US20070231193A1

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Publication number: US20070231193A1
Application number: US11/442,699
Authority: US
Inventors: Edward Jung; Royce Levien; Robert Lord; Mark Malamud; John Rinaldo; Lowell Wood
Original assignee: Searete LLC
Current assignee: Deep Science LLC
Priority date: 2006-03-31
Filing date: 2006-05-26
Publication date: 2007-10-04
Also published as: EP2007436A4; WO2007126824A2; EP2007436A2; WO2007126824A3; US10646602B2; WO2007126824B1; US20070231192A1; US20070231194A1

Abstract

Methods and systems for sterilizing one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas are described. In some embodiments, the methods and systems can be used to sterilize one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas through use of sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, the methods and systems can be utilized so that objects, such as humans, that are within one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas are not substantially irradiated with sterilizing radiation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to and claims the benefit of the earliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listed application(s) (the “Related Applications”) (e.g., claims earliest available priority dates for other than provisional patent applications or claims benefits under 35 USC § 119(e) for provisional patent applications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related application(s)).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/396,256, entitled STERILIZATION METHODS AND SYSTEMS, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 31 Mar. 2006.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application also constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/411,207, entitled SURVEYING STERILIZER METHODS AND SYSTEMS, naming Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., Clarence T. Tegreene, and Lowell L. Wood Jr. as inventors, filed 25 Apr. 2006.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application also constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/414,743, entitled METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MONITORING STERILIZATION STATUS, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood Jr. as inventors, filed 28 Apr. 2006.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application also constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. To Be Assigned, entitled METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR STERILIZATION, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood Jr. as inventors, filed 23 May 2006.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. To Be Assigned, entitled STERILIZATION METHODS AND SYSTEMS, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 26 May 2006.

The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a notice to the effect that the USPTO's computer programs require that patent applicants reference both a serial number and indicate whether an application is a continuation or continuation-in-part. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit of Prior-Filed Application, USPTO Official Gazette Mar. 18, 2003, available at http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/2003/week11/patbene.htm. The present applicant entity has provided above a specific reference to the application(s) from which priority is being claimed as recited by statute. Applicant entity understands that the statute is unambiguous in its specific reference language and does not require either a serial number or any characterization, such as “continuation” or “continuation-in-part,” for claiming priority to U.S. patent applications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, applicant entity understands that the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entry requirements, and hence applicant entity is designating the present application as a continuation-in-part of its parent applications as set forth above, but expressly points out that such designations are not to be construed in any way as any type of commentary and/or admission as to whether or not the present application contains any new matter in addition to the matter of its parent application(s).

All subject matter of the Related applications and of any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related applications is incorporated herein by reference to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems that may be used in many contexts such as sterilization of health-care related areas.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a sterilization method is provided that includes determining if one or more objects are present or absent within one or more areas and transmitting one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation in response to the determining. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and/or text forming a part of the present application.

In some embodiments, a sterilization method is provided that includes approximating one or more distances from one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to one or more surfaces within one or more areas and transmitting one or more signals to the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation in response to the approximating. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and/or text forming a part of the present application.

In some embodiments, a sterilization method is provided that includes receiving one or more signals from one or more detectors and emitting sterilizing radiation in response to the receiving. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and/or text forming a part of the present application.

In some embodiments, a sterilization system is provided that includes means for determining if one or more objects are present or absent within one or more areas and means for transmitting one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation responsive to the means for determining if one or more objects are present or absent within one or more areas.

In some embodiments, related systems include but are not limited to circuitry and/or programming for effecting the herein-referenced method aspects; the circuitry and/or programming can be virtually any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware configured to effect the herein-referenced method aspects depending upon the design choices of the system designer. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and/or text forming a part of the present application.

In some embodiments, a sterilization system is provided that includes circuitry for determining if one or more objects are present or absent within one or more areas and circuitry for transmitting one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation responsive to the circuitry for determining if one or more objects are present or absent within one or more areas. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and/or text forming a part of the present application.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following claims and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A illustrates anexample system100 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 1B illustrates anexample system130 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 1C illustrates anexample system160 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 1D illustrates anexample system190 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 2 illustrates an operational flow representing example operations related to sterilization methods.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operation flow ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operation flow ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operation flow ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operation flow ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operation flow ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 8 illustrates an operational flow representing example operations related to sterilization methods.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operation flow ofFIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operation flow ofFIG. 8.

FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operation flow ofFIG. 8.

FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operation flow ofFIG. 8.

FIG. 13 illustrates an operational flow representing example operations related to sterilization methods.

FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operation flow ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operation flow ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operation flow ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operation flow ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operation flow ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operation flow ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operation flow ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operation flow ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 22 illustrates an operational flow representing example operations related to sterilization systems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

FIG. 1A illustrates anexample system100 in which embodiments may be implemented. In some embodiments, thesystem100 is operable to provide a sterilization method that may be used to sterilize one or more areas, one or more portions of one or more areas, one or more objects within an area, and/or substantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, thesystem100 is operable to provide a sterilization method that can be used to sterilize one or more areas, sterilize one or more portions of one or more areas, sterilize one or more objects within one or more areas, avoid sterilizing one or more areas, avoid sterilizing one or more portions of one or more areas, avoid sterilizing one or more objects within one or more areas, and/or substantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, thesystem100 is operable to sterilize one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas without exposing one or more humans present within the one or more areas or one or more portions of the one or more areas to sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, thesystem100 is operable to sterilize one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas without substantially exposing one or more humans present within the one or more areas or one or more portions of the one or more areas to sterilizing radiation.

Thesystem100 includes one or more determiningunits102. The one or more determining units can be used to determine if one ormore objects104 are present or absent within one or more areas or portions of one ormore areas106. In some embodiments, the one or more determiningunits102 can detect one or more signals associated with one or more humans. In some embodiments, the one or more determiningunits102 can determine one or more distances between surfaces within the one ormore areas106. In some embodiments, the one or more determiningunits102 can determine if one or more shadows are present within one ormore areas106. In some embodiments, the one or more determiningunits102 can determine one or more shapes that correspond to one or more objects present or absent within one ormore areas106. The one or more determiningunits102 may utilize numerous technologies. For example, a determiningunit102 can use technologies that include, but are not limited to, infrared radiation, such as long-wave infrared radiation; retinal reflection; corneal reflection; tag readers, such as card readers, badge readers, bar code readers, and the like; motion detection; radar detection; sonar detection; computer modeling; range finders, such as laser and infrared range finders; and/or substantially any combination thereof.

Thesystem100 includes the presence or absence of one ormore objects104. Numerous objects may be present or absent within one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas. Examples of such objects include, but are not limited to, humans, non-human animals, plants, surgical instruments, cooking utensils, eating utensils, sinks, tables, machinery, waste areas, and the like.

Thesystem100 includes one or more areas or one or more portions of one ormore areas106. Thesystem100 may be used within numerous areas and portions of areas. Examples of such areas include, but are not limited to, hospitals, such as operating rooms and wards; transportation, such as airplanes, trains, cars, subways, buses; kitchens; bathrooms; and the like. In some embodiments, one or more areas can include portions of one or more areas. Examples of portions of one or more areas include, but are not limited to, one or more sinks within one or more operating rooms, one or more tables within one or more operating rooms, one or more sections of flooring within one or more operating rooms, one or more sections of siding within one or more operating rooms, and the like. The one or more areas or one or more portions of one ormore areas106 can contain numerous types of contamination. Examples of such contamination can include, but are not limited to, bacteria, fungus, viruses, spores, microbes, eggs, and the like. Accordingly, sterilizing radiation can be used to kill or inactivate such contamination. Example irradiation parameters are provided in Table I and can be readily determined through standard protocols.

TABLE I


Sample Parameters for Sterilization with Ultraviolet Purifiers

	Energy in	Energy in
	mW-sec/cm²	mW-sec/cm²
	Sterilization	Sterilization
Bacteria	up to 90%	up to 99%

Bacillus anthracis	4.52	9.04
S. enteritidis	4.00	8.00
B. megatherium	1.30	2.60
sp.(vegetative)
B. megatherium	2.73	5.46
sp.(spores)
B. paratyphosus	3.20	6.40
B. subtilis	7.10	14.20
B. subtilis spores	12.00	24.00
Corynebacterium	3.37	6.74
diphtheriae
Eberthella typhosa	2.14	4.28
Escherichia coli	3.00	6.00
Micrococcus candidus	6.05	12.10
Micrococcus sphaeroides	10.00	20.00
Neisseria catarrhalis	4.40	8.80
Phytomonas	4.40	8.80
tumefaciens.
Proteus vulgaris	2.64	5.28
Pseudomonas	5.50	11.00
aeruginosa
Pseudomonas	3.50	7.00
fluorescens
S. typhimurium	8.00	16.00
Sarcina Lutea	19.70	39.40
Seratia marcescens	2.42	4.84
Dysentery bacilli	2.20	4.40
Shigella paradysenteriae	1.68	3.36
Spirillum rubrum	4.40	8.80
Staphylococcus albus	1.84	3.68
Staphylococcus aureus	2.60	5.20
Streptococcus	2.16	4.32
hemolyticus
Streptococcus lactis	6.15	12.30
Streptocuccus viridans	2.00	4.00

Thesystem100 includes one ormore transmitting units108. The one ormore transmitting units108 can transmit one ormore signals110 to one or more sources of sterilizingradiation112 in response to one or more determiningunits102. The one ormore transmitting units108 can transmit numerous types ofsignals110 to one or more sources of sterilizingradiation112. For example, the one ormore transmitting units108 can transmit asignal110 that includes, but is not limited to, a hardwired signal, an infrared signal, an optical signal, a radiofrequency (RF) signal, a digital signal, an analog signal, or substantially any combination thereof to one or more sources of sterilizingradiation112.

Thesystem100 may include one ormore recording devices114. In some embodiments, one ormore signals110 are transmitted to one ormore recording devices114. The one or more recording devices can record numerous types of information. In some embodiments, the one or more recording devices can record one or more frequencies of radiation, one or more intensities of radiation, one or more durations of irradiation, one or more wavelengths of radiation, one or more times of irradiation, one or more areas that were irradiated, the presence or absence of one or more objects within one or more areas, the identity of one or more objects present within one or more areas, the last time that one or more areas were irradiated, and/or substantially any combination thereof with which one or more areas were sterilized or partially sterilized. Many types ofrecording devices114 may be used. Examples of such recording devices include, but are not limited to, many types of memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, magnetic tape, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more recording devices provide for user interaction116.

Thesystem100 may provide for user interaction116. In some embodiments, a user118 may interact with one ormore transmitting units108, one or more determiningunits102, one ormore recording devices114, one or more sources of sterilizingradiation112, and/or substantially any combination thereof. Such interaction can include, but is not limited to, inputting instructions related to the sterilization of one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas with regard to time, place, duration, intensity, priority, and/or substantially any combination thereof. The user118 can interact through use of numerous technologies. For example, user interaction116 can occur through use of hardwired methods, such as through use of a keyboard, use of wireless methods, use of the internet, and the like.

In some embodiments, the sterilization method involves completely sterilizing one or more areas, partially sterilizing one or more areas, sterilizing a portion of one or more areas, sterilizing one or more objects within one or more areas, or substantially any combination thereof. In other embodiments, the method includes avoiding sterilization of one or more areas, avoiding sterilization of one or more portions of one or more areas, avoiding sterilization of one or more objects within one or more areas, or substantially any combination thereof. In still other embodiments, the method includes partially sterilizing one or more areas, sterilizing one or more portions of one or more areas, sterilizing one or more objects within one or more areas, avoiding sterilization of one or more areas, avoiding sterilization of one or more portions of one or more areas, avoiding sterilization of one or more objects within one or more areas, or substantially any combination thereof.

FIG. 1B illustrates anexample system130 in which embodiments may be implemented. In some embodiments, thesystem130 is operable to provide a sterilization method that may be used to sterilize an area, a portion of an area, objects within an area, and/or substantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, thesystem130 is operable to provide a sterilization method that can be used to sterilize an area, sterilize a portion of an area, sterilize objects within an area, avoid sterilizing an area, avoid sterilizing a portion of an area, avoid sterilizing objects within an area, and/or substantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, thesystem130 is operable to sterilize an area or portion of anarea106 without exposing one or more humans present within the area or portion of thearea106 to sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, thesystem130 is operable to sterilize an area or portion of anarea106 without substantially exposing one or more humans present within the area or portion of thearea106 to sterilizing radiation.

Thesystem130 includes one or more approximatingunits132. In some embodiments, the one or more approximatingunits132 can be used to approximate one or more distances between one ormore surfaces134 within one ormore areas106. In some embodiments, the one or more approximatingunits132 can be used to approximate one or more distances between one or more surfaces in one ormore areas106 and one or more sources of sterilizingradiation112. In some embodiments, the one ormore surfaces134 are on one ormore objects104 included within the one ormore areas106. In some embodiments, the one ormore surfaces134 are on one or more humans. In some embodiments, the one or more approximatingunits132 can approximate the distances between one or more shapes that correspond to one ormore objects104 present or absent within one ormore areas106. The one or more approximatingunits132 may utilize numerous technologies. For example, an approximatingunit132 can use technologies that include, but are not limited to, infrared radiation, such as long-wave infrared radiation; retinal reflection; corneal reflection; tag readers, such as card readers, badge readers, bar code readers, and the like; motion detection; radar detection; sonar detection; computer modeling; range finders, such as laser and infrared range finders; and/or substantially any combination thereof. The approximated distances can be used to direct sterilizing radiation onto or away from one ormore objects104 or surfaces134.

The other components ofsystem130 have been described with reference tosystem100.

FIG. 1C illustrates anexample system160 in which embodiments may be implemented. In some embodiments, thesystem160 is operable to provide a sterilization method that may be used to sterilize an area, a portion of an area, objects within an area, and/or substantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, thesystem160 is operable to provide a sterilization method that can be used to sterilize an area, sterilize a portion of an area, sterilize objects within an area, avoid sterilizing an area, avoid sterilizing a portion of an area, avoid sterilizing objects within an area, and/or substantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, thesystem160 is operable to sterilize an area or portion of anarea106 without exposing one or more humans present within the area or portion of thearea106 to sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, thesystem160 is operable to sterilize an area or portion of anarea106 without substantially exposing one or more humans present within the area or portion of thearea106 to sterilizing radiation.

Thesystem160 includes one ormore detectors162. The one ormore detectors162 can be used to detect the presence or absence of one ormore objects104 within one or more areas or portions of one ormore areas106. In some embodiments, the one ormore detectors162 can detect the presence or absence of one or more humans in one or more areas or one or more portions of one ormore areas106. In some embodiments, the one ormore detectors162 can detect if one or more shadows are present within one ormore areas106. In some embodiments, the one ormore detectors162 can detect one or more shapes that correspond to one or more objects present or absent within one ormore areas106. The one ormore detectors162 may utilize numerous technologies. For example, adetector162 can use technologies that include, but are not limited to, infrared radiation, such as long-wave infrared radiation; retinal reflection; corneal reflection; tag readers, such as card readers, badge readers, bar code readers, and the like; motion detection; radar detection; sonar detection; computer modeling; range finders, such as laser and infrared range finders; and/or substantially any combination thereof.

Thesystem160 includes one ormore receiving units164. The one ormore receiving units164 can receive one ormore signals110 from one ormore detectors162. One or more sources of sterilizingradiation112 can emit or not emit sterilizing radiation in response to one ormore receiving units164.

The other components ofsystem160 have been described with reference tosystem100.

FIG. 1D illustrates anexample system190 in which embodiments may be implemented. In some embodiments, thesystem190 is operable to provide a sterilization method that may be used to sterilize an area, a portion of an area, objects within an area, and/or substantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, thesystem190 is operable to provide a sterilization method that can be used to sterilize an area, sterilize a portion of an area, sterilize objects within an area, avoid sterilizing an area, avoid sterilizing a portion of an area, avoid sterilizing objects within an area, and/or substantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, thesystem190 is operable to sterilize an area or portion of anarea106 without exposing one or more humans present within the area or portion of thearea106 to sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, thesystem190 is operable to sterilize an area or portion of anarea106 without substantially exposing one or more humans present within the area or portion of thearea106 to sterilizing radiation.

Thesystem190 includescircuitry192 for determining the presence or absence of one or more objects within one or more areas or one or more portions of one ormore areas106. In some embodiments, thecircuitry192 can determine the presence or absence of one or more humans in one or more areas or one or more portions of one ormore areas106. In some embodiments, thecircuitry192 can determine if one or more shadows are present within one ormore areas106. In some embodiments, thecircuitry192 can determine one or more shapes that correspond to one or more objects present or absent within one ormore areas106. Thecircuitry192 may utilize numerous technologies. For example, thecircuitry192 can use technologies that include, but are not limited to, infrared radiation, such as long-wave infrared radiation; retinal reflection; corneal reflection; tag readers, such as card readers, badge readers, bar code readers, and the like; motion detection; radar detection; sonar detection; computer modeling; range finders, such as laser and infrared range finders; and/or substantially any combination thereof.

Thesystem190 includes circuitry for transmitting one ormore signals110 to one or more sources of sterilizingradiation112. One or more sources of sterilizingradiation112 can emit or not emit sterilizing radiation in response to the signal from the circuitry for transmitting194. The circuitry for transmitting194 can transmit numerous types ofsignals110 to one or more sources of sterilizingradiation112. For example, the circuitry for transmitting194 can transmit asignal110 that includes, but is not limited to, a hardwired signal, an infrared signal, an optical signal, a radiofrequency (RF) signal, a digital signal, an analog signal, or substantially any combination thereof to one or more sources of sterilizingradiation112.

Thesystem190 may include one ormore recording devices114. In some embodiments, the one ormore recording devices114 communicate with the circuitry for transmitting194, communicate with the circuitry for determining192 or communicate with both the circuitry for transmitting194 and the circuitry for determining192.

The other components ofsystem190 have been described with reference tosystem100.

Following are a series of flowcharts depicting implementations of processes. For ease of understanding, the flowcharts are organized such that the initial flowcharts present implementations via an overall “big picture” viewpoint and thereafter the following flowcharts present alternate implementations and/or expansions of the “big picture” flowcharts as either sub-steps or additional steps building on one or more earlier-presented flowcharts. Those having skill in the art will appreciate that the style of presentation utilized herein (e.g., beginning with a presentation of a flowchart(s) presenting an overall view and thereafter providing additions to and/or further details in subsequent flowcharts) generally allows for a rapid and easy understanding of the various process implementations. In addition, those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the style of presentation used herein also lends itself well to modular and/or object-oriented program design paradigms.

FIG. 2 illustrates anoperational flow200 representing examples of operations that are related to the performance of a sterilization method. InFIG. 2 and in following figures that include various examples of operations used during performance of the sterilization method, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to the above-described example ofFIG. 1A, and/or with respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should be understood that the operations may be executed in a number of other environments and contexts, and/or modified versions ofFIG. 1A. Also, although the various operations are presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.

After a start operation, theoperational flow200 includes anoperation210 involving determining if one or more objects are present or absent within one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or more determining units act to determine if one or more objects are present or absent in one or more areas. In some embodiments, a single determining unit acts to determine the presence or absence of one or more objects within one area. In some embodiments, a single determining unit acts to determine the presence or absence of one or more objects within two or more areas. In some embodiments, two or more determining units act to determine the presence or absence of one or more objects within one area. In some embodiments, two or more determining units act to determine the presence or absence of one or more objects within two or more areas.

FIG. 3 illustrates alternative embodiments of the exampleoperational flow200 ofFIG. 2.FIG. 3 illustrates example embodiments where the determiningoperation210 may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include anoperation302, anoperation304, anoperation306, and/or anoperation308.

Atoperation302, the determiningoperation210 may include detecting one or more signals associated with one or more humans. In some embodiments, one or more determining units are used to detect one or more signals associated with one or more humans. In some embodiments, one signal associated with a human can be detected. In some embodiments, one or more signals associated with a human can be detected. In some embodiments, one or more signals associated with one or more humans can be detected. In other embodiments, detecting at least one signal associated with a human includes detecting the absence of any signal associated with a human. For example, the absence of one or more humans from an area can be detected.

Numerous signals that are associated with one or more humans can be detected. Examples of such signals include, but are not limited to, infrared radiation, retinal reflection, motion detection, profile detection, and substantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, a tag that is attached to a human can be detected to indicate the presence or absence of a human in one or more areas. For example, a tag can transmit a signal that is recognized by a determining unit to provide for determining if one or more humans are present or absent in one or more areas. In other embodiments, the presence or absence of a human in one or more areas can be detected through use of an access device that is used to enter one or more areas. For example, an access card, key pad, lock, or other device coupled to entry of a human into an area can be detected by the determining unit to indicate the presence or absence of a human within the area.

Atoperation304, the determiningoperation210 may include determining one or more distances between one or more surfaces within the one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or more determining units are used to determine one or more distances between one or more surfaces within the one or more areas. Such determining can include approximation of such distances. Numerous methods can be used to determine distances between surfaces within an area. In some embodiments, computer modeling can be used to determine the dimensions of an area and distances between surfaces within the area. In other embodiments, the distances between surfaces contained within an area can be determined through use of other methods, and combinations of methods, that include laser range finding, sonar, radar, and the like. The determination of distances to surfaces within an area allows the position of objects within the area to be modeled. In addition, determination of distances to surfaces within an area allows sterilizing radiation to be adjusted in accordance with a determined distance.

Atoperation306, the determiningoperation210 may include determining if one or more shadows are present within the one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or more determining units are used to determine if one or more shadows are present within the one or more areas. Shadows may occur when incident radiation is blocked from irradiating a portion of an area by an object positioned between the source of radiation and the portion of the area. Determining the existence of such shadows allows portions of an area that will not be sterilized by incident radiation to be predicted and assigned non-sterile status. Alternatively, determining the existence of such shadows provides for the irradiation of the shadows with sterilizing radiation emitted from a second source of sterilizing radiation. Such determining can include computer modeling to determine if radiation, such as ultraviolet light, emitted from a source of sterilizing radiation at an assigned position will impinge on a given portion of the area. Additional methods may be used to determine if one or more shadows are present within an area that include the use of sensors positioned throughout the area, use of indicators that phosphoresce or change color when irradiated, and the like.

Atoperation308, the determiningoperation210 may include determining one or more shapes that correspond to the one or more objects present or absent in the one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or more determining units are used to determine one or more shapes that correspond to the one or more objects present or absent in the one or more areas. Objects present within an area can be of various shapes that may affect their ability to be sterilized by being irradiated with sterilizing radiation. Accordingly, determination of the shape of an object provides for the adjustment of sterilizing radiation so that it is incident on the object in order that the object can be more adequately sterilized. For example, a beam of sterilizing radiation may be adjusted so that it is directed on channels that are included within an object such that the spaces within the channels are adequately sterilized with the sterilizing radiation. The shape of an object may be determined through use of numerous techniques. For example, in some embodiments, computer modeling can be used to determine the shape of objects that are present in an area. In other embodiments, shapes that correspond to the one or more objects present in an area can be determined through use of photographic methods, optical methods, and the like. Numerous objects may be present or absent within one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas. Examples of such objects include, but are not limited to, humans, non-human animals, plants, surgical instruments, cooking utensils, eating utensils, sinks, tables, machinery, waste areas, and the like.

FIG. 4 illustrates alternative embodiments of the exampleoperational flow200 ofFIG. 2.FIG. 4 illustrates example embodiments where the transmittingoperation220 may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include anoperation402, anoperation404, anoperation406, anoperation408, and/or anoperation410.

Atoperation402, the transmittingoperation220 may include transmitting one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation substantially constantly. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation. In such instances, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation will emit radiation in a manner that does not involve the alternating emission and non-emission of radiation according to a substantially cyclic pattern. However, such emission may be started and stopped, intensity modulated, paused, initiated, interrupted, resumed, programmed to follow a preprogrammed schedule, routine or sequence, or substantially any combination thereof. In contrast to constant emission, radiation emitted in a pulsed manner involves emission and non-emission of radiation according to a substantially cyclic repeated pattern.

Atoperation404, the transmittingoperation220 may include transmitting one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation as a pulse. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation. In such instances, radiation will be emitted from the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation according to a substantially cyclic program that includes an alternating period of emission followed by a period of non-emission. For example, radiation is emitted in flashes that occur at specifically spaced time points. Emission of radiation that is emitted as a pulse may be started and stopped, intensity modulated, paused, initiated, interrupted, resumed, programmed to follow a preprogrammed schedule, routine or sequence, and substantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, emission of radiation in a pulsed manner may be used to reduce heat output associated with a source of sterilizing radiation.

FIG. 5 illustrates alternative embodiments of the exampleoperational flow200 ofFIG. 2.FIG. 5 illustrates example embodiments where the transmittingoperation220 may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include anoperation502, anoperation504, anoperation506, anoperation508, and/or anoperation510.

Atoperation504, the transmittingoperation220 may include transmitting one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation as gamma radiation. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation. Gamma radiation may be emitted from a source of sterilizing radiation that includes Cobalt-60. Such sources are known and are commercially available (MDS Nordion, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada).

Atoperation510, the transmittingoperation220 may include transmitting one or more signals to the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to avoid emitting sterilizing radiation onto the one or more objects. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to avoid emitting sterilizing radiation onto the one or more objects. Numerous objects may be present or absent within one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas. Examples of such objects include, but are not limited to, humans, non-human animals, plants, surgical instruments, cooking utensils, eating utensils, sinks, tables, machinery, waste areas, and the like.

FIG. 6 illustrates alternative embodiments of the exampleoperational flow200 ofFIG. 2.FIG. 6 illustrates example embodiments where the transmittingoperation220 may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include anoperation602, anoperation604, an operation606, anoperation608, and/or anoperation610.

Atoperation602, the transmittingoperation220 may include transmitting one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto the one or more objects. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto the one or more surfaces. Numerous objects may be present or absent within one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas. Examples of such objects include, but are not limited to, humans, non-human animals, plants, surgical instruments, cooking utensils, eating utensils, sinks, tables, machinery, waste areas, and the like.

Atoperation604, the transmittingoperation220 may include transmitting one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation in response to determining one or more distances between one or more surfaces within the one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation in response to determining one or more distances between one or more surfaces within the one or more areas. The one or more transmitting units respond to one or more determining units that determine one or more distances between one or more surfaces within the one or more areas.

At operation606, the transmittingoperation220 may include transmitting the one or more signals to one or more recording devices. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to one or more recording devices. Many types of recording devices may be used. Examples of such recording devices include, but are not limited to, many types of memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, magnetic tape, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more recording devices provide for user interaction. In some embodiments, the signal includes information associated with frequency of sterilization, intensity of sterilization, area of sterilization, and the like.

Atoperation608, the transmittingoperation220 may include transmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto one or more spatially defined portions of the one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto one or more spatially defined portions of the one or more areas. Examples of such areas include, but are not limited to, hospitals, such as operating rooms and wards; transportation, such as airplanes, trains, cars, subways, buses; kitchens; bathrooms; and the like. Examples of spatially defined portions of one or more areas include, but are not limited to, one or more sinks within one or more operating rooms, one or more tables within one or more operating rooms, one or more portions of flooring within one or more operating rooms, one or more portions of siding within one or more operating rooms, and the like.

Atoperation610, the transmittingoperation220 may include transmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto the one or more areas according to one or more sterilization levels assigned to the one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto the one or more areas according to one or more sterilization levels assigned to the one or more areas. One or more sterilization levels may be assigned to one or more areas according to the degree of sterility desired for the one or more areas. For example, an operating room in a hospital may receive a high sterilization level while a reception room may receive a low sterilization level.

FIG. 7 illustrates alternative embodiments of the exampleoperational flow200 ofFIG. 2.FIG. 7 illustrates example embodiments where the transmittingoperation220 may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include anoperation702, and/or anoperation704.

Atoperation702, the transmittingoperation220 may include transmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto the one or more areas in a prioritized manner. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto the one or more areas in a prioritized manner. In some embodiments, a prioritized manner includes irradiating one or more areas with respect to immediacy, latency, intensity, and the like. In some embodiments, a prioritized manner includes irradiating one or more areas with regard to time-integrated intensity of sterilizing radiation such as irradiation of one or more areas as functions of either relative or absolute locations in the reference enclosed volume so that high-patient-hazard or high-infectivity-likelihood areas and volumes can be specified for the most rigorous and/or frequent irradiation.

FIG. 8 illustrates anoperational flow800 representing examples of operations that are related to the performance of a sterilization method. InFIG. 8 and in following figures that include various examples of operations used during performance of the sterilization method, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to the above-described example ofFIG. 1B, and/or with respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should be understood that the operations may be executed in a number of other environments and contexts, and/or modified versions ofFIG. 1B. Also, although the various operations are presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.

After a start operation, theoperational flow800 includes an approximatingoperation810 involving approximating one or more distances from one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to one or more surfaces within one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or more approximating units act to approximate one or more distances from one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to one or more surfaces within one or more areas. In some embodiments, a single approximating unit acts to approximate one or more distances from one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to one or more surfaces within one or more areas. In some embodiments, two or more approximating units act to approximate one or more distances from one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to one or more surfaces within one or more areas. In some embodiments, two or more approximating units act to approximate one or more distances from one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to one or more surfaces within one or more areas.

FIG. 9 illustrates alternative embodiments of the exampleoperational flow800 ofFIG. 8.FIG. 9 illustrates example embodiments where the approximatingoperation810 may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include anoperation902, anoperation904, anoperation906, and/or an operation908.

Atoperation902, the approximatingoperation810 may include approximating one or more shapes that correspond to the one or more surfaces within the one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or more approximating units can approximate distances between one or more shapes that correspond to one or more surfaces of one or more objects present or absent within one or more areas. The one or more approximating units may utilize numerous technologies. For example, an approximating unit can use technologies that include, but are not limited to, infrared radiation, such as long-wave infrared radiation; retinal reflection; corneal reflection; tag readers, such as card readers, badge readers, bar code readers, and the like; motion detection; radar detection; sonar detection; computer modeling; range finders, such as laser and infrared range finders; and/or substantially any combination thereof. The approximated distances can be used to direct sterilizing radiation onto or away from one or more objects or surfaces.

Atoperation904, the approximatingoperation810 may include approximating if the one or more surfaces within the one or more areas are included within one or more shadows. In some embodiments, one or more approximating units are used to determine if one or more surfaces within one or more areas are included within one or more shadows present within the one or more areas. Shadows may occur when incident radiation is blocked from irradiating a portion of an area by an object positioned between the source of radiation and the portion of the area. Determining the existence of such shadows allows portions of an area that will not be sterilized by incident radiation to be predicted and assigned non-sterile status. Alternatively, determining the existence of such shadows provides for the irradiation of the shadows with sterilizing radiation emitted from a second source of sterilizing radiation. Such determining can include computer modeling to determine if radiation, such as ultraviolet light, emitted from a source of sterilizing radiation at an assigned position will impinge on a given portion of the area. Additional methods may be used to determine if one or more shadows are present within an area that include the use of sensors positioned throughout the one or more areas, use of indicators that phosphoresce or change color when irradiated, and the like.

Atoperation906, the approximatingoperation810 may include approximating the one or more distances by accessing a database. In some embodiments, one or more approximating units are used to approximate one or more distances by accessing a database. In some embodiments, a database will include coordinates for one or more surfaces and/or one or more objects within one or more areas. In some embodiments, a database will include measured distances for one or more surfaces and/or one or more objects within one or more areas.

At operation908, the approximatingoperation810 may include approximating the one or more distances by modeling the one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or more approximating units are used to approximate the one or more distances by modeling the one or more areas. In some embodiments, computer modeling may be used to model one or more surfaces within one or more areas, one or more objects within one or more areas, one or more areas, one or more portions of one or more areas and substantially any combination thereof.

FIG. 10 illustrates alternative embodiments of the exampleoperational flow800 ofFIG. 8.FIG. 10 illustrates example embodiments where the transmittingoperation820 may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include anoperation1002, an operation1004, anoperation1006, an operation1008, and/or anoperation1010.

Atoperation1002, the transmittingoperation820 may include transmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation substantially constantly. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmit the one or more signals to the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation. In such instances, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation will emit radiation in a manner that does not involve the alternating emission and non-emission of radiation according to a substantially cyclic pattern. However, such emission may be started and stopped, intensity modulated, paused, initiated, interrupted, resumed, programmed to follow a preprogrammed schedule, routine or sequence, or substantially any combination thereof. In contrast to constant emission, radiation emitted in a pulsed manner involves emission and non-emission of radiation according to a substantially cyclic repeated pattern.

At operation1004, the transmittingoperation820 may include transmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation as a pulse. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmit the one or more signals to the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation. In such instances, radiation will be emitted from the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation according to a substantially cyclic program that includes an alternating period of emission followed by a period of non-emission. For example, radiation is emitted in flashes that occur at specifically spaced time points. Emission of radiation that is emitted as a pulse may be started and stopped, intensity modulated, paused, initiated, interrupted, resumed, programmed to follow a preprogrammed schedule, routine or sequence, and substantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, emission of radiation in a pulsed manner may be used to reduce heat output associated with a source of sterilizing radiation.

FIG. 11 illustrates alternative embodiments of the exampleoperational flow800 ofFIG. 8.FIG. 11 illustrates example embodiments where the transmittingoperation820 may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include anoperation1102, anoperation1104, anoperation1106, anoperation1108, and/or anoperation1110.

Atoperation1104, the transmittingoperation820 may include transmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation as gamma radiation. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation. Gamma radiation may be emitted from a source of sterilizing radiation that includes Cobalt-60. Such sources are known and are commercially available (MDS Nordion, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada).

Atoperation1110, the transmittingoperation820 may include transmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to avoid emitting sterilizing radiation onto the one or more surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to avoid emitting sterilizing radiation onto the one or more objects. Numerous objects may be present or absent within one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas. Examples of such objects include, but are not limited to, humans, non-human animals, plants, surgical instruments, cooking utensils, eating utensils, sinks, tables, machinery, waste areas, and the like.

FIG. 12 illustrates alternative embodiments of the exampleoperational flow800 ofFIG. 8.FIG. 12 illustrates example embodiments where the transmittingoperation820 may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include anoperation1202, an operation1204, anoperation1206, anoperation1208, and/or anoperation1210.

Atoperation1202, the transmittingoperation820 may include transmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto the one or more surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto the one or more surfaces. Examples of such surfaces may occur in areas that include, but are not limited to, hospitals, such as operating rooms and wards; transportation, such as airplanes, trains, cars, subways, buses; kitchens; bathrooms; and the like. Examples of surfaces within one or more areas include, but are not limited to, one or more sink surfaces within one or more operating rooms, one or more table surfaces within one or more operating rooms, one or more floor surfaces within one or more operating rooms, one or more siding surfaces within one or more operating rooms, and the like.

At operation1204, the transmittingoperation820 may include transmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto one or more spatially defined surfaces within the one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto one or more spatially defined surfaces within the one or more areas. Examples of such surfaces may occur in areas that include, but are not limited to, hospitals, such as operating rooms and wards; transportation, such as airplanes, trains, cars, subways, buses; kitchens; bathrooms; and the like. Examples of spatially defined surfaces within one or more areas include, but are not limited to, one or more sink surfaces within one or more operating rooms, one or more table surfaces within one or more operating rooms, one or more floor surfaces within one or more operating rooms, one or more siding surfaces within one or more operating rooms, and the like.

Atoperation1206, the transmittingoperation820 may include transmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces according to a sterilization level assigned to the one or more surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces according to a sterilization level assigned to the one or more surfaces. One or more sterilization levels may be assigned to one or more areas according to the degree of sterility desired for the one or more areas. For example, an operating room in a hospital may receive a high sterilization level while a reception room may receive a low sterilization level.

Atoperation1208, the transmittingoperation820 may include transmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces in a prioritized manner. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces in a prioritized manner. In some embodiments, a prioritized manner includes irradiating one or more surfaces with respect to immediacy, latency, intensity, and the like. In some embodiments, a prioritized manner includes irradiating one or more surfaces with regard to time-integrated intensity of sterilizing radiation such as irradiation of one or more surfaces as functions of either relative or absolute locations in the reference enclosed volume so that high-patient-hazard or high-infectivity-likelihood surfaces can be specified for the most rigorous and/or frequent irradiation.

Atoperation1210, the transmittingoperation820 may include transmitting the one or more signals to one or more recording devices. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to one or more recording devices. Many types of recording devices may be used. Examples of such recording devices include, but are not limited to, many types of memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, magnetic tape, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more recording devices provide for user interaction.

FIG. 13 illustrates anoperational flow1300 representing examples of operations that are related to the performance of a sterilization method. InFIG. 13 and in following figures that include various examples of operations used during performance of the sterilization method, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to the above-described example ofFIG. 1C, and/or with respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should be understood that the operations may be executed in a number of other environments and contexts, and/or modified versions ofFIG. 1C. Also, although the various operations are presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.

After a start operation, theoperational flow1300 includes a receivingoperation1310 involving receiving one or more signals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units act to receive one or more signals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, a single receiving unit acts to receive one or more signals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, two or more receiving units act to receive one or more signals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, two or more receiving units act to receive one or more signals from one or more detectors.

Theoperational flow1300 also includes an emittingoperation1320 involving emitting sterilizing radiation in response to the receiving. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation in response to the receiving. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a single source of sterilizing radiation or numerous sources of sterilizing radiation can respond to one receiving unit. In some embodiments, one source of sterilizing radiation can respond to one or more receiving units. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation can respond to one or more receiving units.

FIG. 14 illustrates alternative embodiments of the exampleoperational flow1300 ofFIG. 13.FIG. 14 illustrates example embodiments where the receivingoperation1310 may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include anoperation1402, anoperation1404, anoperation1406, anoperation1408, and/or anoperation1410.

Atoperation1402, the receivingoperation1310 may include receiving instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation substantially constantly. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units are used to receive one or more signals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units receive instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation substantially constantly. In such instances, radiation will be emitted from one or more sources of sterilizing radiation in a manner that does not involve the alternating emission and non-emission of radiation according to a substantially cyclic pattern. However, such emission may be started and stopped, intensity modulated, paused, initiated, interrupted, resumed, programmed to follow a preprogrammed schedule, routine or sequence, or substantially any combination thereof. In contrast to constant emission, radiation emitted in a pulsed manner involves emission and non-emission of radiation according to a substantially cyclic repeated pattern.

Atoperation1404, the receivingoperation1310 may include receiving instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation as a pulse. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units are used to receive one or more signals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units receive instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation as a pulse. In such instances, radiation will be emitted from the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation according to a substantially cyclic program that includes an alternating period of emission followed by a period of non-emission. For example, radiation is emitted in flashes that occur at specifically spaced time points. Emission of radiation that is emitted as a pulse may be started and stopped, intensity modulated, paused, initiated, interrupted, resumed, programmed to follow a preprogrammed schedule, routine or sequence, and substantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, emission of radiation in a pulsed manner may be used to reduce heat output associated with a source of sterilizing radiation.

Atoperation1410, the receivingoperation1310 may include receiving instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light having a wavelength between 180 and 300 nanometers. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units are used to receive one or more signals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units receive instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light having a wavelength between 180 and 300 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is between 180 nanometers and 300 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is between 255 nanometers and 280 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is between 260 nanometers and 270 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit ultraviolet light at about 260 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is centered but asymmetric on 265 nanometers. In addition, in some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation that emits ultraviolet light can also emit additional forms of radiation. These additional forms of radiation can include, but are not limited to, gamma radiation, visible light, infrared radiation, electron beams, and the like. Sources of ultraviolet radiation are commercially available (Enhance-It, LLC, Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29926 and Advanced Sterilization Products, Irvine, Calif. 92618).

FIG. 15 illustrates alternative embodiments of the exampleoperational flow1300 ofFIG. 13.FIG. 15 illustrates example embodiments where the receivingoperation1310 may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include anoperation1502, anoperation1504, anoperation1506, anoperation1508, and/or anoperation1510.

Atoperation1502, the receivingoperation1310 may include receiving instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light having a wavelength between 250 and 280 nanometers. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units are used to receive one or more signals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units receive instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light having a wavelength between 250 and 280 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is between 255 nanometers and 280 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is between 260 nanometers and 270 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit ultraviolet light at about 260 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is centered but asymmetric on 265 nanometers. In addition, in some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation that emits ultraviolet light can also emit additional forms of radiation. These additional forms of radiation can include, but are not limited to, gamma radiation, visible light, infrared radiation, electron beams, and the like. Sources of ultraviolet radiation are commercially available (Enhance-It, LLC, Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29926 and Advanced Sterilization Products, Irvine, Calif. 92618).

Atoperation1504, the receivingoperation1310 may include receiving instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation as gamma radiation. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units are used to receive one or more signals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units receive instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation as gamma radiation. Gamma radiation may be emitted from a source of sterilizing radiation that includes Cobalt-60. Such sources are known and are commercially available (MDS Nordion, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada).

FIG. 16 illustrates alternative embodiments of the exampleoperational flow1300 ofFIG. 13.FIG. 16 illustrates example embodiments where the receivingoperation1310 may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include anoperation1602, anoperation1604, anoperation1606, anoperation1608, and/or anoperation1610.

Atoperation1604, the receivingoperation1310 may include receiving one or more signals that indicate one or more distances between surfaces within one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units are used to receive one or more signals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units receive one or more signals that indicate one or more distances between surfaces within one or more areas. In some embodiments, the one or more signals indicate approximate distances between one or more surfaces within one or more areas. In some embodiments, the one or more signals indicate approximate distances between one or more surfaces in one or more areas and one or more sources of sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, the one or more surfaces are on one or more objects included within the one or more areas. In some embodiments, the one or more surfaces are on one or more humans.

Atoperation1606, the receivingoperation1310 may include receiving instructions to avoid emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units are used to receive one or more signals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units receive instructions to avoid emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within one or more areas. Examples of such areas include, but are not limited to, hospitals, such as operating rooms and wards; transportation, such as airplanes, trains, cars, subways, buses; kitchens; bathrooms; and the like. Examples of surfaces within one or more areas include, but are not limited to, one or more sink surfaces within one or more operating rooms, one or more table surfaces within one or more operating rooms, one or more floor surfaces within one or more operating rooms, one or more siding surfaces within one or more operating rooms, and the like.

Atoperation1608, the receivingoperation1310 may include receiving instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units are used to receive one or more signals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units receive instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within one or more areas. Examples of such areas include, but are not limited to, hospitals, such as operating rooms and wards; transportation, such as airplanes, trains, cars, subways, buses; kitchens; bathrooms; and the like. Examples of surfaces within one or more areas include, but are not limited to, one or more sink surfaces within one or more operating rooms, one or more table surfaces within one or more operating rooms, one or more floor surfaces within one or more operating rooms, one or more siding surfaces within one or more operating rooms, and the like.

Atoperation1610, the receivingoperation1310 may include receiving instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more spatially defined portions of one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units are used to receive one or more signals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units receive instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more spatially defined portions of one or more areas. Examples of such areas include, but are not limited to, hospitals, such as operating rooms and wards; transportation, such as airplanes, trains, cars, subways, buses; kitchens; bathrooms; and the like. Examples of spatially defined portions of one or more areas include, but are not limited to, one or more sinks within one or more operating rooms, one or more tables within one or more operating rooms, one or more portions of flooring within one or more operating rooms, one or more portions of siding within one or more operating rooms, and the like.

FIG. 17 illustrates alternative embodiments of the exampleoperational flow1300 ofFIG. 13.FIG. 17 illustrates example embodiments where the receivingoperation1310 may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include anoperation1702, anoperation1704, anoperation1706, and/or anoperation1708.

Atoperation1702, the receivingoperation1310 may include receiving instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more areas according to one or more sterilization levels assigned to the one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units are used to receive one or more signals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units receive instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more areas according to one or more sterilization levels assigned to the one or more areas. One or more sterilization levels may be assigned to one or more areas according to the degree of sterility desired for the one or more areas. For example, an operating room in a hospital may receive a high sterilization level while a reception room may receive a low sterilization level.

Atoperation1704, the receivingoperation1310 may include receiving instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within one or more areas according to one or more sterilization levels assigned to the one or more surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units are used to receive one or more signals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units receive instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within one or more areas according to one or more sterilization levels assigned to the one or more surfaces. One or more sterilization levels may be assigned to one or more surfaces within one or more areas according to the degree of sterility desired for the one or more areas. For example, a surface within an operating room in a hospital may receive a high sterilization level while a surface within a reception room may receive a low sterilization level.

Atoperation1706, the receivingoperation1310 may include receiving instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more areas in a prioritized manner. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units are used to receive one or more signals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units receive instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more areas in a prioritized manner. In some embodiments, a prioritized manner includes irradiating one or more areas with respect to immediacy, latency, intensity, and the like. In some embodiments, a prioritized manner includes irradiating one or more areas with regard to time-integrated intensity of sterilizing radiation such as irradiation of one or more areas as functions of either relative or absolute locations in the reference enclosed volume so that high-patient-hazard or high-infectivity-likelihood areas and volumes can be specified for the most rigorous and/or frequent irradiation.

Atoperation1708, the receivingoperation1310 may include receiving instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within one or more areas in a prioritized manner. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units are used to receive one or more signals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units receive instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within one or more areas in a prioritized manner. In some embodiments, a prioritized manner includes irradiating one or more surfaces with respect to immediacy, latency, intensity, and the like. In some embodiments, a prioritized manner includes irradiating one or more surfaces with regard to time-integrated intensity of sterilizing radiation such as irradiation of one or more surfaces as functions of either relative or absolute locations in the reference enclosed volume so that high-patient-hazard or high-infectivity-likelihood surfaces and volumes can be specified for the most rigorous and/or frequent irradiation.

FIG. 18 illustrates alternative embodiments of the exampleoperational flow1300 ofFIG. 13.FIG. 18 illustrates example embodiments where the emittingoperation1320 may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include anoperation1802, anoperation1804, anoperation1806, anoperation1808, and/or anoperation1810.

Atoperation1802, the emittingoperation1320 may include emitting sterilizing radiation substantially constantly. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation in response to one or more receiving units. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation may emit sterilizing radiation substantially constantly. In such instances, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation will emit radiation in a manner that does not involve the alternating emission and non-emission of radiation according to a substantially cyclic pattern. However, such emission may be started and stopped, intensity modulated, paused, initiated, interrupted, resumed, programmed to follow a preprogrammed schedule, routine or sequence, or substantially any combination thereof. In contrast to constant emission, radiation emitted in a pulsed manner involves emission and non-emission of radiation according to a substantially cyclic repeated pattern.

Atoperation1804, the emittingoperation1320 may include emitting sterilizing radiation as a pulse. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation in response to one or more receiving units. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation may emit sterilizing radiation as a pulse. In such instances, radiation will be emitted from the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation according to a substantially cyclic program that includes an alternating period of emission followed by a period of non-emission. For example, radiation is emitted in flashes that occur at specifically spaced time points. Emission of radiation that is emitted as a pulse may be started and stopped, intensity modulated, paused, initiated, interrupted, resumed, programmed to follow a preprogrammed schedule, routine or sequence, and substantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, emission of radiation in a pulsed manner may be used to reduce heat output associated with a source of sterilizing radiation.

FIG. 19 illustrates alternative embodiments of the exampleoperational flow1300 ofFIG. 13.FIG. 19 illustrates example embodiments where the emittingoperation1320 may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include anoperation1902, anoperation1904, anoperation1906, anoperation1908, and/or anoperation1910.

Atoperation1904, the emittingoperation1320 may include emitting sterilizing radiation as gamma radiation. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation in response to one or more receiving units. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation may emit sterilizing radiation as gamma radiation. Gamma radiation may be emitted from a source of sterilizing radiation that includes Cobalt-60. Such sources are known and are commercially available (MDS Nordion, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada).

FIG. 20 illustrates alternative embodiments of the exampleoperational flow1300 ofFIG. 13.FIG. 20 illustrates example embodiments where the emittingoperation1320 may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include anoperation2002, anoperation2004, anoperation2006, anoperation2008, and/or anoperation2010.

Atoperation2002, the emittingoperation1320 may include avoiding emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation in response to one or more receiving units. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation avoiding emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within one or more areas. Examples of such areas include, but are not limited to, hospitals, such as operating rooms and wards; transportation, such as airplanes, trains, cars, subways, buses; kitchens; bathrooms; and the like. Examples of surfaces within one or more areas include, but are not limited to, one or more sink surfaces within one or more operating rooms, one or more table surfaces within one or more operating rooms, one or more floor surfaces within one or more operating rooms, one or more siding surfaces within one or more operating rooms, and the like.

Atoperation2004, the emittingoperation1320 may include emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation in response to one or more receiving units. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within one or more areas. Examples of such areas include, but are not limited to, hospitals, such as operating rooms and wards; transportation, such as airplanes, trains, cars, subways, buses; kitchens; bathrooms; and the like. Examples of surfaces within one or more areas include, but are not limited to, one or more sink surfaces within one or more operating rooms, one or more table surfaces within one or more operating rooms, one or more floor surfaces within one or more operating rooms, one or more siding surfaces within one or more operating rooms, and the like.

Atoperation2006, the emittingoperation1320 may include emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more spatially defined portions of one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation in response to one or more receiving units. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation onto one or more spatially defined portions of one or more areas. Examples of such areas include, but are not limited to, hospitals, such as operating rooms and wards; transportation, such as airplanes, trains, cars, subways, buses; kitchens; bathrooms; and the like. Examples of spatially defined portions of one or more areas include, but are not limited to, one or more sinks within one or more operating rooms, one or more tables within one or more operating rooms, one or more portions of flooring within one or more operating rooms, one or more portions of siding within one or more operating rooms, and the like.

Atoperation2008, the emittingoperation1320 may include emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more areas according to one or more sterilization levels assigned to the one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation in response to one or more receiving units. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation onto one or more areas according to one or more sterilization levels assigned to the one or more areas. One or more sterilization levels may be assigned to one or more areas according to the degree of sterility desired for the one or more areas. For example, an operating room in a hospital may receive a high sterilization level while a reception room may receive a low sterilization level.

Atoperation2010, the emittingoperation1320 may include emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within one or more areas according to one or more sterilization levels assigned to the one or more surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation in response to one or more receiving units. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within one or more areas according to one or more sterilization levels assigned to the one or more surfaces. One or more sterilization levels may be assigned to one or more surfaces according to the degree of sterility desired for the one or more surfaces. For example, a surface within an operating room in a hospital may receive a high sterilization level while a surface within a reception room may receive a low sterilization level.

FIG. 21 illustrates alternative embodiments of the exampleoperational flow1300 ofFIG. 13.FIG. 21 illustrates example embodiments where the emittingoperation1320 may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include anoperation2102, and/or anoperation2104.

Atoperation2102, the emittingoperation1320 may include emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more areas in a prioritized manner. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation in response to one or more receiving units. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation onto one or more areas in a prioritized manner. In some embodiments, a prioritized manner includes irradiating one or more areas with respect to immediacy, latency, intensity, and the like. In some embodiments, a prioritized manner includes irradiating one or more areas with regard to time-integrated intensity of sterilizing radiation such as irradiation of one or more areas as functions of either relative or absolute locations in the reference enclosed volume so that high-patient-hazard or high-infectivity-likelihood areas and volumes can be specified for the most rigorous and/or frequent irradiation.

Atoperation2102, the emittingoperation1320 may include emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within one or more areas in a prioritized manner. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation in response to one or more receiving units. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within one or more areas in a prioritized manner. In some embodiments, a prioritized manner includes irradiating one or more surfaces with respect to immediacy, latency, intensity, and the like. In some embodiments, a prioritized manner includes irradiating one or more surfaces with regard to time-integrated intensity of sterilizing radiation such as irradiation of one or more surfaces as functions of either relative or absolute locations in the reference enclosed volume so that high-patient-hazard or high-infectivity-likelihood surfaces and volumes can be specified for the most rigorous and/or frequent irradiation.

FIG. 22 illustrates anoperational flow2200 representing examples of operations that are related to the performance of a sterilization method. InFIG. 22 and in following figures that include various examples of operations used during performance of the sterilization method, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to the above-described example ofFIG. 1D, and/or with respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should be understood that the operations may be executed in a number of other environments and contexts, and/or modified versions ofFIG. 1D. Also, although the various operations are presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.

After a start operation, theoperational flow2200 includes anoperation2210 involving circuitry for determining if one or more objects are present or absent within one or more areas. In some embodiments, the circuitry for determining may be used to determine if one or more objects are present within one or more areas. In some embodiments, the circuitry for determining is used to determine the presence or absence of one or more objects within one area. In some embodiments, the circuitry for determining is used to determine the presence or absence of one or more objects within two or more areas.

Theoperational flow2200 also includes anoperation2220 involving circuitry for transmitting one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation responsive to the circuitry for determining if one or more objects are present or absent within one or more areas. In some embodiments, the circuitry for transmitting can transmit one or more signals to a single source of sterilizing radiation or to numerous sources of sterilizing radiation. For example, in some embodiments, the circuitry for transmitting can transmit one signal to one source of sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, the circuitry for transmitting can transmit more than one signal to one source of sterilizing radiation. In other embodiments, the circuitry for transmitting can transmit one signal to more than one source of sterilizing radiation. In still other embodiments, the circuitry for transmitting can transmit more than one signal to more than one source of sterilizing radiation.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations are not expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

While particular aspects of the present subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state of the art has progressed to the point where there is little distinction left between hardware and software implementations of aspects of systems; the use of hardware or software is generally (but not always, in that in certain contexts the choice between hardware and software can become significant) a design choice representing cost vs. efficiency tradeoffs. Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there are various vehicles by which processes and/or systems and/or other technologies described herein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/or firmware), and that the preferred vehicle will vary with the context in which the processes and/or systems and/or other technologies are deployed. For example, if an implementer determines that speed and accuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardware and/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly software implementation; or, yet again alternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles by which the processes and/or devices and/or other technologies described herein may be effected, none of which is inherently superior to the other in that any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon the context in which the vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any of which may vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that optical aspects of implementations will typically employ optically-oriented hardware, software, and or firmware.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will be understood by those within the art that each function and/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment, several portions of the subject matter described herein may be implemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or other integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integrated circuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmware would be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described herein applies regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearing medium include, but are not limited to, the following: a recordable type medium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory, etc.; and a transmission type medium such as a digital and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless communication link, etc.).

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various embodiments described herein can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by various types of electro-mechanical systems having a wide range of electrical components such as hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof; and a wide range of components that may impart mechanical force or motion such as rigid bodies, spring or torsional bodies, hydraulics, and electro-magnetically actuated devices, or virtually any combination thereof. Consequently, as used herein “electro-mechanical system” includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry operably coupled with a transducer (e.g., an actuator, a motor, a piezoelectric crystal, etc.), electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of random access memory), electrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electrical equipment), and any non-electrical analog thereto, such as optical or other analogs. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that examples of electro-mechanical systems include but are not limited to a variety of consumer electronics systems, as well as other systems such as motorized transport systems, factory automation systems, security systems, and communication/computing systems. Those skilled in the art will recognize that electro-mechanical as used herein is not necessarily limited to a system that has both electrical and mechanical actuation except as context may dictate otherwise.

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various aspects described herein which can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof can be viewed as being composed of various types of “electrical circuitry.” Consequently, as used herein “electrical circuitry” includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of random access memory), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electrical equipment). Those having skill in the art will recognize that the subject matter described herein may be implemented in an analog or digital fashion or some combination thereof.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the art to implement devices and/or processes and/or systems in the fashion(s) set forth herein, and thereafter use engineering and/or business practices to integrate such implemented devices and/or processes and/or systems into more comprehensive devices and/or processes and/or systems. That is, at least a portion of the devices and/or processes and/or systems described herein can be integrated into other devices and/or processes and/or systems via a reasonable amount of experimentation. Those having skill in the art will recognize that examples of such other devices and/or processes and/or systems might include—as appropriate to context and application—all or part of devices and/or processes and/or systems of (a) an air conveyance (e.g., an airplane, rocket, hovercraft, helicopter, etc.), (b) a ground conveyance (e.g., a car, truck, locomotive, tank, armored personnel carrier, etc.), (c) a building (e.g., a home, warehouse, office, etc.), (d) an appliance (e.g., a refrigerator, a washing machine, a dryer, etc.), (e) a communications system (e.g., a networked system, a telephone system, a voice-over IP system, etc.), (f) a business entity (e.g., an Internet Service Provider (ISP) entity such as Comcast Cable, Quest, Southwestern Bell, etc), or (g) a wired/wireless services entity such as Sprint, Cingular, Nextel, etc.), etc.

Although user118 is shown/described herein as a single illustrated figure, those skilled in the art will appreciate that user118 may be representative of a human user, a robotic user (e.g., computational entity), and/or substantially any combination thereof (e.g., a user may be assisted by one or more robotic agents). In addition, user118, as set forth herein, although shown as a single entity may in fact be composed of two or more entities. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in general, the same may be said of “sender” and/or other entity-oriented terms as such terms are used herein.

The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or “operably coupled”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “operably couplable”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactable components.