ELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICE AND SYSTEM TO AUTOMATICALLY TUNE A DRUM ASSEMBLY WITHOUT HAVING TO STRIKE EITHER THE TOP OR BOTTOM SURFACE OF THE DRUM

Abstract

The present invention is a system and methods for automating the tuning process for drums. The invention automatically applies tension across the batter heads of a drum. The invention consists of a plurality of electrical stepper motors each of which is connected to a gear reduction assembly and a rotating tension rod. The invention acts to exert a tensioning force on each attachment point around the circumference of the hoop(s) securing the batter head to the drum shell. An algorithm drives a microprocessor that monitors the current being used by each stepper motor assembly which is translated to torque. When the torque for each stepper motor assembly reaches a predetermined level, the tension holding the batter head and to the shell of the drum will be in tune.

Claims

1. A system for automatically tuning a musical drum instrument comprising: a plurality of auto tune devices, a plurality of tension assemblies, at least one hoop retaining a drum surface against said musical drum instrument and said hoop containing attachment points for attaching auto tune each device, and a computing device hosting a software program, and a communications bus, and an electrical current distribution bus, and a plurality of electrical current sensing devices, and an electrical current switching device: a. said auto tune device, comprising: i. a bidirectional stepper motor, a gear transfer assembly and a gear reduction assembly, said gear transfer assembly communicatively couples said bidirectional stepper motor and said gear reduction assembly, said gear reduction assembly reduces rotational input speed from said bidirectional stepper motor thereby increasing the output torque of said gear reduction assembly; b. a tension assembly comprising: i. a hollow threaded tube communicably coupled to the output end of said gear reduction assembly of said auto tune device via a threaded rod transferring torque to said tension assembly that applies tension to said hoop and drum surface by pulling said hoop in a direction toward said auto tune device and relieves tension on said hoop and said drum surface by allowing said hoop to move in a direction away from said auto tune device; c. a computing device comprising: i. a communication bus communicably coupling said computing device to each of said auto tune devices and to said electrical current switching device; ii. a software program controlling each of said auto tune devices by sending commands via said communications bus and said electrical switching device; d. an electrical current switching device comprising: i. said electrical current switching device communicably coupled to said computing device via said communications bus and communicably coupled to each of said auto tune devices thereby providing switched electrical current to activate and deactivate each of said auto devices; e. said computing device under control of said first software program when tuning said musical drum instrument, sends commands to each of said auto tune devices via said communications bus and sends electrical current to each of said auto tune devices via said electrical current distribution bus and said electrical switching device; f. said electrical current sensing devices each send an indication of the amount of electrical current each associated auto tune devices is using and when said electrical current is sensed to be at a maximum level for each of associated said auto tune device, said first software current will send a command to said electrical switching device to turn off said electrical current to associated auto tune device being sent the maximum level of electrical current; g. said first software program determines that when electrical current has been turned off of all of said auto tune devices said musical drum instrument is declared to be in tune and each auto tune device is exerting the maximum tension to said tension assemblies thereby placing said musical drum instrument in tune.

2. The system of claim 1 where said drum musical instrument contains one hoop securing said drum surface to said drum musical instrument.

3. The system of claim 1 where said drum musical instrument contains a hoop securing said drum surface to the top of said drum musical instrument and a hoop securing said drum surface to the bottom of said drum musical instrument.

4. A method for tuning a musical drum instrument comprising a drum body, one or more hoops holding drum surfaces to said drum body, a computing device, a first software program, a communications bus, an electrical current distribution bus, an electrical current sensing device, an electrical switching device and a plurality of auto tune devices comprising a plurality of tensioning assemblies: a. On application of electrical current to said computing device, said first software program sends commands to said electrical switching device via said communications bus to apply electrical current to each of said auto tune device and sends commands to each of said auto tune devices via said communications bus to remove tension on each said tensioning assembly associated with each of said auto tune devices thereby reducing tension on the hoop holding the drum surface thereby removing tension from said drum surface; b. said first software program monitors the amount of electrical current being sent to each of said auto tune devices and when the amount of electrical current being provided to any of said auto tune devices indicates that said auto tune device is not providing output torque, said first software program turns off said electrical current to that said auto tune device by sending a command via said first communications bus to said electrical switching device to terminate electrical current to that said auto tune device; c. said first software program, when each of said auto tune devices is no longer receiving electrical current, sends commands via said first communications bus to said electrical switching device to apply electrical current to each of said auto tune devices, and said first software program sends commands to each of said auto tune devices via said first communications bus to send torque to each of said associated tension assemblies and receives from each said electrical sensing device connected to each of said auto tune devices the amount of electrical current being consumed by said plurality of each of said auto tune devices; d. said first software program monitors the amount of electrical current being used by each of said auto tune devices received from each of said associated electrical current sensing devices and, when said electrical current being sent to each of said auto tune devices and when said indication indicates that any auto tune device is using the maximum amount of electrical current to provide torque to its associated tensioning assembly, said first software program sends a command to said electrical switching device to terminate electrical current to that auto tune device; e. when said first software program has terminated electrical current to each of said auto tune devices the musical drum instrument is declared to be in tune.

5. A method for continuously tuning a musical drum instrument while it is being played comprising a drum body, one or more hoops holding drum surfaces to said drum body, a computing device, a software program, a communications bus, an electrical current distribution bus, an electrical current sensing device, an electrical switching device and a plurality of auto tune devices and a plurality of associated tensioning assemblies: a. On application of electrical current to said computing device said software program initiates a tuning process that sequentially tunes each of said auto tune devices: i. said first software program sends commands to said electrical switching device via said communications bus to apply electrical current to each of said auto tune device and said first software program sends a command to each sequentially selected auto tune devices via said communications bus to increase the torque to said associated tensioning assembly; ii. said first software program monitors the amount of electrical current being used by said sequentially selected auto tune device received from the said associated electrical current sensing device associated with said sequentially selected auto tune device indicating the amount of electrical current being used by said sequentially selected auto tune device and when said indication indicates that said sequentially selected auto tune device is using the maximum amount of electrical current to provide torque to its associated tensioning assembly, said first software program sends a command to said electrical switching device via said communications bus terminate electrical current to said sequentially selected auto tune device; iii. when said first software program has terminated electrical current to all said sequentially selected auto tune devices the musical drum instrument is declared to be in tune; iv. said tuning process is periodically repeated until the musician terminates current to said auto tune devices and to said computing device.

6. The method of claim 5 where said tuning process is initiated by said software program on a fixed time period based on a predetermined number of seconds between tuning processes.

7. The method of claim 5 where a microphone is fixed to the shell of said musical drum instrument and said software program monitors the output of said microphone and when said software program determines that said drum surface has not detected said musical drum instrument not being struck for a predetermined number of seconds initiates the tuning process.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG. 1 is a view of a snare drum and components including auto tuner devices.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a depiction of a drum auto tuner device.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a depiction of a drum auto tuner devices with a micro Controller

[0030] FIG. 4 is a depiction of wireless auto tuner devices with a micro Controller

[0031] FIG. 5 is a flow chart for the drum calibration sequence

[0032] FIG. 6 is a flow chart for the drum performance tune sequence

[0033] FIG. 7 is a flow chart for the timed tune sequence

[0034] FIG. 8 is a depiction of a snare drum with portable tuner devices

[0035] FIG. 9 is a depiction of the drum tuner database

EMBODIMENTS

[0036] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0037] In a first exemplary embodiment an apparatus assembly and system is disclosed consisting of a tuning module containing a stepper motor, a gear transfer enclosure and a gear reduction device with a tension assembly. The tuning module is attached to the outer surface of the drum with the tension assembly fixed to the metal hoops that stretch the drum playing surface over one end of the drum cylinder. The tuning module is connected via a hard-wired cable assembly from a microprocessor to each of the tuning modules. The microprocessor executes a software program that sends commands, over the wired harness, to each of the tuning modules.

[0038] In a related embodiment, the wiring harness is replaced with a wireless transmitter and receiver for the microprocessor and each tuning module.

[0039] In another exemplary embodiment an apparatus assembly and system is disclosed consisting of a tuning module containing a stepper motor, a gear transfer enclosure and a gear reduction device. In this embodiment, the tuning module is attachable to an existing tension rod assembly fixed to the metal hoops that stretch the drum playing surface over one end of the drum cylinder. The tuning module is connected via a hard-wired cable assembly from a microprocessor to each of the tuning modules. The microprocessor executes a software program that sends commands, over the wired harness, to each of the tuning modules.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] Objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals have been used to designate like or analogous elements.

[0041] Now referencing FIG. 1 where 10 depicts a snare drum identifying its component parts. Snare drum 10 is composed of snare drum shell 12 which supports upper metal hoop 14 and lower metal hoop 16. Each of these hoops hold and stretch the drum surfaces. Support pins 18 are fixed to upper and lower metal hoops 14 and 16. The support pins hold the tensioning portion of auto tuner devices 100. Auto tuner devices 100, under control of a microprocessor controller 202, (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) pull the upper metal hoop 14 down toward the center of snare drum shell 12 and pull the lower metal hoop 16 up toward the center of snare drum shell 12. Auto tuner devices 100 are fixed to snare drum shell 12 by one or a plurality of machine screws through snare drum shell 12 to auto tuner devices 100 or through a bonding material holding auto tune devices 12 to snare drum shell 21.

[0042] Now referencing FIG. 2 where 100 depicts the drum auto tuner device composed of stepper motor 102, gear transfer device 104 and gear reduction assembly 106. As stepper motor 102 is driven clockwise or counterclockwise rotational direction by microprocessor controller 202, (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) stepper motor 102 turns and transfers torque through gear transfer device 104 to gear reduction assembly 106. Gear reduction assembly 106 multiplies the torque provided by stepper motor 102 through gear transfer enclosure 104. The revolutions per minute speed of stepper motor 102 is reduced by gear reduction device 106 which in turn increases the torque to tension assembly 108, 110, and 112. Tension assembly 108, 110, and 112 is composed of threaded drive screw 108 which in turn pulls or pushes threaded tension tube 110 toward auto tuner device increasing tension on metal hoops 14 or 16 or if stepper motor 102 turns in the opposite rotational direction, gear reduction assembly will push via threaded drive screw treaded tension tube 110 relaxing the tension on metal hoops 14 and 16. Metal connection band 112 connects threaded tension tube 110 to upper metal hoop 14 through metal support pins 18. Metal connect band 112 may be a band or a solid metal connector plate 114 with a hole the fits over metal support pins 18. In an alternate embodiment, threaded tension tube 110 is replaced with alternate threaded tension tube 116. Alternate threaded tube 116 is fixed on threaded drive screw 108 with jam nut 118. Alternate threaded tube contains a slotted cut 120 that fits onto tension rod fixture 30. In an alternate embodiment, tension rod fixture fits into alternate threaded tension tube 116 slotted end 120. When auto tune device 100 rotates threaded drive screw 108, tension rod fixture 30 rotates pulling upper metal hoop 14 or lower metal hoop 16 toward the center of snare drum cylinder 12 or loosens upper metal hoop 14 or lower metal hoop 16 removing tension on the drum surface.

[0043] Now referencing FIG. 3 where 200 depicts the control system that calibrates and maintains the tension applied by auto tune devices 100 between upper and lower metal hoops 12 and 14. Microprocessor controller 202 may be any computing device such as but not limited to a System On Chip single board computer, a smart phone, or a Personal Digital Assistant, computing tablet, laptop computer or desktop computer connected to communications bus 206 which may be a USB bus or other bus capable of connecting to a System On Chip single board computer, a smart phone, or a Personal Digital Assistant, computing tablet, laptop computer or desktop computer. Communications bus 206 is a bi-directional electronic bus and may be a USB bus, a two-conductor twisted pair serial bus, or any other bi-directional communications bus. Communications bus 206 also connects to electrical current switching device 224 which receives power from power supply 220 and provides switched electrical current to auto tune devices 208 through 214.

[0044] Microprocessor controller 202 executes software programs consisting of an operating system and software algorithms that perform the calibration and tuning functions of the invention. The number of auto tuner devices may vary depending on the size and configuration of the drum. Typically, a snare drum will have two tunable surfaces held in place by an upper metal hoop 14 and a lower metal hoop 16. Different drum types such as kettle drums may only have a single tunable drum surface.

[0045] The electrical current used to drive any of the auto tune devices is proportional to the amount of torque being created when stepping motor 102 is being actively stepped under control of microprocessor controller 202. The level of current delivered to each auto-tune device 208-214 is sensed by electrical current sensing device 218 to microprocessor controller 202 via Communications bus 206. Microprocessor controller saves the received sensor data in drum tuner database 400 (FIG. 9). The algorithms used to control microprocessor controller 202 are detailed in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7

[0046] Now referencing FIG. 4 where 450 depicts the control system that calibrates and maintains the tension applied by auto tune devices 100 between drum shell 12 and upper metal hoop 14 and lower metal hoop 16. Microprocessor controller 202 may be any computing device such as but not limited to a System On Chip single board computer, a smart phone, or a Personal Digital Assistant, computing tablet, laptop computer or desktop computer with wireless capability via any wireless protocol such as but not limited to WIFI, Bluetooth, or any proprietary wireless protocol capable of connecting to a System On Chip single board computer, a smart phone, or a Personal Digital Assistant, computing tablet, laptop computer or desktop computer. Microprocessor controller 202 executes software programs consisting of an operating system and software algorithms that perform the calibration and tuning functions of the system. The number of auto tuner devices may vary depending on the size and configuration of the drum. FIG. 4 depicts Microprocessor Controller communicable coupled to auto tune device 208 through auto tune device 214 via a wireless communications link received via antennas 216. The amount of current being used by any of the auto tune devices 208 through 214 is monitored by an auto tune device's electrical current sensing device 218. Electrical current sensing device 218 contains the electrical current monitoring circuitry and the necessary electronic circuitry for communicating over the wireless link to microprocessor controller 202 via antennas 216. Electrical current sensing device 218 sends a signal to microprocessor controller 202 that is an indication of the amount of current being used by any of the auto tune devices. The electrical current driving any of the auto tune devices is proportional to the amount of torque being created when stepping motor 102 is being actively stepped under control of microprocessor controller 202 via the wireless link. The algorithms used to control microprocessor controller 202 are detailed in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7. Microprocessor controller 202 receives signals from electronic module 218 indicating the amount of electrical current being supplied to each auto tune device 1-‘n’. The level of electrical current delivered to each auto-tune device 208-214 as monitored by electrical current sensing device 218 and is saved in drum tuner database 400 (FIG. 8). The algorithms used to control microprocessor controller 202 are detailed in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7.

[0047] Now referencing FIG. 5 where 250 depicts a control algorithm used to initially calibrate a drum using the drum auto tune devices illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. Drum calibration sequence flow starts at process entry 252 calibrate then advances to process block 254. Process block 254 scans the hard-wired bus 206 in one embodiment or the wireless link supported by antennas 216 (FIG. 4). Each auto tune device 208-214 in FIG. 3 is individually addressed over communications bus 206. If a wireless embodiment is being described, as in FIG. 4 electronic module 218 attached or residing in each auto tune device communicates with Microprocessor controller 202 via a wireless protocol and antennas 216. In the wireless embodiment, electronic module 218 is individually addressed through the wireless protocol. Process block 256 initializes tuned database 400 to a default state where after control falls through to process block 258 which sets an index to the first entry into database 400 (FIG. 9) where after control falls through to process block 260. Process block 260 commands the stepper motor for auto tune device corresponding to the tuned database entry[index] and is commanded to rotate in the unload direction a predetermined number of steps while the drive current is being monitored after which control falls through to process block 262. Process block 262 compares the monitored drive current for the currently commanded auto tune device against the tuned database 400 entry[index].free run current. If the monitored drive current is equal to or less than tuned database 400 entry[index].free run current, control falls through to process block 264 else control is passed to process block 260 where that process block is repeated. If control fell through to process block 264, the index is incremented to the next entry in tuned database 400 after which control falls through to process block 266. If the value of the incremented index is greater than the last entry in tuned database 400, control falls through to process block 268 else control is passed to process block 260 where that process is repeated for the current auto tune device associated to the current entry in tuned database 400. If control fell through to process block 268, the index is set to the first entry into database 400 where after control falls through to process block 270. Process block 270 commands the stepper motor for auto tune device corresponding to the tuned database entry[index] to rotate in the load direction a predetermined number of steps while the drive current is being monitored after which control falls through to process block 272. Process block 272 compares the monitored drive current for the currently commanded auto tune device against the tuned database 400 entry[index].free run current. If the monitored drive current is greater than the tuned database 400 entry[index].free run current, control falls through to process block 274 else control is passed to process block 270 where that process block is repeated. If control fell through to process block 274, the index is incremented to the next entry in tuned database 400 after which control falls through to process block 276. Process block 276 determines if the value of the incremented index is greater than the last entry in tuned database 400 and if it is, control falls through to process block 278 else control is passed to process block 270 where that process is repeated. If control fell through to process block 278, the index into tuned database 400 is set to the first entry after which control falls through to process block 280. Process block 280 commands the stepper motor for auto tune device corresponding to the tuned database entry[index] to rotate in the load direction a predetermined number of steps while the drive current is being monitored after which control falls through to process block 282. Process block 282 compares the monitored drive current for the currently commanded auto tune device against the tuned database 400 entry[index].tuned drive current. If the monitored drive current is greater than or equal to tuned database 400 entry[index].tuned drive current, control falls through to process block 284 else control is passed to process block 280 where that process block is repeated. If control fell through to process block 284, the index is incremented to the next entry in tuned database 400 after which control falls through to process block 286. Process block 286 determines if the value of the incremented index is greater than the last entry in tuned database 400. If the value of the incremented index is greater than the last entry in tuned database 400, control falls through to process block 288 else control is passed to process block 280 where that process is repeated. If control fell through to process block 288, the calibration for all auto tune devices is completed and the drum calibration sequence algorithm exits.

[0048] Now referencing FIG. 6 where 300 depicts a control algorithm used to tune a drum during a performance using drum auto tune devices illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. Drum performance sequence algorithm flow starts at process entry 302 performance tune. This algorithm ensures that while a drummer is aggressively striking the drumming surface of the drum and causing the drumming surface to stretch and thus go slightly to greatly out of tune during the performance, the drum will be constantly brought back into tune while the instrument is being actively played. Once the algorithm is entered through process block 300, control falls through to processing block 304 where the index is set to the first entry into database 400 where after control falls through to process block 306. Process block 306 commands the stepper motor for the auto tune device corresponding to the tuned database entry[index] to rotate in the load direction a predetermined number of steps while the drive current is being monitored after which control falls through to process block 308. Process block 308 compares the monitored drive current for the currently commanded auto tune device against the tuned database 400 entry[index].calibrated drive current. If the monitored drive current is greater than or equal to the tuned database 400 entry[index].calibrated drive current, control falls through to process block 310 else control is passed to process block 306 where that process block is repeated. If control fell through to process block 310, the index is incremented to the next entry in tuned database 400 after which control falls through to process block 312. Process block 312 determines if the value of the incremented index is greater than the last entry in tuned database 400. If the value of the incremented index is greater than the last entry in tuned database 400, control falls through to process block 314 else control is passed to process block 308 where that process is repeated. If control fell through to process block 314, the performance tune for all the auto tune devices is completed and the performance tune sequence algorithm exits.

[0049] Now referencing FIG. 7 where 350 depicts an algorithm that, while a drum is actively being played, a timer interval is set and when it expires, a performance tune algorithm 300 will be called (FIG. 6). Performance algorithm 300 when executed will retune the auto tune devices 208-214 (FIGS. 2 and 3) then will exit back to timed tune 350 where that algorithm is repeated until the algorithm is exited at the end of the performance. When timed tune 350 is started, entry into the algorithm is via process block 352 where control falls through to process block 354 where the timer interval is set. This interval may be relatively short for a performance where the drum is aggressively played to a relatively long interval where the drum is only occasionally played. For example, a heavy metal rock band using fast drumming may have the interval set to a few seconds whereas a classical symphony may have the interval for a kettle drum set to a minute or more. After the interval is set control falls through to process block 356 where the interval timer is started after which control falls through to process block 358. Process block 358 checks the interval timer and if the timer has not expired, control will be returned to process block 358. If the interval timer has expired, control will fall through to process block 360. Process block 360 calls process block 300 performance tune entry. After the called performance tune 300 returns, control falls through to process block 362 continue timed tune. If the performance is not finished, control will be passed to process block 356 start interval timer where the process is repeated. If the performance is finished, control will fall through to process block 364 which exits the timed tune algorithm 350.

[0050] Now referencing FIG. 8 where a portable embodiment of the instant invention is described. FIG. 8 depicts a snare drum 12 with an upper metal hoop 14 and a lower metal hoop 16. Each of the metal hoops secures a drum surface to the snare drum cylinder 12. In this depiction only one of a plurality of tension rod assemblies are shown consisting of tension rod body 32 with tension rods 26 threaded into tension rod body 32. Each tension rod 26 passes through a flange 28 attached to or is part of upper metal hoop 14 or bottom metal hoop 16. A tension nut 30 is threaded onto each tension rod and bares onto flange 28 which pulls upper metal hoop 14 or lower metal hoop 16 toward the center of snare drum cylinder 12. Tension nut 30 is normally tightened by the person who tunes the drum. In this embodiment, a drum auto tuner device 100 is mounted onto the rim and the outside of upper metal hoop 14 and lower metal hoop 16. Now referencing FIG. 2 where 100 depicts the drum auto tuner device composed of stepper motor 102, gear transfer enclosure 104 and gear reduction device 106. As stepper motor 102 is driven by microprocessor controller 202, (not shown) stepper motor 102 turns and transfers torque through gear transfer enclosure 104 to gear reduction device 106. Gear reduction device 106 multiplies the torque provided by stepper motor 102 through gear transfer enclosure 104. The revolutions per minute speed of stepper motor 102 is reduced by gear reduction device 106 which in turn increases the torque to tension assembly 108, 110, and 112. Tension assembly 108, 110, and 112 is composed of threaded drive screw 108 which in turn pulls or pushes threaded tension tube 110 toward upper or lower metal hoops 14 or 16. In this embodiment, threaded tension tube 110 is replaced with alternate threaded tension tube 116. Alternate threaded tube 116 is fixed on threaded drive screw 108 with jam nut 118. Alternate threaded tube contains a slotted cut 120 that fits onto tension rod fixture 30. In present embodiment, tension rod fixture 30 fits into alternate threaded tension tube 116 slotted end 120. When auto tune device 100 rotates threaded drive screw 108, tension rod fixture 30 rotates pulling upper metal hoop 14 or lower metal hoop 16 toward the center of snare drum cylinder 12 or loosens upper metal hoop 14 or lower metal hoop 16 removing tension on the drum surface.

[0051] Now referencing FIG. 9 where 400 depicts tuned database 400. Tuned database 400 contains entry 402 Number Of Devices. This entry is the number of autotune device for the drum the invention is currently operating on. Each autotune device mounted on said drum has a record in tuned database 400. Record entries 404-408 contain record entries 410 through 414. Record entry 410 free run current is the electrical current consumed by stepper motor 102 when of auto tune device 100 is not encountering resistance loading via gear transfer device 103 communicably coupled to gear reduction assembly 106. Record entry 412 is the amount of level of electrical current used by auto tune device 100 when drum tuner device was initially calibrated. Record entry 414 is the level of electrical current used by auto tune device 100 when the drum was brought into tune.

[0052] Although only a few embodiments have been disclosed in detail above, other embodiments are possible, and the inventor intends these to be encompassed within this specification. The specification describes specific examples to accomplish a more general goal that may be accomplished in another way. This disclosure is intended to be exemplary, and the claims are intended to cover any modification or alternative which might be predictable to a person having ordinary skill in the art. For example, while the disclosure describes certain kinds and forms of busses, this disclosure can be used with other forms and kinds of busses.

[0053] Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0054] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein, may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, Controller, Micro-Controller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. These devices may also be used to select values for devices as described herein.

[0055] The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in Random Access Memory (RAM), flash memory, Read Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Programmable ROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal.

[0056] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, solid state drives (SSD) and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0057] Also, the inventor intends that only those claims which use the words “means for” are intended to be interpreted under 35 USC 112, sixth paragraph. Moreover, no limitations from the specification are intended to be read into any claims, unless those limitations are expressly included in the claims. The computers described herein may be any kind of computer, either general purpose, or some specific purpose computer such as a workstation. The programs may be written in C, or Java, Brew or any other programming language. The programs may be resident on a storage medium, e.g., magnetic or optical, e.g. the computer hard drive or solid-state drive, a removable disk or media such as a memory stick or SD media, or other removable medium. The programs may also be run over a network, for example, with a server or other machine sending signals to the local machine, which allows the local machine to carry out the operations described herein.

[0058] Where a specific numerical value is mentioned herein, it should be considered that the value may be increased or decreased by 20%, while still staying within the teachings of the present application, unless some different range is specifically mentioned. Where a specified logical sense is used, the opposite logical sense is also intended to be encompassed.

[0059] The previous description of the disclosed exemplary embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these exemplary embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.