Neurostimulation, also referred to as neuromodulation, has been proposed as a therapy for a number of conditions. Some examples of neurostimulation include Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS), Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS), and Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). Implantable neurostimulation systems have been developed to deliver this type of therapy. An implantable neurostimulation system may include an implantable neurostimulator, also referred to as an implantable pulse generator (IPG), and one or more implantable leads each including one or more electrodes. The implantable neurostimulator delivers neurostimulation energy through one or more electrodes placed on or near a target site of the nervous system. An external programming device can be used to program the implantable neurostimulator with stimulation parameters controlling the delivery of the neurostimulation energy.
Neurostimulation energy can be delivered in the form of electrical neurostimulation pulses. The energy delivery may be controlled using stimulation parameters that specify spatial (where to stimulate), temporal (when to stimulate), and informational (patterns of pulses directing the nervous system to respond as desired) aspects of a pattern of neurostimulation pulses. The human nervous systems use neural signals having much more sophisticated patterns to communicate various types of information, including sensations of pain, pressure, temperature, etc. The nervous systems may interpret an artificial stimulation with a simple pattern of stimuli as an unnatural phenomenon, and respond with an unintended and undesirable sensation and/or movement. Also, as the condition of the patient deteriorates, stimuli that in the past provided effective therapy to the patient may subsequently cause unintended and undesirable sensation and/or movement. Customization of device-based therapy to a patient may require periodic monitoring and updating. This can make programming therapy for a patient a challenging task.
It is desirable for neurostimulation devices to provide the most effective therapy to a patient. Some doctors want to give their patient's some control over their therapy. However, a patient may not be sophisticated in the use and programming of the neurostimulation device. The present subject matter relates to improving therapy provided by neurostimulation devices.
An apparatus example of the present subject matter includes a port, a display, and a control circuit. The port can be configured to receive indications of efficacy of electrical neurostimulation in treating a condition of a subject at different energy stimulation levels. The control circuit can be configured to initiate delivery of neurostimulation therapy using a plurality of implantable electrodes, present using the display a mapping of indications of neurostimulation efficacy with electrodes of the plurality of implantable electrodes used to provide the neurostimulation, and present with the mapping an indication of a recommended maximum energy amplitude setting for the therapy and an indication of a recommended minimum energy amplitude setting of the therapy.
This section is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detailed description is included to provide further information about the present patent application.
In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.
This document discusses devices and methods for generating and delivering pacing therapy and neural stimulation therapy. Specifically, devices and methods for providing both pacing therapy and neural stimulation therapy via the same circuit are described.
A programmer for an implantable pulse generator (IPG) may include one or more of the features, structures, methods, or combinations thereof described herein.
For example, a programmer for an electrical neurostimulator may be implemented to include one or more of the advantageous features or processes described below. It is intended that such a device need not include all of the features described herein, but may be implemented to include selected features that provide for unique structures or functionality. Such a device may be implemented to provide a variety of therapeutic or diagnostic functions.
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The electronic circuitry of the IPG 105 can include a control circuit that controls delivery of the neurostimulation energy. The control circuit can include a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other type of processor, interpreting or executing instructions included in software or firmware. The neurostimulation energy can be delivered according to specified (e.g., programmed) modulation parameters. Examples of setting modulation parameters can include, among other things, selecting the electrodes or electrode combinations used in the stimulation, configuring an electrode or electrodes as the anode or the cathode for the stimulation, specifying the percentage of the neurostimulation provided by an electrode or electrode combination, and specifying stimulation pulse parameters. Examples of pulse parameters include, among other things, the amplitude of a pulse (specified in current or voltage), pulse duration (e.g., in microseconds), pulse rate (e.g., in pulses per second), and parameters associated with a pulse train or pattern such as burst rate (e.g., an “on” modulation time followed by an “off” modulation time), amplitudes of pulses in the pulse train, polarity of the pulses, etc.
The ETM 325 may be standalone or incorporated into the CP 320. The ETM 325 may also be electrically connectable to the neurostimulation leads 310A, 310B via one or both of the percutaneous extension leads 330 and external cable 335 to the neurostimulation leads 310A, 310B. The ETM 325 may have similar pulse generation circuitry as the IPG 305 to deliver neurostimulation energy according to specified modulation parameters as described previously. The ETM 325 is an external device that is typically used as a preliminary stimulator after the neurostimulation leads 310A, 310B have been implanted and used prior to stimulation with the IPG 305 to test the responsiveness of the stimulation that is to be provided. Because the ETM 325 is external it may be more easily configurable than the IPG 305.
The CP 320 can configure the neurostimulation provided by the ETM 325. If the ETM 325 is not integrated into the CP 320, the CP 320 may communicate with the ETM 325 using a wired connection (e.g., over a USB link) or by wireless telemetry using a wireless communications link 340. The CP 320 also communicates with the IPG 305 using a wireless communications link 340.
An example of wireless telemetry is based on inductive coupling between two closely-placed coils using the mutual inductance between these coils. This type of telemetry is referred to as inductive telemetry or near-field telemetry because the coils must typically be closely situated for obtaining inductively coupled communication.
The IPG 305 can include the first coil and a communication circuit hermetically-sealed LPG housing. The CP 320 includes the second coil in a wand that is electrically connected to the CP 320. Another example of wireless telemetry includes a radio frequency (RF) telemetry link or a far-field telemetry link. A far-field, also referred to as the Fraunhofer zone, refers to the zone in which a component of an electromagnetic field produced by the transmitting electromagnetic radiation source decays substantially proportionally to 1/r, where r is the distance between an observation point and the radiation source. Accordingly, far-field refers to the zone outside the boundary of r=λ/2π, where λ is the wavelength of the transmitted electromagnetic energy. In one example, a communication range of an RF telemetry link is at least two meters but can be as long as allowed by the particular communication technology. An RF antenna can be included in the header of the IPG 305 and in the housing of the CP 320; eliminating the need for a wand.
The CP 320 can be used to set modulation parameters for the neurostimulation after the IPG 305 has been implanted. This allows the neurostimulation to be tuned if the requirements for the neurostimulation change after implantation. The CP 320 may also upload information from the IPG 305.
The RC 315 also communicates with the IPG 305 using a wireless link 340. The RC 315 may be a communication device given to the patient or caregiver. The RC 315 may have reduced programming capability compared to the CP 320. This allows the patient to alter the neurostimulation therapy but does not allow the patient full control over the therapy. For example, the patient may be able to increase the amplitude of neurostimulation pulses or change the time that a preprogrammed stimulation pulse train is applied. The RC 315 may be programmed by the CP 320. The CP 320 may communicate with the RC 315 using a wired or wireless communications link. In some variations, the CP 320 is able to program the RC 315 when remotely located from the RC 315.
In some examples, the control circuit 445 can specify energy stimulation levels on each of the electrodes independently. The example of
The external medical device includes a port 455 and a display 465. The port 455 receives indications of efficacy of electrical neurostimulation in treating a condition of a patient or subject at the different energy stimulation levels. In certain examples, the port 455 includes a communication port or “COMM Port” for communication with a separate device to receive information regarding therapy efficacy from the separate device. In certain examples, the port 455 is electrically coupled to a user interface 460 to receive input from a user. The user interface 460 may include one or more of the display 465, a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch sensitive or multi-touch sensitive display screen. Using the display 465, the control circuit 445 presents a mapping of indications of neurostimulation efficacy with electrodes of the plurality of implantable electrodes used to provide the neurostimulation.
Trials of the neurostimulation include an electrode and stimulation amplitude, and the trials correspond to circles on the display. To indicate efficacy of the neurostimulation, the circles are darker where there was no perceived benefit to the patient and lighter where stimulation was perceived to be more effective. In certain variations, the circles vary in color to indicate efficacy.
In the example of
In certain examples, the neurostimulation can be applied using multiple electrodes. The display example of
Included with the response mapping, the control circuit 445 presents an indication of the recommended maximum energy amplitude setting for the therapy and an indication of the recommended minimum energy amplitude setting of the therapy. In the example of
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In some examples, the recommended maximum and minimum energy amplitude settings are determined by the control circuit 445. As shown in the example of
In some examples, the external medical device receives the maximum energy amplitude setting for the therapy and the minimum energy amplitude setting for the therapy via the user interface 460. For instance, a user may review the results of the electrostimulation trials present in the response mapping and set or adjust the vertical bars in
According to some examples, the port 455 receives indications of side effects of the provided electrical neurostimulation. If the neurostimulation includes DBS, the side effects can be muscular and affect a patient's gait or cause dyskinesia, or the side effects can be neural and affect a patient's speech or vision. The control circuit 445 presents the side effects mapped to the neurostimulation efficacy and the individual electrodes used to provide the neurostimulation. In the example of
The control circuit 445 may determine recommended maximum and minimum energy amplitude settings according to the indications of the side effects and according to the effectiveness of the energy amplitudes of the therapy. For instance, the control circuit 446 may identify 1.2 mA as the minimum amplitude that provides effective therapy and identify 2.9 mA as the maximum amplitude that provides effective therapy without a certain side effect. In certain examples, the maximum may be set by the clinician to an amplitude value that provides effective therapy but results in acceptable side effects. With a well populated response map, the clinician can see where the stimulation amplitude limits coincide with clinical effects collected during the stimulation trials. In some examples, a response map may be stored in device memory and retrieved by a user for display. A stored response map may be useful to provide a history for the patient and can aid in understanding the progression of the patient's disease. For instance, review of a previous response map may show that current side effects were not previously present.
The examples described have included providing the electrical neurostimulation therapy for the therapy trials using an external device (e.g., an ETM). According to some examples, the therapy can be provided using an IPG.
The external medical device 720 includes a port 755, a display 765, and a control circuit 745. As in the Example of
Delivery of neurostimulation therapy by the IPG 705 is initiated by the control circuit 745 of the external medical device 720. Using the display 765, the control circuit 745 presents indications of neurostimulation efficacy mapped to the electrodes used to provide the neurostimulation. Included with the response mapping, the control circuit 745 presents an indication of a recommended maximum energy amplitude setting for the therapy and an indication of a recommended minimum energy amplitude setting of the therapy as shown in the examples of
The values of the maximum and minimum amplitude settings may then be communicated to a remote control device that uses the values as programmable limits for programming the electrical stimulation amplitude of the IPG 705.
At 815, the neurostimulation device presents on a display indications of neurostimulation efficacy mapped to individual electrodes used to provide the neurostimulation. At 820, an indication of a recommended maximum energy amplitude setting for the therapy and an indication of a recommended minimum energy amplitude setting of the therapy are presented on the display with the mapping. Some examples of the response mapping were described previously herein in regard to
The devices, methods, and systems described herein are useful to customize device-based neurostimulation therapy to a patient. Device settings can give patients some control over their therapy even though a patient may be unsophisticated in device programming. Providing some limited control may increases the satisfaction of the patient with their device-based therapy.
Example 1 can include subject matter (such as an apparatus for electrically coupling to a plurality of electrodes) comprising a port configured to receive indications of efficacy of electrical neurostimulation in treating a condition of a subject at different energy stimulation levels, a display, and control circuit. The control circuit is optionally configured to initiate delivery of neurostimulation therapy using the plurality of implantable electrodes; present using the display a mapping of indications of neurostimulation efficacy with electrodes of the plurality of implantable electrodes used to provide the neurostimulation; and present with the mapping an indication of a recommended maximum energy amplitude setting for the therapy and an indication of a recommended minimum energy amplitude setting of the therapy.
In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 optionally includes a communication circuit configured to communicate the maximum and minimum energy amplitude settings to a separate remote control device that is configured to adjust electrical stimulation amplitude settings of an implantable pulse generator (IPG).
In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 1 or Example 2 optionally includes a control circuit configured to: include energy stimulation levels provided to the electrodes in the mapping of indications of neurostimulation efficacy, and determine the maximum and minimum energy amplitude settings as recommended energy amplitude settings according to a range of energy amplitudes that are indicated to provide effective therapy to the patient.
In Example 4, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-3 optionally includes a port configured to receive indications of side effects of the provided electrical neurostimulation, wherein the control circuit is configured to: present the side effects mapped to the neurostimulation efficacy and the individual electrodes used to provide the neurostimulation; and determine the maximum and minimum energy amplitude settings as recommended energy amplitude settings according to the indications of the side effects and according to energy amplitudes that are indicated to provide effective therapy to the patient.
In Example 5, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-4 optionally includes a user interface electrically coupled to the port and configured to receive the maximum energy amplitude setting for the therapy and the minimum energy amplitude setting for the therapy.
In Example 6, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-5 optionally includes the plurality of implantable electrodes. The implantable electrodes are optionally configured to provide neurostimulation energy to at least one of a nerve cell target included in the subject's spinal cord or a nerve cell target included in the subject's brain.
Example 7 can include subject matter (such as a method, a means for performing acts, or a device-readable medium including instructions that, when performed by the device, cause the device to perform acts), or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-6 to include such subject matter, comprising: initiating, using the medical device, receiving indications into the medical device of efficacy of electrical stimulation pre-delivered to a subject, the electrical stimulation having been delivered at different energy stimulation levels; presenting, with the medical device, indications of stimulation efficacy mapped to individual electrodes used to provide the stimulation; and presenting with the mapping an indication of a maximum energy amplitude setting for the therapy and an indication of a minimum energy amplitude setting of the therapy.
In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 7 optionally includes including communicating the indications of the recommended maximum energy amplitude setting and the minimum energy amplitude setting to a separate remote control device configured to adjust settings of an implantable pulse generator (IPG) that provides electrical stimulation pulses to the subject, wherein the indications set programmable amplitude limits in the separate remote control device.
In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 7 or Example 8 optionally includes determining energy stimulation levels provided to the individual electrodes; and presenting energy stimulation levels mapped to the individual electrodes and the stimulation efficacy.
In Example 10, the subject matter of Example 9 optionally includes determining, with the medical device, a recommended maximum energy amplitude setting and a recommended minimum energy amplitude setting according to a range of energy amplitudes that are determined to provide effective therapy to the patient; and presenting indications of the recommended maximum energy amplitude setting and the recommended minimum energy amplitude setting with the mapping.
In Example 11 the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 7-10 optionally includes receiving indications of side effects of the provided electrical stimulation into the medical device, and presenting, with the medical device, the side effects mapped to the individual electrodes used to provide the stimulation and mapped to the stimulation efficacy.
In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 11 can optionally include determining a maximum energy amplitude determined using the indications of the side effects and determining a minimum energy amplitude setting using the indications of efficacy of stimulation, and wherein presenting the indications of a maximum energy amplitude setting and a minimum energy amplitude setting includes presenting indications of the recommended maximum and minimum energy amplitude settings.
In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 11 or Example 12 can optionally include receiving indications of the side effects via a user interface of the medical device.
In Example 14, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 7-13 optionally includes receiving indications of efficacy of the electrical stimulation in treating at least one of Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS), Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS), or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES).
In Example 15, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 7-15 optionally includes receiving an adjustment to one or both of the maximum and energy amplitude setting and the minimum energy amplitude setting via a user interface of the medical device; and communicating values of the maximum energy amplitude setting and the minimum energy amplitude setting to a separate remote control device configured to adjust energy amplitude settings of an implantable pulse generator (IPG) that provides electrical stimulation therapy to the subject, wherein the indications set programmable amplitude limits in the separate remote control device.
Example 16 can include subject matter (such as an apparatus for electrically coupling to a plurality of electrodes), or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-15 to include such subject matter, comprising a port configured to receive indications of efficacy of electrical neurostimulation in treating a condition of a subject at different energy stimulation levels, a display, and control circuit. The control circuit is optionally configured to initiate delivery of neurostimulation therapy using the plurality of implantable electrodes; present using the display a mapping of indications of neurostimulation efficacy with electrodes of the plurality of implantable electrodes used to provide the neurostimulation; and present with the mapping an indication of a recommended maximum energy amplitude setting for the therapy and an indication of a recommended minimum energy amplitude setting of the therapy.
In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 optionally includes a communication circuit configured to communicate the maximum and minimum energy amplitude settings to a separate remote control device that is configured to adjust electrical stimulation amplitude settings of an implantable pulse generator (IPG).
In Example 18, the subject matter of Example 16 or Example 17 optionally includes a control circuit configured to: include energy stimulation levels provided to the electrodes in the mapping of indications of neurostimulation efficacy; and determine the maximum and minimum energy amplitude settings as recommended energy amplitude settings according to a range of energy amplitudes that are indicated to provide effective therapy to the patient.
In Example 19, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 16-18 optionally includes a port configured to receive indications of side effects of the provided electrical neurostimulation, wherein the control circuit is configured to: present the side effects mapped to the neurostimulation efficacy and the individual electrodes used to provide the neurostimulation; and determine the maximum and minimum energy amplitude settings as recommended energy amplitude settings according to the indications of the side effects and according to energy amplitudes that are indicated to provide effective therapy to the patient.
In Example 20, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 16-19 optionally includes a user interface electrically coupled to the port and configured to receive the maximum energy amplitude setting for the therapy and the minimum energy amplitude setting for the therapy.
In Example 21, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 16-20 optionally includes the plurality of implantable electrodes. The implantable electrodes are optionally configured to provide neurostimulation energy to at least one of a nerve cell target included in the subject's spinal cord or a nerve cell target included in the subject's brain.
Example 22 can include subject matter (such as a method, a means for performing acts, or a device-readable medium including instructions that, when performed by the device, cause the device to perform acts), or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-21 to include such subject matter, comprising: initiating, using the medical device, delivery of electrical neurostimulation to a subject using a plurality of implantable electrodes; receiving indications into the medical device of efficacy of the neurostimulation in treating a condition of a subject at different energy stimulation levels; presenting, with the medical device, indications of neurostimulation efficacy mapped to individual electrodes used to provide the neurostimulation; and presenting with the mapping an indication of a maximum energy amplitude setting for the therapy and an indication of a minimum energy amplitude setting of the therapy.
In Example 23, the subject matter of Example 22 optionally includes communicating the indications of the recommended maximum energy amplitude setting and the minimum energy amplitude setting to a separate remote control device configured to adjust settings of an implantable pulse generator (IPG) that provides electrical stimulation therapy to the subject, wherein the indications set programmable amplitude limits in the separate remote control device.
In Example 24, the subject matter of Example 22 or Example 23 optionally includes determining energy stimulation levels provided to the individual electrodes; and presenting energy stimulation levels mapped to the individual electrodes and the neurostimulation efficacy.
In Example 25, the subject matter of Example 24 optionally includes determining, with the medical device, a recommended maximum energy amplitude setting and a recommended minimum energy amplitude setting according to a range of energy amplitudes that are determined to provide effective therapy to the patient; and presenting indications of the recommended maximum energy amplitude setting and the recommended minimum energy amplitude setting with the mapping.
In Example 26 the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 22-25 optionally includes receiving indications of side effects of the provided electrical neurostimulation into the medical device; and presenting, with the medical device, the side effects mapped to the individual electrodes used to provide the neurostimulation and to the neurostimulation efficacy.
In Example 27, the subject matter of Example 26 can optionally include determining a maximum energy amplitude determined using the indications of the side effects and determining a minimum energy amplitude setting using the indications of efficacy of neurostimulation, and wherein presenting the indications of a maximum energy amplitude setting and a minimum energy amplitude setting includes presenting indications of the recommended maximum and minimum energy amplitude settings.
In Example 28, the subject matter of Example 26 or Example 27 can optionally include receiving indications of the side effects via a user interface of the medical device.
In Example 29, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 22-28 optionally includes receiving indications of efficacy of the electrical neurostimulation in treating at least one of Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS), Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS), or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES).
In Example 30, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 22-29 optionally includes receiving an adjustment to one or both of the maximum and energy amplitude setting and the minimum energy amplitude setting via a user interface of the medical device; and communicating values of the maximum energy amplitude setting and the minimum energy amplitude setting to a separate remote control device configured to adjust energy amplitude settings of an implantable pulse generator (IPG) that provides electrical stimulation therapy to the subject, wherein the indications set programmable amplitude limits in the separate remote control device.
Example 31 can include subject matter (such as an apparatus) or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-30 to include such subject matter comprising: a port configured to receive indications of efficacy of electrical neurostimulation in treating a condition of a subject at different energy stimulation levels; a communication circuit configured to communicate information with an implantable pulse generator (IPG) configured to provide the electrical neurostimulation using a plurality of implantable electrodes; a display; and a control circuit configured to initiate delivery of neurostimulation therapy by the IPG; present indications using the display of neurostimulation efficacy mapped to electrodes of the plurality of implantable electrodes used to provide the neurostimulation; and present with the mapping an indication of a maximum energy amplitude setting for the therapy and an indication of a minimum energy amplitude setting of the therapy.
In Example 32, the subject matter of Example 31 can optionally include a communication circuit configured to communicate the indications of the maximum and minimum energy amplitude settings as programmable amplitude limits to a separate remote control device that is configured to adjust stimulation energy amplitude settings of the IPG.
In Example 33, the subject matter of Example 31 or Example 32 can optionally include a control circuit is configured to: include energy stimulation levels provided to the electrodes in the mapping of indications of neurostimulation efficacy; and determine the maximum and minimum energy amplitude settings as recommended energy amplitude settings according to a range of energy amplitudes that are indicated to provide effective therapy to the patient.
In Example 34, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 31-33 optionally includes a port configured to receive indications of side effects of the provided electrical neurostimulation, wherein the control circuit is configured to: present the side effects mapped to the neurostimulation efficacy and the individual electrodes used to provide the neurostimulation; and determine the maximum and minimum energy amplitude settings as recommended energy amplitude settings according to the indications of the side effects and according to energy amplitudes that are indicated to provide effective therapy to the patient.
In Example 35, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 31-34 can optionally include a user interface electrically coupled to the port and configured to receive the maximum energy amplitude setting for the therapy and the minimum energy amplitude setting for the therapy.
Example 36 can include, or can optionally be combined with any portion or combination of any portions of any one or more of Examples 1-35 to include, subject matter that can include means for performing any one or more of the functions of Examples 1-35, or a machine-readable medium including instructions that, when performed by a machine, cause the machine to perform any one or more of the functions of Examples 1-35.
These non-limiting examples can be combined in any permutation or combination.
The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown and described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown and described are provided.
All publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s) should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.
In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of“at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.
Method examples described herein can be machine or computer-implemented at least in part. Some examples can include a computer-readable medium or machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform methods as described in the above examples. An implementation of such methods can include code, such as microcode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code, or the like. Such code can include computer readable instructions for performing various methods. The code may form portions of computer program products. Further, the code may be tangibly stored on one or more volatile or non-volatile computer-readable media during execution or at other times. These computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic cassettes, memory cards or sticks, random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROMs), and the like.
The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/130,037, filed on Mar. 9, 2015, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62130037 | Mar 2015 | US |