The present disclosure is directed to a convertible, multi-functional cane.
The “background” description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the present invention.
Walking canes are known to allow users to transfer some of their weight away from their legs and facilitate balancing. Walking canes, also often embodied as trekking poles, pilgrim's staffs, hiking poles, hiking sticks, climbing steps, supporting invalids and the like are used for a wide variety of purposes, such as clearing spider webs, parting thick bushes or grass obscuring a trail, providing support when going uphill or providing braking help when going downhill, serving as a balance point when crossing streams or rough terrain, ascertaining presence of obstacles in the trail; testing mud and puddles for depth, and the like. In the recent years, various features have been developed for the walking canes to address additional requirements of the users.
CN206560105U discloses an intelligent walking stick umbrella for two-in-one umbrella and crutch comprising a machine body, a skid-proof support mat, a lithium battery and a control button, the machine body is provided with the skid-proof supporting pad, the middle part of the machine body is provided with a control host. The intelligent walking stick provides an umbrella and a walking stick. The structure of this intelligent device, however, is distinct from the current invention, as it lacks features such as a standing chair, the umbrella being enclosed within the stick, or a microcontroller that can automatically extend the umbrella based on a weather report received by the microcontroller via Wi-Fi or cellular data.
CN208366352U discloses a guide device including a stick, that a blind user can use to detect a front barrier, which includes real-time broadcasting of current location information and traffic information. The guide device includes a processor, a camera, a distance measuring module, a receiver, and communicates with the blind user by a speaker. The guide device includes communications circuitry to connect sensed information to a remote management server. The structure of the guide device, however, is distinct from the current invention, as it lacks features such as a convertible versatile cane including a handle which can be converted to a standing chair and an umbrella enclosed within the stick. Additionally, the guiding device does not disclose a microcontroller that can automatically extend the umbrella based on a weather report received by the microcontroller via Wi-Fi or cellular data.
IN201921042943A discloses a method for content driven automatic retraction of a shade cover which uses machine learning/deep learning to predict the type of objects placed under the shade, and based on the type of objects identified, and based on a predicted weather forecast automatically opens/moves/closes the shade ac to protect the objects from unfavorable weather. However, the shade cover lacks features such as a convertible versatile cane including a handle which can be converted to a standing chair or an umbrella enclosed within the stick. Additionally, this reference does not disclose a microcontroller that can automatically extend the umbrella based on a weather report received by the microcontroller via Wi-Fi or cellular data.
US20140060598A1 discloses a walking stick chair including a main stick, a seat unit, a support unit, and a linking unit. The main stick includes an elongated rod body having opposite upper and lower ends, a hook-shaped handle portion connected to the upper end of the rod body, a foot portion connected to the lower end of the rod body, a resilient hook member disposed near the handle portion, and a plurality of angularly spaced-apart grooves formed in an outer surface of the rod body and extending in a longitudinal direction of the rod body. The structure of the walking stick chair, however, does not disclose features such as a standing chair or the umbrella being enclosed within the stick. On the contrary, in this reference, the umbrella is disposed outside and surrounding the main stick. Additionally, the walking stick chair does not disclose a microcontroller that can automatically extend the umbrella based on a weather report received by the microcontroller via wi-fi or cellular data.
“AgeGracefully Smart Umbrella Walking Stick (Essential Handle With Manual Alarm)” describes an integrated walking stick can be withdrawn when need to use it independently. The integrated walking stick includes high power energy saving integrated LED lights. The smart umbrella walking stick includes a 360-degree pivoting head that allows a wide range of pivoting strike angle, a USB charging cable, a UV protection canopy to cover the user from being exposed to harmful UV rays, a high-density fabric for fast water dispersion, and a steel ferrule tip for extra strength and durability. The structure of this smart umbrella walking stick, however, does not disclose features such as a standing chair or the umbrella being enclosed within the stick. Additionally, the smart umbrella walking stick does not disclose a microcontroller that can automatically extend the umbrella based on a weather report received by the microcontroller via wi-fi or cellular data.
Each of the aforementioned references suffers from one or more drawbacks, such as failure to provide multifunctionality of the cane, thereby hindering their adoption.
Accordingly, it is one object of the present disclosure to provide a multitasking multifunctional cane that is simple and compact with respect to construction, portable with respect to use, and user friendly. The multitasking multifunctional cane has a handle which is configured to convert to a seat when desired by the user, an umbrella that can be deployed from within the cane, and a camera unit configured to capture the surrounding and determine potential hazards based on the captured pictures.
In an exemplary embodiment, a convertible multi-tasking cane is disclosed. The convertible multi-tasking cane includes a tubular cane body defining an internal cavity, a handle attached to a first end of the tubular cane body, and a base support attached to a second end of the tubular cane body. The handle is configured to convert to a seat upon actuation of a seat release mechanism. The convertible multi-tasking cane further includes an umbrella, a rechargeable battery located in the internal cavity and above the second end of the tubular cane body, and a tubular insulating structure overlapping a portion of the tubular cane body. The tubular insulating structure houses a plurality of electronic devices.
In another exemplary embodiment, a method of using the convertible multi-tasking cane is disclosed. The method includes actuating an ON/OFF switch to turn ON the convertible multi-tasking cane, walking while holding a handle of the convertible multi-tasking cane, and sitting on a seat formed by unfolding the handle of the convertible multi-tasking cane when not walking. A base of the convertible multi-tasking cane is supported by a ground surface. The method further includes protecting, by an umbrella, a user from a rain shower or sunlight by actuating an umbrella release switch located on the convertible multi-tasking cane to extend an umbrella shaft through an opening defined at a center of the seat or the handle, causing a plurality of ribs connected to the umbrella shaft to extend upwards and out from the umbrella shaft, and unfurling a flexible sheet attached to the plurality of ribs.
In another exemplary embodiment, a convertible multi-tasking cane system is disclosed. The system includes a tubular cane body having an internal cavity, a handle attached to a first end of the tubular cane body, and a base support attached to a second end of the tubular cane body. The handle is configured to convert to a seat upon actuation of a seat release mechanism. The system further includes an umbrella having a folded configuration and an open configuration. In the folded configuration, an umbrella shaft is enclosed within the internal cavity, umbrella ribs are folded against the umbrella shaft, a rib support is located at a first position. In the open configuration, the umbrella shaft, the ribs, and the rib support extend through an opening in the handle and/or the seat, the ribs are extended away from the umbrella shaft by an angle in a range of about 60 degrees to about 90 degrees and the rib support is located at a second position. The first position is at a greater distance from an umbrella tip than the second position. The system further includes a rechargeable battery located in the internal cavity and above the second end of the tubular cane body, and a tubular insulating structure overlapping a portion of the tubular cane body. The tubular insulating structure houses a plurality of electronic devices including a microcontroller, an alarm unit, an LED display, a WiFi unit, a Bluetooth unit, an MP3 player, a GPS receiver, a USB port, a camera, a radio, an earphone jack, a plurality of LED units, a speaker, a power input port configured to supply power to recharge the rechargeable battery, and a micro subscriber identity module (SIM) port. The microcontroller is operatively connected to the alarm unit, the LED display, the WiFi unit, the Bluetooth unit, the MP3 player, the GPS receiver, the USB port, the camera, the radio, the earphone jack, the plurality of LED lights, the speaker, the rechargeable battery, and the micro SIM port. The microcontroller is configured to transmit and receive wireless communications through at least one of the WiFi unit, the Bluetooth unit, the GPS receiver, and a SIM card inserted in the micro SIM port.
The foregoing general description of the illustrative embodiments and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary aspects of the teachings of this disclosure and are not restrictive.
A more complete appreciation of this disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
In the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Further, as used herein, the words “a,” “an” and the like generally carry a meaning of “one or more,” unless stated otherwise.
Furthermore, the terms “approximately,” “approximate,” “about,” and similar terms generally refer to ranges that include the identified value within a margin of 20%, 10%, or preferably 5%, and any values therebetween.
Aspects of this disclosure are directed to a convertible multi-tasking cane and methods for using the convertible multi-tasking cane. The convertible multi-tasking cane described herein may be usable by various groups of people including including the elderly, the handicapped, policemen, security personnel, sports personnel, backpackers, pilgrims, and people waiting in queues. The convertible multi-tasking cane of the present disclosure addresses general emergency, safety, communication, seating, and protection requirements of the user.
Referring to
The handle 110 is configured to convert to a seat upon actuation of a seat release mechanism 118. According to an aspect, the handle 110 includes a central plate 120 located on the first end 106 of the tubular cane body 102, such that a plane of the central plate 120 is perpendicular to a length axis “L” of the tubular cane body 102. In an example, the central plate 120 may be embodied as a rectangular or a circular plate and may be rigidly attached to the first end 106 of the tubular cane body 102, such that the central plate 120 extends laterally on either sides or radially with respect to the first end 106 of the tubular cane body 102. In a non-limiting example, the central plate 120 may be made of a metal, alloys, wood, reinforced plastic, or a combination thereof. A support plate 122 may be used to attach, for example, fasten or weld, the central plate 120 to the first end 106 of the tubular cane body 102. Further, the handle 110 includes a first rectangular metallic frame 124 connected to a first side 126 of the central plate 120 via a first hinge 128 and a second rectangular metallic frame 130 connected to a second side 132 of the central plate 120 via a second hinge 134, where the second side 132 is opposite to the first side 126.
The cane 100 also includes a spring 214 disposed within the internal cavity 104 and located on a spring seat 216 positioned above the rechargeable battery 206. Specifically, the spring 214 is disposed coaxially around the umbrella shaft 210. A spring stopper 218 provided in the internal cavity 104 is configured to retain the spring 214 in a compressed state, corresponding to the first configuration “U1” of the umbrella 208. An enlarged portion “B” of
In order to deploy the umbrella 208, a physical push force “F” may be applied to the umbrella release switch 224 which is configured to actuate the umbrella lock 220. The physical push force “F” causes inward movement of the umbrella release switch 224 until the umbrella release switch 224 is flush with the exterior surface of the tubular insulating structure 202, and simultaneously causes inward radial movement of the umbrella lock 220. Such inward radial movement allows disengagement of the umbrella lock 220 from the first cutout 222, thereby eliminating any restriction for movement of the spring stopper 218 within the internal cavity 104 (see
When the user applies the physical push force “F” on the umbrella release switch 224, care may be taken to locate the handle 110 away from the user to avoid an injury to the user during deployment of the umbrella 208. The shade created by the umbrella 208 can protect the user from sunshine and rain. Although a distance between the umbrella 208 and the seat 110 is less in
In order to reinstall the umbrella 208 into the internal cavity 104 of the tubular cane body 102, the button 242 may be pushed radially inward with respect to the length axis “L” to release the rib holder 234 from the locked position. Such release of the rib holder 234 causes the rib holder 234 to in a direction towards the tubular cane body 102, thereby loosening the flexible sheet 238. Further, the flexible sheet 238 may be moved in a direction towards the umbrella shaft 210, thereby allowing the umbrella 208 to be folded against the umbrella shaft 210. Once a size of the umbrella 208 at the flexible sheet 238 portion is sufficient to be inserted through the opening 136 in the handle 110, the umbrella 208 may be pushed into the internal cavity 104. As a result, the umbrella lock 220 and the spring stopper 218 moves in a direction inward with respect to the second end 108 of the tubular cane body 102. Further inward movement causes the umbrella lock 220 to engage with the first cutout 222, thereby positioning the spring 214 in the compressed state. Components and corresponding functions described herein for the purpose of deploying the umbrella 208 should not be construed as limited. Any number of components may be added or subtracted with respect to those described herein to achieve the deployment of the umbrella 208 from the tubular cane body 102 upon the physical push force “F” on the umbrella release switch 224.
The power device 338 includes an ON/OFF switch 348, the rechargeable battery 206, the power input port 326, and a charging indicator 350. Once the ON/OFF switch 348 is pushed to the “ON mode”, the cane 100 may be actuated to a “power ON” condition and may be capable of executing multiple functions. The “power ON” condition supplies electric power to the microcontroller 302 and/or each of the plurality of electronic devices. Electrical wiring between the rechargeable battery 206, the microcontroller 302, and each of the plurality of electronic devices may be routed through the tubular insulating structure 202. In some embodiments, the microcontroller 302 may be connected to each of the plurality of electronic devices via a pin of the microcontroller 302, and the microcontroller 302 may be configured to power the electronic device via the corresponding pin. As such, the ON/OFF switch 348 is configured to connect the rechargeable battery 206 with the microcontroller 302 in the “ON mode” or disconnect the rechargeable battery 206 from the microcontroller 302 in an “OFF mode”.
The communication device 340 includes, but is not limited to, the WiFi unit 308, which is based on the IEEE 802.11 standards, the Bluetooth unit 310, the SIM port 328 housing a SIM card, the GPS receiver 330, and other devices capable of establishing personal area network (PAN), or Near-me Area Network (NAN), or other known wireless communication networks. With the aid of the communication device 340, the microcontroller 302 may be configured to receive data, analyze the data, and transmit the data to other electronic devices in the cane 100 or transmit the data to remotely located fixed terminals, such as desktop computer, or mobile device terminals, such as smartphone, PDA, and laptop computer, via a network 612 (see
The entertainment device 342 includes, but not limited to, the music player 312, the speaker 324, the earphone port 320, the radio 318, and the USB port 314. With the aid of the entertainment device 342, the microcontroller 302 may be configured to receive multiple data files related to entertainment, such as music files in any of the known formats, for example, not limited to, MP3, MP4, WAV, and the like. Music associated with the data file may be played by the music player 312 and the user may hear the music via the speaker 324. Alternatively, the user may use earphones to listen the music by connecting the earphones to the earphone port 320. In some aspects, the Bluetooth unit 310 may be used to wirelessly connect the earphones with the music player 312. The radio 318 allows the user to listen to audio broadcasts with aid of broadcast channel browsing associated with AM/FM modes. As the user walks with the cane 100, the radio 318 may be configured to allow the user to access multiple radio broadcast stations available at location of the user. In some aspects, functioning of the radio 318 may be assisted by the GPS receiver 330. The USB port 314 may be embodied as one of, but not limited to, USB A, USB B, USB mini-A, USB mini-B, USB micro-A, USB micro-B, USB 3.0 A SS, USB 3.0 B SS, USB 3.0 micro-B, USB-C. With the aid of the USB port 314, the microcontroller 302 may be configured to recognize an external device connected to the cane 100 and allow transfer of media files from the external device, such as a data storage device, to a memory 604 (see
The CAD device 352 includes the camera 316, the camera switch 332, the LED display 306, and the LED projector 334 connected to the camera 316 and the LED display 306. With the aid of the CAD device 352, the microcontroller 302 may be configured to capture images of the surroundings and display the images on the LED display 306. In a non-limiting example, the LED display 306 may be a high definition or ultra-high definition touchscreen display unit to allow the user to clearly see the images during sunshine. Specifically, the microcontroller 302 may be configured to operate the camera 316 to capture images of the environment around the user. However, such operation of the camera 316 may be possible when the camera switch 332 is in ON mode. In some aspects, the microcontroller 302 may be configured to capture the images of the environment based on an input from the user. Positioning the camera switch 332 to the ON mode may be indicative of the user's intention to capture images of the environment. At other times, the camera 316 may remain switched off or in standby mode, thereby saving battery power. In some aspects, based on the location detected by the GPS receiver 330, the microcontroller 302 may tag the location and time of capture to the captured images. The images may be stored in the memory 604 of the microcontroller 302. Options for editing the images or deleting one or more images may be provided to the user on the LED display 306. Additionally, the microcontroller 302 may be configured to display the location and time on the LED display 306 and periodically update the location and time as detected by the GPS receiver 330. Optionally, the microcontroller 302 may be configured to periodically generate a message including the location and time detected by the GPS receiver 330 and transmit the message to the user's smartphone via the Bluetooth unit 310.
In some aspects, the camera switch 332 includes a plurality of settings, such as a first setting, a second setting, a third setting, and a fourth setting. For example, the camera switch 332 may be rotated to different positions to achieve each of these settings. The first setting of the camera switch 332 is configured to actuate the camera 316 to take a picture of the surrounding environment. As such, the first setting of the camera switch 332 may be understood as a position of the camera switch 332 different from a position or orientation corresponding to actuating the camera 316 to switch ON mode. The second setting of the camera switch is configured to actuate the LED projector 334 to project the picture, the third setting is configured to display the picture on the LED display 306, and the fourth setting is configured to store the picture in the memory 604 of the microcontroller 302.
The safety device 344 includes the plurality of LED units 322 having a first set of LED units 356 located between the umbrella release switch 224 and the rechargeable battery 206, and a second set of LED units 358 located between the handle 110 and the microcontroller 302. The first set of LED units 356 and the second set of LED units 358 are configured to turn on, that is illuminate, when the ON/OFF switch 348 is in the “ON mode” and remain turned off in the “OFF mode” of the ON/OFF switch 348. In some aspects, the first set of LED units 356 may be different from that of the second set of LED units 358 with respect to either illumination color and/or illumination brightness. In some aspects, positioning the ON/OFF switch 348 to a certain orientation may selectively turn on the first set of LED units 356 or the second set of LED units 358. In some aspects, the ON/OFF switch 348 may be pressed a predefined number of times to change the illumination pattern and illumination brightness of the first set of LED units 356 and the second set of LED units 358. The first set of LED units 356 may illuminate a region around the foot of the user and may illuminate a path along which the user walks. Further, a first predator LED unit 360 is located adjacent to the first set of LED units 356 and a second predator LED unit 362 is located adjacent to the second set of LED units 358. In some aspects, each of the first predator LED unit 360 and the second predator LED unit 362 may be configured to generate a bright red color constantly or in a flashing manner. The number of sets of LED units and corresponding locations described herein are only for the purpose of description of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limited. Rather, additional sets of LED units may be added or subtracted from those described and illustrated herein, albeit with few variations to configurations of LED units and corresponding placement of the LED units.
The microcontroller 302 is configured to detect the first setting of the camera switch 332, store the captured picture(s) in the memory 604 thereof, and analyze the picture(s) to determine whether a predator is approaching. For the purpose of such analysis, the microcontroller 302 may be configured to, for example, perform an image analysis by parsing the pictures stored in the memory 604, and detect salient features from the parsed image fragments, and recognize a type of object based on analysis of pixel characteristics of the detected salient features. In some aspects, recognition model to analyze the images may be embedded into the microcontroller 302. Based on such recognition model, the microcontroller 302 may be configured to determine whether a mass being analyzed in the parsed image fragments is an object present in the environment or the predator. Additionally, the microcontroller 302 may be configured to determine a rate of movement of the mass identified in the captured picture with respect to the location of the cane 100. When the rate of movement and/or distance between the mass and the cane 100 change during a certain time period, the microcontroller 302 may be configured to identify the mass as the predator. In response to such identification, the first predator LED unit 360 and the second predator LED unit 362 may be actuated, by the microcontroller 302, to flash red light. Simultaneously, the speaker 324 may be actuated, by the microcontroller 302, to generate a noise in a decibel range of about 140 dB to about 200 dB.
The audio notification device 346 includes the alarm unit 304. In some aspects, the alarm unit 304 may be configured to generate a haptic feedback or haptic indication to the user, besides generation an audio notification. Based on the analysis of the picture, when the predator is detected, the alarm unit 304 may be configured to provide the haptic indication to the user, whereby the user may be suggested to use an ear plug or earphone since the noise of 80 dB and above may be uncomfortable or harmful to the user. In cases where the user is listening to songs via the music player 312 or radio 318, the microcontroller 302 may be configured to temporarily stop the operation of the music player 312 or radio 318, when presence of the predator is detected. Additionally, the time and the current location detected by the GPS receiver 330 may be tagged to the picture(s), and may be shared, via the network 612, with at least one of the smartphone, and a remote device, such as a remote monitor, and a remote receiver consisting of the fixed terminals and the mobile device terminals. In some aspects, the safety device 344 may also include a compass 364 to guide the user to walk towards a required destination. In an embodiment, the compass 364 may be located on a surface of the tubular insulating structure 202. In another embodiment, the compass 364 may be located on the central plate 120 of the handle 100, beside the opening 136 defined therein. Features of the cane 100, such as deployment of the umbrella 208 from the cane 100, the compass 364, and the actuation of the predator LED units 360, 362 are advantageous to users.
In some aspects, when the cane 100 is communicably paired with the user's smartphone, the microcontroller 302 is configured to receive a weather report through at least one of the Bluetooth unit 310 and the WiFi unit 308. During instances where the cane 100 is not paired with the user's smartphone, the microcontroller 302 may obtain weather report using network established by the SIM card. The microcontroller 302 may be configured to analyze the weather report and determine, based on the analysis, whether a rain shower is predicted within a pre-determined time period at the current location of the cane 100. When a rain shower is predicted, the microcontroller 302 may notify the user regarding deployment of the umbrella 208 and may actuate the umbrella release switch 224 to place the umbrella 208 in the second configuration. The notification to the user regarding the deployment of the umbrella 208 may indicate the user to locate the handle 110 at a distance, so that the user is not harmed by the deployment of the umbrella 208. In one aspect, the notification may be provided as an audio notification with air of the alarm unit 304 and the speaker 324. In another aspect, the notification may be provided as a combination of the audio notification and haptic indication. In yet another aspect, the LED display 306 may show a symbol to indicate the deployment of the umbrella 208 in addition to at least one of the audio notification and the haptic indication. In yet another aspect, at least one of the first set of LED units 356 and the second set of LED units 358 may be illuminated to notify the user, in addition to the audio notification and haptic indication. The deployment of the umbrella 208 may be possible in the folded configuration of the handle 110 and the unfolded configuration of the handle 110. The cane 100 embedded with the microcontroller 302 and the plurality of electronic devices is alternatively referred to as “the convertible multi-tasking cane system 100” in the present disclosure. To this end, it will be understood that the cane 100 of the present disclosure includes a multifunctional and adaptable smart circuit capable of enhancing user convenience, protecting the user from rain shower, sunlight, and predators, and conveniently and effectively providing remote domestic help. Additionally, due to miniaturization of the electronic components, a light weighing cane may be achieved.
Although not specifically illustrated in
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating the cane 100 may be executed by the microcontroller 302. For example, the method includes receiving an input from the ON/OFF switch 348 indicative of the “ON mode”, actuating the cane 100 to the “power ON” condition, receiving the weather report from one of the user's smartphone or a remote device when the cane 100 is in the “power ON” condition, determining occurrence of the rain shower within a predetermined time period at the location of the cane 100, notifying the user regarding deployment of the umbrella 208 when the rain shower is predicted within the predetermined time period, and actuating the umbrella release switch 224 to deploy the umbrella out of the cane 100.
West directions, the compass 364 may assist the user. At step 566, the method 550 includes wirelessly transmitting a message, including coordinates of the current location and current time, and the generated instructions by at least one of the Bluetooth unit 310, the WiFi unit 308, and the SIM card.
For example, when the user is lost in pilgrimage place, at a tourist place, in a forest, at a countryside, or in the mountains, the cane 100 of the present disclosure allows the user to communicate with a remote person or emergency help units by accessing the network connectivity through the SIM card. In some aspects, the cane 100 may also include a mic to allow the user to record and convey voice messages. In some aspects, the alarm unit 304 may be configured to remind the user about a prayer time, medicine consuming time, and the like. Further, the microcontroller 302 may be configured to request for a passcode, such as password, audio recognition, or face recognition, fingerprint recognition, retina recognition, and the like, to prevent others from handling the cane 100. Such configuration may also prevent children from using the functionalities provided by the electronic devices of the cane 100.
Next, further details of the hardware description of the microcontroller 302 of
Further, the claims are not limited by the form of the computer-readable media on which the instructions of the inventive process are stored. For example, the instructions may be stored on CDs, DVDs, in FLASH memory, RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, hard disk or any other information processing device with which the computing device communicates, such as a server or computer.
Further, the claims may be provided as a utility application, background daemon, or component of an operating system, or combination thereof, executing in conjunction with CPU 602, 608 and an operating system such as Microsoft Windows 7, Microsoft Windows 10, UNIX, Solaris, LINUX, Apple MAC-OS, and other systems known to those skilled in the art.
The hardware elements in order to achieve the computing device may be realized by various circuitry elements, known to those skilled in the art. For example, CPU 602 or CPU 608 may be a Xenon or Core processor from Intel of America or an Opteron processor from AMD of America, or may be other processor types that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. Alternatively, the CPU 602, 608 may be implemented on an FPGA, ASIC, PLD or using discrete logic circuits, as one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize. Further, CPU 602, 608 may be implemented as multiple processors cooperatively working in parallel to perform the instructions of the inventive processes described above.
The computing device 600 in
The computing device 600 further includes a display controller 614, such as a NVIDIA GeForce GTX or Quadro graphics adaptor from NVIDIA Corporation of America for interfacing with a display 616, embodied as the LED display 306 in
The general purpose storage controller 622 connects the storage device 606 with communication bus 626, which may be an ISA, EISA, VESA, PCI, or similar, for interconnecting all of the components of the computing device 600. A description of the general features and functionality of the display 616 as well as the display controller 614, storage controller 628, the network controller 610, the sound controller 622, and the general purpose I/O interface 618 is omitted herein for brevity as these features are known.
The exemplary circuit elements described in the context of the present disclosure may be replaced with other elements and structured differently than the examples provided herein. Moreover, circuitry configured to perform features described herein may be implemented in multiple circuit units (e.g., chips), or the features may be combined in circuitry on a single chipset. The above-described hardware description is a non-limiting example of corresponding structure for performing the functionality described herein.
Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.