The rate may be the data speed, as defined in the predefined service quality, and the reach may be the distance of cable <part-num-ref name="distance of cable">115.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, if service location <part-num-ref name="distance of cable 115. For example, if service location">110</part-num-ref>
+ is 10,000 feet from switching center <part-num-ref name="is 10,000 feet from switching center">105,</part-num-ref>
+ and the service order requests <part-num-ref name="service order requests">6</part-num-ref>
+ Mb/second of Ethernet service, the rate and the reach may specify the facility requirement value of eight pair of service pair in cable <part-num-ref name="facility requirement value of eight pair of service pair in cable">115.</part-num-ref>
+ Table <part-num-ref name="facility requirement value of eight pair of service pair in cable 115. Table">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ shows an example of the rate and the reach.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">Reach/Rate    2 Mb/Sec of   <part-num-ref name="Mb/Sec of">4</part-num-ref>
+ Mb/Sec of  <part-num-ref name="Mb/Sec of">6</part-num-ref>
+ Mb/Sec of   <part-num-ref name="Mb/Sec of">8</part-num-ref>
+ Mb/Sec of Ethernet Speed Ethernet Speed Ethernet Speed Ethernet Speed <part-num-ref name="Mb/Sec of Ethernet Speed Ethernet Speed Ethernet Speed Ethernet Speed">0</part-num-ref>
+ feet to 5,000  <part-num-ref name="feet to 5,000">2</part-num-ref>
+ pair     <part-num-ref name="pair">4</part-num-ref>
+ pair       <part-num-ref name="pair">6</part-num-ref>
+ pair        <part-num-ref name="pair">8</part-num-ref>
+ pair feet 5,001 feet to  <part-num-ref name="pair feet 5,001 feet to">4</part-num-ref>
+ pair       <part-num-ref name="pair">6</part-num-ref>
+ pair        <part-num-ref name="pair">8</part-num-ref>
+ Pair       <part-num-ref name="Pair">10</part-num-ref>
+ pair 10,000 feet 10,001 feet to  <part-num-ref name="pair 10,000 feet 10,001 feet to">6</part-num-ref>
+ pair      <part-num-ref name="pair">8</part-num-ref>
+ pair       <part-num-ref name="pair">10</part-num-ref>
+ Pair       N/A 15,000 feet 15,001 feet to  <part-num-ref name="Pair       N/A 15,000 feet 15,001 feet to">8</part-num-ref>
+ pair      <part-num-ref name="pair">10</part-num-ref>
+ pair      N/A           N/A 20,000 feet Table <part-num-ref name="pair      N/A           N/A 20,000 feet Table">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8888">-14-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 60027.<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+531USU<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+/BS 060256      </boundary-data>
+[031] From stage <part-num-ref name="[031] From stage">310,</part-num-ref>
+ where inventory processor <part-num-ref name="[031] From stage 310, where inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may calculate the facility requirement value corresponding to the required number of service pair, method <part-num-ref name="required number of service pair, method">300</part-num-ref>
+ may advance to stage <part-num-ref name="may advance to stage">320</part-num-ref>
+ where inventory processor <part-num-ref name="where inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may determine an available plurality of service pair equal to the facility requirement value are available. For example, inventory processor <part-num-ref name="facility requirement value are available. For example, inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may determine that the availability of the available plurality of service pair by referencing a cable status system. The cable status system may be a database or a system that tracks the status of the service pair within cable <part-num-ref name="service pair within cable">115.</part-num-ref>
+ The available plurality of service pair, corresponding to available pairs of service within cable <part-num-ref name="available plurality of service pair, corresponding to available pairs of service within cable">115,</part-num-ref>
+ may be available if the pairs of service within cable <part-num-ref name="pairs of service within cable">115</part-num-ref>
+ are unused.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">For example, after calculating the facility requirement value to serve service location <part-num-ref name="facility requirement value to serve service location">110</part-num-ref>
+ is equal to eight pair, the available pairs of service within cable <part-num-ref name="available pairs of service within cable">115,</part-num-ref>
+ equal to eight pair, may be unused. The available pairs of service within cable <part-num-ref name="available pairs of service within cable">115</part-num-ref>
+ equal to the facility requirement value, however, may not be unused and hence may not be available. The lack of unused service pair within cable <part-num-ref name="lack of unused service pair within cable">115</part-num-ref>
+ may require additional action, for example, requesting an installation of a new cable <part-num-ref name="new cable">115</part-num-ref>
+ or requesting the release of currently used pairs within cable <part-num-ref name="release of currently used pairs within cable">115.</part-num-ref>
+ The additional action may change the status of availability for the plurality of available service pair upon completion. Furthermore, inventory processor <part-num-ref name="plurality of available service pair upon completion. Furthermore, inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may classify pairs of service within cable <part-num-ref name="may classify pairs of service within cable">115</part-num-ref>
+ as incompatible or nonfunctioning and therefore as unavailable. The cable status system may note the incompatible or nonfunctioning pairs of service within cable <part-num-ref name="incompatible or nonfunctioning pairs of service within cable">115.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+032] Inventory processor 137 may use other processes for determining the available plurality of service pair are available. For example, inventory processor <part-num-ref name="available plurality of service pair are available. For example, inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may make a request to a technician to determine the availability of the available <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8888">-15-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ 60027.<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+531USU<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+/BS 060256      </boundary-data>
+plurality of service pair. In addition, inventory processor <part-num-ref name="available plurality of service pair. In addition, inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may access another application, for example, a map program, to determine the availability of the available plurality of service pair. The aforementioned are examples and other processes for determining the availability of the available plurality of service pair may apply.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">[033] Inventory processor 137 may determine the availability of the available plurality of service pair by determining that the available plurality of service pair are qualified. A qualified service pair may be an unused service pair within cable <part-num-ref name="unused service pair within cable">115.</part-num-ref>
+ In addition, the qualified service pair may be a tested service pair within cable <part-num-ref name="tested service pair within cable">115.</part-num-ref>
+ A field technician, an automated test system, or a documented previously tested service pair may satisfy the testing requirement. Furthermore, the qualified service pair may be a bonded service pair, where the available plurality of the service pair, equal in number to the facility requirement value, are bonded together within cable <part-num-ref name="facility requirement value, are bonded together within cable">115.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, after inventory processor <part-num-ref name="facility requirement value, are bonded together within cable 115. For example, after inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ determines that eight pair of service within cable <part-num-ref name="determines that eight pair of service within cable">115</part-num-ref>
+ are available, inventory processor <part-num-ref name="are available, inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may access the database and determine that the eight service pair have previously passed a testing routine. Furthermore, inventory processor <part-num-ref name="testing routine. Furthermore, inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may send a request for the technician to bond the eight pair of service together.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">[034] Inventory processor 137 may report qualified service pair within cable <part-num-ref name="may report qualified service pair within cable">115</part-num-ref>
+ in, for example, the cable status system, the work order system, or the inventory system. Inventory processor <part-num-ref name="inventory system. Inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may report the available plurality of service pair by assigning a facility reservation number to the available plurality of service pair. In addition, inventory processor <part-num-ref name="available plurality of service pair. In addition, inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may store the facility reservation number with, for example, the service order. Furthermore, reporting the available plurality of service pair <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8888">-16-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 60027.<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+531USU<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+/BS 060256      </boundary-data>
+may include marking each of the service pair with the assigned facility reservation number. For example, inventory processor <part-num-ref name="assigned facility reservation number. For example, inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may assign the facility reservation number to the eight pair of service within cable <part-num-ref name="eight pair of service within cable">115,</part-num-ref>
+ after the technician reports the completion of bonding the eight pair. Inventory processor <part-num-ref name="eight pair. Inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may report the facility reservation number to the work order system for future reference.    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">[035] Once inventory processor 137 determines the available plurality of service pair equal to the facility requirement value are available in stage <part-num-ref name="facility requirement value are available in stage">320,</part-num-ref>
+ method <part-num-ref name="facility requirement value are available in stage 320, method">300</part-num-ref>
+ may continue to stage <part-num-ref name="may continue to stage">330</part-num-ref>
+ where inventory processor <part-num-ref name="where inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may create a circuit tag corresponding to the available plurality of service pair. For example, inventory processor <part-num-ref name="available plurality of service pair. For example, inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may create a unique identifier configured to denote the use of the available plurality of service pair as one circuit. The unique identifier may denote a pre- determined purpose exists for the newly formed circuit. Furthermore, the unique identifier may extend the pre-determined purpose to the available plurality of service pair. Inventory processor <part-num-ref name="available plurality of service pair. Inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may establish an association between the circuit tag and each of the available plurality of service pair in, for example, the database, a server, the inventory system, an accounting system, or the cable status system. Inventory processor <part-num-ref name="cable status system. Inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may request that the technician physically attach the circuit tag to the available plurality of service pair including, for example, at service location <part-num-ref name="available plurality of service pair including, for example, at service location">110</part-num-ref>
+ and at switching center <part-num-ref name="and at switching center">105.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">[036] For example, after reporting the facility reservation number for the eight pairs in cable <part-num-ref name="eight pairs in cable">115,</part-num-ref>
+ inventory processor <part-num-ref name="eight pairs in cable 115, inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may create the circuit tag "MBE 001".    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">"MBE" may denote the circuit with the pre-determined purpose of being a midband Ethernet circuit. In addition, inventory processor <part-num-ref name="midband Ethernet circuit. In addition, inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may change the status of each of <boundary-data type="header">-17-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="18"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 60027.<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+531USU1/BS 060256      </boundary-data>
+the eight pairs in cable <part-num-ref name="eight pairs in cable">115</part-num-ref>
+ in the accounting system to identify the circuit with its new tag, "MBE 001". Inventory processor <part-num-ref name="circuit with its new tag, &quot;MBE 001&quot;. Inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may request the technician to place printed circuit tags, each with the circuit tag number "MBE 001", along the route of the eight pairs of cable <part-num-ref name="eight pairs of cable">115.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+037] After inventory processor 137 creates the circuit tag corresponding to the available plurality of service pair in stage <part-num-ref name="available plurality of service pair in stage">330,</part-num-ref>
+ method <part-num-ref name="available plurality of service pair in stage 330, method">300</part-num-ref>
+ may proceed to stage <part-num-ref name="may proceed to stage">340</part-num-ref>
+ where inventory processor <part-num-ref name="where inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may create a plurality of service tags corresponding to each of the available plurality of service pair. For example, after creating and properly storing the circuit tag MBE <part-num-ref name="circuit tag MBE">001,</part-num-ref>
+ inventory processor <part-num-ref name="circuit tag MBE 001, inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may create the plurality of service tags. Each of the service tags may correspond respectively with each of the available plurality of the service pair. Furthermore, inventory processor <part-num-ref name="service pair. Furthermore, inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may sequentially identify the service tags. Each of the service tags may denote a predetermined purpose for each of the available plurality of service pair by associating each of the service tags with the circuit tag or by using a unique identifier in the service tag.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">[038] In creating the service tags, inventory processor <part-num-ref name="service tags, inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may respectively associate each service tag to the service pair within cable <part-num-ref name="service pair within cable">115.</part-num-ref>
+ Furthermore, inventory processor <part-num-ref name="service pair within cable 115. Furthermore, inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may request that the technician physically attach the service tags to the available plurality of service pair including, for example, at service location <part-num-ref name="available plurality of service pair including, for example, at service location">110</part-num-ref>
+ and at switching center <part-num-ref name="and at switching center">105.</part-num-ref>
+ Inventory processor <part-num-ref name="and at switching center 105. Inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may concatenate each of the service tags with the circuit tag, either prior to or after, the association of the service tag to the service pair within cable <part-num-ref name="service pair within cable">115.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8888">-18-</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 60027.<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+531USU1/BS 060256    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">
+      <page-break num="19"/>
+[039<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ For example, after assigning the circuit tag "MBE 001" to all eight of the available plurality of service pair, inventory processor <part-num-ref name="available plurality of service pair, inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may create sequential service tags, identified in the order that the service pair connects to source side cross-connect equipment <part-num-ref name="service pair connects to source side cross-connect equipment">135.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, the first pair, connected to source side cross-connect equipment <part-num-ref name="first pair, connected to source side cross-connect equipment">135,</part-num-ref>
+ may get a service pair tag of "001". The second pair through the eighth pair may get similar respectively numbered tags "002-008". Then inventory processor <part-num-ref name="eighth pair may get similar respectively numbered tags &quot;002-008&quot;. Then inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may concatenate the service tags with the circuit tag so the first pair becomes associated with, for example, "MBE <part-num-ref name="first pair becomes associated with, for example, &quot;MBE">001</part-num-ref>
+ 001". Each of the remaining seven pair may be associated with their respective concatenated service tags, the tags ranging from "MBE <part-num-ref name="tags ranging from &quot;MBE">001</part-num-ref>
+ 002" to "MBE <part-num-ref name="002&quot; to &quot;MBE">001</part-num-ref>
+ 008". Furthermore, inventory processor <part-num-ref name="008&quot;. Furthermore, inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may request the technician to place printed service tags along the route of cable <part-num-ref name="route of cable">115,</part-num-ref>
+ respectively attached to each tag's assigned service pair within cable <part-num-ref name="route of cable 115, respectively attached to each tag's assigned service pair within cable">115.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">[040] After inventory processor 137 creates the plurality of service tags corresponding to each of the available plurality of service pair in stage <part-num-ref name="available plurality of service pair in stage">340,</part-num-ref>
+ method <part-num-ref name="available plurality of service pair in stage 340, method">300</part-num-ref>
+ may proceed to stage <part-num-ref name="may proceed to stage">350</part-num-ref>
+ where inventory processor <part-num-ref name="where inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may store the circuit tag and the plurality of service tags. Inventory processor <part-num-ref name="plurality of service tags. Inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may associate each of the available plurality of the service pair, respectively represented by the service pair within cable <part-num-ref name="service pair within cable">115,</part-num-ref>
+ to each of the respective service tags for example, in a database, in the server, in the accounting system, in the inventory system, or in the cable status system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">Furthermore, inventory processor 137 may concatenate the circuit tag and the service tags. Inventory processor <part-num-ref name="service tags. Inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may associate the concatenated tag with the service pair within cable <part-num-ref name="service pair within cable">115</part-num-ref>
+ and store the information. After associating the respective service tags to each of the available plurality of the service pair, inventory processor <part-num-ref name="service pair, inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may report <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8888">-19-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="20"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 60027.<confidence value="5885">0531</confidence>
+USU1/BS 060256      </boundary-data>
+the information to the technician, to service location <part-num-ref name="technician, to service location">110,</part-num-ref>
+ or to other interested parties.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">Furthermore, the inventory processor <part-num-ref name="inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may associate the available plurality of the service pair, respectively represented by the service pair within cable <part-num-ref name="service pair within cable">115,</part-num-ref>
+ in the inventory system using the circuit tag, the service tag, the concatenated circuit tag to the service tags, or some other combination as the inventory system may allow. For example, inventory processor <part-num-ref name="inventory system may allow. For example, inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may change the status of each of the eight pair in cable <part-num-ref name="eight pair in cable">115,</part-num-ref>
+ within the cable status system, in the accounting system and on the service order, to identify the eight pair of service pair within cable <part-num-ref name="eight pair of service pair within cable">115</part-num-ref>
+ with their respective new tags, MBE <part-num-ref name="with their respective new tags, MBE">001</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">001</part-num-ref>
+ through MBE <part-num-ref name="through MBE">001</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">008.</part-num-ref>
+ Inventory processor <part-num-ref name="008. Inventory processor">137</part-num-ref>
+ may then store the newly inventoried service pair within the inventory system, using, for example, the circuit identifier, because for example, the inventory system may not accommodate the service tag identification. Once computing device <part-num-ref name="service tag identification. Once computing device">200</part-num-ref>
+ stores the circuit tag and the plurality of service tags in stage <part-num-ref name="plurality of service tags in stage">350,</part-num-ref>
+ method <part-num-ref name="plurality of service tags in stage 350, method">300</part-num-ref>
+ may then end at stage <part-num-ref name="may then end at stage">360.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">[041] Embodiments of the invention, for example, may be implemented as a computer process (method), a computing system, or as an article of manufacture, such as a computer program product or computer readable media. The computer program product may be a computer storage media readable by a computer system and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process. The computer program product may also be a propagated signal on a carrier readable by a computing system and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process. Accordingly, the present invention may be embodied in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.). In other words, embodiments of the present invention may take the form of a computer program <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8888">-20-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="21"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 60027.<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+531USU<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+/BS 060256      </boundary-data>
+product on a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium having computer- usable or computer-readable program code embodied in the medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system. A computer-usable or computer- readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">[042] The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific computer-readable medium examples (a non-exhaustive list), the computer-readable medium may include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable medium could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via, for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ then compiled, interpreted, or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">[043] Embodiments of the present invention, for example, are described above with reference to block diagrams and/or operational illustrations of methods, systems, and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. The functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order as shown in any flowchart.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">21</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No. 60027.<confidence value="5885">0531</confidence>
+USU<confidence value="66">1/</confidence>
+BS 060256    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">
+      <page-break num="22"/>
+For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">[044] While certain embodiments of the invention have been described, other embodiments may exist. Furthermore, although embodiments of the present invention have been described as being associated with data stored in memory and other storage mediums, data can also be stored on or read from other types of computer-readable media, such as secondary storage devices, like hard disks, floppy disks, or a CD-ROM, a carrier wave from the Internet, or other forms of RAM or ROM. Further, the disclosed methods' stages may be modified in any manner, including by reordering stages and/or inserting or deleting stages, without departing from the invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">[045] All rights including copyrights in the code included herein are vested in and the property of the Applicant. The Applicant retains and reserves all rights in the code included herein, and grants permission to reproduce the material only in connection with reproduction of the granted patent and for no other purpose.</p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">[046] While the specification includes examples, the invention's scope is indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, while the specification has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, the claims are not limited to the features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example for embodiments of the invention.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">22</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11706065.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11706065</doc-number>
+        <date>2009-11-27</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">IN THE SPECIFICATION</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Please amend paragraph [0024] as follows:</p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Fig. 2 illustrates a method for responding to a request for a tile grid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Initially, web server <part-num-ref name="present invention. Initially, web server">102</part-num-ref>
+ receives <part-num-ref name="receives">202</part-num-ref>
+ a request from client <part-num-ref name="request from client">108</part-num-ref>
+ for a tile grid. In one embodiment<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ client <part-num-ref name="tile grid. In one embodiment, client">108</part-num-ref>
+ makes the request by providing an XML query. An example of such a query is illustrated in Fig. 3. In listing [[c<confidence value="66">00</confidence>
+]] <part-num-ref name="query is illustrated in Fig. 3. In listing [[c00]]">
+        <confidence value="5225">300,</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ line <part-num-ref name="query is illustrated in Fig. 3. In listing [[c00]] 300, line">2</part-num-ref>
+ specifies a desired pixel width and height attributes for each tile within the grid. Lines 3-10 indicate that the address to be centered on is "4 N. 2<confidence value="66">nd</confidence>
+ St<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ San Jose, Ca" with a <part-num-ref name="">1</part-num-ref>
+ km radius bounding area. Line <part-num-ref name="km radius bounding area. Line">11</part-num-ref>
+ indicates that the grid should include <part-num-ref name="grid should include">4</part-num-ref>
+ rows and <part-num-ref name="rows and">4</part-num-ref>
+ columns.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">Please amend paragraph [0038] as follows:</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">Figs.<confidence value="256">Ca,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">G</confidence>
+ <confidence value="666">Gb,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6662">andG</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">C</confidence>
+  7a, 7b, and 7c illustrate a sequence in which a map is dragged down a page by a user of client <part-num-ref name="user of client">108.</part-num-ref>
+ The star <part-num-ref name="star">
+        <confidence value="52">40</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">710</part-num-ref>
+ represents the address or location that was mapped, i.e. the CenterAddress of the TileGrid in the XML code of Fig.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">3 and Fig. 5. An outer DIV <part-num-ref name="outer DIV">702</part-num-ref>
+ frames an inner DIV <part-num-ref name="inner DIV">704</part-num-ref>
+ to create a viewable area centered on the inner four tiles <part-num-ref name="inner four tiles">402,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="inner four tiles 402,">404,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="inner four tiles 402, 404,">406,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="inner four tiles 402, 404, 406,">408.</part-num-ref>
+ The CSS "overflow" attribute is set to hidden on outer DIV <part-num-ref name="CSS &quot;overflow&quot; attribute is set to hidden on outer DIV">702</part-num-ref>
+ so that off-screen peripheral tiles are not seen. The outer DIV <part-num-ref name="outer DIV">702</part-num-ref>
+ has a higher CSS Z-index than the inner DIV <part-num-ref name="inner DIV">704.</part-num-ref>
+ The illustrated tile grid of Figs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">
+      <confidence value="255">Car</confidence>
+ <confidence value="66">Gb</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6662">ande</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">C</confidence>
+  7a, 7b and 7c includes tile 712.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">20662/12204/SF/526528<confidence value="868">7.1</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11716880.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11716880</doc-number>
+        <date>2009-08-11</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">IN THE SPECIFICATION</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Please amend the paragraphs in the specification on page <part-num-ref name="specification on page">3,</part-num-ref>
+ lines 14-23 as follows:    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">United States Utility Patent Application Serial No. 11 <confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+716<confidence value="2">,</confidence>
+889<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="66662">____,</confidence>
+ filed on <confidence value="4664">same</confidence>
+ d<confidence value="8">a</confidence>
+te <confidence value="68688566">herewith</confidence>
+March <part-num-ref name="/716,889, ____, filed on same date herewithMarch">12<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="/716,889, ____, filed on same date herewithMarch 12,">2007,</part-num-ref>
+ by Douglas P. Brown, Anita Richards, John Mark Morris and Todd A. Walter, and entitled Virtual Regulator for Multi- Database Systems, attorneys' docket no. 12787;    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">United States Utility Patent Application Serial No. 11 /716.892<confidence value="6">.</confidence>
+ <confidence value="66662">____,</confidence>
+ filed on sa<confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+e <confidence value="8625258666524">date-herewt-h</confidence>
+March <part-num-ref name="/716.892. ____, filed on same date-herewt-hMarch">12<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="/716.892. ____, filed on same date-herewt-hMarch 12,">2007,</part-num-ref>
+ by Douglas P. Brown, Scott Gnau and John Mark Morris, and entitled Parallel Virtual Optimization, attorneys<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+ docket no.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">12841; and United States Utility Patent Application Serial No. 11 <confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+716<confidence value="2">,</confidence>
+890<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+  <confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ filed on <confidence value="4664">same</confidence>
+ d<confidence value="8">a</confidence>
+te <confidence value="68686566">herewith</confidence>
+March <part-num-ref name="/716,890,  , filed on same date herewithMarch">12<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="/716,890,  , filed on same date herewithMarch 12,">2007,</part-num-ref>
+ by John Mark Morris, Anita Richards and Douglas P. Brown, and entitled Automated Block Size Management for Database Objections, attorneys' docket no. 12789;    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">-2- G&amp;C 30145.451-US-U<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11717944.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,627 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11717944</doc-number>
+        <date>2007-03-14</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">88-2151<confidence value="8">A</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">IMPROVING BARRIER PROPERTIES OF SUBSTANTIALLY</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">LINEAR HDPE FILM WITH NUCLEATING AGENTS</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">FIELD OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+             </boundary-data>
+The invention relates to polyethylene films. More particularly, the invention relates to a method for improving the barrier properties of substantially linear, high density polyethylene films with nucleating agents.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-4">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">Polyethylene films have established a major position in the food <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+packaging industry due to their excellent shelf life, product protection, product display, and low cost. The characteristic of the packaged food product determines the optimal barrier performance of the packaging materials. Optimal barrier for some food products requires high barrier materials, while others need low barrier materials. For instance, dry foods, such as cereals, crackers, <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+cookies and powdered products, require the packaging materials have high barrier to water vapor or moisture, while poultry products require the packaging materials have high barrier to oxygen.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">High density polyethylene (HDPE)-based films are the material of choice for many of these packaging applications. HDPE layers provide desirable <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+physical properties such as impact resistance, tear strength and tensile properties to the multilayer films. However, HDPE films do not have sufficient barrier properties for food packaging. Thus, the multilayer films often include one or more barrier layers. Commonly used barrier resins include ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymers, nylons <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+and the like. Barrier resins usually cost more than HDPE. Therefore, there is a need to improve the barrier properties of HDPE films. HDPE films of improved barrier properties may replace more expensive multilayer barrier films.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">Alternatively, HDPE films of improved barrier properties may be used as layers in multilayer barrier films to reduce the use of more expensive barrier resin <part-num-ref name="use of more expensive barrier resin">30</part-num-ref>
+  layers.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+Nucleating agents are commonly used in polypropylene. It changes the crystallization temperature, spherulitic size, density, clarity, impact and tensile properties of polypropylene. Similarly, nucleating agents are also used in polyethylene, particularly in linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) to improve <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+optical, impact, and other physical properties. However, the use of nucleating agent in high density polyethylene (HDPE) is less common because HDPE readily crystallizes without nucleating agent. In general, nucleating agents do not significantly improve the barrier properties of HDPE films.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10       </boundary-data>
+The invention is a method for improving the barrier properties of substantially linear, high density polyethylene (HDPE) film. The method comprises mixing a substantially linear HDPE with a nucleating agent and converting the mixture into a film. The substantially linear HDPE has a long chain branching index (LCBI) less than or equal to 0.5 and a melt flow ratio <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="55">15</confidence>
+       </boundary-data>
+(MFR) less than or equal to <part-num-ref name="melt flow ratio (MFR) less than or equal to">65.</part-num-ref>
+ The film produced by the method of the invention has significantly improved barrier properties. The film has at least a 15% improvement, compared with a control film made from the same substantially linear HDPE but does not contain the nucleating agent, in the water vapor barrier property and/or in the oxygen barrier property.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20       </boundary-data>
+We surprisingly found that using a substantially linear HDPE is critical to achieving the improved barrier properties. When an HDPE that contains a high concentration of long-chain branches, i.e., LCBI &gt;0.5, or has a relatively broad molecular weight distribution, i.e., MFR&gt;65, is mixed with the nucleating agent, the film produced from the mixture show insignificant improvement on the barrier <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+properties. In some cases, the films even show impaired, rather than improved, barrier properties.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">The invention is a method for improving the barrier properties of a substantially linear, high density polyethylene (HDPE) film. The method <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+comprises incorporating a nucleating agent into a substantially linear HDPE and converting the substantially linear HDPE into a film.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+By "substantially linear," we mean that the HDPE is essentially free of long chain branching and relatively narrow in molecular weight distribution. Long chain branching can be measured by NMR, 3D-GP<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+, and rheology. While NMR directly measures the number of branches, it cannot differentiate between <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+branches which are six carbons or longer. 3D-GP<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+ with intrinsic viscosity and light scattering detection can account for all branches that substantially increase mass at a given radius of gyration.  Rheology is particularly suitable for detecting low level of long chain branches.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">The concentration of long chain branches can be measured by the long <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+chain branch index (<confidence value="2222">LCBI</confidence>
+). L<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+BI is a rheological index used to characterize low levels of long-chain branching. L<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+BI is defined as:    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">0.179 LCBI<confidence value="8">=</confidence>
+      <confidence value="68">-1</confidence>
+ 4.8<confidence value="2818">-[q]</confidence>
+ where <confidence value="225">r7o</confidence>
+ is the limiting, zero-shear viscosity (Poise) at 190<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ and [<confidence value="2">7</confidence>
+] is the intrinsic viscosity in trichlorobenzene at 135<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ (d<confidence value="52">L/</confidence>
+g). L<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+BI is based on <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+observations that low levels of long-chain branching, in an otherwise linear polymer, result in a large increase in melt viscosity, <confidence value="2">y</confidence>
+o, with no change in intrinsic viscosity, [<confidence value="55">q]</confidence>
+. See R. N. Shroff and H. Mavridis, "Long-Chain-Branching Index for Essentially Linear Polyethylenes," Macromolecules, Vol. <part-num-ref name="large increase in melt viscosity, yo, with no change in intrinsic viscosity, [q]. See R. N. Shroff and H. Mavridis, &quot;Long-Chain-Branching Index for Essentially Linear Polyethylenes,&quot; Macromolecules, Vol.">32</part-num-ref>
+ (25), pp. 8454- <part-num-ref name="(25), pp. 8454-">8464</part-num-ref>
+ (1999). Higher L<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+BI means a greater number of long-chain branches per <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+polymer chain.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">The substantially linear HDPE suitable for the use in the method of the invention has an L<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+BI less than or equal to 0.5. Preferably, the substantially linear HDPE has an L<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+BI less than or equal to 0.3. More preferably, the substantially linear HDPE has an L<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+BI less than or equal to 0.2.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25       </boundary-data>
+Suitable substantially linear HDPE has a relatively narrow molecular weight distribution. Molecular weight and molecular weight distribution can be measured by gel permeation chromatography (GP<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+). Alternatively, the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution can be indicated by melt indices. Melt index (M<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+2) is usually used to measure the molecular weight and <part-num-ref name="molecular weight and">30</part-num-ref>
+ melt flow ratio (MFR) to measure the molecular weight distribution. A larger M<confidence value="28">12</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+indicates a lower molecular weight. A larger MFR indicates a broader molecular weight distribution. MFR is the ratio of the high-load melt index (HLMI) to M<confidence value="588">12.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">The M<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+2 and HLMI can be measured according to ASTM D-1238. The M<confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+2 is measured at 190<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C under 2.16 kg pressure. The HLMI is measured at 190<confidence value="28">*C</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+       </boundary-data>
+under 21.6 kg pressure.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">Suitable substantially linear HDPE has an MFR less than or equal to <part-num-ref name="MFR less than or equal to">65.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">Preferably, the substantially linear HDPE has an MFR less than or equal to <part-num-ref name="MFR less than or equal to">40.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">More preferably, the substantially linear HDPE has an MFR less than or equal to <part-num-ref name="MFR less than or equal to">20.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="25">io</confidence>
+             </boundary-data>
+We surprisingly found that not only the LCBI but also the MFR of the substantially linear HDPE are critical to achieving the improved barrier properties of the film. We found that when the HDPE contains a high concentration of long chain branching (high LCBI) or has a broad molecular weight distribution (high MFR), the film shows insignificant improvement on the barrier properties. In <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">15</confidence>
+       </boundary-data>
+some cases, the film even shows impaired, rather than improved, barrier properties.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">Preferably, the substantially linear HDPE has a medium molecular weight.</p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">Preferably, the substantially linear H<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+PE has an M<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+2 within the range of 0.5 to <part-num-ref name="range of 0.5 to">50</part-num-ref>
+ dg/min. More preferably, the substantially linear H<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+PE has an M<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+2 within the <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+range of <part-num-ref name="range of">1</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">10</part-num-ref>
+ dg/min. Most preferably, the substantially H<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+PE has an M<confidence value="68">12</confidence>
+ within the range of <part-num-ref name="range of">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">5</part-num-ref>
+ dg/min.    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">Preferably, the substantially linear H<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+PE has a density greater than or equal to 0.941 g/cm3. More preferably, the substantially linear H<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+PE has a density greater than or equal to 0.950 g/cm3. Most preferably, the substantially <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+linear H<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+PE has a density greater than or equal to 0.955 g/cm3<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">Suitable  nucleating  agents include  glycerol alkoxide  salts, hexahydrophthalic acid salts, the like, and mixtures thereof. The salts include ammonium and metal salts. Preferably, the glycerol alkoxide salt is selected from the group consisting of zinc, magnesium, and calcium glycerolates and <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+mixtures thereof. More preferably, the glycerol alkoxide salt is a zinc glycerolate.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">Preferably, the hexahydrophthalic acid salt is selected from the group consisting <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+of zinc, magnesium, and calcium hexahydrophthalates and mixtures thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">More preferably, the hexahydrophthalic acid salt is calcium hexahydrophthalate.</p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">Many glycerol alkoxide salts and hexahydrophthalic acid salts are commercially available. For instance, zinc glycerolate is available from Ciba Specialty <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+Chemicals as <confidence value="4">I</confidence>
+rgastab<confidence value="4">®</confidence>
+ 287. Calcium hexahydrophthalate is available from Milliken Company as Hyperform<confidence value="4">®</confidence>
+ HPN-20E.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">The amount of nucleating agent used varies depending on many factors such as the nucleating agent type, the properties of the substantially linear HDPE, the targeted improvement of the barrier properties of the polyethylene <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+       </boundary-data>
+film. In general, the nucleating agent is used in an amount within the range of about 0.01 wt% to <part-num-ref name="range of about 0.01 wt% to">1</part-num-ref>
+ wt% of the weight of the substantially linear HDPE.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">Preferably, the amount of the nucleating agent is within the range of about 0.05 to about 0.5 wt of the weight of the substantially linear HDPE.</p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">The nucleating agent and the substantially linear HDPE can be blended <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="55">is</confidence>
+       </boundary-data>
+thermally, in solution, or by any other suitable techniques. Preferably, the nucleating agent and the substantially linear HDPE are thermally blended in a mixer or extruder.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">Optionally, the blend contains antioxidants, UV-absorbents, flow agents, or other additives. The additives are well known in the art. Additives are added <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+in an amount preferably less than <part-num-ref name="amount preferably less than">10</part-num-ref>
+ wt % of the total blend. The blend can be converted to polyethylene film by any film processes such as blown film process and cast film process.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">The polyethylene film made by the method of the invention has significantly improved water vapor and oxygen barrier properties. The film made <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+by the method of the invention has at least a 15% improvement, compared with a control film which is made from the same substantially linear HDPE but does not contain the nucleating agent, in the water vapor barrier property and/or in the oxygen barrier property. Preferably, the film made by the method of the invention has at least a 25% improvement in the water vapor barrier property <part-num-ref name="water vapor barrier property">
+        <confidence value="86">30</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+  and/or in the oxygen barrier property. More preferably, the film made by the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+method of the invention has at least a 45% improvement in the water vapor barrier property and/or in the oxygen barrier property.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">The film made by the method of the invention can be used as a monolayer film. It can also be used as a layer of multilayer film. The film made <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+by the method of the invention is useful in many applications. It is particularly useful as packaging film where the improved barrier properties are desirable.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">The following examples merely illustrate the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize many variations that are within the spirit of the invention and scope of the claims.</p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10                           </boundary-data>
+EXAMPLE <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ A substantially linear, high density polyethylene <part-num-ref name="substantially linear, high density polyethylene">(14528</part-num-ref>
+ grams), which has a density of 0.960 g/cm3, long chain branching index (L<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+BI) of 0.105, melt index <confidence value="86">M1</confidence>
+2 of 2.0 dg/min, melt flow ratio MFR of <part-num-ref name="density of 0.960 g/cm3, long chain branching index (LCBI) of 0.105, melt index M12 of 2.0 dg/min, melt flow ratio MFR of">44,</part-num-ref>
+ is blended with calcium hexahydrophthalate (14.5 grams, Hyperform<confidence value="4">®</confidence>
+ HPN-20E, product of Milliken and <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">15</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+Company). The blending is performed in a Kobelco Stewart Bowling Mixer at a drop temperature of 151<confidence value="25">0C</confidence>
+ for <part-num-ref name="drop temperature of 1510C for">4</part-num-ref>
+ minutes. The mixture is converted to a film with a thickness of 1.25 mils on a Davis Standard blown film line with a 24:1 extruder running at a screw speed of <part-num-ref name="screw speed of">50</part-num-ref>
+ rpm. The extruder is equipped with a 50 mm barrier Maddock screw. The film is produced on a 101.6 mm mono layer blown <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+film die with a 1.5 mm die gap and in the pocket using a duel lip air ring with a blow up ratio (BUR) of 2.2:1. The resulted Example film has a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of 0.15 g.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day (ASTM F <part-num-ref name="water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of 0.15 g.mil/100si/day (ASTM F">1249</part-num-ref>
+ @ 100% humidity) and an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of <part-num-ref name="oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of">67</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day (ASTM D <part-num-ref name="cc.mil/100si/day (ASTM D">3985</part-num-ref>
+ @ dry conditions).    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25       </boundary-data>
+A control film is made from the same substantially linear HDPE without the addition of the nucleating agent. The control film is made under the same conditions as the Example film. The control film has a WVTR of 0.28 g.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day and OTR of <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.28 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of">134</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">The improvements on the water vapor barrier and oxygen barrier <part-num-ref name="water vapor barrier and oxygen barrier">30</part-num-ref>
+  properties are calculated based on the following formula, respectively:    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+Improvement on water vapor barrier property <confidence value="2">=</confidence>
+ (WVTR of the control film - WVTR of the Example film)/WVTR of the control film x<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+00% Improvement on oxygen barrier property <boundary-data type="line-number">5       </boundary-data>
+= (OTR of the control film - OTR of the Example film)/OTR of the control film x 100%.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">A positive improvement value indicates that the addition of the nucleating agent increases the barrier property of the polyethylene film. A negative improvement value indicates that the nucleating agent decreases the barrier <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="56">io</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+property of the polyethylene film. For Example <part-num-ref name="polyethylene film. For Example">1,</part-num-ref>
+ the improvements on water vapor barrier property and oxygen barrier property are 46.4% and 50.0%, respectively. The improvement values are listed in Table <part-num-ref name="improvement values are listed in Table">1.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">EXAMPLE 2 Example <part-num-ref name="Example">1</part-num-ref>
+ is repeated but a different substantially linear HDPE is used.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+The substantially linear HDPE used in this Example has a density of 0.958 g/cm3, LCBI of 0.219, M<confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+2 of 0.85 dg/min, and MFR of <part-num-ref name="density of 0.958 g/cm3, LCBI of 0.219, MI2 of 0.85 dg/min, and MFR of">65.</part-num-ref>
+ The Example film has a WVTR of 0.19 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.19 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of">83</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day. The control film has a WVTR of 0.27 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.27 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of">126</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day. The improvements on water vapor barrier property and oxygen barrier property are <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+29.6% and 34.1%, respectively. The improvement values are listed in Table <part-num-ref name="improvement values are listed in Table">1.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">EXAMPLE 3 Example <part-num-ref name="Example">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ is repeated but a different substantially linear HDPE is used.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">The substantially linear HDPE used in this Example has a density of 0.954 g/cm3, L<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+BI of 0.171, M<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+2 of 0.85 dg/min, and MFR of <part-num-ref name="density of 0.954 g/cm3, LCBI of 0.171, M12 of 0.85 dg/min, and MFR of">65.</part-num-ref>
+ The Example film has <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+a WVTR of 0.20 g.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day and OTR of <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.20 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of">98</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day. The control film has a WVTR of 0.29 g.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day and OTR of <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.29 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of">133</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day. The improvements on water vapor barrier property and oxygen barrier property are 31.0% and 26.3%, respectively. The improvement values are listed in Table <part-num-ref name="improvement values are listed in Table">1.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+EXAMPLE 4 Example <part-num-ref name="Example">1</part-num-ref>
+ is repeated but a different substantially linear HDPE is used.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">The substantially linear HDPE used in this Example has a density of 0.965 <confidence value="2222">g/cm</confidence>
+3, LCBI of 0.105, M<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+2 of 8.2 dg/min, and MFR of <part-num-ref name="density of 0.965 g/cm3, LCBI of 0.105, M12 of 8.2 dg/min, and MFR of">31.</part-num-ref>
+ The Example film has <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+a WVTR of 0.12 g.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day and OTR of <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.12 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of">59</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day. The control film has a WVTR of 0.24 g.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day and OTR of <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.24 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of">126</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day. The improvements on water vapor barrier property and oxygen barrier property are 50.0% and 53.2%, respectively. The improvement values are listed in Table <part-num-ref name="improvement values are listed in Table">1.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">EXAMPLE 5 <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+             </boundary-data>
+Example <part-num-ref name="Example">1</part-num-ref>
+ is repeated but a different substantially linear HDPE is used.    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">The substantially linear HDPE used in this Example has a density of 0.955 g/cm3, L<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+BI of 0.3, M<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+2 of 1.0 dg/min, and MFR of 19.9. The Example film has a WVTR of 0.20 g.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day and OTR of <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.20 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of">97</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day. The control film has a WVTR of 0.38 g.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day and OTR of <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.38 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of">180</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day. The <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="55">is</confidence>
+       </boundary-data>
+improvements on water vapor barrier property and oxygen barrier property are 47.4% and 46.1%, respectively. The improvement values are listed in Table <part-num-ref name="improvement values are listed in Table">1.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">EXAMPLE 6 Example <part-num-ref name="Example">1</part-num-ref>
+ is repeated but a different substantially linear HDPE is used.    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">The substantially linear HDPE used in this Example has a density of 0.956 <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="22222">g/cm3</confidence>
+, LCBI of 0.324, M<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+2 of 1.0 dg/min, and MFR of 20.8. The Example film has a WVTR of 0.19 g.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day and OTR of <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.19 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of">88</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day. The control film has a WVTR of 0.35 g.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day and OTR of <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.35 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of">177</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day. The improvements on water vapor barrier property and oxygen barrier property are 45.7% and 50.3%, respectively. The improvement values <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+are listed in Table <part-num-ref name="improvement values are listed in Table">1.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">EXAMPLE 7 Example <part-num-ref name="Example">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ is repeated but a different nucleating agent is used. The nucleating agent used in this Example is zinc monoglycerolate (Irgastab<confidence value="4">®</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="nucleating agent used in this Example is zinc monoglycerolate (Irgastab®">287,</part-num-ref>
+ product of Ciba Specialty Chemicals). The Example film has a WVTR of 0.13 <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.13">30</part-num-ref>
+  g.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day and an OTR of <part-num-ref name="OTR of">61</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day. The control film has a <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+WVTR of 0.28 g.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day and OTR of <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.28 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of">134</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day.  The improvements on water vapor barrier property and oxygen barrier property are 53.6% and 54.5%, respectively. The improvement values are listed in Table <part-num-ref name="improvement values are listed in Table">1.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 8 <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+             </boundary-data>
+Example <part-num-ref name="Example">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ is repeated but a different nucleating agent is used. The nucleating agent used in this Comparative Example is methylene-bis-(4,6-di-tert- butylphenyl)phosphate sodium salt (Irgastab<confidence value="4">®</confidence>
+ NA <part-num-ref name="nucleating agent used in this Comparative Example is methylene-bis-(4,6-di-tert- butylphenyl)phosphate sodium salt (Irgastab® NA">11,</part-num-ref>
+ product of Ciba Specialty Chemicals).  The Comparative Example film has a WVTR of 0.31 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.31 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of">165</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day. The control film has a WVTR <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+of 0.28 g.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day and OTR of <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.28 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of">134</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day. The improvements on water vapor barrier property and oxygen barrier property are -10.7% and -23.1%, respectively. The improvement values are listed in Table <part-num-ref name="improvement values are listed in Table">1.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 9 Example <part-num-ref name="Example">4</part-num-ref>
+ is repeated but a different nucleating agent is used. The <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">15</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+nucleating agent used in this Comparative Example is Hyperform<confidence value="4">®</confidence>
+ HPN-68L, product of Milliken and Company.  HPN-68L is a mixture of 80% bicyclic[2,2,1]heptane discarboxylic acid sodium salt with zinc stearate and calcium stearate. The Example film has a WVTR of 0.25 g.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day and OTR of <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.25 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of">116</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day.  The control film has a WVTR of 0.27 <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+g.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day and OTR of <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.27 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of">126</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day. The improvements on water vapor barrier property and oxygen barrier property are 7.4% and 7.9%, respectively. The improvement values are listed in Table <part-num-ref name="improvement values are listed in Table">1.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 10 Example <part-num-ref name="Example">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ is repeated but a non-substantially linear HDPE is used. For <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+the purpose of this application, "non-substantially linear HDPE" means that the HDPE either has an LCBI greater than 0.5 or has an MFR greater than <part-num-ref name="MFR greater than">65.</part-num-ref>
+ The non-substantially linear HDPE used in this Comparative Example has a density of 0.960 g/cm3, LCBI of 0.660, M<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+2 of 0.8 dg/min, and MFR of <part-num-ref name="density of 0.960 g/cm3, LCBI of 0.660, M12 of 0.8 dg/min, and MFR of">68.</part-num-ref>
+ The Comparative Example film has a WVTR of 0.51 g.mil/<confidence value="666885">100si/</confidence>
+day and OTR of <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.51 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of">239</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">30</part-num-ref>
+  cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day. The control film has a WVTR of 0.50 g.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day and OTR <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+of <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.50 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of">243</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day. The improvements on water vapor barrier property and oxygen barrier property are -0.02% and 1.7%, respectively. The improvement values are listed in Table <part-num-ref name="improvement values are listed in Table">1.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 11 <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+             </boundary-data>
+Example <part-num-ref name="Example">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ is repeated but a non-substantially linear HDPE is used. The non-substantially linear HDPE used in this Comparative Example has a density of 0.959 g/cm3, LCBI of 0.325, M<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+2 of 0.06 dg/min, and MFR of <part-num-ref name="density of 0.959 g/cm3, LCBI of 0.325, M12 of 0.06 dg/min, and MFR of">155.</part-num-ref>
+ The Comparative Example film has a WVTR of 0.61 g.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/ and OTR of <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.61 g.mil/100si/ and OTR of">314</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day. The control film has a WVTR of 0.64 g.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day and OTR <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+of <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.64 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of">356</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day. The improvements on water vapor barrier property and oxygen barrier property are 4.7% and 11.8%, respectively. The improvement values are listed in Table <part-num-ref name="improvement values are listed in Table">1.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 12 Example <part-num-ref name="Example">1</part-num-ref>
+ is repeated but a non-substantially linear HDPE is used. The <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">15</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+non-substantially linear HDPE used in this Comparative Example has a density of 0.949 g/cm3, LCBI of 0.563, M<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+2 of 0.33 dg/min, and MFR of <part-num-ref name="density of 0.949 g/cm3, LCBI of 0.563, M12 of 0.33 dg/min, and MFR of">81.</part-num-ref>
+ The Comparative Example film has a WVTR of 0.50 g.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day and OTR of <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.50 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of">251</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day. The control film has a WVTR of 0.56 g.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day and OTR <confidence value="88">of</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.56 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of">270</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day. The improvements on water vapor barrier property and <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+oxygen barrier property are 10.7% and 7.0%, respectively. The improvement values are listed in Table <part-num-ref name="improvement values are listed in Table">1.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 13 Example <part-num-ref name="Example">1</part-num-ref>
+ is repeated but a non-substantially linear HDPE is used. The non-substantially linear HDPE used in this Comparative Example has a density <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+of 0.958 <confidence value="22222">g/cm3</confidence>
+, LCBI of 0.570, M<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+2 of 1.3 dg/min, and MFR of 25.7. The Comparative Example film has a WVTR of 0.32 g.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day and OTR of <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.32 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of">157</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day. The control film has a WVTR of 0.30 g.mil/<confidence value="666885">100si/</confidence>
+day and OTR of <part-num-ref name="WVTR of 0.30 g.mil/100si/day and OTR of">146</part-num-ref>
+ cc.mil/<confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+si/day. The improvements on water vapor barrier property and oxygen barrier property are -6.7% and -7.5%, respectively. The improvement <part-num-ref name="improvement">30</part-num-ref>
+  values are listed in Table <part-num-ref name="values are listed in Table">1.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+      <confidence value="6">0</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">0</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="1">2</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="7">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="1">o</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">L</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="o  L">
+        <confidence value="7">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="11">4)</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="1">E</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">~</confidence>
+     <confidence value="1">N</confidence>
+  <confidence value="661">LOC</confidence>
+        <confidence value="11">co</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">E</confidence>
+   <confidence value="1">C</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">J</confidence>
+  <confidence value="11">C0</confidence>
+   <confidence value="11">to</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">M</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">N</confidence>
+  <confidence value="11">to</confidence>
+ <confidence value="22">NM</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">
+      <confidence value="1">.</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+   <confidence value="1">O</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">
+      <confidence value="1">O</confidence>
+   <confidence value="1">M</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">N</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+  <confidence value="11122">Itt00</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">O</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">N</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">-</confidence>
+  <confidence value="111">r0(</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">U</confidence>
+ <confidence value="111">.00</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">o</confidence>
+        <confidence value="1">o</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1112">oUM0</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="Itt00  O  N  -  r0( U .00 o        o oUM0">
+        <confidence value="11">4)</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    <confidence value="12">CL</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">&gt;</confidence>
+   <confidence value="1">c</confidence>
+  <part-num-ref name="CL &gt;   c">
+        <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+   <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="12">1,</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+  <confidence value="1">a</confidence>
+        <confidence value="2">n</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-8">
+      <confidence value="11">(U</confidence>
+                <confidence value="11">(U</confidence>
+  <confidence value="21">C(</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">
+      <confidence value="1">C</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">Z</confidence>
+                 <confidence value="11">.7</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">7</confidence>
+  <confidence value="17">7E</confidence>
+ <confidence value="21">o-</confidence>
+                         <confidence value="1">r</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11">1N</confidence>
+       <part-num-ref name="7E o-                         r 1N">
+        <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+  <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">0</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="22">0)</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+   <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+  <confidence value="1">o</confidence>
+     <confidence value="111">U~2</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-9">
+      <confidence value="7">U</confidence>
+  <confidence value="17">CU</confidence>
+ <confidence value="28">CU</confidence>
+ <confidence value="17">(U</confidence>
+  <confidence value="7">U</confidence>
+  <confidence value="17">(U</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">N</confidence>
+   <confidence value="22">O-</confidence>
+   <confidence value="2">U</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">U</confidence>
+  <confidence value="8">U</confidence>
+  <confidence value="26">(U</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">
+      <confidence value="2">M</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">-</confidence>
+   <confidence value="2">m</confidence>
+     <confidence value="1">0</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">M</confidence>
+   <part-num-ref name="M">
+        <confidence value="1">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="2">M</confidence>
+   <part-num-ref name="M">
+        <confidence value="1">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+  C  <confidence value="11">.0</confidence>
+ <confidence value="17">f0</confidence>
+  <part-num-ref name="C  .0 f0">
+        <confidence value="1">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+  <confidence value="27">c0</confidence>
+  <part-num-ref name="c0">
+        <confidence value="1">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="11">4)</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+  <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="11">(0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+     <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+                  <confidence value="11">cc</confidence>
+  <confidence value="11">(N</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2221">NM5O</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">E</confidence>
+       <confidence value="1">L</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">L</confidence>
+         <confidence value="111">,L'</confidence>
+    <confidence value="7">t</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">L</confidence>
+  <part-num-ref name="cc  (N NM5O E       L  L         ,L'    t L">
+        <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="1">Z</confidence>
+      <confidence value="21">NO</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">N</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">&gt;</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">a</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">D</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">a</confidence>
+   <confidence value="1">(</confidence>
+ <confidence value="111">Ocv</confidence>
+ <confidence value="7">N</confidence>
+  <confidence value="17">CO</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">N</confidence>
+ <confidence value="111">4-C</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11">CO</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11">to</confidence>
+            <confidence value="22">CO</confidence>
+ <confidence value="22">to</confidence>
+  <confidence value="22111">toO)O</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11112">(Jd~0</confidence>
+ <confidence value="17">WZ</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">m</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11">-N</confidence>
+  <confidence value="12">vo</confidence>
+              <confidence value="2">N</confidence>
+ <confidence value="111">oL-</confidence>
+   <confidence value="1">m</confidence>
+  <part-num-ref name="( Ocv N  CO  N 4-C CO to            CO to  toO)O (Jd~0 WZ  m -N  vo              N oL-   m">
+        <confidence value="711">000</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11737562.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,326 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11737562</doc-number>
+        <date>2007-04-19</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="86">08</confidence>
+7743.000009    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">INTERACTIVE EMAIL AND CALENDARING SYSTEM</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">[0001]  This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/747,648 filed on May <part-num-ref name="benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/747,648 filed on May">18,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/747,648 filed on May 18,">2006,</part-num-ref>
+ which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-3">FIELD OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">[0002]  The embodiments of the present invention relate to a system facilitated by computer software, more specifically, to an interactive email and calendaring system that automatically schedules, modifies and notifies users and clients of upcoming appointments and any changes associated therewith.</p>
+    <heading id="h-4">BACKGROUND</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[0003]  Whether running a beauty salon, spa, hairdressing studio or tanning salon, a cosmeto<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+og<confidence value="8">i</confidence>
+st or beautician can appreciate all the complexities associated with scheduling appointments with clients, not to mention the countless hours spent on the phone making and/or correcting scheduling mistakes and changes. In some instances, there can be added expenses in having to hire a receptionist or telephone operator to assist in the scheduling of appointments, which can be a real burden especially for small salons and independent hairdressers. Importantly, numerous other businesses face the same scheduling challenges.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">[0004]  Thus, there exists a need for an interactive email and calendaring system that can automatically schedule appointments, modify appointments as necessary and send reminder notifications to clients with minimal manual input from business personnel.</p>
+    <heading id="h-5">SUMMARY</heading>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">[0005]  Accordingly, a first embodiment of the present invention provides an interactive email and calendaring system for one or more appointments comprising: one or more databases configured to maintain one or more client profiles; and an email and calendaring application in communication with said one or more databases, said email and calendaring application able to automatically create said one or more appointments based on said one or more client profiles. The one or more appointments can be stored on the one or more databases or on the email and calendaring application. In another embodiment, the email <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">087743.000009</boundary-data>
+and calendaring application can further modify the one or more appointments based on one or more client feedbacks, the one or more client feedbacks include accepting, cancelling or flagging the one or more appointments.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">[0006]  Other variations, embodiments and features of the present invention will become evident from the following detailed description, drawings and claims.</p>
+    <heading id="h-6">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">[0007]  Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an interactive email and calendaring system according to the presently disclosed invention;</p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">[0008]  Fig. 2 illustrates manually sending an appointment to a client using an interactive email and calendaring application;</p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[0009]  Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the process steps of automatically sending an appointment to a client using an interactive email and calendaring application;</p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">[0010]  Fig. 4 is an illustration of a calendar that can be provided to a client in a notification email; and [0011]  Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the process steps of receiving and processing feedback from a client using an interactive email and calendaring application.</p>
+    <heading id="h-7">DETAILED DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">[0012]  It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential character thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.</p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">[0013]  While the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any particular industry and can be used for any industry wherein appointments are routine, for purposes of brevity and clarity, the detailed description below focuses on the salon industry.</p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">[0014]  Initial reference is made to Fig. 1 illustrating an interactive email and calendaring system <part-num-ref name="interactive email and calendaring system">100</part-num-ref>
+ having a database <part-num-ref name="database">102</part-num-ref>
+ for storing profiles and preferences of existing and potential clients including information such as the client's name, email address, physical address, phone number, date of birth, age, sex, hair color, hair style, hair length, and hair treatment process. The data can further include one or more photos of the client, preferred appointment date/time and preferred interval between visits. The database <part-num-ref name="database">102</part-num-ref>
+ can also store emails and other electronic documents and be accessed by known systems and <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="888">-2-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">087743.000009</boundary-data>
+methods. Client information stored in other applications, such as Access, Outlook or Excel, or in another database (not shown) can also be retrieved and imported into the database <part-num-ref name="database">102.</part-num-ref>
+ Although only one database <part-num-ref name="database 102. Although only one database">102</part-num-ref>
+ is illustrated, it is understood that there can be multiple databases <part-num-ref name="is illustrated, it is understood that there can be multiple databases">102</part-num-ref>
+ wherein each database <part-num-ref name="wherein each database">102</part-num-ref>
+ can access, share, retrieve, import or export information with other applications, databases and networks, as necessary.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">[0015]  The interactive email and calendaring system <part-num-ref name="interactive email and calendaring system">100</part-num-ref>
+ also includes a PC <part-num-ref name="PC">104</part-num-ref>
+ facilitating manual access of the information stored in the database <part-num-ref name="database">102</part-num-ref>
+ by a cosmetologist, beautician, hair stylist, hairdresser, barber, student or any user in need of an electronic calendar for maintaining upcoming events and appointments. The PC <part-num-ref name="PC">104</part-num-ref>
+ can also be used by individuals providing massage and facial therapies at beauty and spa salons.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">Besides using the PC <part-num-ref name="PC">104,</part-num-ref>
+ the database <part-num-ref name="database">102</part-num-ref>
+ can also be accessed with other types of access terminals or handheld wireless devices such as a PDA or a cellular phone. In some instances, the PC <part-num-ref name="PC">104</part-num-ref>
+ may be integrated into a single system with the database <part-num-ref name="database">102.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">[0016]  The interactive email and calendaring system <part-num-ref name="interactive email and calendaring system">100</part-num-ref>
+ further includes a server <part-num-ref name="server">106</part-num-ref>
+ for facilitating electronic communication among the database <part-num-ref name="database">102,</part-num-ref>
+ PC <part-num-ref name="database 102, PC">104</part-num-ref>
+ and a plurality of client computers <part-num-ref name="plurality of client computers">108</part-num-ref>
+ via known communication protocols including IMAP, POP3, SMTP and HTTP email protocols. The server <part-num-ref name="server">106</part-num-ref>
+ can also facilitate communication via other known communication methods and protocols. The systems and methods of implementing and using the server <part-num-ref name="server">106</part-num-ref>
+ is generally familiar to those skilled in the arts and need not be described in further detail. In some instances, the database <part-num-ref name="database">102,</part-num-ref>
+ PC <part-num-ref name="database 102, PC">104</part-num-ref>
+ and server <part-num-ref name="and server">106</part-num-ref>
+ can be integrated into a single system. For privacy reasons, the interactive email and calendaring system <part-num-ref name="interactive email and calendaring system">100</part-num-ref>
+ may be secured by known systems and methods, including encryption, and passwords.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">[0017<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Reference is now made to Fig. 2 illustrating a graphic user interface (GUI) of an interactive email and calendaring application <part-num-ref name="interactive email and calendaring application">200,</part-num-ref>
+ which can be stored on the database <part-num-ref name="database">102,</part-num-ref>
+ PC <part-num-ref name="database 102, PC">104</part-num-ref>
+ or server <part-num-ref name="or server">106.</part-num-ref>
+ An event or appointment can be manually created by making a selection from a schedule module <part-num-ref name="schedule module">202</part-num-ref>
+ or by clicking on a date/time slot icon on a calendar <part-num-ref name="calendar">204</part-num-ref>
+ resulting in a pop-up window <part-num-ref name="pop-up window">206.</part-num-ref>
+ The pop-up window <part-num-ref name="pop-up window">206</part-num-ref>
+ can include information such as the client's name, his or her preferred type of service, date/time of appointment or any other client information previously described. The pop-up window <part-num-ref name="pop-up window">206</part-num-ref>
+ can also include other information relevant to the appointment. A scheduled appointment <part-num-ref name="scheduled appointment">208</part-num-ref>
+ is subsequently created on the calendar <part-num-ref name="calendar">204</part-num-ref>
+ after the user has created or modified the information, saved it and closed the pop-up window <part-num-ref name="pop-up window">206.</part-num-ref>
+ To facilitate identification of the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="888">-3-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">087743.000009</boundary-data>
+scheduled appointment <part-num-ref name="scheduled appointment">208,</part-num-ref>
+ it may be color-coded and/or flagged. Once on the calendar <part-num-ref name="calendar">204,</part-num-ref>
+ the scheduled appointment <part-num-ref name="scheduled appointment">208</part-num-ref>
+ can be automatically monitored by the application <part-num-ref name="application">200,</part-num-ref>
+ which is discussed in further detail below.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">[0018]  It is anticipated that the application <part-num-ref name="application">200</part-num-ref>
+ can accommodate multiple users. In doing so, multiple appointments can take place at the same date/time and on a master calendar (not shown) similar to the calendar <part-num-ref name="calendar">204</part-num-ref>
+ shown. Ideally, the master calendar can be sorted and filtered based on a user's preference. For example, the master calendar can be sorted to display the appointments of only one cosmetologist or beautician.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">Alternatively, the master calendar can display the appointments of all cosmetologists or beauticians for the day, week or month. The application <part-num-ref name="application">200</part-num-ref>
+ can also include other known search and filter methodologies and preferences.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">[0019]  An event or appointment can also be automatically created by the interactive email and calendaring application <part-num-ref name="interactive email and calendaring application">200,</part-num-ref>
+ which is in communication with the plurality of client computers <part-num-ref name="plurality of client computers">108.</part-num-ref>
+ Reference is now made to Fig. 3 illustrating an embodiment of automatically scheduling appointments <part-num-ref name="embodiment of automatically scheduling appointments">300</part-num-ref>
+ using the interactive email and calendaring application <part-num-ref name="interactive email and calendaring application">200.</part-num-ref>
+ The automatic appointment process <part-num-ref name="automatic appointment process">300</part-num-ref>
+ can be initiated by first retrieving client information from the database <part-num-ref name="database">304.</part-num-ref>
+ The client information retrieved from the database <part-num-ref name="database">304</part-num-ref>
+ can reside on the same database <part-num-ref name="same database">102</part-num-ref>
+ as that described in Fig. 1 or on a different database. Once a client profile has been retrieved from the database <part-num-ref name="database">304,</part-num-ref>
+ the application <part-num-ref name="application">200</part-num-ref>
+ determines whether the interval between appointments option within the client profile has been set at a value greater than zero <part-num-ref name="value greater than zero">306.</part-num-ref>
+ If the interval between appointments is not set to a value greater than zero, the application <part-num-ref name="application">200</part-num-ref>
+ sends a notification email to the client asking the client to fill out the missing, incomplete or inaccurate information <part-num-ref name="missing, incomplete or inaccurate information">310.</part-num-ref>
+ The client can respond directly to the notification email <part-num-ref name="notification email">310,</part-num-ref>
+ which then automatically updates the changes in the client profile within the database <part-num-ref name="database">304.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">Alternatively, the client can also access his or her profile in the database <part-num-ref name="database">102</part-num-ref>
+ by setting up a username and password as commonly known. The email notification <part-num-ref name="email notification">310</part-num-ref>
+ may be periodically sent to the client until the client has filled out the missing, incomplete or inaccurate information. After a pre-determined number of notifications (e.g., maximum of three email notifications), the cosmetologist can manually set the necessary client preference (i.e., manually input a value for the interval between appointments option) by personally calling or emailing the client. Alternatively, the cosmetologist may choose to delete the client record and any associated profile from the database <part-num-ref name="database">304.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="888">-4-</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">087743<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+000009    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+[0020]  If the interval between appointments is set to a value greater than zero <part-num-ref name="value greater than zero">306,</part-num-ref>
+ the application <part-num-ref name="application">200</part-num-ref>
+ determines whether the number of appointments belonging to the given client is greater than zero <part-num-ref name="given client is greater than zero">308.</part-num-ref>
+ In other words, the application <part-num-ref name="application">200</part-num-ref>
+ next determines whether the client has previously patronized the facility. If the client has not patronized the facility previously (i.e., the number of appointments belonging to the client being zero), the application <part-num-ref name="application">200</part-num-ref>
+ sends an email to the client asking the client if he or she would like to make a new appointment <part-num-ref name="new appointment">312.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">[0021<confidence value="6">]</confidence>
+  <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+f the client has patronized the facility previously, the application <part-num-ref name="application">200</part-num-ref>
+ sends a notification email to the client <part-num-ref name="client">314</part-num-ref>
+ with the client's next scheduled appointment based on the client's preference. Ideally, the notification email <part-num-ref name="notification email">314</part-num-ref>
+ is automatically generated and sent to the client based on the client's designated preference of interval between appointments within the client's profile. For example, if the client has visited the facility previously and designated the preferred interval between appointments at <part-num-ref name="preferred interval between appointments at">6</part-num-ref>
+ weeks, a notification email containing the scheduled appointment <part-num-ref name="scheduled appointment">314</part-num-ref>
+ is automatically sent to the client with a new appointment <part-num-ref name="new appointment">6</part-num-ref>
+ weeks after his or her last appointment. In other instances, if the client fails or forgets to designate the interval between appointments or if the interval between appointments is set at zero, an automatic default interval such as <part-num-ref name="automatic default interval such as">10</part-num-ref>
+ or <part-num-ref name="or">12</part-num-ref>
+ weeks may be used. The notification email <part-num-ref name="notification email">314</part-num-ref>
+ can be sent using currently configured protocols such as POP3, IMAP, SMTP, HTTP or other known communication protocols. The notification email <part-num-ref name="notification email">314</part-num-ref>
+ may also provide the client with his or her previous treatment history including the date/time of previous visits as well as past treatments (e.g. haircut, hair shampoo, nail polishing, etc.). The notification email <part-num-ref name="notification email">314</part-num-ref>
+ may also include a calendar <part-num-ref name="calendar">400</part-num-ref>
+ providing alternative appointment dates and times as illustrated in Fig. 4. Although only <part-num-ref name="providing alternative appointment dates and times as illustrated in Fig. 4. Although only">10</part-num-ref>
+ days are shown in the figure, more or fewer numbers of days may be displayed on the calendar <part-num-ref name="calendar">400.</part-num-ref>
+ The date/time slots that are not available <part-num-ref name="date/time slots that are not available">402</part-num-ref>
+ may be omitted or blocked from the calendar <part-num-ref name="calendar">400.</part-num-ref>
+ When the client receives the notification email <part-num-ref name="notification email">314,</part-num-ref>
+ the client need only click on the desired date/time slot on the calendar <part-num-ref name="calendar">400.</part-num-ref>
+ Once selected, a pop-up window (not shown) similar to that in Fig. 2 may appear and allow the client to enter or edit his or her information including preferred treatments and start/stop time. The pop-up window can also include other information relevant to the appointment. By changing and saving the data in the pop-up window, a scheduled appointment (not shown) similar to that in Fig. 2 may be automatically created in the calendar. Like the scheduled appointment <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="888">-5-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">087743.000009</boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="scheduled appointment">208</part-num-ref>
+ of Fig. 2, once on the calendar, the application <part-num-ref name="application">200</part-num-ref>
+ monitors and sends periodic notification messages to the client as discussed in further detail below.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">[0022]  The appointment, whether manually scheduled <part-num-ref name="appointment, whether manually scheduled">208</part-num-ref>
+ or automatically created <part-num-ref name="or automatically created">314,</part-num-ref>
+ remains tentative until the client has provided a response confirming, cancelling or changing the appointment. The client can also flag the appointment should the client have any question. A periodic reminder email from the application <part-num-ref name="application">200</part-num-ref>
+ may be sent to the client as the tentative appointment <part-num-ref name="tentative appointment">208,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="tentative appointment 208,">314</part-num-ref>
+ approaches. For example, the periodic reminder email may be sent to the client a week or two prior to the scheduled appointment date/time seeking one of the previously described responses. Ideally, more than one periodic reminder email is sent.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">[0023]  Reference is now made to Fig. 5 illustrating the various methods of receiving and processing feedbacks from the client <part-num-ref name="client">500</part-num-ref>
+ using the interactive email and calendaring application <part-num-ref name="interactive email and calendaring application">200.</part-num-ref>
+ In a first instance, if the client approves of the date/time slot of the scheduled appointment <part-num-ref name="scheduled appointment">502,</part-num-ref>
+ he or she simply accepts the scheduled appointment <part-num-ref name="scheduled appointment">502.</part-num-ref>
+ In doing so, the status of the appointment changes from scheduled <part-num-ref name="appointment changes from scheduled">502</part-num-ref>
+ to confirmed <part-num-ref name="to confirmed">504</part-num-ref>
+ on the calendar <part-num-ref name="calendar">204.</part-num-ref>
+ Different color-codes and/or flags can be used to differentiate confirmed appointments <part-num-ref name="calendar 204. Different color-codes and/or flags can be used to differentiate confirmed appointments">504</part-num-ref>
+ from scheduled appointments <part-num-ref name="from scheduled appointments">502.</part-num-ref>
+  The interactive email and calendaring application <part-num-ref name="interactive email and calendaring application">200</part-num-ref>
+ may continue to automatically monitor the confirmed appointment <part-num-ref name="confirmed appointment">504</part-num-ref>
+ and send out periodic reminders to the client. These periodic reminders can take place two, three or five days prior to the confirmed appointment <part-num-ref name="confirmed appointment">504.</part-num-ref>
+ The periodic reminders can also be set to go out at any number of days before the confirmed appointment <part-num-ref name="confirmed appointment">504.</part-num-ref>
+ The application <part-num-ref name="application">200</part-num-ref>
+ may also include a voice module as a means of notifying the program user or cosmetologist of upcoming scheduled <part-num-ref name="program user or cosmetologist of upcoming scheduled">502</part-num-ref>
+ or confirmed <part-num-ref name="or confirmed">504</part-num-ref>
+ appointments.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">[0024<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  In a second instance, if the client no longer desires an appointment, he or she can simply cancel the scheduled appointment <part-num-ref name="scheduled appointment">502.</part-num-ref>
+ In doing so, the status of the appointment changes from scheduled <part-num-ref name="appointment changes from scheduled">502</part-num-ref>
+ to cancelled <part-num-ref name="to cancelled">506</part-num-ref>
+ and the appointment is removed from the calendar <part-num-ref name="calendar">204.</part-num-ref>
+ The date/time slot that is released as a result of the cancellation may now be made available to other clients. The interactive email and calendaring application <part-num-ref name="interactive email and calendaring application">200</part-num-ref>
+ may also store the record of the cancelled appointment <part-num-ref name="cancelled appointment">506</part-num-ref>
+ as a marker in order to generate the next notification email <part-num-ref name="next notification email">314</part-num-ref>
+ based on the client's preference interval between appointments. For example, if the client designates the preferred interval between treatments at <part-num-ref name="preferred interval between treatments at">6</part-num-ref>
+ weeks but cancels the previously scheduled <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="888">-6-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">087743.000009</boundary-data>
+appointment <part-num-ref name="previously scheduled appointment">502,</part-num-ref>
+ the application <part-num-ref name="application">200</part-num-ref>
+ automatically generates another email notification <part-num-ref name="automatically generates another email notification">314</part-num-ref>
+ at <part-num-ref name="at">6</part-num-ref>
+ weeks from the date of the cancelled appointment <part-num-ref name="cancelled appointment">506.</part-num-ref>
+ In other instances, the application <part-num-ref name="application">200</part-num-ref>
+ can be set to generate an email notification <part-num-ref name="email notification">314</part-num-ref>
+ earlier or later than the client's designated interval preference.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0025]  In a third instance, if the client is not sure, hesitant or confused about the date/time slot of the scheduled appointment <part-num-ref name="scheduled appointment">502</part-num-ref>
+ or has other questions or concerns, the client can flag the scheduled appointment <part-num-ref name="scheduled appointment">502.</part-num-ref>
+ In doing so, the status of the appointment changes from scheduled <part-num-ref name="appointment changes from scheduled">502</part-num-ref>
+ to flag and call <part-num-ref name="to flag and call">508</part-num-ref>
+ on the calendar <part-num-ref name="calendar">204.</part-num-ref>
+ Different color- codes and/or flags may be used to differentiate flag and call appointments <part-num-ref name="calendar 204. Different color- codes and/or flags may be used to differentiate flag and call appointments">508</part-num-ref>
+ from scheduled appointments <part-num-ref name="from scheduled appointments">502</part-num-ref>
+ and confirmed appointments <part-num-ref name="and confirmed appointments">504.</part-num-ref>
+ As a result of the flag and call appointment <part-num-ref name="flag and call appointment">508,</part-num-ref>
+ an automatic reminder may be generated by the interactive email and calendaring application <part-num-ref name="interactive email and calendaring application">200</part-num-ref>
+ and sent to the cosmetologist providing him or her with the client's name and phone number retrieved from the database <part-num-ref name="database">102.</part-num-ref>
+ The appointment remains in the flag and call state <part-num-ref name="flag and call state">508</part-num-ref>
+ until the cosmetologist has manually resolved the issue. In other instances, the flag and call state <part-num-ref name="flag and call state">508</part-num-ref>
+ can also automatically revert to the scheduled <part-num-ref name="scheduled">502</part-num-ref>
+ state after a pre-determined period of time.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">[0026]  In a fourth instance, if the client wants to change or modify the date/time slot of the scheduled appointment <part-num-ref name="scheduled appointment">502,</part-num-ref>
+ the client need only click on the preferred date/time slot on a calendar similar to that shown in Fig. 4, which is provided along with the periodic reminder email. After selecting the preferred date/time slot, an electronic correspondence is generated <part-num-ref name="electronic correspondence is generated">510</part-num-ref>
+ and delivered to the interactive email and calendaring application <part-num-ref name="interactive email and calendaring application">200.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">The generated electronic correspondence 510 can be in the form of an email or other known electronic means via known communication protocols.  The electronic correspondence generated <part-num-ref name="electronic correspondence generated">510</part-num-ref>
+ causes the application <part-num-ref name="application">200</part-num-ref>
+ to modify the scheduled appointment <part-num-ref name="scheduled appointment">502</part-num-ref>
+ that is stored in the database <part-num-ref name="database">512</part-num-ref>
+ and depicted on the calendar <part-num-ref name="calendar">204.</part-num-ref>
+ The application <part-num-ref name="application">200</part-num-ref>
+ then searches the database <part-num-ref name="database">102</part-num-ref>
+ for an open date/time slot based on the client's new preference.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">[0027]  If the application <part-num-ref name="application">200</part-num-ref>
+ is able to change the scheduled appointment <part-num-ref name="scheduled appointment">502</part-num-ref>
+ (i.e., if the client's newly preferred date/time slot is open or available), the status of the appointment changes from scheduled <part-num-ref name="appointment changes from scheduled">502</part-num-ref>
+ to confirmed <part-num-ref name="to confirmed">514</part-num-ref>
+ on the calendar <part-num-ref name="calendar">204.</part-num-ref>
+ The application <part-num-ref name="application">200</part-num-ref>
+ can automatically populate any information necessary for the appointment by transferring the client information from the scheduled appointment <part-num-ref name="scheduled appointment">502</part-num-ref>
+ to the confirmed appointment <part-num-ref name="confirmed appointment">514.</part-num-ref>
+  Different color-codes and/or flags may be used to differentiate confirmed <boundary-data type="header">-7-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">087743.000009</boundary-data>
+appointments <part-num-ref name="confirmed appointment 514.  Different color-codes and/or flags may be used to differentiate confirmed appointments">514</part-num-ref>
+ from scheduled <part-num-ref name="from scheduled">502</part-num-ref>
+ or flagged <part-num-ref name="or flagged">508</part-num-ref>
+ appointments. A confirmation may be sent to the client acknowledging that the scheduled appointment <part-num-ref name="scheduled appointment">502</part-num-ref>
+ has been modified and confirmed <part-num-ref name="has been modified and confirmed">514</part-num-ref>
+ based on the client's preference. The interactive email and calendaring application <part-num-ref name="interactive email and calendaring application">200</part-num-ref>
+ then automatically monitors the confirmed appointment <part-num-ref name="confirmed appointment">514</part-num-ref>
+ and sends out periodic reminders to the client similar to that previously described.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">[0028]  If the application <part-num-ref name="application">200</part-num-ref>
+ is unable to change the scheduled appointment <part-num-ref name="scheduled appointment">502</part-num-ref>
+ (i.e., if the client's preferred date/time slot is not open or available), an electronic correspondence such as an email may be generated and sent to the client along with a new calendar <part-num-ref name="new calendar">516</part-num-ref>
+ simi<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+ar to that shown in Fig. 4. The new calendar <part-num-ref name="new calendar">516</part-num-ref>
+ provides the client with a listing of the available date/time slots for rescheduling the appointment. In some instances, instead of having the client choose one date/time slot, the new calendar <part-num-ref name="new calendar">516</part-num-ref>
+ provides the client with the option of selecting from a plurality of date/time slots (e.g., client can choose up to three date/time slots ranked by order of preference). After the client has indicated the preferred date/time slots, another electronic correspondence is then generated and sent to the application <part-num-ref name="application">200.</part-num-ref>
+ The application <part-num-ref name="application">200</part-num-ref>
+ repeats the process previously described by searching the database <part-num-ref name="database">102</part-num-ref>
+ for availability in an attempt to reschedule the client. Like before, if the application <part-num-ref name="application">200</part-num-ref>
+ finds an available date/time slot based on the client's preference, the status of the appointment changes from scheduled <part-num-ref name="appointment changes from scheduled">502</part-num-ref>
+ to confirmed <part-num-ref name="to confirmed">520.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">Different color-codes and/or flags may be used to differentiate the confirmed appointments <part-num-ref name="confirmed appointments">520</part-num-ref>
+ from scheduled <part-num-ref name="from scheduled">502</part-num-ref>
+ and flagged <part-num-ref name="and flagged">508</part-num-ref>
+ appointments. Confirmation emails and automatic monitoring of the confirmed appointment <part-num-ref name="confirmed appointment">520</part-num-ref>
+ similar to that previously described may be performed by the application <part-num-ref name="application">200.</part-num-ref>
+ If the application <part-num-ref name="application">200</part-num-ref>
+ is unable to find an open date/time slot based on the client's plurality of preferences, the application <part-num-ref name="application">200</part-num-ref>
+ can either cancel the schedule appointment <part-num-ref name="schedule appointment">522</part-num-ref>
+ or flag the appointment and direct the cosmetologist call the client <part-num-ref name="client">522</part-num-ref>
+ to make alternative arrangement. Although only two iterations are illustrated, there can be more or fewer iterations based on user preference. Further, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that manual input from the cosmetologist can take place and interrupt any scheduling conflict and/or difficulties that may result in changing a scheduled appointment <part-num-ref name="scheduled appointment">502.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">[0029<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Any electronic correspondences including emails and electronic messages previously described can be received by the server <part-num-ref name="server">106</part-num-ref>
+ and parsed according to the sender's email address or the subject of the email (i.e., client is accepting, cancelling, flagging or rescheduling the appointment). The electronic correspondence can also be <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="888">-8-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">087743.000009</boundary-data>
+parsed based on the header, other unique identifiers or size of the correspondence. The email receiving sequence can be initiated manually or automatically by the database <part-num-ref name="database">102</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., set default to every five minutes). The incoming electronic correspondences can also be processed using currently configured protocols such as POP3, IMAP, SM<confidence value="5">T</confidence>
+P, HTTP or other known communication protocols. Once parsed, the electronic correspondence can be extracted according to various information fields including without limitation: "from," "to," "cc," "bcc" addresses, mail content, subject, date and time and keywords. The electronic correspondences can also be parsed and extracted by other known methods.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">[0030]  The incoming emails can also be saved to the database <part-num-ref name="database">102,</part-num-ref>
+ PC <part-num-ref name="database 102, PC">104</part-num-ref>
+ or server <part-num-ref name="or server">106.</part-num-ref>
+ Ideally, the application <part-num-ref name="application">200</part-num-ref>
+ can receive emails from two groups of senders: clients and others. In filtering or parsing out the two different groups, the sender's email address is compared to the email addresses in the database. If there is a match, then it is an indication that the email is coming from an existing client or an individual who's information is stored in the database <part-num-ref name="database">102.</part-num-ref>
+ If there is no match to any of the email addresses in the database <part-num-ref name="database">102,</part-num-ref>
+ then the incoming email is from another and not the client. The incoming emails from others can be stored in a separate database in order to minimize the amount of emails that the system <part-num-ref name="system">100</part-num-ref>
+ has to process. With emails from others, the application <part-num-ref name="application">200</part-num-ref>
+ has the option of adding the unknown email address to the database as a potential client.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">Alternatively, the application can be combined with a conventional spa<confidence value="7">m</confidence>
+ filter program to eliminate any potential spa<confidence value="7">m</confidence>
+ messages. The cosmetologist can also manually process the plurality of emails identified as being from others. Once emails from clients or others are saved, they are processed to reflect their selection choices.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">[0031]  In another embodiment, the interactive email and calendaring system <part-num-ref name="interactive email and calendaring system">100</part-num-ref>
+ can provide financial and statistical reports (not shown). The types of financial and statistical reports can be customized according to the cosmetologist's fees and schedule and can even produce client statistics, monthly revenue reports and monthly summary revenue reports. The reports can also be sorted based on the client's name, the types of treatment process, treatment dates, and other common known sorting methodologies. In yet another embodiment, the interactive email and calendaring system <part-num-ref name="interactive email and calendaring system">100</part-num-ref>
+ can be used to generate creative email marketing and advertising campaigns (not shown). By using the client information profiles stored on the database <part-num-ref name="database">102,</part-num-ref>
+ promotional specials, events or activities may be sent via separate email notices to the client. Massive mailing lists may be <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="888">-9-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">087743.000009</boundary-data>
+generated or clients may be individually selected. Clients can also opt out of the marketing and advertising campaigns.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">[0032]  Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to several embodiments, additional variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="888">10-</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11751484.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><pat:SpecificationDocument xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:pat="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent" xmlns:ent="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:enterprise" xmlns="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent" xmlns:tbl="http://www.oasis-open.org/tables/exchange/1.0" xmlns:com="http://www.wipo.int/standards/XMLSchema/Common/1" xsi:schemaLocation="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent XML_SCHEMAS/V1_3/SpecificationDocument_1_0.xsd" pat:instanceFileName="11751484.12-21-2016.IXKHMCJ3RXEAPX0.SPEC.XML" pat:id="IXKHMCJ3RXEAPX0">
+<pat:DocumentCode>SPEC</pat:DocumentCode><pat:DocumentHeaderDetails pat:id="ID-00001"><pat:ApplicationHeaderDetails><pat:ApplicationNumber>11751484</pat:ApplicationNumber></pat:ApplicationHeaderDetails><pat:PageTotalQuantity>1</pat:PageTotalQuantity><pat:ParagraphTotalQuantity>6</pat:ParagraphTotalQuantity></pat:DocumentHeaderDetails><pat:MailRoomDate>2016-12-21</pat:MailRoomDate><pat:DocumentCreateDateText>2017-01-05</pat:DocumentCreateDateText><pat:Specification><?PageStart number='1'?><pat:P pat:pNumber="1" pat:id="p-1"><pat:PatentImage pat:id="p-00000" pat:imageWrappingStyleCategory="Inline" com:orientationCategory="Portrait" pat:imageContentCategory="Chemistry"><com:ImageFormatCategory>SVG</com:ImageFormatCategory><com:ImageFileName>11751484.12-21-2016.IXKHMCJ3RXEAPX0.SPEC.1.1.183.135.206.147.svg</com:ImageFileName><com:HeightMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.04</com:HeightMeasure><com:WidthMeasure com:measureUnitCode="In">0.077</com:WidthMeasure><com:ALTText>Chemistry</com:ALTText><com:ColourModeCategory>Black and white</com:ColourModeCategory></pat:PatentImage>Application No.<pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00001"> 11/</pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00001">751</pat:PartNumber>,484 /Attorney Docket No.<pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00002"> MOT-</pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00002">0<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="686">010</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:PartNumber><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="88">-P</pat:OCRConfidenceData> Response to December 15, 2016 Corrected Notice of Allowability</pat:P><pat:Heading pat:id="h-1"><pat:U>AMENDMENT TO THE SPECIFICATION</pat:U></pat:Heading><pat:P pat:pNumber="2" pat:id="p-2">Please amend the specification as follow:</pat:P><pat:P pat:pNumber="3" pat:id="p-3">In<pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00003"> compliance with </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00003">37</pat:PartNumber> CFR 1.96(c) for submission of computer program listings, the applicant respectfully requests to insert the following title and text after paragraph [0001], but before title BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION.</pat:P><pat:P pat:pNumber="4" pat:id="p-4">The content of the CD-ROMs discussed in the following paragraph is identical to the subject matter that was previously file in the<pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00004"> original patent application at Paragraph [0066<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">]</pat:OCRConfidenceData> on page </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00004">22</pat:PartNumber>-32. No new matter is added herein.</pat:P><pat:Heading pat:id="h-2"><pat:U>COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX</pat:U></pat:Heading><pat:P pat:pNumber="5" pat:id="p-5">A computer program listing appendix stored on compact disc, submitted herewith in duplicate, is provided. Each disc contains the file <pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="66885">11751</pat:OCRConfidenceData>484Listing.pdf,<pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00005"> size </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00005">52</pat:PartNumber>, 000 bytes and created on December 21, 2016. The contents of that disc are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.</pat:P><pat:P pat:pNumber="6" pat:id="p-6"><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="888">-2-</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:P></pat:Specification></pat:SpecificationDocument>

applicant/11771418.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11771418</doc-number>
+        <date>2009-09-03</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">In re: Sune Montan Serial No.: 11/771,418 Filed: June 29, 2007 Page <part-num-ref name="Page">2</part-num-ref>
+ of <part-num-ref name="of">9</part-num-ref>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">IN THE SPECIFICATION:</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Please replace the paragraph beginning on page <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning on page">5,</part-num-ref>
+ line <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning on page 5, line">15</part-num-ref>
+ with the following amended paragraph:    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">The present invention may be embodied as methods, electronic devices, and/or computer program products. Accordingly, the present invention may be embodied in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.).</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium having computer-usable or computer- readable program code embodied in the medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system. In the context of this document, a computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain[[<confidence value="55">,]</confidence>
+] or store<confidence value="6">,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="26666626665">-mmunieate,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="222222222222222222">propagaterrmnsport</confidence>
+ the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">Please replace the paragraph beginning on page <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning on page">5,</part-num-ref>
+ line <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning on page 5, line">25</part-num-ref>
+ with the following amended paragraph:    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ or device<confidence value="6">,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="28">^r</confidence>
+ <confidence value="77677777767">propagation</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6662">medi</confidence>
+m. More specific examples (a nonexhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). <confidence value="65">Ne</confidence>
+ <confidence value="4">e</confidence>
+     <confidence value="2">b</confidence>
+ <confidence value="221">mea</confidence>
+ <confidence value="22">ca</confidence>
+ <confidence value="222222222222222">.eeetoialatrdva</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">o</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2222">ntne</confidence>
+           <confidence value="222">pia</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2212">sann</confidence>
+      <confidence value="2222222">fteppro</confidence>
+     <confidence value="22">te</confidence>
+     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11775915.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,370 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11775915</doc-number>
+        <date>2007-07-11</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">MGH 3418</boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">IMAGE DERIVED INPUT FUNCTION FOR PET LUNG ASSESSMENT</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0001] This invention was made with government support under Grant Nos.    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">HL086827, HL056879 and HL076464 awarded by the National Institute of Health.</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">The United States Government has certain rights in this invention.</p>
+    <heading id="h-3">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">[0002] The field of the invention is positron emission tomography (PET) scanners, and particularly the quantification of tissue metabolic activity.</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">[0003]  Positrons are positively charged electrons which are emitted by radionuclides that have been prepared using a cyclotron or other device. The radionuclides most often employed in diagnostic imaging are fluorine-18 (<confidence value="66">18</confidence>
+F), carbon-<confidence value="66">11</confidence>
+ <confidence value="825">(1C</confidence>
+), nitrogen-13 (<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+N), and oxygen-<confidence value="66">15</confidence>
+ <confidence value="866">(15</confidence>
+0). These are employed as radioactive tracers called "radiopharmaceuticals" by incorporating them into substances, such as glucose or carbon dioxide. The radiopharmaceuticals are injected in the patient and become involved in such processes as blood flow, fatty acid and glucose metabolism, and protein synthesis.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0004] As the radionuclides decay, they emit positrons. The positrons travel a very short distance before they encounter an electron, and when this occurs, they are annihilated and converted into two photons, or gamma rays. This annihilation event is characterized by two features which are pertinent to PET scanners -<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+ each gamma ray has an energy of <part-num-ref name="energy of">511</part-num-ref>
+ keV and the two gamma rays are directed in nearly opposite directions. An image is created by determining the number of such annihilation events at each location within the scanner's field of view.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <confidence value="4">[</confidence>
+0005<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Positron-emission tomography (PET) imaging of 2-deoxy-2-[<confidence value="44">18</confidence>
+F]fluoro-D- glucose (<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+8F-FDG) is increasingly used to assess metabolic activity of pulmonary inflammatory cells. The uptake rate of <confidence value="5586">18F-</confidence>
+FDG by tissue can be computed either by compartmental modeling or by a graphical technique. A prerequisite for either analysis is the knowledge of the input function to the system in the form of a plasma time-activity curve. Acquisition of such an input function typically involves sequential blood sampling, a process that is invasive, is prone to measurement artifacts, involves radiation and blood exposure to clinical staff, and adds costly laboratory procedures.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">-1-</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">MGH 3418</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0006<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ To avoid, or minimize, manual blood sampling, substantial effort has been devoted to developing alternative techniques that have been successfully applied to estimate <confidence value="5586">18F-</confidence>
+FDG uptake in tumors and brain. Some of these known techniques involve population-based assumptions about the input function morphology, while others directly estimate the input function from blood pool regions of interest (ROI) in the PET images.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[0007]  Analysis of <confidence value="1">1</confidence>
+F-FDG uptake by inflamed non-neoplastic lung presents particular challenges which render prior methods unsatisfactory. Population-based assumptions required by prior methods are not available and may vary for different types of pulmonary inflammation. Also, estimates of the input function from blood pool RO<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+'s are affected by partial volume effects, and by activity spillover from the heart or inflamed pulmonary tissues. Moreover, in contrast to brain, heart or solid tumor tissues, where the blood-to-tissue fraction is low, in lung parenchyma blood volume may account for as much as half of the parenchymal volume. As a result, the blood compartment is a dominant source of lung <confidence value="11">18</confidence>
+F-FDG activity, and particularly during the early phase following tracer injection. Because early phase kinetics affects estimates of distribution volumes and rapid rate constants, accurate assessment of the early phase input function might be crucial for characterizing the inflamed lung. Although techniques to reduce blood sampling are available, they seem to have limited accuracy in describing the early phase input function, or are unable to assess the early phase of the input function. Current techniques involving image-derived assessment of the early input function either neglect partial volume effects and activity spillover artifacts, or they mathematically correct for these artifacts using measured or approximated anatomic dimensions of the blood poo<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+ ROI used.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-4">SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0008] The present invention is a method based on a two-parameter model of the input function which separates the RO<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+'s time-activity curve into a blood and an activity spillover compartment. These two parameters are derived using an iterative calculation and two blood samples that are used to calibrate raw PET-derived activity data acquired from a selected ROI in a PET image.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">[0009] A general object of the invention is to provide an accurate and quantitative input function without the need for taking numerous blood samples. Only two blood <boundary-data type="header">-2-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">MGH 3418</boundary-data>
+samples are acquired when using the present invention and an accurate input function is produced from the event counts that accumulate over time in a selected image RO<confidence value="56">I.</confidence>
+ No population-based input function morphology is required and the geometric boundary of the selected blood pool ROI need not be precisely known.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0010<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Fig. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ is a pictorial view with parts cut away of a PET scanner system which employs the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0011]  Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the PET scanner system of Fig. 1;    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0012]  Fig. 3 is a flow chart of the steps used to calculate an input function according to the present invention; and <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0013<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Fig. 4 is a flow chart of a preferred PET scan which employs the input function produced in Fig. 3;    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0014]  Fig. 5 is a graphic illustration of the variable time windows used during the procedure; and [0015]  Figs. 6A-6D are graphic illustrations of exemplary input functions <confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">[0016<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  The PET signal from a blood pool ROI (C<confidence value="5">P</confidence>
+ET(t)) <confidence value="66">is</confidence>
+ modeled by two compartments. One accounts for <confidence value="11">18</confidence>
+F-FDG activity from blood plasma (C<confidence value="5">p</confidence>
+(t)), and the other for spillover activity from tracer that accumulates in tissue surrounding the region of interest (ROI). "RC" is defined as a constant recovery coefficient quantifying a geometrical partial volume effect, and "SC" as a constant spillover coefficient from tracer accumulating in the surrounding tissue. The PET signal <confidence value="86">CP</confidence>
+ET(t) <confidence value="66">is</confidence>
+ e<confidence value="8">x</confidence>
+pressed a<confidence value="68">s:</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">CPET<confidence value="666">(t)</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">=</confidence>
+ <confidence value="62">RC</confidence>
+ <confidence value="66666666">Cp(t)+SC</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">f</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2561662">Gp(T)dc</confidence>
+               <confidence value="656">(1)</confidence>
+ <confidence value="272">i=0</confidence>
+ where the integral describes the tracer accumulation in surrounding tissue as a function of <confidence value="55">18</confidence>
+F-FDG availability in blood. Dividing both sides of equation <part-num-ref name="function of 18F-FDG availability in blood. Dividing both sides of equation">(1)</part-num-ref>
+ by C<confidence value="5">p</confidence>
+(t) yields:    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">-3-</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">MGH 3418</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+SC <confidence value="28151881">fCP(i)dt</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8666555">CPET(t)</confidence>
+ <confidence value="868">RC+</confidence>
+  <confidence value="42">T=</confidence>
+                                   (2) <confidence value="2222">C,(t</confidence>
+)        C<confidence value="1">,</confidence>
+(t) Assuming that RC and SC are constant during the imaging period, equation <part-num-ref name="imaging period, equation">(2)</part-num-ref>
+ becomes a linear equation according to <confidence value="88">y=</confidence>
+SCx+RC                                           <part-num-ref name="linear equation according to y=SCx+RC">(3)</part-num-ref>
+ with the variables <confidence value="5">y</confidence>
+ = C<confidence value="48886">P(t)/</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8488">CP(t</confidence>
+)                                     <part-num-ref name="variables y = CP(t)/ CP(t)">(4)</part-num-ref>
+ and x = <confidence value="2815188446">fCP(t)dtI/</confidence>
+ <confidence value="81">CP</confidence>
+(t)                                <part-num-ref name="and x = fCP(t)dtI/ CP(t)">(5)</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="884">t=o</confidence>
+ To compute RC and SC by linear regression of equation (3), the integral of the unknown time course of C<confidence value="5">p</confidence>
+(t) is needed. To solve this dilemma, an iterative process is used, which requires a minimum of two blood sample data points to obtain estimates of RC and SC, and thus, to obtain a model-adjusted, image-derived estimate of C<confidence value="5">p</confidence>
+(t). As shown in Fig. 3, the iterative process indicated generally at <part-num-ref name="iterative process indicated generally at">202</part-num-ref>
+ is entered after initialization as indicated at process block <part-num-ref name="is entered after initialization as indicated at process block">200.</part-num-ref>
+ For the first iteration, <confidence value="86">CP</confidence>
+ET(t) <confidence value="8">s</confidence>
+erve<confidence value="8">s</confidence>
+ as an initial e<confidence value="8">s</confidence>
+timate of <confidence value="55">Cp</confidence>
+(t) <confidence value="52">($</confidence>
+(t)<confidence value="5458">[O])</confidence>
+. Then, the following three steps are iterated. First, the index i is incremented and an approximation of the integral in equation <part-num-ref name="integral in equation">(2)</part-num-ref>
+ is calculated by the integral of the (i-<confidence value="6866">1)th</confidence>
+ estimate of C<confidence value="5">p</confidence>
+(t) <confidence value="5146">(_,)</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">)</confidence>
+as indicated at process block <part-num-ref name="(i-1)th estimate of Cp(t) (_,) )as indicated at process block">206.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0017] Two blood samples, obtained at times t<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ and t2 (C<confidence value="5885">p(t1</confidence>
+) and C<confidence value="5">p</confidence>
+(t2)), are used to compute the current (<confidence value="245">ith</confidence>
+) estimates of RC and SC (RC<confidence value="651">[,,</confidence>
+ and SC<confidence value="655">[,]</confidence>
+) by linear regression as indicated at process block <part-num-ref name="current (ith) estimates of RC and SC (RC[,, and SC[,]) by linear regression as indicated at process block">204.</part-num-ref>
+ As indicated at process block <part-num-ref name="current (ith) estimates of RC and SC (RC[,, and SC[,]) by linear regression as indicated at process block 204. As indicated at process block">206,</part-num-ref>
+ the new estimate of C<confidence value="5">p</confidence>
+(t), <confidence value="41">CP</confidence>
+(t)<confidence value="71">,]</confidence>
+ is calculated:    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">-4-</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">MGH 3418</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <confidence value="8555">CPET</confidence>
+(t)<confidence value="88815">-SC,]</confidence>
+ <confidence value="114">JCp</confidence>
+(t)<confidence value="211188">[,l1dt</confidence>
+ <confidence value="212221">o,(t),</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2222222">=RC];(6</confidence>
+ These three steps are repeated until estimates of plasma activity at t<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ and t2 converge to the measured sample values as determined at decision block <part-num-ref name="measured sample values as determined at decision block">208.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0018<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Using this model-adjusted input function that, requires only two calibration blood samples as indicated at input 210, unbiased estimates of <confidence value="1">1</confidence>
+F-FDG uptake in the normal and inflamed lung are calculated. The method is insensitive to the collection time of the first calibration blood sample C<confidence value="5885">p(t1</confidence>
+) that can be chosen between 3.5 minutes to <part-num-ref name="first calibration blood sample Cp(t1) that can be chosen between 3.5 minutes to">25</part-num-ref>
+ minutes after the start of tracer injection. The second calibration sample C<confidence value="2">,</confidence>
+(t2) is taken at <part-num-ref name="second calibration sample C,(t2) is taken at">50</part-num-ref>
+ minutes after injection. More important, the approach performs well with blood pool RO<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+'s affected by activity spillover and/or partial volume, without requiring a priori knowledge of a population-based input function morphology or of the exact ROI anatomy.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT</heading>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">[0019]  Referring particularly to Fig. 1, the PET scanner system includes a gantry <part-num-ref name="gantry">10</part-num-ref>
+ which supports a detector ring assembly <part-num-ref name="detector ring assembly">11</part-num-ref>
+ about a central axis, or bore <part-num-ref name="central axis, or bore">12.</part-num-ref>
+ A patient table <part-num-ref name="patient table">13</part-num-ref>
+ is positioned in front of the gantry <part-num-ref name="gantry">10</part-num-ref>
+ and is aligned with the central axis of the bore <part-num-ref name="bore">12.</part-num-ref>
+ A patient table controller (not shown) moves the table bed <part-num-ref name="table bed">14</part-num-ref>
+ into the bore <part-num-ref name="bore">12</part-num-ref>
+ in response to commands received from an operator work station <part-num-ref name="operator work station">15</part-num-ref>
+ through a serial communications link <part-num-ref name="serial communications link">16.</part-num-ref>
+ A gantry controller <part-num-ref name="gantry controller">17</part-num-ref>
+ is mounted within the gantry <part-num-ref name="gantry">10</part-num-ref>
+ and is responsive to commands received from the operator work station <part-num-ref name="operator work station">15</part-num-ref>
+ through a second serial communication link <part-num-ref name="second serial communication link">18</part-num-ref>
+ to operate the gantry <part-num-ref name="gantry">10.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">For example, the gantry <part-num-ref name="gantry">20</part-num-ref>
+ can be tilted away from vertical on command from the operator, it can perform a "transmission scan" with a calibrated radionuclide source to acquire attenuation measurements, or it can perform a normal scan in which positron annihilation events are counted and an image is reconstructed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0020<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Referring to Figs 1 and <part-num-ref name="and">2,</part-num-ref>
+ a set of acquisition circuits <part-num-ref name="set of acquisition circuits">25</part-num-ref>
+ are mounted within the gantry <part-num-ref name="gantry">10</part-num-ref>
+ to receive the signals from detector modules <part-num-ref name="signals from detector modules">20</part-num-ref>
+ in the detector ring <part-num-ref name="detector ring">11.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">These signals are then digitized and sent through a cable <part-num-ref name="cable">26</part-num-ref>
+ to an event locater circuit <part-num-ref name="event locater circuit">27</part-num-ref>
+ housed in a separate cabinet <part-num-ref name="separate cabinet">28.</part-num-ref>
+ Each acquisition circuit <part-num-ref name="separate cabinet 28. Each acquisition circuit">25</part-num-ref>
+ also produces <boundary-data type="header">-5-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">MGH 3418</boundary-data>
+an event detection pulse (EDP) which indicates the exact moment the scintillation event took place.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0021]  Referring particularly to Figs. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">2,</part-num-ref>
+ the event locator circuits <part-num-ref name="event locator circuits">27</part-num-ref>
+ form part of a data acquisition processor <part-num-ref name="data acquisition processor">30</part-num-ref>
+ which periodically samples the signals produced by the acquisition circuits <part-num-ref name="acquisition circuits">25.</part-num-ref>
+ The processor <part-num-ref name="processor">30</part-num-ref>
+ has a backplane bus structure <part-num-ref name="backplane bus structure">31,</part-num-ref>
+ and an acquisition CPU <part-num-ref name="acquisition CPU">29</part-num-ref>
+ which controls communications on this bus <part-num-ref name="which controls communications on this bus">31</part-num-ref>
+ and links the processor <part-num-ref name="processor">30</part-num-ref>
+ to the local area network <part-num-ref name="local area network">18.</part-num-ref>
+ The event locator <part-num-ref name="event locator">27</part-num-ref>
+ is comprised of a set of separate circuit boards which each connect to the cable <part-num-ref name="cable">26</part-num-ref>
+ and receive signals from the corresponding acquisition circuits in the gantry <part-num-ref name="gantry">10.</part-num-ref>
+ The event locator <part-num-ref name="event locator">27</part-num-ref>
+ synchronizes the event with the operation of the processor <part-num-ref name="processor">30</part-num-ref>
+ by detecting the event pulse (EDP) produced by an acquisition circuit <part-num-ref name="acquisition circuit">25,</part-num-ref>
+ and converting it into an 8-bit time marker which indicates when within the current sample period the scintillation event took place. Also, this circuit <part-num-ref name="scintillation event took place. Also, this circuit">27</part-num-ref>
+ discards any detected events if the total energy of the scintillation is outside the range of <part-num-ref name="range of">511</part-num-ref>
+ keV <confidence value="6">±</confidence>
+ 20%. During each sample period, the information from detector ring <part-num-ref name="information from detector ring">11</part-num-ref>
+ is assembled into a set of digital numbers that indicate precisely when an event took place and the position of the detector modules <part-num-ref name="detector modules">20</part-num-ref>
+ which detected the event. This event data packet is conveyed to a coincidence detector <part-num-ref name="coincidence detector">32</part-num-ref>
+ which is also part of the data acquisition processor <part-num-ref name="data acquisition processor">30.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0022] The coincidence detector <part-num-ref name="coincidence detector">32</part-num-ref>
+ accepts the event data packets from the event locators <part-num-ref name="event locators">27</part-num-ref>
+ and determines if any two of them are in coincidence. Coincidence is determined by a number of factors. First, the time markers in each event data packet must be within a preset time window of each other, and second, the locations indicated by the two event data packets must lie on a straight line which passes through the field of view (FOV) in the scanner bore <part-num-ref name="scanner bore">12.</part-num-ref>
+ Events which cannot be paired are discarded, but coincident event pairs are located and recorded as a coincidence data packet that is conveyed through a link <part-num-ref name="link">33</part-num-ref>
+ to a sorter <part-num-ref name="sorter">34.</part-num-ref>
+ Each coincidence data packet is a data stream which includes a pair of digital numbers that precisely identify the location of the two detector modules <part-num-ref name="two detector modules">20</part-num-ref>
+ that detect the event.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0023] The sorter <part-num-ref name="sorter">34</part-num-ref>
+ is a circuit which forms part of an image reconstruction processor <part-num-ref name="image reconstruction processor">40.</part-num-ref>
+ The image reconstruction processor <part-num-ref name="image reconstruction processor">40</part-num-ref>
+ is formed about a backplane bus <part-num-ref name="backplane bus">41.</part-num-ref>
+ An image CPU <part-num-ref name="image CPU">42</part-num-ref>
+ controls the backplane bus <part-num-ref name="backplane bus">41</part-num-ref>
+ and it links the processor <boundary-data type="header">-6-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">MGH 3418</boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="processor">40</part-num-ref>
+ to the local area network <part-num-ref name="local area network">18.</part-num-ref>
+ A memory module <part-num-ref name="memory module">43</part-num-ref>
+ also connects to the backplane <part-num-ref name="backplane">41</part-num-ref>
+ and it stores the data used to reconstruct images. An array processor <part-num-ref name="array processor">45</part-num-ref>
+ also connects to the backplane <part-num-ref name="backplane">41</part-num-ref>
+ and it operates under the direction of the image CPU <part-num-ref name="image CPU">42</part-num-ref>
+ to perform the image reconstruction using the data in memory module <part-num-ref name="data in memory module">43.</part-num-ref>
+ The resulting image array <part-num-ref name="resulting image array">43</part-num-ref>
+ is stored in a memory module <part-num-ref name="memory module">46</part-num-ref>
+ and is output by the image CPU <part-num-ref name="image CPU">42</part-num-ref>
+ to the operator work station <part-num-ref name="operator work station">15.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0024] The function of the sorter <part-num-ref name="sorter">34</part-num-ref>
+ is to receive the coincidence data packets and generate from them memory addresses for the efficient storage of the coincidence data. The set of all projection rays that point in the same direction (<confidence value="2">e</confidence>
+) and pass through the scanner's field of view is a complete projection, or "view". The distance (R) between a particular projection ray and the center of the field of view locates that projection ray within the view. As shown in Fig. 2, for example, an event <part-num-ref name="event">50</part-num-ref>
+ occurs along a projection ray <part-num-ref name="projection ray">51</part-num-ref>
+ which is located in a view at the projection angle <part-num-ref name="projection angle">
+        <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ and the distance R. The sorter <part-num-ref name="sorter">34</part-num-ref>
+ counts all of the events that occur on this projection ray (R, <part-num-ref name="events that occur on this projection ray (R,">
+        <confidence value="1">6</confidence>
+)      </part-num-ref>
+ during the scan by sorting out the coincidence data packets that indicate an event at the two detectors lying on this projection ray. The coincidence counts are organized in memory <part-num-ref name="coincidence counts are organized in memory">43</part-num-ref>
+ as a set of two-dimensional arrays, one for each axial image plane, and each having as one of its dimensions the projection angle <part-num-ref name="projection angle">
+        <confidence value="4">6</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ and the other dimension the distance R. This <confidence value="2">e</confidence>
+ by R map of the measured events is called a histogram, or more commonly a sinogram array <part-num-ref name="sinogram array">48.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">[0025]  Referring particularly to Fig. 4, the present invention is employed in a procedure which measures the uptake of the tracer 18F-FDG in the lungs of a subject placed in the bore of the PET system. The first step is to calibrate the system as indicated at process block <part-num-ref name="system as indicated at process block">300</part-num-ref>
+ using well known PET attenuation correction methods. The <confidence value="55">18</confidence>
+F-FDG tracer is then administered to the subject as indicated at process block <part-num-ref name="subject as indicated at process block">302,</part-num-ref>
+ and a loop indicated generally at <part-num-ref name="loop indicated generally at">303</part-num-ref>
+ is entered in which positron annihilation events are counted over a series of time windows. For its administration, about <part-num-ref name="series of time windows. For its administration, about">370</part-num-ref>
+ MBq of <confidence value="11">18</confidence>
+F-FDG tracer is dissolved in 10 ml of saline and injected with a standard injection pump at a constant rate of <part-num-ref name="constant rate of">10</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="222222">ml/min</confidence>
+ into a vein.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">This is followed by a flush of normal saline at the same rate.</p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">[0026] The annihilation events are counted as indicated at process block <part-num-ref name="annihilation events are counted as indicated at process block">304</part-num-ref>
+ until the end of a time window is detected at decision block <part-num-ref name="time window is detected at decision block">306.</part-num-ref>
+ As described above, the counts accumulate to form a sinogram array <part-num-ref name="sinogram array">48</part-num-ref>
+ and at the end of each time window <boundary-data type="header">-7-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">MGH 3418</boundary-data>
+the sinogram is saved as indicated at process block <part-num-ref name="sinogram is saved as indicated at process block">308.</part-num-ref>
+ Time windows are kept as short as possible to increase the time resolution of the tracer uptake curve, but they must be long enough to enable sufficient counts to accumulate to reconstruct an image frame of the desired signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Typically, the time window is set from 30s to 120s, but as shown in Fig. 5, it is preferable to vary the time window during the scan such that the time resolution is greater at the start when the input function is changing in magnitude at a higher rate.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0027] In the preferred embodiment the time window for the initial PET image frames is <part-num-ref name="initial PET image frames is">30</part-num-ref>
+ seconds and it is increased to <part-num-ref name="seconds and it is increased to">1</part-num-ref>
+ minute, then <part-num-ref name="minute, then">2</part-num-ref>
+ minutes, then <part-num-ref name="minutes, then">5</part-num-ref>
+ minutes and finally <part-num-ref name="minutes and finally">10</part-num-ref>
+ minutes. Although it is possible to maintain the initial high frame rate throughout the scan, the benefits of the uniformly sampled image frames is offset by a decrease in the statistical reliability of the nuclear counting results during the later phases of the scan. This in large part is due to the decline in activity of the radioisotope over time. The system remains in the loop <part-num-ref name="loop">303</part-num-ref>
+ to acquire a series of sinograms over the prescribed time period as determined at decision block <part-num-ref name="prescribed time period as determined at decision block">314.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">This completes the data acquisition phase of the procedure.</p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">[0028<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Referring still to Fig. 4, during the data acquisition phase two blood samples are acquired as determined at decision block <part-num-ref name="data acquisition phase two blood samples are acquired as determined at decision block">310.</part-num-ref>
+ Typically, a first blood sample C<confidence value="4885">p(t1</confidence>
+) is acquired as indicated at process block <part-num-ref name="first blood sample Cp(t1) is acquired as indicated at process block">312</part-num-ref>
+ from 3.5 to <part-num-ref name="from 3.5 to">25</part-num-ref>
+ minutes into the data acquisition phase, and the second sample C<confidence value="4">p</confidence>
+(t2) is acquired at approximately <part-num-ref name="second sample Cp(t2) is acquired at approximately">50</part-num-ref>
+ minutes into the acquisition phase. Each blood sample is acquired by drawing <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ ml of venous blood, which is spun down to obtain the plasma fraction.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">The activity concentration is measured in a well counter that has been cross calibrated with the PET camera. The measured concentration of the tracer in the sample blood is input to the system for use during the post processing phase described below.</p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0029] After the acquisition phase is completed a series of image frames are reconstructed from the stored series of acquired sinograms as indicated at process block <part-num-ref name="stored series of acquired sinograms as indicated at process block">316.</part-num-ref>
+ This is a conventional filtered backprojection image reconstruction and the resulting image frames are interpolated to form a <part-num-ref name="">128</part-num-ref>
+ x <part-num-ref name="x">128</part-num-ref>
+ x <part-num-ref name="x">15</part-num-ref>
+ voxel image array.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0030] As indicated at process block 317, to compensate for the radioactive decay of the tracer, the known half-life of the tracer is used to adjust the activity <boundary-data type="header">-8-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">MGH 3418</boundary-data>
+measurements in each acquired image frame with reference to the starting time of the scan. As indicated at process block <part-num-ref name="scan. As indicated at process block">318,</part-num-ref>
+ the next step is to select an RO<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+ in the image frames which will provide an accurate indication of the tracer concentration in the subject's venous blood. Preferably the ROI is selected to be the blood pool in the right or left heart chambers or the descending aorta. Selection of the boundary of one of these blood pools can be facilitated by producing other images, although it has been discovered that accuracy of the method is very insensitive to the accuracy with which the ROI boundary is defined.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">[0031] As indicated at process block 320, the next step is to calculate the input function as described in detail above. This employs the ROI image voxels in all of the reconstructed image frames as well as the two acquired blood samples. The process is repeated until the image derived input function corresponds to the measured blood samples at time t<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ and t2. The iterative process for calculating the input function has been found to converge to an accurate input function curve in about six iterations.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0032<confidence value="4">]</confidence>
+  Exemplary calculated input functions are plotted in Figs 6A-6D. The shape of the input function varies substantially among subjects as well as the particulars of the scan procedure. For example, a bolus injection time of 1.5 minutes results in a longer peak phase as shown in Fig. 6<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+ as compared to a 1.0 minute bolus injection time as shown in Fig. 6A. Another variation in the earlier phase of the input function is caused by a delay between the end of a bolus injection of the tracer and the beginning of the saline flush required to remove remaining tracer from the infusion system. Such a time delay can result in discontinuities during the peak phase of the input function as shown in Fig. 6D. Fig. 6B depicts a manually sampled input function afflicted by poor timing of the operator, i.e., tracer administration and manual blood sampling were started non-simultaneously. In this case, the manually sampled input function is not suitable to analyze early-phase tracer kinetics in blood and tissue. Conversely, the disclosed procedure can provide an accurate input function by using two blood samples taken during the later phase of imaging where blood activity changes slowly over time.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">[0033] And finally, the image frames and the input function are employed to produce an uptake image. For each image voxel the tracer uptake curve for that voxel as revealed in the series of acquired image frames and as determined using <boundary-data type="header">-9-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">MGH 3418</boundary-data>
+the calculated input function. A tracer uptake value for the voxel is calculated as described by T. Schroeder et al "PET Imaging of Regional <confidence value="55">18</confidence>
+F-FDG Uptake and Lung Function After Cigarette Smoke Inhalation", The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, Vol. <part-num-ref name="Journal of Nuclear Medicine, Vol.">48,</part-num-ref>
+ No. <part-num-ref name="Journal of Nuclear Medicine, Vol. 48, No.">3,</part-num-ref>
+ March <part-num-ref name="Journal of Nuclear Medicine, Vol. 48, No. 3, March">2007.</part-num-ref>
+ The resulting uptake image thus indicates the metabolic activity of tissues located at each image voxel.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">-10-</boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11786680.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,502 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11786680</doc-number>
+        <date>2007-04-11</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Attorney Docket No.: 852.0051.U<confidence value="4">l</confidence>
+(US) NC54564 Patent Application Papers Of:    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Roope Takala Rhys Newman Rachael Sleight Maree Park Andrew Gartrell For: Feedback On Input Actuator <page-break num="2"/>
+Feedback On Input Actuator     </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">Field of the Invention [0001]   The invention relates to a user interface and, more  particularly,  to  a   user  interface  which  uses haptics.</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">Brief Description of Prior Developments [0002]   <confidence value="5">H</confidence>
+aptics combine robotics and the physiology of touch for greater realism, interactivity, accuracy, and performance.   U.S. Patent Application Publication No.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">2001/0035854 Al discloses use of a haptic feedback for touchpads  and  other  touch   controls.    Haptics  with physical feedback have been studied and implemented to high  end  gaming  devices, virtual    hand  3D  modeling software, and automotive    industry and remote control devices for the home (e.g. Sony NAVITUS<confidence value="185">").</confidence>
+   Previously, haptic systems have been hidden in the device resulting in a need for a larger device volume to cover the system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">[0003]   Tactile cues of pressing the keys have been implemented with domes or in the case of virtual keys on a touch screen with sound and graphical cues.        Sony NAVITUS<confidence value="1">m</confidence>
+ has used a piezo element to move the touch screen to give a tactile cue.    This, however, has only been a single pulse. Touch screens can also be expensive and prone to damage when used in a hand-held portable device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">[0004]   There is a desire to provide a new type of input system which can use haptics for signaling location of a user depressible input actuator on an electronic <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="7">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+device without necessarily using a touch screen.    There is also a desire to provide a haptics signaling system for a user input which uses a profiled or te<confidence value="8">x</confidence>
+tured tactile element and/or a vibratory tactile element.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-2">SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">[0005]    In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a user input system for an electronic device is provided including an input actuator adapted to be depressed by a user to input a signal into the electronic device; and an actuator location   signaling system adapted to signal location of the input actuator to the user. The actuator location signaling system includes a textured surface proximate the input actuator for a finger of the user to contact, and a system for moving the textured surface to enhance  sensory   input  to  the  user's   finger  while contacting the textured surface.</p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[0006]    In  accordance  with  another  aspect  of   the invention, a method of signaling a user of an electronic device of a location of a user input on the electronic device is provided comprising providing the electronic device with a textured surface proximate the user input which is adapted to be depressed by a user to input a signal  into  the  electronic  device; and    moving  the textured surface to enhance sensory input of the textured surface to the user while the user is touching the textured surface.</p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">[0007]    In  accordance  with  another  aspect  of   the invention, a user input system for an electronic device is provided comprising a cover of the electronic device having a textured surface proximate a user depressible <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+input area; an input actuator located beneath the user depressible input area of the cover; and a vibration system for vibrating the cover at the textured surface to thereby enhance sensory input to a user's touch of the cover at the textured surface such that tactile signaling of location of the input actuator to the user's touch is enhanced.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">[0008]    In  accordance  with  another  aspect  of   the invention, a user input system for an electronic device is provided comprising a cover of the electronic device having  a  transparent window; and    a  haptic  actuator located beneath the window.      The haptic actuator is adapted to move the window for providing tactile sensory input to a user's touch on the window.        The haptic actuator comprises an    indicium viewable by   the user through the window.</p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0009]    In  accordance  with  another  aspect  of  the invention, a user input system for an electronic device is provided comprising an input actuator adapted to be depressed by a user to input a signal into the electronic device; a cover of the electronic device having a portion located over the input actuator which is adapted to be depressed  inward by   the user   to  actuate  the  input actuator; and a haptic actuator comprising a vibrator adapted to vibrate the portion of the cover over the input actuator.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">[0010]    In  accordance  with  another  aspect  of  the invention, a cover for a hand-held portable electronic device is provided comprising a haptic feedback textured surface area and a system for removably mounting the cover  to  a main   section  of  the  hand-held  portable <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+electronic device.   The haptic feedback textured surface area is adapted to be located above a user depressible input  actuator  of  the  hand-held   portable  electronic device.    The textured surface area is adapted to be depressed by a user to actuate the user depressible input actuator and thereby input a signal into the electronic device.    The textured surface area has an aesthetic design shape observable by a user.    The main section of the hand-held portable electronic device is adapted to have one of a plurality of different covers, having different shaped haptic feedback textured surface areas, mounted thereto such that the cover is adapted to replace a different cover on the main section of the hand-held portable electronic device having     a different shaped haptic feedback textured surface area.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">
+      <confidence value="866885">[0011]</confidence>
+    In  accordance  with   another  aspect  of  the invention, a cover for a hand-held portable electronic device is provided comprising a system for attaching the cover  to  a main   section  of   the  hand-held  portable electronic device to thereby cover a user depressible input actuator on the main section which is adapted to input a signal into the hand-held portable electronic device when the user input actuator is depressed by a user; and a haptic textured surface on an exterior side of the cover which is adapted to be located over the user input actuator.   The haptic textured surface comprises a series of symmetrical grooves and/or projections around and/or directly over the user input actuator which is adapted to be felt by touch of the user to indicate location of the user input actuator.       The series of symmetrical grooves and/or projections form an aesthetic design which is viewable by the user.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+[0012]    In  accordance  with  another  aspect  of   the invention,  a  program  storage  device   readable  by  a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine for performing operations to enhance tactile sensation to indicate location of a user input, the operations are provided comprising sensing location of a user's finger on a cover having a haptic textured surface area above the user input; and when the location of the user's finger is sensed proximate the haptic  textured  surface  area  above  the user   input, vibrating the haptic textured surface area to thereby enhance the tactile sensation to the user's finger at the haptic textured surface area.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-3">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">[0013]   The foregoing aspects and other features of the invention are explained in the following description, taken  in  connection  with  the  accompanying  drawings, wherein:</p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">[0014]    Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a device comprising features of the invention;</p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">[0015]    Fig. 2 is a front view of the device shown in Fig. 1;</p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0016]    Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view of portions of the device shown in Figs. 1 and 2;    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">[0017]   Fig. 4 is cross sectional view of portions of a variation of the device shown in Figs. 1 and 2;</p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[0018]    Fig. 5 is a block diagram of components of the device shown in Figs. 1 and 2;</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+[0019<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    Fig. 6 is cross sectional view of portions of another variation of the device shown in Figs. 1 and 2;    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">[0020]   Fig. 7 is a block diagram of a variation of the components of the device shown in Figs. 1 and 2;</p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">[0021<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    Figs.  8-12  show  variations  of  the   keypad section of the cover of the device shown in Figs. 1 and <confidence value="88">2;</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">[0022]    Figs. 13-14 show variations of the navigation control section of the cover of the device shown in Figs.</p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">1 and 2;</p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">[0023]   Figs. 15-16 show variations of the power key section of the cover of the device shown in Figs. 1 and <confidence value="88">2;</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">[0024]    Figs. 17-27   show  variations  of  the volume and/or zoom control section of the cover of the device shown in Figs. 1 and 2;</p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">[0025]    Figs. 28-29 are schematic cross sectional views of one type of mounting of components of an alternate embodiment of the invention;</p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">[0026]    Fig. 30 is a front side perspective view of a main section of an alternate embodiment of the invention;</p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">[0027]    Fig. 31 is a front side perspective view of a cover for attachment to the main section shown in Fig.</p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">30; and [0028]    Fig. 32 is a rear side perspective view of the main  section  and  cover  shown  in  Figs. 30 and    <part-num-ref name="and">31,</part-num-ref>
+ respectively, attached to each other.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-4">DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS</heading>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+[0029]    Referring  to  Fig.   1,  there   is  shown   a perspective  view  of  a  hand-held  portable  electronic device  <part-num-ref name="hand-held  portable  electronic device">10</part-num-ref>
+   incorporating  features  of  the  invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">Although the invention will be described with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.</p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">[0030]   The device <part-num-ref name="device">10</part-num-ref>
+ in this embodiment is a mobile telephone.  However, features of the invention could be used in any suitable type of user input section of a device   including,  for   example,  hand-held   portable electronic device such as a music player, a digital camera, a PDA, an Internet browser, a gaming handset, or even with non-portable electronic devices such as a user input of a keypad of a larger electronic device or an industrial tool for example. The mobile telephone <part-num-ref name="mobile telephone">10</part-num-ref>
+ can include applications other than a telephone application including, for example, a music player application, a digital   camera   application,   an   Internet   browser application, and/or a gaming application.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">[0031]    In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the mobile telephone <part-num-ref name="mobile telephone">10</part-num-ref>
+ is a block type of handset wherein the display does not move relative to the keypad.    However, features of the invention could be used in other types of handset designs including a flip-type handset or a slide- type  handset.     The  mobile  telephone   <part-num-ref name="mobile  telephone">10</part-num-ref>
+  generally comprises a housing <part-num-ref name="housing">12,</part-num-ref>
+ electronic circuitry <part-num-ref name="housing 12, electronic circuitry">14</part-num-ref>
+ inside the  housing, a   rechargeable  battery   <part-num-ref name="rechargeable  battery">16</part-num-ref>
+  inside  the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+housing, and a display <part-num-ref name="display">18</part-num-ref>
+ operably connected to the electronic circuitry and mounted to the housing.      The electronic circuitry <part-num-ref name="electronic circuitry">14</part-num-ref>
+ generally comprises a controller, such  as a microprocessor    for example, a memory, a transceiver, and an antenna. However, any suitable type of electronic circuitry could be provided.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">[0032<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The electronic circuitry <part-num-ref name="electronic circuitry">14</part-num-ref>
+ and the housing <part-num-ref name="housing">12</part-num-ref>
+ combine to form user input sections for various features of the telephone <part-num-ref name="telephone">10.</part-num-ref>
+   In this embodiment the user input sections include a power key feature <part-num-ref name="power key feature">20,</part-num-ref>
+ a volume and/or zoom control feature <part-num-ref name="volume and/or zoom control feature">22,</part-num-ref>
+ a navigation and function key feature <part-num-ref name="navigation and function key feature">24,</part-num-ref>
+ and an alphanumeric keypad feature <part-num-ref name="alphanumeric keypad feature">26.</part-num-ref>
+ More or less user input sections could be provided.    In this embodiment, all of these user input sections are adapted to be actuated by depressing a portion of the housing <part-num-ref name="housing">12</part-num-ref>
+ inward to actuate the user input section.    However, in alternate embodiments one or more of these user input sections might not be user depressible, or might not have a portion of the housing forming that specific user input section.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0033]   Referring  also  to  Fig. 2, the    housing   <part-num-ref name="housing">12</part-num-ref>
+ includes an outer cover <part-num-ref name="outer cover">28</part-num-ref>
+ which comprises a resilient polymer material.   The cover <part-num-ref name="cover">28</part-num-ref>
+ has ridges and grooves along its exterior surface.    These ridges and grooves form two main purposes: to provide a visual aesthetic design to the exterior of the telephone <part-num-ref name="telephone">10,</part-num-ref>
+ and to provide a tactile sensation to a user's finger when touched by the user. In an alternate embodiment, some or all of the ridges and grooves might be so small that they may not always be directly visible.   As can be seen, in this embodiment, in some areas the ridges and grooves are uniform, and in other areas the ridges and grooves are <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+not  uniform,   but  instead   have  a  patterned   shape.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">Patterning of the ridges and grooves could be designed to provide any suitable pattern of ridges and grooves (or the  exterior   surface  of  the  cover  being   otherwise textured and/or shaped) so long as the features of the invention can be employed. The cover <part-num-ref name="cover">28</part-num-ref>
+ forms a majority of the exterior surface of the telephone. In a preferred embodiment the cover <part-num-ref name="cover">28</part-num-ref>
+ is a one piece member. However, in alternate embodiments, the cover <part-num-ref name="cover">28</part-num-ref>
+ could comprise multiple members; perhaps integrally joined to each other for example.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">[0034]    The alphanumeric keypad feature <part-num-ref name="alphanumeric keypad feature">26</part-num-ref>
+ generally comprises twelve input sensors <part-num-ref name="generally comprises twelve input sensors">30</part-num-ref>
+ located beneath the keypad section <part-num-ref name="keypad section">32</part-num-ref>
+ of the cover <part-num-ref name="cover">28.</part-num-ref>
+         This generally corresponds to an ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union-Telecommunication  Standardization   Sector)  keypad for phone dialing.   An ITU-T keypad has a keypad layout utilizing  twelve keys.     The  ITU-T keypad associates letters of the alphabet with the numbers on the keys of the keypad.   By example, the number "2" key carries the letters ABC, the number "3" key carries the letters DEF, etc., as is well known. Other types of letter to number arrangements used in key layouts include those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0103623 which   is  hereby  incorporated   by  reference  in   its entirety.   In an alternate embodiment, the sensors might not necessarily be discrete.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">[0035]    Referring also to Fig. 3, in this embodiment the input sensors <part-num-ref name="input sensors">30</part-num-ref>
+ comprise resiliently depressible dome sensors on a printed circuit board <part-num-ref name="printed circuit board">34.</part-num-ref>
+ However, any suitable user input sensors could be provided. The cover <part-num-ref name="cover">28</part-num-ref>
+ can be depressed by a user's finger as indicated by <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+arrows <part-num-ref name="user's finger as indicated by arrows">36,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="user's finger as indicated by arrows 36,">37</part-num-ref>
+ to actuate the sensors <part-num-ref name="sensors">30.</part-num-ref>
+ When depressed, a signal is sent to the controller.        Thus, signals corresponding to numbers and/or letters and/or symbols can be input into the telephone <part-num-ref name="telephone">10.</part-num-ref>
+ The cover <part-num-ref name="cover">28</part-num-ref>
+ and the dome sensors <part-num-ref name="dome sensors">30</part-num-ref>
+ can resilient deflect back to their home positions after being released by the user.     The input actuator could comprise a keypad mat having depressible domes, wherein the textured surface could comprise a plurality of distinct textured surfaces over respective ones of the domes.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">[0036]    Referring also to Figs. 4 and <part-num-ref name="and">5,</part-num-ref>
+ the input section can comprise at least one motion actuator <part-num-ref name="input section can comprise at least one motion actuator">38.</part-num-ref>
+ In a preferred embodiment one motion actuator <part-num-ref name="preferred embodiment one motion actuator">38</part-num-ref>
+ is provided for each input sensor <part-num-ref name="is provided for each input sensor">30.</part-num-ref>
+     The motion actuator <part-num-ref name="motion actuator">38</part-num-ref>
+ is operably  coupled  to   the  controller  <part-num-ref name="controller">42.</part-num-ref>
+     In  this embodiment the motion actuator <part-num-ref name="motion actuator">38</part-num-ref>
+ comprises a piezo actuator which is adapted to bulge outward in direction <part-num-ref name="piezo actuator which is adapted to bulge outward in direction">40</part-num-ref>
+ when energized.    However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable type of motion actuator for moving portions of the cover <part-num-ref name="cover">28</part-num-ref>
+ could be provided. The piezo actuator <part-num-ref name="piezo actuator">38</part-num-ref>
+ is mounted to a frame <part-num-ref name="frame">44</part-num-ref>
+ to support the actuator above the input sensor <part-num-ref name="input sensor">30</part-num-ref>
+ and below the cover <part-num-ref name="cover">28.</part-num-ref>
+    Thus, when the piezo actuator <part-num-ref name="piezo actuator">38</part-num-ref>
+ is energized, it is adapted to move the portion of the cover <part-num-ref name="cover">28</part-num-ref>
+ above the input sensor <part-num-ref name="input sensor">30</part-num-ref>
+ upward or outward.   When de-energized the cover <part-num-ref name="cover">28</part-num-ref>
+ and the actuator <part-num-ref name="actuator">38</part-num-ref>
+ can return to their home positions shown in Fig. 4. <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+n a preferred embodiment, the controller <part-num-ref name="controller">42</part-num-ref>
+ is adapted to repeatedly actuate and de-actuate the motion actuator <part-num-ref name="motion actuator">38</part-num-ref>
+ to provide a vibratory motion of the portion of the cover <part-num-ref name="cover">28</part-num-ref>
+ directly above the input sensor <part-num-ref name="input sensor">30.</part-num-ref>
+   The controller <part-num-ref name="controller">42</part-num-ref>
+ could be adapted to repeatedly actuate and de-actuate the motion actuator <part-num-ref name="motion actuator">38</part-num-ref>
+ to provide <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+a  constant vibratory   motion  or   a varying   vibratory <confidence value="6">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">motion.</p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">[0037]    Preferably the controller <part-num-ref name="controller">42</part-num-ref>
+ only actuates and de-actuates   the  motion   actuator  <part-num-ref name="motion   actuator">38</part-num-ref>
+   based  upon   a predetermined event.     For example, the predetermined event could be an event in an application software.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">Preferably, however, the predetermined event comprises a signal from a sensor.    More specifically, and referring also to Figs. 6 and <part-num-ref name="and">7,</part-num-ref>
+ the telephone <part-num-ref name="telephone">10</part-num-ref>
+ can comprise one or more finger sensors <part-num-ref name="can comprise one or more finger sensors">46.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">[0038]    In a preferred embodiment one finger sensor <part-num-ref name="preferred embodiment one finger sensor">46</part-num-ref>
+ is provided for each motion actuator <part-num-ref name="is provided for each motion actuator">38.</part-num-ref>
+       The finger sensor <part-num-ref name="finger sensor">46</part-num-ref>
+ is operably coupled to the controller <part-num-ref name="controller">42.</part-num-ref>
+     In this  embodiment   the  finger   sensor  <part-num-ref name="finger   sensor">46</part-num-ref>
+  comprises   a capacitive sensor which is adapted to sense the presence of a user's finger directly above the sensor <part-num-ref name="sensor">46</part-num-ref>
+ at the portion of the cover <part-num-ref name="cover">28</part-num-ref>
+ above the input sensor <part-num-ref name="input sensor">30.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable type of finger sensor for sensing the presence of a user's finger on the cover <part-num-ref name="cover">28</part-num-ref>
+ could be provided. The finger sensor <part-num-ref name="finger sensor">46</part-num-ref>
+ is mounted to the frame <part-num-ref name="frame">44</part-num-ref>
+ directly below the cover <part-num-ref name="cover">28</part-num-ref>
+ and spaced from the motion actuator <part-num-ref name="motion actuator">38</part-num-ref>
+ by an electrical insulator <part-num-ref name="electrical insulator">48<confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">[0039]    When the finger sensor <part-num-ref name="finger sensor">46</part-num-ref>
+ senses the presence of the user's finger on the cover <part-num-ref name="cover">28</part-num-ref>
+ above the actuator <part-num-ref name="actuator">38,</part-num-ref>
+ the sensor <part-num-ref name="sensor">46</part-num-ref>
+ is adapted to send a signal to the controller <part-num-ref name="controller">42.</part-num-ref>
+   The controller, in turn, is adapted to actuate the motion actuator <part-num-ref name="motion actuator">38.</part-num-ref>
+    The user can feel the motion of the cover at that limited location with the user's finger.   This signals the user that his or her finger is above the input sensor <part-num-ref name="input sensor">30.</part-num-ref>
+        The user can <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+depress the cover <part-num-ref name="cover">28</part-num-ref>
+ to thereby depress the sensor <part-num-ref name="sensor">46</part-num-ref>
+ and actuator <part-num-ref name="and actuator">38</part-num-ref>
+ to depress and actuate the input sensor <part-num-ref name="input sensor">30.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">When the user removes his or her finger, as sensed by the finger sensor <part-num-ref name="finger sensor">46,</part-num-ref>
+ the controller <part-num-ref name="controller">42</part-num-ref>
+ can turn the actuator <part-num-ref name="actuator">38</part-num-ref>
+ OFF until the user's finger is sensed again.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">[0040]    The software can be stored in a program storage device  readable  by  a  machine, tangibly    embodying  a program of instructions executable by the machine for performing operations to enhance tactile sensation to indicate  location  of   a  user  input,   the  operations comprising sensing location of a user's finger on a cover having a haptic textured surface area above the user input; and when the location of the user's finger is sensed proximate the haptic textured surface area above the user input, vibrating the haptic textured surface area to thereby enhance the tactile sensation to the user's finger at the haptic textured surface area.</p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">[0041]    In mobile phone applications, certain sizes and orientations of piezo actuators, vibrators or vibration solenoids can be placed underneath a touch-sensitive flat display screen or cover part to give tactile and haptic feedback.  This allows the use of touch screens or pads as input device instead of using conventional keypads.</p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">The tactile feedback for the input device enhances user experience by improving communication interactivity and intuitive user interface. The haptic devices, actuators, systems and features can be used as decorative elements.</p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">[0042]    A deco-functional haptics keyboard interface allows the haptics area to integrate both decorative and functional  purposes.      Instead  of   placing   haptics component   assemblies  underneath   opaque  housings   or <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+displays, use    of  part  of  Haptics  components   as  a functional decorative piece can be provided by placing them underneath transparent or translucent housings. The haptic elements, such as metallic amplifier plates for piezo actuators for example, can be used as decorative elements providing a visual metallic surface that can be plain or have graphics, such as key numbers, etched onto it.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0043]    In the deco-functional haptics interface a user can feel the locations of the keys by sliding his or her finger on the surface. Discontinuities and variations in the surface texture can be felt by the moving finger to indicate locations of functional areas such as keys.    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">Some subtle visual cues from the reflection of light from the texture can also indicate location of keypad keys or other input elements. The lighting from below the cover can be used to change the visual perception of the input elements, thus, changing the functionality of the input area based on the needs of the software application or use context. There are several ways to create the haptic surface textures indicating the functional areas on the mobile device covers or even on the display.         As a result, the textures can also be used as decorative and industrial design elements.</p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0044]    Amplifying the feel of texture on device covers by vibrating the surface can be provided. When the user holds his finger still the piezo element        (or other vibration generator) can slightly vibrate the surface to allow the user to feel the texture although his finger is not moving. As a result the user knows his finger is on the right position for a key press. The vibration can be of constant or could vary in amplitude and/or frequency.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+[0045]    If the surface at a certain location on the mobile device is not textured, the vibration of the vibrating elements can be controlled in amplitude and/or frequency to generate a simulated surface texture.     The device can use a capacitive or other similar touch sensitive area (that can signal coordinate locations on the cover or display) to locate the user's finger and change the vibratory feedback depending on the position the finger is pointing or touching, (e.g., soft vibration on a key hard on the edges of the key area and no vibration when the finger is not on the key).      This is useful  when   a  "hidden  key"  needs  to   be  indicated haptically to the user.    It is also usable when a key with a haptic cue needs to be placed on an optically restricted surface such as on the display.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">[0046]    A  functional  haptic  device   with  a  touch- sensitive area has been implemented by placing the haptic device underneath a flat surface; especially in display applications.   The present invention can extend haptics applications to providing tactile feedback to other types of input devices, and can also       serve as decorative purposes by using its components as a part of decoration rather   than  hidden   components.     Additionally   the invention can bring the deco-haptic devices to any part of the mobile device; not just a flat surface such as the display.</p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">[0047<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    With the invention, haptics in touch sensitive and touch feed back devices consists of one or both of two types of haptic elements: a passive haptics element and an active haptics element. A passive haptics element is where the covers of the devices by their shape or texture indicate the functional locations, such as the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+locations of keys.   An active haptics element is where vibration   or  repetitive   motion  is   used  to   jive impressions of texture or movement of the surface of the device to the users finger.     This can be provided in conjunction with finger position information and press force.   The third way of using haptics is using the combination of active and passive haptics in a hybrid haptic system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">[0048]   A passive haptic implementation can be done by grooving the surface and creating a dynamic or disruptive change  in  the   groove  or  ridge  pitch,   height  and direction. Changing the direction of the grooves with a corner or rounded turn or through abrupt or gradual change  in the height and pitch of the grooves can indicate key areas.    The combination of a number of grooves and their variation can indicate to the user, moving his finger on the surface, the locations of functional areas (e.g. keys)<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">[0049]   An active haptics implementation of the deco- functional haptic device can involve placing a capacitive sensor underneath the area where user uses his fingers for human-device interaction, such as the keypad or volume keys.    The capacitive sensor can indicate the coordinates of the finger.   Comparing these coordinates to the coordinate map of where the used applications keys are, the device can then vibrate the surface to hapticaly indicate the locations of keys.</p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">[0050]   Combining the two previous cases allows for the creation of a hybrid system that can also be felt without the moving of the finger on the grooves or projections.</p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">Additional functionality can be obtained by the ability <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+to create new haptic keys with vibration on to places where the surface texture does not indicate keys to be.    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">[0051<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Advantages of the invention include:    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">
+      <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+ Enhanced experience by improving communication interactivity and intuitive user interface.    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">
+      <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+ Simplify product design by replacing the current input device   (e.g. keypad) with    the haptics interface; the front housings with integrated haptics or display with integrated haptics as input/output devices can eliminate the actual input devices such as keypads.    </p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">
+      <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+ Reduce cost by eliminating<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ the current input device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">
+      <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+ Create more freedom of design for the surface area without compromising   the tactile cues for input device locating.    </p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">
+      <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+ Enables the creation of <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+hidden keys' that can be taken  into   use  only   when  the   application requires.    </p>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">
+      <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+ Enables the use of the keypad area as a keypad or touch pad.    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">[0052]    In the past, tactile    (touch) cues for key location, input devices and other elements of design have been large.    There is a desire in modern design and applications to hide these elements at times or in certain designs, and bring more subtle indications of functionally active (keys, input device) areas in the covers (i.e. hidden keys that are turned on in certain <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">16</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="18"/>
+applications).    This can be done with actively       and passively haptic/tactile textures.    </p>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">[0053]    New mobile devices are small in size and have several functions requiring different input and output methods and devices.     The user, or the device's own software  application,   cannot  switch  between   current discrete input device solutions.    The solutions of this invention allow the use of a single input device (such as a capacitive touch sensor for example) as a touch pad and keypad  by  controlling  the  haptic   output, but   still maintaining the possibility for the user to locate keys when the device is in non-active-haptic mode.</p>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">[0054]    In the past, surface texture has not been used to haptically indicate key locations, neither has active vibration been used to simulate surface texture, or to enhance the <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+feeling' of surface texture by moving the surface.   This invention allows the ability to provide these features.    </p>
+    <p id="p-74" num="74">[0055]    The invention can be used to develop a series of functional textural surfaces for use with haptic touch.  The aim can be to create a highly sensorial and emotional   interface   where   the    physical   feedback capabilities of haptic touch can be exploited through 3D textural surface rather than the existing screen based products which use Haptic touch would allow manufactures to develop intricate covers mouldings which could replace a conventional keymat entirely and create a more human interface  for  this  technology.     Specific  functional textural areas have been considered for physical input - accelerating   textures   addresses   volume    and   zoom functions; navigation keys and joystick; alpha numeric <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">17</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="19"/>
+keys and power.   An overall textural aesthetic has been developed which can morph throughout the form factor of a product, framing and housing these areas of textural functionality.    </p>
+    <p id="p-75" num="75">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0056<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    In the embodiment shown in Figs 1 and <part-num-ref name="and">2,</part-num-ref>
+ a user input system for an electronic device can be provided comprising an input actuator adapted to be depressed by a user to input a signal into the electronic device; a cover of the electronic device having a portion located over the input actuator which is adapted to be depressed inward by the user to actuate the input actuator; and a haptic actuator comprising a vibrator adapted to vibrate the portion of the cover over the input actuator. The portion can be substantially visually indiscernible by the user from surrounding portions of the cover.      This can, alternatively or additionally, be used with other input sections to form a "hidden key" feature, wherein the  area   of  the   cover  is  only   vibrated  upon   a predetermined  event  or  for  only   a  certain  software application and not other software applications.    </p>
+    <p id="p-76" num="76">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0057]    Fig. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of the exterior surface of the cover 28' at the keypad section 32'.   In this embodiment, the exterior surface of the cover <part-num-ref name="cover">28</part-num-ref>
+ has visually discernable indicia which includes shaped numbers, letters and symbols molded       into the exterior surface generally    corresponding  to an   ITU-T keypad.   In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and <part-num-ref name="and">2,</part-num-ref>
+ the numbers, letters and symbols could be impregnated in a different color into the cover <part-num-ref name="cover">28</part-num-ref>
+ on the keypad section <part-num-ref name="keypad section">32.</part-num-ref>
+   Thus, the texture of the exterior surface of the cover <part-num-ref name="cover">28</part-num-ref>
+ on the keypad section <part-num-ref name="keypad section">32</part-num-ref>
+ could be substantially uniform.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">18</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-77" num="77">
+      <page-break num="20"/>
+[0058]   Referring   also   to  Figs.   9-12,   alternate embodiments of the shape and texture of the exterior surface of the keypad section of the cover is shown. In Fig. 9 the keypad section <part-num-ref name="keypad section">50</part-num-ref>
+ comprises a center recessed area <part-num-ref name="center recessed area">52</part-num-ref>
+   (thus forming two adjacent relatively raised areas <part-num-ref name="(thus forming two adjacent relatively raised areas">53,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="(thus forming two adjacent relatively raised areas 53,">54)</part-num-ref>
+ and four series of laterally extending grooves <part-num-ref name="and four series of laterally extending grooves">56</part-num-ref>
+ which are perpendicular to the areas <part-num-ref name="areas">52,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="areas 52,">53,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="areas 52, 53,">54.</part-num-ref>
+ The combination of area 52-54 and the four series of grooves  <part-num-ref name="four series of grooves">56</part-num-ref>
+   form  twelve  intersecting  areas.     Each intersecting area is located above one of the twelve input sensors <part-num-ref name="twelve input sensors">30.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-78" num="78">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0059]    Fig.  10  shows  an  embodiment  where   twelve recessed areas <part-num-ref name="embodiment  where   twelve recessed areas">58</part-num-ref>
+ are provided in the exterior surface of the keypad section of the cover.     Each area <part-num-ref name="cover.     Each area">58</part-num-ref>
+ has a general square shape with multiple ridges forming the side walls to the recessed shape.       Fig. 11 shows a similar embodiment, but with rectangular recessed areas <part-num-ref name="similar embodiment, but with rectangular recessed areas">60.</part-num-ref>
+ Fig. 12 shows another embodiment with four laterally extending recesses <part-num-ref name="shows another embodiment with four laterally extending recesses">62.</part-num-ref>
+   Three raised projections <part-num-ref name="shows another embodiment with four laterally extending recesses 62.   Three raised projections">64</part-num-ref>
+ are located  in each recess <part-num-ref name="are located  in each recess">62.</part-num-ref>
+      This forms the twelve tactilely sensible areas over the input sensors <part-num-ref name="input sensors">30</part-num-ref>
+ for the user to identify by touch.      These are only some examples and should not be consider as being a limiting description.    </p>
+    <p id="p-79" num="79">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0060]   Referring back to Figs. 1 and <part-num-ref name="and">2,</part-num-ref>
+ the haptic features of the invention have also be applied to the navigation and function key feature <part-num-ref name="navigation and function key feature">24</part-num-ref>
+ of the telephone <part-num-ref name="telephone">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+.      </part-num-ref>
+   However, in an alternate embodiment the haptic features of the invention might not be applied to the navigation and function key feature of the device.     In this embodiment a five way navigation key feature <part-num-ref name="five way navigation key feature">66</part-num-ref>
+ is provided allowing a user to depress the feature in the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">19</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="21"/>
+center, top, bottom and two lateral sides to function similar to a joystick.      The five way navigation key feature <part-num-ref name="five way navigation key feature">66</part-num-ref>
+ comprises sensors under the cover <part-num-ref name="cover">28</part-num-ref>
+ and the cover having a cross shaped recess <part-num-ref name="cross shaped recess">68</part-num-ref>
+ with ridges on its walls leading down to the bottom of the recess <part-num-ref name="recess">68.</part-num-ref>
+ This forms a clearly distinctive textured and shaped surface for a user to identify and depress the five distinctive actuation points of the five way navigation key feature <part-num-ref name="five way navigation key feature">66.</part-num-ref>
+ As seen in Fig. 2, four input sensors <part-num-ref name="five way navigation key feature 66. As seen in Fig. 2, four input sensors">30</part-num-ref>
+ are located under the cover <part-num-ref name="cover">28</part-num-ref>
+ outside the recess <part-num-ref name="recess">68</part-num-ref>
+ at the diagonal corners of the recess <part-num-ref name="recess">68.</part-num-ref>
+    These sensors and the cover can function as function keys.       Joystick texture is echoed which naturally highlights four way keys before echoing further up the side of the product identifying volume control and power.    </p>
+    <p id="p-80" num="80">[0061<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    Figs. 13 and <part-num-ref name="and">14</part-num-ref>
+ show some alternative designs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-81" num="81">For example, Fig. 13 shows an embodiment of the cover having a texture and shape providing part of a four or five way navigation key feature <part-num-ref name="four or five way navigation key feature">70</part-num-ref>
+ without an associated function key feature. In this embodiment the feature <part-num-ref name="feature">70</part-num-ref>
+ has a recess <part-num-ref name="recess">72</part-num-ref>
+ with an inwardly declining series of ridges <part-num-ref name="inwardly declining series of ridges">74</part-num-ref>
+ along its walls which form a general cross shape. The center bottom of the recess <part-num-ref name="recess">72</part-num-ref>
+ has an upward projection <part-num-ref name="upward projection">76</part-num-ref>
+ having a general cross shape. The inwardly declining series of ridges <part-num-ref name="inwardly declining series of ridges">74</part-num-ref>
+ can signal a user by tactile sensation of the location of the four ends <part-num-ref name="four ends">78</part-num-ref>
+ of the cross shaped projection which can be depressed by a user.    </p>
+    <p id="p-82" num="82">[0062]    Fig. 14 shows an embodiment of the cover having a texture and shape providing part of a four or five way navigation key feature <part-num-ref name="four or five way navigation key feature">66</part-num-ref>
+ with an associated different type of function key feature <part-num-ref name="associated different type of function key feature">80.</part-num-ref>
+ In this embodiment the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">20</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="22"/>
+function key feature <part-num-ref name="function key feature">80</part-num-ref>
+ has four straight groove areas <part-num-ref name="has four straight groove areas">82</part-num-ref>
+ into the cover at four oblique corners of the navigation key feature <part-num-ref name="navigation key feature">66.</part-num-ref>
+    A user input sensor is located under each of the areas <part-num-ref name="areas">82.</part-num-ref>
+    In this embodiment, the grooves wrap around a side edge of the front of the cover to lateral sides of the cover.    </p>
+    <p id="p-83" num="83">[0063]    Figs. 15 and <part-num-ref name="and">16</part-num-ref>
+ show some non-limiting examples of power key features.    Figs. 15 and <part-num-ref name="and">16</part-num-ref>
+ show the shape and texture of portions of the cover of the device which can be resiliently depressed inward by a user to actuate input sensors under the portions.      Besides the input sensors, the devices can have the motions actuators and finger sensors similar to that described with reference to Figs. 4 and <part-num-ref name="and">6.</part-num-ref>
+    In the embodiment shown in Fig. 15, the cover has a recess <part-num-ref name="recess">84</part-num-ref>
+ with an inwardly declining series of stepped ridges <part-num-ref name="inwardly declining series of stepped ridges">86</part-num-ref>
+ along its walls which form a general square shaped recess. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 16, the cover has a recess <part-num-ref name="recess">88</part-num-ref>
+ with an inwardly declining series of stepped ridges <part-num-ref name="inwardly declining series of stepped ridges">90</part-num-ref>
+ along its walls which form a general round shaped recess.    </p>
+    <p id="p-84" num="84">[0064]    Figs. 17-27 show some non-limiting examples of volume control and/or zoom control features of the device similar to feature <part-num-ref name="device similar to feature">22</part-num-ref>
+ shown in Fig 1.    Figs. 17-27 show examples of the shape and texture of portions of the cover of the device which can be resiliently depressed inward by a user to actuate input sensors under the portions.   Besides the input sensors, the devices can have the motions actuators and finger sensors similar to that described with reference to Figs. 4 and <part-num-ref name="and">6.</part-num-ref>
+ For all of these embodiments, the amplitude and/or frequency of the vibration by the motion actuator could be different at top and bottom ends of the features.    This different <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">21</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="23"/>
+amplitude and/or frequency of the vibration could be preset for different positions on the longitudinal length of the features, or could be actively adjusted based upon a sensed finger position relative to the longitudinal length of the features.    </p>
+    <p id="p-85" num="85">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0065]    The invention can provide a sense of increasing and decreasing volume control through varying intensity of texture.   Figs. 17 and <part-num-ref name="and">18</part-num-ref>
+ show examples of recesses having elongated ring shaped inwardly declining series of stepped ridges along its walls which form a general rectangular and square shaped recesses, respectively.    </p>
+    <p id="p-86" num="86">The rings in each recess are not concentrically located.</p>
+    <p id="p-87" num="87">This forms different textures between a bottom section <part-num-ref name="bottom section">92</part-num-ref>
+ and a top section <part-num-ref name="top section">94</part-num-ref>
+ of each recess to increase and decrease volume and/or zoom, respectively, when that section <part-num-ref name="of each recess to increase and decrease volume and/or zoom, respectively, when that section">92</part-num-ref>
+ or <part-num-ref name="or">94</part-num-ref>
+ is depressed by a user.    </p>
+    <p id="p-88" num="88">[0066]    Figs. 19 and <part-num-ref name="and">20</part-num-ref>
+ show examples of dot shaped recesses or protrusions <part-num-ref name="show examples of dot shaped recesses or protrusions">96</part-num-ref>
+ arranged in a series of rows <part-num-ref name="series of rows">98</part-num-ref>
+ along a longitudinal length <part-num-ref name="longitudinal length">100.</part-num-ref>
+ In Fig. 19 the dots have a uniform size, but in Fig. 20 the dots have a size which varies from small at a top end to large at a bottom end.  For the embodiment shown in Fig. 19, depressing a top section <part-num-ref name="top section">102</part-num-ref>
+ of the dots can increase volume or zoom and depressing a bottom section <part-num-ref name="bottom section">104</part-num-ref>
+ can decrease volume or zoom.   For the embodiment shown in Fig. 20, the size of the dots give a tactile sensation to the user to signal an increase and decrease of volume and/or zoom based upon size of the dots as well as longitudinal position of the dots.    </p>
+    <p id="p-89" num="89">[0067]    Figs.  21-22  show   examples  of  bar   shaped recesses or protrusions 106 and <part-num-ref name="and">108</part-num-ref>
+ formed in the cover <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">22</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="24"/>
+arranged in a column along a longitudinal length <part-num-ref name="longitudinal length">110.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-90" num="90">Figs. 23-25 show examples of combined longitudinal bars and dots of varying sizes formed in the cover arranged in a column along a longitudinal length as a column.     Fig.</p>
+    <p id="p-91" num="91">26 shows an example of a single longitudinal rib with ring shaped grooves along its length.    Fig. 27 shows an example of a groove and ridge area <part-num-ref name="groove and ridge area">112</part-num-ref>
+ bordered by a different type of surface <part-num-ref name="different type of surface">114</part-num-ref>
+ with indicia <part-num-ref name="with indicia">116.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-92" num="92">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0068]    Referring now to Fig. 28, this shows an example of the device <part-num-ref name="device">120</part-num-ref>
+ having a housing with a translucent or transparent section <part-num-ref name="translucent or transparent section">122,</part-num-ref>
+ a capacitive sensor <part-num-ref name="capacitive sensor">124,</part-num-ref>
+ an insulating layer <part-num-ref name="insulating layer">126</part-num-ref>
+ (such as a transparent plastic sheet or a non-conductive glue layer for example), a piezo actuator <part-num-ref name="piezo actuator">128,</part-num-ref>
+ a display <part-num-ref name="display">130,</part-num-ref>
+ a printed wiring board (PWB) <part-num-ref name="printed wiring board (PWB)">132,</part-num-ref>
+ and a multi-pin connector <part-num-ref name="multi-pin connector">134</part-num-ref>
+ between the PWB and the piezo actuator <part-num-ref name="piezo actuator">128.</part-num-ref>
+ In an alternate embodiment, the section <part-num-ref name="section">122</part-num-ref>
+ might not be translucent or transparent.    </p>
+    <p id="p-93" num="93">Frame and cover parts 136, 138 hold the piezo actuator and the capacitive element in place. This can be done so that the piezo actuator can bulge out to hit the cover <part-num-ref name="cover">122</part-num-ref>
+ for a click feedback effect. As illustrated by Fig.    </p>
+    <p id="p-94" num="94">29, the piezo actuator <part-num-ref name="piezo actuator">128</part-num-ref>
+ can move the cover <part-num-ref name="cover">122</part-num-ref>
+ outward to provide haptic feedback to location of the user's finger <part-num-ref name="user's finger">140</part-num-ref>
+ as sensed by the capacitive sensor <part-num-ref name="capacitive sensor">124,</part-num-ref>
+ before and/or after the cover <part-num-ref name="cover">122</part-num-ref>
+ is depressed by the user's finger <part-num-ref name="user's finger">140.</part-num-ref>
+ The motion or vibration system can comprise a permanent indicium <part-num-ref name="permanent indicium">141</part-num-ref>
+ on the sensor <part-num-ref name="sensor">124</part-num-ref>
+ or actuator <part-num-ref name="or actuator">128</part-num-ref>
+ located beneath the window <part-num-ref name="window">122</part-num-ref>
+ which is viewable by a user through the window.    </p>
+    <p id="p-95" num="95">[0069]    Referring  now  to  Figs. 30-32   an  alternate embodiment of the invention is shown. In this embodiment the device <part-num-ref name="device">150</part-num-ref>
+ comprises a mobile telephone substantially <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">23</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="25"/>
+identical to the telephone <part-num-ref name="telephone">10</part-num-ref>
+ shown in Fig. 1 except that the housing <part-num-ref name="housing">152</part-num-ref>
+ has a modular cover <part-num-ref name="modular cover">154.</part-num-ref>
+    The cover <part-num-ref name="cover">154</part-num-ref>
+ is mounted on a main section <part-num-ref name="main section">156</part-num-ref>
+ of the device having all the other working components of the device.     The cover <part-num-ref name="cover">154</part-num-ref>
+ is preferably a, one-piece member made of resilient molded plastic or polymer material.     The cover <part-num-ref name="cover">154</part-num-ref>
+ is slid onto the bottom of the main section <part-num-ref name="main section">156</part-num-ref>
+ and covers the keypad section <part-num-ref name="keypad section">158</part-num-ref>
+ on the front of the main section, portions of lateral sides of the main section, and a majority of the back side of the main section.         The keypad section <part-num-ref name="keypad section">158</part-num-ref>
+ has twelve input sensors <part-num-ref name="has twelve input sensors">30,</part-num-ref>
+ and preferably one or more motion actuators and perhaps one or  more   finger  sensors  similar  to   the  embodiments described above.   The cover <part-num-ref name="cover">154</part-num-ref>
+ is preferably removably mounted  to  the  main   section, such   as by   snap-lock sections <part-num-ref name="main   section, such   as by   snap-lock sections">160</part-num-ref>
+ to allow a manufacturer or a user to remove the cover and replace it with a same or different cover, such as to change the color or design of the cover on the device <part-num-ref name="device">150.</part-num-ref>
+   In a preferred embodiment the cover can be removed and a new cover installed without the use of tools. The material of the cover <part-num-ref name="cover">154</part-num-ref>
+ is adapted to allow a user to resiliently depress textured surface key areas <part-num-ref name="user to resiliently depress textured surface key areas">162</part-num-ref>
+ of the cover to actuate the input sensors <part-num-ref name="input sensors">30.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-96" num="96">[0070]    The embodiment shown in Figs. 30-32 illustrates that a cover for a hand-held portable electronic device can be provided comprising a haptic feedback textured surface  area   adapted  to  be   located  above  a   user depressible  input actuator of the hand-held portable electronic device, wherein the textured surface area is adapted to be depressed by a user to actuate the user depressible input actuator and thereby input a signal into the electronic device, wherein the textured surface <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">24</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="26"/>
+area has an aesthetic design shape observable by a user;    </p>
+    <p id="p-97" num="97">and a system for removably mounting the cover to a main section of the hand-held portable electronic device, wherein  the  main  section  of   the  hand-held  portable electronic device is adapted to have one of a plurality of  different  covers, having    different  shaped  haptic feedback textured surface areas, mounted thereto such that the cover is adapted to replace a different cover on the main section of the hand-held portable electronic device having a different shaped haptic feedback textured surface area.    The system for removably mounting the cover to the main section can be adapted to removably mount the cover to the main section such that the cover can be removed without a tool.</p>
+    <p id="p-98" num="98">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0071]    The embodiment shown in Figs. 30-32 illustrates that a cover for a hand-held portable electronic device can be provided comprising a system for attaching the cover  to  a  main  section  of   the  hand-held  portable electronic device to thereby cover a user depressible input actuator on the main section which is adapted to input a signal into the hand-held portable electronic device when the user input actuator is depressed by a user; and a haptic textured surface on an exterior side of the cover which is adapted to be located over the user input  actuator, wherein   the  haptic   textured  surface comprises   a  series   of   symmetrical  grooves   and/or projections around and/or directly over the user input actuator which is adapted to be felt by touch of the user to indicate location of the user input actuator, and wherein   the  series   of   symmetrical  grooves   and/or projections form an aesthetic design which is viewable by <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">25</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="27"/>
+the user.    The cover could be made of a recyclable material.    </p>
+    <p id="p-99" num="99">[0072]    In an alternate embodiment, features of the invention could be used under a touch screen, such as providing a vibratory sensation to the touch screen. The invention could also be used with a non-textured surface, such as with a touch screen for example or a flat surface of the housing cover.</p>
+    <p id="p-100" num="100">[0073]    It should be understood that the foregoing description  is  only   illustrative  of  the  invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-101" num="101">Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention.   Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace   all   such  alternatives,   modifications   and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">26</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11821725.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11821725</doc-number>
+        <date>2009-08-05</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. F-9480                                   Ser. No. 11/821,725</boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">AMENDMENTS TO THE SPECIFICATION:</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Please amend the indicated paragraphs of the specification in accordance with the amendments indicated below.</p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">(1) Please replace the existing title of the invention, OPTICAL UNIT AND LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY MODULE, with the following title appearing below.</p>
+    <heading id="h-2">OPTICAL UNIT WITH REFLECTION POLARIZING PLATE AND</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">OPTICALLY ANISOTROPIC SUBSTRATE FILM AND LIQUID CRYSTAL</heading>
+    <heading id="h-4">DISPLAY MODULE</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">(2) At pages 10-11 of the specification, please amend the paragraph bridging pages <part-num-ref name="paragraph bridging pages">10</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">11</part-num-ref>
+ as indicated below:    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">The reflection polarizing plate 2 has a function to split reflected beams and transmitted beams on the basis of polarization characteristics, and involves transmission axial orientation m and reflection axial orientation n that are mutually orthogonal on the plane as shown in FIG. 2 (a). A<confidence value="5">s</confidence>
+ this <confidence value="222222222">refletion</confidence>
+ Reflection polarizing plate <part-num-ref name="(a). As this refletion Reflection polarizing plate">2,</part-num-ref>
+ may be constructed, for example, of reflection <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+                           <confidence value="66868">f9480</confidence>
+ <confidence value="66">am</confidence>
+ <confidence value="45555">0.wpd</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. F-9480                                    Ser. No. 11/821,725</boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="8">p</confidence>
+olarizing film of the types made under trade name "D-BEF" <confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+anufactured by Sumitomo 3M Limited, and trade name "PCF" manufactured by NITTO DENKO CORPORATION and <confidence value="8852">the-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="465">Hke</confidence>
+ <confidence value="488">may</confidence>
+ <confidence value="86228">be-s.</confidence>
+ This reflection polarizing plate <part-num-ref name="types made under trade name &quot;D-BEF&quot; manufactured by Sumitomo 3M Limited, and trade name &quot;PCF&quot; manufactured by NITTO DENKO CORPORATION and the- Hke may be-s. This reflection polarizing plate">2</part-num-ref>
+ is arranged in the liquid crystal display modules such that the transmission axial orientation m becomes in parallel to the transmission axial orientation of the back face side-polarizing plate of the liquid crystal display element, and in particular, in immediate beneath type liquid crystal display modules, it is usually arranged to be in parallel to the short side orientation (i.e., parallel to the linear lamp). Therefore, the reflection polarizing plate <part-num-ref name="reflection polarizing plate">2</part-num-ref>
+ is constructed such that the polarization components that run along the transmission axial orientation m that is parallel to the transmission axial orientation of the back face side-polarizing plate of the liquid crystal display element are transmitted among the rays of light incoming from the back face side, and that the polarization components that run along the reflection axial orientation n are recycled following reflection toward the back face side.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="6">4</confidence>
+                           <confidence value="66885">f9480</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">am</confidence>
+ <confidence value="222222">o0.wpd</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11850005.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
+<pat:SpecificationDocument xmlns:pat="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent" xmlns="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent" xmlns:ent="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:enterprise" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:tbl="http://www.oasis-open.org/tables/exchange/1.0" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:com="http://www.wipo.int/standards/XMLSchema/Common/1" pat:instanceFileName="11850005.08-31-2015.IE0YJLJPPXXIFW3.SPEC.xml" pat:id="IE0YJLJPPXXIFW3" xsi:schemaLocation="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent XMLSchema/V1_3/SpecificationDocument_1_0.xsd">
+<pat:DocumentCode>SPEC</pat:DocumentCode><pat:DocumentHeaderDetails pat:id="ID-00001">
+<pat:ApplicationHeaderDetails><pat:ApplicationNumber>11850005</pat:ApplicationNumber></pat:ApplicationHeaderDetails>
+<pat:PageTotalQuantity>1</pat:PageTotalQuantity>
+<pat:ParagraphTotalQuantity>4</pat:ParagraphTotalQuantity>
+</pat:DocumentHeaderDetails>
+<pat:MailRoomDate>2015-08-31</pat:MailRoomDate>
+<pat:Specification pat:id="Specification">
+<?PageStart number="1"?>
+<pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText>Application No.: 11/850,005                        Docket No.: 106842099800 (P5697US1)</pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData>
+<pat:Heading pat:id="h-1"><pat:U>AMENDMENTS</pat:U></pat:Heading>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-1" pat:pNumber="1"><pat:U>In the Specification:</pat:U></pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-2" pat:pNumber="2">Please amend the specification, paragraph [00108], as follows<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">:</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-3" pat:pNumber="3">[00108]     In some implementations, the <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00001">display objects </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00001">104</pat:PartNumber>, 106 can be rep<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">o</pat:OCRConfidenceData>sitioned by a user.</pat:P>
+<pat:P pat:id="p-4" pat:pNumber="4">For example, a user can initiate an interface reconfiguration mode on the <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00002">device </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00002">100</pat:PartNumber> <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00003">or </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00003">101</pat:PartNumber>. <pat:U>The user may initiate or terminate the interface reconfiguration process by selecting one or more appropriate physical buttons on the portable device, by a gesture (such as making contact and swiping one or more fingers across the touch-sensitive display or making contact and holding for more than a predefined time period) and/or by selecting one or more soft buttons (such as one or more icons that are displayed on the touch-sensitive display). As used herein, a gesture is a motion of the object/appendage making contact with the touch screen display surface. In some embodiments, the interface reconfiguration process terminates a pre-defined time after the interface reconfiguration process is initiated, i.e., there is a time out. </pat:U>While in the interface reconfiguration mode, the <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00004">display objects </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00004">104</pat:PartNumber>, 106 are movable by the user. The user can touch one of the display objects and drag it to the desired position. The user can drag the display object to an empty position in the <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00005">display </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00005">102</pat:PartNumber>, <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00006">menu bar </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00006">118</pat:PartNumber>, <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00007">or docking tray </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00007">1102</pat:PartNumber> to drop the display object into that position, to drag the display object to a position between two other display objects to insert the dragged display object into that position, or to drag the display object over another display object in the <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00008">display </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00008">102</pat:PartNumber><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">,</pat:OCRConfidenceData> <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00009">menu bar </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00009">118</pat:PartNumber>, <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00010">or docking tray </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00010">1102</pat:PartNumber> to have the two display objects exchange positions, for example. The repositioning of display objects on a <pat:PartName pat:idref="PN-00011">touch-sensitive display is described in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/459,602, now U.S. Patent No. 7,509,588, titled <pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="5">"</pat:OCRConfidenceData>Portable Electronic Device with Interface Reconfiguration Mode," filed Jul. </pat:PartName><pat:PartNumber pat:id="PN-00011">24</pat:PartNumber>, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.</pat:P>
+<pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber="8">2</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData>
+<pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText>va-457136</pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData>
+</pat:Specification></pat:SpecificationDocument>

applicant/11859255.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,376 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11859255</doc-number>
+        <date>2007-09-21</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">FLOOR CLEANING APPARATUS WITH SURFACE DRYER</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">CROSS REFERENCES T<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+ RELATED APPLICATIONS    </heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <confidence value="88588">[0001</confidence>
+]       Not Applicable.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-3">STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0002]       Not Applicable.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-4">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[0003]       The field of invention is floor cleaning equipment, and more particularly, floor cleaning equipment for use in industrial and commercial environments.</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">[0004]       Industrial and commercial floors are cleaned on a regular basis for aesthetic and sanitary purposes. There are many types of industrial and commercial floors ranging from hard surfaces, such as concrete, terrazzo, wood, and the like, which can be found in factories, schools, hospitals, and the like, to softer surfaces, such as carpeted floors found in restaurants and offices. Different types of floor cleaning equipment, such as scrubbers, sweepers, and extractors, have been developed to properly clean and maintain these different floor surfaces.</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">[0005]       A typical scrubber for use on hard surfaces, such as Factory Cat scrubbers available from R.P.S. Corporation, Racine, Wisconsin, is a walk-behind or drivable, self- propelled, wet process machine which applies a liquid cleaning solution from an on- board cleaning solution tank on to floor. Rotating brushes forming part of the scrubber agitate the solution to loosen dirt and grime adhering to the floor. The dirt and grime <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="882">QBM</confidence>
+KE\820134.00006\6162485.1        1      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+become suspended in the solution which is collected by a vacuum squeegee fixed to a rearward portion of the scrubber and deposited into an onboard recovery tank.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">Although the vacuum squeegee collects substantially all of the solution from the floor, a thin film of solution extending the length of the squeegee assembly remains. This thin film evaporates over a period of time. However, prior to evaporation of the film, the floor should remain clear of pedestrians and vehicles. It is desirable to expedite the evaporation of the thin film.</p>
+    <heading id="h-5">BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">[0006]   The present invention provides a floor cleaning apparatus and method of operation that expedite evaporation of the film of cleaning solution left by the squeegee assembly. The floor cleaning apparatus includes a chassis having a forward end and a rearward end. A plurality of floor engaging wheels support the chassis above a floor. A first tank is supported by the chassis for holding a cleaning solution that is dispensed onto the floor. A second tank is supported by the chassis for holding cleaning solution recovered from the floor. A squeegee assembly is supported by the chassis rearwardly of the forward end and in fluid communication with the second tank, wherein recovered cleaning solution drawn into the squeegee assembly is deposited into the second tank. A gas is directed toward the floor rearwardly of the squeegee assembly along substantially the entire length of the squeegee assembly to evaporate cleaning solution dispensed from the first tank and not recovered by the squeegee assembly.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="882">QBM</confidence>
+KE\820134<confidence value="88">.0</confidence>
+0006\6162485<confidence value="68">.1</confidence>
+        <confidence value="6">2</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+[0007]       A general objective of the present invention is to provide a floor cleaning apparatus that expedites evaporation of the film of cleaning solution left by the squeegee assembly. The objective is accomplished by providing a floor cleaning apparatus that directs gas toward the floor rearwardly of the squeegee assembly along substantially the entire length of the squeegee assembly to evaporate cleaning solution dispensed from the first tank and not recovered by the squeegee assembly.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[0008]       The foregoing and other objectives and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown by way of illustration a preferred embodiment of the invention.</p>
+    <heading id="h-6">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAW<confidence value="8">I</confidence>
+NGS    </heading>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <confidence value="885">[00</confidence>
+09]       Fig. 1 is a right side view of a cleaning apparatus incorporating the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">[0010]       Fig. 2 is a partial, bottom, rear perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1;</p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <confidence value="885">[00</confidence>
+11]       Fig. 3 is a rear view of the apparatus of Fig. 1;    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">[0012]       Fig. 4 is a top view of the apparatus of Fig. 1;</p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">[0013]       Fig. 5 is a partial bottom view of the apparatus of Fig. 1;</p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">[0014]       Fig. 6 is a bottom right rear view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 showing gas expelled from the exhaust diffuser;</p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">[0015]       Fig 7 is a partial, bottom, rear perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 showing an alternate diffuser;</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">QBMKE\820134<confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+00006\6162485.1         3    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+[0016]      Fig. 8 is a rear perspective view of another cleaning apparatus incorporating the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">[0017]      Fig. 9 is a detailed perspective view of the diffuser of the apparatus of Fig.</p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">8; and [0018]      Fig. 10 is detailed perspective view of the diffuser aperture spacing of the apparatus of Fig. 8.</p>
+    <heading id="h-7">DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS</heading>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">[0019]      A drivable wet process floor cleaning apparatus <part-num-ref name="drivable wet process floor cleaning apparatus">10,</part-num-ref>
+ such as a Factory Cat XR Scrubber available from R.P.S. Corporation in Racine, Wisconsin, incorporating the present invention is shown in Figs. 1-4. As is known in the art, the apparatus <part-num-ref name="apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ dispenses a liquid cleaning solution from an onboard cleaning solution tank <part-num-ref name="onboard cleaning solution tank">16</part-num-ref>
+ onto the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17</part-num-ref>
+ being cleaned, agitates the cleaning solution, and then using suction draws the cleaning solution into an on board recovery tank <part-num-ref name="on board recovery tank">18</part-num-ref>
+ through a vacuum squeegee assembly <part-num-ref name="vacuum squeegee assembly">14</part-num-ref>
+ which removes substantially all of the agitated cleaning solution from the surface of the hard floor <part-num-ref name="hard floor">17</part-num-ref>
+ being cleaned by the apparatus <part-num-ref name="apparatus">10.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[0020]      The drivable apparatus <part-num-ref name="drivable apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ includes a chassis <part-num-ref name="chassis">20</part-num-ref>
+ having a front end <part-num-ref name="front end">22</part-num-ref>
+ and a rear end <part-num-ref name="rear end">24</part-num-ref>
+ joined by sides <part-num-ref name="joined by sides">26.</part-num-ref>
+ The chassis <part-num-ref name="chassis">20</part-num-ref>
+ is supported by floor engaging rear wheels <part-num-ref name="is supported by floor engaging rear wheels">30</part-num-ref>
+ and a front steerable wheel <part-num-ref name="front steerable wheel">32.</part-num-ref>
+ The steerable wheel <part-num-ref name="steerable wheel">32</part-num-ref>
+ is operatively connected to a steering wheel <part-num-ref name="steering wheel">34</part-num-ref>
+ through the chassis <part-num-ref name="chassis">20</part-num-ref>
+ proximal the chassis front end <part-num-ref name="chassis front end">22.</part-num-ref>
+ Although a riding floor cleaning apparatus is disclosed, the present invention can be incorporated into a walk-behind floor cleaning apparatus without departing from the scope of the invention.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">QBMKE\820134.00006\6162485.1        4</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+[0021]       The chassis <part-num-ref name="chassis">20</part-num-ref>
+ houses a plurality of batteries (not shown) which provide electrical power to an electric drive motor coupled to the steerable wheel <part-num-ref name="steerable wheel">32.</part-num-ref>
+ The batteries also provide electrical power to other electrical components described below.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">The drive motor rotatably drives the steerable wheel <part-num-ref name="steerable wheel">32</part-num-ref>
+ to propel the apparatus <part-num-ref name="apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ along the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17.</part-num-ref>
+ Although an electric motor powered by the batteries for rotatably driving the steerable wheels <part-num-ref name="steerable wheels">32</part-num-ref>
+ is preferred, the rear wheels <part-num-ref name="rear wheels">30</part-num-ref>
+ can be rotatably driven by an electric motor, and/or the steerable wheel <part-num-ref name="steerable wheel">32</part-num-ref>
+ can be driven by other means, such as an internal combustion engine powered by gasoline, natural gas, and the like, without departing from the scope of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">[0022]       A driver seat <part-num-ref name="driver seat">38</part-num-ref>
+ is supported by the chassis <part-num-ref name="chassis">20</part-num-ref>
+ rearward of the steering wheel <part-num-ref name="steering wheel">34</part-num-ref>
+ for use by an operator operating the apparatus <part-num-ref name="apparatus">10.</part-num-ref>
+ The operator sits on the driver seat <part-num-ref name="driver seat">38</part-num-ref>
+ to operate the steering wheel <part-num-ref name="steering wheel">34</part-num-ref>
+ and foot operated control pedals, such as a brake and accelerator supported above the chassis top surface <part-num-ref name="chassis top surface">42.</part-num-ref>
+ The onboard tanks <part-num-ref name="onboard tanks">16,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="onboard tanks 16,">18</part-num-ref>
+ are supported by the chassis <part-num-ref name="chassis">20</part-num-ref>
+ rearwardly of the driver seat <part-num-ref name="driver seat">38</part-num-ref>
+ and proximal the chassis rear end <part-num-ref name="chassis rear end">24.</part-num-ref>
+ The tanks <part-num-ref name="tanks">16,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="tanks 16,">18</part-num-ref>
+ can be formed from any material known in the art, such as plastic, metal, fiberglass, and the like without departing from the scope of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">[0023]       A control panel <part-num-ref name="control panel">44</part-num-ref>
+ is supported by the chassis <part-num-ref name="chassis">20</part-num-ref>
+ proximal one of the chassis sides <part-num-ref name="chassis sides">26</part-num-ref>
+ and within reach of the operator sitting on the driver seat <part-num-ref name="driver seat">38.</part-num-ref>
+ The control panel <part-num-ref name="control panel">44</part-num-ref>
+ houses circuitry for controlling the drive motor and the other electrical components described below. Control circuitry for controlling motors, pumps, and other <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="885">QBM</confidence>
+KE\820134<confidence value="86666">.0000</confidence>
+6\6162485<confidence value="88">.1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+electrical components is known in the art, such as control circuitry available on FactoryCat cleaning equipment available from R.P.S. Corporation in Racine, Wisconsin.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">[0024<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+       In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus <part-num-ref name="apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ dispenses the cleaning solution onto the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17</part-num-ref>
+ proximal the chassis front end <part-num-ref name="chassis front end">22</part-num-ref>
+ as the apparatus <part-num-ref name="apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ is driven on the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17</part-num-ref>
+ by the operator. The cleaning solution can be gravity fed or pumped out of the cleaning solution tank <part-num-ref name="cleaning solution tank">16</part-num-ref>
+ without departing from the scope of the invention. Any means for dispensing the cleaning solution onto the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17,</part-num-ref>
+ such as dispensing the cleaning fluid through a spray bar, brushes, nozzles, and the like, can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">[0025]       The cleaning solution sprayed onto the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17</part-num-ref>
+ is agitated by a pair of retractable, cylindrical, counter rotating brushes <part-num-ref name="pair of retractable, cylindrical, counter rotating brushes">50,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="pair of retractable, cylindrical, counter rotating brushes 50,">52</part-num-ref>
+ disposed rearwardly of the mechanism dispensing the cleaning solutio<confidence value="8">n</confidence>
+. The brushes <part-num-ref name="brushes">50,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="brushes 50,">52</part-num-ref>
+ have parallel axes of rotation which are aligned transverse to the apparatus longitudinal centerline to provide a forward brush <part-num-ref name="forward brush">50</part-num-ref>
+ and a rearward brush <part-num-ref name="rearward brush">52.</part-num-ref>
+ The counter rotating brushes <part-num-ref name="counter rotating brushes">50,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="counter rotating brushes 50,">52</part-num-ref>
+ are rotatably driven by an electrical motor, and agitate the cleaning solution on the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17</part-num-ref>
+ using radially extending bristles to dislodge dirt and grime adhering thereto.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">Advantageously, the dirt and grime are then suspended in the cleaning solution which can be drawn into the recovery tank <part-num-ref name="recovery tank">18,</part-num-ref>
+ as described below. Although counter rotating cylindrical brushes are shown, other agitating means, such as one or more disk brushes, a single cylindrical brush, and the like, can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8866">QBMK</confidence>
+E\820134<confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+00006\6162485.1         6    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+[0026<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      Debris on the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17</part-num-ref>
+ is swept up off of the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17</part-num-ref>
+ between the counter rotating brushes <part-num-ref name="counter rotating brushes">50,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="counter rotating brushes 50,">52</part-num-ref>
+ by the brush bristles to eliminate the need to sweep the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17</part-num-ref>
+ before cleaning. The rearward brush <part-num-ref name="rearward brush">52</part-num-ref>
+ deposits the debris in a strainer <part-num-ref name="strainer">56</part-num-ref>
+ disposed rearwardly of the rearward brush <part-num-ref name="rearward brush">52.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">[0027]      Referring to Fig. 5, the squeegee assembly <part-num-ref name="squeegee assembly">14</part-num-ref>
+ is fixed to the chassis <part-num-ref name="chassis">20</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="885">and</confidence>
+ includes a forward arcuate squeegee strip <part-num-ref name="forward arcuate squeegee strip">64</part-num-ref>
+ nested in a rearward arcuate squeegee strip <part-num-ref name="rearward arcuate squeegee strip">66.</part-num-ref>
+ The nested squeegee strips <part-num-ref name="nested squeegee strips">64,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="nested squeegee strips 64,">66</part-num-ref>
+ extend across the width of the apparatus, and define a vacuum zone <part-num-ref name="vacuum zone">68</part-num-ref>
+ in fluid communication with a recovery hose <part-num-ref name="recovery hose">62.</part-num-ref>
+ Preferably, the strips <part-num-ref name="strips">64,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="strips 64,">66</part-num-ref>
+ are formed from a flexible, elastomeric material, such as rubber, plastic, and the like, which can sealingly engage the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17.</part-num-ref>
+ A vacuum source in fluid communication with the vacuum zone collects the cleaning solution on the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17</part-num-ref>
+ with the exception of a thin film of cleaning solution which forms behind the apparatus <part-num-ref name="apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ as the apparatus <part-num-ref name="apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ travels in a forward direction. Although a crescent shaped vacuum zone is shown, any shaped vacuum zone, such as a provided in a straight squeegee assembly, can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">[0028]      Preferably, the vacuum source is a pair of vacuum pumps <part-num-ref name="pair of vacuum pumps">72</part-num-ref>
+ in fluid communication with an upper portion of the recovery tank <part-num-ref name="recovery tank">18.</part-num-ref>
+ The vacuum pumps <part-num-ref name="vacuum pumps">72</part-num-ref>
+ draw air out of the recovery tank <part-num-ref name="recovery tank">18</part-num-ref>
+ to create a partial vacuum. The partial vacuum creates a suction in the recovery hose <part-num-ref name="recovery hose">62</part-num-ref>
+ in fluid communication with the partial vacuum in the upper portion of the recovery tank <part-num-ref name="recovery tank">18</part-num-ref>
+ which draws the cleaning solution into the recovery tank <part-num-ref name="recovery tank">18</part-num-ref>
+ from the vacuum zone <part-num-ref name="vacuum zone">68</part-num-ref>
+ of the squeegee assembly <part-num-ref name="squeegee assembly">14.</part-num-ref>
+ Although dual <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8866">QBMK</confidence>
+E\820134<confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+00006\6162485.1        7      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+vacuum pumps are disclosed, one or more vacuum pumps can be provided to provide the desired suction without departing from the scope of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">[0029]      Advantageously, the thin film of cleaning solution left on the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17</part-num-ref>
+ is removed by drying the surface of the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17</part-num-ref>
+ using heated gas <part-num-ref name="using heated gas">78,</part-num-ref>
+ such as air, exhausted by the vacuum pumps <part-num-ref name="vacuum pumps">72.</part-num-ref>
+ The heated gas <part-num-ref name="heated gas">78</part-num-ref>
+ is preferably directed toward the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17</part-num-ref>
+ along the length of the squeegee assembly <part-num-ref name="squeegee assembly">14</part-num-ref>
+ to evaporate the residual liquid extending substantially the entire width of the apparatus <part-num-ref name="apparatus">10.</part-num-ref>
+ In a preferred embodiment, the heated gas <part-num-ref name="heated gas">78</part-num-ref>
+ passes through an exhaust diffuser <part-num-ref name="exhaust diffuser">82</part-num-ref>
+ which distributes the exhaust rearwardly of the squeegee assembly <part-num-ref name="squeegee assembly">14</part-num-ref>
+ substantially the entire length of the squeegee assembly <part-num-ref name="squeegee assembly">14.</part-num-ref>
+ In the embodiment disclosed herein, the gas exhausted from the vacuum pumps is air heated about 20%-25% above ambient temperature. Although exhausting heated gas from the vacuum pumps <part-num-ref name="vacuum pumps">72</part-num-ref>
+ into the diffuser <part-num-ref name="diffuser">82</part-num-ref>
+ is preferred because it is a readily available source of heated gas on a scrubber, any source of gas (heated or unheated), such as an independent heater, an internal combustion engine, blower, and the like can be used, without departing from the scope of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">[0030]      As shown in Figs. 1-6, the diffuser <part-num-ref name="diffuser">82</part-num-ref>
+ is fixed to the rear end <part-num-ref name="rear end">24</part-num-ref>
+ of the chassis <part-num-ref name="chassis">20</part-num-ref>
+ and has an inlet <part-num-ref name="inlet">84</part-num-ref>
+ in fluid communication, such as by piping <part-num-ref name="in fluid communication, such as by piping">86,</part-num-ref>
+ with each of the vacuum pump exhausts <part-num-ref name="vacuum pump exhausts">88.</part-num-ref>
+ In a preferred embodiment, the diffuser <part-num-ref name="diffuser">82</part-num-ref>
+ is an elongated tube <part-num-ref name="elongated tube">92</part-num-ref>
+ having closed ends <part-num-ref name="having closed ends">94</part-num-ref>
+ and extending the width of the chassis. The two inlets <part-num-ref name="two inlets">84,</part-num-ref>
+ each in fluid communication with an exhaust <part-num-ref name="exhaust">88</part-num-ref>
+ of one of the vacuum pumps <part-num-ref name="vacuum pumps">72,</part-num-ref>
+ directs the heated gas into an interior volume of the elongated tube <part-num-ref name="elongated tube">92.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">QB</confidence>
+KE\820134<confidence value="88">.0</confidence>
+0006\6162485.1       8    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+[0031]       Apertures 96 spaced along the length of the tube <part-num-ref name="tube">92</part-num-ref>
+ exhaust the heated gas <part-num-ref name="heated gas">78</part-num-ref>
+ toward the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17</part-num-ref>
+ to dry the residual cleaning solution film. The apertures <part-num-ref name="apertures">96</part-num-ref>
+ are sized and spaced along the length of the diffuser <part-num-ref name="diffuser">82</part-num-ref>
+ to evenly exhaust the heated gas <part-num-ref name="heated gas">78</part-num-ref>
+ onto the residual cleaning solution film. Preferably, the heated gas <part-num-ref name="heated gas">78</part-num-ref>
+ is exhausted along the entire length of the squeegee assembly <part-num-ref name="squeegee assembly">14.</part-num-ref>
+ Although apertures <part-num-ref name="squeegee assembly 14. Although apertures">96</part-num-ref>
+ formed in the diffuser <part-num-ref name="diffuser">82</part-num-ref>
+ are preferred, other openings in the diffuser, such as one or more slits formed in the diffuser directing gas toward the cleaning solution film, can be provided without departing from the scope of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">[0032]       In a preferred embodiment, the gas pressure in the diffuser tube <part-num-ref name="diffuser tube">92</part-num-ref>
+ is maintained at a level that prevents disrupting operation and efficiency of the vacuum pumps <part-num-ref name="vacuum pumps">72.</part-num-ref>
+ This can be accomplished by maintaining a pressure in the diffuser tube <part-num-ref name="diffuser tube">92</part-num-ref>
+ that is no greater than the pressure of the heated gas exhausted by the vacuum pumps <part-num-ref name="vacuum pumps">72.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">In one embodiment, the apertures <part-num-ref name="apertures">96</part-num-ref>
+ are sized such that the sum of the areas of the apertures <part-num-ref name="apertures">96</part-num-ref>
+ is approximately equal to the sum of the areas of the inlets <part-num-ref name="inlets">84</part-num-ref>
+ to have prevent excessive pressure in the diffuser <part-num-ref name="diffuser">82</part-num-ref>
+ that can disrupt the operation and efficiency of the vacuum pumps <part-num-ref name="vacuum pumps">72.</part-num-ref>
+ Of course, if the exhaust gas is restricted upstream of the inlets and the upstream restrictions restrict the flow of gas greater than the inlets, the sum of the areas of the greatest upstream restrictions should be approximately equal to the sum of the areas of the apertures <part-num-ref name="apertures">96.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">[0033]       A positive pressure in the diffuser <part-num-ref name="diffuser">82</part-num-ref>
+ is, however, preferred to ensure the heated gas is evenly exhausted through the apertures <part-num-ref name="apertures">96.</part-num-ref>
+ Therefore in a preferred embodiment, the sum of the areas of the apertures <part-num-ref name="apertures">96</part-num-ref>
+ is slightly (i.e. <part-num-ref name="">1</part-num-ref>
+ to 2%) less than <boundary-data type="header">QBMKE\820134<confidence value="866666">.00006</confidence>
+\6162485.1          <confidence value="4">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+the sum of the areas of the inlets <part-num-ref name="inlets">84.</part-num-ref>
+ Of course, the gas pressure inside the diffuser <part-num-ref name="diffuser">82</part-num-ref>
+ can be regulated by a relief valve to maintain a desired pressure in the diffuser <part-num-ref name="diffuser">82</part-num-ref>
+ without departing from the scope of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">[0034]       The closed ends <part-num-ref name="closed ends">94</part-num-ref>
+ of the diffuser are preferably angled upwardly to exhaust the heated gas <part-num-ref name="heated gas">78</part-num-ref>
+ outwardly beyond the diffuser ends <part-num-ref name="diffuser ends">94.</part-num-ref>
+ Advantageously, angling the ends <part-num-ref name="ends">94</part-num-ref>
+ of the diffuser <part-num-ref name="diffuser">82</part-num-ref>
+ allows the diffuser <part-num-ref name="diffuser">82</part-num-ref>
+ to extend between the chassis sides <part-num-ref name="chassis sides">26</part-num-ref>
+ short of the length of the squeegee assembly while exhausting the heated gas <part-num-ref name="heated gas">78</part-num-ref>
+ substantially the entire length of the squeegee assembly <part-num-ref name="squeegee assembly">14</part-num-ref>
+ which extends beyond the chassis sides. Of course, the diffuser <part-num-ref name="diffuser">82</part-num-ref>
+ can be extended beyond the chassis sides <part-num-ref name="chassis sides">26</part-num-ref>
+ without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover, although directing the gas <part-num-ref name="gas">78</part-num-ref>
+ using a diffuser <part-num-ref name="diffuser">82</part-num-ref>
+ is preferred, the gas <part-num-ref name="gas">78</part-num-ref>
+ can be directed toward the cleaning solution film using other methods, such as one or more nozzles adapted to distribute the gas along substantially the entire length of the squeegee assembly, without departing from the scope of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">[0035]       Referring back to Figs. 1 and <part-num-ref name="and">2,</part-num-ref>
+ a pair of side disk brushes <part-num-ref name="pair of side disk brushes">76</part-num-ref>
+ are rotatably mounted proximal the chassis front end <part-num-ref name="chassis front end">22</part-num-ref>
+ forward of the cylindrical brushes <part-num-ref name="cylindrical brushes">50,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="cylindrical brushes 50,">52,</part-num-ref>
+ and are driven by an electrical motor controlled by the control circuitry and powered by the batteries. Each side brush <part-num-ref name="batteries. Each side brush">76</part-num-ref>
+ is rotatable about a vertical axis proximal one of the chassis sides <part-num-ref name="chassis sides">26,</part-num-ref>
+ and urges debris towards a centerline of the chassis <part-num-ref name="chassis">20</part-num-ref>
+ for pick up by the cylindrical brushes <part-num-ref name="cylindrical brushes">50,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="cylindrical brushes 50,">52.</part-num-ref>
+ Preferably, each side brush <part-num-ref name="cylindrical brushes 50, 52. Preferably, each side brush">76</part-num-ref>
+ extends radially from its vertical axis past one side <part-num-ref name="extends radially from its vertical axis past one side">26</part-num-ref>
+ of the chassis <part-num-ref name="chassis">20</part-num-ref>
+ in order to sweep the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17</part-num-ref>
+ along a wall, or other vertical surface.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">QBMKE\820134<confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+000<confidence value="88">06</confidence>
+\6162485<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+1         10    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+[0036]       Referring to Figs. 1-6, in operation, as the operator drives the apparatus <part-num-ref name="apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ across the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17,</part-num-ref>
+ the apparatus <part-num-ref name="apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ dispenses cleaning solution from the cleaning solution tank <part-num-ref name="cleaning solution tank">16</part-num-ref>
+ onto the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17.</part-num-ref>
+ The cylindrical brushes <part-num-ref name="cylindrical brushes">50,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="cylindrical brushes 50,">52</part-num-ref>
+ counter rotate to agitate the cleaning solution on the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17</part-num-ref>
+ and pick up debris swept into the path of the apparatus <part-num-ref name="apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ by the side brushes <part-num-ref name="side brushes">76.</part-num-ref>
+ The debris picked up by the cylindrical brushes <part-num-ref name="cylindrical brushes">50,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="cylindrical brushes 50,">52</part-num-ref>
+ is deposited into the strainer <part-num-ref name="strainer">56</part-num-ref>
+ for later removal by the operator. As the apparatus <part-num-ref name="apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ moves across the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17,</part-num-ref>
+ the agitated cleaning solution is collected by the squeegee assembly <part-num-ref name="squeegee assembly">14</part-num-ref>
+ and drawn off of the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17</part-num-ref>
+ by the vacuum source and deposited into the recovery tank <part-num-ref name="recovery tank">18</part-num-ref>
+ for later disposal. In the preferred embodiment, heated exhaust gas <part-num-ref name="preferred embodiment, heated exhaust gas">78</part-num-ref>
+ from the vacuum source is directed toward the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17</part-num-ref>
+ rearwardly of the squeegee assembly <part-num-ref name="squeegee assembly">14</part-num-ref>
+ through the diffuser <part-num-ref name="diffuser">82</part-num-ref>
+ to dry the thin film of cleaning solution left on the floor by the squeegee assembly <part-num-ref name="squeegee assembly">14.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">[0037]       Properly sized and spaced apertures exhaust the available gas <part-num-ref name="available gas">78</part-num-ref>
+ in a diverging cone which slightly overlap at the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17</part-num-ref>
+ to evenly evaporate the film of cleaning solution. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 8- <part-num-ref name="present invention shown in Figs. 8-">10,</part-num-ref>
+ the apertures <part-num-ref name="apertures">96</part-num-ref>
+ are sized and spaced to exhaust an even flow of gas <part-num-ref name="even flow of gas">78</part-num-ref>
+ from the vacuum pumps <part-num-ref name="vacuum pumps">72</part-num-ref>
+ along substantially the entire length of the squeegee assembly <part-num-ref name="squeegee assembly">14</part-num-ref>
+ to evenly evaporate the film of cleaning solution. Along a straight section <part-num-ref name="straight section">98</part-num-ref>
+ of the diffuser <part-num-ref name="diffuser">82,</part-num-ref>
+ this is accomplished by evenly spacing the apertures <part-num-ref name="apertures">96</part-num-ref>
+ along the length of the straight section <part-num-ref name="straight section">98.</part-num-ref>
+ Closer spacing of the apertures <part-num-ref name="apertures">96</part-num-ref>
+ is required at a transition portion <part-num-ref name="transition portion">100</part-num-ref>
+ of the diffuser <part-num-ref name="diffuser">82</part-num-ref>
+ between the straight section <part-num-ref name="straight section">98</part-num-ref>
+ and angled closed end <part-num-ref name="and angled closed end">94.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">Apertures 96 along the straight angled closed end <part-num-ref name="straight angled closed end">94</part-num-ref>
+ are then also evenly spaced.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">QBMKE\820134<confidence value="86666">.0000</confidence>
+6\6162485.1        11    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+[0038]      The aperture size and spacing necessary to evenly evaporate the film and cleaning solution is dependent upon the pressure inside the diffuser <part-num-ref name="diffuser">82</part-num-ref>
+ and the height of the diffuser <part-num-ref name="diffuser">82</part-num-ref>
+ above the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17.</part-num-ref>
+ In the embodiment shown in Figs. 8-10, a Factory Cat XL Scrubber <part-num-ref name="Factory Cat XL Scrubber">110,</part-num-ref>
+ available from RPS Corporation, Racine, Wisconsin, a pair of vacuum pumps, such as described above exhausts into the diffuser <part-num-ref name="diffuser">82,</part-num-ref>
+ which is approximately fourteen inches above the floor <part-num-ref name="floor">17.</part-num-ref>
+ Apertures <part-num-ref name="floor 17. Apertures">96</part-num-ref>
+ having a diameter of approximately 0.25 inches and spaced 1.25 inches apart along the straight section <part-num-ref name="straight section">98</part-num-ref>
+ of the diffuser <part-num-ref name="diffuser">82</part-num-ref>
+ and ends <part-num-ref name="and ends">94</part-num-ref>
+ with closer spacing along the transition portion <part-num-ref name="transition portion">100</part-num-ref>
+ provide a substantially even flow of gas <part-num-ref name="substantially even flow of gas">78</part-num-ref>
+ along substantially the entire length of the squeegee assembly <part-num-ref name="squeegee assembly">14.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">[0039]      While there have been shown and described what is at present considered the preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the diffuser <part-num-ref name="diffuser">82</part-num-ref>
+ is formed from a square tube <part-num-ref name="square tube">92</part-num-ref>
+ having tapered ends <part-num-ref name="having tapered ends">94</part-num-ref>
+ to direct the gas downwardly and beyond the length of the diffuser <part-num-ref name="diffuser">82.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="885">QBM</confidence>
+KE\820134<confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+00006\6162485<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+1      12    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11861139.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,608 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11861139</doc-number>
+        <date>2007-09-25</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="2222">Atty</confidence>
+. Docket No.: 4189-01100    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">
+      <confidence value="222222222">SECURABLE</confidence>
+ CONSUMER GOODS TRANSPORTATION APPARATUS    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">[0001]   Not Applicable </p>
+    <heading id="h-3">STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED</heading>
+    <heading id="h-4">RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">[0002]   Not Applicable </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0003<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Not Applicable     </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">BACKGROUND</heading>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">[0004]   For consumers, transporting consumer goods from one location to another can prove problematic. In particular, consumable items such as food may need to be transported from a commercial establishment such a restaurant to a consumer's home. The consumer may place these items into a disposable bag, and then place the bag into a vehicle. One of the problems t<confidence value="8">h</confidence>
+at this creates is that if a driver makes a sudden stop, then the items in the disposable bag may spill. If the consumable items are in the liquid form, such as a soup, then this can permanently damage upholstery within the vehicle.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">SUMMARY</heading>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">[0005]   In one aspect, the disclosure includes a securable consumer goods transportation apparatus comprising a container, and a spill prevention strap attached to the container.</p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">[0006<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In another aspect, the disclosure includes a method comprising placing a consumer good in a container comprising a spill retention strap, positioning the container in a vehicle, securing the container in the vehicle using the spill retention strap, wherein the spill retention strap substantially maintains the position of the container relative to the vehicle when the vehicle experiences a substantially sudden movement.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">45390.02<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+4189.01100                      <confidence value="6">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="2222">Atty</confidence>
+. Docket No.: 4189-01100    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+[0007<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In a third aspect, the disclosure includes a method comprising providing instructions to secure a container comprising a spill retention strap in a vehicle, wherein the spill retention strap substantially maintains the position of the container relative to the vehicle when the vehicle experiences a substantially sudden movement.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">[0008]   These and other features and advantages will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.</p>
+    <heading id="h-8">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0009]   For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0010<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. <confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+A is a side view of an embodiment of a securable consumer goods transportation apparatus.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">[0011]    FIG. <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+B is a perspective view of the embodiment of the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus illustrated in FIG. <confidence value="288">IA.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0012<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0013<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 3A is a side view of another embodiment of the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">[0014]    FIG. 3<confidence value="5">B</confidence>
+ is a perspective view of the embodiment of the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus illustrated in FIG. 3A.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0015]   FIG. 4A is a side view of another embodiment of the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">45390.02<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+4189.01100                       <confidence value="6">2</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="2222">Atty</confidence>
+. Docket No.: 41<confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+9-01100    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+[0016]    FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the embodiment of the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus illustrated in FIG. 4A.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">[0017]    FIG. 5A is a side view of another embodiment of the <confidence value="222222222">securable</confidence>
+ consumer goods transportation apparatus.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">[0018]   FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the embodiment of the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus illustrated in FIG. 5A.</p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0019<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus on a stabilizing surface.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">
+      <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0020<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+    FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of two securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses on a stabilizing surface.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[0021]    FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of two securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses on a stabilizing surface.</p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0022<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of two securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses on a stabilizing surface.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">[0023]   FIG. 10 is a flowchart of one method of using a securable consumer goods transportation apparatus.</p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0024]    FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the front, side and top of a representative securable consumer goods transportation apparatus with an instructional graphic.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">[0025]    FIG. 12 is an enlarged front elevational view of the instructional graphic.</p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">[0026<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+   FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of the representative securable consumer goods transportation apparatus of FIG. 1<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ applied with the instructional graphic in approximately the lower <confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+ef<confidence value="8">t</confidence>
+ corner thereof<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="6666666666666622666">45390.0214189.O1100</confidence>
+                       <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="2222">Atty</confidence>
+. Docket No.<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+ 4189-01100    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <confidence value="4">[</confidence>
+0027<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of a representative securable consumer goods transportation apparatus applied with the instructional graphic in approximately the lower right corner thereof<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">[0028]    FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of a representative securable consumer goods transportation apparatus applied with the instructional graphic in approximately the upper right corner thereof<confidence value="6">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0029]    FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of a representative securable consumer goods transportation apparatus applied with the instructional graphic in approximately the upper left corner thereof [0030]    FIG. 17 is a rear elevational view of a representative securable consumer goods transportation apparatus to which the instructional graphic is applied to a front surface thereof<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0031<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    FIG. 18 is a left side elevational view of a representative securable consumer goods transportation apparatus to which the instructional graphic is applied to a front surface thereof <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0032<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    FIG. 1<confidence value="5">9</confidence>
+ is a right side elevational view of a representative securable consumer goods transportation apparatus to which the instructional graphic is applied to a front surface thereof [0033]    FIG. 20 is a bottom    plan view  of a representative securable consumer goods transportation apparatus to which the instructional graphic is applied to a front surface thereof [0034]    FIG. 21 is a top plan view of a representative securable consumer goods transportation apparatus to which the instructional graphic is applied to a front surface thereof     </p>
+    <heading id="h-9">DETAILED DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">[0035]     It should be understood at the outset that although an illustrative implementation of one or more embodiments are provided below, the disclosed systems and/or methods may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The <boundary-data type="header">4539<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+.02<confidence value="5885">/418</confidence>
+9.01100                         <confidence value="6">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Atty. Docket No.: 4189-01100</boundary-data>
+disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary designs and implementations illustrated and described herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">[0036]    Disclosed herein is a securable consumer goods transportation apparatus that may be used to secure consumer goods inside of a vehicle. Specifically, the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus may comprise a container, such as a box or sack, that includes a spill prevention strap on at least one surface. The spill prevention strap allows a user to secure the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus inside of the vehicle using a securement device, such as a seatbelt. When the vehicle makes a sudden movement, such as rapid lane change or deceleration, the spill prevention strap retains the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus, and hence the consumer goods contained therein, in its position relative to the vehicle, rather than allowing the inertia of the container and/or consumer goods to move the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus relative to the vehicle and perhaps spill the consumer goods. As such, the user is able to retain the consumer goods in the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus in a vehicle during transit between locations.</p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">[0037]    FIGS. 1 A and <part-num-ref name="and">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ B illustrate side and perspective views of an embodiment of a securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10.</part-num-ref>
+ The securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ may include a container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ and a spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ attached to the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ at a first connection point <part-num-ref name="first connection point">16</part-num-ref>
+ and a second connection point <part-num-ref name="second connection point">18.</part-num-ref>
+ At least one side, e.g. the top, of the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ may be open or openable so as to permit consumer goods <part-num-ref name="may be open or openable so as to permit consumer goods">20</part-num-ref>
+ to be stored within securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="to be stored within securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10.</part-num-ref>
+ In addition, one or more handles <part-num-ref name="to be stored within securable consumer goods transportation apparatus 10. In addition, one or more handles">22</part-num-ref>
+ may <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="6666686626666662666">45390.02/4189.01100</confidence>
+                        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="2222">Atty</confidence>
+. Docket No.: 4189-011<confidence value="88">00</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+be attached to the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ to facilitate movement of the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">[0038]    The container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ may be any apparatus or device suitable for transporting consumer goods <part-num-ref name="may be any apparatus or device suitable for transporting consumer goods">20.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ may be a box, crate, sack, bag, tote, or similar apparatus made of plastic, paper, cloth, or any other suitable material. The container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ may be sized to accommodate a specific type of consumer goods <part-num-ref name="specific type of consumer goods">20,</part-num-ref>
+ such as groceries, restaurant take-out food, and the like<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ In some embodiments, the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ may be a hexahedron, which is a three- dimensional, six-sided object that resembles a cube when all faces are of equal dimensions or a box when not all faces are of equal dimensions. One or more sides may have at least one pleat to promote the folding or collapse of the container <part-num-ref name="container">12.</part-num-ref>
+ The pleats may be separate faces or subparts of a larger face. In addition, at least one side of the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ may be open, as is the case with a grocery bag or a box lacking a top. Alternatively, at least one side of the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured with a lid, door, panel, closure, or similar device that may be opened to permit access into the interior of the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ or closed and optionally secured in place to deny access into the interior of the container <part-num-ref name="container">12.</part-num-ref>
+ In addition, the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ may contain one or more internal partitions to allow the consumer goods <part-num-ref name="consumer goods">20</part-num-ref>
+ to be organized, separated, and/or more securely stored therein. Finally, the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ may contain any amount and configuration of reinforcing structures as deemed necessary. For example, reinforcing structures may be desired where the handles <part-num-ref name="handles">22</part-num-ref>
+ and/or spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="and/or spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ attach to the container. In an embodiment, the container comprises a pre-folded sack made of a heavy gauge paper that may be unfolded and opened at a store or restaurant and filled with consumer goods for transport. Examples of such heavy gauge paper include 1.5, 1.75, and 2.0 gauge, and such paper may be further coated for examp<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+e with wax or paraffin to aid in containing the consumer goods, for example to aid in <boundary-data type="header">45390.02<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+4189.<confidence value="68">01</confidence>
+100                        <confidence value="6">6</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="2222">Atty</confidence>
+. Docket No.: 4189-01100      </boundary-data>
+moisture resistance caused by condensation from hot or cold items. Examples of suitable sizes for container <part-num-ref name="consumer goods, for example to aid in moisture resistance caused by condensation from hot or cold items. Examples of suitable sizes for container">12</part-num-ref>
+ include about 5.25 x 3.25 x <part-num-ref name="include about 5.25 x 3.25 x">13,</part-num-ref>
+ about <part-num-ref name="include about 5.25 x 3.25 x 13, about">8</part-num-ref>
+ x <part-num-ref name="x">5</part-num-ref>
+ x <part-num-ref name="x">10,</part-num-ref>
+ about <part-num-ref name="x 10, about">10</part-num-ref>
+ x <part-num-ref name="x">6</part-num-ref>
+ x <part-num-ref name="x">13,</part-num-ref>
+ about <part-num-ref name="x 13, about">12</part-num-ref>
+ x <part-num-ref name="x">9</part-num-ref>
+ x <part-num-ref name="x">16,</part-num-ref>
+ about <part-num-ref name="x 16, about">13</part-num-ref>
+ x <part-num-ref name="x">7</part-num-ref>
+ x <part-num-ref name="x">13,</part-num-ref>
+ about <part-num-ref name="x 13, about">13</part-num-ref>
+ x <part-num-ref name="x">8</part-num-ref>
+ x <part-num-ref name="x">17,</part-num-ref>
+ about 14.5 x <part-num-ref name="x 17, about 14.5 x">9</part-num-ref>
+ x <part-num-ref name="x">16,</part-num-ref>
+ with dimensions of width, depth, and height in inches. In an embodiment, the container is a paper twine handle restaurant sack, a restaurant paper shopper, a restaurant <confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+arryout bag, a restaurant bag, a kraft shopping bag, a shopping tote, a Euro-tote, ribbon handle totes, rope handles totes, twill handle totes, rope handle shopping bags, jute totes, and Tokyo totes, as such terms are used by those skilled in the art.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">
+      <confidence value="885">[00</confidence>
+39]    In an embodiment, the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ includes the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14.</part-num-ref>
+ The spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ may be attached to the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ across the entire length of one face of the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ or across less than the entire length of a face. For example, FIGS. <confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+A and <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+B illustrate the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ across substantially the entire length of the front face, e.g. from the first connection point <part-num-ref name="first connection point">16</part-num-ref>
+ at the top of the container to the second connection point <part-num-ref name="second connection point">18</part-num-ref>
+ at the bottom of the container. Alternatively, the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ may be attached to different faces of the container <part-num-ref name="container">12,</part-num-ref>
+ such as a front face and a side face.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">Further, the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ may be attached to the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ at a single connection point such that one or more loops are formed by the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14.</part-num-ref>
+ The spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ may be attached onto the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ using various attachment means, including adhesive, glue, cement, hook-and-loop tape such as Velcro<confidence value="2">@</confidence>
+, buttons, snaps, stitching, staples, rivets, peel and stick attachments, or any other attachment means known to persons of ordinary skill in the art<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ Finally, the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ may be sized and attachment means chosen depending on the intended consumer goods <part-num-ref name="intended consumer goods">20</part-num-ref>
+ that the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ will carry. For example, the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ may be about three inches wide and sealed by an adhesive that is used in an area approximately one inch by three inches at both the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="666581862565">45390.021418</confidence>
+9.0<confidence value="5588">1100</confidence>
+                        <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="86">An</confidence>
+y. Docket No.: 4189-0<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+100      </boundary-data>
+first connection point <part-num-ref name="first connection point">16</part-num-ref>
+ and second connection point <part-num-ref name="and second connection point">18</part-num-ref>
+ when the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ is configured to transport restaurant take-out containers. In an embodiment, the width of the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ is in a range of from about 5% to about 50% of the width of the container (e.g., the width of the face upon which the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ is disposed), alternatively from about 10% to about 40%, alternatively from about 10% to about 30%, alternatively from about 15% to about 25%, alternatively from about 20% to 25%.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">[0040]   The securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ may also include at least one handle <part-num-ref name="may also include at least one handle">22.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, a single handle <part-num-ref name="single handle">22</part-num-ref>
+ may be a<confidence value="88">tt</confidence>
+ached to one face of the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ or may be attached to a plurality of faces of the container <part-num-ref name="container">12.</part-num-ref>
+ Alternatively, the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ may contain a plurality of such handles <part-num-ref name="plurality of such handles">22.</part-num-ref>
+ The handles <part-num-ref name="handles">22</part-num-ref>
+ may be integral with the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ or may be a separate article or device attached to the container <part-num-ref name="container">12.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">In a specific embodiment, the handles <part-num-ref name="handles">22</part-num-ref>
+ and the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ are a sing<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+e entity in that the handle may be used to transport the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ in a first position, and then used to secure the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ in a second position. Although the first position and the second position may be substantially the same, it is contemplated that the first position will generally be substantially upright, while the second position is substantially downward. In another embodiment, the handles <part-num-ref name="handles">22</part-num-ref>
+ and the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ are a single entity wherein the spill prevention strap extends upward from the first connection point <part-num-ref name="first connection point">16</part-num-ref>
+ and loops over the top of container <part-num-ref name="top of container">12</part-num-ref>
+ and is attached at one or more attachment points on an opposite face of the container <part-num-ref name="container">12.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, a single spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="single spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ may loop over the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ and attach at first connection points <part-num-ref name="and attach at first connection points">16</part-num-ref>
+ on opposing faces of the bag near the top opening and attach at second connection points <part-num-ref name="top opening and attach at second connection points">18</part-num-ref>
+ on opposing faces of the bag near the bottom edges.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">453<confidence value="5656868858566">90.02/4189.01</confidence>
+100                       <confidence value="6">8</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="2222">Atty</confidence>
+. Docket No.: 4189-01100    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+[0041]    In an embodiment, the consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ may include at least one set of instructions <part-num-ref name="may include at least one set of instructions">24.</part-num-ref>
+ The instructions may inform the user of the details regarding installation of the consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ in the vehicle. In an embodiment, the instructions <part-num-ref name="instructions">24</part-num-ref>
+ may be a graphic or an illustration depicting the proper securement of the consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ in the vehicle, as explained in detail below. An example of such an illustration is shown in FIG. 1 as instructions <part-num-ref name="as instructions">24.</part-num-ref>
+ Alternatively, the instructions may be printed separately and provided to the user with the consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="consumer goods transportation apparatus">10.</part-num-ref>
+ The instructions <part-num-ref name="instructions">24</part-num-ref>
+ may also contain written instructions in one or more languages, such as English, Spanish, Chinese, German, French, Japanese, Korean, Russian, or any other language. Finally, someone familiar with the installation of the consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ in a vehicle may instruct the user how to install the consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ in the vehicle.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0042<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    The spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ may be oriented in any direction with regards to the container. For example, the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ may be oriented substantially vertical, substantially horizontal, or at an angle, such as about <part-num-ref name="angle, such as about">15,</part-num-ref>
+ about <part-num-ref name="angle, such as about 15, about">30,</part-num-ref>
+ about <part-num-ref name="angle, such as about 15, about 30, about">45,</part-num-ref>
+ about <part-num-ref name="angle, such as about 15, about 30, about 45, about">60,</part-num-ref>
+ or about <part-num-ref name="angle, such as about 15, about 30, about 45, about 60, or about">75</part-num-ref>
+ degrees with respect to the horizontal. FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ where the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ is oriented at an angle on the container <part-num-ref name="container">12.</part-num-ref>
+ Such an embodiment may improve the ease in which the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ is secured in the vehicle, particularly when the securement device is also at an angle, as is the case with shoulder seatbelts in most vehicles. In an embodiment, the angle of the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ is opposite the angle of a vehicle seatbelt to f<confidence value="8">u</confidence>
+rther aid in securing the the consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ in the vehicle.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="6666666626666666666">45390.0214189.01100</confidence>
+                        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="2222">Atty</confidence>
+. Docket No.: 4189-01100    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+[0043]   In an embodiment, the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ may be semi-permanently attached to the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ in at least one location, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In such an embodiment, the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured with a spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ that is permanently attached to the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ at the first connection point <part-num-ref name="first connection point">16,</part-num-ref>
+ but is semi-permanently attached to the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ at the second connection point <part-num-ref name="second connection point">18.</part-num-ref>
+ In an embodiment, a second, semi-permanent attachment point <part-num-ref name="second, semi-permanent attachment point">27</part-num-ref>
+ is disposed on the opposite side contain <part-num-ref name="opposite side contain">12,</part-num-ref>
+ thereby allowing the semi-permanent attachment end of spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="semi-permanent attachment end of spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ to be looped over the top of the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ and semi-permanently attached to the second connection point <part-num-ref name="second connection point">27</part-num-ref>
+ and forming a carrying handle for container <part-num-ref name="carrying handle for container">12.</part-num-ref>
+ Any semi-permanent attachment means may be used such as hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro). Alternatively, the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured with a spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ that is semi- permanently attached to the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ at the first connection point <part-num-ref name="first connection point">16</part-num-ref>
+ and permanently attached to the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ at the second connection point <part-num-ref name="second connection point">18,</part-num-ref>
+ or semi-permanently attached to the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ at both the first connection point <part-num-ref name="first connection point">16</part-num-ref>
+ and the second connection point <part-num-ref name="second connection point">18.</part-num-ref>
+ In such embodiments, the semi-permanent attachment may be a f<confidence value="8">u</confidence>
+lly removable attachment means, such as a button, snap, hook-and-loop tape, or the like. In such fully removable attachment means embodiments, a third semi-permanent attachment point (e.g., point <part-num-ref name="point">27)</part-num-ref>
+ may again be included on the an opposing face of the bag, thereby allowing the semi-permanent attachment end of spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="semi-permanent attachment end of spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ to be looped over the top of the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ and semi-permanently attached to the second connection point <part-num-ref name="second connection point">27</part-num-ref>
+ and forming a carrying handle for container <part-num-ref name="carrying handle for container">12.</part-num-ref>
+ The semi- permanent attachment points <part-num-ref name="semi- permanent attachment points">16,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="semi- permanent attachment points 16,">18,</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="semi- permanent attachment points 16, 18, and">27</part-num-ref>
+ may be spaced to provide an appropriate length handle formed from the semi-permanent attachment of spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="semi-permanent attachment of spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ thereto. Alternatively, the semi-permanent attachment may be a one-time use attachment means, such as a pre-applied <boundary-data type="header">45390.02<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+4189.01100                      <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="2222">Atty</confidence>
+. Docket No.: 4189-01100      </boundary-data>
+adhesive that is exposed by removing a plastic covering, e.g. a peel-and-stick type adhesive, or a moisture-activated adhesive similar to that found on envelopes and stamps. Such embodiments allow the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ to be connected or disconnected from the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ prior to securement within the vehicle, which may aid in securement of the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ within the vehicle.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">[0044]   In an embodiment, the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ may be attached to the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ at a single attachment point <part-num-ref name="single attachment point">44,</part-num-ref>
+ as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In such an embodiment, the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ may be in the form of a loop that may be sized as appropriate to allow the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ to be maintained in a position relative to the vehicle when the vehicle moves. The single attachment point <part-num-ref name="single attachment point">44</part-num-ref>
+ may be a permanent or semi- permanent attachment, both of which are described above. Alternatively, the single attachment point <part-num-ref name="single attachment point">44</part-num-ref>
+ may be a combination of a permanent and semi-permanent attachment such that one part of the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ is permanently attached to the container <part-num-ref name="container">12,</part-num-ref>
+ but another part of the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ is attached to itself using a semi-permanent attachment. Such embodiments allow the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ to be opened and closed prior to securement within the vehicle, which may aid in the securement of the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ within the vehicle. Furthermore, the semi-permanent attachment end of the strap may be looped over the top of the container <part-num-ref name="container">12,</part-num-ref>
+ and semi-permanently attached to a semi-permanent attachment point (e.g., point <part-num-ref name="point">27)</part-num-ref>
+ on the an opposing face of the bag , thereby forming a carrying handle for container <part-num-ref name="carrying handle for container">12.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">
+      <confidence value="4">[</confidence>
+0045<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+   In an embodiment, the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ may be attached to the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ via one or more spacers <part-num-ref name="via one or more spacers">56,</part-num-ref>
+ as shown in FIGS. <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+A and <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+B. The spacers <part-num-ref name="spacers">56</part-num-ref>
+ create additional room between the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ and the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14,</part-num-ref>
+ thereby allowing a relatively large or <boundary-data type="header">45390.02<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+4189.<confidence value="68">01</confidence>
+100                      <confidence value="66">11</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="2222">Atty</confidence>
+. Docket No.: 4189-01100      </boundary-data>
+thick securement device to pass between spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="relatively large or thick securement device to pass between spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ and <confidence value="222222222">securable</confidence>
+ consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="and securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ and easing the securement of the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ within the vehicle. The spacers <part-num-ref name="spacers">56</part-num-ref>
+ may be attached to the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ and the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ using any of the permanent and/or semi-permanent attachment means described herein, and may be combined with any of the concepts illustrated in FIGS. <confidence value="288">1A,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="4">i</confidence>
+B, <part-num-ref name="concepts illustrated in FIGS. 1A, iB,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">[0046<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    FIG. 6 il<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+ustrates the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ secured on a stabilizing surface <part-num-ref name="stabilizing surface">72.</part-num-ref>
+ The stabilizing surface <part-num-ref name="stabilizing surface">72</part-num-ref>
+ may be a chair, seat<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ car seat, floorboard, trunk, or any other object that may support securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="chair, seat, car seat, floorboard, trunk, or any other object that may support securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ in the vehicle. For the purposes described herein, the vehicle may be a car, truck, recreational vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, boat, aircraf<confidence value="8">t</confidence>
+, or any other vehicle. The stabilizing surface <part-num-ref name="stabilizing surface">72</part-num-ref>
+ may be an integral part of a vehicle, such as a seat or floorboard, or may be a component that has been added to a vehicle, such as an infant or chi<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+d safety seat. In an embodiment, the stabilizing surface <part-num-ref name="stabilizing surface">72</part-num-ref>
+ supports the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ on at least two of its faces (e.g., the back and bottom of the container 12).    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">[0047<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    FIG. 6 also illustrates an embodiment in which a restraining belt <part-num-ref name="restraining belt">74</part-num-ref>
+ is the securement device used to secure the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus to the stabilizing surface <part-num-ref name="stabilizing surface">72.</part-num-ref>
+ The restraining belt <part-num-ref name="restraining belt">74</part-num-ref>
+ may be any belt or strip configured to secure the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus to the stabilizing surface <part-num-ref name="stabilizing surface">72,</part-num-ref>
+ such as a seatbelt, strap, rope, cord, webbing, and the like. The restraining belt <part-num-ref name="restraining belt">74</part-num-ref>
+ may be a combination lap and shoulder belt as shown in FIGS. 6, <part-num-ref name="combination lap and shoulder belt as shown in FIGS. 6,">7,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="combination lap and shoulder belt as shown in FIGS. 6, 7,">8,</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="combination lap and shoulder belt as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and">9,</part-num-ref>
+ or the restraining bel<confidence value="8">t</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="restraining belt">74</part-num-ref>
+ may be either a lap belt or a shoulder belt. To secure the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ in place, the restraining belt <part-num-ref name="restraining belt">74</part-num-ref>
+ may be inserted through the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ such that the restraining <boundary-data type="header">45390.02/4189.01100                         <confidence value="66">12</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="2222">Atty</confidence>
+. Docket No.: 4189-01100      </boundary-data>
+belt <part-num-ref name="restraining belt">74</part-num-ref>
+ is between the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ and the container <part-num-ref name="container">12.</part-num-ref>
+ If the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ is implemented as a loop, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B above, the restraining belt <part-num-ref name="restraining belt">74</part-num-ref>
+ may be inserted through the loop of the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ to secure the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ in place.    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0048<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    Alternatively, the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus may be secured to the stabilizing surface <part-num-ref name="stabilizing surface">72</part-num-ref>
+ using securement device other than the restraining belt <part-num-ref name="restraining belt">74.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, other portions of the vehic<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+e may be used as securement device by positioning those portions of the vehicle between the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ and the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ to secure the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus in place. Examples of such portions of the vehicle include various door or other handles, car seats, head rests, shift knobs, and the like. In many embodiments, the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ will need to be configured with at least one semi-permanent attachment to allow the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus to be secured with such alternative securement device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">
+      <confidence value="666866">[0049]</confidence>
+    The securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ may be oriented in any direction with respect to the stabilizing surface <part-num-ref name="stabilizing surface">72.</part-num-ref>
+ For examp<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+e, FIG. <confidence value="5">6</confidence>
+ illustrates securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="illustrates securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ with the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ facing forward.    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">However, it is contemplated that the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ may be oriented in other directions as well. Specifically, the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ may be oriented such that the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ faces left, right, up, down, or backwards, so long as the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ is sufficiently accessible to be used to secure the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus">10</part-num-ref>
+ within the vehicle.    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">[0050<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    FIG. 7 illustrates a plurality of the securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses">10</part-num-ref>
+ secured to a single stabilizing surface <part-num-ref name="single stabilizing surface">72.</part-num-ref>
+ Although any number of securable consumer goods <boundary-data type="header">45390.0<confidence value="66">2/</confidence>
+4189.01100                         <confidence value="68">13</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="2222">Atty</confidence>
+. Docket No.: 41<confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+9-01100      </boundary-data>
+transportation apparatuses <part-num-ref name="single stabilizing surface 72. Although any number of securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses">10</part-num-ref>
+ may be used, FIG. 7 illustrates two securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses <part-num-ref name="illustrates two securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses">10</part-num-ref>
+ positioned substantially adjacent to one another on a single stabilizing surface <part-num-ref name="single stabilizing surface">72</part-num-ref>
+ and secured with a single restraining strap <part-num-ref name="single restraining strap">74.</part-num-ref>
+ Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the plural securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses may be secured to the stabilizing surface <part-num-ref name="stabilizing surface">72</part-num-ref>
+ using different <confidence value="2222222222">securement</confidence>
+ devices, such as two separate restraining straps <part-num-ref name="using different securement devices, such as two separate restraining straps">74</part-num-ref>
+ or a single restraining strap <part-num-ref name="single restraining strap">74</part-num-ref>
+ and another one of the alternative securement device described herein.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">[0051]    When a plurality of securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses <part-num-ref name="plurality of securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses">10</part-num-ref>
+ are used in a single vehicle, the securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses">10</part-num-ref>
+ may be any combination of size and configuration. As used herein, the term "size" refers to the physical dimensions of the securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses">10,</part-num-ref>
+ which may be dictated predominantly by the container <part-num-ref name="container">12.</part-num-ref>
+ In contrast, the term "configuration" refers to the features of the securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses">10</part-num-ref>
+ other than size. For example, the orientation of the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14,</part-num-ref>
+ the presence of handles <part-num-ref name="presence of handles">22,</part-num-ref>
+ the type of attachment means used, e.g. permanent or semi-permanent, and similar such features affect the configuration of the securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses">10.</part-num-ref>
+ FIG. 7 illustrates two securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses <part-num-ref name="illustrates two securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses">10</part-num-ref>
+ with different sizes but the same configuration.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">However, persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the plural securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses <part-num-ref name="plural securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses">10</part-num-ref>
+ may be the same size and configuration, different sizes and configurations, or the same size but different configurations.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">[0052]    FIGS. 8 and <part-num-ref name="and">9</part-num-ref>
+ illustrate alte<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+native configurations of a plurality of the securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses">10</part-num-ref>
+ secured to the stabilizing surface <part-num-ref name="stabilizing surface">72.</part-num-ref>
+ Specifically, FIG. 8 illustrates the securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses">10</part-num-ref>
+ secured to the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="6666666628666866666">45390.02/4189.01100</confidence>
+                         14      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="2222">Atty</confidence>
+. Docket No.: 4189-01100      </boundary-data>
+stabilizing surface <part-num-ref name="stabilizing surface">72</part-num-ref>
+ using the single lap belt embodiment of the restraining strap <part-num-ref name="restraining strap">74.</part-num-ref>
+ Similar to FIG. 7, the securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses">10</part-num-ref>
+ in FIG. 8 are the same configuration, but different sizes. Likewise, FIG. 9 illustrates the securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses">10</part-num-ref>
+ secured to the stabilizing surface <part-num-ref name="stabilizing surface">72</part-num-ref>
+ using the single lap belt embodiment of the restraining strap <part-num-ref name="restraining strap">74.</part-num-ref>
+ In contrast to FIGS. 7 and <part-num-ref name="and">8,</part-num-ref>
+ the securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses">10</part-num-ref>
+ in FIG. 9 are different configurations and different sizes.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">Specifically, one of the securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatuses">10</part-num-ref>
+ shown in <confidence value="66">FI</confidence>
+G. 9 contains a plurality of handles <part-num-ref name="plurality of handles">22,</part-num-ref>
+ as well as a spill retention strap <part-num-ref name="spill retention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ that extends partially over the length of the container <part-num-ref name="container">12.</part-num-ref>
+ As shown in FIG. 9, the handles <part-num-ref name="handles">22</part-num-ref>
+ may be integral with the container <part-num-ref name="container">12</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., cutouts or other openings, and optionally reinforced), may extend upward from container <part-num-ref name="cutouts or other openings, and optionally reinforced), may extend upward from container">22</part-num-ref>
+ as shown for example in FIG. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+, or may be formed from the spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ (as described previously) when spill prevention strap <part-num-ref name="(as described previously) when spill prevention strap">14</part-num-ref>
+ is not in use.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">
+      <confidence value="86">[0</confidence>
+053]    FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method <part-num-ref name="method">130</part-num-ref>
+ for securing consumer goods using a securable consumer goods transportation apparatus. This method may begin by placing the consumer goods into the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus at <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus at">132.</part-num-ref>
+ The method <part-num-ref name="method">130</part-num-ref>
+ may continue by placing the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus onto a stabilizing surface at <part-num-ref name="stabilizing surface at">134.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">The method 130 may also include placing a restraining belt through the spill prevention strap on the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus at <part-num-ref name="securable consumer goods transportation apparatus at">136.</part-num-ref>
+ The method <part-num-ref name="method">130</part-num-ref>
+ may conclude by securing the restraining belt at <part-num-ref name="restraining belt at">138.</part-num-ref>
+ Alternatively, blocks <part-num-ref name="restraining belt at 138. Alternatively, blocks">138</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">136</part-num-ref>
+ may be reversed, wherein the restraining belt is first secured, and then the spill prevention strap in placed over the restraining belt and permanently (e.g., peel and stick) or semi-permanently (e.g., hook-and-loop) secured to the container <part-num-ref name="container">12,</part-num-ref>
+ resulting in the restraining belt passing between the container and the spill prevention strap. Once the restraining belt is secured, the consumer goods may be retained in the <boundary-data type="header">45390.02<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+4189.01100                         15      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="2222">Atty</confidence>
+. Docket No.: 4189-01100      </boundary-data>
+securable consumer goods transportation apparatus when <confidence value="5">t</confidence>
+he vehicle makes a sudden move, such as a rapid acceleration, sideways motion, or deceleration.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">[0054]    FIGS. 11-21 are various views of an embodiment of a securable consumer goods transportation apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure, for example a restaurant or food products carry out bag. FIG. 12 is a view of an embodiment of instructions <part-num-ref name="embodiment of instructions">24</part-num-ref>
+ represented as a graphic illustration of the securable consumer goods transportation apparatus secured in a vehicle seat via a shoulder seat belt strap. FIGS. 13-16 show different locations for instructions <part-num-ref name="shoulder seat belt strap. FIGS. 13-16 show different locations for instructions">24.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0055<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    While embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings of the invention. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only, and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations and modifications of the invention disclosed herein are possible and are within the scope of the invention. Where numerical ranges or limitations are expressly stated, such express ranges or limitations should be understood to include iterative ranges or limitations of like magnitude falling within the expressly stated ranges or limitations (e.g., from about <part-num-ref name="from about">1</part-num-ref>
+ to about <part-num-ref name="to about">10</part-num-ref>
+ includes, <part-num-ref name="includes,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="includes, 2,">
+        <confidence value="88">3,</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="includes, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ etc.; greater than 0.10 includes 0.11, <confidence value="88">0.</confidence>
+12, 0.13, etc.). Use of the term "optionally" with respect to any element of a claim is intended to mean that the subject element is required, or alternatively, is not required. Both alternatives are intended to be within the scope of the claim. Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, having, etc. should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, comprised substantially of, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">
+      <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0056<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+    Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above but is only limited by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. <confidence value="8">E</confidence>
+ach and every claim is incorporated into the specification as an embodiment <boundary-data type="header">45390.02<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+4189.0<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+100                       <confidence value="66">16</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="2222">Alty</confidence>
+. Docket No.: 4189-01100      </boundary-data>
+of the present invention. Thus, the claims are a further description and are an addition to the embodiments of the present invention. The disclosures of all patents, patent applications, and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference, to the extent that they provide exemplary, procedural, or other details supplementary to those set forth herein.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">45390.0<confidence value="55">2/</confidence>
+4189.01100                          <confidence value="66">17</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11861970.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11861970</doc-number>
+        <date>2009-12-22</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">App<confidence value="7">l</confidence>
+e. No. 11/861,970 Amendment A Reply to non-final Office Action mailed September <part-num-ref name="Reply to non-final Office Action mailed September">25,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="Reply to non-final Office Action mailed September 25,">2009</part-num-ref>
+ Amendments to the Specification:    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Please replace the title with the following rewritten title:</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">-- System and Method of Recording Image Adjustment Made During Image Stabilization - Please replace paragraph [0001] with the following rewritten paragraph:</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">-- The present invention generally relates to a system and method for image processing, such as image stabilization. More particularly, this invention relates to a system and method for stabilizing images and recording adjustments made to images during the course of image stabilization. -- <part-num-ref name="course of image stabilization. --">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11864189.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,706 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11864189</doc-number>
+        <date>2007-09-28</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">COMMUNICATIONS-ENABLED DYNAMIC SOCIAL NETWORK</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">ROUTING UTILIZING PRESENCE</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5          </boundary-data>
+The present application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/951,610, filed July <part-num-ref name="benefits of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/951,610, filed July">24,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="benefits of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/951,610, filed July 24,">2007,</part-num-ref>
+ entitled "COMMUNICATIONS-ENABLED DYNAMIC SOCIAL NETWORK ROUTING UTILIZING PRESENCE", which is incorporated herein by this reference in its entirety.    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Cross reference is made to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/538730, filed <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+October 4, 2007, entitled "IP Telephony Architecture Including Info<confidence value="66">rm</confidence>
+ation Storage and Retrieval System to Track Fluency", which is incorporated herein by this reference in its entirety.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-4">FIELD OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">The invention relates generally to architectures for matching unrelated persons <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+and particularly to architectures for assisting persons in identifying appropriate persons with whom to interact and effecting the interaction.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">The convergence of the mobile telephone network, the static telephone network, and the IP network provides a myriad of communication options for users. If one seeks <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+to contact another individual, he or she may do so by electronic mail or e-mail, instant messaging, Short Message Service (SMS), wired or wireless telephone, personal computer, pager, personal digital assistant or PDA, and Unified Messaging or UM systems, to name but a few. These options open up new possibilities not only for identifying and introducing unrelated persons with similar interests, passions, beliefs, <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+experiences, or needs but also for identifying and introducing to a requestor an unrelated person having a skill able to meet the requestor's needs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">Prior to network convergence, such introductions by transmi<confidence value="8">t</confidence>
+ted signals were commonly effected by skills-based routing in contact centers. Contact centers employ work distribution algorithms to pair incoming contacts with human agents. Contact <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+centers can also set up meetings between parties unknown to each other by voice contact or Web server. If party A wishes to set up a telephonic meeting with an agent or party B <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+for example, party A calls or emails the business associated with par<confidence value="8">t</confidence>
+y B and requests customer assistance. In the contact center paradigm, the work distribution algorithm collects information about party A and the purpose of the contact and then selects an appropriate agent (party B) to service the contact. The servicing session may occur <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+immediately thereafter or be scheduled by the contact center for a later time. In a Web browsing session, the request for assistance is sent by the Web browser to the Web server. The request is then directed to the work distribution algorithm. The logic then proceeds as in the prior example. Contact centers, however, use attributes or skills associated with talents acquired by agents via training. They do not consider, in <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+matching persons, social network attributes, such as interests, passions, beliefs, experiences, or needs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">Post-network-convergence examples of interpersonal communication architectures, include email lists, bulletin boards, and blogs. These mechanisms, however, are generally slow, inefficient, and may result in sub-optimal pairings of <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+persons and, as a result, low quality information transfer to an interested person. It is generally not possible to create in advance the ideal mailing list of individuals or a sufficient number of bulletin boards or blogs that will have the ideal membership for a specific question. In the prior art, someone may send an email question to a mailing list of several hundred people or submit a question to a bulletin board or blog with several <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+hundred members. This is highly inefficient when there may be only a very small number of individuals who are truly capable of answering this specific question. The result is that several hundred people waste time considering the proffered question, and that the requestor may receive many answers of varying accuracy and quality and may have to wait hours or even days before such answers are received.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25          </boundary-data>
+The need for an effective interpersonal communication architecture is illustrated by the rise in importance to product loyalty of peer-promotion or word-of-mouth recommendations of current customers utilizing a product or service. Traditional forms of marketing, such as advertising, direct mail, and the like, are becoming less and less effective. Much of the recommendations made for a particular product or service occur <part-num-ref name="particular product or service occur">30</part-num-ref>
+    as random events. Examples include chance meetings in social settings, anecdotal or <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+historical comments, and/or in scenarios where close human proximity occurs, such as airplanes, trains, buses, and the like. The challenge for companies is that there is no structured way to control these events from occurring or not. The events are superfluous and random, yet critical to the future success of global businesses. Companies are <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+becoming less and less able to influence these occurrences in a specific and structured manner. They are also hindered by the fact that there is a geographical dispersion occurring in their product promoters. These individuals may be located any place at any time and in a totally different locale than a potential new customer who is considering the product.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10          </boundary-data>
+Even if unrelated persons are identified and introduced to one another, there is no mechanism for scheduling a communication session until they have exchanged contact information and manually initiate a meeting. Current meeting schedulers or calendar modules use invitations transmitted between known and specified parties to set up meetings. The invitation fields are manually inputted by one of the parties after they are <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+made known to one another. There is limited ability of persons unknown to one another or unspecified in the invitation to use invitations to set up meetings.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">There is thus a need for an interpersonal identification and introduction architecture that is fast, accurate, and efficient.</p>
+    <heading id="h-6">SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20          </boundary-data>
+These and other needs are addressed by the various embodiments and configurations of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">The following presents a simplified summary of the invention to provide an understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention and its various embodiments. It is intended neither to identify <boundary-data type="line-number">25    </boundary-data>
+key or critical elements of the invention nor to delineate the scope of the invention but to present selected concepts of the invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">The present invention(s) is directed generally to methods and architectures for receiving, from requestors, requests for information, identifying appropriate responders, <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+unknown to the requestors, to provide the requested information, and effecting interactions between the requestors and responders.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">In a first invention, a method is provided that includes the steps of:</p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">(a) providing a social network structure having a number of otherwise unrelated <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+members, the members being characterized by a common interest, passion, belief, experience, and/or need and having associated communication devices;    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">(b) receiving, from a requestor, a social network request including member attributes to be searched;</p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">(c) in response, selecting a social network of social network members having the <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+searched attributes; and (d) providing, to the requestor, member information for the members of the social network.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">In one configuration, most of the social network structure members do not know one another personally, are not employed by a common business entity, and are members <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+of the general public. Some of the attributes are related to the common interest, passion, belief, experience, and/or need of the social network structure.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">To effect member identification, the social network structure includes one or more data stores that include member information. The member information includes, for each member, one or more of a role identifier indicating one or more of the member's position <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+or hierarchy in the structure or the common interest, passion, belief, experience, and/or need; contact information for the member's associated communication devices; and why the member is part of the structure.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">The method can further provide, to the requestor, presence and/or availability information for the members of the social network; and, in response to requestor input, <boundary-data type="line-number">25    </boundary-data>
+effect a communication session with the requestor and one or more of the social network members.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">Alternatively, the method can, in response to requestor input, schedule a communication session with the requestor and one or more of the social network members.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+In one configuration, the requestor-receiver architecture is a communications paradigm that leverages presence within a social network model, where the requestor is an individual, firm or entity seeking to contact a social network of individuals with attributes of interest. The paradigm can allow for a "dynamic" assembly of a group of <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+social network members based on certain characteristics or on static, pre-acquired criteria. These attributes could have a wide array of characteristics. Exemplary characteristics include, "Do you use the product I am considering?", "Would you recommend this bank for service?", "Do you think I should buy a Satu<confidence value="66">rn</confidence>
+ Vue SUV<confidence value="668">?",</confidence>
+ among others. The paradigm assesses the request and acts as a central point for <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+collection, status, and availability by communications channel (e.g., land line, cell phone, email, chat, web, SMS, etc.) of those in the target/ad hoc social network. Participation in the social network for this purpose is based upon a volunteer/common interest basis or on an economic basis, where sponsoring entities would provide renumeration for those actively participating in the social network to act as peer promoters, recommenders, or <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+advisors. The paradigm can match, in real time, those individuals within, or without the social network with those social network members possessing the requested attribute(s).    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">The paradigm maintains an inventory and communication status of those in the social network. Communications with social network member(s) are facilitated by requesting a set of static characteristics (e.g., members having one or more contact/interest, passions, <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+etc.) during the phase of "joining" the social network or even dynamic characteristics, such as geographical proximity based upon real time location (e.g., "Could any acoustic guitar music fans in the Lafayette, Colorado area recommend a place where I could catch some good live music?", "Where do people recommend I get my Volvo repaired near Long Valley, New Jersey?, and the like"). The paradigm is multimodal, which can allow <boundary-data type="line-number">25    </boundary-data>
+the communications paradigm to be device and location independent.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">This invention can provide a number of benefits. It can set up interactions between otherwise unknown and unrelated parties based on common interests, passions, beliefs, experiences, and/or needs. This can be done in a relatively fast, accurate, and efficient manner. It can provide near-optimal pairings and, as a result, provide high <part-num-ref name="result, provide high">30</part-num-ref>
+    quality information to an interested person. It can match individuals dynamically. It can <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+embed purposefulness and intentionality to the social network paradigm and provide a structured way for vendors and service providers to market by facilitating and controlling peer promotion and word-of-mouth recommendations. Facilitating and controlling peer promotion and recommendations can provide increased levels of product or service <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+loyalty. It can eliminate boundaries and barriers to people obtaining the information they desire.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">In a further invention, a method is provided that includes the steps of:</p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">(a) an enterprise network receiving, from a requestor, an electronic request for a meeting with an unspecified enterprise resource;</p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10          </boundary-data>
+(b) in response the enterprise network automatically selecting, from among a set of possible enterprise resources, a preferred subset of enterprise resources to interact with the requestor, the selection being based on information contained in the request;    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">(c) an electronic calendar module at the enterprise network accessing automatically an electronic calendar of each subset member and determining possible <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+meeting times between the requestor and subset member;    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">(d) transmitting, by the enterprise network, to the requestor a message containing one or more of the possible meeting times;</p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">(e) receiving a meeting time; and (f) scheduling a meeting with a subset member at the received meeting time.</p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20          </boundary-data>
+In one configuration, the subset members are selected based on one or more of resource skills, resource availability, resource preferences, a role identifier of the resource in the enterprise, prior interaction between the requestor and resource, a group identifier of the resource, requestor importance to the enterprise, and a need of the requestor in the request.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25          </boundary-data>
+The request is typically generated by the electronic calendar module of the requestor and the meeting time transmitted by the requestor's electronic calendar module.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">Thisinvention can be seamless to the sender and selected group member. The enterprise resource does not need to be involved in selecting a meeting time with the requestor. It does not require the cumbersome steps in existing contact centers for <part-num-ref name="cumbersome steps in existing contact centers for">30</part-num-ref>
+    scheduling a call back. It can provide both requestor and enterprise network the ability to <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+select a meeting type from among a number of differing meeting types. Contact centers are relatively inflexible in scheduling later meetings with agents. Generally, contact centers are configured only for call backs and not for other communication modalities. It can schedule meetings between otherwise unknown and unspecified parties. Current <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+meeting schedulers use invitations transmitted between known and specified parties to set up meetings. There is no capability for parties unknown to each other or unspecified in the invitation to use invitations to set up meetings. It can eliminate the need for an attendant to receive calls in an organization. A work item distribution module and electronic calendar module can jointly select a "best fit" enterprise group member or <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+resource and configure a meeting between the requestor and group member.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the invention(s) contained herein.</p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">As used herein, "at least one", "one or more", and "and/or" are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+the expressions <confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+at least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, or C" and "A, B, and/or C" means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">It is to be noted that the term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more of that entity.</p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at least one" can be used <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms "comprising<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+, "including", and "having" can be used interchangeably.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">The term "automatic" and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to any process or operation done without material human input when the process or operation is performed. However, a process or operation can be automatic even if performance of the <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+process or operation uses human input, whether material or immaterial, received before performance of the process or operation. Human input is deemed to be material if such input influences how the process or operation will be performed. Human input that consents to the performance of the process or operation is not deemed to be "material".    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+The terms "determine", "calculate" and "compute," and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation or technique.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to any tangible <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+storage and/or transmission medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, N<confidence value="5">V</confidence>
+RAM, or magnetic or optical disks. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory. Common forms of computer-readable media <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, magneto-optical medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, a solid state medium like a memory card, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+medium from which a computer can read. A digital file attachment to e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives is considered a distribution medium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. When the computer-readable media is configured as a database, it is to be understood that the database may be any type of database, such as relational, hierarchical, object-oriented, and/or the like. Accordingly, <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+the invention is considered to include a tangible storage medium or distribution medium and prior art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the software implementations of the present invention are stored.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">The term "module" as used herein refers to any known or later developed hardware, software, firmware, artificial intelligence, fuzzy logic, or combination of <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+hardware and software that is capable of performing the functionality associated with that element. Also, while the invention is described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it should be appreciated that individual aspects of the invention can be separately claimed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">The term "social network" means a grouping of people having a common characteristic, such as having common interests, passions, beliefs, experiences, and/or <part-num-ref name="common characteristic, such as having common interests, passions, beliefs, experiences, and/or">30</part-num-ref>
+   needs. The characteristic may be positive or negative. For example, pro-republican <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+persons are members of a pro-republican party social network infrastructure while anti- republication persons are members of an anti-republican social network. In one configuration, at least most of the social network structure members do not know one another personally, are not employed by a common business entity, and are also members <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+of the general public. In another configuration, the social network is a social structure made of nodes which are generally individuals or organizations. It indicates the ways in which they are connected through various social familiarities ranging from casual acquaintance to close familial bonds.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">The above-described embodiments and configurations are neither complete nor <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an architecture according to an embodiment of the <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">Fig. 2 is a screenshot according to an embodiment of the present invention;</p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">Fig. 3 is a flowchart according to an embodiment of the present invention;</p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">Fig. 4 is a flowchart according to an embodiment of the present invention;</p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">Fig. 5 is a block diagram of an architecture according to an embodiment of the <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">Fig. 6 is a screenshot according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 7 is a flowchart according to an embodiment of the present invention.</p>
+    <heading id="h-8">DETAILED DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">The Social Network Embodiment <boundary-data type="line-number">25          </boundary-data>
+According to a first embodiment of the present invention, an enterprise network <part-num-ref name="enterprise network">100</part-num-ref>
+ is interconnected by the Wide Area Network (WAN) <part-num-ref name="Wide Area Network (WAN)">104</part-num-ref>
+ with first, second, <confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+. nth member's sets of communication devices 108a-n, presence service <part-num-ref name="with first, second, . .. nth member's sets of communication devices 108a-n, presence service">112,</part-num-ref>
+ and requestor'<confidence value="8">s</confidence>
+ communication device <part-num-ref name="with first, second, . .. nth member's sets of communication devices 108a-n, presence service 112, and requestor's communication device">116.</part-num-ref>
+ The enterprise network <part-num-ref name="enterprise network">100</part-num-ref>
+ includes a server <part-num-ref name="server">120</part-num-ref>
+ connected by Local Area Network (LAN) <part-num-ref name="connected by Local Area Network (LAN)">124</part-num-ref>
+ with a directory data store <part-num-ref name="directory data store">128</part-num-ref>
+ and profile data store <part-num-ref name="and profile data store">30</part-num-ref>
+   <part-num-ref name="">132.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+The server 120 receives and responds to social network requests from client communication devices. Any suitable server may be employed that has been modified according to the principles of the present invention. Preferably, the server <part-num-ref name="server">120</part-num-ref>
+ is a WEB server configured to interact with clients using the TCP/IP suite of protocols. The server <boundary-data type="line-number">5    </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="server">120</part-num-ref>
+ can thus receive and respond to GET and POST requests defined by the HyperText Transfer Protocol or HTTP and graphically render information to clients in a suitable markup language, such as HyperText Markup Language or HTML.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">The directory data store 128 comprises sets of data structures associated with members <part-num-ref name="comprises sets of data structures associated with members">144.</part-num-ref>
+ The data structures typically include, for a selected member <part-num-ref name="selected member">144,</part-num-ref>
+ member <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+identifier (e.g., name or other substantially unique identifier), member home and/or business address, personal website address, contact information or attributes (e..g., types of communication modalities available to the member (e.g., circuit-switched voice, packet-switched voice, email, instant messaging, SMS, and the like), electronic addresses associated with each modality (e.g., telephone address, email address, instant messaging <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+handle, and the like), and media capabilities of the members of the sets of communication devices (e.g., voice-capable, text-capable, video-capable, and the like)), address or pointer to the selected member's presence service <part-num-ref name="selected member's presence service">112,</part-num-ref>
+ and role identifier (which indicates the selected member's position or hierarchy in the enterprise operator and/or network <part-num-ref name="enterprise operator and/or network">100</part-num-ref>
+ and/or social network infrastructure). Examples of role identifiers include <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+employee or nonemployee, job title or position, subscriber or nonsubscriber of enterprise network <part-num-ref name="and/or social network infrastructure). Examples of role identifiers include employee or nonemployee, job title or position, subscriber or nonsubscriber of enterprise network">100,</part-num-ref>
+ and role vis a vis the stated interests, passions, beliefs, experiences, and/or needs of the social network infrastructure (e.g., if the stated interest is B<confidence value="66">MW</confidence>
+ owners the role identifier could indicate whether the selected member is a current BMW owner, past BMW owner, BMW dealer, B<confidence value="5">M</confidence>
+W mechanic, and the like).    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25          </boundary-data>
+The profile data store 132 comprises sets of data structures also associated with members <part-num-ref name="comprises sets of data structures also associated with members">144.</part-num-ref>
+ The data structures commonly include, for a selected member <part-num-ref name="selected member">144,</part-num-ref>
+ member identifier, member home and/or business address, member demographic information (e.g., age, sex, number and ages of children, marital status, employment status, and the like), why the selected member is a member (i.e., the selected member's <part-num-ref name="selected member's">30</part-num-ref>
+    interests (e.g., political par<confidence value="8">t</confidence>
+y affiliation for a politically oriented social network <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+infrastructure, etc.), passions (e.g., sporting team affiliation(s) (for a sports oriented social network infrastructure), etc.), beliefs (e.g., church denomination for a Christian social network infrastructure, etc.), skills (e.g., legal practice type for a lawyer social network infrastructure, etc.), experiences (e.g., mountain peaks climbed for a mountain climbing <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+social network infrastructure, etc.), and/or needs (e.g., ages of children for a parenting social network infrastructure)).    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">The WAN 104 can be any distributed network, whether packet-switched or circuit-switched. In one configuration, the WAN <part-num-ref name="WAN">104</part-num-ref>
+ includes a circuit-switched network, such as the Public Switch Telephone Network or PSTN, and a packet-switched <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+network, such as the Internet. In another configuration, WAN <part-num-ref name="Internet. In another configuration, WAN">104</part-num-ref>
+ includes only one or more packet-switched networks, such as the Internet.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">The presence service 112, which may or may not be operated by the enterprise, includes a presence server <part-num-ref name="presence server">136</part-num-ref>
+ and associated presence information database <part-num-ref name="and associated presence information database">140.</part-num-ref>
+ The presence server <part-num-ref name="presence server">136</part-num-ref>
+ and presence information database <part-num-ref name="and presence information database">140</part-num-ref>
+ collectively track the <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+presence and/or availability of subscribers and provide, to requesting communication devices, current presence and availability information respecting selected subscribers. As used herein, "presence information" refers to any information associated with a network node and/or endpoint device, such as a communication device, that is in turn associated with a person or identity. Presence information generally indicates what kind of context <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+the contactee is in and what kind of communication, if any, is appropriate to reach successfully the contactee. Examples of presence information include information regarding the accessibility of the endpoint device, registration information, the recency of use of the endpoint device by the person, recency of authentication by the person to a network component, and the preferences of the person (e.g., contact mode preferences or <boundary-data type="line-number">25    </boundary-data>
+profiles such as the communication device to be contacted for specific types of contacts or under specified factual scenarios, contact time preferences, impermissible contact types and/or subjects such as subjects about which the person does not wish to be contacted, and permissible contact type and/or subjects such as subjects about which the person does wish to be contacted). Presence information can be user configurable, i.e., <part-num-ref name="">30</part-num-ref>
+   the user can configure the number and type of communications and message devices with <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+which they can be accessed and to define different profiles that define the communications and messaging options presented to incoming contactors in specified factual situations. By identifying predefined facts, the system can retrieve and follow the appropriate profile.    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5          </boundary-data>
+The first, second, .<confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+. nth sets of communication devices 108a-n and requestor'<confidence value="8">s</confidence>
+ communication device 116 are preferably circuit-switched packet-switched communication devices, such as analog or digital telephones, IP hardphones (e.g., Avaya Inc.'s <part-num-ref name="Avaya Inc.'s">4600</part-num-ref>
+ Series IP PhonesT<confidence value="4">M</confidence>
+), IP softphones (e.g., Avaya Inc.'s IP Softphone<confidence value="6685">TM),</confidence>
+ Personal Digital Assistants or PDAs, Personal Computers or PCs, laptops, packet-based <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+H.320 video phones and conferencing units, packet-based voice messaging and response units, peer-to-peer based communication devices, and packet-based traditional computer telephony adjuncts. Examples of suitable devices are the 4610TM, 462<confidence value="588">1SW</confidence>
+M, and 9620TM IP telephones of Avaya, Inc. Each set 108a-n of communication devices typically include one or more member communication devices of the types noted above.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15         </boundary-data>
+The sets of communication devices 108a-n are associated with first, second, <confidence value="68">..</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">nth members 144a-n. The members <part-num-ref name="members">144</part-num-ref>
+ are members of a social network infrastructure and may be subscribers or nonsubscribers to the enterprise network <part-num-ref name="enterprise network">100.</part-num-ref>
+ Accordingly, the members of the sets <part-num-ref name="sets">108</part-num-ref>
+ of communication devices may be internal or external to the enterprise network <part-num-ref name="enterprise network">100.</part-num-ref>
+ An "external" communication device is not controlled by an <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+enterprise switch/server (e.g., does not have an extension serviced by the switch/server) while an "internal" device is controlled by an enterprise switch/server. Although the members <part-num-ref name="members">144</part-num-ref>
+ may be known personally to one another, they are typically not related and not personally acquainted with one another. Interactions among them tend to be sporadic and random. The requestor <part-num-ref name="requestor">148</part-num-ref>
+ may or may not be a member of the social network <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+infrastructure.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">The members are typically unrelated and unknown to one another. For example, they are typically not employed by or otherwise affiliated with a common enterprise and have no personal relationship with one another. They often are not in geographical proximity to one another but geographically distributed or dislocated. They commonly <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+interact with one another on an infrequent or random basis. They are members because they share complementary or common interests, passions, beliefs, experiences, or needs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">The enterprise network 100 can be maintained by a subset of the members or by a business entity funded by the members or others. For example, the enterprise network <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="enterprise network">100</part-num-ref>
+ can be the American Association of Retired Persons or AARP and the members being retired and/or advanced in years. The enterprise network <part-num-ref name="enterprise network">100</part-num-ref>
+ may be maintained by a business entity that is a vendor or service provider whose clientele or customers are the members. The information collected in the data stores <part-num-ref name="data stores">128</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">132</part-num-ref>
+ is typically collected from members with their consent to avoid privacy violations. The enterprise <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+network <part-num-ref name="enterprise network">100</part-num-ref>
+ may be funded not only by the members but also by advertising reveneue received from vendors and service providers in exchange for advertisements included in electronic messages to the members. Members can join the social network infrastructure based on advertisements provided to the public, such as via the Internet, or be recruited by other members and/or by a vendor or service provider. For example, members can be <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+subscribers to a magazine or other publication or a service, such as America On Line or purchasers of a type or make of product.    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">Included in the memory <part-num-ref name="memory">152</part-num-ref>
+ of the server <part-num-ref name="server">120</part-num-ref>
+ are a number of computational modules for identifying and matching social network infrastructure participants. A dynamic social networking engine <part-num-ref name="dynamic social networking engine">156</part-num-ref>
+ accepts qualifying attributes from a social <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+network request from a requester's communication device <part-num-ref name="requester's communication device">116,</part-num-ref>
+ accesses the directory and profile data stores <part-num-ref name="directory and profile data stores">128</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">132,</part-num-ref>
+ and the presence service <part-num-ref name="presence service">112</part-num-ref>
+ to create dynamically a social network. The social network represents, as of the time of receipt of the network request, a subset of the members <part-num-ref name="members">144</part-num-ref>
+ having the attributes in the social network request.    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">A later request having the same attributes may provide a different subset of members <boundary-data type="line-number">25    </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="different subset of members">144.</part-num-ref>
+ A dynamic communication engine <part-num-ref name="dynamic communication engine">160</part-num-ref>
+ takes a selected social network <part-num-ref name="selected social network">164</part-num-ref>
+ as input and requests or schedules the establishment of some kind of media communication between the requestor <part-num-ref name="requestor">116</part-num-ref>
+ and members <part-num-ref name="and members">144</part-num-ref>
+ of the network. Examples would include a voice conference, video conference, instant messaging group, SMS broadcast, email list, and text chat. In setting up communication sessions, the dynamic communication engine <part-num-ref name="dynamic communication engine">30</part-num-ref>
+   <part-num-ref name="">160</part-num-ref>
+ works with a communications services layer (not shown) (which is an interface <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+providing access to communication services for the engine <part-num-ref name="engine">160)</part-num-ref>
+ and communications infrastructure layer (not shown) (which is an interface providing access to communication devices offering selected multimedia communications capabilities).    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">The first, second<confidence value="6">,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">..</confidence>
+. ith social networks 164a-i are data objects containing all <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+information needed for the dynamic communication engine <part-num-ref name="dynamic communication engine">160</part-num-ref>
+ to establish a communication session between/among the requestor <part-num-ref name="requestor">148</part-num-ref>
+ and a set of selected members <part-num-ref name="set of selected members">144.</part-num-ref>
+ The data objects typically include the communications attributes associated with the selected members <part-num-ref name="selected members">144</part-num-ref>
+ in the social network and the type(s) of session(s) to be established. By way of illustration, the data objects commonly include electronic <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+communication device addresses and media capabilities, when the requested session should be established, meeting invite instructions for a scheduling application (not shown) of the enterprise network (e.g., invitees, subject, label, start and end times, reminder settings, show time as (busy, free, tentative, or out of office), meeting workspace link, and other information (e.g., agenda, instructions, requests, and the like)) <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+passwords, and the like.    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">A few examples will now be presented to illustrate the operation of the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">In a first example, assume that the requestor <part-num-ref name="requestor">148</part-num-ref>
+ is an employee of a telecommunications company. Requestor <part-num-ref name="telecommunications company. Requestor">148</part-num-ref>
+ is having lunch with a customer at a <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+conference, and the customer has shown considerable interest in the company's self- service solutions. The customer says they would require Session Initiation Protocol or SIP interoperability between the gateway and voice portal and wants to know when that will be available. The requestor <part-num-ref name="requestor">148</part-num-ref>
+ is unsure of the answer, and the conversation stalls.    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">The requestor 148 realizes that there is a real opportunity for a sale if she can <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+obtain the answer during the lunch. She decides that the best people to answer this question might be the product manager, architect or system engineers of the voice portal project. She does not know who these people are, but it does not matter; the system <part-num-ref name="system">100</part-num-ref>
+ will locate them for her. She pulls out her handheld device with a Personal Communications Center (PC<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+) client and starts to create a dynamic social network.    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">30          She enters qualifying attributes as follows:</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+Product      <confidence value="6">=</confidence>
+ Voice Portal JobTitle     <confidence value="6">=</confidence>
+ Product Manager or Architect or System Engineer Presence     = Available <boundary-data type="line-number">5          </boundary-data>
+The attributes are forwarded to the dynamic social networking engine <part-num-ref name="dynamic social networking engine">156</part-num-ref>
+ in a social network request. The server <part-num-ref name="server">120</part-num-ref>
+ finds one VP product manager and one VP architect who are available.    </p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">She requests the dynamic communication engine <part-num-ref name="dynamic communication engine">160</part-num-ref>
+ to set up an immediate voice conference with both.    </p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+In this example, the social network infrastructure is the employment of the telecommunications company. The next example illustrates a social network infrastructure in which the members have no pre-existing business or personal relationship.    </p>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">In a next example, the requestor <part-num-ref name="requestor">148</part-num-ref>
+ has been sent on assignment to Dubai. He <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+owns a BMW which requires servicing or repair and wishes to speak to some local people to get recommendations for the best repair centers in Dubai.    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">In his PCC client, he enters qualifying attributes:</p>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">Location     = Dubai <boundary-data type="line-number">20          </boundary-data>
+Automobile  <confidence value="6">=</confidence>
+ BMW Language     = English The attributes are forwarded to the dynamic social networking engine <part-num-ref name="dynamic social networking engine">156</part-num-ref>
+ in a social network request. The server <part-num-ref name="server">120</part-num-ref>
+ responds with a social network of <part-num-ref name="social network of">200</part-num-ref>
+ people.    </p>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25          </boundary-data>
+He further refines his search to reduce the number of people.    </p>
+    <p id="p-74" num="74">Location     = Dubai Automobile <confidence value="5">=</confidence>
+BMW Language     <confidence value="6">=</confidence>
+ English Nationality = American <boundary-data type="line-number">30          </boundary-data>
+Presence    = Available The server <part-num-ref name="server">120</part-num-ref>
+ responds with a dynamic social network of <part-num-ref name="dynamic social network of">4</part-num-ref>
+ people.    </p>
+    <p id="p-75" num="75">Using the dynamic communication engine <part-num-ref name="dynamic communication engine">160,</part-num-ref>
+ he sets up an instant messaging group and requests recommendations for BMW service centers.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-76" num="76">
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+In yet another example, a requestor is considering an automotive purchase and would like a positive and negative recommendation for a Lexus LS400. The requestor provides the following attributes:    </p>
+    <p id="p-77" num="77">Manufacturer = Lexus <boundary-data type="line-number">5          </boundary-data>
+Model = LS400 Language = English Recommendation = positive Recommendation = negative <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+The server <part-num-ref name="server">120</part-num-ref>
+ responds with a social network of four people, three having positive recommendations and one having a negative recommendation. Using the engine <part-num-ref name="engine">160,</part-num-ref>
+ the requestor sets up a text chat.    </p>
+    <p id="p-78" num="78">The operation of the network <part-num-ref name="network">100</part-num-ref>
+ will now be discussed with reference to Figs. 2- <part-num-ref name="will now be discussed with reference to Figs. 2-">
+        <confidence value="88">4.</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-79" num="79">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15         </boundary-data>
+In step 200, the server <part-num-ref name="server">120</part-num-ref>
+ receives a social network request from the requestor's communication device <part-num-ref name="requestor's communication device">116.</part-num-ref>
+ The dynamic social networking engine <part-num-ref name="dynamic social networking engine">156</part-num-ref>
+ parses the request and identifies the attributes to be searched.    </p>
+    <p id="p-80" num="80">In step 204, the engine <part-num-ref name="engine">156</part-num-ref>
+ forwards a search query to the profile data store <part-num-ref name="profile data store">132</part-num-ref>
+ to identify a subset of social network members <part-num-ref name="subset of social network members">144</part-num-ref>
+ matching the attributes in the search <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+query.    </p>
+    <p id="p-81" num="81">In step 208, the engine <part-num-ref name="engine">156</part-num-ref>
+ receives and optionally filters the results. Filtration may be required where one or more of the subset members has stipulated limitations on the distribution of his or her profile or parts thereof to other members and/or nonmembers.    </p>
+    <p id="p-82" num="82">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25          </boundary-data>
+In step 212, the engine <part-num-ref name="engine">156</part-num-ref>
+ generates and forwards the search query to the directory data store <part-num-ref name="directory data store">128</part-num-ref>
+ seeking contact information for each of the members in the subset or filtered subset.    </p>
+    <p id="p-83" num="83">In step 216, the engine <part-num-ref name="engine">156</part-num-ref>
+ receives the results and generates and sends presence and availability queries to the presence service <part-num-ref name="presence service">136</part-num-ref>
+ of each member in the subset or <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+filtered subset. The engine <part-num-ref name="engine">156</part-num-ref>
+ seeks to determine which of the members are currently available. This step may be unnecessary where the requestor seeks to schedule a later communication session with the member.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">16</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-84" num="84">
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+In step 220, the engine <part-num-ref name="engine">156</part-num-ref>
+ receives the results from the queried presence services and creates a social network <part-num-ref name="social network">164</part-num-ref>
+ corresponding to the social network request. The subset of members may be further filtered to remove members who are not currently present and/or available. The search results are provided to the requestor <part-num-ref name="requestor">148</part-num-ref>
+ via the requestor's <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+communication device <part-num-ref name="requestor's communication device">116.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-85" num="85">Fig. 2 depicts a possible display provided to the requestor by the requestor's communication device <part-num-ref name="requestor's communication device">116.</part-num-ref>
+ The display <part-num-ref name="display">300</part-num-ref>
+ includes the searched attributes in window <part-num-ref name="searched attributes in window">304.</part-num-ref>
+ In this case, the searched attributes are:    </p>
+    <p id="p-86" num="86">Location = Berlin <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+Automobile = Lexus Language = English Nationality = US CA UK Model <confidence value="6">=</confidence>
+ <confidence value="86">LS</confidence>
+400 <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+These attributes in the network request seek those social network members knowledgeable about the Lexus L<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+400, who reside in Berlin, Germany, speak English, and are citizens of the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom. The results are listed in section <part-num-ref name="results are listed in section">308.</part-num-ref>
+ The individuals are ranked in an order indicating a "best fit". The ranking may be done based on any suitable criteria, such as similarity of member's <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+profile to the profile of the requestor, the closeness of the match to the intended, stated, or assumed purpose of the request, purpose of the communication session and urgency or level of importance. The icons <part-num-ref name="icons">312</part-num-ref>
+ (which corresponds to instant messaging), <part-num-ref name="(which corresponds to instant messaging),">316</part-num-ref>
+ (which corresponds to live voice call), <part-num-ref name="(which corresponds to live voice call),">320</part-num-ref>
+ (which corresponds to email), <part-num-ref name="(which corresponds to email),">324</part-num-ref>
+ (which corresponds to chat), and <part-num-ref name="(which corresponds to chat), and">328</part-num-ref>
+ (which corresponds to SMS) show the communication <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+modalities available to each listed member. For a specific member, a communication modality is selected by clicking on the associated icon. Each member further has a corresponding set of icons indicating whether to contact the member now (icon <part-num-ref name="member now (icon">332)</part-num-ref>
+ or later (icon 336). To select a member, the requestor selects a contact modality icon <part-num-ref name="contact modality icon">312,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="contact modality icon 312,">316,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="contact modality icon 312, 316,">320,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="contact modality icon 312, 316, 320,">324,</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="contact modality icon 312, 316, 320, 324, and">328</part-num-ref>
+ and a contacting timing icon <part-num-ref name="contacting timing icon">332</part-num-ref>
+ or <part-num-ref name="or">336.</part-num-ref>
+ Any member not <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+selected is not included in any later communication session arising from the network request. If the contact later icon <part-num-ref name="contact later icon">336</part-num-ref>
+ is selected, a child menu appears requesting the requestor to provide the information needed for an invitation to be generated by a <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">17</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="18"/>
+scheduling application (not shown) and sent to the selected member. The information needed is the same as that noted above. If none of the listed members are satisfactory or if too many members are identified, the requestor may select the yes icon <part-num-ref name="yes icon">340</part-num-ref>
+ to have search window reappear to modify the social network query to be transmitted again to the <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+server <part-num-ref name="server">120.</part-num-ref>
+ The display <part-num-ref name="display">300</part-num-ref>
+ may include additional information, such as a role identifier, why the member was chosen (e.g., he owns/drives an LS400, he is a Lexus automotive dealer, he is a Lexus mechanic, etc.), and the like.    </p>
+    <p id="p-87" num="87">Referring again to Fig. 3<confidence value="66">in</confidence>
+ decision diamond 224, the social networking engine <part-num-ref name="social networking engine">156</part-num-ref>
+ determines whether the requestor has accepted or rejected the listed results or <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+requested that the search request be modified. If the search request is to be modified (filtered), the engine <part-num-ref name="engine">156</part-num-ref>
+ returns to and repeats step <part-num-ref name="returns to and repeats step">200.</part-num-ref>
+ If the search request is to be rejected (e.g., by terminating the session with the engine <part-num-ref name="engine">156</part-num-ref>
+ or timing out), the social networks are discarded in step <part-num-ref name="social networks are discarded in step">232,</part-num-ref>
+ and the engine returns to and repeats step <part-num-ref name="engine returns to and repeats step">200.</part-num-ref>
+ If the search results are acceptable, the engine <part-num-ref name="engine">156</part-num-ref>
+ requests the dynamic communication engine <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="dynamic communication engine">160</part-num-ref>
+ to schedule and/or effect the selected communication sessions.    </p>
+    <p id="p-88" num="88">Referring now to Fig. 4, the engine <part-num-ref name="engine">160</part-num-ref>
+ receives the request in step <part-num-ref name="request in step">400.</part-num-ref>
+ If the communication session is to be scheduled for a later time, the engine <part-num-ref name="engine">160,</part-num-ref>
+ in step <part-num-ref name="engine 160, in step">404,</part-num-ref>
+ generates invitations with the fields populated with the information received from the requestor. If the communication session is to be conducted for now, the engine <part-num-ref name="engine">160</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+initiates the session in step <part-num-ref name="session in step">408.</part-num-ref>
+ Where multiple members are to be contacted simultaneously, the engine <part-num-ref name="engine">160</part-num-ref>
+ sets up a conference call, multi-recipient instant message, multi-recipient email, or chat.    </p>
+    <p id="p-89" num="89">The engine 160 then returns to and repeats step <part-num-ref name="then returns to and repeats step">400</part-num-ref>
+ when the next communication request is received from the social networking engine <part-num-ref name="social networking engine">156.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-90" num="90">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25                          </boundary-data>
+The Electronic Scheduler Embodiment Referring now to Fig. 5, a further embodiment of the present invention will be discussed. An enterprise network <part-num-ref name="enterprise network">500,</part-num-ref>
+ particularly a contact center, is in communication, via WAN <part-num-ref name="contact center, is in communication, via WAN">104,</part-num-ref>
+ with a first, second, <confidence value="88">..</confidence>
+. nth customer communication devices 504a-n. The communication devices 504a-n are external to the enterprise network <part-num-ref name="enterprise network">500</part-num-ref>
+ and can be any <part-num-ref name="and can be any">30</part-num-ref>
+   of the communication devices noted above. Each of the communication devices is <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">18</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="19"/>
+associated with a corresponding customer 508a-n. The enterprise network <part-num-ref name="enterprise network">500</part-num-ref>
+ includes a number of additional components. The network <part-num-ref name="network">500</part-num-ref>
+ includes a server <part-num-ref name="server">502</part-num-ref>
+ connected via LAN <part-num-ref name="connected via LAN">124</part-num-ref>
+ to a resource data store <part-num-ref name="resource data store">512,</part-num-ref>
+ customer data store <part-num-ref name="resource data store 512, customer data store">516,</part-num-ref>
+ and first, second, <confidence value="88">..</confidence>
+. mth communication devices 520a-m.    </p>
+    <p id="p-91" num="91">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+                </boundary-data>
+The server 502 directs communications, such as incoming Voice Over IP or VoIP and telephone calls, in the enterprise network <part-num-ref name="enterprise network">500.</part-num-ref>
+ The term "server<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ as used herein should be understood to include a PBX, an ACD, an enterprise switch, an enterprise server, or other type of telecommunications system switch or server, as well as other types of processor-based communication control devices such as media servers, <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+computers, adjuncts, etc. The server <part-num-ref name="server">502</part-num-ref>
+ can be any architecture for directing contacts to one or more communication devices. Illustratively, the server <part-num-ref name="server">502</part-num-ref>
+ of Fig. <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+ can be Avaya Inc.'s DefinityTM Private-Branch Exchange (PBX)-based ACD system; MultiVantag<confidence value="655">eTM</confidence>
+ PBX, CRM Central <part-num-ref name="can be Avaya Inc.'s DefinityTM Private-Branch Exchange (PBX)-based ACD system; MultiVantageTM PBX, CRM Central">2000</part-num-ref>
+ Serve<confidence value="855">rTM</confidence>
+, Communication ManagerTM, <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+8300TM media server, SIP Enabled ServicesTM, and/or Avaya Interaction Cente<confidence value="865">rTM</confidence>
+. The server <part-num-ref name="server">502</part-num-ref>
+ typically is <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+a stored-program-controlled system that conventionally includes interfaces to external communication links, a communications switching fabric, service circuits (e.g., tone generators, announcement circuits, etc.), memory for storing control programs and data, and a processor (i.e., a computer) for executing the stored control programs to control the interfaces and the fabric and to provide automatic contact-distribution functionality. The <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+server <part-num-ref name="server">502</part-num-ref>
+ comprises a network interface card to provide services to the associated internal enterprise communication devices.    </p>
+    <p id="p-92" num="92">The resource data store 512 includes resource information regarding resources, such as employees or (human) agents, of the enterprise managing the network <part-num-ref name="network">500.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-93" num="93">Resource information includes, for example, a profile for each resource, respectively, that <boundary-data type="line-number">25    </boundary-data>
+includes individual enterprise identifier, individual name, address, communication device information, personal information (e.g., age, sex, hobbies, physical condition, spoken languages, ethnicity, geographic area of expertise, etc.), individual skills and/or areas of expertise, day(s) and time(s) during which and/or areas in which the resource may be contacted to service customer contacts and/or a number of times over a selected period in <part-num-ref name="selected period in">30</part-num-ref>
+    which the resource may be contacted to service customer contacts, contact information <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">19</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="20"/>
+(e.g., electronic address of corresponding communication device(s), types of communication devices (e.g., cell phone, desk phone, laptop, etc.), organization hierarchy or role identifier, group identifier, and job description. The organization hierarchy or role identifier typically indicates the relative position, or degree of importance, of the resource <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+to the enterprise while the group identifier indicates to which sets of employees the resource belongs<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ Generally, employees having similar job titles or descriptions and/or common levels of importance to the enterprise will be in a common employee grouping.    </p>
+    <p id="p-94" num="94">The customer data store includes customer information such as customer name, customer social security number, customer account number, customer preferences (such <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+as language to be used for interacting with the customer, desired sex of servicing resource, level of proficiency in a language, and religion preference), financial information (such as net worth, gross annual earnings, net annual earnings, account balances, customer bank account and credit card information, etc.), number of family members and/or their ages, sex of customer, age of customer, health information <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+(allergies, medical history, current medical condition, etc.), number or electronic address to which a return contact is to be directed (which is different from the number of electronic address of the contacting customer communication device), customer business address, customer home address, customer policy number, customer license number, and the like.    </p>
+    <p id="p-95" num="95">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20          </boundary-data>
+Each resource is associated with one of the first, second<confidence value="588">,..</confidence>
+. mth communication devices 520a-m. The devices are internal to the enterprise network and include any of the types of devices noted previously. Each resource may further have one or more external communication devices. Each resource is a subscriber of the enterprise network <part-num-ref name="enterprise network">500.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-96" num="96">As used herein, a "subscriber" refers to a person who is serviced by, registered or <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+subscribed with, or otherwise affiliated with an enterprise network.    </p>
+    <p id="p-97" num="97">It should be noted that the above embodiments do not require any particular type of information transport <confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+edium or protocol between the server and internal communication devices, i.e., the invention may be implemented with any desired type of transport medium as well as combinations of different types of transport media.    </p>
+    <p id="p-98" num="98">30          Although the above embodiments are discussed with reference to a client-server <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">20</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="21"/>
+architecture, it is to be understood that the principles of the present invention apply to other network architectures. For example, the invention applies to peer-to-peer networks, such as those envisioned by the Session Initiation Protocol. In the client-server model or paradigm, network services and the programs used by end users to access the services are <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+described. The client side provides a user with an interface for requesting services from the network, and the server side is responsible for accepting user requests for services and providing the services transparent to the user. By contrast in the peer-to-peer model or paradigm, each networked host runs both the client and server parts of an application program. Moreover, the invention does not require a specific Internet Protocol <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+Telephony (IPT) protocol and could be implemented, for example, using QSIG, H.323, and combinations thereof. Additionally, the invention does not require the presence of packet- or circuit-switched networks.    </p>
+    <p id="p-99" num="99">Included within the memory <part-num-ref name="memory">506</part-num-ref>
+ of the server <part-num-ref name="server">502</part-num-ref>
+ is a calendar or scheduling module <part-num-ref name="calendar or scheduling module">528,</part-num-ref>
+ such as an electronic calendar, and a work item distribution module <part-num-ref name="work item distribution module">524.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-100" num="100">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+The first customer 508a also has a corresponding calendar module <part-num-ref name="corresponding calendar module">528.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-101" num="101">The calendar module 128 receives and executes scheduling requests and updates and meeting invitations from a subscriber. The module <part-num-ref name="module">528</part-num-ref>
+ can be any suitable scheduling application modified according to the principles of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-102" num="102">Examples include OutlookTM by Microsoft. A typical calendar module includes a set of <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+data structures to contain scheduling information. The data structures include a number of sets of scheduling records for each subscriber. Each set of scheduling records includes a set of calendar files. Each calendar file corresponds to a selected month and year and includes, for each day in the respective month and year, a series of discrete timeslots.    </p>
+    <p id="p-103" num="103">Each timeslot corresponds to a discrete time period of a set length, e.g., fifteen, thirty, or <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+sixty minutes. Each timeslot may have an associated set of parameters, such as a task to be performed, a meeting, a list of meeting participants, a subject of the meeting, an agenda for the meeting, attachments for the meeting, a duration of the meeting, contact details for the meeting (e.g., a telephone number of a meeting participant, conference bridge, and the like), and physical location. The parameters are typically referenced in <part-num-ref name="parameters are typically referenced in">30</part-num-ref>
+   the appropriate timeslot by a pointer.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">21</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-104" num="104">
+      <page-break num="22"/>
+The work distribution module 524 receives scheduling requests from customer communication devices <part-num-ref name="receives scheduling requests from customer communication devices">504,</part-num-ref>
+ selects a set of resources to possibly service the work item associated with the scheduling requests, obtains scheduling information from the calendar module <part-num-ref name="calendar module">528</part-num-ref>
+ regarding each member of the resource set, provides information about each <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+member of the resource set, including scheduling information, to the requesting customer, obtains a customer selected member, and coordinates with the calendar module <part-num-ref name="calendar module">528</part-num-ref>
+ to set up a meeting time and reserve any needed animate and inanimate resources for the meeting, such as conference rooms, electronic equipment, and the like. Resources are selected typically based on the role and/or group identifier. A resource, depending on his <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+or her expertise (e.g., skill and/or skill level), may be in multiple roles or groups. Each resource may configure preferences defining the circumstances under which he or she may be selected. The preferences indicate rules pursuant to which the associated subscriber is or is not available for "blindly" scheduled meetings. The rules may be requestor-based (based on the identity or type of customer), subject matter-based (based <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+on the subject area of the work item), or time-based (based on the time requested by the customer in which to service the work item).    </p>
+    <p id="p-105" num="105">The work item distribution module 524 and enterprise calendar module <part-num-ref name="and enterprise calendar module">528</part-num-ref>
+ collectively enable a customer to schedule a meeting with an unknown resource. The module <part-num-ref name="module">524,</part-num-ref>
+ acting on behalf of the requestor, selects a set of resources for consideration <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+by the requestor. The module <part-num-ref name="module">524</part-num-ref>
+ further provides sufficient information to the requestor to permit the requestor to make an educated selection of a subset of the members to service his or her needs. In effect, the module <part-num-ref name="module">524</part-num-ref>
+ and module <part-num-ref name="and module">528</part-num-ref>
+ provide intelligent auto-attendant functionality for the enterprise network <part-num-ref name="enterprise network">500.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-106" num="106">The operation of this embodiment will now be discussed with reference to Fig. 7.</p>
+    <p id="p-107" num="107">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25          </boundary-data>
+In step 700, a meeting request is forwarded by an electronic calendar module <part-num-ref name="electronic calendar module">528</part-num-ref>
+ of a customer (who is an existing or potential customer) or some other application and received by the enterprise network <part-num-ref name="enterprise network">500.</part-num-ref>
+ The addressee of the request may be a general email box, the server <part-num-ref name="server">502,</part-num-ref>
+ the work item distribution module <part-num-ref name="work item distribution module">524,</part-num-ref>
+ or the enterprise calendar module <part-num-ref name="enterprise calendar module">528</part-num-ref>
+ of the enterprise network <part-num-ref name="enterprise network">500.</part-num-ref>
+ The scheduling request includes <part-num-ref name="scheduling request includes">30</part-num-ref>
+ various fields, including requested meeting time(s), meeting type (e.g., by phone, instant <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">22</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="23"/>
+messaging session, face-to-face, etc.), requestor (sender or customer) contact information, requestor identification, and meeting purpose (e.g., work item description).    </p>
+    <p id="p-108" num="108">When the electronic meeting request is received by the enterprise network <part-num-ref name="enterprise network">500,</part-num-ref>
+ the request is parsed, in step <part-num-ref name="request is parsed, in step">704,</part-num-ref>
+ to identify the various selected fields.    </p>
+    <p id="p-109" num="109">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5          </boundary-data>
+In decision diamond 708, the work item distribution module <part-num-ref name="work item distribution module">524</part-num-ref>
+ determines whether the request is requesting a communication session with an unspecified enterprise resource. If not, the module <part-num-ref name="module">524,</part-num-ref>
+ in step <part-num-ref name="module 524, in step">712,</part-num-ref>
+ processes the request normally, which typically means that the request is forwarded directly to the named resource. If the request is directed to an unnamed resource, the work item distribution module <part-num-ref name="work item distribution module">524</part-num-ref>
+ selects <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+an appropriate resource group and, optionally, group member to service the work item described in the request. The selection process typically requires the module <part-num-ref name="module">524,</part-num-ref>
+ in step <part-num-ref name="module 524, in step">716,</part-num-ref>
+ to retrieve the pertinent enterprise resource and customer information from the data stores <part-num-ref name="data stores">512</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">516.</part-num-ref>
+ The customer information retrieved is for the customer referenced in the request while the enterprise resource information retrieved is based, for example, on <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+prior customer affiliation and skill(s) required to service the described work item and, in step <part-num-ref name="described work item and, in step">720,</part-num-ref>
+ to identify a set of enterprise resources to service the work item.    </p>
+    <p id="p-110" num="110">In step 724, the module <part-num-ref name="module">524</part-num-ref>
+ forwards a query, for each member of the set, to the calendar module <part-num-ref name="calendar module">528</part-num-ref>
+ requesting his or her availability during the times, if any, specified in the customer request. If no specific times are specified in the request, the module <part-num-ref name="module">528</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+provides a default time frame for the query. The enterprise network's calendar module <part-num-ref name="enterprise network's calendar module">528,</part-num-ref>
+ using information in the query and group member availability information in each selected member's associated calendar, selects one or more possible meeting times for servicing of the work item. The results are then returned to the module <part-num-ref name="module">524.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-111" num="111">In step 728, the module <part-num-ref name="module">524</part-num-ref>
+ then assembles and returns a response to the <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+requestor containing not only possible meeting times but also other meeting information, such as meeting type, group member identification, group member information (such as qualifications), and group member contact information. The response may be transmitted with or without prior approval of the respective selected member for the requested meeting. In this sense, the selection and scheduling process is performed "blindly" or <part-num-ref name="selection and scheduling process is performed &quot;blindly&quot; or">30</part-num-ref>
+ automatically without the selected member's knowledge. In one configuration, the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">23</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="24"/>
+selected may have the ability to screen or edit the response before it's transmission to the requestor.    </p>
+    <p id="p-112" num="112">Fig. 6 depicts a display <part-num-ref name="display">600</part-num-ref>
+ according to an embodiment of the invention. The display <part-num-ref name="display">600</part-num-ref>
+ lists, in a selected order, the names of the resources and, for each named <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+resource, provides the position or title and availability information. A selection icon 604a-d is provided next to each named resource for the customer to select that resource.    </p>
+    <p id="p-113" num="113">In the display <part-num-ref name="display">600,</part-num-ref>
+ the customer has selected John Hancock but not John Smith, Mary Jones, or Jesse James. The order or ranking of the listed members can be based on any suitable criteria, including the similarity of member's profile to the profile of the <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+requestor, the closeness of the match to the intended, stated, or assumed purpose of the request, and the desirability to the enterprise of having the named resource service the work item in the request. At the bottom of the display <part-num-ref name="display">600,</part-num-ref>
+ there is a send icon <part-num-ref name="send icon">608</part-num-ref>
+ that, if selected, sends a response to the enterprise network <part-num-ref name="enterprise network">500</part-num-ref>
+ and a new search icon <part-num-ref name="new search icon">612</part-num-ref>
+ that, if selected, indicates to the network <part-num-ref name="network">500</part-num-ref>
+ that none of the listed individuals are <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+satisfactory. If the new search icon <part-num-ref name="new search icon">612</part-num-ref>
+ is selected, a further display (not shown) is provided asking the customer to refine his or her search.    </p>
+    <p id="p-114" num="114">In decision diamond 732, the module <part-num-ref name="module">524</part-num-ref>
+ determines whether or not a response has been received from the customer. If not, the diamond <part-num-ref name="diamond">732</part-num-ref>
+ is repeated after a selected time interval until the module <part-num-ref name="module">524</part-num-ref>
+ times out. If a response has been received, the module <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="module">524</part-num-ref>
+ proceeds to step <part-num-ref name="proceeds to step">736.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-115" num="115">In step 736, the module <part-num-ref name="module">524,</part-num-ref>
+ working with the calendar module <part-num-ref name="calendar module">528,</part-num-ref>
+ selects a time for the work item to be serviced and generates an invitation to the requestor.    </p>
+    <p id="p-116" num="116">In step 740, when a response to the invitation is received, the meeting time is confirmed in the selected resource's calendar and a meeting confirmation sent to the <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+customer. The resource then services the customer's work item at the scheduled time and place and by the selected communication modality.    </p>
+    <p id="p-117" num="117">The exemplary systems and methods of this invention are described in relation to a distributed processing network. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention, the preceding description omits a number of known structures and devices.</p>
+    <p id="p-118" num="118">30   This omission is not to be construed as a limitation of the scope of the claimed invention.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">24</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-119" num="119">
+      <page-break num="25"/>
+Specific details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present invention. It should however be appreciated that the present invention may be practiced in a variety of ways beyond the specific detail set forth herein.    </p>
+    <p id="p-120" num="120">Furthermore, while the exemplary embodiments illustrated herein show certain of <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+the various components of the system as being collocated, certain components of the system can be located remotely, at distant portions of a distributed network, such as a LAN and/or the Internet, or within a dedicated system. Thus, it should be appreciated, that the components of the system can be combined in to one or more devices, such as a communication device rather than a server, or collocated on a particular node of a <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+distributed network, such as an analog and/or digital telecommunications network, a packet-switch network, or a circuit-switched network. It will be appreciated from the preceding description, and for reasons of computational efficiency, that the components of the system can be arranged at any location within a distributed network of components without affecting the operation of the system. For example, the various components can <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+be located in a switch such as a PBX and media server, gateway, in one or more communications devices, at one or more users' premises, or some combination thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-121" num="121">Similarly, one or more functional portions of the system could be distributed between a telecommunications device(s) and an associated computing device.</p>
+    <p id="p-122" num="122">Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the various links connecting the <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+elements can be wired or wireless links, or any combination thereof, or any other known or later developed element(s) that is capable of supplying and/or communicating data to and from the connected elements. These wired or wireless links can also be secure links and may be capable of communicating encrypted information. Transmission media used as links, for example, can be any suitable carrier for electrical signals, including coaxial <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+cables, copper wire and fiber optics, and may take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio-wave and infra-red data communications.    </p>
+    <p id="p-123" num="123">Also, while the flowcharts have been discussed and illustrated in relation to a particular sequence of events, it should be appreciated that changes, additions, and omissions to this sequence can occur without materially affecting the operation of the <part-num-ref name="">30</part-num-ref>
+   invention.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">25</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-124" num="124">
+      <page-break num="26"/>
+A number of other variations and modifications of the invention can be used. It would be possible to provide for some features of the invention without providing others.    </p>
+    <p id="p-125" num="125">For example in one alternative embodiment, the systems and methods of this invention can be implemented in conjunction with a special purpose computer, a programmed <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit element(s), an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a hard-wired electronic or logic circuit such as discrete element circuit, a programmable logic device or gate array such as PLD, PLA, FPGA, PAL, special purpose computer, any comparable means, or the like.    </p>
+    <p id="p-126" num="126">In general, any device(s) or means capable of implementing the methodology illustrated <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+herein can be used to implement the various aspects of this invention. Exemplary hardware that can be used for the present invention includes computers, handheld devices, telephones (e.g., cellular, Internet enabled, digital, analog, hybrids, and others), and other hardware known in the art. Some of these devices include processors (e.g., a single or multiple microprocessors), memory, nonvolatile storage, input devices, and <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+output devices. Furthermore, alternative software implementations including, but not limited to, distributed processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed to implement the methods described herein.    </p>
+    <p id="p-127" num="127">In yet another embodiment, the disclosed methods may be readily implemented in <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+conjunction with software using object or object-oriented software development environments that provide portable source code that can be used on a variety of computer or workstation platforms. Alternatively, the disclosed system may be implemented partially or fully in hardware using standard logic circuits or VLSI design. Whether software or hardware is used to implement the systems in accordance with this invention <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+is dependent on the speed and/or efficiency requirements of the system, the particular function, and the particular software or hardware systems or microprocessor or microcomputer systems being utilized.    </p>
+    <p id="p-128" num="128">In yet another embodiment, the disclosed methods may be partially implemented in software that can be stored on a storage medium, executed on programmed general- <part-num-ref name="storage medium, executed on programmed general-">30</part-num-ref>
+   purpose computer with the cooperation of a controller and memory, a special purpose <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">26</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="27"/>
+computer, a microprocessor, or the like. In these instances, the systems and methods of this invention can be implemented as program embedded on personal computer such as an applet, JAVA<confidence value="5">@</confidence>
+ or CGI script, as a resource residing on a server or computer workstation, as a routine embedded in a dedicated measurement system, system <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+component, or the like. The system can also be implemented by physically incorporating the system and/or method into a software and/or hardware system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-129" num="129">Although the present invention describes components and functions implemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, the invention is not limited to such standards and protocols. Other similar standards and protocols not <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+mentioned herein are in existence and are considered to be included in the present invention. Moreover, the standards and protocols mentioned herein and other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein are periodically superseded by faster or more effective equivalents having essentially the same functions. Such replacement standards and protocols having the same functions are considered equivalents included in <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-130" num="130">The present invention, in various embodiments, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present invention after understanding the <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+present disclosure. The present invention, in various embodiments, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost of implementation.    </p>
+    <p id="p-131" num="131">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25          </boundary-data>
+The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments of the <part-num-ref name="">30</part-num-ref>
+   invention may be combined in alternate embodiments other than those discussed above.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">27</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-132" num="132">
+      <page-break num="28"/>
+This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim.    </p>
+    <p id="p-133" num="133">Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-134" num="134">Moreover, though the description of the invention has included description of one or more embodiments and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the invention, e.g., as may be <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without <part-num-ref name="extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without">15</part-num-ref>
+   intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">28</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11952238.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,567 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11952238</doc-number>
+        <date>2007-12-07</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.:                                              UTILITY PATENT</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8686885">19.0480</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">CUTTINGS BED DETECTION</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">FIELD OF T<confidence value="5">H</confidence>
+E INVENTION    </heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <confidence value="2">[</confidence>
+0001<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The present invention relates in general to <confidence value="22222222">wellbore</confidence>
+ drilling operations.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-3">BACKGROUND</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0002<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+ In conventional drilling operations, mud or other drilling fluid is pumped down a hollow bore in the drill string and is ejected from the drill bit to lift the drill cuttings out of the b<confidence value="5">o</confidence>
+re-hole.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0003] <confidence value="66">In</confidence>
+ an inclined well-b<confidence value="5">o</confidence>
+re, at a certain deviation <confidence value="5">o</confidence>
+r sail angle, s<confidence value="8">o</confidence>
+me of the drill cuttings being transported back to the surface by the drilling fluid fall out of the main flow and settle on the lower portion of the bore-hole forming a cuttings bed. These cuttings interfere with the drilling process and with the rotation of the rotating drill-pipe which also lies on the low side of the b<confidence value="5">o</confidence>
+re-h<confidence value="5">o</confidence>
+le. The cuttings bed may also jam up against the <confidence value="2222222222">bottomhole</confidence>
+ assembly of the drillstring, leading to stuck pipe and potentially significant lost time and hole damage.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">
+      <confidence value="2">[</confidence>
+0004] Therefore, it is a desire to provide an apparatus or method to alleviate the problem associated with cuttings beds.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.:                                                UTILITY PATENT</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8688655">19.0480</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-4">SUMMARY</heading>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0005<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ In view of the foregoing, and other considerations, the present invention relates to detecting cuttings bed in a downhole environment.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+000<confidence value="55">6]</confidence>
+ Accordingly, systems and methods for detecting a cuttings bed are disclosed. In one example, a system for detecting includes a drill bit and a drillstring. The <confidence value="22222222222">drillstring</confidence>
+ includes a cuttings bed detector to detect the cuttings bed. The cuttings bed detector is positioned uphole of the drill bit.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0007<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+ In another example, a system for detecting a cuttings bed includes a section of casing with a cuttings bed detector.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0008<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ In another example, a system for detecting a cuttings bed includes a sec<confidence value="8">t</confidence>
+ion of casing with an ultrasonic source, a drillstring with an ultrasonic receiver, and a cuttings bed detector that includes the ultrasonic source and the ultrasonic receiver.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0009<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ In another example, a method for detecting a cuttings bed includes the steps of positioning a drill bit downhole, and positioning a cuttings bed detector uphole of the drill bit.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0010<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The foregoing has outlined some of the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.:                                               UTILITY PATENT</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8686866">19.0480</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-5">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+001<confidence value="82">1]</confidence>
+ The foregoing and other features and aspects of the present invention will be best understood with reference to the following detailed description of a specific example, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">[0012<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Figure 1 is a partial cross-section view of a system for detecting cuttings beds using a drillstring mounted cuttings bed detector.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0013<confidence value="2">]</confidence>
+ Figure 2A is an example of the system using a shallow nuclear density measurement sensor.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0014<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+ Figure 2B is an example of the system of Figure 1, using an ultrasonic sensor.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0015<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Figure <confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+C is an example of the system using a low frequency pulse echo sensor.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0016<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+ Figure 2D is an example of the system of Figure 1, using an acoustic attenuation sensor.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">[0017<confidence value="2">]</confidence>
+ Figure 2E is an example of the system using a pressure transducer array.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0018<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+ Figure 2F shows another example of the system shown in Figure 1, using a mechanical sensor.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0019<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+ Figure 3 is a partial cross-section drawing of another example of a system for detecting cuttings beds, using a casing mounted cuttings bed detector.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0020<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+ Figure 4 is a partial cross-section drawing of another example of a system for detecting cuttings beds, using a casing mounted source and drillstring mounted receiver.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.:                                                UTILITY PATENT</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="86">19</confidence>
+.04<confidence value="58">80</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-6">DETAILED DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0021<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+ Refer now to the drawings wherein depicted elements are not necessarily shown to scale and wherein like or similar elements are designated by the same reference numeral through the several views.    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">[0022<confidence value="2">]</confidence>
+ As used herein, the ter<confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+s "up" and "down"; <confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+upper<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ and "lower<confidence value="528">'";</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+uphole" and "downhole<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+; and other like terms indicating relative positions to a given point or element are utilized to more clearly describe some elements of the embodiments of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">Commonly, these terms "up," "upper," "uphole,<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ and other like terms are meant to indicate a position that is closer to the su<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+face along the linear distance of the borehole. It is noted that through the use of directional drilling, a <confidence value="22222222">wellbore</confidence>
+ may not extend straight up and down. Thus, these terms describe relative positions along with the wellbore.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">[0023<confidence value="2">]</confidence>
+ Figure 1 is a partial cr<confidence value="8">o</confidence>
+ss section view of an example of a cuttings bed detection system, indicated generally by the numeral <part-num-ref name="numeral">10,</part-num-ref>
+ illustrated in a deviated hole formed in earth formation <part-num-ref name="deviated hole formed in earth formation">12.</part-num-ref>
+ System <part-num-ref name="deviated hole formed in earth formation 12. System">10</part-num-ref>
+ includes a drillstring <part-num-ref name="drillstring">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+4      </part-num-ref>
+ positioned within a borehole <part-num-ref name="borehole">16.</part-num-ref>
+ Drillstring <part-num-ref name="borehole 16. Drillstring">14</part-num-ref>
+ includes bottomhole assembly <part-num-ref name="includes bottomhole assembly">2<confidence value="5">6</confidence>
+,      </part-num-ref>
+ which typically includes measurement devices, such as MWD and <confidence value="88">LW</confidence>
+D devices, as well as <confidence value="8">o</confidence>
+ther <confidence value="22222222">downhole</confidence>
+ tools, such as mud motors and rotary steerable systems.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">Example borehole 16 is illustrated having a non-deviated casing section <part-num-ref name="non-deviated casing section">18,</part-num-ref>
+ deviated casing section <part-num-ref name="non-deviated casing section 18, deviated casing section">20</part-num-ref>
+ and an open horizontal section <part-num-ref name="open horizontal section">22.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0024<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+ As drillstring 14 advances through borehole <part-num-ref name="advances through borehole">16,</part-num-ref>
+ the drill bit <part-num-ref name="drill bit">28</part-num-ref>
+ drills the formations and generated drill cuttings that must be removed. The mud flow through the drill bit serves to cool and lubricate the drill bit, and to remove the drill s<confidence value="7">e</confidence>
+tting and carry them to the surface in the mud <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.:                                               UTIL<confidence value="8">I</confidence>
+TY PATENT      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="86">19</confidence>
+.0480      </boundary-data>
+flow through the annulus between the drill string and the borehole wall. Cuttings may fall out of the mud flow and settle in a location in the borehole <part-num-ref name="borehole">16.</part-num-ref>
+ Typically, cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="borehole 16. Typically, cuttings bed">24</part-num-ref>
+ forms at locations such as where the mud fl<confidence value="8">o</confidence>
+w fluid velocity drops below the level required to carry the cuttings produced by the drill bit, or in places where the fluid velocity is suddenly reduced. For example, cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="fluid velocity is suddenly reduced. For example, cuttings bed">24</part-num-ref>
+ may be formed at casing points where the h<confidence value="8">o</confidence>
+le size increases, as well as where the fl<confidence value="8">o</confidence>
+w area in the annulus increases because of a reduction in the diameter of the drill string<confidence value="5">;</confidence>
+ such as at the top of the bottomhole assembly <part-num-ref name="bottomhole assembly">26.</part-num-ref>
+ In addition, borehole angles close to the angle of repose for cuttings may be more likely to cause the formation of cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="formation of cuttings bed">24</part-num-ref>
+ due to avalanching, such as a borehole with an angle of about <part-num-ref name="angle of about">60</part-num-ref>
+ degrees.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">
+      <confidence value="288882">[0025)</confidence>
+ As will be described in more detail later, a cuttings bed detector may be located on the drill string, or it may be located in a casing or other equipment installed in a borehole. In one example, data from detector located in the drill string is transmitted to surface device via a wired drill pipe system. <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+n another example, data from a detector located in the casing may be transmitted to the surface device via a wired casing structure. <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+n some examples data may be collected by a sensor in one of the drill string or the casing, and then transmitted to a receiver in the other for retransmission to the surface. For example, a cuttings bed detector may be located in a casing and it may transmit data to a receiver in a drill string, and the data may be retransmitted to the surface via a wired drill pipe structure. <confidence value="5">i</confidence>
+n another example, a sensor may be mounted in a drill string and the data may be transmi<confidence value="8">t</confidence>
+ted to a receiver located in a casing structure and then retransmitted to the surface through a wired casing structure.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.:                                              UTILITY PATENT</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">19.0<confidence value="588">480</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <confidence value="2">[</confidence>
+0026<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Cuttings bed detectors are any device that may detect the presence of a cuttings bed in the <confidence value="22222222">wellbore</confidence>
+ or that may determine an increased likelihood of a cuttings bed based on measurements.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">Examples of such devices include shallow   nuclear density measurement, ultrasonic measurement, l<confidence value="5">o</confidence>
+w-frequency pulse echo, acoustic attenuation measurement, pressure transducer array, and mechanical detection. Specific examples of cuttings bed detectors will be described later.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">
+      <confidence value="2">[</confidence>
+0027<confidence value="2">]</confidence>
+ In the example shown in FIG. <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+, system <part-num-ref name="example shown in FIG. I, system">10</part-num-ref>
+ includes cuttings bed detector <part-num-ref name="includes cuttings bed detector">30</part-num-ref>
+ located in or mounted on drillstring <part-num-ref name="located in or mounted on drillstring">14,</part-num-ref>
+ e.g., mounted on a sub. As shown in FIG. 1, detector <part-num-ref name="sub. As shown in FIG. 1, detector">30</part-num-ref>
+ is positioned at a location that is relatively far from the drill bit <part-num-ref name="drill bit">28.</part-num-ref>
+ A cuttings bed detector <part-num-ref name="cuttings bed detector">30</part-num-ref>
+ may be positioned near the top of the BHA <part-num-ref name="BHA">2<confidence value="5">6</confidence>
+,      </part-num-ref>
+ or it may be positioned in the drill string above the BHA <part-num-ref name="BHA">26.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, cuttings bed detector <part-num-ref name="BHA 26. For example, cuttings bed detector">30</part-num-ref>
+ may be positioned above <confidence value="2222222222">bottomhole</confidence>
+ assembly <part-num-ref name="may be positioned above bottomhole assembly">26</part-num-ref>
+ or where there is a substantial change in the diameter of bottomhole assembly <part-num-ref name="diameter of bottomhole assembly">26.</part-num-ref>
+ Detector <part-num-ref name="diameter of bottomhole assembly 26. Detector">30</part-num-ref>
+ detects or locates cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="detects or locates cuttings bed">24.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0028<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ System 10 also includes cuttings bed remover <part-num-ref name="also includes cuttings bed remover">40</part-num-ref>
+ mounted on drillstring <part-num-ref name="mounted on drillstring">14.</part-num-ref>
+ A cuttings bed remover is any device that is able to remove or reduce a cuttings bed. In one example, a drilling team or surface device <part-num-ref name="drilling team or surface device">32</part-num-ref>
+ may control remover <part-num-ref name="may control remover">40</part-num-ref>
+ via system <part-num-ref name="via system">34,</part-num-ref>
+ or other telemetry devices. In another example, cuttings bed detector <part-num-ref name="via system 34, or other telemetry devices. In another example, cuttings bed detector">30</part-num-ref>
+ may communicate directly with remover <part-num-ref name="may communicate directly with remover">40,</part-num-ref>
+ activating remover <part-num-ref name="may communicate directly with remover 40, activating remover">40</part-num-ref>
+ upon detecting cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="upon detecting cuttings bed">24.</part-num-ref>
+ In this manner, remover <part-num-ref name="upon detecting cuttings bed 24. In this manner, remover">40</part-num-ref>
+ may be combined with any of the disclosed cuttings bed detection systems to provide a closed loop control system without the need for telemetry to the surface.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.:                                              UTILITY PATENT</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+9.0<confidence value="588">480</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0029<confidence value="6">]</confidence>
+ In one example, cuttings bed remover 40 includes retractable impellors <part-num-ref name="includes retractable impellors">41.</part-num-ref>
+ Retractable impellors <part-num-ref name="includes retractable impellors 41. Retractable impellors">41</part-num-ref>
+ may include vanes that are pushed out from the tool body into the <confidence value="2222222">annulus</confidence>
+ to move the cuttings. Remover <part-num-ref name="cuttings. Remover">40</part-num-ref>
+ may include an electrical actuator that is initially configured so that the differential pressure between the interior and exterior of remover <part-num-ref name="interior and exterior of remover">40</part-num-ref>
+ keeps the vanes retracted. Motivating the actuator flips the differential pressure to move the vanes outside of remover <part-num-ref name="vanes outside of remover">40.</part-num-ref>
+ In another example of remover <part-num-ref name="vanes outside of remover 40. In another example of remover">40,</part-num-ref>
+ drillstring <part-num-ref name="vanes outside of remover 40. In another example of remover 40, drillstring">14</part-num-ref>
+ includes fixed impellors <part-num-ref name="includes fixed impellors">43</part-num-ref>
+ distributed along the length of drill string <part-num-ref name="length of drill string">14</part-num-ref>
+ or at changes in the <confidence value="22222222222">drillstring</confidence>
+ diameter, e.g., above the collars.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">
+      <confidence value="588885">[0030]</confidence>
+ In another example, cuttings bed remover 40 may disperse cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="may disperse cuttings bed">24</part-num-ref>
+ using fluid jetting. Drillstring <part-num-ref name="using fluid jetting. Drillstring">14</part-num-ref>
+ may include one or more valves <part-num-ref name="may include one or more valves">45.</part-num-ref>
+ When positioned in the region of cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="region of cuttings bed">24,</part-num-ref>
+ valve <part-num-ref name="region of cuttings bed 24, valve">45</part-num-ref>
+ may be opened to release fluid to disturb the cuttings. Typically, this action would be combined with increasing the total mud flow rate so that the flow through bit <part-num-ref name="flow through bit">28</part-num-ref>
+ remains constant. The fluid flow may be pulsed and oriented, e.g., circumferentially to move cuttings at the bottom side of the hole, or upwards to move the cuttings up the hole. In another example, remover <part-num-ref name="hole. In another example, remover">40</part-num-ref>
+ may include a fluid by-pass valve to allow the system pressure drop to be maintained while increasing the carrying capacity of the annular fluid through increased velocity.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">With increased fluid flow, the valve need not necessarily be positioned proximate to cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="valve need not necessarily be positioned proximate to cuttings bed">24.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0031<confidence value="2">]</confidence>
+ In one example of cuttings bed detection system 10, shown in FIG. 2A, cuttings bed detector 30a includes a shallow nuclear density sensor. In this example, detector 30a includes a source of gamma-rays <part-num-ref name="source of gamma-rays">42,</part-num-ref>
+ at least one gamma-ray detector <part-num-ref name="source of gamma-rays 42, at least one gamma-ray detector">44</part-num-ref>
+ and shielding <part-num-ref name="and shielding">46</part-num-ref>
+ between the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.:                                              UTILITY PATENT</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">19.04<confidence value="55">80</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+detector <part-num-ref name="detector">44</part-num-ref>
+ and the source <part-num-ref name="source">42,</part-num-ref>
+ so that only scattered gamma-rays are detected. During operation, gamma-rays from the tool source <part-num-ref name="tool source">42</part-num-ref>
+ travel through borehole <part-num-ref name="travel through borehole">16,</part-num-ref>
+ into earth formation <part-num-ref name="travel through borehole 16, into earth formation">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+2.      </part-num-ref>
+ The gamma-rays will be scattered by the electrons in formation <part-num-ref name="electrons in formation">12</part-num-ref>
+ or borehole <part-num-ref name="or borehole">16</part-num-ref>
+ and some of them will be scattered back to detector 30a. Because the count rate of detected gamma-rays varies with formation density, the measurement of detector 30a may be used to measure density close to the source as a function of azimuth. If no cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="function of azimuth. If no cuttings bed">24</part-num-ref>
+ is proximate to detector 30a, the measured density will be the formation density for all azimuths. <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+f a cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="cuttings bed">24</part-num-ref>
+ is present, the density will be higher on the low side of borehole <part-num-ref name="low side of borehole">16.</part-num-ref>
+ In this example, detector 30a is mounted with a separation or stand-off from formation <part-num-ref name="separation or stand-off from formation">12</part-num-ref>
+ and at some distance above any stabilization or large joint. In another example, detector 30a uses X-rays instead of gamma rays.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">
+      <confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+0032<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ In another example, shown in FIG. 2B, cuttings bed detector 30b takes ultrasonic measurements. In this example, detector 30b includes an ultrasonic source 48a and detector 48b, which may be components of ultrasonic transducer <part-num-ref name="ultrasonic source 48a and detector 48b, which may be components of ultrasonic transducer">49,</part-num-ref>
+ to generate high frequency sound waves and evaluate the echo which is received back by the detector 30b. Detector 30b calculates the time interval between sending the signal and receiving the echo to determine the distance to the hole wall of borehole <part-num-ref name="hole wall of borehole">
+        <confidence value="66">16</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ and the reflection coefficient. A reduced stand-off on the low side of borehole <part-num-ref name="low side of borehole">16</part-num-ref>
+ indicates cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="indicates cuttings bed">24.</part-num-ref>
+ If casing <part-num-ref name="indicates cuttings bed 24. If casing">20</part-num-ref>
+ is steel or a similar material, then the difference in reflection from casing <part-num-ref name="difference in reflection from casing">20</part-num-ref>
+ and cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="and cuttings bed">24</part-num-ref>
+ may be more pronounced.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">
+      <confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+0033<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ In another example, shown in FIG. 2<confidence value="66">C,</confidence>
+ cuttings bed detector 30c detects cuttings bed 24 using a low frequency pulse echo. In this example, detector 30c includes a low frequency pressure wave source and sensor <part-num-ref name="low frequency pressure wave source and sensor">50,</part-num-ref>
+ e.g<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+, seismic to sonic range. Detector 30c generates low <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.:                                               UTILITY PATENT</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+9.04<confidence value="55">80</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+frequency pressure waves through the annulus fluid. When a cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="cuttings bed">24</part-num-ref>
+ fills a significant portion of the annulus, cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="annulus, cuttings bed">24</part-num-ref>
+ may act as a reflector to the low frequency pressure waves propagating in the annulus fluid. The amplitude of the reflection, detected by sensor <part-num-ref name="reflection, detected by sensor">50,</part-num-ref>
+ indicates the size of cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="size of cuttings bed">24.</part-num-ref>
+ In this manner, sensor <part-num-ref name="size of cuttings bed 24. In this manner, sensor">50</part-num-ref>
+ would n<confidence value="5">o</confidence>
+t necessarily need to be proximate to cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="would not necessarily need to be proximate to cuttings bed">24</part-num-ref>
+ and detector 30c may detect cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="and detector 30c may detect cuttings bed">24</part-num-ref>
+ further up borehole <part-num-ref name="further up borehole">16,</part-num-ref>
+ for example.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">
+      <confidence value="85">[0</confidence>
+034<confidence value="4">]</confidence>
+ In an<confidence value="8">o</confidence>
+ther example, shown in FIG. 2<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+, cuttings bed detector 30d detects cuttings bed 24 using acoustic attenuation measurements.  In this example, detector 30d is an acoustic attenuation sensor that includes a seismic or sonic transmitter <part-num-ref name="seismic or sonic transmitter">52</part-num-ref>
+ and an array of receivers or transducers <part-num-ref name="array of receivers or transducers">54.</part-num-ref>
+ The transmitter <part-num-ref name="transmitter">52</part-num-ref>
+ may be located near the bottom of drillstring <part-num-ref name="bottom of drillstring">14.</part-num-ref>
+ The array of transducers <part-num-ref name="array of transducers">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+4      </part-num-ref>
+ may be distributed along <confidence value="22222222222">drillstring</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="may be distributed along drillstring">14.</part-num-ref>
+ A significant attenuation between transducers <part-num-ref name="significant attenuation between transducers">54</part-num-ref>
+ may indicate a large cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="large cuttings bed">24<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ In addition, acoustic reflections may be detected to locate cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="large cuttings bed 24. In addition, acoustic reflections may be detected to locate cuttings bed">24.</part-num-ref>
+ Acoustic data may be processed by the components of drillstring <part-num-ref name="components of drillstring">14</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., detector 30<confidence value="5">)</confidence>
+, devices connected to drillstring <part-num-ref name="detector 30), devices connected to drillstring">14</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., MWD <confidence value="5">o</confidence>
+r LWD tools) or surface device <part-num-ref name="MWD or LWD tools) or surface device">32</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., data transmitted via system 34<confidence value="5">)</confidence>
+. The acoustic waveforms may be used analyzed to interpret the size, shape and properties of cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="size, shape and properties of cuttings bed">24,</part-num-ref>
+ e.g., by analyzing dispersion or other frequency dependent behavior.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">
+      <confidence value="666866">[0035]</confidence>
+ In another example, shown in F<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+G. 2E, cuttings bed detector 30e detects cuttings bed 24 using a pressure transducer array. In this example, drillstring <part-num-ref name="pressure transducer array. In this example, drillstring">14</part-num-ref>
+ includes an array of pressure transducers <part-num-ref name="array of pressure transducers">56</part-num-ref>
+ distributed along <confidence value="22222222222">drillstring</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="distributed along drillstring">14</part-num-ref>
+ at selected intervals, e.g., every <part-num-ref name="every">1000</part-num-ref>
+ ft During operation, cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="ft During operation, cuttings bed">24</part-num-ref>
+ may restrict the mud flow in the annulus. The resulting pressure drop <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.:                                              UTILITY PATENT</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">19.0<confidence value="685">480</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+is detected by the transducers <part-num-ref name="transducers">5<confidence value="5">6</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ on either side of the bed <part-num-ref name="bed">24,</part-num-ref>
+ e.g., transducers 56d and 56e. The data may be transmitted by wired drill pipe system <part-num-ref name="data may be transmitted by wired drill pipe system">34,</part-num-ref>
+ acoustic signals, or similar methods.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+003<confidence value="55">6]</confidence>
+ In another example, shown in FIG. 2F, cuttings bed detector 3<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+f detects cuttings bed 24 using mechanical detection. In this example, detector <part-num-ref name="using mechanical detection. In this example, detector">30</part-num-ref>
+ is a mechanical sensor that includes feeler arms or vanes <part-num-ref name="mechanical sensor that includes feeler arms or vanes">58</part-num-ref>
+ to detect a reduction in hole diameter (e.g., a simple caliper) or detect bed <part-num-ref name="simple caliper) or detect bed">24</part-num-ref>
+ based on selected properties of bed <part-num-ref name="based on selected properties of bed">24</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., feeler arms <part-num-ref name="feeler arms">58</part-num-ref>
+ include a small probe or plow that is selectively blocked when in contact with bed 24). In another example, a mechanical cuttings bed detector 30f includes cuttings bed remover <part-num-ref name="mechanical cuttings bed detector 30f includes cuttings bed remover">40<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="85">Fo</confidence>
+r example, when vane <part-num-ref name="mechanical cuttings bed detector 30f includes cuttings bed remover 40. For example, when vane">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+8      </part-num-ref>
+ detects a bed <part-num-ref name="bed">24<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ it may deploy itself to disperse the bed <part-num-ref name="bed">24.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0037<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ <confidence value="66">FI</confidence>
+G. 3 shows another example of the cuttings bed detection system <part-num-ref name="cuttings bed detection system">10</part-num-ref>
+ in which a section of casing includes one or more cuttings bed detectors <part-num-ref name="section of casing includes one or more cuttings bed detectors">6<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ to detect cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="to detect cuttings bed">24.</part-num-ref>
+ In this example, casing <part-num-ref name="to detect cuttings bed 24. In this example, casing">20</part-num-ref>
+ includes detector <part-num-ref name="includes detector">
+        <confidence value="5">6</confidence>
+0      </part-num-ref>
+ mounted on the low side of casing section <part-num-ref name="low side of casing section">20.</part-num-ref>
+ Detector <part-num-ref name="low side of casing section 20. Detector">
+        <confidence value="86">60</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ includes transmitter or source <part-num-ref name="includes transmitter or source">62</part-num-ref>
+ and receiver <part-num-ref name="and receiver">64.</part-num-ref>
+ Drillstring <part-num-ref name="and receiver 64. Drillstring">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+4      </part-num-ref>
+ may include one or more radio receivers <part-num-ref name="may include one or more radio receivers">70.</part-num-ref>
+ Cuttings bed detector <part-num-ref name="may include one or more radio receivers 70. Cuttings bed detector">60</part-num-ref>
+ may transmit data to surface device <part-num-ref name="may transmit data to surface device">32</part-num-ref>
+ via wired drill pipe system <part-num-ref name="via wired drill pipe system">34</part-num-ref>
+ or radio receiver <part-num-ref name="or radio receiver">70.</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="2222222222">Bottomhole</confidence>
+ assembly <part-num-ref name="or radio receiver 70. Bottomhole assembly">26</part-num-ref>
+ may include a radio receiver <part-num-ref name="radio receiver">70</part-num-ref>
+ to warn of potentially dangerous cuttings beds moving up ahead of the widest section of dril<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+string <part-num-ref name="widest section of drillstring">14.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0038<confidence value="6">]</confidence>
+ <confidence value="4">I</confidence>
+n one example of system <confidence value="56">lO</confidence>
+g, casing mounted cutting bed detector <confidence value="5">6</confidence>
+0 detects cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="detects cuttings bed">24</part-num-ref>
+ using ultrasonic measurements. In this example, source <part-num-ref name="using ultrasonic measurements. In this example, source">62</part-num-ref>
+ includes an ultrasonic source and receiver <part-num-ref name="ultrasonic source and receiver">
+        <confidence value="5">6</confidence>
+4      </part-num-ref>
+ includes an ultrasonic sensor. In another example, detector <part-num-ref name="ultrasonic sensor. In another example, detector">60</part-num-ref>
+ detects bed <part-num-ref name="detects bed">24</part-num-ref>
+ using sonic measurements. In this example, source <part-num-ref name="using sonic measurements. In this example, source">62</part-num-ref>
+ includes a sonic source and receiver <part-num-ref name="sonic source and receiver">64</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="86">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.:                                               UTILITY PATENT</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8688668">19.0480</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+includes a sonic sensor. The sonic source and sonic receiver may be positioned fairly close to each other, e.g., a few inches apart. Detector <part-num-ref name="few inches apart. Detector">60</part-num-ref>
+ measures the time of travel between source <part-num-ref name="time of travel between source">62</part-num-ref>
+ and receiver <part-num-ref name="and receiver">64.</part-num-ref>
+ A fluid borne wave may be significantly slower with cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="fluid borne wave may be significantly slower with cuttings bed">24</part-num-ref>
+ present.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">In another example, detector 60 utilizes a low frequency pulse echo to detect cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="low frequency pulse echo to detect cuttings bed">24.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">[0039<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ FIG. 4 shows another example of the cuttings bed detection system <part-num-ref name="cuttings bed detection system">10</part-num-ref>
+ in which a section of casing includes a transmitter or source <part-num-ref name="transmitter or source">66</part-num-ref>
+ and drillstring <part-num-ref name="and drillstring">14</part-num-ref>
+ includes a sensor or receiver <part-num-ref name="sensor or receiver">68.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">In one example, source 66 includes a ultrasonic source positioned within casing <part-num-ref name="ultrasonic source positioned within casing">20</part-num-ref>
+ and receiver <part-num-ref name="and receiver">68</part-num-ref>
+ includes an ultrasonic receiver. Receiver <part-num-ref name="ultrasonic receiver. Receiver">68</part-num-ref>
+ receives the ultrasonic signals from source <part-num-ref name="ultrasonic signals from source">66.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">The amplitude of the transmitted ultrasonic signal may be determined by one <confidence value="5">o</confidence>
+r more components of system <confidence value="55">lO</confidence>
+h, e.g., surface device <part-num-ref name="surface device">32,</part-num-ref>
+ receiver <part-num-ref name="surface device 32, receiver">
+        <confidence value="5">6</confidence>
+8,      </part-num-ref>
+ etc. Variations in transmitted amplitude may indicate the presence of cuttings bed <part-num-ref name="presence of cuttings bed">24.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">
+      <confidence value="288662">100401</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">I</confidence>
+n the examples shown in FIGS. 2F-4, system <part-num-ref name="examples shown in FIGS. 2F-4, system">34</part-num-ref>
+ includes casings <part-num-ref name="includes casings">20</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">18</part-num-ref>
+ which each include communication lines <part-num-ref name="which each include communication lines">36</part-num-ref>
+ and transducers <part-num-ref name="and transducers">38.</part-num-ref>
+ Casings <part-num-ref name="and transducers 38. Casings">
+        <confidence value="66">20</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">18</part-num-ref>
+ are communicatively connected to each other, as well as surface device <part-num-ref name="are communicatively connected to each other, as well as surface device">32</part-num-ref>
+ (such as a computer system, receiver or similar instrument) and drillstring <part-num-ref name="computer system, receiver or similar instrument) and drillstring">14,</part-num-ref>
+ via communication lines <part-num-ref name="computer system, receiver or similar instrument) and drillstring 14, via communication lines">36</part-num-ref>
+ and/or transducers <part-num-ref name="and/or transducers">38.</part-num-ref>
+ As a result, data received by one casing section in system <part-num-ref name="result, data received by one casing section in system">34</part-num-ref>
+ may be relayed via another casing section in system <part-num-ref name="may be relayed via another casing section in system">34</part-num-ref>
+ to devices further uphole or downhole. For example, system <part-num-ref name="to devices further uphole or downhole. For example, system">34</part-num-ref>
+ may relay data from detector <part-num-ref name="may relay data from detector">30</part-num-ref>
+ to surface device <part-num-ref name="to surface device">32.</part-num-ref>
+ This telemetry allows a drilling team to receive data concerning cuttings beds <part-num-ref name="drilling team to receive data concerning cuttings beds">24</part-num-ref>
+ and take action with respect to various drilling parameters, such as reducing weight-on-bit to reduce penetration rate, increasing flow rate, and increasing pipe rotation rate, among other actions.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.:                                              UTILITY PATENT</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">19.0480</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+0041<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Alternatively, or in addition to wired casing system 34, system 10 may include a wired drill pipe system <part-num-ref name="wired drill pipe system">72</part-num-ref>
+ to transmit or relay data from downhole to further uphole, such as surface device <part-num-ref name="to transmit or relay data from downhole to further uphole, such as surface device">32.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, drillstring <part-num-ref name="to transmit or relay data from downhole to further uphole, such as surface device 32. For example, drillstring">14</part-num-ref>
+ may include several communicatively connected tubular members <part-num-ref name="may include several communicatively connected tubular members">74.</part-num-ref>
+   In the examples shown in F<confidence value="586">IGS</confidence>
+. 1-4, each tubular member <part-num-ref name="examples shown in FIGS. 1-4, each tubular member">74</part-num-ref>
+ includes communications couplers <part-num-ref name="includes communications couplers">76</part-num-ref>
+ and communications line <part-num-ref name="and communications line">78.</part-num-ref>
+ Communications couplers <part-num-ref name="and communications line 78. Communications couplers">76</part-num-ref>
+ may include transducers, inductive coupler elements, or similar devices to allow data to be relayed from one tubular member <part-num-ref name="may include transducers, inductive coupler elements, or similar devices to allow data to be relayed from one tubular member">74</part-num-ref>
+ to the next via communication lines <part-num-ref name="next via communication lines">78.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">
+      <confidence value="2">[</confidence>
+0042<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ In another example, shown in FIGS. 1-4, drillstring <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+4 may also include <confidence value="22222222222">drillstring</confidence>
+ sensor <part-num-ref name="may also include drillstring sensor">80</part-num-ref>
+ and drillstring receiver <part-num-ref name="and drillstring receiver">82.</part-num-ref>
+ Casing <part-num-ref name="and drillstring receiver 82. Casing">20</part-num-ref>
+ may also include casing sensor <part-num-ref name="may also include casing sensor">84</part-num-ref>
+ and casing receiver <part-num-ref name="and casing receiver">86.</part-num-ref>
+ Drillstring sensor <part-num-ref name="and casing receiver 86. Drillstring sensor">80</part-num-ref>
+ may short-hop data to casing receiver <part-num-ref name="may short-hop data to casing receiver">86</part-num-ref>
+ for transmission via wired casing system <part-num-ref name="for transmission via wired casing system">34.</part-num-ref>
+ Alternatively, casing sensor <part-num-ref name="for transmission via wired casing system 34. Alternatively, casing sensor">84</part-num-ref>
+ may short-hop data to drillstring receiver <part-num-ref name="may short-hop data to drillstring receiver">82</part-num-ref>
+ for transmission via wired drill pipe system <part-num-ref name="for transmission via wired drill pipe system">72.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0043] From the foregoing detailed description, it should be apparent that a system and method <confidence value="86">fo</confidence>
+r detecting cuttings beds that is novel has been disclosed. Although specific embodiments have been disclosed herein in some detail, this has been done solely for the purposes of describing various features and aspects of the invention, and is not intended to be limiting with respect to the scope of the invention. It is contemplated that various substitutions, alterations, and/or modifications, including but not limited to those implementation variations which may have been suggested herein, may be made to the disclosed examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims which follow.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11964060.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,513 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11964060</doc-number>
+        <date>2007-12-26</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="5">M</confidence>
+SA-1163-<confidence value="66">xx</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">A STORAGE DEVICE COORDINATOR AND A HOST DEV<confidence value="8">I</confidence>
+CE THAT    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">INCLUDES THE SAME</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">FIELD OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">The present invention generally relates to the field of non-volatile memories, and more specifically to a method for coordinately storing data in one or more storage devices, to a storage device coordinator that uses the method and to a host device that uses the storage device coordinator.</p>
+    <heading id="h-4">BACKGROUND</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Non-volatile storage devices, such as flash memory devices, communicate with their host device (e.g., digital cameras and handheld and mobile computers and telephones) by using a communication protocol, which allows the host device and the non-volatile storage device to exchange data and various types of messages. For example, if the host wants to write data to, or read data from, a storage device, the host device communicates to the storage device a corresponding memory command (i.e., "write<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ command or "read" command).    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">With the proliferation of flash storage devices host devices have been designed to interoperate with more than one storage devices, and usually with two storage devices. A flash memory device can be categorized either as an "embedded<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ memory device, semi-removable memory device, or as a "removable" memory device. iNANDT<confidence value="5">M</confidence>
+ and mDOCT<confidence value="5">M</confidence>
+, for example, are embedded flash drives. High capacity Subscriber <confidence value="7">i</confidence>
+dentity Module (HCSIM) card, for example, is an example of semi-removable memory device. By "semi- removable" is meant a memory device that resides in a host device, connected to the host device via an internal slot or port, and is not accessible to a user during normal operation of the device. CompactFlash and MultiMediaCard (<confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+MMC<confidence value="66">")</confidence>
+, for example, are examples of removable flash memory devices. Some host devices contain an embedded flash memory device and a port to which a removable flash <boundary-data type="header">Page 1 of 26</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">MSA-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+163-xx      </boundary-data>
+memory device can be connected. Embedded memory devices are used, for example in cell phones, and removable memory devices are used, for example in Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), digital music players, and digital cameras.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">Some cell phones, however, can as well use a removable memory device.</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">Embedded memory devices are typically used for storing files and data that are required for proper functioning of the host device, and sometimes also user identification information. Removable memory devices are mostly used for storing media content, such as pictures, video clips, and music.</p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">If a host device has to store data and it uses only one memory device, the host device has no other external storage option than to store that data in that memory device. However, if the host device uses more than one memory device, storing files and data in a memory device is subject to an optimization process, especially if the memory devices differ in type, or they have different characteristics. For example, one of the memory devices may be faster or more reliable than the other, or it may have more storage capacity, and so on.</p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">Some approaches exist, that use simultaneous writing data into, and reading data from different storage devices. For example, one approach involves increasing memory performance of flash memory devices by writing sectors simultaneously to multiple flash memory units. However, even though there may be multiple flash memory units on the same memory device, such multiple memory devices are not used by a common host device.</p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">Fig. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ schematically illustrates an exemplary data storage system (generally shown at <part-num-ref name="exemplary data storage system (generally shown at">100)</part-num-ref>
+ according to related art. Data storage system <part-num-ref name="according to related art. Data storage system">100</part-num-ref>
+ includes a host device <part-num-ref name="host device">101</part-num-ref>
+ and two storage devices, designated as <part-num-ref name="and two storage devices, designated as">111</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">112.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">Application 120 may use file system <part-num-ref name="may use file system">121</part-num-ref>
+ to generate and send data to, or ask for data from, any of storage devices <part-num-ref name="to generate and send data to, or ask for data from, any of storage devices">111.</part-num-ref>
+ In computing systems, a file system is a method for storing and organizing computer files and the data they contain to make it easy to find and access them. In the context of Fig. 1, file system <part-num-ref name="context of Fig. 1, file system">121</part-num-ref>
+ writes files and data into storage devices <part-num-ref name="writes files and data into storage devices">111</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">112</part-num-ref>
+ and reads files and data that are requested by application <part-num-ref name="and reads files and data that are requested by application">120.</part-num-ref>
+ Files and data are exchanged between <boundary-data type="header">Page 2 of 26</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">MSA-1163-<confidence value="66">xx</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+host device <part-num-ref name="and reads files and data that are requested by application 120. Files and data are exchanged between host device">101</part-num-ref>
+ and any of storage devices <part-num-ref name="and any of storage devices">111</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">112</part-num-ref>
+ via the respective device drivers <part-num-ref name="respective device drivers">122.</part-num-ref>
+ Each of storage devices <part-num-ref name="respective device drivers 122. Each of storage devices">111</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">112</part-num-ref>
+ has a flash memory (designated as "Flash") and a flash controller (designated as "Flash Manager") to manage the flash memory. Each of storage devices <part-num-ref name="flash memory. Each of storage devices">111</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">112</part-num-ref>
+ also has an interface (designated as "Front End") for interfacing with host device <part-num-ref name="interface (designated as &quot;Front End&quot;) for interfacing with host device">101</part-num-ref>
+ via the respective device driver.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">Application 120 may have data for a specific storage device. Should there be such data, it will be sent to the specific storage device using file system <part-num-ref name="specific storage device using file system">121.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">By way of example storage device 111 has stored therein data file <part-num-ref name="has stored therein data file">130,</part-num-ref>
+ and host device <part-num-ref name="has stored therein data file 130, and host device">101</part-num-ref>
+ wants to update data file <part-num-ref name="wants to update data file">130</part-num-ref>
+ with data <part-num-ref name="with data">131.</part-num-ref>
+ Therefore, storage device <part-num-ref name="with data 131. Therefore, storage device">111</part-num-ref>
+ is a target storage device waiting to receive data <part-num-ref name="target storage device waiting to receive data">131.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">Traditionally, a file system, such as file system <part-num-ref name="file system, such as file system">121,</part-num-ref>
+ would send data <part-num-ref name="file system, such as file system 121, would send data">131</part-num-ref>
+ to storage device <part-num-ref name="to storage device">111</part-num-ref>
+ directly, without considering a better storage solution (that is, if such solution exists). For example, if storage device <part-num-ref name="better storage solution (that is, if such solution exists). For example, if storage device">112</part-num-ref>
+ is faster (i.e., it provides a faster access time) than storage device <part-num-ref name="faster access time) than storage device">111,</part-num-ref>
+ it would be more system- wise efficient to send data <part-num-ref name="faster access time) than storage device 111, it would be more system- wise efficient to send data">131</part-num-ref>
+ to storage device <part-num-ref name="to storage device">112</part-num-ref>
+ first (data <part-num-ref name="first (data">131</part-num-ref>
+ stored in storage device <part-num-ref name="stored in storage device">112</part-num-ref>
+ being designated as 13<confidence value="66">1'</confidence>
+), whereby to maintain better responsiveness of storage system <part-num-ref name="being designated as 131'), whereby to maintain better responsiveness of storage system">100</part-num-ref>
+ as a whole, and then, when it is more convenient (for example when host device <part-num-ref name="whole, and then, when it is more convenient (for example when host device">101</part-num-ref>
+ is in idle mode of operation), move data 131' from storage device <part-num-ref name="is in idle mode of operation), move data 131' from storage device">112</part-num-ref>
+ to storage device <part-num-ref name="to storage device">111.</part-num-ref>
+ However, conventional host devices such as host device <part-num-ref name="to storage device 111. However, conventional host devices such as host device">101</part-num-ref>
+ are not designed to make such decisions.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">SUMMARY</heading>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools, and methods, which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative but not limiting in scope.</p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">As part of the present disclosure a method of optimizing memory operations in a data storage system is provided, the method including <boundary-data type="header">Page 3 of 26</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">MSA<confidence value="88">-1</confidence>
+163-<confidence value="66">xx</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+intercepting, by a storage device coordinator ("SDC") a memory command originating from a host device and intended for a target storage device which is one of a plurality of storage devices in the data storage system operatively coupled to the host device; determining whether to apply an optimization rule on the memory operation command, and if so transforming, by the SDC, the memory command into one or more storage commands each being associated with a respective storage device selected from the plurality of storage devices by the SDC according to the optimization rule; and respectively applying by the SDC the one or more storage commands to the selected storage devices.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">Data originating from the host device and intended for the target storage device may be routed to one or more selected storage devices selected by the SDC, and, thereafter, repatriated by the SDC to the target storage device from the selected storage devices.</p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">As part of the present disclosure a host device is provided, which is connectable to a plurality of storage devices, the host device including a file system and a storage device coordinator (SD<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+) that is operative to implement the method.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">As part of the present disclosure a data storage system is also provided, which includes a host device; a plurality of storage devices interfaced with the host device; and the SDC.</p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the figures and by study of the following detailed description.</p>
+    <heading id="h-6">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures. It is intended that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative rather than restrictive. The disclosure, however, may better be understood with reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures, in which<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">- Fig. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ (prior art) schematically illustrates a data storage system;    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Page 4 of 26</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">M</confidence>
+SA-1163-<confidence value="66">xx</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+- Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a data storage system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">- Fig. 3 shows a storage device coordinator ("SDC") according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and - Fig. 4 shows a method for storing data in a data storage system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.</p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate like, corresponding or analogous elements.</p>
+    <heading id="h-7">DETAILED DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">The claims below will be better understood by referring to the present detailed description of embodiments of the invention<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ This description is not intended to limit the scope of claims but instead to provide examples of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">Fig. 2 shows a data storage system (generally shown at <part-num-ref name="data storage system (generally shown at">200)</part-num-ref>
+ according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Data storage system <part-num-ref name="present disclosure. Data storage system">200</part-num-ref>
+ includes a host device <part-num-ref name="host device">201</part-num-ref>
+ and a plurality of storage devices <part-num-ref name="plurality of storage devices">211</part-num-ref>
+ interfaced with host device <part-num-ref name="interfaced with host device">201.</part-num-ref>
+ Data storage system <part-num-ref name="interfaced with host device 201. Data storage system">200</part-num-ref>
+ also includes a SDC that is operatively coupled to host device <part-num-ref name="SDC that is operatively coupled to host device">201</part-num-ref>
+ and, via respective device driver, to the plurality of storage devices <part-num-ref name="plurality of storage devices">211,</part-num-ref>
+ Host device <part-num-ref name="plurality of storage devices 211, Host device">201</part-num-ref>
+ has an application <part-num-ref name="application">220</part-num-ref>
+ that can send files and data to or asking for data from, any of storage devices <part-num-ref name="that can send files and data to or asking for data from, any of storage devices">211.</part-num-ref>
+ Host device <part-num-ref name="that can send files and data to or asking for data from, any of storage devices 211. Host device">201</part-num-ref>
+ also has a File System <part-num-ref name="File System">221</part-num-ref>
+ that manages the exchange of data between application <part-num-ref name="exchange of data between application">220</part-num-ref>
+ and storage devices <part-num-ref name="and storage devices">211,</part-num-ref>
+ via the respective device driver <part-num-ref name="respective device driver">222.</part-num-ref>
+ Host device <part-num-ref name="respective device driver 222. Host device">201</part-num-ref>
+ also has a storage device coordinator ("SD<confidence value="55">C"</confidence>
+) <part-num-ref name="storage device coordinator (&quot;SDC&quot;)">230</part-num-ref>
+ for mitigating optimization- related deficiencies associated with the storage system configuration of Fig. 1.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Page 5 of 26</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">MSA-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+163-xx    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+Each storage device 211 has a flash memory cells array (referred to as "Flash") and a flash controller (referred to as "<confidence value="66">Fl</confidence>
+ash Manager") to manage "Write"<confidence value="6">,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">"</confidence>
+Read" and "Erase" instructions issued by host device <part-num-ref name="flash controller (referred to as &quot;Flash Manager&quot;) to manage &quot;Write&quot;, &quot;Read&quot; and &quot;Erase&quot; instructions issued by host device">201,</part-num-ref>
+ and also to manage internal housekeeping, for example wear-leveling. Briefly, "wear- leveling" references a method for prolonging the service life of flash memories and of other kinds of erasable computer storage media. Each storage device also has an interface (designated as "Front-End") for interfacing with host device <part-num-ref name="interface (designated as &quot;Front-End&quot;) for interfacing with host device">201</part-num-ref>
+ via the respective device driver <part-num-ref name="respective device driver">222.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">
+      <confidence value="86">SD</confidence>
+C 230 is adapted or configured to intercept a memory command originating from the host device and intended for a target storage device (e.g., storage device <part-num-ref name="storage device">212)</part-num-ref>
+ which is one of the plurality of storage devices <part-num-ref name="plurality of storage devices">211,</part-num-ref>
+ and to determine whether to apply an optimization rule on the memory command<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ The term "target storage device", as used herein, is to be construed either as "target" device, or as "source" device. That is, if the memory command is an instruction to write or erase data, the storage device into which the data is to be written, or from which data is to be erased, is a "target storage device"<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ and if the memory command is an instruction to read data from a storage device, that storage device is a "source storage device"<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ In both cases, though, the involved storage device is referred to as "target<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ device because it is the target for the memory command.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">If S<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+C 230 determines that an optimization rule should be applied on the memory command, S<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+C <part-num-ref name="memory command, SDC">230</part-num-ref>
+ transforms the memory operation command into one or more storage commands, each of which is associated with a respective storage device selected from the plurality of storage devices <part-num-ref name="plurality of storage devices">211,</part-num-ref>
+ according to an optimization rule. Then, S<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+C <part-num-ref name="optimization rule. Then, SDC">230</part-num-ref>
+ respectively applies the one or more storage commands to the storage devices selected from the plurality of storage devices <part-num-ref name="plurality of storage devices">211.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">If application 220 wants to store data <part-num-ref name="wants to store data">231,</part-num-ref>
+ which is an exemplary data, in a specific storage device <part-num-ref name="specific storage device">211,</part-num-ref>
+ for example in storage device <part-num-ref name="specific storage device 211, for example in storage device">212,</part-num-ref>
+ host device <part-num-ref name="specific storage device 211, for example in storage device 212, host device">201</part-num-ref>
+ issues for storage device <part-num-ref name="issues for storage device">212,</part-num-ref>
+ via file system <part-num-ref name="issues for storage device 212, via file system">221,</part-num-ref>
+ a memory command in <boundary-data type="header">Page 6 of 26</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">MSA-1163-<confidence value="55">xx</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+the form of write command sequence that includes, among other things, data <part-num-ref name="form of write command sequence that includes, among other things, data">231</part-num-ref>
+ and a corresponding write instruction . However, SDC <part-num-ref name="corresponding write instruction . However, SDC">230</part-num-ref>
+ is configured or adapted to intercept the write command sequence it receives from file system <part-num-ref name="write command sequence it receives from file system">221</part-num-ref>
+ before the write command sequence is sent out from host device <part-num-ref name="write command sequence is sent out from host device">201.</part-num-ref>
+ Once intercepted, S<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+C <part-num-ref name="write command sequence is sent out from host device 201. Once intercepted, SDC">230</part-num-ref>
+ checks whether writing data <part-num-ref name="checks whether writing data">231</part-num-ref>
+ into storage device <part-num-ref name="into storage device">212</part-num-ref>
+ is optimal in terms of any of the context of the memory command, host device, storage devices <part-num-ref name="memory command, host device, storage devices">211,</part-num-ref>
+ characteristics or attributes of the involved writing command, data type, file type, storage device, user experience, and so on.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">If SDC 230 determines, base on an optimization rule associated with the context, characteristics, attributes, etc<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+, that the write command sequence is optimal, SDC <part-num-ref name="write command sequence is optimal, SDC">230</part-num-ref>
+ routes the write command sequence to storage device <part-num-ref name="write command sequence to storage device">212</part-num-ref>
+ directly, without involving other storage device(s), as originally intended.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">However, if SDC 230 determines that the write command sequence is not optimal, S<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+C <part-num-ref name="write command sequence is not optimal, SDC">230</part-num-ref>
+ uses a better storage solution for data <part-num-ref name="better storage solution for data">231.</part-num-ref>
+ By <confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+using a better storage solution" is meant selecting one or more of the plurality of storage device devices <part-num-ref name="plurality of storage device devices">211</part-num-ref>
+ in a way that, given the circumstances (e.g., characteristics of the target storage device or host device, system responsiveness, and so on) under which the command sequence was issued by host device <part-num-ref name="command sequence was issued by host device">201,</part-num-ref>
+ the selected one or more of the plurality of storage devices <part-num-ref name="plurality of storage devices">211</part-num-ref>
+ providing a better responsiveness or performance, compared to the target storage device. Whether the better storage solution is optimal or not depends on the context of the intercepted memory command. That is, a given replacement storage solution may be optimal in one context but not in other contexts.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">For example, host device 201 wants to send data <part-num-ref name="wants to send data">231</part-num-ref>
+ to storage device <part-num-ref name="to storage device">212</part-num-ref>
+ but SDC <part-num-ref name="but SDC">230</part-num-ref>
+ may determine that it would be more efficient to split data <part-num-ref name="may determine that it would be more efficient to split data">231</part-num-ref>
+ into two portions and to send one portion (designated as 231a) to storage device <part-num-ref name="into two portions and to send one portion (designated as 231a) to storage device">213</part-num-ref>
+ and the other portion (designated as 231b) to storage device <part-num-ref name="other portion (designated as 231b) to storage device">214,</part-num-ref>
+ and then, when it is more convenient (for example when host device <part-num-ref name="other portion (designated as 231b) to storage device 214, and then, when it is more convenient (for example when host device">201</part-num-ref>
+ is in idle mode of operation), repatriate data portion 231a and data portion 213b from storage devices <part-num-ref name="is in idle mode of operation), repatriate data portion 231a and data portion 213b from storage devices">213</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">214,</part-num-ref>
+ respectively, to storage device <part-num-ref name="and 214, respectively, to storage device">212</part-num-ref>
+ (the target storage <boundary-data type="header">Page 7 of 26</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="5">M</confidence>
+SA-<confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+ 163-<confidence value="66">xx</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+device). By "repatriating data" is meant sending data from one or more temporary storage devices to a target storage device; i.e., the storage device to which the data was originally intended by the host device. Other examples for better storage solutions are described below in connection with Table-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ below. One of the of storage devices <part-num-ref name="of storage devices">211</part-num-ref>
+ may have a faster access time than the others, or is more reliable than the others, so that, by using a suitable optimization rule, host device <part-num-ref name="suitable optimization rule, host device">201</part-num-ref>
+ can select a storage device for its faster access speed, or better reliability.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">The SDC may reside in the host device or in one or more of the plurality of storage devices operatively coupled to the host device. The SDC functionality may be distributed between the host device, one or more of the storage devices, and an external device that can communicate, or is in communication, with the host device. An "external device" may be, for example, a PC that has an application that can communicate with the host device. A selector similar or identical to selector <part-num-ref name="selector similar or identical to selector">313</part-num-ref>
+ may reside in the host device and a policy manager similar or identical to policy manager <part-num-ref name="policy manager similar or identical to policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ may reside in a storage device<confidence value="6">.</confidence>
+ <confidence value="56">If</confidence>
+ the selector resides in the host device and the policy manager resides in a storage device, the file system of the host device may communicate memory commands to the storage device that contains the policy manager, and the policy manager may communicate corresponding storage commands to one or more storage devices, which are selected by the policy manager, via the host device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">Alternatively, the host device may send a memory command to a target storage device while the SDC resides in another storage device, in which case the target storage device will forward the memory command to the storage device containing the SDC, after which the SDC will select, based on relevant optimization rule, the one or more storage devices to which to apply transformed storage commands. It is noted that in the special cases where the SDC resides in the target storage device, the SDC intercepts the memory command after the memory command arrives at the target storage device.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Page 8 of 26</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">MSA-1163-xx</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+Having the SDC, or some of its functionality, in a storage device may be useful, for example in cases where storage devices are operatively coupled to a host device via a common communication bus. In cases where the S<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+C resides in the target storage device, and depending on the type of the used communication protocol, the SDC may communicate with the other storage devices with or without a host intervention<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ "Common communication bus" may be provided and supported by the involved common host device. "Common communication bus" references physical bus, which facilitates direct connection between the storage devices, and logical bus and virtual bus, which facilitate indirect connection between the storage devices.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a host device (generally shown at <part-num-ref name="host device (generally shown at">300)</part-num-ref>
+ according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Host device <part-num-ref name="present disclosure. Host device">300</part-num-ref>
+ may interface with a plurality of storage devices <part-num-ref name="plurality of storage devices">311.</part-num-ref>
+ Host device <part-num-ref name="plurality of storage devices 311. Host device">300</part-num-ref>
+ includes a file system <part-num-ref name="file system">321</part-num-ref>
+ and a storage device coordinator ("<confidence value="6665">SDC"</confidence>
+) that is operatively coupled to file system <part-num-ref name="storage device coordinator (&quot;SDC&quot;) that is operatively coupled to file system">321.</part-num-ref>
+ Application <part-num-ref name="storage device coordinator (&quot;SDC&quot;) that is operatively coupled to file system 321. Application">320</part-num-ref>
+ uses file system <part-num-ref name="uses file system">321</part-num-ref>
+ to exchange data with storage devices <part-num-ref name="to exchange data with storage devices">311.</part-num-ref>
+ S<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+C <part-num-ref name="to exchange data with storage devices 311. SDC">310</part-num-ref>
+ includes a policy manager <part-num-ref name="policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ and a selector <part-num-ref name="selector">313</part-num-ref>
+ that is operatively coupled (shown at <part-num-ref name="that is operatively coupled (shown at">325</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">326)</part-num-ref>
+ to policy manager <part-num-ref name="to policy manager">312.</part-num-ref>
+ S<confidence value="68">DC</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="to policy manager 312. SDC">310</part-num-ref>
+ may also include optimization tables such as optimization tables <part-num-ref name="may also include optimization tables such as optimization tables">314</part-num-ref>
+ but this is optional because optimization tables <part-num-ref name="but this is optional because optimization tables">314</part-num-ref>
+ may reside external to S<confidence value="68">DC</confidence>
+ 230.Optimization tables <part-num-ref name="may reside external to SDC 230.Optimization tables">314</part-num-ref>
+ include a set of optimization rules that ar<confidence value="5">e</confidence>
+ used (shown at <part-num-ref name="set of optimization rules that are used (shown at">340)</part-num-ref>
+ by policy manager <part-num-ref name="by policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ to determine whether one of the optimization rules should be applied to an intercepted memory command. An optimization rule associates input information with output information<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ Exemplary input information include, but are not limited to, characteristics or attributes of, or associated with, storage devices <part-num-ref name="optimization rule associates input information with output information. Exemplary input information include, but are not limited to, characteristics or attributes of, or associated with, storage devices">311,</part-num-ref>
+ data size constraints, file sizes and types, and so on. Exemplary output information include, but are not limited to, one or more storage devices that can be used as temporary replacement for the target storage device, and, in addition, rules that specify how, when, and in what order, the replacement one or more storage devices should be used.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Page 9 of 26</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">MSA-1163-<confidence value="66">xx</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+Policy manager 312 intercepts a memory command originating from file system <part-num-ref name="memory command originating from file system">321</part-num-ref>
+ of host device <part-num-ref name="of host device">300,</part-num-ref>
+ and determines whether to apply an optimization rule on the intercepted memory command. Policy manager <part-num-ref name="intercepted memory command. Policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ determines whether to apply an optimization rule on the intercepted memory command based on the optimization rules held in optimization tables <part-num-ref name="optimization rules held in optimization tables">314.</part-num-ref>
+ If policy manager <part-num-ref name="optimization rules held in optimization tables 314. If policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ finds an optimization ru<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+e in optimization tables <part-num-ref name="optimization rule in optimization tables">314,</part-num-ref>
+ which is suitable, or relevant, for the intercepted memory command, policy manager <part-num-ref name="intercepted memory command, policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ transforms the memory command into one or more storage commands, each being associated with a respective storage device selected from the plurality of storage devices, according to that optimization rule. Then, policy manager <part-num-ref name="plurality of storage devices, according to that optimization rule. Then, policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ respectively applies the one or more storage commands to the selected storage devices. The one or more storage devices selected from the plurality of storage devices <part-num-ref name="plurality of storage devices">311</part-num-ref>
+ and the way they should be used are specified by the optimization rule.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">Policy manager 312 may actually intercept a memory command from file system <part-num-ref name="memory command from file system">321,</part-num-ref>
+ or use past events, for example already received memory commands, to anticipate receiving a future memory command from file system <part-num-ref name="future memory command from file system">321.</part-num-ref>
+ A past event may be stored by policy manager <part-num-ref name="past event may be stored by policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ in host <part-num-ref name="in host">300</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., in optimization tables <part-num-ref name="in optimization tables">314)</part-num-ref>
+ temporarily or permanently, and policy manager <part-num-ref name="temporarily or permanently, and policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ may use various criteria (e.g., type of past event) to select between the two options. The particular optimization rule used by policy manager <part-num-ref name="particular optimization rule used by policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ may instruct policy manager <part-num-ref name="may instruct policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ to include the target storage device in the selected one or more storage devices or to exclude it from the selected one or more storage devices.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">A memory command originating from file system 321 may be a write instruction, a read instruction, or an erase instruction. If a write instruction is issued by host device <part-num-ref name="write instruction is issued by host device">300,</part-num-ref>
+ the memory command includes data and a "Write" instruction to write the data into the target storage device. However, as discussed above in connection with Fig. 2, writing data into a target storage device designated by the host device is not necessarily the optimal storage solution. For example, it may be desirable to write a large amount of data at a relatively high speed but the storage device designated, or assigned, by the host device for storing that data may be the <boundary-data type="header">Page 10 of 26</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">MSA-1163-xx</boundary-data>
+slowest storage device. Policy manager <part-num-ref name="slowest storage device. Policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ may find in optimization tables <part-num-ref name="may find in optimization tables">314</part-num-ref>
+ an optimization rule that associates the data size with a faster, or the fastest, storage device among storage devices <part-num-ref name="fastest, storage device among storage devices">311.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, if host device <part-num-ref name="fastest, storage device among storage devices 311. For example, if host device">300</part-num-ref>
+ issues a memory command for storing the large amount of data in storage device <part-num-ref name="large amount of data in storage device">316,</part-num-ref>
+ policy manager <part-num-ref name="large amount of data in storage device 316, policy manager">312,</part-num-ref>
+ after intercepting and scrutinizing the memory command, may find, following a check of the optimization rules held in optimization tables <part-num-ref name="optimization rules held in optimization tables">314,</part-num-ref>
+ that storage device <part-num-ref name="optimization rules held in optimization tables 314, that storage device">317</part-num-ref>
+ is faster than storage device <part-num-ref name="is faster than storage device">316</part-num-ref>
+ and, to save writing time, select storage device <part-num-ref name="and, to save writing time, select storage device">317</part-num-ref>
+ for storing the data. Under some circumstances, for example when the data is very large, and based on a relevant optimization rule, policy manager <part-num-ref name="relevant optimization rule, policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ may select more than one storage device, for example storage devices <part-num-ref name="may select more than one storage device, for example storage devices">317</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">318,</part-num-ref>
+ to store the large data.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">Based on the optimization rules, policy manager <part-num-ref name="optimization rules, policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ may determine to initially, temporarily and separately store portions of the data in the selected one or more storage devices, and, thereafter, repatriate the data portions from the selected one or more storage devices to the target storage device after a delay (e.g., after a 10-second delay). Alternatively, policy manager <part-num-ref name="10-second delay). Alternatively, policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ may determine to initially store separate portions of the data in separate selected storage devices and repatriate to the target storage device only part of the data, or none. Policy manager <part-num-ref name="data, or none. Policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ may determine to initiate background operations, for example by generating storage commands, to store different portions of the data in separate storage devices in an anticipation of a host issued read operation, to facilitate fast reading of the data when a reading instruction is issued by the host device <part-num-ref name="host device">101<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="68">If</confidence>
+ the data is critical, policy manager <part-num-ref name="data is critical, policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ may decide to store a copy thereof in two or more storage devices as backup. By "background operations" is meant operations and/or storage commands that are self-initiated by the S<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+C to move file and data, or portions thereof<confidence value="6">,</confidence>
+ between storage devices without the data- generating application and the file system of the host device being aware of these operations and storage commands.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">In order for policy manager 312 to determine whether an optimization rule should be applied to an intercepted memory command, policy manager <part-num-ref name="intercepted memory command, policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ compares attributes associated, for example with the memory command to <boundary-data type="header">Page <confidence value="66">11</confidence>
+ of <confidence value="88">26</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">MSA-1 163-xx</boundary-data>
+optimization rules that are held in optimization tables <part-num-ref name="memory command to optimization rules that are held in optimization tables">314.</part-num-ref>
+ Attributes associated with the memory command may be related to the plurality of storage devices <part-num-ref name="plurality of storage devices">311,</part-num-ref>
+ host device <part-num-ref name="plurality of storage devices 311, host device">300,</part-num-ref>
+ and to the overall performance of the storage system in general.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">Attributes associated with the plurality of storage devices may include, but not limited to, the storage device type (i.e., SBC, MBC, etc.), wear leveling, power consumption constraints, writing speed, reading speed, data throughput, erasing speed, reliability, expected data retention, storage capacity, controller type, firmware version, number of partitions and their properties, removable memory device versus embedded memory device, and so on. "SBC<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ (Single Bit per Cell) references a flash memory technology in which a flash memory cell stores one logical bit. <confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+MBC<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ (Multi Bit per Cell) references a flash memory technology in which a flash memory cell stores more than one logical bit.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">Assuming that host device 300 has data to write into, or it has to read data from, a target storage device, policy manager <part-num-ref name="target storage device, policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ selects the one or more storage devices as a replacement for the target storage device, and transforms the intercepted memory command into one or more storage commands. Then, policy manager <part-num-ref name="intercepted memory command into one or more storage commands. Then, policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ forwards (shown at <part-num-ref name="forwards (shown at">325)</part-num-ref>
+ the one or more storage commands to selector <part-num-ref name="one or more storage commands to selector">313</part-num-ref>
+ along with corresponding control signals (shown at <part-num-ref name="along with corresponding control signals (shown at">326)</part-num-ref>
+ that specify to selector <part-num-ref name="that specify to selector">313</part-num-ref>
+ which storage command should be sent to which storage device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">Then, by using the control signals sent by policy manager <part-num-ref name="control signals sent by policy manager">312,</part-num-ref>
+ selector <part-num-ref name="control signals sent by policy manager 312, selector">313</part-num-ref>
+ routes each storage command to the intended storage device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">In order for policy manager 312 to consider storage devices' attributes, each of storage devices <part-num-ref name="to consider storage devices' attributes, each of storage devices">311</part-num-ref>
+ has to be registered in optimization tables <part-num-ref name="has to be registered in optimization tables">314.</part-num-ref>
+ To that extent, policy manager <part-num-ref name="has to be registered in optimization tables 314. To that extent, policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ may execute a registration routine to register storage devices <part-num-ref name="registration routine to register storage devices">311</part-num-ref>
+ in optimization tables <part-num-ref name="in optimization tables">314.</part-num-ref>
+ The registration routine may include or use, for example a polling application to address storage devices <part-num-ref name="polling application to address storage devices">311</part-num-ref>
+ one device at a time, and to prompt each addressed storage device to declare its attributes, which may be, or may be related to, its the type, features, capabilities, etc. Policy manager <part-num-ref name="type, features, capabilities, etc. Policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ may notify the host device <part-num-ref name="host device">300</part-num-ref>
+ of the selected one or more storage devices. It is noted that SDC <part-num-ref name="selected one or more storage devices. It is noted that SDC">310</part-num-ref>
+ may be a separate module, component, or unit in host device <part-num-ref name="separate module, component, or unit in host device">300,</part-num-ref>
+ or an integral part of file system <part-num-ref name="integral part of file system">321.</part-num-ref>
+ SDC <boundary-data type="header">Page 12 of 26</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">MSA-1163-<confidence value="66">xx</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="integral part of file system 321. SDC">310</part-num-ref>
+ may reside in one of the plurality of storage devices <part-num-ref name="plurality of storage devices">311.</part-num-ref>
+ Device drivers <part-num-ref name="plurality of storage devices 311. Device drivers">351</part-num-ref>
+ enable communication and exchange of data between host device <part-num-ref name="enable communication and exchange of data between host device">300</part-num-ref>
+ and storage devices <part-num-ref name="and storage devices">311.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">Fig. 4 shows an exemplary method for optimizing data storage in a data storage system that includes a storage device coordinator ("SDC") and a host device that is interfaced with a plurality of storage devices. Fig. 4 will be described in association with Fig. 3. At step <part-num-ref name="will be described in association with Fig. 3. At step">401</part-num-ref>
+ SDC <part-num-ref name="SDC">310</part-num-ref>
+ intercept a memory command from file system <part-num-ref name="memory command from file system">321,</part-num-ref>
+ which is intended for a target storage device which is one of the plurality of storage devices <part-num-ref name="plurality of storage devices">311.</part-num-ref>
+ At step <part-num-ref name="plurality of storage devices 311. At step">402</part-num-ref>
+ policy manager <part-num-ref name="policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ checks whether the memory command is optimal because if it is not optimal policy manager <part-num-ref name="memory command is optimal because if it is not optimal policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ has to apply an optimization rule on the memory command.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">That is, policy manager 312 checks various characteristics or attributes of, or associated with, the memory command against optimization tables <part-num-ref name="memory command against optimization tables">314</part-num-ref>
+ to determine whether to apply an optimization rule on the memory command. In other words, policy manager <part-num-ref name="memory command. In other words, policy manager">312</part-num-ref>
+ checks whether it is better (e.g., in terms of storage device access speed, storage capacity, etc.) to handle the memory command using alternative one or more storage devices, or a combination of the genuine (i.e<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+, the target) storage device and one or more other storage devices. If SDC <part-num-ref name="target) storage device and one or more other storage devices. If SDC">310</part-num-ref>
+ determines, based on the optimization rules held in optimization tables <part-num-ref name="optimization rules held in optimization tables">314,</part-num-ref>
+ that the memory command is optimal (shown as "YES" at 402), which means that no better storage solution is found, then, at step <part-num-ref name="memory command is optimal (shown as &quot;YES&quot; at 402), which means that no better storage solution is found, then, at step">403,</part-num-ref>
+ SDC <part-num-ref name="memory command is optimal (shown as &quot;YES&quot; at 402), which means that no better storage solution is found, then, at step 403, SDC">310</part-num-ref>
+ sends the memory command to the target storage device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">
+      <confidence value="866">If,</confidence>
+ however, SDC 310 determines that the memory command is not optimal (shown as "NO" at 402), then, at step <part-num-ref name="memory command is not optimal (shown as &quot;NO&quot; at 402), then, at step">404,</part-num-ref>
+ SD<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="memory command is not optimal (shown as &quot;NO&quot; at 402), then, at step 404, SDC">310</part-num-ref>
+ applies an optimization rule on the memory command based on the context of the memory command. That is, SDC <part-num-ref name="memory command. That is, SDC">310</part-num-ref>
+ searches in optimization tables <part-num-ref name="searches in optimization tables">314</part-num-ref>
+ for a corresponding optimization rule and applies it on the memory command.    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">Applying an optimization rule on a memory command results in the transformation of the memory command into one or more storage commands, each of which is associated with a respective storage device selected from the plurality of storage devices <part-num-ref name="plurality of storage devices">311.</part-num-ref>
+ Alternatively, it may be said that SDC <part-num-ref name="plurality of storage devices 311. Alternatively, it may be said that SDC">310</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="header">Page 13 of <confidence value="88">26</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">MSA-1163-xx</boundary-data>
+identifies the relevant optimization rule in optimization tables <part-num-ref name="relevant optimization rule in optimization tables">314,</part-num-ref>
+ uses the optimization rule to select one or more replacement storage devices and transforms the memory command into one or more storage commands that are each intended for a respective replacement storage device. Then, at step <part-num-ref name="respective replacement storage device. Then, at step">405,</part-num-ref>
+ SDC <part-num-ref name="respective replacement storage device. Then, at step 405, SDC">310</part-num-ref>
+ respectively applies the one or more storage commands to the selected storage devices.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">
+      <confidence value="66">If</confidence>
+ the memory command is a write instruction to write data into the target storage device, the one or more storage commands cause the data, or portions thereof, to be stored in the selected storage devices. Optionally, at step <part-num-ref name="selected storage devices. Optionally, at step">406,</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="885">SDC</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="selected storage devices. Optionally, at step 406, SDC">310</part-num-ref>
+ repatriates the data, or the portions thereof, to the target storage device from the selected storage devices.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Page 14 of <confidence value="88">26</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">MSA-1163-<confidence value="66">xx</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+What      Multi-device  Specific context  <confidence value="5">H</confidence>
+ow (as  Optimized How (in the (received  configuration <confidence value="4">i</confidence>
+ information  decided  given context) or        properties                   by a file anticipated                            system) Host- originated operation) <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+       </boundary-data>
+Write Fi<confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+e  Device X and  User expects  Write    Write to Device Y (or F to      Device Y are  optimal write  directly to concurrently to Device X Device X  non-removable<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ speed         Device X  and Device Y) and Device Y is                           repatriate data to Device X faster than                           in the background (before Device X                              <confidence value="666">the</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6686">Host</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">is</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">s</confidence>
+witched <confidence value="5666">off)</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="6">2</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+Read File  Device X and  File F is critical  Read  Back-up File F to Device Y F from    Device Y are  for the system  directly  in anticipation, and read Device X  present. Device (e.g. boot image), from  from either Device X or X is removable  or has high power Device X  Device Y failure immunity requirements.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">Therefore, backup is required <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="6">3</confidence>
+        </boundary-data>
+Read File  Device X and  User expects  Read     Back-up File F to Device Y F from    Device Y are  optimal read   directly  in anticipation and read in Device X  present       speed (or uses  from    paralle<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+ from Devices X and File F a lot<confidence value="5">)</confidence>
+   Device X  Y <boundary-data type="line-number">4  </boundary-data>
+Write Fi<confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+e  Device X and  Host requires  Write  Write to Device Y and F to      Device Y are  power          directly to repatriate data to Device X Device X  non-removable<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ optimization (not  Device X  when Host battery is filled Device Y is  enough battery)          or when Host is switched more power-                           on efficient than Device X <boundary-data type="line-number">5  </boundary-data>
+Write File  Device X and  File <confidence value="5">G</confidence>
+, already  Write  Back-up File <confidence value="5">G</confidence>
+ to Device Y F to      Device Y are  written onto   directly to in anticipation and then Device X  present. Device Device X is  Device X  perform the write operation X is removable, critical (may be      to Device X Device Y is  lost in the event non-removable  Device X is un- <confidence value="666666">orderl</confidence>
+ removed<confidence value="2">)</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">6</confidence>
+       </boundary-data>
+Any        Device X and  Device X is    Perform  Back-up critical data from operation  Device Y are  entering end of  operation Device X to Device Y in to Device  present     life (e.g. wear  directly  anticipation, and perform X                       level critical)  on     the operation either on Device X Device X or on Device Y Table-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">Page 15 of <confidence value="88">26</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">MSA-<confidence value="66">11</confidence>
+63-<confidence value="66">xx</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+Table-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ refers to exemplary storage solutions, each being optimized according to a specific context. In storage scenario <part-num-ref name="specific context. In storage scenario">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+,      </part-num-ref>
+ the host device wants to write file "F" to device X and storage device X and storage device Y are both embedded devices (i.e., they are non-removable devices). It is also assumed that the host device user expects to experience high write speed, for example because file F is very large, or because a certain reaction or response is expected to I occur following the writing of file F to the storage device. Assuming that storage device X is slower than storage device Y, writing file F directly to device X will be less than optimal because the host device would have to wait more time than necessary (i.e., the time it would take it to write file F into the slower storage device X) before it will be able to handle other tasks. However, by using an SDC such as SDC <part-num-ref name="SDC such as SDC">310,</part-num-ref>
+ and assuming a proper optimization rule is used, file F will be initially written into the faster storage device (i.e<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+, into storage device Y) and later at a convenient time, the SDC will repatriate file F to storage device X. The SDC may execute background operations to repatriate file F from the faster storage device (i.e<confidence value="68">.,</confidence>
+ storage device Y) to storage device X, for example before the host device is switched off.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">In storage scenario 2, the host device wants to read file "F" from storage device X, storage device X is removable, and storage device Y is an embedded device. It is also assumed that file F is important for the system's operation, for example because it contains the system's boot code, or because it has high power failure immunity requirements (for which reason it is recommended that file F be backed up). In a prior art storage system the host device would only read file F from storage device X<confidence value="4">.</confidence>
+ However, using an S<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+C such as SDC <part-num-ref name="SDC such as SDC">310,</part-num-ref>
+ file F will be read from storage device X but backed up in storage device Y (the embedded storage device) in anticipation of the removal of removable storage device X.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">Having being backed up in storage device Y, file F can be read either from storage device X, or from storage device Y, or from both storage devices, whichever is more efficient<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">
+      <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+n storage scenario 3, the host device wants to read file "F" from storage device X, storage device Y is also connected to the host device, and the user <boundary-data type="header">Page 16 <confidence value="88">of</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">26</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">MSA-1163-xx</boundary-data>
+expects an optimal read speed, or uses file F extensively. In a prior art storage system the host device would read file F directly from storage device X. However, using an SDC such as SDC <part-num-ref name="SDC such as SDC">310,</part-num-ref>
+ a copy of file F will be written into storage device Y in anticipation of the "read" instruction and, upon receiving the read instruction, different parts of file F will be read in parallel from both storage devices.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">In storage scenario 4, the host device wants to write file "F" to Device X, storage device X and storage device Y are both embedded devices (i.e., they are non-removable devices), storage device Y is more power-efficient than storage device X, and host device's power source (i.e., battery) weakens<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ In a prior art storage system the host device would write file F directly to storage device X.    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">However, using an SDC such as SDC <part-num-ref name="SDC such as SDC">310,</part-num-ref>
+ file F will be initially written into storage device Y (i.e., the more power-efficient device), and then, after the power resource has been recharged or replenished, or when the host device has been switched on, file F will be repatriated to the intended (i.e., target) storage device; i.e., to storage device X, the less power-efficient device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">In storage scenario 5, the host device wants to write file "F<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ to Device X, storage device X is a removable device, storage device Y is an embedded device, file <confidence value="5">G</confidence>
+, which is already stored in device X, is a critical file and might be lost if storage device X is not properly removed. In a prior art storage system the host device would write file F directly to storage device X. However, using an SDC such as SD<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="SDC such as SDC">310,</part-num-ref>
+ file G will first be backed up in storage device Y (i.e., the non- removable device) in anticipation of the removal of storage device X, and then, file F will be written into storage device X.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">In storage scenario 6, the host device performs any operation on storage device X and storage device Y is also available<confidence value="6">.</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">I</confidence>
+n the prior art storage systems the host device would not be aware of device X beginning to wear out. Therefore, a prior art host device would perform whatever operation is there to perform directly on storage device X. However, using an SDC such as SDC <part-num-ref name="SDC such as SDC">310,</part-num-ref>
+ critical data in storage device X would be backed up in storage device Y, a less worn out storage device, in anticipation for storage device X to be unsuitable for use due to <boundary-data type="header">Page 17 of <confidence value="88">26</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="18"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">MSA-1 <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+63-<confidence value="66">xx</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+excessive wear, and the operation may be performed either on storage device X or on storage device Y.    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">Because of a potential risk of removing a removable storage device from the host device before a memory operation is completed, the temporary storage device (i.e., the storage device that temporarily holds data before it is repatriated to a target storage device) preferably is a non-removable storage device, for example, a High Capacity SIM card, a Flash Drive, and so on. However, in cases where the temporary storage device is a removable storage device, the host device may display to its user a message like "Memory operation is in progress - don't remove any storage media", and remove the message after the memory operation is completed.</p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">
+      <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+n the description and claims of the present application, each of the verbs, "comprise"<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ "include" and "have", and conjugates thereof, are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing of members, components, elements, or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">The articles "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article, depending on the context. By way of example, depending on the context, "an element" can mean one element or more than one element.</p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">The term "including" is used herein to mean, and is used interchangeably with, the phrase "including but not limited to".</p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">The terms "or<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ and "and<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ are used herein to mean, and are used interchangeably with, the term "and/or," unless context clearly indicates otherwise.    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">The term "such as" is used herein to mean, and is used interchangeably, with the phrase "such as but not limited to".</p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications of the disclosed embodiments will be within the scope of the invention. For example, the <confidence value="666">SDC</confidence>
+ and/or the optimization tables may be an integral part of the host device, for example as an integral part of the file system of the host device. The SDC or the optimization tables may be an integral part of one of the storage devices operatively coupled to <boundary-data type="header">Page 18 of <confidence value="88">26</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="19"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">MSA-1163-xx</boundary-data>
+the host device. The present disclosure is likewise relevant, mutatis mutandis, to various types of storage devices and host devices. Accordingly, additional alternations, modifications, and improvements of the disclosed invention, though not expressly described above, are nonetheless intended and implied to be within spirit and scope of the invention.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Page 19 of <confidence value="88">26</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/12012630.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>12012630</doc-number>
+        <date>2011-10-18</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Application No. 12/012,630 Responding to Notice of Non Compliant Amendment dated October 7, 2011 Amendments to the Specification Please amend the first full paragraph on page <part-num-ref name="first full paragraph on page">1,</part-num-ref>
+ lines 6-9, under the heading CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS as follows:    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">[0001] This application is related to commonly-assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/012,622,  , titled "Method and Apparatus for Face Recognition Enhanced Video Mixing," which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">
+      <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/12018145.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>12018145</doc-number>
+        <date>2010-04-30</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">AMENDMENTS TO THE SPECIFICATION</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Please amend the text beginning on page <part-num-ref name="text beginning on page">12,</part-num-ref>
+ at line <part-num-ref name="text beginning on page 12, at line">5.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">As shown in FIGURE 3B, in a levitation system 300B the levitation affecting element <part-num-ref name="levitation affecting element">330</part-num-ref>
+ on the right has its right side raised to a height D31 such that the levitation base <part-num-ref name="levitation base">310</part-num-ref>
+ and the levitation affecting elements <part-num-ref name="levitation affecting elements">330</part-num-ref>
+ are tilted at an angle A31, and the levitation affecting element <part-num-ref name="levitation affecting element">330</part-num-ref>
+ on the left has a south-upward magnetic field direction and the levitation affecting element <part-num-ref name="levitation affecting element">330</part-num-ref>
+ on the right has a north-upward magnetic field direction. This configuration adjusts the required mass and produces a tilt angle A32 of the float element <part-num-ref name="float element">320</part-num-ref>
+ during magnetic levitation.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">As shown in FIGURE 3C, in a levitation system 300<confidence value="5">C</confidence>
+ the levitation affecting element <part-num-ref name="levitation affecting element">330</part-num-ref>
+ on the left has its left side raised to a height D33 such that the levitation base <part-num-ref name="levitation base">310</part-num-ref>
+ and levitation affecting elements <part-num-ref name="and levitation affecting elements">330</part-num-ref>
+ are shown to be tilted in the generally opposite direction at an angle A3<confidence value="88">3,</confidence>
+ and the levitation affecting element <part-num-ref name="levitation affecting element">330</part-num-ref>
+ on the left has a north-upward magnetic field direction and the levitation affecting element <part-num-ref name="levitation affecting element">330</part-num-ref>
+ on the right has a south-upward magnetic field direction.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">This configuration adjusts the required mass and produces a tilt angle A34 of the float element <part-num-ref name="float element">320</part-num-ref>
+ during magnetic levitation.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">George <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+. Fa<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ber 37324 22nd Ave. <confidence value="68">S.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">Federal Way, Washington 98003 -2-                   206.947.7333 GSF<confidence value="6888">01AM</confidence>
+     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/12024762.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>12024762</doc-number>
+        <date>2008-02-11</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Attorney Docket No. IL-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+1594     </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">IN THE SPECIFICATION:</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">On page <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ of the present application, after the title, please insert the following paragraph:    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0001<confidence value="4">]</confidence>
+ The United States Govern<confidence value="5">m</confidence>
+ent has rights in this invention pursuant to Contract No. DE-AC52-<confidence value="66">07</confidence>
+NA27344 between the United States Department of Energy and Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC for the operation of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">-2- </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/12042030.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,424 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>12042030</doc-number>
+        <date>2008-03-04</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">DUCTED VERTICAL TAKE-OFF AND LANDING (VTOL) PERSONNEL</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">CARRIER</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">TECHNICAL FIELD</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0001<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    The present invention relates to vehicle systems and, more particularly, to vertical take-off and landing vehicles.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-4">BACKGROUND</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0002<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicles are of<confidence value="8">t</confidence>
+en used in providing reconnaissance, among other functions, and allow access to areas that may not be feasible with conventional aircraf<confidence value="8">t</confidence>
+. In particular, ducted fan VTOL vehicles are known for superior stationary aerodynamic hovering performance and low speed flights.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0003<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    However, typical VTOL vehicles are not designed to transport people, as may be desired for example for covert deployment of personnel or extraction of injured personnel from rough terrain or a hostile environment. Additionally, other devices used for covert deployment of personnel or extraction of injured personnel from rough terrain or a hostile environment may be less than optimal. For example, the use of helicopters, parachutes, or ground vehicles for such missions may be less precise and/or more expensive, may place additional personnel at risk, and/or may have a relatively higher visual and acoustic signature as compared with a VTOL vehicle.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0004<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved VTOL vehicle for transporting a person, for example for covert deployment of personnel or extraction of injured personnel from rough terrain or a hostile environment.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the invention.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">SUMMARY</heading>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0005<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle is provided. The VTOL vehicle comprises a first thruster, a first duct, a second thruster, a second duct, and a transport unit. The first duct is configured to direct airflow generated by the first thruster. The second duct is configured to direct airflow generated by the second thruster. The transport unit is formed between the first duct and the second duct, and is configured to transport a person or another payload.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0006<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle is provided. The VTOL vehicle comprises a body, a first fan, a first duct, a second fan, a second duct, and a transport unit. The first fan is housed within the body, and is configured to rotate in a first direction. The first duct is housed within the body, and is configured to direct airflow generated by the first fan. The second fan is housed within the body, and is configured to rotate in a second direction that is counter to the first direction. The second duct is configured to direct airflow generated by the second fan. The transport unit is housed within the body between the first duct and the second duct, and is configured to transport a person or another payload.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0007<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle is provided. The VTOL vehicle comprises a body, a first fan, a first duct, a second fan, a second duct, and a transport unit. The first fan is housed within the body, and is configured to <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+rotate in a first direction. The first duct is housed within the body, and is configured to direct airflow generated by the first fan. The second fan is housed within the body, and is configured to rotate in a second direction that is counter to the first direction. The second duct is housed within the body, and is configured to direct airflow generated by the second fan. The transport unit is housed within the body between the first duct and the second duct, and is adaptable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the transport unit comprises a gurney. In the second configuration, the transport unit comprises a chair.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAW<confidence value="8">I</confidence>
+NGS    </heading>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0008<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle in which the transport unit comprises a surveillance pod, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0009<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of another embodiment of the VTOL vehicle of FIG. 1, in which the transport unit comprises a backboard and cover, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0010<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 3 provides a section view of a portion of the VTOL vehicle embodiment of FIG. 2, namely the backboard and cover; and <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0011<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing of another embodiment of the VTOL vehicle of FIG. 1, in which the transport unit comprises a chair, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-7">DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT</heading>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0012<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The following detailed description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the following detailed description of the invention. For example, although the following description and the referenced Figures make reference to a double ducted fan hovering air vehicle, it will be appreciated that the present invention may also apply to vehicles having more than two ducts. Other particular configurations and exemplary embodiments discussed herein may similarly be varied, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0013<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle <part-num-ref name="vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ having a transport unit <part-num-ref name="transport unit">110,</part-num-ref>
+ in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, in the depicted embodiment the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ comprises an engine <part-num-ref name="engine">102,</part-num-ref>
+ thrusters <part-num-ref name="engine 102, thrusters">106,</part-num-ref>
+ ducts <part-num-ref name="engine 102, thrusters 106, ducts">108,</part-num-ref>
+ and a payload transport unit <part-num-ref name="payload transport unit">110.</part-num-ref>
+ Also as shown in FIG. 1, the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ may also include one or more pods <part-num-ref name="may also include one or more pods">112</part-num-ref>
+ (two are depicted in FIG. 1), one or more sensors <part-num-ref name="(two are depicted in FIG. 1), one or more sensors">114</part-num-ref>
+ (one is depicted in FIG. 1), landing gear <part-num-ref name="(one is depicted in FIG. 1), landing gear">116,</part-num-ref>
+ and a capture bar <part-num-ref name="capture bar">118.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0014<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Each duct 108 with the adjoining pods <part-num-ref name="adjoining pods">112</part-num-ref>
+ together for the VTOL body of the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100,</part-num-ref>
+ and are configured along with the thrusters <part-num-ref name="thrusters">106</part-num-ref>
+ to generate an airflow to at least facilitate movement of the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ as a whole. In the depicted embodiment, each thruster <part-num-ref name="depicted embodiment, each thruster">106</part-num-ref>
+ comprises a fan <part-num-ref name="fan">106</part-num-ref>
+ powered and operated by an engine 102; however, this may vary in other embodiments.   Specifically, in the depicted embodiment, the thrusters <part-num-ref name="thrusters">106</part-num-ref>
+ comprise a first thruster <part-num-ref name="first thruster">120</part-num-ref>
+ and a second thruster <part-num-ref name="second thruster">122.</part-num-ref>
+ The first thruster <part-num-ref name="first thruster">120</part-num-ref>
+ comprises a first fan <part-num-ref name="first fan">120</part-num-ref>
+ housed within the first duct <part-num-ref name="first duct">124</part-num-ref>
+ and configured to rotate in a first direction. The second thruster <part-num-ref name="second thruster">122</part-num-ref>
+ comprises a second fan <part-num-ref name="second fan">122</part-num-ref>
+ housed <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+within the second duct <part-num-ref name="second duct">126</part-num-ref>
+ and configured to rotate in a second direction that is counter to the first direction.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0015<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Each duct 108 is coupled to a respective thruster <part-num-ref name="respective thruster">106,</part-num-ref>
+ and is configured with control vanes <part-num-ref name="respective thruster 106, and is configured with control vanes">135</part-num-ref>
+ (preferably, a different control vane <part-num-ref name="different control vane">135</part-num-ref>
+ for each respective thruster <part-num-ref name="for each respective thruster">106)</part-num-ref>
+ to direct the airflow generated by the respective thruster <part-num-ref name="respective thruster">106.</part-num-ref>
+ Specifically, in the depicted embodiment, the ducts <part-num-ref name="ducts">108</part-num-ref>
+ comprise a first duct <part-num-ref name="first duct">124</part-num-ref>
+ and a second duct <part-num-ref name="second duct">126.</part-num-ref>
+ The first duct <part-num-ref name="first duct">124,</part-num-ref>
+ is coupled to the first thruster <part-num-ref name="first thruster">120,</part-num-ref>
+ and is configured with a first control vane <part-num-ref name="first control vane">136</part-num-ref>
+ to direct the airflow generated by the first thruster <part-num-ref name="first thruster">120.</part-num-ref>
+ The second duct <part-num-ref name="second duct">126,</part-num-ref>
+ is coupled to the second thruster <part-num-ref name="second thruster">122,</part-num-ref>
+ and is configured with a second control vane <part-num-ref name="second control vane">137</part-num-ref>
+ (not depicted in FIG. 1, but depicted in FIG. 4 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment) to direct the airflow generated by the second thruster <part-num-ref name="second thruster">122.</part-num-ref>
+ As depicted in FIG. 1, the first duct <part-num-ref name="first duct">124</part-num-ref>
+ and the second duct <part-num-ref name="second duct">126</part-num-ref>
+ are aligned side-by-side along a lateral plane in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0016<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ While the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ is depicted in FIG. 1 as a double ducted VTOL vehicle having two fans <part-num-ref name="double ducted VTOL vehicle having two fans">106</part-num-ref>
+ and two corresponding ducts <part-num-ref name="and two corresponding ducts">108,</part-num-ref>
+ it will be appreciated that this may vary in other embodiments. For example, in certain embodiments, the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ may have three or more fans <part-num-ref name="may have three or more fans">106</part-num-ref>
+ and/or other thrusters <part-num-ref name="and/or other thrusters">106,</part-num-ref>
+ each having a corresponding duct <part-num-ref name="corresponding duct">108</part-num-ref>
+ that is configured to direct the airflow generated by its respective fan <part-num-ref name="airflow generated by its respective fan">106</part-num-ref>
+ or other thruster <part-num-ref name="or other thruster">106.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">Various other features may also vary in other embodiments. However, regardless of the number of fans <part-num-ref name="number of fans">106</part-num-ref>
+ or other thrusters <part-num-ref name="or other thrusters">106</part-num-ref>
+ and/or the number of corresponding ducts <part-num-ref name="number of corresponding ducts">108,</part-num-ref>
+ each of the ducts <part-num-ref name="ducts">108</part-num-ref>
+ are preferably aligned side-by-side along a lateral plane.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0017<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The transport unit <part-num-ref name="transport unit">110</part-num-ref>
+ is formed between the first duct <part-num-ref name="first duct">124</part-num-ref>
+ and the second duct <part-num-ref name="second duct">126,</part-num-ref>
+ and is configured to transport a person or another payload, for example for covert deployment of personnel or extraction of injured personnel from rough terrain or a hostile environment. In one preferred embodiment, the transport unit <part-num-ref name="transport unit">110</part-num-ref>
+ is housed within the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ between the first duct <part-num-ref name="first duct">124</part-num-ref>
+ and the second duct <part-num-ref name="second duct">126</part-num-ref>
+ and between the pods <part-num-ref name="pods">112,</part-num-ref>
+ as shown in FIG. 1. This <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+may vary in certain embodiments, as may the number of pods <part-num-ref name="number of pods">112.</part-num-ref>
+ Also in a preferred embodiment, the transport unit <part-num-ref name="transport unit">110</part-num-ref>
+ includes a first end <part-num-ref name="first end">130</part-num-ref>
+ attached to the first duct <part-num-ref name="first duct">124</part-num-ref>
+ and a second end <part-num-ref name="second end">132</part-num-ref>
+ attached to the second duct <part-num-ref name="second duct">126,</part-num-ref>
+ as is also shown in FIG. 1.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0018<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The transport unit <part-num-ref name="transport unit">110</part-num-ref>
+ may take any one or more of a number of different configurations for carrying a payload or a backboard and cover containing a person, depending on the particular embodiment. FIGS. 2 and <part-num-ref name="and">3</part-num-ref>
+ depict one preferred embodiment for the transport unit <part-num-ref name="transport unit">110,</part-num-ref>
+ comprising a backboard and cover that will be described further below in connection with FIGS. 2 and <part-num-ref name="and">3.</part-num-ref>
+ FIG. 4 depicts another preferred embodiment for the transport unit <part-num-ref name="transport unit">110,</part-num-ref>
+ comprising a chair that will be described further below in connection with FIG. 4.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0019<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ In one preferred embodiment, the transport unit <part-num-ref name="transport unit">110</part-num-ref>
+ can be converted between multiple configurations, such as between the backboard and cover of FIGS. 2 and <part-num-ref name="and">3,</part-num-ref>
+ the chair of FIG. 4, and/or other configurations as in Fig <confidence value="66">1.</confidence>
+ In other embodiments, the transport unit <part-num-ref name="transport unit">110</part-num-ref>
+ may be fixed in its configuration. For example, in certain other embodiments, the transport unit <part-num-ref name="transport unit">110</part-num-ref>
+ may be fixed as a backboard and cover, a chair, or some other configuration. As alluded to above, the transport unit <part-num-ref name="transport unit">110</part-num-ref>
+ can take various other different configurations in other embodiments, and/or can be converted between these configurations and/or various other configurations in certain embodiments.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0020<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ As referenced above, in the depicted embodiment of FIG. 1, the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ also includes one or more sensors <part-num-ref name="also includes one or more sensors">114,</part-num-ref>
+ landing gear <part-num-ref name="also includes one or more sensors 114, landing gear">116,</part-num-ref>
+ and a capture bar <part-num-ref name="capture bar">118.</part-num-ref>
+ The one or more sensors <part-num-ref name="one or more sensors">114</part-num-ref>
+ preferably are also attached to the pod <part-num-ref name="pod">112,</part-num-ref>
+ and are configured to sense objects and/or other conditions surrounding the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ and to facilitate operation thereof. The landing gear <part-num-ref name="landing gear">116</part-num-ref>
+ is attached to the duct <part-num-ref name="duct">108</part-num-ref>
+ and pod <part-num-ref name="and pod">112</part-num-ref>
+ attachment points, and facilitates landing of the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100.</part-num-ref>
+ The capture bar <part-num-ref name="capture bar">118</part-num-ref>
+ is attached to, coupled to, or formed integral with the pod <part-num-ref name="pod">112,</part-num-ref>
+ and is configured to assist with capture of the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100,</part-num-ref>
+ for example by being engaged by a non-depicted capture device. In <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+the depicted embodiment, the capture bar <part-num-ref name="capture bar">118</part-num-ref>
+ extends from the pod <part-num-ref name="pod">112.</part-num-ref>
+ In other embodiments, the capture bar <part-num-ref name="capture bar">118</part-num-ref>
+ may be implemented as a bar recessed in the pod <part-num-ref name="pod">112,</part-num-ref>
+ shown in FIG. 1, or may be otherwise attached to, coupled to, or formed integral with the ducts <part-num-ref name="ducts">108.</part-num-ref>
+ It will be appreciated that these and/or other components of the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ may vary in other embodiments.    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0021<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of another embodiment of the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ of FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the transport unit <part-num-ref name="transport unit">110</part-num-ref>
+ comprises a backboard <part-num-ref name="backboard">210</part-num-ref>
+ and a cover <part-num-ref name="cover">212.</part-num-ref>
+ In the depicted embodiment, the backboard <part-num-ref name="backboard">210</part-num-ref>
+ is formed between the first duct <part-num-ref name="first duct">124</part-num-ref>
+ and the second duct <part-num-ref name="second duct">126.</part-num-ref>
+ Also in the depicted embodiment, the backboard <part-num-ref name="backboard">210</part-num-ref>
+ is housed within the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ between the first duct <part-num-ref name="first duct">124</part-num-ref>
+ and the second duct <part-num-ref name="second duct">126</part-num-ref>
+ and between the pods <part-num-ref name="pods">112,</part-num-ref>
+ as shown in FIG. 2. The backboard <part-num-ref name="backboard">210</part-num-ref>
+ also includes a first end <part-num-ref name="first end">230</part-num-ref>
+ attached to the first duct <part-num-ref name="first duct">124</part-num-ref>
+ and a second end <part-num-ref name="second end">232</part-num-ref>
+ attached to the second duct <part-num-ref name="second duct">126,</part-num-ref>
+ as is also shown in FIG. 2. The cover <part-num-ref name="cover">212</part-num-ref>
+ is coupled to the backboard <part-num-ref name="backboard">210</part-num-ref>
+ and covers the backboard <part-num-ref name="backboard">210</part-num-ref>
+ and any person on the backboard <part-num-ref name="backboard">210</part-num-ref>
+ and any belongings included therewith.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0022<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 3 provides a section view of a portion of the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ embodiment of FIG. 2, namely the backboard <part-num-ref name="backboard">210</part-num-ref>
+ and the cover <part-num-ref name="cover">212</part-num-ref>
+ referenced above. As depicted in FIG. 3, the backboard <part-num-ref name="backboard">210</part-num-ref>
+ includes an approximately flat surface. The approximately flat surface is configured to allow a person to be placed thereon, for example an injured person to be extracted from rough terrain or a hostile environment. The cover <part-num-ref name="cover">212</part-num-ref>
+ is configured to at least substantially cover the person when placed on the backboard <part-num-ref name="backboard">210.</part-num-ref>
+ The backboard <part-num-ref name="backboard">210</part-num-ref>
+ may also include non-depicted straps and/or other safety restraints, a pillow and/or other head supports, and/or medical, control, and/or other devices in certain embodiments. In addition, in certain embodiments, the backboard <part-num-ref name="backboard">210</part-num-ref>
+ may include other, non-depicted features such as additional supports, viewing openings, access openings, openings for weapons and/or other devices, and/or other features. However, this may vary in other embodiments.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0023<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The embodiment of the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ and personnel transport backboard and cover <part-num-ref name="and personnel transport backboard and cover">210</part-num-ref>
+ depicted in FIGS. 2 and <part-num-ref name="and">3</part-num-ref>
+ is configured for autonomous injured personnel extraction, although it may also be used for other purposes. For example, an injured soldier or other person can be placed onto the backboard <part-num-ref name="backboard">210</part-num-ref>
+ and covered by the cover <part-num-ref name="cover">212</part-num-ref>
+ for protection, and can then be extracted by the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ away from a hostile environment and/or rough or confined terrain. The VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ can then autonomously navigate the injured person to a rescue ship or base, or to some other safe location. The VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ can do so with the relatively high precision and low acoustic and visual signatures of the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100,</part-num-ref>
+ while potentially avoiding the need for endangering additional personnel and equipment.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0024<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing of another embodiment of the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ of FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the transport unit <part-num-ref name="transport unit">110</part-num-ref>
+ comprises a chair <part-num-ref name="chair">410.</part-num-ref>
+ In the depicted embodiment, the chair <part-num-ref name="chair">410</part-num-ref>
+ is formed between the first duct <part-num-ref name="first duct">124</part-num-ref>
+ and the second duct <part-num-ref name="second duct">126,</part-num-ref>
+ and is housed on the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ between the first duct <part-num-ref name="first duct">124</part-num-ref>
+ and the second duct <part-num-ref name="second duct">126.</part-num-ref>
+ Also, similar to the backboard <part-num-ref name="backboard">210</part-num-ref>
+ and cover <part-num-ref name="and cover">212,</part-num-ref>
+ the chair <part-num-ref name="chair">410</part-num-ref>
+ includes a first end <part-num-ref name="first end">430</part-num-ref>
+ attached to the first duct <part-num-ref name="first duct">124</part-num-ref>
+ and a second end <part-num-ref name="second end">432</part-num-ref>
+ attached to the second duct <part-num-ref name="second duct">126,</part-num-ref>
+ as is also shown in FIG. 4.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0025<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   As depicted in FIG. 4, the chair <part-num-ref name="chair">410</part-num-ref>
+ includes a seating surface <part-num-ref name="seating surface">412</part-num-ref>
+ and a back support <part-num-ref name="back support">414.</part-num-ref>
+ The seating surface <part-num-ref name="seating surface">412</part-num-ref>
+ is preferably approximately flat, and is configured to allow a person to sit thereon, for example when the person is being rapidly deployed into a hostile environment or rough or confined terrain.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">The back support 414 provides support for the person while seated in the chair <part-num-ref name="chair">410.</part-num-ref>
+ The chair <part-num-ref name="chair">410</part-num-ref>
+ may also include one or more accessories <part-num-ref name="may also include one or more accessories">434.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, in certain embodiments, the accessories <part-num-ref name="accessories">434</part-num-ref>
+ may include one or more of the following: straps, seat belts or other restraints, other safety devices, supports, a control stick, and/or a pitch compensation rotation device, among various other <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+possible accessories <part-num-ref name="pitch compensation rotation device, among various other possible accessories">434.</part-num-ref>
+ In certain embodiments, the chair may also rotate to compensate vehicle pitch attitudes in flight while maintaining the passenger in a forward looking position.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0026<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Also, as depicted in FIG. 4, the chair <part-num-ref name="chair">410</part-num-ref>
+ may at least partially take the place of the sensor <part-num-ref name="sensor">114,</part-num-ref>
+ one of the pods <part-num-ref name="pods">112,</part-num-ref>
+ and/or the capture bar <part-num-ref name="capture bar">118</part-num-ref>
+ in a preferred embodiment. In certain embodiments, the sensor <part-num-ref name="sensor">114,</part-num-ref>
+ pod <part-num-ref name="sensor 114, pod">112,</part-num-ref>
+ and/or capture bar <part-num-ref name="sensor 114, pod 112, and/or capture bar">118</part-num-ref>
+ may be replaced elsewhere on the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ while the chair <part-num-ref name="chair">410</part-num-ref>
+ is implemented as the transport unit <part-num-ref name="transport unit">110.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0027<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The embodiment of the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ depicted in FIG. 4 is configured for rapid deployment and extraction of personnel in covert operations, although it may also be used for other purposes. For example, a special forces soldier or other personnel can be placed onto the chair <part-num-ref name="chair">410</part-num-ref>
+ and quickly deployed into or extracted from a hostile environment or rough or confined terrain using the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100.</part-num-ref>
+ The VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ further provides an autonomous approach and landing suited for such covert operations.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0028<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In addition, while situated on the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100,</part-num-ref>
+ the personnel can monitor the surroundings, direct the VTOL vehicle as may be appropriate, and maintain weapons, other self defense devices, and/or other equipment and/or supplies at the ready during transport as may be necessary. The personnel can also quickly mount and dismount from the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ while maintaining an upright posture, an awareness of the surroundings, and control of weapons, other self defenses, and/or other equipment and/or supplies that may be necessary.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">Moreover, the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ can autonomously navigate the personnel into the hostile environment or rough or confined terrain with the relatively high precision and low acoustic and visual signatures of the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100,</part-num-ref>
+ while potentially avoiding the need for endangering additional personnel and equipment.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0029<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ As noted above, in one preferred embodiment, the transport unit <part-num-ref name="transport unit">110</part-num-ref>
+ can be converted between multiple configurations, such as the backboard <part-num-ref name="backboard">210</part-num-ref>
+ of <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+FIGS. 2 and <part-num-ref name="and">3</part-num-ref>
+ and/or the chair <part-num-ref name="chair">410</part-num-ref>
+ of FIG. 4. For example, when conversion of the transport unit <part-num-ref name="transport unit">110</part-num-ref>
+ from a backboard <part-num-ref name="backboard">210</part-num-ref>
+ to a chair is required, the backboard <part-num-ref name="backboard">210</part-num-ref>
+ and cover <part-num-ref name="and cover">212,</part-num-ref>
+ along with a front pod <part-num-ref name="front pod">112,</part-num-ref>
+ a sensor <part-num-ref name="sensor">114,</part-num-ref>
+ and/or a capture bar <part-num-ref name="capture bar">118,</part-num-ref>
+ may be removed from the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ and replaced by a chair <part-num-ref name="chair">410.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">Conversely, when conversion of the transport unit <part-num-ref name="transport unit">110</part-num-ref>
+ from a chair <part-num-ref name="chair">410</part-num-ref>
+ to a backboard <part-num-ref name="backboard">210</part-num-ref>
+ and cover <part-num-ref name="and cover">212</part-num-ref>
+ is required, the chair <part-num-ref name="chair">410</part-num-ref>
+ may be removed from the VTOL vehicle <part-num-ref name="VTOL vehicle">100</part-num-ref>
+ and replaced with a backboard <part-num-ref name="backboard">210</part-num-ref>
+ and cover <part-num-ref name="and cover">212,</part-num-ref>
+ along with <confidence value="8">a</confidence>
+ front pod <part-num-ref name="front pod">112,</part-num-ref>
+ a sensor <part-num-ref name="sensor">114,</part-num-ref>
+ and/or <confidence value="8">a</confidence>
+ capture bar <part-num-ref name="capture bar">118.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0030<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ These steps may be performed, for example, through the use of non- depicted dovetail assemblies that couple the various configurations of the transport unit <part-num-ref name="transport unit">110</part-num-ref>
+ to the body <part-num-ref name="body">102</part-num-ref>
+ and between the first and second ducts <part-num-ref name="first and second ducts">124,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="first and second ducts 124,">126,</part-num-ref>
+ in one preferred embodiment. For example, the VTOL vehicle may utilize dovetail assemblies and/or other components and/or other features from the various vehicle embodiments depicted and described in the co-pending, commonly owned and assigned United States Patent Application No. 11/338,558 (Goossen,  Double   Ducted   Hovering   Air-Vehicle,  Pub.  No.   U.S.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">2006/0192047A1), and incorporated herein by reference.</p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0031<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ It will be appreciated that the conversion techniques may vary. In addition, as noted above, in other embodiments the transport unit <part-num-ref name="transport unit">110</part-num-ref>
+ may be fixed in its configuration. For example, in certain embodiments, the transport unit <part-num-ref name="transport unit">110</part-num-ref>
+ may be fixed as a backboard and cover such as the backboard <part-num-ref name="backboard">210</part-num-ref>
+ and cover <part-num-ref name="and cover">212</part-num-ref>
+ of FIGS. 2 and <part-num-ref name="and">3,</part-num-ref>
+ or as a chair such as the chair <part-num-ref name="chair">410</part-num-ref>
+ of FIG. 4, or as another configuration.  The transport unit <part-num-ref name="transport unit">110</part-num-ref>
+ can take various other different configurations, and/or can be converted between these configurations and/or various other configurations, in certain embodiments.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0032<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Accordingly, improved VTOL vehicles are provided for transporting personnel. These VTOL vehicles provide for improved covert deployment or extraction of special forces personnel or extraction of injured personnel from rough terrain or a hostile environment, among other functions, with the autonomous navigation, relatively high precision, and relatively low acoustic and <page-break num="11"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+visual signature of a VTOL vehicle. For example, the embodiment of the backboard <part-num-ref name="backboard">210</part-num-ref>
+ allows for rapid and protected extraction of injured personnel out of hostile conditions or rough terrain, and without placing additional personnel or equipment in harm's way. The embodiment of the chair <part-num-ref name="chair">410</part-num-ref>
+ allows for rapid deployment or extraction of personnel in covert operations in which the personnel can be readily aware of his or her surroundings and prepared for defensive actions, also without placing additional personnel or equipment in harm's way. In addition, the convertibility feature of the transport unit in a preferred embodiment between different configurations provides flexibility and additional potential benefits for the VTOL vehicles.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0033<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt to a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.    </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/12050060.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,306 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>12050060</doc-number>
+        <date>2008-03-17</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">60877/02<confidence value="88">22</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">VIRTUAL PIPE FOR WIRE ADAPTER COMMUNICATIONS</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">[0001]   The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.</p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">60/895,090, filed March 15, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.</p>
+    <heading id="h-3">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[0002]   The present invention relates generally to wireless communications, and more particularly to wireless communications including a normally wired device using a wire adapter.</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">[0003]   As new and innovative digital devices are being developed, an easy and versatile medium of communication between these digital devices becomes more and more useful. The USB protocol has become one of the most popular of these digital communication mediums, as it is versatile and compatible with most digital devices. USB has become one of the most prevalent mediums of digital communication. Most digital devices are typically made USB compatible, and those which are not can generally be modified or adapted to be USB compatible. USB devices are generally coupled to a USB host through a USB connector. Through this connection, not only can the USB device communicate with the USB host, but in many instances can receive power from the USB host as well.</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">[0004]   Many of the new digital communications devices being developed are now built with wireless capabilities or can be adapted or modified to have wireless capabilities. Digital devices which could previously only communicate through cables or other physical wire-type mediums are becoming likely candidates for this type of wireless communication. The USB protocol is no exception, with the development of the Wireless USB protocol. However, the Wireless USB interface may provide constraints which reduce efficiency.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">-1-</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">60877/0222</boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-4">BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0005]   The invention provides for communication by a wired host using a wire adapter for wireless communication. In one aspect, the invention provides a method of providing data over a data path including a wireless portion, comprising requesting data communication using a remote pipe between a host and a device, the request specifying an endpoint of the device; binding the remote pipe to an unused endpoint of a wire adapter; and data communicating using the bound endpoint of the wire adapter.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">[0006]   In another aspect the invention provides a method of assisting in data communication by a wire adapter, the wire adapter configured to receive information from a host over a wired link and to transmit at least some of the data wirelessly, comprising receiving a request from a host for a remote pipe for bursty communications with an endpoint of a device; providing an indication to the host of unused endpoints of the wire adapter; receiving a request to bind the remote pipe to one of the unused endpoints of the wire adapter; receiving data identified as being directed to the bound endpoint of the wire adapter; and transmitting at least some of the received data along with an indication of the device and the endpoint of the device.</p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">[0007]   In another aspect the invention provides a method of assisting in data communication by a wire adapter, the wire adapter configured to receive information from a host over a wired link and to transmit at least some of the data wirelessly, comprising receiving a request from a host for a remote pipe for bursty communications with an endpoint of a device; providing an indication to the host of unused endpoints of the wire adapter; receiving a request to bind the remote pipe to one of the unused endpoints of the wire adapter; receiving data identified as being directed to the bound endpoint of the wire adapter; and transmitting at least some of the received data along with an indication of the device and the endpoint of the device.</p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[0008]   In yet another aspect the invention provides a method of communicating information between a host and a plurality of functions on one or more devices, each of the functions <boundary-data type="header">-2-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">60877/0222</boundary-data>
+identifiable by a device and an endpoint, comprising providing a wired adapter configured for wired communications with a host and wireless communications with a receiver configured for providing received information to the one or more devices, the wired adapter having a plurality of endpoints; identifying at least some of the plurality of endpoints of the wired adapter for use in communications with corresponding ones of the functions, with each of the identified endpoints of the wired adapter identified for use with no more than one of the functions; receiving by the wired adapter of information from the host, the information being identified as being for various ones of the identified endpoints of the wired adapter; and transmitting by the wired adapter of at least some of the received information, the transmitted information including an indication of the function intended for receipt of the information, the function dependent on the wired adapter endpoint for which the information was identified.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">[0009]   These and other aspects of the invention are more fully comprehended upon review of this disclosure.</p>
+    <heading id="h-5">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES</heading>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">[0010]   FIG. 1 is an illustration of a USB host and a USB device communicating wirelessly in accordance with aspects of the invention;</p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0011<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a process of dynamically binding unused endpoints in a wire adapter to downstream devices in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">[0012]   FIG. 3 is a Wireless USB system with a host wirelessly communicating with multiple devices through a wire adapter in accordance with aspects of the invention;</p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">[0013<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a process for establishing a Virtual Pipe connection in accordance with aspects of the invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">[0014]   FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a process for removing a Virtual Pipe in accordance with aspects of the invention;</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">-3-</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">60877/0222</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+[0015<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 6 is a Wireless USB system with a host wirelessly communicating with multiple functions on a single device through a wire adapter in accordance with aspects of the invention; and [0016]   FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a Wireless USB host system in accordance with aspects of an embodiment of the invention.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">DETAILED DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">[0017<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   FIG. 1 illustrates a USB host <part-num-ref name="USB host">111</part-num-ref>
+ and a USB device <part-num-ref name="USB device">113</part-num-ref>
+ communicating wirelessly in accordance with aspects of the invention. Each of the USB host and the USB device are coupled to a wire adapter, with the USB host coupled to a host wire adapter <part-num-ref name="host wire adapter">119</part-num-ref>
+ and the USB device coupled to a device wire adapter <part-num-ref name="device wire adapter">117.</part-num-ref>
+ The coupling with the wire adapters is usually a wired connection, with it being recognized that circuit traces, connectors, or other physical connections may be considered a wired connection, even if the physical connection is provided other than using actual wires.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">[0018]   Host wire adapters are generally used to add Wireless USB capabilities to a USB host, and device wire adapters are generally used to add Wireless USB capabilities to a USB device.</p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">Components upstream may be considered hosts, while components downstream may be considered devices of each respective host. Both the host wire adapter and the device wire adapter include wireless communication circuitry <part-num-ref name="device wire adapter include wireless communication circuitry">119</part-num-ref>
+ for wireless communication <part-num-ref name="for wireless communication">121.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">[0019<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The wire adapters are themselves USB devices, and the host and/or the device may communicate with the wire adapters using USB compliant protocols. Often USB compliant communication protocols specify both a device and a function of the device for which data is intended. The function of the device may be a software program executing on the device, a hardware component such as a display of the device, or some subset of either of those. The function of the device for which data is intended is generally specified as an endpoint. Thus, USB <boundary-data type="header">-4-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">60877/0222</boundary-data>
+compliant communications often specify a device and an endpoint intended as a recipient of the communications.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[0020]    In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the host, for example, communicates to the host wire adapter information intended for a function of the device. In accordance with aspects of the invention, the host communicates the information specifying a preidentified endpoint of the host wire adapter. The host wire adapter forwards, via wireless transmission, all information specified as intended for the preidentified endpoint of the host wire adapter to an endpoint associated with the function of the device. Thus, for example, the host specifies an endpoint of the wire adapter for use in communications with an endpoint of an intended ultimate recipient of the communications, and the endpoint of the wire adapter may therefore be considered bound to the particular communication path. Each wire adapter has a predefined number of unused endpoints which can be used to establish wireless connections to other components. A typical wire adapter has at least <part-num-ref name="typical wire adapter has at least">27</part-num-ref>
+ unused endpoints.    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">[0021<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    In many instances communications are facilitated by use of remote pipes, for example as discussed in the Wireless Universal Serial Bus Specification, version 1.0, dated May <part-num-ref name="Wireless Universal Serial Bus Specification, version 1.0, dated May">12,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="Wireless Universal Serial Bus Specification, version 1.0, dated May 12,">2005,</part-num-ref>
+ incorporated in its entirety herein. Remote pipes are abstractions to establish data paths to connect hosts and devices wirelessly using wire adapters in the context of USB communications. Remote pipes may be bidirectional, but typically are used by wire adapters for either OUT traffic to, or IN traffic from, downstream devices. Generally, a host wire adapter, or more commonly a host, assigns a remote pipe to an endpoint of a device. The host transmits a data packet to the wire adapter, the data packet, for example, may be preceded by transfer information, for example remote pipe information, including information as to the desired destination of the data packet. The host wire adapter processes the transfer information and forwards the data packet to the desired destination.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">60877/0222</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0022]   In accordance with the invention, an endpoint of the wire adapter is bound to a particular remote pipe, such that the wire adapter endpoint, as long as so bound, is used exclusively for the remote pipe associated with the desired destination. Thus, data received by the wire adapter indicated as going to the bound endpoint of the wire adapter is forwarded by the wire adapter in accordance with the particular remote pipe. This tying, or binding, of a wire adapter endpoint and remote pipe may be considered to create a virtual pipe, or <confidence value="66">VP</confidence>
+ipe.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">[0023]   FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a process of dynamically binding unused endpoints in a wire adapter to downstream devices in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments the process may be performed by circuitry or firmware of the wire adapter, in some embodiments the process may be performed by circuitry of or program instructions executing on a processor of a host, and in some embodiments the process may be performed by a combination of elements of the wire adapter and the host. In some embodiments, the wire adapter may expose a VPipe interface, comprising all the unused endpoints in the wire adapter, to a host, and the wire adapter may manage connections between the endpoints and downstream devices. In other embodiments, a driver may be installed to manage and store the device connection information.</p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0024<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In block 211, the process receives a connection request. A host may send a request to a host wire adapter to establish a wireless connection to a downstream device to which the host will be transmitting data. The request may include connection information pertaining to the downstream device to help the host wire adapter locate and identify the downstream device. In some embodiments, the connection information may identify a device wire adapter associated with the downstream device, where information sent to the device wire adapter may then be transmitted to the downstream device via a wired connection.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">[0025]   In block 213, the process generates an endpoint list comprising unused endpoints in a wire adapter. In most embodiments, the unused endpoints in the wire adapter may be used to establish new  wireless data communication pathways with other components.  In some <boundary-data type="header">-6-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">60877/0222</boundary-data>
+embodiments, the wire adapter exposes a VPipe interface to the host, with the VPipe interface comprising the unused endpoints in the wire adapter. In these embodiments, the wire adapter may include current status information on all the endpoints in the VPipe interface. In some embodiments, for example, embodiments where a driver is installed in an upstream host to manage the connections between the wire adapter and downstream devices, the list indicating unused endpoints on the wire adapter may be provided to the driver on the host.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">[0026]   In block 215, the process creates a <confidence value="66">VP</confidence>
+ipe. The VPipe provides a data path between the host and a downstream device through the wire adapter. A VPipe is created using an unused endpoint of the wire adapter. In most embodiments, the VPipe uses a remote pipe framework, with a remote pipe bound to one of the unused wire adapter endpoints. The VPipe is assigned an associated function of a downstream device, in most embodiments, the particular function of a device to which the host will be transmitting data. The VPipe is dedicated to communication with the particular function and device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">[0027]   A wireless communication pathway is thereby created between a host and a downstream device. The host may transmit data packets to a function of a downstream device via the VPipe associated with the downstream device. When a host wants to transmit a data packet to the function of the downstream device, the host may utilize the VPipe by sending the data packet to the endpoint of the wire adapter bound by the VPipe associated with the device, and the wire adapter routes the data packet to the endpoint of the device. In some embodiments, the data packet does not include, or is not accompanied by, transfer information pertaining to the desired destination function (indicated by device endpoint) and device of the data packet. In some embodiments less then all of the endpoints of the wire adapter are available for creation of <confidence value="66">VP</confidence>
+ipes. For example, in some embodiments one endpoint may be reserved for remote pipe (RPipe) traffic IN and one endpoint reserved for RPipe traffic OUT. In addition in some embodiments wire adapter endpoint availability for VPipes may be restricted by type of data transfer. For example, in some <boundary-data type="header">-7-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">60877/0222</boundary-data>
+embodiments a first plurality, for example <part-num-ref name="first plurality, for example">8,</part-num-ref>
+ of endpoints may be reserved for bulk-in, a second plurality, for example <part-num-ref name="second plurality, for example">8,</part-num-ref>
+ may be reserved for bulk-out, a third plurality, for example <part-num-ref name="third plurality, for example">2,</part-num-ref>
+ may be reserved for interrupt in, a fourth plurality, for example <part-num-ref name="fourth plurality, for example">2,</part-num-ref>
+ may be reserved for iso<confidence value="66">ch</confidence>
+ronous-in, and a fifth plurality, for example <part-num-ref name="fifth plurality, for example">2,</part-num-ref>
+ may be reserved for isochronous-out.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">[0028]   FIG. 3 is a Wireless USB system with a host wirelessly communicating with multiple devices through a wire adapter in accordance with aspects of the invention. The system includes a host <part-num-ref name="host">311</part-num-ref>
+ communicating with a wire adapter <part-num-ref name="wire adapter">313,</part-num-ref>
+ generally through a wired connection <part-num-ref name="wired connection">315.</part-num-ref>
+ The wire adapter, in turn, communicates wirelessly with a plurality of downstream devices. In some embodiments, the wire adapter wirelessly communicates with device wire adapters associated with each respective device, or a device wire adapter common to all the devices.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0029]   Each wire adapter has n number of endpoints useable for data communication purposes.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">The endpoints may be viewed as channels or addresses on the wire adapter which serve as reference locations. In most wire adapter embodiments, at least <part-num-ref name="wire adapter which serve as reference locations. In most wire adapter embodiments, at least">27</part-num-ref>
+ unused endpoints are available.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">In some embodiments, different ones of the endpoints are available for different purposes.</p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">[0030]   In certain embodiments of the invention, a VPipe interface <part-num-ref name="VPipe interface">317</part-num-ref>
+ is defined, comprising all the unused endpoints in the wire adapter. The wire adapter receives a transmission request, and an unused endpoint in the VPipe interface is arbitrarily selected as an address at which a new VPipe is to be created. The VPipe is paired to the desired device. The VPipe may be constructed using a remote pipe, for example as in the Wireless USB protocol. Referring now to FIG. 3, the host may send a request to the wire adapter to establish a data communication pathway from the host to device <part-num-ref name="host to device">2</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">319,</part-num-ref>
+ and more particularly to a function of device <part-num-ref name="function of device">2</part-num-ref>
+ identified as endpoint <part-num-ref name="identified as endpoint">1</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">325</part-num-ref>
+ of device <part-num-ref name="of device">2.</part-num-ref>
+ A VPipe <part-num-ref name="VPipe">321</part-num-ref>
+ may be created using endpoint Ep <part-num-ref name="may be created using endpoint Ep">2</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">323</part-num-ref>
+ of the wire adapter, and the VPipe may be assigned to communicate exclusively with an endpoint Epl located on device <part-num-ref name="endpoint Epl located on device">2.</part-num-ref>
+ Likewise, the host may request the wire adapter to create a wireless data pathway to device <part-num-ref name="wireless data pathway to device">1</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">327,</part-num-ref>
+ and more particularly to a function of device <part-num-ref name="function of device">1</part-num-ref>
+ identified as endpoint <part-num-ref name="identified as endpoint">1</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">333</part-num-ref>
+ of device <part-num-ref name="of device">1.</part-num-ref>
+ A VPipe <part-num-ref name="VPipe">329</part-num-ref>
+ may<confidence value="88">be</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">-8-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">60877/0222</boundary-data>
+created and bound to endpoint Ep <part-num-ref name="maybe created and bound to endpoint Ep">5</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">331</part-num-ref>
+ of the <confidence value="25">VP</confidence>
+ipe interface, with the <confidence value="66">VP</confidence>
+ipe associated with endpoint Ep <part-num-ref name="VPipe associated with endpoint Ep">1</part-num-ref>
+ located on device <part-num-ref name="located on device">1.</part-num-ref>
+ VPipes may be allocated or deallocated as desired in many embodiments, allowing for dynamic VPipe allocation.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">[0031]   If a VPipe has already been paired with a downstream device, memory in the wire adapter may hold information pertaining to the pairing. The host may therefore send any data packets intended for a downstream device using the VPipe paired with the downstream device. In most embodiments, data is sent to the endpoint of the wire adapter bound by the VPipe, and the wire adapter forwards the data or traffic to the appropriate downstream device upon receipt of the data or traffic. Similarly, IN traffic may be obtained by requesting a read of the wire adapter endpoint bound for the in traffic VPipe. The remaining unused endpoints of the wire adapter, for example, endpoints Ep <part-num-ref name="wire adapter, for example, endpoints Ep">1</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">349</part-num-ref>
+ or Ep <part-num-ref name="or Ep">6</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">351,</part-num-ref>
+ are all potential endpoints which new VPipes may bind if additional downstream devices are to be connected.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">[0032]   VPipes may be managed in a variety of ways. For example, the host may be given information about the VPipe associations prior to transmission. The host may use, for example, VPipe <part-num-ref name="host may use, for example, VPipe">5</part-num-ref>
+ when the host wants the data to be sent to device <part-num-ref name="data to be sent to device">2.</part-num-ref>
+ Alternatively, VPipe association information may be stored in memory located in the wire adapter. When the host sends data destined for a particular device, control circuitry in the wire adapter may process the data and route the data to the appropriate VPipe for transmission to the intended downstream device. A third possible configuration implements a USB compatible driver, which may be installed on the host or on the wire adapter. The USB compatible driver may hold the VPipe association information, and incoming data is routed based on the information stored in the driver.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0033]   Preferably, endpoint configurations may be dynamically set and changed based on the priorities of each individual data transfer, to increase efficiency and versatility of the VPipe system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the data pathways from the wire adapter to device <part-num-ref name="wire adapter to device">1</part-num-ref>
+ and device <part-num-ref name="and device">2</part-num-ref>
+ are illustrated as bidirectional data pathways. In this embodiment, endpoint Ep <part-num-ref name="are illustrated as bidirectional data pathways. In this embodiment, endpoint Ep">2</part-num-ref>
+ and <boundary-data type="header">-9-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">60877/0222</boundary-data>
+endpoint Ep <part-num-ref name="and endpoint Ep">5</part-num-ref>
+ may be configurable, and may be configured based on the type of data each respective endpoint receives.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">[0034]   In other embodiments, endpoints may only be configured to send data in a single direction. In these embodiments, multiple VPipes may be created to facilitate communication between the wire adapter and a downstream device, where at least one VPipe is dedicated to OUT traffic to the device, and at least one VPipe is dedicated to IN traffic from the device. Device <part-num-ref name="device. Device">3</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">335</part-num-ref>
+ communicates with the wire adapter in this manner. VPipe <part-num-ref name="wire adapter in this manner. VPipe">7</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">337</part-num-ref>
+ has been created and bound to endpoint Ep <part-num-ref name="has been created and bound to endpoint Ep">7</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">339</part-num-ref>
+ of the wire adapter, and associated with endpoint Ep <part-num-ref name="wire adapter, and associated with endpoint Ep">1</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">341</part-num-ref>
+ of device <part-num-ref name="of device">3</part-num-ref>
+ to facilitate outgoing traffic to device <part-num-ref name="to facilitate outgoing traffic to device">3.</part-num-ref>
+ The host may send data bound for device <part-num-ref name="host may send data bound for device">3</part-num-ref>
+ to Ep <part-num-ref name="to Ep">7</part-num-ref>
+ of the wire adapter, which automatically forwards the data to Ep <part-num-ref name="data to Ep">1</part-num-ref>
+ of device <part-num-ref name="of device">3.</part-num-ref>
+ VPipe <part-num-ref name="of device 3. VPipe">8</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">343</part-num-ref>
+ has been created and bound to endpoint Ep <part-num-ref name="has been created and bound to endpoint Ep">8</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">345</part-num-ref>
+ of the wire adapter, and paired with endpoint Ep <part-num-ref name="wire adapter, and paired with endpoint Ep">2</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">347</part-num-ref>
+ of device <part-num-ref name="of device">3.</part-num-ref>
+ Device <part-num-ref name="of device 3. Device">3</part-num-ref>
+ may send data intended for the host to Ep <part-num-ref name="host to Ep">8</part-num-ref>
+ of the wire adapter, which may then forward the data to the host. In some embodiments a higher level protocol is used to provide flow information regarding out traffic reaching an ultimate device endpoint. For example, in some embodiments a SCSI protocol for mass storage devices may be used, with for example CSW IN, or a last CSW IN, being used to determine results of data transfer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">[0035<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   By managing communication pathways using VPipes, Wireless USB transmissions may reduce overhead associated with transfer instructions or transfer command packets employed in typical Wireless USB interfaces. By establishing communication pathways within the wire adapter with a reduced amount of transfer instructions, the potential VPipe throughput can reach double or triple the typical remote pipe throughput. Since endpoint implementation and data transfer rates remain unchanged, any endpoint which is a candidate to be used as a remote pipe is also a candidate to be used as a VPipe.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">[0036]   In some embodiments, wire adapters employ fixed interfaces instead of dynamic interfaces, where endpoint types are not set and changed based on the nature of the data being sent.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">-10-</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">60877/0222</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+In these embodiments, endpoint types are pre-assigned at the time of enumeration and are not modified thereafter. Endpoint type allocations are typically based on the intended use or implementation of the wire adapter. VPipes may be difficult to implement or prove ineffective if, for example, a fixed interface includes a large number of low throughput endpoints. If, however, there are many high throughput endpoints available, VPipes may greatly improve the throughput and efficiency of the wire adapter.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0037]   FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a process for establishing and using a VPipe in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. In particular embodiments, the process is performed in the context of creating a dynamic data transfer medium between a host and a downstream device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">In some embodiments, the process may be performed, for example, to establish the system illustrated in FIG. 3. In block <part-num-ref name="system illustrated in FIG. 3. In block">411,</part-num-ref>
+ the wire adapter receives a data transmission request from a host. In some embodiments, the host may to send a remote pipe request consistent with the existing Wireless USB protocol. The convention may be maintained to more easily integrate the VPipe within the Wireless USB standard. The host sends a transmission request to the host wire adapter, including instructions on how to configure the communication pathway, what type of data transfer is required, and the address of an endpoint of the desired downstream device. A VPipe may be established using the information received from the host, with minimal modification to the host and host software.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">[0038]   In block 413, the VPipe interface creates a VPipe and binds it to an unused endpoint in the VPipe interface in accordance with the transmission request received from the host. In most embodiments, the newly created VPipe is created in a similar manner as a remote pipe is created in existing Wireless USB protocol. The newly created VPipe is associated with an endpoint on the desired downstream device. The wire adapter may communicate wirelessly with the endpoint of the device via the resulting VPipe, sending data to and receiving data from the endpoint on the device. The association between the VPipe and the device endpoint is recorded and saved. In <boundary-data type="header">-11-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">60877/0222</boundary-data>
+embodiments where a driver controlling the VPipe interface has been installed onto the host, the wire adapter may transmit the VPipe association information to the host.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">[0039]    In some embodiments, creating a VPipe may also include setting or selecting an endpoint type for the underlying endpoint to facilitate more efficient data transmission. Different endpoint types are used for different data transfers. Generally, in embodiments of the invention, VPipes are created at bulk transfer endpoints. Of the different endpoint types, bulk transfer endpoints have the highest throughput and transfer the largest amounts of data per data packet. In embodiments where endpoint types may be dynamically assigned, endpoints used for VPipes are typically assigned as bulk transfer endpoints. In some embodiments, the system may dynamically modify the endpoint type as the VPipe receives data, to most effectively accommodate the different types of data that the endpoint may receive.</p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0040<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    In block 415, the process detects OUT traffic. This traffic represents data being sent by the host, destined for a particular downstream device the VPipe is associated with. The host may send the data directly to the VPipe associated with the desired destination. In some embodiments, a driver installed in the host memory may manage the VPipe associations with downstream devices.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">The host may send data packets intended for a particular device, and the driver may route the data packets to the associated VPipe with little or no transfer or destination information.</p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">[0041<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+    In block 417, the process sends the traffic from the VPipe to the endpoint of the downstream device associated with the <confidence value="66">VP</confidence>
+ipe. In some embodiments, the traffic may comprise the data the host intended to deliver to the downstream device. In some embodiments, the data packets do not include or have attached transfer or routing information identifying the intended destination device, as the control circuitry in the wire adapter automatically sends any OUT traffic it receives at the VPipe to the associated device. In other embodiments, particularly those embodiments where VPipe management occurs on the wire adapter, the data packets may be accompanied with minimal destination information, the destination information including either the VPipe where the <boundary-data type="header">-12-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">60877/0222</boundary-data>
+data packets are to be delivered, or the device the data packets are intended for. The control circuitry on the wire adapter may process the routing information to determine the correct VPipe to deliver the data packets, and the traffic is sent from the VPipe to its associated device endpoint upon receipt of the traffic. In embodiments with a dynamic VPipe system, the process may involve, for example, determining the nature and priority of the traffic, determining the appropriate endpoint type to facilitate the transfer, and setting the endpoint associated with the VPipe to an appropriate endpoint type setting.    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">[0042]    In block 419, the process detects <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+N traffic. The traffic represents data being sent from a downstream device to an upstream host. A VPipe configured to receive <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+N traffic detects the <confidence value="68">IN</confidence>
+ traffic. In embodiments with dynamic VPipe systems, the endpoint associated with the VPipe is configured to handle both incoming and outgoing traffic. In other embodiments, the endpoint type may either be switched from OUT endpoints to IN endpoints, based vice versa, based on the incoming traffic. In yet other embodiments, separate VPipes may be associated with a downstream device to separately handle OUT and <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+N traffic. In some embodiments, the <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+N traffic may be accompanied by a request or similar authorization information for the host to determine whether to accept the <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+N traffic.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">[0043]    In block 421, the process sends the <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+N traffic from the VPipe to the host. In most embodiments, the control circuitry of the wire adapter may automatically send the traffic from the VPipe to the host upon receipt from the downstream device. The host determines the source of the traffic based on the association between the VPipe and the downstream device. In embodiments where the traffic includes a transmission request or similar authorization information, the data may be held in the VPipe until the host accepts the traffic. After traffic is delivered to the desired destination, either in block <part-num-ref name="desired destination, either in block">417</part-num-ref>
+ or <part-num-ref name="or">421</part-num-ref>
+ of the process, the process returns.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">[0044]    FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a process for removing a VPipe in accordance with aspects of the invention. In some embodiments, the VPipe removal process may be performed after a data <boundary-data type="header">-13-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">60877/0222</boundary-data>
+transfer through a VPipe has been successfully completed, if the properties associated with a particular VPipe are to be modified, or if an error prevents or aborts a transfer. In other embodiments, VPipes may remain in place until removal is authorized by the wire adapter or the host. In some embodiments, unbinding and removing of a particular VPipe may be initiated by a specific vendor request. In block <part-num-ref name="specific vendor request. In block">511,</part-num-ref>
+ the process unbinds and removes the VPipe. Unbinding and removing of the VPipe may be accomplished, for example, by a driver associated with the VPipe interface, installed in either the wire adapter or the host. In most embodiments of the invention, a VPipe is created based around the remote pipe construct. Therefore, when the VPipe association is removed, configuration information pertaining to a typical remote pipe may remain associated with the endpoint.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">[0045<confidence value="4">]</confidence>
+   In block 513, the wire adapter resets the endpoint as would normally be performed in a typical remote pipe configuration. In most embodiments, the endpoint may be reset so that no configuration information remains, and the endpoint reclaims its status as an unused and available endpoint, ready to receive another VPipe association. After the endpoint is reset, the process returns.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">[0046]   FIG. 6 is a Wireless USB system with a host wirelessly communicating with multiple functions on a single device through a wire adapter in accordance with aspects of the invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">The system includes a host <part-num-ref name="host">611</part-num-ref>
+ connected with a wire adapter <part-num-ref name="wire adapter">613</part-num-ref>
+ including a plurality of unused endpoints <part-num-ref name="plurality of unused endpoints">615.</part-num-ref>
+ In certain embodiments of the invention, a VPipe interface is defined as comprising all the unused endpoints in the wire adapter. The wire adapter is wirelessly communicating with a downstream device <part-num-ref name="downstream device">617,</part-num-ref>
+ particularly to a plurality of functions the device may perform.    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">[0047]   In addition to being able to manage wireless communication with multiple downstream devices, the VPipe system may also manage multiple wireless connections to a single downstream device. Each individual communication pathway may be mapped to a different function associated with the downstream device. In this manner, a host may wirelessly send and receive information to <boundary-data type="header">-14-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">60877/0222</boundary-data>
+and from multiple sources within a single device. A host may first request the wire adapter to authorize a data pathway for communicating with a first function <part-num-ref name="first function">1,</part-num-ref>
+ of which the device is capable of performing. An unused endpoint in the VPipe interface, for example, endpoint Ep <part-num-ref name="VPipe interface, for example, endpoint Ep">7</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">619,</part-num-ref>
+ is arbitrarily selected as the location for creating and binding a new VPipe, VPipe <part-num-ref name="new VPipe, VPipe">7</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">623.</part-num-ref>
+ New VPipe <part-num-ref name="623. New VPipe">7</part-num-ref>
+ is associated with function Ep <part-num-ref name="is associated with function Ep">1</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">621</part-num-ref>
+ on the device. The host may thereafter wirelessly communicate with function <part-num-ref name="host may thereafter wirelessly communicate with function">1</part-num-ref>
+ on the device directly via VPipe <part-num-ref name="device directly via VPipe">7</part-num-ref>
+ on the wire adapter.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">[0048]   The host may also want to communicate with a second function, function <part-num-ref name="second function, function">2,</part-num-ref>
+ on the same device. The host may send a transmission request to the wire adapter. The VPipe interface on the wire adapter may assign another unused endpoint from the n number of unused endpoints, for example, endpoint Ep <part-num-ref name="n number of unused endpoints, for example, endpoint Ep">4</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">625,</part-num-ref>
+ to be facilitate communication with function endpoint Ep <part-num-ref name="625, to be facilitate communication with function endpoint Ep">2</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">627</part-num-ref>
+ on the device. A VPipe <part-num-ref name="VPipe">4</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">629</part-num-ref>
+ is created and bound to endpoint Ep <part-num-ref name="is created and bound to endpoint Ep">4,</part-num-ref>
+ and the VPipe is paired to function Ep <part-num-ref name="VPipe is paired to function Ep">2</part-num-ref>
+ of the device. Communication with a third function <part-num-ref name="third function">3</part-num-ref>
+ may be established in a similar manner.    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">In FIG. 6, a data path to function endpoint Ep <part-num-ref name="data path to function endpoint Ep">3</part-num-ref>
+ on the device has been facilitated through VPipe <part-num-ref name="device has been facilitated through VPipe">6</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">631,</part-num-ref>
+ bound to endpoint Ep <part-num-ref name="631, bound to endpoint Ep">6</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">633</part-num-ref>
+ in the VPipe interface.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">[0049]   With the three established communication pathways illustrated in FIG. 6, the host may independently communicate with three different functions associated with the downstream device.</p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">The host may simultaneously send instructions or data to each of the three function endpoints through the appropriate VPipes associated with each respective function, reducing latency as compared to systems that, for example, only support a single data communication pathway between a host and a host wire adapter.</p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0050<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a Wireless USB host system in accordance with aspects of the invention. The system includes a host <part-num-ref name="host">711</part-num-ref>
+ connected to a host wire adapter <part-num-ref name="host wire adapter">713</part-num-ref>
+ through a wired connection <part-num-ref name="wired connection">715.</part-num-ref>
+ The host includes internal components, for example, a processor, a memory, and an input-output port to connect to components such as the host wire adapter. The host in the embodiment of FIG. 7 is illustrated as a host computer, but in other embodiments the <boundary-data type="header">-15-</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">60877/0222</boundary-data>
+host may be any of a variety of different instruments with processing power and memory where wireless communication with downstream devices is desired. Likewise, although the wire adapter is illustrated as an external component of the host, in some embodiments, the wire adapter may be incorporated as an internal component of the host.    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">[0051]   In FIG. 7, the host communicates to the wire adapter through a wired connection, which may be connected to an input-output port <part-num-ref name="input-output port">717</part-num-ref>
+ on the wire adapter. In addition to the input-output port, the internal circuitry of wire adapter also includes control circuitry <part-num-ref name="internal circuitry of wire adapter also includes control circuitry">719,</part-num-ref>
+ memory <part-num-ref name="internal circuitry of wire adapter also includes control circuitry 719, memory">721,</part-num-ref>
+ and a wireless Rx/Tx transceiver <part-num-ref name="wireless Rx/Tx transceiver">723.</part-num-ref>
+ Other circuitry may also be included in different embodiments of the wire adapter. The components of the wire adapter are coupled to a bus <part-num-ref name="bus">725,</part-num-ref>
+ which interconnects the components of the wire adapter with one another.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">[0052]   In embodiments of the invention, the wire adapter includes a plurality of endpoints where transmission pipes may be bound. Status information pertaining to each endpoint may be stored in the memory on the wire adapter, and the control circuitry may be used to manage the endpoint associations. The transceiver uses the endpoint association information to determine the destination of data being wirelessly transmitted from the wire adapter.</p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">[0053]   In practice, the host may send a wireless data transmission request to the wire adapter through the input-output port of the wire adapter. The data transmission request may include information on the desired destination of the data transmission, typically a downstream device. In preferred embodiments, the host sends transmission information formatted similarly to transmission information currently used by the existing Wireless USB protocol. The transmission information may include a desired endpoint destination on the downstream device for which the transmission is intended. The transmission information may be sent directly to an allocation in the memory associated with an unused endpoint in the wire adapter, or the control circuitry may direct the transmission information into a similar memory allocation.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">-16-</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">60877/0222</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+[0054<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The control circuitry, possibly at the request or command of the host, selects an unused endpoint location on the wire adapter at which to bind a new <confidence value="66">VP</confidence>
+ipe. In many embodiments, the endpoint may be the endpoint represented by the memory allocation at which the transmission information is stored. The VPipe is created and bound to the selected endpoint, and paired to the endpoint on the downstream device indicated in the transmission information. In some embodiments, device association data is send to and stored in the memory of the wire adapter. In certain embodiments, the device association data is sent by the control circuitry back to the host through the input-output port.    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0055]   After a VPipe has been established, a communication pathway between the wire adapter and the downstream device stays active until the VPipe is removed. When traffic destined for the same downstream device is received from the host, the control circuitry may retrieve the device association data for the particular device, and direct the transceiver to send the traffic directly to the appropriate downstream device. In some embodiments where the device association data has been communicated to the host, a driver installed in the host may direct the traffic to the appropriate <confidence value="66">VP</confidence>
+ipe, whereby the wire adapter may simply forward the traffic to the appropriate downstream device endpoint without retrieving the device association data. If a VPipe is to be removed, the association data pertaining to the downstream device is removed from the memory allocation of the bound endpoint on the wire adapter. The endpoint is unbound, and becomes available to be bound to a new VPipe and a new downstream device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">[0056<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The invention therefore provides a wire adapter utilizing <confidence value="66">VP</confidence>
+ipes. Although the invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it should be recognized that the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described, the invention comprising the claims and their insubstantial variations supported by this disclosure.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">-17-</boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/12071653.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,591 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>12071653</doc-number>
+        <date>2008-02-25</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">1                             1429 </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">TITLE OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">ETHYLENE-PROPYLENE-DIENE RUBBER FOAMED MATERIAL</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <heading id="h-4">CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">[0001]       The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-47433 filed on February <part-num-ref name="present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-47433 filed on February">27,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-47433 filed on February 27,">2007,</part-num-ref>
+ the content of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">Field of the Invention [0002]       The present invention relates to an ethylene-propylene<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+diene rubber foamed material. More specifically, the present invention relates to an ethylene-propylene<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+diene rubber foamed material suitably used as sealing materials for a variety of industrial products.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">Description of Related Art [0003]       Conventionally, ethylene-propylene<confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+diene rubber foamed materials obtained by   foaming an   ethylene-propylene<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+diene rubber (hereinafter abbreviated as EPDM in some cases) have been known as sealing materials for a variety of industrial products.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">[0004]       In general, an EPDM    foamed material is produced by foaming EPDM with a foaming agent, and cross-linking the EPDM with sulfur (cf. for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.</p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">2006-182796).</p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">[0005]       As is also known, an EPDM foamed material is produced by <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">2                              1429</boundary-data>
+foaming EPDM with a foaming agent, and cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking the EPDM with an organic peroxide (cf. for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-179825).    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">[0006]       However, when EPDM is cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linked with sulfur, depending on the type of member to be sealed, some sulfur remaining in the obtained EPDM foamed material may corrode the member.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[0007]        Further, when EPDM     is cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linked with an organic peroxide cross-linking agent under the presence of oxygen, the cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking on the surface of the EPDM foamed material thus obtained is insufficient, so that the surface thereof may become tacky.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">[0008]       An object of the present invention is to provide an EPDM foamed material with reduced corrosion and a less tacky surface, as well as having high foaming ability and excellent in flexibility.</p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">[0009]       The present invention provides an ethylene-propylene<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+diene rubber foamed material obtained by foaming a rubber composition containing ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, a quinoid cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent, and an organic peroxide cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">[0010]       In the ethylene-propylene<confidence value="66">-d</confidence>
+iene rubber foamed material of the present invention, it is preferable that the content of diene in the ethylene-propylene-diene rubber is in the range of <part-num-ref name="range of">3</part-num-ref>
+ to 20% by weight.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">[0011]        In the ethylene-propylene-diene rubber foamed material of the present invention, it is preferable that the quinoid cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent contains preferably p<confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+quinonedioxime, or more preferably p,p'<confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+dibenzoyl <page-break num="3"/>
+      <part-num-ref name="quinoid cross-linking agent contains preferably p-quinonedioxime, or more preferably p,p'-dibenzoyl">3</part-num-ref>
+                               <part-num-ref name="">1429</part-num-ref>
+ quinonedioxime.    Further, it is preferable that p-quinonedioxime is contained in an amount of 0.05 to <part-num-ref name="amount of 0.05 to">2</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight based on <part-num-ref name="parts by weight based on">100</part-num-ref>
+ parts by<confidence value="1">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">weight of the ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, and that p,p'-dibenzoyl quinonedioxime is contained in an amount of 0.05 to <part-num-ref name="amount of 0.05 to">10</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight based on <part-num-ref name="parts by weight based on">100</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight of the ethylene-propylene-diene rubber.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">[0012<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+        In the ethylene-propylene-diene rubber foamed material of the present invention, it is preferable that the organic peroxide cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent contains an organic peroxide cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent having a 1-minute half<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+life temperature over 160<confidence value="288">*C.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">[0013]        In the ethylene-propylene-diene rubber foamed material of the present invention, it is preferable that the organic peroxide cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent is contained in an amount of 0.05 to <part-num-ref name="amount of 0.05 to">20</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight based on <part-num-ref name="parts by weight based on">100</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight of the ethylene-propylene-diene rubber.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">[0014]        In the ethylene-propylene-diene rubber foamed material of the present invention, it is preferable that the rubber composition further contains thiazoles and thioureas as a cross-linking accelerator.</p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">[0015<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+        In the EPDM foamed material of the present invention, the quinoid cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent and the organic peroxide cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent are used in combination as a cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent. This can reduce corrosion, as compared with the case of using sulfur as a cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent. The combination use of the quinoid cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent and the organic peroxide cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent can ensure sufficient crosslinking on the surface of the EPDM foamed material, thereby reducing tackiness on the surface thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">Further, the EPDM foamed material of the present invention can ensure the same level of high foaming ability and excellent in flexibility as the case of <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">4                             1429</boundary-data>
+using sulfur for crosslinking.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS</heading>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">[0016]       The EPDM foamed material of the present invention can be obtained by foaming a rubber composition containing EPDM, a quinoid cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent, and an organic peroxide cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[0017]       EPDM is a rubber obtained by copolymerization of ethylene, propylene, and dienes. The copolymerization of dienes, in addition to ethylene and propylene, allows introduction of an unsaturated bond, thereby enabling crosslinking of the EPDM with a cross-linking agent.</p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">[0018]       The dienes that may be used include, for example, 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene, 1,4-hexadiene, and dicyclopentadiene.</p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">[0019]       According to the present invention, the content of dienes (diene content) in EPDM is in the range of, for example, <part-num-ref name="range of, for example,">3</part-num-ref>
+ to 20% by weight, preferably <part-num-ref name="to 20% by weight, preferably">9</part-num-ref>
+ to 20% by weight, or more preferably <part-num-ref name="to 20% by weight, or more preferably">9</part-num-ref>
+ to 12% by weight. A lower content of dienes than this range may cause surface shrinkage on the obtained EPDM foamed material. Conversely, a higher content of dienes than this range may produce a crack in the EPDM foamed material.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">[0020]       The EPDM has a Mooney viscosity (ML1<confidence value="5">+</confidence>
+4, <confidence value="6662">100*</confidence>
+C) in the range of, for example, <part-num-ref name="range of, for example,">20</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">150,</part-num-ref>
+ or preferably <part-num-ref name="to 150, or preferably">30</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">80.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">[0021]       The quinoid cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent that may be used is an organic compound having a quinoid structure, and includes, for example, <confidence value="88">p-</confidence>
+quinonedioxime, p,p'<confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+dibenzoyl quinonedioxime, and poly-p-dinitroso benzene. Preferably p-quinonedioxime and p,p'<confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+dibenzoyl quinonedioxime, or more preferably p-quinonedioxime are/is used as the quinoid cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking <page-break num="5"/>
+      <part-num-ref name="quinoid cross-linking">5</part-num-ref>
+                             <part-num-ref name="">1429</part-num-ref>
+ agent.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">[0022]       These quinoid cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.   Preferably, p-quinonedioxime and p,p'-dibenzoyl quinonedioxime are used in combination. The combination use of p-quinonedioxime and p,p'-dibenzoyl quinonedioxime can ensure a good foam shape of the obtained EPDM foamed material.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">[0023<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+       The mixing ratio of the quinoid cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent is in the range of, for example, 0.01 to <part-num-ref name="range of, for example, 0.01 to">20</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, preferably 0.05 to <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, preferably 0.05 to">15</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, or more preferably 0.1 to <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, or more preferably 0.1 to">12</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, based on <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, based on">100</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight of EPDM. Specifically, in the case of using p-quinonedioxime, the mixing ratio of the p-quinonedioxime is in the range of, for example, 0.05 to <part-num-ref name="range of, for example, 0.05 to">2</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, or preferably 0.1 to <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, or preferably 0.1 to">1</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, based on <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, based on">100</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight of EPDM. In the case of using p,p'-dibenzoyl quinonedioxime, the mixing ratio of the p,p'-dibenzoyl quinonedioxime is in the range of, for example, 0.05 to <part-num-ref name="range of, for example, 0.05 to">10</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, or preferably 0.5 to <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, or preferably 0.5 to">7</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, based on <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, based on">100</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight of EPDM.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">[0024<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+       In the case of using p-quinonedioxime and p,p'-dibenzoyl quinonedioxime in   combination, the weight ratio of p,p'<confidence value="66">-d</confidence>
+ibenzoyl quinonedioxime        to       p<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+quinonedioxime        (p,p'-dibenzoyl quinonedioxime/p-quinonedioxime) is in the range of, for example, 0.25 to <part-num-ref name="range of, for example, 0.25 to">50,</part-num-ref>
+ preferably 1.1 to <part-num-ref name="range of, for example, 0.25 to 50, preferably 1.1 to">40,</part-num-ref>
+ or more preferably <part-num-ref name="range of, for example, 0.25 to 50, preferably 1.1 to 40, or more preferably">5</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">30.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">[0025]       The organic peroxide cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent is an organic compound having a peroxide structure. Preferably an organic peroxide cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent having a 1-minute half-life temperature over 160<confidence value="288">*C,</confidence>
+ more preferably an organic peroxide cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent having a 1-minute <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">6                              1429</boundary-data>
+half-life temperature of 200<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C or less, or even more preferably an organic peroxide cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent having a 1-minute half-life temperature in the range of <part-num-ref name="range of">170</part-num-ref>
+ to 190<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C is used.      Specifically, the organic peroxide cross-linking agents that may be used include dicumyl peroxide (1-minute half-life temperature<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+ 17<confidence value="82686">5*C),</confidence>
+ dimethyldi(t-butylperoxy)hexane (<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+-minute half-life temperature<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+ 180<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C), and bis(t-butylperoxy isopropyl) benzene (1-minute half-life temperature<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+ 175<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C). Preferably, dicumyl peroxide is used. These organic peroxide cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">[0026<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+        The mixing ratio of the organic peroxide cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent is in the range of, for example, 0.05 to <part-num-ref name="range of, for example, 0.05 to">20</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, or preferably 0.2 to <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, or preferably 0.2 to">5</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, based on <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, based on">100</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight of EPDM.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">[0027]        The rubber composition contains a foaming agent for foaming EPDM. The foaming agents that may be used include an organic foaming agent and an inorganic foaming agent.</p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">[0028<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+        The organic foaming agents that may be used include, for example, azo foaming agents, such as azodicarbonamide (<confidence value="22226">ADCA)</confidence>
+, barium azodicarboxylate, azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN), <confidence value="22222222222222222222">azocyclohexylnitrile</confidence>
+, and azodiaminobenzene<confidence value="2">;</confidence>
+        N-nitroso   foaming    agents,   such    as <confidence value="8888">N,N'</confidence>
+-dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine      (DTP),       N,<confidence value="88">N'</confidence>
+-dimethyl- <confidence value="88">N,</confidence>
+N'-dinitroso terephthalamide, and trinitrosotrimethyltriamine; hydrazide foaming agents, such as 4,4'-oxybis(benzenesulphonyl hydrazide) (OBSH), paratoluene <confidence value="22222222222222222">sulfonylhydrazide</confidence>
+, diphenyl sulfone-3,3'-disulfonylhydrazide, <confidence value="88">2,</confidence>
+4-toluene disulfonylhydrazide, p<confidence value="88">,p</confidence>
+-bis(benzenesulfonyl hydrazide) ether, benzene<confidence value="868">-1,</confidence>
+3-disulfonylhydrazide,                                  and <page-break num="7"/>
+      <part-num-ref name="organic foaming agents that may be used include, for example, azo foaming agents, such as azodicarbonamide (ADCA), barium azodicarboxylate, azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN), azocyclohexylnitrile, and azodiaminobenzene;        N-nitroso   foaming    agents,   such    as N,N'-dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine      (DTP),       N,N'-dimethyl- N,N'-dinitroso terephthalamide, and trinitrosotrimethyltriamine; hydrazide foaming agents, such as 4,4'-oxybis(benzenesulphonyl hydrazide) (OBSH), paratoluene sulfonylhydrazide, diphenyl sulfone-3,3'-disulfonylhydrazide, 2,4-toluene disulfonylhydrazide, p,p-bis(benzenesulfonyl hydrazide) ether, benzene-1,3-disulfonylhydrazide,                                  and">7</part-num-ref>
+                              <part-num-ref name="">1429</part-num-ref>
+ allylbis(sulfonylhydrazide)<confidence value="5">;</confidence>
+semicarbazide  foaming  agents,  such  as <confidence value="8">p</confidence>
+-toluylenesulfonyl  semicarbazide    and    <part-num-ref name="allylbis(sulfonylhydrazide);semicarbazide  foaming  agents,  such  as p-toluylenesulfonyl  semicarbazide    and">4<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="88">4'</confidence>
+-oxybis(benzenesulfonyl semicarbazide);    fluoroalkane    foaming     agents,    such     as trich<confidence value="4">l</confidence>
+oromonofluoromethane  and   <confidence value="2222222222222222222222222">dichloromonofluoromethane</confidence>
+; triazole foaming agents, such as 5-morphoryl-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+,2,3,4-thiatriazole; and other known organic foaming agents. The organic foaming agents that may be used also include thermally expansible microparticles containing microcapsules in which thermally expansive material is encapsulated.      Commercially available products, such as Microsphere (trade name, available from Matsumoto Yushi-Seiyaku Co., Ltd.) may be used as the thermally expansible microparticles.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">[0029]        The inorganic foaming agents that may be used include, for example, hydrogencarbonate, such as sodium     hydrogencarbonate and ammonium hydrogencarbonate<confidence value="5">;</confidence>
+ carbonate, such as sodium carbonate and ammonium carbonate; nitrite, such as sodium nitrite and ammonium nitrite;    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">boron hydride salts, such as sodium borohydride; azides; and other known inorganic foaming agents. Preferably, the azo foaming agents are used.</p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">These foaming agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.</p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">[0030]        The mixing ratio of the foaming agent is in the range of, for example, 0.1 to <part-num-ref name="range of, for example, 0.1 to">50</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, or preferably <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, or preferably">1</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">30</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, based on <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, based on">100</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight of EPDM.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">[0031]        The rubber composition properly contains a cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking accelerator and a foaming accelerator as required.   The cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking accelerators that may be used include, for example, thiazoles (e.g., <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">8                               1429</boundary-data>
+dibenzothiazyl disulfide, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, etc.), thioureas (e.g., diethyl thiourea, trimethyl thiourea, dibutyl thiourea, etc.), dithiocarbamic acids      (e.g.,    sodium       dimethyldithiocarbamate,      sodium diethyldithiocarbamate,     zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+     dimethyldithiocarbamate,      zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ diethyldithiocarbamate,  etc.),  guanidines  (e.g.,  diphenylguanidine, di-o-tolylguanidine,        etc.),         sulfenamides           (e.g., benzothiazyl-2-diethylsulfenamide,           N-cyclohexyl-2<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+benzothiazyl sulfenamide,   etc.),  thiurams  (e.g.,  tetramethy<confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+thiurammonosulfide, tetramethylthiuramdisulfide, etc.), xanthogenic   acids  (e.g., sodium <confidence value="222222222222222222222">isopropylxanthogenate</confidence>
+, zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ <confidence value="222222222222222222222">isopropylxanthogenate</confidence>
+, etc.), and aldehyde ammonias (e.g., acetaldehyde ammonia, hexamethylenetetramine, etc.), aldehyde    amines     (e.g.,  n-butyraldehydeaniline,   butyraldehyde monobutylamine, etc.). Preferably, thiazoles and thioureas are used.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">[0032]        These cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking accelerators may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. Preferably, thiazoles and thioureas are used in combination. The combination use of these aids can ensure a good foam shape and flexibility of the obtained EPDM foaming material.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">[0033]        The mixing ratio of the cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking accelerator is in the range of, for example, 0.01 to <part-num-ref name="range of, for example, 0.01 to">20</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, preferably 0.02 to <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, preferably 0.02 to">10</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, or more preferably 0.06 to <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, or more preferably 0.06 to">4</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, based on <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, based on">100</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight of EPDM. Specifically, in the case of using thiazoles, the mixing ratio of the thiazoles is in the range of, for example, 0.01 to <part-num-ref name="range of, for example, 0.01 to">5</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, or preferably 0.5 to <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, or preferably 0.5 to">3</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, based on <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, based on">100</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight of EPDM.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">In the case of using thioureas, the mixing ratio of the thioureas is in the range of, for example, 0.01 to <part-num-ref name="range of, for example, 0.01 to">5</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, or preferably 0.1 to <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, or preferably 0.1 to">1</part-num-ref>
+ parts <page-break num="9"/>
+      <part-num-ref name="parts">9</part-num-ref>
+                               <part-num-ref name="">1429</part-num-ref>
+ by weight, based on <part-num-ref name="by weight, based on">100</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight of EPDM.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">[0034]        Further, in the case of using thiazoles and thioureas in combination, the weight ratio    of the   thioureas to the    thiazoles (thioureas/thiazoles) is in the range of, for example, 0.1 to <part-num-ref name="range of, for example, 0.1 to">10,</part-num-ref>
+ or preferably 0.2 to 0.9.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">[0035<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+        The foaming accelerators that may be used include, for example, a urea foaming accelerator, a salicylic acid foaming accelerator, and a benzoic acid foaming accelerator.     Preferably, the urea foaming accelerator is used. These foaming accelerators may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">[0036]        The mixing ratio of the foaming accelerator is in the range of, for example, 0.5 to <part-num-ref name="range of, for example, 0.5 to">20</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, or preferably <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, or preferably">1</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">10</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, based on <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, based on">100</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight of EPDM.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">[0037]        The rubber composition can also properly contain a polymer other than EPDM, a processing aid, a pigment, a filler, a softening agent, and the like as required.</p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">[0038]        The polymers other than EPDM, which may be used, include, for example, a rubber polymer and a non<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+rubber- polymer. The rubber polymers that may be used include, for example, a rubber copolymer comprising a component of a cyclic or non<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+cyclic polyene having a non<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+conjugated double bonds (e.g., a-olefin-dicyclopentadiene, such as butene-1, ethylidene norbornene, etc.), ethylene-propylene rubber, silicone rubber, fluorine rubber, acrylic rubber, polyurethane rubber, polyamide rubber, natural rubber, polyisobutylene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, nitrile butyl rubber, styrene<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+butadiene <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">10                              1429</boundary-data>
+rubber, styrene-butadiene <confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+styrene rubber, styrene-isoprene <confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+styrene rubber, styrene-ethylene <confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+butadiene  rubber,  styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene rubber, styrene-isoprene-propylene <confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+styrene rubber, and <confidence value="2222222222222222">chlorosulfonated</confidence>
+ polyethylene rubber.    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">[0039]        The non<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+rubber polymers that may be used include, for example,    polyethylene,   polypropylene,  acrylic   polymer    (e.g., poly(meta)acrylic acid alkyl ester, etc.), polyvinyl chloride, ethylene<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+vinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl acetate, polyamide, polyester, chlorinated polyethylene, urethane polymers, styrene polymers, silicone polymers, and epoxy  resins.   Preferably non<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+rubber polymer, or more preferably polyethylene is used. These polymers other than EPDM may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">[0040]        The mixing ratio of the polymer other than EPDM is, for example, <part-num-ref name="polymer other than EPDM is, for example,">100</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight or less, or preferably <part-num-ref name="parts by weight or less, or preferably">50</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight or less, and usually <part-num-ref name="parts by weight or less, and usually">1</part-num-ref>
+ part by weight or more, based on <part-num-ref name="part by weight or more, based on">100</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight of     </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">EPDM.</heading>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">[0041]        The processing aids that may be used include, for example, stearic acid and esters thereof, and zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ oxide. These processing aids may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. The mixing ratio of the processing aid is in the range of, for example, 0.1 to <part-num-ref name="range of, for example, 0.1 to">20</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, or preferably <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, or preferably">1</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">10</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, based on <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, based on">100</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight of EPDM.    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">[0042]        The pigments that may be used incl<confidence value="8">u</confidence>
+de, for example, carbon black. These pigments may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. The mixing ratio of the pigment is in the range of, for example, <part-num-ref name="range of, for example,">1</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">50</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, or preferably <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, or preferably">2</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">30</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, based on <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, based on">100</part-num-ref>
+ parts <page-break num="11"/>
+      <part-num-ref name="parts">11</part-num-ref>
+                              <part-num-ref name="">1429</part-num-ref>
+ by weight of EPDM.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">[0043]        The fillers that may be used include, for example, inorganic fillers, such as calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, aluminium hydroxide, silicic acid and salts thereof, clay, tal<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+, mica powder, bentonite, silica, alumina, aluminium  silicate, acetylene black, and aluminium powder; organic fillers, such as cork; and other known fillers. These fillers may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. The mixing ratio of the filler is in the range of, for example, <part-num-ref name="range of, for example,">10</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">300</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, preferably <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, preferably">50</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">200</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, or more preferably <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, or more preferably">100</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">200</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, based on <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, based on">100</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight of     </p>
+    <heading id="h-8">EPDM.</heading>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">[0044<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+        The softening agents that may be used include, for example, petroleum  oils. (e.g., paraffin<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+based  process oil (paraffin  oil, etc.), naphthene-based process oil, drying oils or animal and vegetable oils (e.g., linseed oil, etc.), aromatic process oil, etc.), asphalt, low molecular weight polymers, organic acid esters (e.g., phthalic ester (e.g., di-2-octyl phthalate (DOP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP)), phosphate, higher fatty acid ester, alkyl sulfonate ester, etc.), and thickeners. Preferably petroleum oils, or more preferably paraffin-based process oil is used. These softening agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. The mixing ratio of the softening agent is in the range of, for example, <part-num-ref name="range of, for example,">10</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">60</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, or preferably <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, or preferably">20</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">50</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight, based on <part-num-ref name="parts by weight, based on">100</part-num-ref>
+ parts by weight of     </p>
+    <heading id="h-9">EPDM.</heading>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">[0045]        Further, depending on the purpose and application, the rubber composition can properly contain known additives, such as, for <page-break num="12"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">12                              1429</boundary-data>
+example, a fire retardant, a plasticizer, an antiaging agent, an antioxidant, a coloring agent, and a mildewproofing agent, within the range of not affecting the excellent effect of the EPDM foamed material to be obtained.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">[0046]       The rubber composition is prepared in the form of admixture by properly mixing each above<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+mentioned component and kneading the mixture using a kneader, a <confidence value="222222222">mixer,'or</confidence>
+ a mixing roll and the like. During the kneading, the mixture may also be properly heated.       Alternatively, kneading can be performed by first kneading components other than additive components to be added in small amounts, such as, for example, a cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent, a foaming agent, a cross-linking accelerator, and a foaming accelerator, and then adding the additive components to the kneaded mixture.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">[0047<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+        Then, the rubber composition thus prepared is foamed, so that an EPDM foamed material can be obtained. The method for foaming a rubber composition is not particularly limited thereto and a known method is used. For example, the admixture can be formed into the form of a sheet using a calender, an extruder, or the like, and then be foamed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">Alternatively, the admixture can be formed into a complex shape, such as an uneven shape, by injection molding, press forming, or other forming method, and then be foamed.</p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">[0048]       The heating temperature for foaming is properly selected, for example, depending on the cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking starting temperature of the cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent to be mixed, or the foaming temperature of the foaming agent to be mixed. For example, the heating temperature is 450<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C or less, preferably <part-num-ref name="heating temperature is 450*C or less, preferably">100</part-num-ref>
+ to 350<confidence value="2">°</confidence>
+C, or more preferably <part-num-ref name="to 350°C, or more preferably">120</part-num-ref>
+ to 250<confidence value="288">*C.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+13                              1429 [0049]        This foaming causes the admixture to be crosslinked with foaming, so that an EPDM foamed material is formed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">[0050]        A foaming ratio (density ratio before and after foaming) of the EPDM foamed material thus obtained is, for example, <part-num-ref name="EPDM foamed material thus obtained is, for example,">10</part-num-ref>
+ times or more, or preferably <part-num-ref name="times or more, or preferably">15</part-num-ref>
+ times or more, and usually <part-num-ref name="times or more, and usually">30</part-num-ref>
+ times or less. The EPDM foamed material has a density in the range of, for example, 0.04 to 0.20 g/cm3, or preferably 0.04 to 0.15 g/cm3. The EPDM foamed material has a 25% compressive load value in the range of 0.05 to 5.0 N/cm2, or preferably 0.05 to 3.0 N/cm2 from the viewpoint of flexibility.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">[0051]        In the EPDM    foamed material, the quinoid cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent and the organic peroxide cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent are used in combination as a cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent. This can reduce corrosion, compared with the case of using sulfur as a cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent. The combination use of the quinoid cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent and the organic peroxide cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent can ensure sufficient crosslinking on the surface of the EPDM foamed material, thereby reducing tackiness on the surfac<confidence value="8">e</confidence>
+ thereof. Further, the EPDM    foamed material of the present invention can ensure the same level of high foaming ability and flexibility as the case of using sulfur for crosslinking.    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">[0052]        Hence, the EPDM foamed material of the present invention can be suitably used as the sealing members for industrial products that need sealing including, for example, automobiles, electric and electronic products, and housing products, to seal up spaces between members or parts of those products, the sealing members including, for example, exterior sealing material of automobiles, sealing material of electric and electronic products, and sealing material of housings, in the form   of dust-proof <page-break num="14"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">14                             1429</boundary-data>
+material, heat insulating material, noise insulation material, vibration-proof material, cushioning material, filling material, and water shutoff material, for the purposes of dust proof, heat insulation, noise reduction, damping, shock<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+absorbing, and water tight and air tight.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-10">EXAMPLES</heading>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">[0053]       While in the following, the present invention will be described in further detail with reference to Examples and Comparative Examples, the present invention is not limited to any of them.</p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">1) Preparation of Examples and Comparative Examples [0054]       In the blending formulation shown in TABLE <part-num-ref name="blending formulation shown in TABLE">1,</part-num-ref>
+ first, EPDM, another polymer, a processing aid, a pigment, a filler, a softening agent, and an N,N<confidence value="66">'-</confidence>
+dibutyl thiourea were blended. The blended mixture was kneaded with a 3L pressurizing kneader to prepare a primary admixture.    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">[0055]       A cross<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+linking agent, a cross-linking accelerator (except an N,N'-dibutyl thiourea), a foaming agent, and a foaming accelerator were blended separately.  The blended mixture was then blended with the primary admixture, and the resulting mixture was kneaded with a 10-inch mixing roll to prepare a secondary admixture (rubber composition).    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">[0056]       Thereafter, the rubber composition was extruded into a sheet<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+like shape having a thickness of about 10 mm using a single-screw extruder (45mm<confidence value="2">D</confidence>
+). The resulting sheet was then cut into a piece having a width of 100 mm and a length of 100 mm to produce a sheet.    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">[0057]       The cut sheet was then preheated in a hot air <confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+irculation type oven at 100<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C for <part-num-ref name="hot air circulation type oven at 100*C for">10</part-num-ref>
+ minutes. Thereafter, the sheet was heated up to 160<confidence value="28">*C</confidence>
+ <page-break num="15"/>
+      <part-num-ref name="sheet was heated up to 160*C">15</part-num-ref>
+                               <part-num-ref name="">1429</part-num-ref>
+ for <part-num-ref name="for">15</part-num-ref>
+ minutes, and then kept heated at 160<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C for <part-num-ref name="minutes, and then kept heated at 160*C for">15</part-num-ref>
+ minutes to foam the sheet, so that an EPDM foamed material was obtained.    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">2) Evaluation [0058<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+        The following data on the obtained EPDM foamed materials were evaluated. These evaluations were carried out for all Examples and Comparative Examples. The results are shown in TABLE <part-num-ref name="results are shown in TABLE">1.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">(Silver Corrosion) [0059]        After 0.5 g of the EPDM foamed material was put into a 100-mL sealed bottle, a polished and washed silver (in plate form) was affixed to the inside of a lid of the sealed bottle. This bottle was placed in an 85<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C thermostat oven for seven days, and the presence or absence of silver corrosion was then examined. The case where corrosion was not observed was evaluated as "A (absent)," and the case where corrosion was observed was evaluated as "P (present)".    </p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">(Surface Tack) [0060]        The surface of the EPDM foamed material was touched with fingers, and the presence or absence of surface tack was then examined.</p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">The case where the surface thereof was not tacky to the touch was evaluated as "A (absent)," and the case where the surface thereof was tacky to the touch was evaluated as "P (present)".</p>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">(Foam Shape) [0061<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+        The visual observation of the outside shape of the EPDM foamed material was carried out. The case where insufficient crosslinking was clearly observed was evaluated as "XX", the case where cracking appeared was evaluated as "X", the case where surface shrinkage appeared <page-break num="16"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">16                             1429</boundary-data>
+was evaluated as "<confidence value="5">A</confidence>
+", and the case where good appearance without cracking or surface shrinkage was observed was evaluated as "<confidence value="588">O".</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">(25% Compressive Load Value) [0062]        Skin layers on the upper side and the lower side of the EPDM foamed material were removed to produce a 10-mm-thick test piece.</p>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">Thereafter, the piece was compressed at a compression rate of <part-num-ref name="compression rate of">10</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="222222">mm/min</confidence>
+ using a compression testing machine, in conformity with the compressive load test of J<confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+SK6767.    At ten seconds after the compression, the compressive load was read to obtain a compressive load value.    </p>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">(Density) [0063]        Skin layers on the upper side and the lower side of the EPDM foamed material were removed to produce a 10-mm-thick test piece.</p>
+    <p id="p-74" num="74">Thereafter, the weight of the piece was measured to determine the weight per unit volume of the piece by calculation.</p>
+    <p id="p-75" num="75">
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+      <confidence value="4">c</confidence>
+ <confidence value="21">N_</confidence>
+                          N 0 <confidence value="1">E</confidence>
+  <confidence value="21">C~</confidence>
+ E                    <confidence value="142">0OO</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">W</confidence>
+   N <confidence value="2">m</confidence>
+                    <confidence value="21">.0</confidence>
+ <confidence value="21">NU</confidence>
+                         <part-num-ref name="E  C~ E                    0OO W   N m                    .0 NU">
+        <confidence value="21">06</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="11">ht</confidence>
+  <confidence value="111">t&gt;t</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">V</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">r</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">'</confidence>
+   <part-num-ref name="ht  t&gt;t  V r '">
+        <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+   <confidence value="21211">QQXtp</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">V</confidence>
+    N  <confidence value="2">M</confidence>
+ <confidence value="111">-2~</confidence>
+ <confidence value="211111">toIDpM</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">.</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">r</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">r</confidence>
+ <confidence value="22">0A</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+  <part-num-ref name="QQXtp V    N  M -2~ toIDpM . r r 0A O O">0</part-num-ref>
+ 0<confidence value="11">ID</confidence>
+    <confidence value="11">ID</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">V</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">r</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">r</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">r</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">.</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">l</confidence>
+  <part-num-ref name="0ID    ID V r r r .  l">
+        <confidence value="8">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="11">r-</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="r-">
+        <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="7">'</confidence>
+  N  <confidence value="21">r-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="21">r~</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11">-7</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">-</confidence>
+  <confidence value="7">N</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">D</confidence>
+  <confidence value="22">.0</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11">1-</confidence>
+                    -            <part-num-ref name="'  N  r- r~ -7  -  N D  .0 1-                    -">
+        <confidence value="22">00</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="12">00</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="11">tp</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+  <confidence value="8">N</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">M</confidence>
+  <confidence value="11">*.</confidence>
+  <confidence value="21">Mr</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">N</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">Y</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">-</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">-</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">z</confidence>
+ <confidence value="7">N</confidence>
+ <confidence value="22">'U</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">-</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1111">~'~'</confidence>
+       <confidence value="111">&lt;OC</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-76" num="76">
+      <confidence value="21">0p</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+                     <confidence value="11">SD</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">o</confidence>
+ <confidence value="111112">49CyfN</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">t</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2">N</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+ <confidence value="22111">QQOtp</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11">KI</confidence>
+                     <confidence value="72">0O</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">N</confidence>
+  <confidence value="14">*O</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">.</confidence>
+ N  <confidence value="2">M</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">-</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">~</confidence>
+  <confidence value="611">'9p</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11112">rrr6N</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1">9</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1121">QQOf</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="QQOf">
+        <confidence value="7">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="1">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">r</confidence>
+ <confidence value="22">0'</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">N</confidence>
+  <confidence value="222222">r'UM0O</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">N</confidence>
+                               <confidence value="21111">OlC~~</confidence>
+   <confidence value="2">O</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">C</confidence>
+            <confidence value="22">M0</confidence>
+ <confidence value="21">r~</confidence>
+        <confidence value="2">'</confidence>
+     <part-num-ref name="- r 0' N  r'UM0O N                               OlC~~   O C            M0 r~        '">0</part-num-ref>
+  <confidence value="21">O&gt;</confidence>
+ <confidence value="222">0.O</confidence>
+                   <confidence value="1">C</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="O&gt; 0.O                   C">
+        <confidence value="1">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+   <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+  <confidence value="2">)</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">o</confidence>
+     <confidence value="2">E</confidence>
+ <confidence value="22">CA</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name=") o     E CA">
+        <confidence value="22">00</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+  <confidence value="1">.</confidence>
+   <confidence value="111">Rt-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="222118">NOJl4E</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">d</confidence>
+  <confidence value="21">Z~</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11">YC</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">m</confidence>
+     <confidence value="1">Q</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2221">OC=0</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11">'L</confidence>
+   <confidence value="22">EO</confidence>
+    <confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">m</confidence>
+  C    <confidence value="1">w</confidence>
+   <confidence value="11">CC</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">.</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11">OO</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">,</confidence>
+  <part-num-ref name=".   Rt- NOJl4E d  Z~ - - YC m     Q OC=0 'L   EO    I m  C    w   CC . OO ,">
+        <confidence value="1">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="222222">ELUNNO</confidence>
+   <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+     <confidence value="11">Ur</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="ELUNNO   &quot;     Ur">0</part-num-ref>
+  <part-num-ref name="">0</part-num-ref>
+   <confidence value="1">R</confidence>
+  <confidence value="11">CC</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11">*-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="111">-6~</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1111">*LCI</confidence>
+ <confidence value="221">x04</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="R  CC *- -6~ *LCI x04">
+        <confidence value="21">03</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="1221">OoUc</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="OoUc">
+        <confidence value="7">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+  <confidence value="111117711">LhL&gt;)LLLN</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2111">v~~E</confidence>
+   <confidence value="2">z</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">w</confidence>
+ <confidence value="111">___</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2111">p___</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2111">p___</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">p</confidence>
+ <confidence value="211">-LU</confidence>
+ <confidence value="111">cie</confidence>
+   <part-num-ref name="LhL&gt;)LLLN v~~E   z w ___ p___ p___ p -LU cie">
+        <confidence value="1">3</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+  <confidence value="2">a</confidence>
+ <page-break num="18"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">18                            1429</boundary-data>
+The details in TABLE <part-num-ref name="details in TABLE">1</part-num-ref>
+ are shown below.    </p>
+    <p id="p-77" num="77">EPDM A<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+ Esprene <confidence value="666">505</confidence>
+A (diene content<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+ 9.5% by weight) available from Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.    </p>
+    <p id="p-78" num="78">EPDM B<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+ EPT 4045 (diene content<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+ 8.0%) available from Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.    </p>
+    <p id="p-79" num="79">EPDM C<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+ Esprene <confidence value="666">501</confidence>
+A (diene content<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+ 4% by weight) available from Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.    </p>
+    <p id="p-80" num="80">p-Quinonedioxime<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+ Available from Ouchi Shinko Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd.    </p>
+    <p id="p-81" num="81">p,p'-Dibenzoyl quinonedioxime<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+ Available from  Ouchi Shinko Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd.    </p>
+    <p id="p-82" num="82">PERCUMYL D-40<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+ 40% by weight of dicumyl peroxide powder, available from Nippon Oil and Fats Co., Ltd.    </p>
+    <p id="p-83" num="83">Dibenzothiazyl <confidence value="7">d</confidence>
+isulfide<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+ Available from Ouchi Shinko Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd.    </p>
+    <p id="p-84" num="84">N,N'-Dibutyl thiourea<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+ Available from  Ouchi Shinko Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd.    </p>
+    <p id="p-85" num="85">Sulfur Blending Formulation<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+ 1.2 parts by weight of sulfur, 1.0 part by weight of NOCCELER PZ (zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ dimethyldithiocarbamate, available from Ouchi Shinko Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd.), 1.0 part by weight of NOCCELER EZ (zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ diethyldithiocarbamate, available from Ouchi Shinko Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd.), 1.2 part by weight of NOCCELER M (2-mercaptobenzothiazole, available from Ouchi Shinko Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd.), and azodicarbonamide were blended. This blended mixture was added to the primary admixture described above, and the resulting mixture <page-break num="19"/>
+      <part-num-ref name="resulting mixture">19</part-num-ref>
+                              <part-num-ref name="">1429</part-num-ref>
+ was kneaded with a 10-inch mixing roll to prepare a secondary admixture (rubber composition). Thereafter, in the same manner as above, a sheet was produced and then foamed to give a sulfur-vulcanized EPDM foamed material (Comparative Example 3).    </p>
+    <p id="p-86" num="86">[0064]        While the illustrative embodiments of the present invention are provided in the above description, such is for illustrative purpose only and it is not to be construed limitative. Modification and variation of the present invention that will be obvious to those skilled in the art is to be covered by the following claims.</p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/12087020.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,55 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>12087020</doc-number>
+        <date>2008-06-24</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">EXPRESS MAIL LABEL NO. EM 137670491US                     PU060007</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Customer No. 24498</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Amendments to the Title</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Please delete the current title at page 1, line <confidence value="1">I</confidence>
+; and    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Please add the following new title at page 1, line <confidence value="68">1:</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">-- METHO<confidence value="8">D</confidence>
+ AN<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+ APPARATUS FOR PROVID<confidence value="8">I</confidence>
+NG REDUCED    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">RESOLUTION UPDATE MODE FOR MULTI-VIEW VIDEO CODING <confidence value="66">--</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <confidence value="66">to</confidence>
+ conform with amendments established <confidence value="66">in</confidence>
+ <confidence value="666">the</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6666">PCT.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">
+      <confidence value="7">2</confidence>
+ <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">EXPRESS MAIL LABEL NO. EM 137670491US                   PU060007</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Customer No. 24498</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Amendments to the Specification</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Please delete the paragraph at page 1, line 6.</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Please add the following new paragraph at page 1, line 6:</boundary-data>
+--    This application claims the benefit, under <part-num-ref name="benefit, under">35</part-num-ref>
+ U.S.C. <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="U.S.C. §">365</part-num-ref>
+ of International Application PCT/US2007/000348 filed January <part-num-ref name="of International Application PCT/US2007/000348 filed January">9,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="of International Application PCT/US2007/000348 filed January 9,">2007,</part-num-ref>
+ which was published in accordance with PCT Article 21(2) on July <part-num-ref name="of International Application PCT/US2007/000348 filed January 9, 2007, which was published in accordance with PCT Article 21(2) on July">19,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="of International Application PCT/US2007/000348 filed January 9, 2007, which was published in accordance with PCT Article 21(2) on July 19,">2007</part-num-ref>
+ in English and claims priority of United States Provisional patent application <confidence value="5">N</confidence>
+o. 60/757,292 filed January <part-num-ref name="in English and claims priority of United States Provisional patent application No. 60/757,292 filed January">9,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="in English and claims priority of United States Provisional patent application No. 60/757,292 filed January 9,">2006</part-num-ref>
+ and United States Provisional patent application No. 60/757,289 filed January <part-num-ref name="and United States Provisional patent application No. 60/757,289 filed January">9,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="and United States Provisional patent application No. 60/757,289 filed January 9,">2006,</part-num-ref>
+ both of which are commonly assigned and incorporated by reference in their respective entireties. --     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/12120618.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,358 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>12120618</doc-number>
+        <date>2008-05-14</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">PROGRAMMABLE LASER TRIGGER DEVICE AND METHOD</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+       </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="66">1.</confidence>
+ Field of the Invention:    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">The present invention generally relates to a programmable laser trigger device and method for controlling the same and, more particularly, to a programmable laser trigger device and method for controlling the programmable laser trigger device, capable of generating unequal pulse <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+outputs with good flexibility to meet the requirements of various manufacturing processes and modulating the output laser pulses in real time in response to an external feedback signal.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">2. Description of the Prior Art:</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">The conventional laser is triggered with equal distances or equal time <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+intervals. To meet the requirements for new processes, the machining shapes are diverse. Therefore, the laser control method and apparatus with fixed parameters are out of date. For the formation of a V-groove on a large-area laser light-guide plate using laser cutting, the formed V-groove is not smooth since the output laser energy is fixed and the speed of the operation plate is <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+variable. For laser pre-heat machining, for example in glass cutting or metal welding, low energy and high energy are alternately output during laser machining to improve the machining quality.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">In Taiwan Patent No. 85110718 "Laser Machining Device and Laser <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+Device", the laser is driven by a fixed-frequency and fixed-pulse-width signal to oscillate within a certain cycle and the output laser power is determined by the pulse width. Therefore, this patent is problematic in low precision and poor flexibility in laser machining without real-time laser <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+power modulation and compensation.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">Accordingly, the conventional laser controller only provides a monotonous pulse signal for simple laser machining. It is a key topic in providing a variety of laser trigger waveforms (for laser power control) capable of being controlled according to the environments.</p>
+    <heading id="h-4">SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10                   </boundary-data>
+It is an object of the present invention to provide a programmable laser trigger device and method for controlling the programmable laser trigger device, capable of generating unequal pulse outputs with good flexibility to meet the requirements of various manufacturing processes and <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+modulating the output laser pulses in real time in response to an external feedback signal.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">In order to achieve the foregoing or other objects, the present invention provides a programmable laser trigger device and the method for controlling. The programmable laser trigger device comprises: an external <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+signal module and a command executing module. The external signal module is capable of interfacing the inputs and outputs of waveform command and signals. The command executing module further comprises: a waveform  command memory, for storing the waveform   command; a waveform command decoder; a waveform generator; and a buffer memory, <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+acting as a waveform trigger parameter buffer between the waveform command decoder and the waveform generator; wherein the waveform command decoder accesses the waveform command stored in the memory for pre-decoding an executing code while generating a sequence of <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+waveform trigger parameters to be stored in the buffer memory, which provides the waveform generator with the sequence of waveform trigger parameters to be transformed into a pulse-width modulation (PWM) pulse train.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10               </boundary-data>
+The objects, spirits and advantages of the embodiment of the present invention will be readily understood by the accompanying drawings and detailed descriptions, wherein:    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a programmable laser trigger device <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+according to the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">FIG. 2 is a flow-chart for controlling a programmable laser trigger device according to the present invention;</p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a laser machining system using a programmable laser trigger device according to the present invention;</p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20        </boundary-data>
+FIG. 4 shows a user-programmed pulse waveform;    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">FIG. 5 is a table of commands programmed according to the waveform in FIG. 4;</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+FIG. 6 shows a laser trigger signal programmed according to the commands in FIG. 5; and FIG. 7 shows an output pulse based on external feedback signals.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT</heading>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5        </boundary-data>
+The present invention can be exemplified by but not limited to the embodiments as described hereinafter.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">Please refer to FIG. 1, which is a schematic diagram    of a programmable laser trigger device according to the present invention. The programmable laser trigger device comprises an external signal module <part-num-ref name="external signal module">10,</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0         </boundary-data>
+a command executing module <part-num-ref name="command executing module">20</part-num-ref>
+ and a management module <part-num-ref name="management module">30.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">It is noted that the waveforms hereinafter are referred to as pulse-width modulation (PWM) waveforms. The external signal module <part-num-ref name="external signal module">10</part-num-ref>
+ is capable of interfacing the inputs and outputs of waveform command and signals. The external signal module <part-num-ref name="external signal module">10</part-num-ref>
+ comprises at least an input interface <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="input interface">11</part-num-ref>
+ and at least an output interface <part-num-ref name="output interface">12.</part-num-ref>
+ The input interface <part-num-ref name="input interface">11</part-num-ref>
+ is capable of decoding external signals from a digital signal input, a decoder, and a digital-analog converter and providing the command decoder with the signal states. The output interface <part-num-ref name="output interface">12</part-num-ref>
+ is capable of outputting the pulse train.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">Moreover, an output restriction mechanism (not shown) can be disposed at <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+the output interface <part-num-ref name="output interface">12</part-num-ref>
+ to determine protection parameters to prevent abnormal output waveforms. Moreover, in the present invention, the external signal module <part-num-ref name="external signal module">10</part-num-ref>
+ is used with a management module <part-num-ref name="management module">30,</part-num-ref>
+ comprising  a microprocessor <part-num-ref name="microprocessor">31</part-num-ref>
+ and   a laser controller <part-num-ref name="laser controller">32.</part-num-ref>
+ The microprocessor is an interface for accessing the waveform command. The <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+microprocessor <part-num-ref name="microprocessor">31</part-num-ref>
+ uses execution commands to achieve optimal execution efficiency.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">The laser controller 32 is capable of controlling and communicating the programmable laser trigger device of the present invention and the user.</p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+The laser controller 32 is capable of generating a waveform command and transmitting the waveform command into the command executing module <part-num-ref name="command executing module">20</part-num-ref>
+ for waveform transform. The laser controller <part-num-ref name="laser controller">32</part-num-ref>
+ comprises a user interface capable of editing and displaying a programmed waveform.    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">Generally, the user interface comprises at least one of an input device such <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0         </boundary-data>
+as a button, a keyboard, a mouse and a display device such as a monitor.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">The command executing module 20 further comprises at least a waveform command memory <part-num-ref name="waveform command memory">21,</part-num-ref>
+ at least a waveform command decoder <part-num-ref name="waveform command decoder">22,</part-num-ref>
+ at least a waveform generator <part-num-ref name="waveform generator">24</part-num-ref>
+ and at least a buffer memory <part-num-ref name="buffer memory">23.</part-num-ref>
+ The waveform command memory <part-num-ref name="waveform command memory">21</part-num-ref>
+ is capable of storing the waveform <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+command. The waveform command decoder <part-num-ref name="waveform command decoder">22</part-num-ref>
+ is capable of accessing the waveform command to be decoded and executed. The buffer memory <part-num-ref name="buffer memory">23,</part-num-ref>
+ implemented using a first-in-first-out (FIFO) memory or a memory with a buffer, is used as a waveform trigger parameter buffer between the waveform command decoder and the waveform generator <part-num-ref name="waveform generator">24.</part-num-ref>
+ The waveform <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+command decoder <part-num-ref name="waveform command decoder">24</part-num-ref>
+ transforms a sequence of waveform trigger parameters into a pulse-width modulation (PWM) pulse train. It is noted that the waveform command memory <part-num-ref name="waveform command memory">21</part-num-ref>
+ and the buffer memory <part-num-ref name="buffer memory">23</part-num-ref>
+ are different in structures and functions. The waveform command memory <part-num-ref name="waveform command memory">21</part-num-ref>
+ is a random access memory (RAM), in which the commands are accessed and executed <part-num-ref name="commands are accessed and executed">25</part-num-ref>
+   by the waveform command decoder. The buffer memory <part-num-ref name="buffer memory">23</part-num-ref>
+ is a FIFO <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+memory, in which the waveform output from the waveform command decoder is stored. When it comes to functions, the waveform command memory <part-num-ref name="waveform command memory">21</part-num-ref>
+ stores waveform description programs having commands such as waveform commands and flow deciding commands, while the buffer <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+memory <part-num-ref name="buffer memory">23</part-num-ref>
+ stores waveform parameters simply for the waveform generator to generate continuous trigger waveforms. Moreover, the purpose of the buffer memory <part-num-ref name="buffer memory">23</part-num-ref>
+ is to enable the waveform generator to output waveforms continuously without being influenced by the waveform command decoder <part-num-ref name="waveform command decoder">22.</part-num-ref>
+ In other words, the waveform command memory <part-num-ref name="waveform command memory">21</part-num-ref>
+ and the buffer <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+memory <part-num-ref name="buffer memory">23</part-num-ref>
+ are memories with different structures and functions, which cannot be replaced by a single memory.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">Please refer to FIG 2 for a flow-chart showing a method for controlling a programmable laser trigger device in FIG. 1 according to the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15        </boundary-data>
+In Step 401, the method starts.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">In Step 402, a waveform command is accessed. The waveform command decoder <part-num-ref name="waveform command decoder">22</part-num-ref>
+ in the command executing module <part-num-ref name="command executing module">20</part-num-ref>
+ in FIG. 1 accesses the waveform command from the waveform command memory <part-num-ref name="waveform command memory">21</part-num-ref>
+ according to a program counter (PC) value. The PC value is accumulative <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+after a command is executed so that a next command is to be executed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">Therefore, the flow-chart can be controlled using an unconditional or conditional branch command to change the PC value.</p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">In Step 403, the waveform command is decoded. The waveform command decoder <part-num-ref name="waveform command decoder">22</part-num-ref>
+ decodes the accessed waveform command and <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+interprets the parameters in the waveform  command to execute the commands.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">In Step 404, a wait command is output from the external signal module <part-num-ref name="external signal module">10</part-num-ref>
+ to wait for an external feedback signal so that following <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+commands are executed after the external feedback signal is established.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">In Step 405, waveform trigger parameters are set by a pulse-width modulation (PWM) command.</p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">In Step 406, a GOTO command is output from the external signal module <part-num-ref name="external signal module">10</part-num-ref>
+ to comprise an unconditional or conditional branch command <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+such as <confidence value="5">J</confidence>
+MP and B<confidence value="5">T</confidence>
+EST.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">In Step 407, the PC value is changed. As described in Step <part-num-ref name="PC value is changed. As described in Step">402,</part-num-ref>
+ the waveform command decoder <part-num-ref name="waveform command decoder">22</part-num-ref>
+ accesses the waveform command according to the PC value, which is changed by the branch command. Therefore, when an unconditional or conditional branch command such as <confidence value="5">J</confidence>
+MP and B<confidence value="5">T</confidence>
+EST <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+is received (Step 406), the PC value is changed to control the flow-chart in Step <part-num-ref name="flow-chart in Step">402.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">In Step 408, an external feedback signal comprising signals from a position decoder, a speedometer/accelerometer and a thermometer <confidence value="66">is</confidence>
+ transmitted to the wait command and the GOTO command in Step <part-num-ref name="GOTO command in Step">404</part-num-ref>
+ and <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+Step <part-num-ref name="and Step">406.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">In Step 409, waveform trigger parameters set in Step 405 are received and registered in the buffer memory.</p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">So far, the waveform command decoder <part-num-ref name="waveform command decoder">22</part-num-ref>
+ in FIG 1 has completed <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="7">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+the execution of a command. Step <part-num-ref name="command. Step">401</part-num-ref>
+ to Step <part-num-ref name="to Step">409</part-num-ref>
+ are all executed by the waveform command decoder.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">In Step 410, a buffer memory, implemented using a FIFO memory, is used as a waveform trigger parameter buffer between the waveform <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+command decoder and the waveform generator to enable the waveform generator to output continuously.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">In Step 411, the waveform trigger parameters are acquired from the buffer memory and transmitted to a waveform generator <part-num-ref name="waveform generator">24.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">In Step 412, a sequence of waveform     trigger parameters are <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0       </boundary-data>
+transformed into a pulse-width modulation (PWM) pulse train by the waveform generator <part-num-ref name="waveform generator">24.</part-num-ref>
+ After a waveform is generated, the waveform generator <part-num-ref name="waveform generator">24</part-num-ref>
+ uses a waveform generating signal transmitted to Step <part-num-ref name="waveform generating signal transmitted to Step">411</part-num-ref>
+ to acquire a next waveform command to be generated.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">After the foregoing steps are completed, the pulse-width modulation <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+(PWM) pulse train is transmitted to the laser trigger device so as to generate unequal pulse outputs with good flexibility to meet the requirements of various manufacturing processes and modulate the output laser pulses in real time in response to an external feedback signal.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">Please refer to FIG 3, which is a schematic diagram of a laser <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+machining system using a programmable laser trigger device according to the present invention. The laser machining system   <part-num-ref name="laser machining system">50</part-num-ref>
+ comprises a programmable laser trigger device <part-num-ref name="programmable laser trigger device">51,</part-num-ref>
+ a laser source <part-num-ref name="laser source">52</part-num-ref>
+ and an operation platform <part-num-ref name="operation platform">53.</part-num-ref>
+ The programmable laser trigger device <part-num-ref name="programmable laser trigger device">51</part-num-ref>
+ and the laser source <part-num-ref name="laser source">52</part-num-ref>
+ are driven by a driver <part-num-ref name="driver">54.</part-num-ref>
+ The laser source <part-num-ref name="laser source">52</part-num-ref>
+ is capable of generating a <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+laser light L<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+, which is deviated by a light path system <part-num-ref name="light path system">521</part-num-ref>
+ to become a machining laser light L2 for the operation platform <part-num-ref name="operation platform">53.</part-num-ref>
+ A user interface <part-num-ref name="user interface">55</part-num-ref>
+ can be used by the user to edit and display a programmed waveform and transmit the programmed waveform to the programmable laser trigger <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+device <part-num-ref name="programmable laser trigger device">5<confidence value="66">1.</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ In other words, by transmitting the waveform command to the programmable laser trigger device <part-num-ref name="programmable laser trigger device">51,</part-num-ref>
+ the programmable laser trigger device <part-num-ref name="programmable laser trigger device">51</part-num-ref>
+ generates a pulse-width modulation (PWM) pulse train (from Step <part-num-ref name="pulse-width modulation (PWM) pulse train (from Step">401</part-num-ref>
+ to Step <part-num-ref name="to Step">412)</part-num-ref>
+ according to the waveform command designated by the user to change the laser power of the machining laser light L2 in real time.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0         </boundary-data>
+Moreover, the programmable laser trigger device <part-num-ref name="programmable laser trigger device">51</part-num-ref>
+ is connected to an external  feedback  device  <part-num-ref name="external  feedback  device">56,</part-num-ref>
+  which   is  a   position  decoder, speedometer/accelerometer, or a thermometer. An external feedback signal from the external feedback device <part-num-ref name="external feedback device">56</part-num-ref>
+ can be used for to provide external information such as coordinates, speed, acceleration, and temperature.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15        </boundary-data>
+Please refer to FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, which describe an example of the programming for laser machining according to the present invention. First, a laser trigger waveform is programmed by the user, as shown in FIG. 4, which comprises periods for pre-heating, heating and annealing, each having different waveforms. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the commands labeled No.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+1 to No. 6 are programmed according to the waveform, which are described hereinafter.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">No. 1: WAIT Trig. A trigger signal is awaited.</p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">Referring to the flow-chart in FIG 2, the flow goes from Step <part-num-ref name="flow goes from Step">402</part-num-ref>
+ for reading the waveform command, to Step <part-num-ref name="waveform command, to Step">403</part-num-ref>
+ for <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+decoding, to Step <part-num-ref name="for decoding, to Step">404</part-num-ref>
+ for waiting for the trigger signal, and to Step <part-num-ref name="trigger signal, and to Step">402</part-num-ref>
+ after the trigger signal is received.    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">No. 2: PWM 750, 33, 3. A pre-heating trigger signal is generated.</p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">Referring to the flow-chart in FIG 2, the flow goes from Step <boundary-data type="line-number">5                  </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="flow goes from Step">402</part-num-ref>
+ for reading the waveform command, to Step <part-num-ref name="waveform command, to Step">403</part-num-ref>
+ for decoding, to Step <part-num-ref name="for decoding, to Step">405</part-num-ref>
+ for generating for waveform trigger parameters, to Step <part-num-ref name="for generating for waveform trigger parameters, to Step">409</part-num-ref>
+ for writing the waveform trigger parameters to the buffer memory, and to Step <part-num-ref name="buffer memory, and to Step">402</part-num-ref>
+ to execute a next command.    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10               </boundary-data>
+Meanwhile, in Step 410, the buffer memory accesses the waveform trigger parameters; in Step <part-num-ref name="waveform trigger parameters; in Step">412,</part-num-ref>
+ a pulse-width modulation (PWM) pulse train is generated; and then in Step <part-num-ref name="pulse-width modulation (PWM) pulse train is generated; and then in Step">410,</part-num-ref>
+ a next waveform trigger parameter is awaited.    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">No. 3: PWM 1000,75,2. A heating trigger signal is generated.</p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15               </boundary-data>
+Even though the parameters are not the same, the execution flow is identical to that for No. <part-num-ref name="execution flow is identical to that for No.">2</part-num-ref>
+ and description thereof is not presented here.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">No. 4: B<confidence value="5">T</confidence>
+EST <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+n1,0,1. The external input signal is examined to decide whether annealing is necessary. If yes, the flow <boundary-data type="line-number">20                  </boundary-data>
+goes to execute a next command; otherwise, a next trigger is awaited.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">Referring to the flow-chart in FIG 2, the flow goes from Step <part-num-ref name="flow goes from Step">402</part-num-ref>
+ for reading the waveform command, to Step <part-num-ref name="waveform command, to Step">403</part-num-ref>
+ for <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+decoding, to Step <part-num-ref name="for decoding, to Step">406</part-num-ref>
+ for testing the <confidence value="66">In</confidence>
+l condition to decide the execution path, to Step <part-num-ref name="execution path, to Step">407</part-num-ref>
+ for deciding the program counter, and to Step <part-num-ref name="program counter, and to Step">402</part-num-ref>
+ to execute a next command.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5        </boundary-data>
+No. 5: PWM 500,50,4. An annealing signal is generated.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">Even though the parameters are not the same, the execution flow is identical to that for No. <part-num-ref name="execution flow is identical to that for No.">2</part-num-ref>
+ and description thereof is not presented here.    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">No. 6: <confidence value="5">J</confidence>
+MP 1. A next trigger is awaited.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10              </boundary-data>
+Referring to the flow-chart in FIG 2, the flow goes from Step <part-num-ref name="flow goes from Step">402</part-num-ref>
+ for reading the waveform command, to Step <part-num-ref name="waveform command, to Step">403</part-num-ref>
+ for decoding, to Step <part-num-ref name="for decoding, to Step">406</part-num-ref>
+ for the GOTO command, to Step <part-num-ref name="GOTO command, to Step">407</part-num-ref>
+ for deciding the program counter, and to Step <part-num-ref name="program counter, and to Step">402</part-num-ref>
+ to execute a next command.    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15        </boundary-data>
+When the aforesaid program starts to execute, a laser trigger signal as shown in FIG 6 is generated. In FIG. 6, the X-axis represents time, while <part-num-ref name="X-axis represents time, while">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="X-axis represents time, while 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="X-axis represents time, while 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="X-axis represents time, while 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="X-axis represents time, while 1, 2, 3, 4,">5</part-num-ref>
+ corresponds to the operation time (t) for the commands labeled Nos. <part-num-ref name="commands labeled Nos.">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="commands labeled Nos. 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="commands labeled Nos. 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="commands labeled Nos. 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="commands labeled Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4,">5</part-num-ref>
+ in FIG. 5. The function of the command labeled No. <part-num-ref name="command labeled No.">6</part-num-ref>
+ in FIG. 5 is to enable the waveform command decoder (as shown in FIG 1) to <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+go to the command labeled No. <part-num-ref name="command labeled No.">1</part-num-ref>
+ to repeat executing, which is not shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, the laser trigger signal comprises five periods such as Start, Trig, <confidence value="666">Inl</confidence>
+, PWM Out and Status. Start means the program starts to execute.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">Trig indicates that the trigger signal is received. In<confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+ indicates that the external input is detected by a BTEST command. The PWM Out indicates <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="66">11</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+that the laser PWM trigger signal is output. Status indicates that the laser execution signal is output (ON). The aforesaid periods take place according to the X-axis, instead of a from-top-to-bottom order. In FIG. 6, <part-num-ref name="from-top-to-bottom order. In FIG. 6,">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="from-top-to-bottom order. In FIG. 6, 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="from-top-to-bottom order. In FIG. 6, 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="from-top-to-bottom order. In FIG. 6, 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="from-top-to-bottom order. In FIG. 6, 1, 2, 3, 4,">5</part-num-ref>
+ corresponds to the operation time (t) for the commands labeled Nos. <part-num-ref name="commands labeled Nos.">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="commands labeled Nos. 1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="commands labeled Nos. 1, 2,">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="commands labeled Nos. 1, 2, 3,">4,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="commands labeled Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4,">5</part-num-ref>
+ in FIG. 5. For example, <part-num-ref name="in FIG. 5. For example,">1</part-num-ref>
+ represents the cycle in which the wait command labeled No. <part-num-ref name="wait command labeled No.">1</part-num-ref>
+ in FIG. 5 is executed. <part-num-ref name="is executed.">2</part-num-ref>
+ represents the cycle in which PWM 750,33,3 labeled No. <part-num-ref name="cycle in which PWM 750,33,3 labeled No.">2</part-num-ref>
+ in FIG. 5 is executed. Accordingly, from FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the continuous steps for generating a laser trigger signal by executing waveform program can be summarized hereinafter. First, the <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0         </boundary-data>
+wait command labeled No. <part-num-ref name="wait command labeled No.">1</part-num-ref>
+ waits for the external trigger signal. Then, the PWM commands labeled No. <part-num-ref name="PWM commands labeled No.">2</part-num-ref>
+ and No. <part-num-ref name="and No.">3</part-num-ref>
+ are combined to generate a PWM signal. The BTEST command labeled No. <part-num-ref name="BTEST command labeled No.">4</part-num-ref>
+ detects the external signal to detect the status of the external feedback signal and change the execution flow of the waveform program in real time so as to determine whether the <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+PWM command labeled No. <part-num-ref name="PWM command labeled No.">5</part-num-ref>
+ is to be executed. The <confidence value="5">J</confidence>
+MP command labeled No. <part-num-ref name="JMP command labeled No.">6</part-num-ref>
+ is used to execute the waveform command to generate a next trigger signal<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ In FIG. 7, the generated PWM output (Out) is changed when the external input (In<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+) is changed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20        </boundary-data>
+According to the above discussion, it is apparent that the present invention discloses a programmable laser trigger device and method for controlling the programmable laser trigger device, capable of generating unequal pulse outputs with good flexibility to meet the requirements of various manufacturing processes and modulating the output laser pulses in <part-num-ref name="output laser pulses in">25</part-num-ref>
+  real time in response to an external feedback signal.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+Although this invention has been disclosed and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, the principles involved are susceptible for use in numerous other embodiments that will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. This invention is, therefore, to be limited only as indicated <part-num-ref name="art. This invention is, therefore, to be limited only as indicated">5</part-num-ref>
+   by the scope of the appended claims.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+