Facilitating placeshifting using matrix code

Description of equivalent WO 2012158228 A1

0001FACILITATING PLACESHIFTING USING MATRIX CODE CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0002This Patent Cooperation Treaty patent application claims priority to United States application No. 13/037,333, which was filed on February 28, 2011 , and entitled "Facilitating Placeshifting Using Matrix Code", the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0004The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for facilitating placeshifting transmissions and more particularly to systems and method for facilitating placeshifting transmissions to users of a target device using matrix code.

SUMMARY

0006In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for providing a user of a target device with placeshifted content. The method includes detecting, utilizing the target device, a matrix code. The matrix code is associated with an audio/visual program. Data encoded in the matrix code includes program identifying information and elapsed time information with respect to the program. The method further includes generating, utilizing the target device, a request for the program based at least in part on the encoded data. The method also includes transmitting, utilizing the target device, the program request across a network. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system for transmitting placeshifted content. The system includes a content receiver, a target device, and a placeshifting device. The content receiver includes a first processing unit provided with computer implemented instructions to: receive a content stream from a service provider and transmit the content stream to a presentation device for display to a user; generate, based at least in part on the content stream and/or data associated with the content stream, a matrix code; and transmit the matrix code to the presentation device for display to the user. The target device is communicably coupled to a network and includes an optical input device configured to optically detect the matrix code, and a second processing unit communicably coupled to the optical input device. The second processing unit is provided with computer implemented instructions to: decode the matrix code; and generate, based at least in part on the decoded matrix code, a request for a content stream previously transmitted from the service provider to the content receiver. The placeshifting device is communicably coupled to the network and includes a third processing unit. The third processing unit is provided with computer implemented instructions to: receive across the network the target device's request for a content stream; and based at least in part on the request, retrieve from a storage device a content stream for transmission over the network to the target device.

0007In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a target device in a

0008placeshifting system. The target device includes a network connection, an optical input device configured to optically detect a matrix code; and a processing unit connected to the network connection and configured to send and receive transactions across a network though the network connection. The processing unit is communicably coupled to the optical input device and is provided with computer implemented instructions to: decode the matrix code; generate, based at least in part on the decoded matrix code, a request for a content stream corresponding to the program; and process the content stream corresponding to the program received from across the network from a placeshifting source. The matrix code comprises at least program identifying information and elapsed time information with respect to the program. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are for purposes of example and explanation and do not necessarily limit the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate subject matter of the disclosure. Together, the descriptions and the drawings serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0009Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for receiving and displaying content from one or more placeshifting sources at a target device using matrix code in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

0010Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method for facilitating placeshifting transmissions to users of a target device using matrix code in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. This method may be performed by the system of Figure 1.

0011Figures 3A-3B are diagrams illustrating an example system for providing a user of a target device with placeshifted content utilizing matrix code. The system may be the system of Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

0012The description that follows includes sample systems, methods, and computer program products that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the described disclosure may be practiced in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein.

0013The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for facilitating placeshifting transmissions and more particularly to systems and method for facilitating placeshifting transmissions to users of a target device using matrix code.

0014Placeshifting technology is generally available today that allows a user to view content on a target device that would otherwise only be available at a placeshifting source, such as a receiver. Through placeshifting technology that is integrated into the receiver or is implemented in a stand-alone device, content can be shifted across a network to be viewed on a target device that is located remotely from the receiver. The shifted content may include programs or other content that is received at the receiver from a service provider, such as a satellite or cable television provider. The receiver may also shift recorded programs across the network to be viewed at the target device.

0015Often times, users viewing a particular program or other audio/visual content may be interrupted or otherwise required to leave the program prior to its completion. In such circumstances, users having access to placeshifting and recording technology can access, from a remote location, the partially viewed programs across the network for viewing at a target device. However, employing current placeshifting and recording technologies, to carry out such an operation, users must first program the receiver to record the program, and subsequently, from the remote location, enter a series of commands via a user interface of the target device to select the desired program. Moreover, to view the program at the target device from the point where the user concluded his partial viewing, users are required to enter a series of additional commands via the user interface (e.g., fast forward/backward). The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that utilize matrix codes to provide users having access to placeshifting and recording technology with convenient access to partially viewed programs or other audio/visual content at the point in the program that the user concluded his partial viewing.

0016Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a general operating environment 100 showing components and features of embodiments discussed herein. Generally, embodiments discussed herein are directed to receiving and displaying content from one or more placeshifting sources at a target device using matrix code. In some embodiments, the operating environment 100 may include a service provider 101 , a content receiver 103, a display device 105, a local placeshifting device 107, and a target device 109. The local placeshifting device 107 may be in communication with the target device 109 over a network 111. The operating environment may further include a remote placeshifting device 108 and a content database 1 12, which may be in communication with the target device 109 over the network 111.

0017In illustrative embodiments, the service provider 101 may be any service provider that provides an audio/visual content transmission to the receiver 103 such as, without limitation, a satellite television service, a direct television service or cable television service, or a streaming video delivered across a network such as the Internet.

0018In various embodiments, the content receiver 103 may represent a first placeshifting source. As used herein, "placeshifting" may refer to an action of a placeshifting source that transfers content which would otherwise be viewed locally at, for example, a user's residence, across a network to be viewed at a remote device such as a mobile electronic device. Generally, the content receiver 103 may be any device capable of receiving video and/or audio content included in a broadcast or other content service transmission from a service provider. For example, the content receiver 103 may be configured to communicate with or receive signals from the service provider 101 , which may broadcast, transmit, or otherwise deliver a content service to the content receiver 103. The content receiver 103 may be in the form of, for example, a set-top box, a digital video recorder, a cable receiver, a general purpose computing device, or combinations thereof. The content receiver 103 may also include a cable modem that receives streaming video and/or audio.

0019In some embodiments, the content receiver 103 may be associated with an individual, business or other entity, user, or subscriber that receives a content service transmission from the service provider 101. Generally the terms "user" and/or "subscriber" refer to individuals or companies that receive the content service transmission. This may include individuals or companies that have purchased a subscription to the content service transmission. Alternatively or additionally, the terms "user" and/or "subscriber" may refer to individuals who have been given access to the content service transmission through promotional offers and/or other non-fee-based agreements. As will be discussed in further detail below, the target device 109 may also be associated with the user or subscriber.

0020In illustrative embodiments, the content receiver 103 may include one or more processing units 113, one or more one or more non-transitory storage media 115, and a recorder 117.

0021In some embodiments, the processing unit 113 of the content receiver 103 may be operable to execute instructions stored in the non-transitory storage medium 115 in connection with various functions associated with the receiver 103. For example, the processing unit 113 may display graphics, images, animations and/or other audio/visual content on an integrated display device or the display device 105. Additionally, the processing unit 113 may derive information related to operation of the content receiver 103 and dynamically generate one or more matrix codes that include at least a portion of the derived information, and transmit the dynamically generated matrix code to an integrated display device or a display device 105, such as a television, for display to a user. For example, the matrix codes may be overlaid on or otherwise combined with the audio/visual content provided by the service provider 101.

0022In some embodiments, the processing unit 113 may dynamically generate the matrix codes for display to a user in response to receiving a user input. For example, a user may utilize a user interface of the content receiver 103 to initiate the generation of a matrix code. Additionally, or alternatively, the processing unit 113 may periodically generate the matrix codes for display to users. As will be discussed in more detail below, the matrix codes generated by the processing unit 113 may be captured by a device with optical reading capabilities such as the target device 109, to facilitate viewing at the target device content which would otherwise be viewed locally at the display device 105. While the present disclosure is described with respect to embodiments in which the matrix codes are generated by the content receiver 103, it is to be appreciated that the matrix codes could be generated by other system devices such as the local placeshifting device 107, and/or be provided in the audio/visual content received from the service provider 101. In some embodiments, the matrix codes generated by the processing unit 113 may include QR codes. Generally, a "QR code" may refer to a matrix barcode that is readable by scanners, mobile phones, or other electronic device with optical capabilities, which employs geometrical black and white patterns to encode information. The information encoded in the QR code may be referred to herein as "code data." In various embodiments, the code data may relate to operation of the content receiver 103. For example, the code data may include identifiers (such as network addresses, serial numbers, and/or media access control numbers), configuration information (such as the individual hardware components included in the content receiver 103 and/or identifiers for such components, drivers utilized on the content receiver 103, options set for the content receiver 103), account information for one or more user or subscriber accounts (such as subscription service accounts) associated with the content receiver 103, and/or a location of the content receiver 103 (such as a global positioning system location and/or a mailing address). For instance, in implementations where the content receiver 103 includes a television receiver, the code data may include a serial number for the receiver, a media access control number for the receiver, current settings for the receiver, account information for a programming subscription related to the television receiver, information on hardware included in the television receiver, a mailing address associated with the television receiver and/or other information relating to the receiver 103.

0023In illustrative embodiments, the code data may also include information regarding the audio/visual content being transmitted to the display device 105 from the content receiver 103 (e.g., a television or movie program being viewed by a user). For example, in embodiments in which the audio/visual content is a television or movie program, the code data may include any or all of: program identifying information, channel identifying information, storage location information, date/time information, elapsed time information (e.g., how far into the program a user is), and/or other information relating to the program. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the foregoing information may be provided to the receiver 103 through a metadata stream associated with the audio/visual content stream received from the service provider 101. As will be discussed in further detail below, the code data may be utilized by the target device 109 to receive placeshifting transmissions relating to the audio/visual content which was being displayed on the display device 105 at the time, or just prior to the time, the matrix code was generated and displayed. For example, the code data may be utilized by the target device 109 to make available at the target device 109 the program from a particular point in the program such as the beginning of the program, the point in the program at which the matrix code was generated and displayed, or any other point in the program desired by a user. It is to be appreciated that the audio/visual content being viewed by a user on the display device 105 may be content that is being transmitted by the service provider 101 or content that has been previously stored to the storage medium 115 of the content receiver 103, such as though operation of the recorder 117. In some embodiments, the content receiver 103 may include or be associated with a recorder 117, such as a digital video recorder. The recorder 117 may be integrated into the receiver 103 or may be a stand alone device. The recorder 117 may be operated by a user who programs the receiver 103 to record a particular program at a specified time. When the program occurs, the recorder 117 will record and store the program, which can then be viewed later. In addition to this functionality, the recorder 117 may buffer a certain amount of content during a live transmission. Buffering a live transmission allows a user to pause and/or rewind the content of the transmission and to then display the content in a non-live or delayed manner. Additionally, the recorder 117 may be configured to automatically record and store programs for which a user has requested that a matrix code be generated and/or programs for which a matrix code was captured by a user. In this manner, the programs of interest to users may be available for placeshifting transmissions. The receiver 103 may also include or be associated with a memory or other storage device 115, such as magnetic or optical storage. The storage device 1 15 may be volatile or non-volatile memory implemented using any suitable technique or technology such as random access memory (RAM), disk storage, flash memory, solid state and/or other suitable storage medium. The storage device 115 may be located within the receiver 103 or separately from the receiver 103.

0024In some embodiments, the display device 105 may be any kind of display device such as a cathode ray tube display, a liquid crystal display, a television, a computer monitor, or other electronic display device. In illustrative embodiments, the local placeshifting device 107 may include one or more processing units 121 and one or more non-transitory storage media 123. The processing units 121 may be operable to execute instructions stored in the non-transitory storage media 123 in connection with various functions associated with the local

0025placeshifting device 107. The storage media 123 may take the form of, without limitation: a magnetic storage medium; optical storage medium; magneto-optical storage medium; read only memory; random access memory; erasable programmable memory; flash memory; or other suitable storage medium.

0026In various embodiments, the storage media 123 may include a placeshifting server 125, which may be configured to be executed by the processing unit 121. Generally, the placeshifting server 125 may be operable to transfer content across the network 11 1 to the target device 109. Network transactions may be conducted through the operation of a network interface, such as a modem network interface card or cable plug or jack. It should be appreciated that the network 1 11 may be any type of network capable of data

0027communication, such as a local or wide area network or the Internet. In illustrative embodiments, the placeshifting server 125 may transfer audio/visual programs or other content, such as television or movie programs received by the receiver 103 from the service provider 101. The placeshifted content may include both live transmissions from the service provider 101 and transmissions that have been stored to the storage device 115 of the receiver 103. The local placeshfiting device 107 may be in communication with the receiver 103 through, for example, a S-video connection, an HDMI connection, or other suitable wired or wireless connection. While the foregoing has been described with respect to embodiments in which the local placeshifting device 107 is provided as a standalone device, it is to be appreciated that the placeshifting device 107 and its components may be integrated into the content receiver 103. In embodiments in which the local placeshifting device 107 delivers placeshifted content to a remote network end point, the quality of such delivery (e.g., transmission rate, reliability) is dependent on the quality of the network interface available at the physical location of the content receiver 103. For example, if only a "dial-up" network connection is available for delivering placeshifted content across the network 111 , the available bandwidth may be insufficient to transmit the placeshifted content to the target device 109 at a rate which is suitable to users. Therefore, it may be desirable to optionally deliver placeshifted content to the target device 109 independent of the network interface available at the physical location of the content receiver 103. In this regard, in some embodiments, the system may further include a remote placeshifting device 108 connected to the network 111 that may function as a second placeshifting source.

0028In illustrative embodiments, the remote placeshifting device 108 may include one or more processing units 137 and one or more non-transitory storage media 139. The processing unit 137 may be operable to execute instructions stored in the non-transitory storage media 139 in connection with various functions associated with the remote placeshifting device 108. The storage media 139 may take the form of, without limitation: a magnetic storage medium; optical storage medium; magneto-optical storage medium; read only memory; random access memory; erasable programmable memory; flash memory; and/or other suitable storage medium. While the present disclosure is described herein with respect to tasks or functions performed by a single remote placeshifting device 108, it is to be appreciated that any number of computing devices, alone or in combination, independent and/or remote from remote placeshifting device 108, could be used to perform the tasks or functions of the remote placeshifting device 108, or portions thereof.

0029In various embodiments, the storage media 139 may include a placeshifting server 141 , which may be configured to be executed by the processing unit 137. As with the placeshifting server 125, the placeshifting server 141 may be operable to transfer content across the network 1 11 to the target device 109. Network transactions may be conducted through a reliable, high-speed network interface, such as a broadband connection.

0030In illustrative embodiments, the remote placeshifting device 108 may be in communication with a content database 112. Generally, the content database 112 may include audio/visual content, such as television and/or movie programs. For example, the content database 112 may include any or all of the audio/visual content which has been transmitted to users by the service provider 101. In this manner, any or all of the

0031audio/visual content which could be stored on the content receiver 103 may also be available for retrieval at the content database 112. In some embodiments, either or both of the placeshifting server 125 and the placeshifting server 141 may communicate with the target device 109 over the network 1 1 1 to placeshift display of content from the receiver 103 to the target device 109. The placeshifting servers 125 and 141 may shift display of content to the target device 109 in order to allow a user to view and/or hear content at a location that is remote from the location of the receiver 103.

0032In some embodiments, the target device 109 may be in the form of a mobile electronic device such as a cellular phone, smart phone, personal digital assistant, tablet device, or laptop computer. Alternatively, the target device 109 may be a stationary device, such as a desktop computer. The target device 109 may include one or more processing units 127, one or more non-transitory storage media 129, an optical reading device 131 , and one or more presentation devices 133 (such as a display screen, a speaker, and/or other suitable presentation component).

0033In various embodiments, the processing unit 127 may direct the overall operation of the target device 109. A computer program or set of instructions may be coded or otherwise implemented on the processing unit 127 to enable the processing unit 127 to carry out the device operation. As will be described in more detail below, the processing unit 127 may also retrieve and/or process information from the optical reading device 131.

0034In illustrative embodiments, the storage media 129 may interface with the processing unit 127 and may store program code and provide storage space for data useful in executing the program code and carrying out device functions. The storage media 129 may take the form of, without limitation: a magnetic storage medium; optical storage medium; magneto- optical storage medium; read only memory; random access memory; erasable

0035programmable memory; flash memory; and/or other suitable storage medium). The features and functionality of the target device 109 may be implemented using hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. If implemented as software, the software may run on the processing unit 127 or be stored in the storage media 129.

0036In illustrative embodiments, the storage media 129 may include a placeshifting client 135. The placeshifting client 135 may be configured to transmit requests for content input streams from either or both of the placeshifting servers 125, 141. As previously discussed, the placeshifting servers 125, 141 may be in communication with one or more placeshifting sources such as the content receiver 103 or the content database 1 12 to access and transmit the requested content input stream to the placeshifting client. Upon receipt of the content input stream from the placeshifting servers 125, 141 , the placeshifting client 135 may output the received content to the display device 133 of the target device 109. In some embodiments, requests for content input streams, or placeshifting requests, may be input by users via an appropriate command entered through a user interface of the target device 109. The commands may include, for example, a user making a selection that corresponds to a previously captured matrix code. Upon such selection, the placeshifting client 135 may access the relevant code data, and transmit the placeshifting request based at least in part on the code data.

0037In illustrative embodiments, the placeshifting client 135 may be configured to determine whether to transmit the placeshifting request to the placeshifting server 125 or the placeshifting server 141 based on the network interface available to the placeshifting servers 125, 141. Such determination may be based, for example, at least in part on the availability and/or quality of the network interface. Additionally, or alternatively, users may manually select to which of the placeshifting servers 125, 141 a placeshifting request is transmitted.

0038In various embodiments, the target device 109 may connect to the network 111 through a router or gateway, which provides a communication pathway between network end-points on a local network, and provides a communication pathway for the network end- points to reach globally addressable end-points on a larger network 11 1 , such as the Internet. The router or gateway may be associated with a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Wi-Fi network, and/or other suitable communication network. The router or gateway may determine the IP address or other network address used by the target device to connect to the network 111. The target device 109 may additionally include other local-network-specific details or parameters that are used to connect with the target device 109 when it is provided on the local network. Such network-specific parameters may include, for example, connection mechanisms and/or network passwords.

0039In various embodiments, the target device 109 may include an optical reading device 131 such as, for example, a camera, a laser scanner, or other digital recording device. The optical reading device 131 may be integrated into the target device 109 or provided as a separate component in communication with the target device 109. The optical reading device 131 may be configured to detect and/or record a machine readable code, such as a matrix code, which has been made available to a user of the target device 109. In some embodiments, the processing unit 127 may be configured such that upon capture of a matrix code, via the optical reading device 131 , the processing unit 127 decodes the matrix code to obtain the code data embedded therein. Additionally, the processing unit 127 may be configured to store the code data to the storage media 129 for subsequent retrieval. Figure 2 illustrates a method 200 for facilitating placeshifting transmissions to users of a target device using matrix code in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 200 may be performed by the system 100 of Figure 1. The flow begins at block 201 and may proceed to block 202 where a user views content, such as a television or movie program being transmitted from the receiver 103 to the display device 105. At block 203, the receiver 103 may, at a point prior to completion of the program being viewed by the user, receive a request to generate a matrix code. A user may input the matrix code request, for example, by entering an appropriate command though a user interface of the receiver 103 or target device 109. Alternatively, the receiver 103 may automatically generate matrix codes on a periodic bases. At block 205, the processing unit 13 may generate a matrix code that includes at least information regarding the content being transmitted by the receiver 103 for display to the display device 105. The information regarding the content being transmitted by the receiver 103 may include at least program identifying information (e.g., program name, unique ID) and elapsed time information (e.g., how far into the program a user is). At block 207, the processing unit 113 may transmit the generated matrix code to the display device 105.

0040At block 209, a user of the target device 109 may employ the optical reading device 131 to detect and/or record the matrix code, which has been made available on the display device 105. At block 211 , the processing unit 127 of the target device 101 may decode the matrix code. At block 213, the processing unit 127 may store the code data to the storage media 129 for subsequent retrieval.

0041At block 215, a user of the target device 109, which at this point may be at a remote location, may input a request for placeshifted content. A user may input the placeshifting request by, for example, entering an appropriate command through a user interface of the target device 109. The commands may include a user making a selection relating to the previously captured matrix code. In so doing, the user may select to receive content that is available at receiver 103, such as content corresponding to the at least partially viewed program of block 202. For example, the selected content may include at least that portion of the program of block 202 that follows the point of the program at which the matrix code of block 203 was requested. Alternatively, the selected content may include any portion of the program of block 202, including the entire program.

0042At block 217, the placeshifting client 135 of the target device 109 may initiate a network transaction across the network 111 to a placeshifting source. The transaction may include transmission of the placeshifting request to one of the placeshifting servers 125, 1 1. At block 219, the placeshifting server 125, 141 that receives the placeshift request may retrieve the content corresponding to the placeshift request, and transmit such content in a network transaction across the network 111 to be received by the placeshifting client 135.

0043At block 221 , the placeshifting client 135 may receive the requested content. At block 223, the placeshifting client 135 may output the placeshifted content on the

0044presentation device 133 of the target device 109. For example, the outputted placeshifted content may include the program of block 202, from the point in the program at which the matrix code of block 203 was requested and displayed. Alternatively, the outputted placeshifted content may include the program of block 202 from any point in the program. The flow may then proceed to block 225 and end. It should be understood that the specific steps as well as the specific order or hierarchy of steps described in method 200 is an example of a sample approach. In other implementations, some of the specific steps as well as the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method may be rearranged while remaining within the disclosed subject matter.

0045Figures 3A-3B illustrate an example system 300A-300B for providing a user 301 A- 301 B of a target device 304A-304B with placeshifted content utilizing matrix code. The system may be the system of Figure 1. As illustrated in Figure 3A, a user 301 A is viewing a program that is being displayed on a television screen 302A of a television 305A. Also as illustrated, the user 301A possesses a target device 304A which he may utilize to capture one or more matrix codes 306 displayed during the program. In order to receive placeshift transmission of the program, the user 301 A takes a picture of the matrix code 306 on the screen 302A of the television 305A with the target device 304A that is executing a matrix code reader program. The matrix code reader program decodes the matrix code and stores the code data. The code data includes information identifying the program and the point in the program that the matrix code was captured. At some later point, when the target device 304B is at a remote location, the user 301 B inputs a request for a placeshift transmission of the program at the point in the program that the matrix code was captured. Based on the stored code data, the target device 304B transmits the placeshift request to a placeshift device. The placeshift device retrieves the content corresponding to the placeshift request and transmits this content to the target device 304B. Figure 3B depicts the placeshift transmission of the program received by the target device 304B and displayed to the user 301 B on a display screen 307B.

0046In the present disclosure, the methods disclosed may be implemented as sets of instructions or software readable by a device. Further, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed are examples of sample approaches. In other embodiments, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method can be rearranged while remaining within the disclosed subject matter. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not necessarily meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

0047The described disclosure may be provided as a computer program product, or software, that may include a non-transitory machine-readable medium having stored thereon instructions, which may be used to program a computer system (or other electronic devices) to perform a process according to the present disclosure. A non-transitory machine- readable medium includes any mechanism for storing information in a form (e.g., software, processing application) readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). The non-transitory machine-readable medium may take the form of, but is not limited to, a magnetic storage medium (e.g., floppy diskette, video cassette, and so on); optical storage medium (e.g., CD- ROM); magneto-optical storage medium; read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM); flash memory; and/or other suitable storage medium. It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosed subject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form described is merely explanatory, and it is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.

0048While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure have been described in the context or particular embodiments. Functionality may be separated or combined in blocks differently in various embodiments of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.